World Warrior Tournament Countdown Hints at a STREET FIGHTER Trailer

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 15:00

The World Warrior Tournament, aka Street Fighter, is returning. Recently, flyers have been popping up all around the world… and they seem to tease that the upcoming Street Fighter movie is doing something exciting. Each flyer betrays a QR code that leads to a live countdown. And that countdown culminates on April 16. What Street Fighter excitment lays in store for us? We get the sense there might be a Street Fighter trailer that arrives when that buzzer sounds. I hope you’re ready, because the time has come. ROUND ONE…FIGHT!

Legendary Pictures and Capcom’s live-action Street Fighter movie is one we’re excited for. With a stacked cast and iconic story, we’re gearing up for greatness. Less than a year away from the film’s release, we’ll hopefully get a major sneak peek at the Street Fighter movie in the form of a trailer. For now, the World Warrior Tournament is back, baby. As we mentioned, all kinds of flyers have been popping up around the world to celebrate. Even current game director Takayuki Nakayama joins in on the fun.

In addition to leading you to that exciting live countdown, each Street Fighter flyer features delightful Easter eggs that reference the film’s 1993 setting. The design features a Shadaloo logo in the globe, the iconic Guile line “Go home and be a family,” and the cast laid out to mirror the game’s player select screen. The countdown site plays “Guile’s Theme,” another reference to the game. WWE superstar Cody Rhodes will play Guile in the movie.

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Some flyers have also been thoughtfully placed in ways that reference specific stages in the Street Fighter game. For example, one flyer in Japan found its home in a Japanese bath house, signifying E. Honda’s stage in Street Fighter II. Another flyer in the U.S. can be seen at a marina, referencing Battle Harbor.

Paramount Pictures/Capcom

There are many more where those came from. People have spotted other Street Fighter flyers in Italy, Brazil, Australia, Germany, France, and New York City. The final countdown to the World Warrior Tournament has begun, and we’re ready to rumble. Paramount Pictures will distribute Street Fighter. ROUND ONE begins in October of 2026.

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CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE Casts Thuso Mbedu, Cynthia Erivo, Tosin Cole, Idris Elba, and More for Afro-Fantasy Adventure

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 14:39

Tomi Adeyemi’s Afro-fantasy world is coming to live-action life with Children of Blood and Bone, a film based on her 2018 book of the same name. For those who aren’t familiar, the series follows Zélie Adebola, a diviner who wants to restore magic to her people after an oppressive monarchy ran by King Saran took it away from them. The film has been gestating for a couple of years now with book lovers fancasting their favorite characters. No matter what anyone possibly came up with, it cannot top the reality of the cast for Children of Blood and Bone. This listing includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood along with rising stars who will certainly do this universe justice. 

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According to Variety, Thuso Mbedu will star as Zélie. She previously starred in The Woman King, which was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, alongside Viola Davis and Lashana Lynch. Interestingly, Prince-Bythewood will direct Children of Blood and Bone and Davis will also have a role as Mama Agba. The Woman King reunion also includes Lynch, who plays Jumoke. Ayedemi will serve as an executive producer. 

Sony Pictures/Universal Pictures/DC Studios

Doctor Who alum Tosin Cole takes on a role as Zélie’s big brother Tzain. The sibling duo will form an alliance with King Saran’s daughter Amari (played by Amandla Stenberg) and son Inan (Damson Idris) to fight against him. And who is King Saran? Why, none other than Chiwetel Ejiofor, of course. Cynthia Ervio and Idris Elba round out the stellar Children of Blood and Bone movie cast as Admiral Kaea and Lekan, respectively.

Additionally, these actors are in negotiations to join the film:

Regina King – Queen Nehanda

Diaana Babnicova – Folake

Bukky Bakray – Binta

Marvel Studios/BBC StudiosWhat Is the Release Date for Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone will hit theaters on January 15, 2027.

