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MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Drone Show Trolls Gridlocked Drivers
The forces of Skeletor are coming to Earth, searching for the lost Prince Adam. If you’ve already seen the Masters of the Universe trailer, then you know what’s up. But it seems as if Skeletor’s forces are already here, at least in California. To promote the new MOTU film from director Travis Knight, Mattel, along with Amazon MGM Studios, have unleashed a rather unique form of marketing. We’ve seen cool drone shows before promoting films and TV shows, but have we ever seen a drone show that trolls the drivers passing by? Because that’s exactly what our boy Skeletor is doing to frustrated drivers with this fun MOTU drone show.
In Southern California, music festivalgoers battle infamously gridlocked traffic on their way into the desert. This is where huge events like Coachella and Stagecoach are held. To take advantage of all those eyeballs, a fleet of 400 synchronized drones, operated by Heads in the Sky, will light up the night sky promoting MOTU.
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We Reveal Three Incredible MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE ScenesSome of these drones include character-driven lines from both He-Man and Skeletor. From our hero, we’ve got “HONK FOR HE-MAN.” Sure, that’s nice enough. But Skeletor, ever the troll, says, “SHOULD HAVE LEFT EARLIER.” This is all designed to bring a bit of levity to the otherwise slow and annoying crawl into the desert.
Click To View Gallery Amazon MGM Studios/Mattel Mattel/Amazon MGM Studios Amazon MGM Studios/Mattel Mattel/Amazon MGM Studios Amazon MGM Studios/Mattel Mattel/Amazon MGM Studios Amazon MGM Studios/Mattel Mattel/Amazon MGM StudiosThere are two Masters of the Universe drone shows at this location. They’re taking place both Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, at 8:30 pm and 9:45 pm PT each night. You can see them located within peak festival traffic congestion along Classic Club. Specifically, 75200 Classic Club Blvd, Palm Desert, CA 92211. So if you’re in the Southern California area, and want a taste of Eternia before MOTU releases this summer? Now you know where to take your Battleram (or just your regular car) and head out to see that Castle Grayskull in the night sky.
Mattel/Amazon MGM StudiosMasters of the Universe, starring Nicholas Galitzine and Jared Leto, arrives in theaters everywhere on June 5.
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THE DOG STARS Trailer Gives Us Post-Apocalyptic Jacob Elordi
Between The Last of Us and The Walking Dead, you’d think post-apocalyptic stories would be played out by now. But all it takes is a cinema legend like Ridley Scott behind the camera, and we’re all in again. Revealed at CinemaCon 2026, Twentieth Century Studios has revealed the trailer for The Dog Stars, Scott’s post-apocalyptic epic starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin. And it looks bleak. According to the film’s official logline, The Dog Stars takes place in a world “where survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice.” You can watch the full trailer for The Dog Stars down below:
In the film, Scott tells the story of Hig, a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley, has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in Colorado. It becomes a small shelter in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. Then, a mysterious radio transmission spurs Hig to venture out into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exists. The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller’s bestselling novel from 2012. It also stars Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney. Mark L. Smith, known for the hit films The Revenant and Twisters wrote the screenplay for the film.
Twentieth Century StudiosRidley Scott is responsible for some of the greatest films of the last 50 years. These include iconic titles like Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, The Martian, and many, many more. Could The Dog Stars be another classic of the same caliber from the esteemed director? Even though Ridley Scott is 88 years old now, he is showing no sign of slowing down. And he is still directing massive studio films with huge budgets. We’ll have to wait and see if this one is another all-timer. The Dog Stars from Twentieth Century Studios arrives in theaters everywhere on August 28.
