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AI is once again at the heart of a college graduation protest — this time for the technology's use in Google's defense contracts.

⚡ Quick Take

• Honoring 50 years of the Muppet Show, Marvel is bringing Kermit, Piggy and the rest into the Marvel Universe this fall.

After Marvel’s heroes recently teamed up with a plethora of DC Comics icons, what could possibly follow that up? Well, we have an answer. The iconic heroes of the Marvel Universe will soon join forces with none other than Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and all the other Muppets. Coming in September is The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1, from a creative team that includes writers Chip Zdarsky, Mackenzie Cadenhead, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam F. Goldberg, Ashley Allen, Kyle Starks, and more. Artists include Pete Woods, David Baldeon, Áthila Fabbio, E.J. Su, Paco Medina, and Mike Henderson. This special comic celebrates the 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show, which recently returned to Disney+.

Below is the main cover for The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe #1, by artist, along with a statement on this new collaboration from Leigh Slaughter, Vice President of The Muppets Studio.

MarvelThe Muppets Take on the Marvel Universe #1

It has been exciting for The Muppets Studio to collaborate with Marvel Comics in a new and unique way to bring the personality, humor and mayhem of The Muppets into the Marvel Universe and vice versa. To do this during the 50th anniversary year of The Muppet Show makes this project even more meaningful.

Writer Chip Zdarsky said, “With the great power of two iconic properties comes great responsibility. I promise not to let down Kermit, Fozzie, and Animal the way Spider-Man let down his Uncle Ben.” Ouch. That’s a low blow sir! Would you talk that way about the other character you famously wrote, Batman? We think not. Zdarsky continued, saying, “It’s impossible to overstate how excited I am to write for Miss Piggy, who I consider to be one of the greatest icons of the last hundred years, a character who speaks to every generation. I also got to write Deadpool.”

Click To View Gallery Marvel/Muppet Studios Muppet Studios/Marvel Marvel/Muppet Studios Muppet Studios/Marvel Marvel/Muppet Studios

There will also be several variant covers. Humberto Ramos’ cover features Kermy swinging along with Spider-Man, and iconic Infinity Gauntlet artist Ron Lim illustrates Gonzo racing Ghost Rider on his bike. Matteo Lolli’s variant cover pays homage to the iconic ’90s movie Muppet Treasure Island, with Deadpool standing in for Long John Silver. Wade Wilson as a pirate? Yeah, we can totally see it. The final variant features a logo mashup, showing a split logo between Spider-Man’s mask and Kermit the Frog’s face.

Muppets Take on the Marvel Universe #1 arrives in comic shops on September 23.

The post Kermy Meets Spidey in MUPPETS TAKE ON THE MARVEL UNIVERSE appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• SPOILER FREE review of the first four episodes of X-Men ’97 season two.
• We’re still in love with the Merry Mutants.

The first season of X-Men ’97 in 2024 was nothing short of amazing. Week after week, the travails of Marvel’s Merry Mutants in animated form was among our favorite things that year. (Go back and listen to Eric Diaz and I talk about it on the Laser Focus podcast from whence.) As with anything I love, the prospect of a second season made me both excited and worried whether it could live up to the orig. Obviously, changing people behind the scenes would have some effect. I’ve now gotten to see the first four episodes of season two, and I’m pleased to share, it’s good. Time will tell if it’ll be as good.

Marvel Television

The first season crammed a lot of story development into only a few episodes. Thus far, it feels like X-Men ’97 season two is covering a lot of ground without burning a ton of storylines. The four episodes that begin the season deal with several, but not all, of the dangling plot threads from the cliffhanger at the end of the last season. As a result, we don’t get to spend a ton of time with everyone yet, but who we do spend time with get plenty of development. And, naturally we get lots of action to keep X-Men fans happy.

Last season ended with half the team in the far-future where Apocalypse reigns supreme. This is where we find Cyclops, Jean, Wolverine, Storm, and young Nathan Summers. The other half went to the ancient past to a young Apocalypse, known as En Sabah Nur, before turning down his dark path. This team is Professor X, Magneto, Beast, Rogue, and Nightcrawler. Meanwhile, some team members and side characters remained in the present where they have to continue the freedom fighting after the world almost died thanks to Bastion and the Sentinels. Cable, Jubilee, Sunspot and others fill this slot.

Marvel Television

While remaining as spoiler-free as possible, I’ll just say that episodes one and two deal with two different time periods while episodes three and four act as a mini-movie in a third time period. For me, the episodes got better as they went. I liked the premiere just fine but it’s the one the felt the most rushed. The second episode gave us a really fun riff on some characters from last year plus a host of new ones.

It is, however, the two-parter that really lets us know this season isn’t just about spectacle and piling on the characters. These give us some real depth and intrigue and allow the players and the themes to breathe. These two feel like they’ll have the most impact going forward. If you’re fans of Magneto and Professor X, then these are definitely up your alley.

The animation remains incredible, the colors pop with vibrancy. I’ve always been impressed by how the animators were able to take the gorgeous but stilted imagery of the original ’90s cartoon and bring it to life so dynamically. You want big, explosive action from your X-Men stories and you get it here and one can imagine it’ll only go up from here.

Marvel Television

I’d say the most disappointing thing about X-Men ’97 season two so far is that I only got to see four episodes and there are only five after that. I’m glad we’re getting yearly seasons from here on because I don’t think we could handle having to wait another two years. While the jury is still out whether the rest of the season will hold up, and none of the episodes so far have reached the heights of individual season one episodes, I’m supremely optimistic for what’s to come.