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AI datacenter startup Fluidstack in talks for $1B round at $18B valuation months after hitting $7.5B, says report

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 14:33
Fundraising is reportedly flowing for Fluidstack after it secured a $50 billion deal to build data centers for Anthropic.
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AIR BUD RETURNS Will Hit Theaters in August

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 14:30

I’ve been a big sports fan all my life, so I know leagues are not always quick to adapt. I also know they’re not always well-run. But at this point you’d think they would know you have to make a rule that says dogs can’t play. You just have to. Otherwise you end up with a golden retriever in tiny sneakers dropping dimes. And yet, after almost thirty years and 14 movies, they still haven’t. They. Still. Haven’t.

And that’s how we’re about to get a 15th installment, Air Bud Returns. There was even a major search for the next Air Bud and the competition was so stiff that there are actually two winners. Meet Charlie and Summer, two pure bred Golden Retrievers who have the personality, style, and basketball playing skills to be Buddy in the next Air Bud movie.

Variety reports Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment are working on another film in a franchise that began in 1997. The latest movie will, somehow, be the series’ 15th installment. If you’re curious how we’ve already had 14 of these films, that’s because 1998’s Air Bud: Golden Receiver, the first sequel, was the last to premiere in theaters. The next 12 were all direct-to-video releases. That includes the Buddies and Santa Paws spinoffs. You know, those movies we all collectively remember and watched a bunch of times

Air Bud Entertainment

Air Bud Entertaiment founder Robert Vince will write and direct this new film. It’s a dual role he’s very familiar with. He’s already pulled that double duty on ten previous installments. He was also a producer on all of the series’ early films and on Santa Paws. His direct connection to the original Air Bud is especially encouraging. Even if he didn’t write it, he gets to claim partial credit for giving moviegoers one of the most iconic lines in Hollywood history, “Ain’t no rules say the dog can’t play basketball.”

A press release shared by Variety provides a synopsis for the film. It unexpectedly meta.

In Air Bud Returns, 12-year old Jacob has always dreamt of being a star basketball player. After the passing of his father, that dream felt even more impossible. But everything changes when he and his mom move into his dad’s childhood home in Fernfield. There, Jacob discovers an original VHS of the Air Bud movie in his father’s belongings and has a chance meeting of a stray golden retriever he names Buddy. Together they embark on a journey of healing, unite a team of misfits, and chase a championship. Through it all they learn to play from the heart, believe in each other, and always take the shot!

Air Bud Returns will begin production soon in the same place they filmed the original, Fort Langley, British Columbia. The film will arrive in theaters on August 21, which is actually National Golden Retrievers Day. And it’s all possible because even after 28 years, sports leagues still haven’t made a rule about dogs playing.

Originally published July 24, 2025.

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SPIDER-MAN: BEYOND THE SPIDER-VERSE First Images Set an Emotional Tone

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 13:26

CinemaCon 2026 has given us some pretty electrifying sneak peaks so far. Hosted in Las Vegas, the annual trade show event provides major film studios a platform to share exclusive intel and updates on upcoming projects. Sony Pictures, specifically, takes the cake on that front. On April 13, the major studio kicked off with not one, not two, but three major announcements of what’s to come. Sony announced the title for the next Jumanji film (Jumanji: Open World), gave more intel into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and, finally, dropped from fabulous first images for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Let’s take a closer look at the emotionally striking images. Click To View Gallery Sony Pictures Sony Pictures Sony Pictures Sony Pictures

The animated Spider-Verse trilogy is celebrated for its striking visuals and vibrant sequences. On top of emotional, complex storytelling, its one of the things that makes it so great. The images released at CinemaCon reveal some pretty exciting things about the next chapter of the Spider-Verse. Besides teasing the return of the ever-rebellious Spider-Punk, the images reveal a glimpse of Miles’ dad and uncles as their younger selves. Is this teasing a flashback sequence? One can hope. Uncle Aaron faced a very emotional death after Kingpen shot him in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Miles had a strong bond with his uncle and was heavily impacted by his death. It is exciting for fans to get a closer look into the past lives of the Davis brothers.