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Skeletor’s Sinister Havoc Staff Replica from MOTU Can Be Yours
In the many decades of the Masters of the Universe franchise, Skeletor has wielded many weapons against his arch-foe, He-Man. He even had a nearly identical Power Sword to Prince Adam’s. But the evil Lord of Destruction’s Havoc Staff was his signature weapon. And it’s definitely the one we associate most with the character. Now, MOTU fans who wish to look as if they rule Snake Mountain can do so with their own life-size replica Havoc Staff, as seen in the upcoming MOTU film, from the folks at Mattel Creations. They’ve pulled out all the stops for this incredible replica, which you see the first images of below: Life-Size Masters of the Universe Chronicles Havoc Staff Click To View Gallery Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations Mattel Creations
And here’s the official description from Mattel Creations for their Masters of the Universe Skeletor Havoc Staff:
Take control of Skeletor’s dark magic with our life-sized version of the Havoc Staff, as wielded in the Masters of the Universe film. The rechargeable staff features an Active Mode where you can trigger sound effects, plus lights and even smoke from the refillable fog fluid reservoir. When you set it on Sentry Mode, infrared sensors below the ram’s eyes will sense any movement within 6 inches (15 cm) and activate the staff’s intimidating features. Use it for role play or put it proudly on display. Nyahh!
Amazon MGM StudiosIn MOTU lore, Skeletor uses the staff to channel dark magic from other dimensions. And sometimes, just as a melee weapon. But if you want to just hang it up as a decoration without any magical summoning, we won’t tell anyone. Skeletor’s Havoc Staff stands 68.25 inches tall (173.36 cm), and the sinister ram’s head/cervical spine at top is 15.44 inches (39.22 cm) wide and 7.92 inches (20.12 cm) front to back. The five-piece staff can be easily disassembled and reassembled, perfect for cosplayers traveling to conventions. It includes a lithium-ion battery and USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Power adapter not included. This will set you back $189.00, and MOTU fans can order it now from the Mattel Creations online store.
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’90s Animated Favorite FERNGULLY Getting Live-Action Remake
It’s not only Disney that’s remaking its classic animated films in live-action. According to a report from Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios is remaking FernGully: The Last Rainforest, with Marielle Heller writing and directing. Millennials will fondly remember this as the environmentally conscious fantasy cartoon about fairies who band together to protect the rainforest from the logging business and an evil pollution entity. Yes, this is very much from 1992, so the same era as Captain Planet. The original movie featured the voices of Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, and Samantha Mathis, with songs by Elton John. You can read a statement from FernGully producer Jon Sheinberg below:
Our goal isn’t simply to make a new film. It’s to honor a timeless classic and extend its powerful themes and musical legacy across every platform.
Twentieth Century StudiosThe most recent film by Marielle Heller was Nightbitch, starring Amy Adams. So this is a complete 180 from that quirky indie film. FernGully wasn’t as big as its rival Disney films of the era, like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. But it left its own stamp on popular culture. Look how many people who criticize James Cameron’s Avatar franchise can’t help but call it “FernGully in space.” Which is a bit reductive, but also not terribly far off the mark either. Those references mean people remember it, even if they don’t love it in the same way they love The Lion King.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest wasn’t a particularly big success at the box office, only grossing $32 million. That is nothing compared to similar Disney movies of the same era. However, the VHS sales of FernGully were pretty great. Chances are, you know someone who had that clamshell VHS case as a kid. The home video sales were big enough to warrant a sequel, FernGully 2: The Last Rescue, in 1998. Will a live-action version of FernGully draw older Millennials to theaters with their kids in tow? We’ll have to wait and find out. As of now, there’s no production start date for the live-action FernGully. But we expect to hear more soon.
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Netflix Shares Image and Synopsis For CHARLIE VS. THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Remember when Willy Wonka’s wildly unsafe factory resulted in many kids being maimed during a tour? Netflix does, and it’s turning that child endangerment into a sequel. It’s upcoming Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory animated film starring Taika Waititi as Willy Wonka will see what happens after the infamous chocolatier gets out of prison for his past crimes. And while that premise might sound like a Mike Teeavee-esque stretch, the first image from the film is absolutely delectable.Netflix
Netflix’s Tudum shared the first look at the streamer’s upcoming Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory set to premiere in 2027. It’s not another remake, though. This is a sequel to Roald Dahl’s story. Tudum provided an official synopsis for the film, which also stars Heartstopper‘s Kit Connor as Charlie Paley. From Netflix:
Willy Wonka has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry. Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of “rotten” kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew…
Oh, okay. More child endangerment. That’s great.* Clearly this film will honor the original’s ethos.