X-Men ’97 season two will premiere July 1 on Disney+.

Episodes 1-4 ⭐ (4 of 5)

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

The post X-MEN ’97 Season 2 Starts Out Just Right (Eps 1-4 Review) appeared first on Nerdist.

The Trump administration's decision that forced Anthropic to pull its latest cybersecurity models could be reactionary, retaliatory, or both, but the message is clear: The AI industry isn't immune from U.S. government interference.

⚡ Quick Take

• The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum has revealed Anya Taylor-Joy has joined the cast as a new character called Seren.
• We don’t know anything about Seren yet, but we speculate she could be a Silvan elf from Mirkwood.
• Potentially, The Hunt for Gollum movie will follow Aragorn’s search for Gollum after he escapes from Mirkwood, making this a sensible place for Anya Taylor-Joy to fit in.

A new character is joining the world of The Lord of the Rings in the upcoming movie, The Hunt for Gollum. Today, The Hunt for Gollum confirmed that the most elfy actress of all, Anya Taylor-Joy, would indeed play a character in the new Lord of the Rings movie. But this isn’t a Lord of the Rings character we’ve ever crossed paths with before. No, Anya Taylor-Joy will play an original character in The Hunt for Gollum: (what we assume is) an elf called Seren.

Nerdist’s Take on Anya Taylor-Joy‘s New Elf Character, Seren, in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

Nothing is yet officially known about Seren in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, except that she is played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Still, given the bow in her hands and the fact that Anya Taylor-Joy literally looks like a Lord of the Rings elf, we’re going to assume Seren is an elf. And by the looks of things, she’s a wood elf or one of the Silvan Elves, at that. The Lord of the Rings‘ Legolas is a Silvan elf from Mirkwood. And we know that for a time, Gollum was held by the elves of Mirkwood before he escaped in The Lord of the Rings‘ world, exactly during the time The Hunt for Gollum will likely take place. In fact, it was Sauron who orchestrated Gollum’s escape from Mirkwood, ultimately allowing the Dark Lord to capture Gollum and find out that the One Ring was being kept in the Shire.

Universal Pictures

Perhaps Anya Taylor-Joy’s Seren is one of the elves that was assigned to guard and subsequently lost Gollum, bringing her story and The Hunt for Gollum‘s together.

Anya Taylor-Joy joins the following cast in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum: ” Sir Ian McKellen will once again play Gandalf the Grey. As we recently learned, Kate Winslet will play Marigol. A new actor will portray Strider (aka Aragorn) taking over for Viggo Mortensen. That actor is The Fall and 50 Shades star Jamie Dornan. Leo Woodall will play Halvard, a fellow ranger from the North. And two big returners: Lee Pace will play Thranduil, the ruler of the Wood Elves, and most excitingly, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins.”

More About The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum

In previous, Andy Serkis shared the following about The Hunt for Gollum:

We’re very early on in the process. We’ve been talking about the film over the course of the last year. We’re about to start a period of prep in the next few months or so. We will be shooting in the early to mid-part of next year, I guess, and then it’ll be as long as it takes to shoot, which — it’s a sizable movie — all ready for a December 2027 release. I’m incredibly excited to go back and work with my friends and family in New Zealand and actually do something which is, I think, going to be surprising, and yet very much part of the lore and the feel of the trilogy. The sensibility of it will feel, I think, close to that, and yet we’re investigating in greater depth the character formerly known as Smeagol, but mostly known as Gollum.

RELATED ARTICLE

HUNT FOR GOLLUM Announces Jamie Dornan as Strider

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will release on December 17, 2027.

This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, we just have to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

The post HUNT FOR GOLLUM Confirms Anya Taylor-Joy as New LOTR Character, Seren appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Here are all of the characters you might not remember but need to before House of the Dragon season three premieres on HBO.

After two seasons everyone knows the major players in the Dance of the Dragons. Season two gave us more than it took, as Rhaenyra gained three new dragonriders after Rhaenys’ death. Wars are often won by the overlooked, people like Alys Rivers. She’s hard to forget, but we would hate for you to overlook anyone who might prove important to ending this civil war. So to help you prepare for House of the Dragon season three we put together a list of characters you might not completely remember.

Jason Lannister Theo Whiteman/HBO

While Tyland went off to negotiate a treaty with the Triarchy, his pompous identical twin brother Jason is leading a western force towards Harrenhal. In season two, he beckoned the Prince Regent, Aemond Targaryen, to come with his dragon to aide the army. Aemond did not like that, nor did he go.

Sharako Lohar HBO

Jason’s more present brother Tyland, the Greens’ Master of Ships, made a deal with Triarchy admiral Sharako Lohar. The flashy commander is leading 90 ships to battle Corlys Velaryon at the Gullet.

Grand Maester Orwyle Ollie Upton/HBO

Aegon only survived his catastrophic injuries at Rook’s Rest thanks to the highly capable and even-keeled Grand Maester Orwyle. He has served on the Green council since the start of the war. He was part of Viserys’ small council prior to the King’s death.

Oscar Tully  HBO

Brave and fearless Lord Oscar of House Tully is wise beyond his years. The new Lord Paramount of the Riverlands stood up to both Daemon and the riverlords hesitant to follow such a young man. He quickly proved himself a worthy, capable leader who understands people. He forced Daemon to execute Willem Blackwood for war crimes even though Willem was acting on Daemon’s behalf.