Another image has Miles embracing his dad on the hood of a car, showcasing their bond. I hate to say it but, piecing a few of the visual clues together, things aren’t looking swell for Miles’ dad. The image of Spider-Punk includes text, which reads: “Gonna save your dad.” This could technically mean anyone, but there’s not a lot of options that make sense. It’s safe to say that Jeff Davis might be in danger. Finally, we see an exceedingly vibrant shot of Miguel O’ Hara winding up a shot at Miles.

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In Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, Miles faces himself in an unfamiliar place. We see more of this universe’s Miles, who is the Prowler. Meanwhile, Gwen and her Spider-crew go on a mission to rescue Miles from the wrong universe.

Sony Pictures

Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse wraps up the trilogy. The film swings into theaters on June 18, 2027.

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Adria Arjona Joins MAN OF TOMORROW, But as Maxima or Wonder Woman?

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 12:11

Adria Arjona, who many know from her recent role on Andor as Bix Caleen, has officially been cast in Man of Tomorrow, James Gunn’s follow-up to Superman. But which character is Adria Arjona playing in the DCU movie? The Hollywood Reporter says it’s for an undisclosed role. Meanwhile, Deadline reports that the part is for the alien queen known as Maxima. However, DC Studios’ head honcho James Gunn recently said that all reports of casting for Maxima are, in his words, “bullshit.” Could it be that Adria Arjona is actually playing Wonder Woman? Some reports suggest Princess Diana of Themyscira has a tiny cameo, akin to Milly Alcock’s Supergirl in Superman, securing her for future films.DC Comics/Lucasfilm

Since the Superman sequel has Brainiac as its lead villain, Maxima makes sense on paper. The intergalactic ruler of the planet Almerac played a big role in the classic Superman story, “Panic in the Sky,” which featured Brainiac invading Earth (and you can snag it to read here). But Gunn has already stated that “Panic in the Sky” won’t be a big influence on Man of Tomorrow. If that’s the case, it makes even more sense for Adria Arjona to play Wonder Woman in the DCU. We’ve all seen how good an actress she is on Andor, and there’s no doubt she captures the essence of Diana Prince. We think she’d nail either role, but Wonder Woman just feels like a better fit.

If Adria Arjona is indeed Maxima in Man of Tomorrow, we hope she’s not as one-dimensional in the DCU as she is in the comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #645 back in 1990. As the superpowered ruler of the planet Almerac, she was looking to seduce Superman into becoming her husband. When she failed, her people exiled her to Earth. There, Maxima was briefly a Justice League member. She also had a memorable episode of Superman: The Animated Series in the ’90s, and appeared on Smallville as well. But we’re honestly hoping that Adira Arjona has landed the far more important role of Wonder Woman. The DCU needs its Trinity. We have our Superman, possibly Wonder Woman, and now, we really need our DCU Batman.

Gunn has already said Adria Arjona would be a great Wonder Woman, so here’s hoping that’s the case for his new DCU.

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!

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Someone planted backdoors in dozens of WordPress plugins used in thousands of websites

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 11:31
Dozens of WordPress plugins were allegedly hijacked to push malware after they were sold to a new corporate owner.
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YOUNG SHERLOCK Gets Quick Season 2 Renewal

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 11:14

Season one of Young Sherlock, a prequel about a rookie Sherlock Holmes, has only been out for a few weeks. But it’s already a tremendous hit for Prime Video right out of the gate. Now, the streamer has officially renewed the series for a second season. Usually, we get early cancellation news, so it’s nice for once to get the opposite. Through its first 28 days of release, Young Sherlock amassed a whopping 45 million viewers. It already ranks among the top ten Prime Video original seasons of all time. Guy Ritchie, who directed the pilot episode (and two Sherlock Holmes films), will return to helm the season two premiere episode.Prime Video

In a statement, Amazon MGM Studios’ Peter Friedlander said the following about Young Sherlock’s success and upcoming second season:

Young Sherlock has that rare magic—millions of fans around the world aren’t just watching a detective story, they’re falling in love with the origin of an icon. Guy Ritchie and Matthew Parkhill have cracked the code on making Sherlock’s early years feel fresh, dangerous, and utterly addictive, and have introduced a compelling take on James Moriarty that sets the stage for what’s to come. We can’t wait to see where they take him next in Season Two.