Paramount PicturesThe film comes from directors Jared Stern (The LEGO Batman Movie) and Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Spirit Untamed). If this image feels familiar that’s because Sony Pictures Imageworks ( Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, KPop Demon Hunters) is handling the animation. Decent track record. DECENT.
“Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy, and I’m thrilled to play my part in bringing Willy Wonka to life in animated form,” said Waititi in a statement. “He is so special to me, and the opportunity to voice such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times — is hugely exciting.”
Getting to see Willy Wonka teach a bunch of brats an important lesson is always fun. Watching him do it in animation this good will only make it better.
*Joke
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Netflix Reportedly Cancels REDWALL Adaptations
Netflix has put up the ultimate wall on its planned animated Redwall franchise. A new report says that after many years in development, the streaming site is not moving forward with its plans for to adapt Brian Jacques’ action adventure book series into a movie and TV show.
PhilomelNeither Martin nor any other animals warriors will be taking up residence at Netflix’s version of Redwall Abbey. According to Broadcast Now (in news we first heard at Animation Magazine), the streamer is no longer making a Redwall film or series. This cancellation comes after years of developmental hell. Netflix first began work on the property in 2021. The first ever Redwall featured film was set to kick things off. Patrick McHale (Over the Garden Wall) was the first director on the project. By 2022, he had already stepped away from the project citing changes at Netflix. Netflix also planned to follow the movie up with a series about Martin the Warrior
The deal with Penguin Random House Children’s U.K included the rights to all 22 of Jacques’ Redwall books. It was one of the many children IPs Netflix acquired at the time. It also purchases the rights to the works of Roald Dahl in 2021. Both joined the previously acquired rights to C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia books in the streamer’s future projects bing. Netflix’s “movie and a series” plan also seemed certain to cover much more ground than the original Canadian Redwall TV series. It ran for three seasons on Teletoon from 1999 to 2001. It also aired on PBS in the U.S.
This cancellation might not be bad news for fans, though. Redwall didn’t go anywhere at Netflix for years. Now Martin can go on a new adventure to a place that will bring his story to life.
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DISNEY Reveals First Look at Han Solo at STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge
Disney just revealed an exciting sneak peek as a familiar face makes his way to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park for the first time. Traveling all the way from a galaxy far, far away, Han Solo is the latest character to grace the happiest place the Earth. Joining alongside his good pal Chewbacca, Solo is coming to reclaim the Millennium Falcon. Starting April 29, park visitors might just be lucky enough to catch the iconic captain in his natural habitat. Take a look!
Han Solo Makes His Disneyland Debut!Han Solo makes his Disneyland debut just in time for May the Fourth. The news was announced via the official Star Wars Instagram page. In the video, Han Solo steps into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, typical cocky swagger on full display. He quickly finds his prized ship, clearly displeased with the way Chewy’s been looking after it.
Disney announced earlier this year that a massive change was coming to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge. That change happens to be the inclusion of several iconic characters from the original Star Wars trilogy. We’ve nudged this before, so we’re obviously pumped to hear that Disney is finally doing it. Solo and Chewbacca are the first of many to arrive. Joining them is the sibling duo of Princess Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker. Leia will be stationed near the Millennium Falcon, while Luke can be spotted roaming the outpost. and Chewbacca.
What’s that I hear? Muffled breathing? Oh yeah, Darth Vader will be there, too. Would it really be a reunion without the Dark Lord, himself? Darth Vader returns to the park full-time. He’ll be walking around with Stormtroopers as he scouts for any remaining Jedi.