Cregan Stark HBO

The young, serious Lord of Winterfell sent 2,000 “greybeards” to fight on behalf of Queen Rhaenyra. His younger men are helping him prepare for the coming of winter in the North, but Cregan promised age would not hinder his mens’ fighting ability. That force of grizzled warriors were seen marching south through the Twins in season two’s finale.

Lord Forrest and Lady Sabitha Frey HBO

The Lord and Lady of the Twins agreed to fight for Rhaenyra after Prince Jace promised to protect their home with a dragon. They then opened their bridge for Cregan Stark’s greybeards.

Lady Jeyne Arryn Theo Whiteman/HBO

Another major house sworn to Rhaenyra is House Arryn in the Vale. It’s led by the stern Lady Jeyne Arryn also took in Rhaena (who ended season two chasing after a wild dragon in the Vale mountains), as well as princes Aegon and Viserys, Rhaenyra’s two sons with Daemon.

Ser Gwayne Hightower HBO

Alicent’s brother Gwayne Hightower was not on King’s Landing long. He went to war alongside Ser Criston Cole. Together the two have led a destructive rampage through the crownlands, with their most memorable victory coming at Rook’s Rest. Gwayne figured out the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard had an inappropriate relationship with his sister.

Ser Simon Strong’s Grandsons Germund and Paxter HBO

We know you remember Ser Simon Strong, whose calm demeanor helped him deal with Daemon Targaryen after Daemon took Harrenhal. You might not remember Ser Simon’s two grandsons, Germund and Paxter, who are often by his side eating with their mouths open. Which one is Germund and which one is Paxter? It doesn’t matter.

Jasper Wylde HBO

The sarcastic, gruff Lord Jasper Wylde is the Green council’s Master of Laws. He conspired to put Aegon on the Iron Throne.

Ser Rickard Thorne HBO

Ser Rickard Thornes is a member of Aegon’s Kingsguard. He has served as Alicent’s personal protector since Aegon named Criston Cole Hand of the King.

Joffrey Velaryon HBO

Rhaenyra had three illegitimate children with the late Ser Harwin Strong: Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Aemond killed Luke. The show did everything it could to kill your memory of Joffrey.

Maester Gerardys HBO

Gerardys serves as Grand Maester for Rhaenyra and her small council.

Ser Lorent Marbrand HBO

Ser Lorent was a member of Viserys’ Kingsguard. He was with Rhaenyra on Dragonstone when Viserys died. Lorent then swore fealty to Rhaenyra and has served loyally on her Queensguard ever since. He often stands by the Queen’s side and protects her bedchamber.

Alfred Broome HBO

Ser Alfred is a member of the noble House Broome in the Westerlands who serves on Rhaenyra’s small council. The brash Broome clashed with the queen multiple times, but she still trusted him to deliver a message to Daemon at Harrenhal. Despite swearing his allegiance, Broome did not seem thrilled when the riverlords all unifed around Rhaenyra. He had already said the Realm needed a King and leader of men like Daemon to rule. Broome asked Daemon to declare for himself, and his frustration with her newfound support was evident as an unhappy Broome disappeared into the cheering crowd at Harrenhal.

Bartimos Celtigar HBO

The vocal Lord Bartimos is a member of Rhaenyra’s small council. He has frequently undermined the Queen, resulting in her slapping him once.

Gormon Massey HBO

Lord Gormon Massey joined Rhaenyra’s small council in season two. His family’s seat at Sharp Point sits on the peninsula that serves as the southern border of the Gullet, the vital waterway that connects Blackwater Bay and the Narrow Sea. He’s also father to Elinda.

Elinda Massey HBO

Rhaenyra’s loyal and dedicated lady-in-waiting served her in King’s Landing Queen long before the Dance of the Dragons. The noblewoman returned to the capital in season two to help execute Mysaria’s covert plans to turn the city against the Greens in hopes they would back Rhaenyra.

Dyana HBO

In season one Aegon sexually assaulted Dyana and got her pregnant. The serving girl was then convinced/manipulated/threatened to drink moon tea and remain silent by Queen Alicent. Dyana ultimately found a job at a tavern where patrons mistreated her. when Mysaria sent Elinda to King’s Landing the lady-in-waiting met with Dyana who helped execute the White Worm’s plans.

Sylvi HBO

Prince Regent Aemon Targaryen used to frequent the Mother’s brothel run by Sylvi. He relied on and confided in Sylvi, who served as a comforting mother-like figure for Aemond, who was unusually vulnerable when he was with her.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermikeOpens in a new tab. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Characters You Might Not Remember Before Season 3 appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Stranger Things’ creators the Duffer Brothers have received a November 2028 release date for their mysterious “event film” at Paramount.

The Duffer Brothers sure do like keeping fans in the dark. They waited until the end of Stranger Things to reveal what the Upside Down actually was. Then they left Eleven’s ultimate fate ambiguous enough not even the cast can agree if she’s still alive or not. Now the sibling duo is working on a new film we don’t know anything about. Almost anything, that is. Paramount has given the Matt and Ross Duffers’ mysterious big screen movie project a November 2028 release date. And it sounds like it’s going to be a big undertaking.

Netflix

Paramount has scheduled the Duffer Brothers film to arrive in theaters on November 3, 2028. It sounds like it will be a big budget release. The Hollywood Reporter says Paramount describes the movie as an “event” film.