Focusing on the youthful future premier detective of London, the first season found Holmes meeting his future rival, James Moriarty. It doesn’t take long for Sherlock to entangle himself in a murder investigation that unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy. And as this is a Guy Ritchie production, there are lots of fistfights. Along with Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the titular role, Young Sherlock also features Dónal Finn (The Wheel of Time), Zine Tseng (3-Body Problem), and iconic actors Joseph Fiennes and Colin Firth. For those of you looking to catch up, the first eight episodes of Young Sherlock season one are all available on Prime Video.

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Anthropic co-founder confirms the company briefed the Trump administration on Mythos

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 11:09
In an interview at the Semafor World Economy summit this week, Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark explained why the company was still engaged with the U.S. government while simultaneously suing them.
Categories: Nerd News

London gets closer to its first robotaxi service as Waymo begins testing

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 11:00
Waymo's commercial service will eventually follow testing if the U.K. government approves.
Categories: Nerd News

Sony’s Tom Rothman Slams Theaters for Endless Pre-Show Ads

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 10:50

Tom Rothman, Chairman of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, has a notoriously big mouth when it comes to riling up theater owners at CinemaCon. The outspoken executive is a passionate defender of the movie-going experience, unafraid to call out its many percieved enemies. You may recall one of his more notorious retorts from 2017, “Netflix, my ass.” At this year’s CinemaCon, Rothman turned his attention toward theater operators, slamming them for long pre shows and expensive ticket pricing. Sony Animation

“What I’m about to say, I say as a lifelong defender of movie theaters. But I urge you all now to make some hard choices for the long term rather than the short-term health of your business,” said Rothman. “Now is your own Olympic moment with three immediate goals.”

Rothman began by urging the enforcement of longer theatrical windows. Once the clapping died down for that one, he addressed a far bigger annoyance: lengthy ad breaks and pre-shows. As I’m sure anyone who frequents the theater knows, preshows last close to thirty minutes nowadays. That’s as a result of sandwiching ads into the previews. Trailers are a vital part of the movie-going experience, and even I can agree that the amount of ads has gotten a little out of hand.

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“Get off the ad crack,” Rothman put bluntly. “Infrequent moviegoers come at the showtime and hate being forced to watch endless commercials, which they don’t have to do at home where the movies are free.”

His final concern is rising ticket prices. “Affordability is by far the number one economic issue along the majority of Americans. Going to the movies must be more affordable again. I know business has been tough. I’m not heckling; I’m rooting for you because many of you have made wonderful investments in upgrading your theaters.”

Sony/Marvel Studios

According to Rothman, this couldn’t be a more perfect time to strengthen the movie-going experience. The 2026 box office is looking to be among the best in years. With that, Rothman stepped down from his proverbial soapbox.

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Hollywood A-Listers Release Open Letter Opposing Paramount-Warner Merger

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 10:36

It’s been headline after nauseating headline about Paramount Skydance’s megadeal to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery. You’ve heard about it. I’ve heard about it. We’ve all heard about it. It all became official after Netflix dropped out of the hostile bidding race earlier this year, giving Skydance free rein. To put it mildly, Hollywood isn’t happy about the acquisition. On Monday, April 13, more than one thousand A-List names tossed an open letter expressing their “unequivocal opposition.” Attached to that letter include bold-faced names such as Bryan Cranston, J.J. Abrams, Glenn Close, and several others. Paramount has since responded, claiming the merger will give creatives more avenues for their work. Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery

The open letter was released by an alliance of groups, including Norm Eisen’s Democracy Defenders Fund and Jane Fonda’s Committee for the First Amendment. A throng of actors, directors, producer, and other creatives can be found on the list of signatories. Some A-List examples include Jason Bateman, Ben Stiller, Pedro Pascal, Rose Byrne, Denis Villeneuve, and Yorgos Lanthimos.

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“This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries, and the audiences we serve, can least afford it,” the letter reads. “The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world. Alarmingly, this merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four.”