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STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD Scores Season 2 Renewal NerdistAnother big change will be to the park’s audio system. Starting April 29th, visitors will be able to hear John Williams’ iconic Star Wars scores throughout Galaxy’s Edge. We are buzzing with excitement!
Fans are already going wild after Disney’s first look at Han Solo and Chewy at Galaxy’s Edge. With their official arrival being so close, yet so far away, we can hardly wait. Personally, I’m ready to see all the amazing fan interactions pop up on social media. Maybe I’ll reschedule my Disneyland trip to a later date.
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All the Easter Eggs We Caught in the STREET FIGHTER Trailer
The Street Fighter trailer really brought the iconic Capcom video game to Technicolor life, in its full retro 1993 glory. And of course, it’s loaded to the gills with Easter eggs and references to the game’s history, and even the animated movie. Here’s everything we caught, and the timestamps on where to find them. The M. Bison StatueParamount/Legendary
0:08 – Here, we see our very first tease of the M. Bison statue, along with Shadaloo banners in the background. Don’t worry, we’ll see more than just his statue before this trailer is over.
Dhalsim in Street Fighter II Mode0:15 – We see the training with the mystical yogi, Dhalsim. In the game, some of Dhalsim’s levels show other monks in the background. This is our first good look at Dhalsim in his Street Fighter II incarnation.
Guile and His Flat Top Paramount/Legendary0:18 – In this scene, we have our first look at Guile, one of the original eight World Warriors, sporting his iconic Street Fighter II look. You can see him wearing his green tank top, signature flat top, American flag tattoo, and dog tags. He really looks straight out of the games, and is perfectly ridiculous.
Cammy as the “Killer Bee”Paramount/Legendary0:20 – Cammy White appears here, wearing her Street Fighter Alpha II look, known by fans as her “Killer Bee” outfit.
NPC Joe0:22 – At this timestamp, we get our first look at Joe, a.k.a. “Superstar.” Fans probably remember Joe as an NPC from the original Street Fighter game, specifically from the game’s intro screen.
Vega Enters the ChatParamount/Legendary0:23 – Vega, the masked claw fighter from Spain, appears here in a slightly more covered-up version of his Street Fighter II look.
Eric Andre as Don Sauvage0:24 –Here we get a good look at our narrator, who turns out to be Don Sauvage. He’s a newer ring announcer character who first appeared in Street Fighter V, played here by Eric Andre. In the game, his look was based on musician Bootsy Collins.
Ken Masters vs. El Fuerte0:26 – Ken Masters performs the Inazuma kick move on El Fuerte. This is a newer character, first appearing in Street Fighter IV, and he’s a high-speed, acrobatic lucha libre Mexican wrestler, not to mention an aspiring chef.
“You Win!”Paramount/Legendary0:29 – At this timestamp, you can hear the ref say “You win!” to Ken. Right after that, we hear the “Perfect” sound effect from the games, which plays whenever you win a fight in Street Fighter II.
Dan Hibiki Rocks a Pink Suit0:30 – Here, we get our first look at the arrogant and cocky Dan Hibiki wearing a pink suit. This is a nod to his pink gi he wears in the games.
“I Want My MTV”Paramount/Legendary0:34 – Prominently seen here is the retro MTV logo, which sets this movie squarely in Street Fighter’s ’90s heyday. This is a reference to when Street Fighter II came out, dominating arcades and pop culture in general.
Ken Punches a Car0:37 – Ken literally beating up a car is a direct reference to the bonus stages in the game between levels.
Balrog in Full Street Fighter II ModeParamount/Legendary0:42 – After seeing Balrog earlier in the trailer, now we see him in his Street Fighter II look, and in full boxing mode against Ken.
Live-action “Wall Bounce”0:47 – What Ryu is doing to Ken here could be seen as a live-action version of a “wall bounce” from the games. This is when you can repeatedly hit your opponent off the edge of the screen in order to land more hits.