There are no details about the untitled project before its release date and general ambition. It will also be part of the brothers’ mega four-year deal they signed with Paramount ahead of Stranger Things‘ finale. The chance to make featured films for the big screen was one of the main reason they left Netflix for Paramount. The agreement cited “ambitious” and  “large-scale theatrical” projects.

Their deal with Paramount did not end the Duffers work with Netflix. In the announcement for their new Paramount deal, they cited their continued involvement producing Netflix’s Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and The Boroughs. They are also still working on Stranger Things spinoffs.

The LEGO Group

As for this “event film,” it feels very far away because November 2028 might as well be a hundred years away. But with an early holiday release it’s clearly going to serve as an anchor for Paramount’s theatrical release calendar that year. The movie’s late-in-the-year premiere date also raises the possibility that Paramount might consider the movie Oscar-worthy.

Could that really be the case? In true Duffers Brothers fashion we have no idea! They really like to keep fans in the dark.

The post Duffer Brothers’ Mystery Movie Gets November 2028 Release Date appeared first on Nerdist.

Meta announced Monday that it's rolling out a wave of new AI features on Facebook, the latest sign of the company's effort to catch up in the AI race and keep users more engaged on the platform.

⚡ Quick Take

• We spoke to House of the Dragon star Abubakar Salim about what it was like returning to House of the Dragon for season three.

Even the biggest House of the Dragon fan might not immediately recognize Abubakar Salim if they passed him on the street, but for a very different reason than you might not recognize some of his colleagues. Unlike the other members of House Velaryon, the star of Assassin’s Creed Origins doesn’t have to wear a wig on the show. He undergoes a physical transformation from his natural state as a gregarious actor with a big warm smile and a video game obsession into the super serious Alyn of Hull with just a shaved head, a clean face, a few scars, and what he calls a “brooding, angry” demeanor.

Obviously, a lot more goes into playing the legendary Westerosi seaman than looking stoic and sporting a bald head. So what does it take to portray a beloved character from George R.R. Martin’s world? How was that challenge different this time around versus when he joined the series in season two? And what’s it like being on a show this popular? Nerdist asked Salim about all of that and a whole lot more when we spoke to him ahead of the premiere of House of the Dragon season three.

Turns out being a great Alyn of Hull involves a lot more Elden Ring music than you’d think.

Ollie Upton/HBO

Nerdist: You’ve starred on some big shows, but with House of the Dragon, you’re a significant part of one of the most popular series in the world, which itself is part of one of the most popular franchises in the world. That’s a different level of fame than most actors will ever have. So what has it been like living as Alyn of Hull since season two?

Abubakar Salim: Very surreal. The more I think about it, and the more I begin to not only learn about his story, but also have fans and people tell me about his story, the more I realize how important it is and how big of a role it is. It’s frightening, but also very, very exciting. I feel very lucky and blessed to have the privilege to be playing such a character who has lot of complexity to him. There’s a lot to mine from him. It’s like an actor’s dream to have a character where there is a lot of nuance to mine from.

Westeros is full of big showy characters, but Alyn is among the most buttoned down, serious figures from any HBO Game of Thrones show. Do you ever find yourself frustrated by having to play it so stern? Or is that actually more fun when you’re in this chaotic world?

Salim: It’s more fun in the chaotic world, because you then wonder what happens when he does buck. :laughs: That’s something I really enjoy diving into and leaning into. It’s like when you look at a duck on water. They look so calm, but their feet are like this. That’s kind of where Alyn is. There are so many cogs whirring. There are so many things happening. But rather than show the panic and the manic-ness of where he’s at, it’s better to retain it. It’s good fun. It’s good fun to be able to do that and play with that and have those moments where, if something does kick off it pays off, rather than necessarily it feeling like he is just stoic.

Ollie Upton/HBO

Speaking of your performance, with such a big gap between seasons, do you find yourself struggling to remember everything that happened in season two?

Salim: Oh yeah. :big laugh: It’s tough. The great thing about the world we live in is that we can basically turn it on and watch the whole season to remind you essentially what’s happened. But yeah, it’s quite funny being like, “Okay, where am I? What happened? Who am I again? How did I perform this scene?” There is also something really quite refreshing about having that space and gap to reflect and take and enjoy the season that comes out.

We have this huge gap, and I’d love to just keep going and keep giving more stories. But there is also an enjoyment of being like, “Oh yeah, I can sit back and watch this series and enjoy it with everyone else and be like, all right, here we go again.”

You said you can go back and be like, “Oh, where was I? I’m here.” But did you have to rewatch any episodes to recenter your performance or was the character still fully realized in your head?

Salim: No. For me, whenever I do character work I always build a soundtrack. I always listen to my soundtrack and that is what centers me.

Whenever I watch, it’s more so to just enjoy the story and see what my other mates and colleagues were doing because I have no idea. Especially season two was funny because I was just on the dock and I generally thought it was just my show. :laughs: Whereas when I watch it, then I’ve got every other character coming in and I’m like, “Who are these people? ” But for me, I do feel that it’s always better to progress and trust the words and trust the story and trust that that will bring your character, and my soundtrack, to connect me to that cadence, what is my inner cadence and lean into that. Which helps. It really does help.

What’s the number one song on the playlist for Alyn?

Salim: Oh, you want to know?

C’mon. You gotta tell me.

Salim: Okay. Hold on. I’ll tell you right now because I have it right here. I listen to it all the time whenever I’m playing. :he searches his computer: I’ve got so many different character playlists. I have to scroll through. Where is it, where is it…here we go. Ready?