“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritize the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good. The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised.”

In addition, some individuals spoke out on social media. Damon Lindelof shared his complicated thoughts in an Instagram post.

How Did Paramount Respond?

Shortly following the letter, Paramount spoke up to address the situation. Below is an exerpt of the company statement. You can read the full statement in an article on Deadline.

“This transaction uniquely brings together complementary strengths to create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale—while strengthening competition by ensuring multiple scaled players are investing in creative talent.

We have been clear in our commitments to do just that: increasing output to a minimum of 30 high-quality feature films annually with full theatrical releases, continuing to license content, and preserving iconic brands with independent creative leadership —ensuring creators have more avenues for their work, not fewer.” – Paramount Skydance

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Sorry Paramount, but no amount of talking is going to make people who’ve made up their minds see things any differently. Media consolidation is, by any stretch of the term, bad. We need competition. We need varying viewpoints. Monopolies simply do more harm than good. Hollywood isn’t afraid to speak out, and this letter is proof of that. You can read the open letter in its entirety here.

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HOKUM Trailer Is a Haunting Horror Tale

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 10:34

Horror fans rejoice! There’s a new trailer for Hokum, the haunted house thriller from Neon that will hit theaters on May 1. We’ve seen a few looks at this very creepy flick, but star Adam Scott himself made a special appearance during NEON’s presentation at CinemaCon 2026 to debut a new trailer for those in the audience. And yes, Nerdist is one of the lucky ones to get a peek at this new Hokum trailer. Hopefully, it will hit the internet soon!NEON

He says making the film was incredible and that there are moments that will stay with you long after leaving the theater. We get into the crux of the film’s folklore about a witch that lived a long time ago. Scott’s character is basically in a hotel from hell but doesn’t buy into any of the whispers and rumors about its hauntings. Always, always listen to those around you, especially if you’re in a very weird looking abode that’s far from the city.

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That obviously doesn’t work in his favor and, well, we get some pretty frightening images of what he will face. We cannot wait to see what truly unfolds when Hokum hits theaters.

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YouTube livestreams will now hold back ads during peak engagement to protect the vibe

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 10:18
Until now, the only way to avoid seeing ads was by paying for a YouTube Premium subscription.
Categories: Nerd News

Max Hodak’s Science Corp. is preparing to place its first sensor in a human brain

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 10:13
Human trials on the hybrid sensor are expected to begin in the years ahead.
Categories: Nerd News

Google adds AI Skills to Chrome to help you save favorite workflows

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 10:00
Google is adding “Skills” to Chrome, letting users save and reuse AI prompts across websites. The feature builds on Gemini’s browser integration.
Categories: Nerd News

How the rewards app Freecash scammed its way to the top of the app stores

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 09:43
Freecash was removed from Apple's App Store after TechCrunch reached out for comment.
Categories: Nerd News

New SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY Synopsis Teases (Dangerous) ‘Surprising Physical Evolution’

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 09:39

If Peter Parker falls off a New York City skyscraper and no one knows who he is, does he make a sound? Please don’t bother trying to answer that very silly question, because we all know Tom Holland’s web slinger is going to cause a ruckus at the box office when he returns as the iconic character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. What will this new chapter for the (currently anonymous) superhero look like? What will Peter Parker be doing when he wears his super suit? Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

A new Spider-Man: Brand New Day synopsis teases us with a little bit more information, it shares, “After the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way HomeSpider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he’s devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.”

Here’s everything we know about Spider-Man: Brand New Day so far.

TitleMarvel Studios

Tom Holland’s fourth standalone film as everyone’s favorite neighborhood hero is called Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The movie takes its title from the 2008 Marvel Comics series. Its storyline shares many similarities with the current plight of the MCU’s character, as it followed Peter Parker after a universe-changing event undid his marriage to MJ. The series was part of a controversial Spider-Man storyline that upset some fans.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Plot Marvel Comics

Marvel Studios and Sony have not released any official information about Spider-Man: Brand New Day‘s plot. Tom Holland has called the film “a fresh start” for the character following the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home. That film, which completed the Spider-Man Home Trilogy, ended with Doctor Strange casting a spell that made everyone in the universe forget Peter Parker existed. While not the same, that monumental event is similar to Peter’s situation in the comic book series the movie gets its title from.