The Hell Wheel0:49 – Ken performs a Hell Wheel here, his signature back-throw move, on Ryu.
The Philippou Brothers CameoParamount/Legendary1:02 – The two people we see fighting in the street here, while everyone else cheers them on, are the Philippou brothers in a cameo appearance. The twin filmmakers from Australia were originally attached to direct this movie, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
Enter: The Red CycloneParamount/Legendary1:07 – We catch our first glimpse at Zangief here, a.k.a. the Red Cyclone, showing off his size and strength while dragging a tractor.
Ken vs. Ryu1:26-1:36 – Here we see Ken attempting (and failing at) a series of moves against Ryu. These include the Dragonlash kick, Oosoto Mawashi Geri, and Jinrai kick. Also, in this stretch, we hear some hit and kick sound effects pulled directly from the game, as well as a laughing sound effect pulled from the game.
M. Bison Appears (From Behind)Paramount/Legendary1:43 – We finally see the notorious head of Shadaloo boss here, M. Bison, at least from behind.
Chun Li Takes a Shower in an Animated Movie ReferenceParamount/Legendary1:49 – Chun Li entering the shower is a reference to a scene from the Street Fighter II Animated Movie. (Millennials, don’t pretend you didn’t rewind that bit 900 times.)
The Pao Pao Café (Sorta)1:50 – This is not a direct reference to the games as such. However, this burlesque club we see here is a little bit like the Pao Pao Café level in the games. We doubt that’s a coincidence.
Guile Uses a Flash Kick1:56 – Guile unleashes a Flash Kick against Vega, showing off his impressive fighting skills.
Chun Li in Her Iconic Outfit1:59 – We get a joke here about Chun Li’s thighs, which are a fan-favorite element from the games. This is where we get our first look at Chun Li in her full iconic outfit from the games.
The Spinning Bird Kick MoveParamount/Legendary2:04 – Chun Li performs her iconic spinning bird kick move on Vega, and then her Hazanshu move on Juli. This is our first glimpse of the brainwashed female assassin in this moment.
The Russian SuplexParamount/Legendary2:12 – At this timestamp, Zangief is performing the Russian Suplex move on Ken. His facial expression sure looks like he knows he’s about to be in a world of hurt.
E. Honda and the Hundred Hand Slap2:16 – Here, we see sumo wrestler E. Honda performing the Hundred Hand Slap move.
Chun Li Performs a Lightning Kick2:19 – We quickly see Chun Li performing her signature lightning kick against Vega.
M. Bison in Full Glory2:21 – Finally, our first good look at M. Bison, just as he looked in Street Fighter II.
Akuma Performs Empyrean’s End2:23 – Akuma, the younger brother of Gouken, Ryu’s and Ken’s master, performs the Empyrean’s End move on Ryu.
Ken vs. Dhalsim2:29 – We briefly witness Ken performing his high-damage uppercut move, Shoryuken, on Dhalsim.
Dhalsim Gets Stretchy2:29 – Here we see Dhalsim’s ability to stretch his limbs, as he grabs and throws Ken.
Psycho Power2:30 – Blink and you miss it, but here we see M. Bison using his Psycho Power. In the Street Fighter universe, Psycho Power is the dark side of Soul Power.
It’s Not Easy Being GreenParamount/Legendary2:31 – The mutated (and very green) Blanka appears here, in his Street Fighter II look. We admit, it’s giving MCU Hulk.
Ryu Unleashes Hadouken2:41 – We finally see Ryu firing his iconic surging punch, Hadouken, at Ken.
“Perfect!”2:48 – For the second time, we hear the iconic “Perfect” sound effect from games played over the release date card.
And we’re sure these just scratch the surface when it comes to the Capcom Easter eggs in Street Fighter. We’ll find out when this film hits theaters on October 16.
Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks
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