The first one I listened to is “The King,” which is from The Northman, the OST soundtrack. Then we’ve got “The Power of Prophecy,” which was from House of the Dragon season one. Then “House Velaryon.” So those are my three kind of ones that get me in. Then I’ve got “I Am His Vengeance” and “Strike, Brother” as well from The Northman. So really The Northman and House of the Dragon are the ones that I really pull from.

Then, if I’m really feeling as though I want to just get into the feels, or get into the character or the world of it, Elden Ring OST is my go-to. Specifically Shadow of the Erdtree. I think it’s powerful and it’s a great soundtrack to listen to. The playlist is what gets me into it. Then if I just want to sit in the mood of it, it’s Elden Ring.

Before we move on to season three, I want to go back to the end of season two and what followed. I’m certainly not going to ask you to speak about what George R. R. Martin said about the show, but I am curious how you felt about it. What was your reaction to his big post where he shared his issues with House of the Dragon?

Salim: Look, I mean, I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know too much about it. I wasn’t really engaged on that front. For me, my job as the actor is essentially to do what has been given to me. And I feel incredibly lucky to be given the character where it’s, again, it’s something that he has created and he’s put a lot of care and passion into, to bring that to screen and enjoy it. But yeah, I don’t know. I didn’t really engage on that front because again, it’s like one of those ones where it didn’t really feel like it was something for me to do. But yeah, you’re asking the wrong guy. :laughs:

Things between him and Ryan Condal have not improved. Did those creative differences manifest in any noticeable ways while filming season three?

Salim: No, not at all. Again, my process of season three was a wonderful one. It was a beautiful one. I had a great time working on it. Ryan is one of the funniest and the most caring [people]. And probably a bigger nerd than I am. And that’s saying something for a guy [like me] who plays video games basically 24/7. It’s pretty amazing how much this guy cares about this show and how much he cares about the people around it. So as I say, I don’t know. They’re probably the best people to ask on this stuff because I just listen to my music and focus on my lines.

Warner Bros. Discovery

Speaking of that, what was different for you this time around returning to a show as a veteran versus joining it in season two as a newcomer?

Salim: I wouldn’t even say that I’m a veteran. I think I’m still learning.

It’s funny, I remember the feeling on Raised By Wolves when we did season one. It was all very new for everyone. And then season two was like, “Okay, we know what we’re doing. We’ve got an idea, we’re accustomed to it.” But even then, it was still full of surprises. And that’s the beauty of this industry is that it’s always surprising. It’s always an interesting space to play in, because as soon as you get comfortable, that’s when mistakes happen and that’s when you should probably move on.

As actors, you’re so used to being uncomfortable all the time, be it through auditions or through work, that you never really feel seasoned or like a veteran. It’s always new, it’s always fresh. And I think that’s what makes a good actor. It’s like when you’re watching it, you’re like, “Oh, this is the first time they’re saying these lines.”

Ollie Upton/HBO

Well, you also got off the dock this year, so that was new, right?

Salim: This is what I mean. I learned that I obviously have supporting artists working with me on my main show, so I had to get used to that. That was probably the biggest thing I learned.

Where is Alyn emotionally heading into this season and how is it meaningfully different from where we saw him in season two?

Salim: There is a lot bubbling. We ended season two with Alyn essentially opening his heart and telling Corlys where to stick it. But again, it came from a place of being vulnerable and opening up. And that’s where we’re entering into now. We’re entering into seeing Alyn being more vulnerable, seeing Alyn be more engaged in politics that he doesn’t really want to be a part of, but having to be forced into. That’s an interesting space to play, especially for someone who is just used to serving and doing the job. Now he’s having to think a bit on his own feet and play in that. It’s an evolution, a place where Alyn feels uncomfortable. Where he’s going to have to suck it up and either survive or die.

Ollie Upton/HBO

Speaking of the Sea Snake, Steve Toussaint is such a presence on this show. He’s incredible just to watch. What’s it like filming with him, especially during these very intimate, highly charged scenes that you have together?

Salim: Oh, it’s phenomenal. I’ve learned so much from just being on set and seeing him both behind camera and on camera. He is one of the loveliest, most brilliant and passionate human beings I’ve ever met. And when that camera turns on and brings the game in, it’s always just amazing to see. I have so much time for Steve.

It is very daunting and quite terrifying to come on such a huge show not really knowing many people. It’s always the first time. The first time’s always tricky because you don’t know anyone, you’re learning about the dynamics of the show, you’re learning about different kinds of friendship groups and whatever. And Steve made me feel like I had been there from the beginning. That’s such a powerful testament to who he is as a person that I wish to carry that on whenever I do productions and shows. Making other people feel that way, because the way he makes me feel makes me feel as if I could do anything.

Well, anything besides probably being glad you don’t have to wear that wig like the rest of your family.

Salim: I mean, look…it was either….it’s…it’s…..yes, I’m very happy. :laughs: Because there’s a lot of time in the makeup chair that is saved because all I’ve got to do is shave this head. And I’m happy I also have hair to come back to.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’s Abubakar Salim on Alyn of Hull’s Season 3 Return appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Walt Disney World can seem like its more geared towards adults now, but new experiences show Disney still very much has youngsters and families in mind.

The first time I brought my young son to Walt Disney World, it felt as though I had never been there before. Rides, shows, and even restaurants I thought I knew intimately felt fresh, as if I’d never fully experienced them before. Being there with my bubs made every aspect feel new and special. He made it possible for me to appreciate the parks in ways I couldn’t otherwise. But…

“But….”