We do know when it takes place in the MCU’s timeline. A description for the movie that comes with its official art book, Spider-Man: Brand New Day – The Art Of The Movie, shares, “Four years have gone by since we last caught up with our friendly neighborhood hero.” That’s right, Spider-Man: Brand New Day officially takes place four years after Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The synopsis for the Spider-Man art book additionally shares of Brand New Day, “Four years have gone by since we last caught up with our friendly neighborhood hero. Peter Parker is no more, but Spider-Man is at the top of his game keeping New York City safe. Things are going well for our anonymous hero until an unusual trail of crimes pulls him into a web of mystery larger than he’s ever faced before. In order to take on what’s ahead, Spider-Man not only needs to be at the top of his physical and mental game, but he must also be prepared to face the repercussions of his past!”

A second synopsis adds to this offering, “After the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way HomeSpider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he’s devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.”

That lines up with comments franchise producer/steward Amy Pascal provided about the film. She told Deadline‘s Behind the Lens, “We have to deal with the fact that he decided he was going to give up being Peter Parker, and he was gonna focus on being Spider-Man, because being Peter Parker was too hard. So that’s what the movie is about.”

Marvel Studios

We also know it won’t be rated R. Kevin Feige has confirmed it will feature a more family-friendly version of Jon Bernthal’s Punisher. Feige revealed, “When Punisher is in the Spider-Man movie, it’ll be a different tonality” than when he’s in his own TV-MA rated Disney+ special. But Punisher WILL appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, shares the Marvel boss.

Behind the Scenes Marvel Studios

Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) is taking over directing duties from Jon Watts. Cretton took to Instagram in December 2025 to confirm that filming is done.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Cast Sony/Marvel Studios

Zendaya and Jacob Batalon will return alongside Holland as Peter Parker’s memory-wiped love interest and best friend/guy in the chair MJ and Ned. Sadie Sink will also join the MCU in a still unreleased major role. (Jean Gray, perhaps?)

Netflix

One actor whose role we do know is Jon Bernthal’s. He will make his MCU movie debut as the Punisher, Frank Castle. The vigilante might very well be Peter’s unexpected ally.

Marvel Studios/Netflix

Most recently, it was reported that Marvin Jones III will play Tombstone in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Tombstone is recurring Spider-Man villain and one of New York’s worst crime bosses in the Marvel Universe. Marvin Jones III also voiced Tombstone in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Sony/CWSpider-Man: Brand New Day’s Release Date

Spider-Man: Brand New Day will swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.

Originally published on June 23, 2025.

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GODZILLA MINUS ZERO Stomps CinemaCon With Its First Teaser

The Nerdist - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 09:31

Godzilla Minus Zero is perhaps one of our most anticipated film of 2026. Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, this sequel to the 2023 smash hit Godzilla Minus One will bring big kaiju action to the screen in November. At CinemaCon 2026, we got to witness a slice of greatness with the first trailer for Godzilla Minus Zero. Yamazaki himself graced the stage to give us this exclusive first look. He thanked the audience for remembering the importance of seeing films in theaters. Don’t worry, we are sure that trailer will hit the internet pretty soon, and will update this post when it arrives! Nerdist

And, we just love the poster that we saw while roaming the halls. Godzilla Minus Zero picks up after the tumultuous events of Godzilla Minus One in 1949 and it will continue to follow the same family once more. The clip shows war action and a glimpse at the state of the world. And, there’s new chaos afoot as we see kaiju action right beside the Statue of Liberty. There was also a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s epic scale and set building. Godzilla Minus Zero releases on November 6, 2026 in the US, and it will also be in IMAX.

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Financial risk management platform Pillar raises $20M seed in round led by a16z

TechCrunch - Tue, 04/14/2026 - 09:05
Pillar's investors include a16z, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Crucible Capital and Gallery Ventures.
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