Going to Disney with a young child is fundamentally different than going alone, with other adults, or even with older kids. It’s a whole lot harder. Young children require way more rest and attention. They can’t control their emotions as well as (most) grownups in a place designed to make them feel big emotions. And they pose logistical issues you don’t have to deal with otherwise. Hopping on a bus by yourself to get to EPCOT so you can drink around the world is easy. But “easy” does not describe desperately struggling to quickly fold up a stroller you’re unfamiliar with so you can squeeze onto an overcrowded bus at 11:30 at night. While exhausted. And overheated. And hoping your kiddo can hold it together for 20 long anxious minutes.

As he gets older, it will get easier for my wife and I to take him (We noticed a big difference just from age three to age four.) But while we’ll age out of those issues, they will always exist for families who take their little ones to Disney. Fortunately, our most recent trip made it obvious the company knows that and is trying to make things easier both littles and their bigs. Because while countless vloggers and fansites can make it seem as though Disney parks have become more geared towards adults, new additions and a renewed focus on kids show Disney is still very much a place for families.

Enjoying the ease of an unexpectedly empty Monorail

Last year, Walt Disney World invited my family and I down to experience the kickoff of the first ever Cool Kids Summer. I described it as a boondoggle for worn-out parents. Clearly many others agreed. Executives told media in attendance for this year’s Summer Fun Fest event it was a resounding success with guests, which is why Disney brought Cool Kids’ Summer back this year.

The program once again includes discounted tickets for children. There is also a free kids dining plan offer and lower rates at select Disney resorts. During the summer, those participating hotels also run unique activations and experiences for youngsters. Children can enjoy special character interactions, libraries, pajama parties, sing-a-longs, campfires, and more. Plus, once again everyone in your party gets free entry to one of two Disney World water parks on the day you check into any Disney resort.

Can’t do better than a free water park visit and a tub of Dole Whip.

(Of all the Cool Kids’ Summer perks, the free water park entry might be my favorite. I love both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon for very different reasons. And it’s possible to do both. You can go to either one on the day you arrive. Or you can do a split resort stay and go to a water park in the middle of your trip. Either is a truly fantastic way to take a break from the theme parks without feeling like you’re missing out. Some of our favorite moments on both vacations happened at the water parks.)

All of that is great for kids, since youngsters always need more breaks from the hot summer Orlando weather. That means more time at the resorts. But this year Disney is also making it physically easier for parents and caregivers to take them there. Cool Kids’ Summer now includes complimentary amenities adults would otherwise have to trudge along or forego entirely. In addition to pack and play cribs, Walt Disney World is now providing free-to-use items like bottle warmers, baby bathtubs, diaper trash cans, nightlights, and bed bumpers. If you don’t have to worry about things like baby bottles or your toddler sleeping in a tall bed, that might not sound like a big deal. If you do, it’s like having the Blue Fairy grant a wish you didn’t even know you could make.

Click To View Gallery Bed bumpers = Boo yeah Hercules-sent Simple but glorious Old standby with new amenity friends

Disney’s focus on families and its youngest guests extends well beyond ticket discounts and hotel bonuses. The parks are full of attractions and shows meant for them. During the Summer Fun Fest media presentation, we got sneak peeks at three new park activations that opened after Memorial Day. Animal Kingdom is now home (full-time) to Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station.

It’s a free-flowing interactive experience with dancing, games, and photo ops inspired directly by the show. The reaction from my four-year-old and the other kids in attendance to playing magic asparagus with Bluey and Bingo was exactly as joyous and exciting as you’d think. It was like the kids version of The Beatles arriving to play The Ed Sullivan Show.

Keepy Uppy with Bluey and Bingo!

The children at the event also went wild for the song, dance, and games addition that has arrived at the Magic Kingdom for the summer, Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue. Toy Story‘s Jessie, Woody, and friends have taken over the Diamond Horseshoe during Cool Kids’ Summer. Like with Bluey’s Wild World and the third activation, the returning GoofyCore experience at EPCOT, kids went wild for this show. All told my son spent an hour dancing and having the time of his life with all three activities.

GoofyCore remains undefeated

And for me? I didn’t have to do much more than enjoy watching him have fun while cast members helped keep him engaged and entertained.

Like I said last year, Cool Kids’ Summer is secretly just as much for parents as it is little ones.

You’ve got a friend in any cast member who keeps your kid dancing.

(Like its east coast counterpart, Disneyland Resort is also offering special experiences and discounts for little ones as part of its own Kids Rule Summer celebration. It features the Disney Friends Dance Party at DCA’s Disney Theater. You can also find Experiment-626 at Stitch’s Interplanetary Beach Party Blast at Tomorrowland. And there are new opportunities and characters in Galaxy’s Edge, as well as special ticket and hotel rates.)

My optimism as a park-loving Disney dad is about much more than special summertime activations, though. I’m far more excited about the permanent additions and updates that have arrived or are coming to Walt Disney World, because it’s obvious Disney is making a big family-centered investment in its parks. There are already far more characters and live-performers than there had been in years. They’ve added a kinetic energy that each park was clearly missing. Last year Magic Kingdom also introduced the lovely nighttime Starlight Parade. It’s exactly what it needed. My little guy loved Starlight the way I adored the old Main Street Electrical Parade when I was a kid.

A little nighttime Starlight magic

Walt Disney World’s signature theme park also just underwent two huge refurbishments on famous attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The latter was my son’s favorite ride last year. And while he loved it (and rode it) more than ever thanks to the ride’s special new blasters and targets, the former was his favorite this year. With good reason. Big Thunder Mountain has never been smoother or more fun.

(My son was obsessed with the new story behind Big Thunder. I never fully appreciated the storytelling aspect of Disney attractions until a toddler started asking me four million questions after every ride. Every time. And I do mean every ride, every time. Weeks later he’s still asking about the Na’vi after going on Na’vi River Journey at Animal Kingdom.)

The only actual nap my bubs took the whole long trip!

Magic Kingdom, which is getting a giant Carousel of Progress overhaul in 2027, will soon be home to the new Cars-themed Piston Peak and Villains Land as well. Meanwhile Hollywood Studios, where a refresh has made Smuggler’s Run a lot more re-rideable, is working on Monstropolis (which I got to visit) and Animal Kingdom is building its new Tropics of America area. These are giant, park-shifting changes that will offer even more experiences for youngsters and their families.

While those new lands are years away, Hollywood Studios has already opened an incredible new area. It couldn’t be anymore family-centered. The newly revamped Animation Courtyard is a big open whimsical space full of characters and shows for kids. I already covered the area and why it’s going to be even better in just a couple of months when The Magic of Animation opens. The multiple experience space, located next to the wonderful new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! kids’ show, will include the park’s first playground for little ones. It will also feature plenty of seating and charging stations for parents, another small but meaningful way Disney is prioritizing the big people who take little ones to the parks.

Nerdist

Another way Disney is trying to simplify things for grownups is by making things easier before you even arrive. The company is working on a big refresh of its Disney parks apps and websites. I attended a media panel about how they’re doing exactly that. Executives and designers talked about making the apps and sites less cluttered more intuitive. They’re also focused on making things easier for non-Disney veterans. They know booking, planning, and going to the parks can feel like a puzzle to solve. They also know not everyone knows what that puzzle even looks like.

I (generally) know how to use the apps and sites. Yet even after spending countless hours on both, there are still features I don’t know about. There are also ones I don’t like or wish existed. Some important elements are hard to locate even after you’ve already found them once. Disney has heard from guests about those problems. It is trying to make it easier for everyone to use, but in a way that won’t make newcomers feel overwhelmed . The goal is to make it so someone trying to book their first vacation doesn’t feel like they’re forgetting a bunch of things.

A surprise meeting with Goofy at our hotel

(I am generally enthusiastic about Disney’s efforts to make both booking a trip and using the apps once you’re in the parks less cumbersome. I’m less excited by the new AI search tool execs say they’re adding. It’s the one component the panel did not seem eager to elaborate on. It’s unclear if that’s because they know it’s a controversial subject or because they’re still developing the technology they plan to employ. In either case, they very intentionally did not get into specifics when asked about it.)

I’ve had wonderful times in Disney parks by myself or with just other grownups. Solo or adult-only trips are great. They’re also easier for the same reason taking young children anywhere is inherently harder. It’s less physical and emotional work to only worry about your own energy level, body temperature, and what you want to eat and drink. But you know what else rules? Seeing your kid’s face erupt in pure joy because he didn’t know Encanto‘s Mirabel was going to come to your table. Nothing compares to hearing him tell strangers about “the wildest ride in the West” while waiting to go back on his new favorite attraction. There’s simply nothing better than watching him give Mickey Mouse a hug.

Click To View Gallery The best Also the best The best reminder why it’s all worth it The dancing best

It’s a lot of time, money, and effort to make those moments happen. Any adult who has taken a small child to Disney knows why. They also know there’s no level of exhaustion or frustration, no amount of heat and humidity, they wouldn’t endure to see him their little ones that happy. So while Walt Disney World has evolved to become a place adults can enjoy on their own, it’s still a magical place to bring children. And Disney has made it priority to keep it that way. And it’s doing so by making it easier to visit with your kids.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. His bubs especially loves the “magic” pictures you can get with Photo Pass photographers. You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post How WALT DISNEY WORLD Embraces Its Youngest Guests and Families appeared first on Nerdist.

Fox is leveling up in the streaming game with a $22 billion dollar purchase of Roku. Yes, you read that figure right. That’s a whole lotta billions for Roku, the popular TV streaming platform that around 100 million people use.  Fox will acquire Roku for $160.00 per share in a combination of cash and Fox Class A common stock, in case you are wondering where that amount came from. Combining Fox’s stacked lineup of sports, entertainment, and news shows with Roku devices and its streaming channels is a big deal. It will make Fox more competitive with giants like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Fox

“This is a defining moment for Fox, and a natural extension of the deliberate and focused strategy we have been executing for nearly a decade,” said Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch. “Today, we take the next step: bringing together the most valuable live content portfolio in video consumption with the preeminent streaming platform through which America watches it.” 

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And, in case you are wondering, the competitor apps on Roku will continue to be available for consumers. The deal that Fox struck to buy Roku for $22 billion will likely finalize in early 2027, so we will have to wait and see what comes of this partnership. 

The post Fox Buys Roku for a Staggering $22 Billion Dollars appeared first on Nerdist.

For the first time in over 20 years, the beloved and enduring sci-fi series Doctor Who is taking an extended (and indefinite) break with a future that still feels uncertain. Fans were looking forward to a Christmas special, but now that’s cancelled. Recent showrunner Russell T Davies and his Bad Wolf production team are no longer involved with the show. No one has any idea who the next Doctor will be, but it surely will NOT be Billie Piper in the role. And it is not clear who the BBC will partner with next to bring Doctor Who to the masses, as the show is up for competitive tender. While it is disheartening to see Doctor Who in such a precarious position, a long-term break is exactly what the series needs right now. 

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In 2005, Doctor Who made a strong return to television after a hiatus since 1989. The revived show’s first two Doctors—Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor and David Tennant’s ever-popular Tenth Doctor—catapulted Doctor Who into a modern era with global success. A new wave of Who fans joined Classic era lovers as the BBC pumped out merchandise, encouraged live-tweeting, and consistently delivered seasons that felt cohesive and fresh. Podcasts popped up all over the place and Doctor Who fan conventions were busier than ever. The years went by and, although there were some bumps and not-so-great episodes/arcs along the way, the general consensus was that Doctor Who provided a solid blueprint for commercial sci-fi success. 

Things became even more exciting for Doctor Who’s swelling and diverse fanbase when Jodie Whittaker stepped into the role in 2018. With companions like Ryan Sinclair and Yasmin Khan by her side, this TARDIS team felt deeply representative of the show’s global fanbase. However, Doctor Who’s ongoing train of time and space adventures began to lose its creative steam.

BBC/Disney+/Bad Wolf Studios

Seasons 12 and 13, the latter of which was both truncated and overstuffed, were largely uneven with massive changes to the Doctor’s backstory that didn’t sit well with the fandom overall. Payoffs felt less epic and satisfying, with some pretty forgettable foes. And, the fandom became more divided than ever, with certain people (you know the ones) unfairly blaming the show’s creative stumbles on its diverse cast.

The television watching landscape also changed significantly, with more shows going straight to a growing number of streaming services. In a world with seemingly endless options and some incredibly consistent and solid shows, Doctor Who’s viewership experienced a continuous decline. 

The 2023 anniversary specials felt like a grab for nostalgia, bringing Donna Noble into the mix and giving David Tennant the chance to briefly play the Fourteenth Doctor. Were they enjoyable episodes? Sure. Did they do much to honor the milestone legacy and lore of Doctor Who as a whole? Not really. 

Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor showed much promise as Russell T Davies returned to helm the series and a big streaming partnership with Disney+. However, Gatwa’s run was more chaotically creative, with massive mysteries like Ruby’s mom coming to a fizzle and episodes that were flat out stinkers. Uneven character and plot development riddled the season and often undermined the genuinely great chemistry between Gatwa and Millie Gibson. For every gem like “73 Yards” and “Rogue,” there were episodes and conclusions that made their punch feel weaker.

Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf

The same goes for Gatwa’s second and final season, with a conclusion that led to a disappointing and bizarre ending for both Fifteen and Belinda Chandra. The “odes” to the past were not very seamless and there was nothing particularly interesting that pushed the Doctor forward as a character. Again, there were far too many people who wanted to blame progressive casting and themes for the show’s decline when it was simply not well packaged together with inconsistent tone and quality overall. 

A hiatus gives the BBC a chance to not only carefully vet and secure a new partnership for its future, but for there to be meaningful conversations about future leadership and creative strategy. What is the structure of a season in terms of storytelling format, number of episodes, and release schedule? How does Doctor Who compete in a world where streaming has a far stronger foothold than it did 20 years ago? What are ways to bridge the gap between generations and honor the show’s long-standing legacy yet still push it forward?

Those are just a few questions that require time and deep thought to ensure that this next foundational overhaul is solid. Personally, I’d rather see a return to earlier form with more practical effects and props versus super CGI-heavy effects, and return to some darker, weirder, and more grounded storytelling that still sends poignant messages about hope, humanity, and the future. Also, as a long time lover of this franchise, I think Doctor Who is not as weird and quirky as it used to be. Bring back those eccentric vibes over something far more polished that looks and feels, well, a little too much like most things on TV.

BBC/Bad Wolf Studios/Disney+

Most of us don’t love the long waits between seasons of a show in our post-COVID world. But, in this case, absence really can make the heart grow fonder. With Doctor Who streaming on AMC+ and Big Finish Audios giving us fresh stories, fans who feel a bit disconnected from the fandom can reconnect with the series and reignite that passion for it.

Unlike newer shows that are frequently flash-in-the-pan, forgotten successes, Doctor Who has staying power through its fandom and core principles. It will never, ever not be cool to see an humanoid alien with two hearts travel in a space box that’s bigger on the inside. That type of wonder, joy, and even danger is an escape that we all increasingly crave in fraught times.

As a fandom, whether we’ve loved, hated, or felt indifferent about a certain character, episode, or arc, we forget that we’ve had quite the luxury of having this era of the series around for two decades. We need that time not only to miss it, but to find creative ways to maintain and build new connections and perhaps stop giving voice and platforms to people who only mean to incite division and push harmful and horrible rhetoric. Nothing is above criticism, but it is something different when bigotry clouds the lens.

Current fans aside, newbies also have a chance to dive into the Whoniverse and eagerly wait for the day it returns. Because, as far as the BBC has stated, it will indeed return. For fans who truly love Doctor Who, the wait will be worth it if the BBC takes its time to recalibrate the series and set it on an exciting new trajectory. 

The post Why DOCTOR WHO and Its Fandom Need This Hiatus appeared first on Nerdist.

A group made up of dozens of cybersecurity experts urged the White House to remove export control restrictions on Anthropic’s models Fable and Mythos, arguing that the order is going to limit the ability of cybersecurity defenders to secure their software and products.

SpaceX's IPO underwriters maxed out their share purchases, adding to an already historic amount of money raised.