The Nerdist

⚡ Quick Take

• Praise be to Zeus! Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will arrive on digital platforms and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 17.
• The Odyssey has already broken box office records and become the highest -grossing R-rated film of all time.
• The film will have Oppenheimer’s same 4-month theatrical-to-digital window.
• Nerdist’s take: We can’t wait to watch this Homeric epic on our giant flat screen televisions this fall.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey stormed into theaters in July, shattering box office records, proving that no home theater experience can truly match the wonder of the big screen. Having said that, we still want Nolan’s version of Homer’s Greek epic in our home theaters. And very soon, we will. Universal Home Video, via Variety, has announced The Odyssey will land on digital to own and for rental on November 17. And in an unusual move, The Odyssey will also arrive on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on the same day. These days, the digital release gets preferential treatment, often arriving a full month before the disc. Nice to see Nolan flexed his deep love for physical media here.

Universal Pictures

The Odyssey features an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, and many others. And it has now topped Deadpool & Wolverine as the top-earning R-rated film in history. It has now earned a whopping $1.35 billion worldwide, and still counting the box office receipts. The IMAX version contributed a sizable $257 million of that box office revenue. And it’s not remotely done yet in terms of its theatrical run.

The Odyssey has become the biggest hit of Christopher Nolan’s career, and the highest-grossing film in the IMAX format. And it’s certainly due to receive many Oscar nominations. It could even win Best Picture for Nolan again, fairly soon after his Oppenheimer win. So take that, all of you online trolls who were predicting it would flop just a month ago. Not so tough talking now, huh? The Odyssey will arrive at home a mere four months from when it hit theaters. These days, a four-month exclusive theatrical window is nothing to sneeze at, as many films go digital in weeks. We can’t wait to hear that Cyclops scream in our home theaters.

Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

The post THE ODYSSEY Arrives on Digital and 4K Ultra HD in November appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• At D23, Disney announced it is going to fix Animal Kingdom’s broken yeti animatronic.
• Repairing one animatronic might sound like a minor issue, but represents something bigger for Disney’s most dedicated fans.

The most unexpected announcement at this year’s D23 Experiences Showcase was relatively small. It had nothing to do with a new ride, new cruise ship, or new land. One of the night’s biggest roars came when Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum said Walt Disney World is fixing a single animatronic, the broken yeti on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. And while repairing one animatronic might sound like a minor issue, what it represents couldn’t be bigger for Disney’s most dedicated fans.

Disney

For nearly 20 years, Animal Kingdom’s beloved Expedition Everest roller coaster has had a huge problem: its gigantic yeti doesn’t work. Before this year’s D23 there was no reason to think it would anytime soon. Most fans never got to see the infamous beast sweep at them as they passed. The enormous, highly-advanced yeti stopped working in 2027 just six months after the ride opened. But that hasn’t stopped guests from loving the highly-rated attraction. There’s no reason to think it has stopped anyone from visiting the park, either. Expedition Everest has always been great even without its great audio-animatronic. That would have continued to be true. And that’s why this news goes well beyond a single animatronic or ride.

“We’re talking about 1.5 seconds.” That’s what a lead Imagineer told me about the yeti the morning after the Experiences Showcase. In another context, that would be a reasonable justification for why Disney still wasn’t planning to fix it anytime soon. The fantastic ride is nearly three thrilling minutes long, and even in its broken state, the stationary animatronic has always been part of the attraction. For nearly two decades, it has run in “B mode,” which simulates movement via flashing lights. That has earned it a very funny moniker Mazloum referenced on stage: “the Disco Yeti.”

The Disco Yeti was obviously good enough. But the original working version…my goodness. Even two decades later, it looks as good as any animatronic made today. Here’s behind-the-scenes footage of the 25-foot (yes, 25-foot!) beast in action.

Why hasn’t Disney fixed it before? Rumors have long said that would require a lengthy closure of the ride. Some said the Mouse House would need to take part of the mountain apart. Would it be worth it to close Expedition Everest for a year or longer for something that you barely see on a roller coaster everyone loves anyway? Especially when Animal Kingdom has the fewest thrill rides of the four Walt Disney World parks?

There’s no reason to think that was even an option. (And not just because Disney fan theories are notoriously wrong in spectacular fashion.) It might not have been feasible until now. The Imagineer I spoke with has been with the company for a long time, but he said even he wasn’t sure exactly what efforts had been made previously. All he knew was that they now had a way to fix it* and they would. Not in spite of the effect only lasting 1.5 seconds, but because of it. He made clear Disney and Imagineers know it’s time to get this right because even those small brief moment of magic matter. They’re fixing it because they can and they should, even if (left unsaid) it might not make sense financially. This is a case where story, imagineering, and the guest experience is trumpeting budget.

In the words of Mickey Mouse, “Hot dog!”

Nerdist

*Obviously, if even possible, fixing the yeti would have been quite the undertaking before. Something has changed with what they can do and how. So I asked the Imagineer if the new approach they’ve come up with means it will now be a quick fix. He said, “If it were easy it would already be done.” FAIR. What that means for the actual amount of time/ride closure they’ll need to mend the animatronic is unclear. I also don’t expect that work to begin until after Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas opens (hopefully) some time next year.

Mazloum ended the Experiences Showcase by saying Dreamfinder—a long abandoned character most Disney World visitors don’t know or remember—is coming back, as Disney is fixing its dated Figment ride. And the company said it is doing so for the best reason. Mazloum told the Honda Center crowd, “We’ve heard you, and this is one more way we’re putting you in the center of everything we do.” Without action that might sound like empty lip service, and it’s not only easy but smart to generally treat conglomerate announcements about loving their fans with some healthy skepticism. But Disney seems intent on proving they really are listening to fans. And if you care about the parks you should feel good about what you heard. Those in attendance certainly did.

Disney+

That Figment announcement was the only one that garnered the same kind of reaction as the yeti news. A room full of the most dedicated, knowledgeable, obsessive park fans—on a night when Disney announced new lands, new attractions, and whole new experiences—went the most wild for about a single animatronic and a single character return. And they did because those announcements aren’t just great unto themselves, they symbolize something much bigger to be excited about

The people who most care about Everest’s broken yeti and EPCOT’s Figment were going back to the parks even without those being address. Disney didn’t really need to fix either attraction to keep those fans from spending their money in the parks. If you know about the Disco Yeti or have long missed Dreamfinder you’re already sold on the Disney experience. Now you can feel good knowing Disney isn’t taking you or your love for its parks for granted. Because while something like Piston Peak, Villains Land, or an expanded Avengers Campus will always help draw new fans/new money, old fans clearly matter to the Mouse House, too.

Soon the yeti will roar again on Expedition Everest. When he does a great ride will get even better, and for the best reason. Not because Disney needs to say goodbye to Disco to draw customers, but because Disney thinks Disney’s most loyal fans deserve to see him in action for 1.5 wonderful seconds.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. He’ll be first in line to see the working Yeti back in action. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post Why Disney Fixing Broken Yeti Animatronic Is the Best News appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• HBO Max has officially greenlit DC Studios’ The People v. Gorilla Grodd.
• American Vandal creators Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault will serve as showrunners.
• The half-hour comedy series will star Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen and Jimmy Tatro as Gorilla Grodd.
• NERDIST TAKE: We’re wondering if the Flash is going to pop up. Somehow, we have a feeling Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner will appear.

We’ve been hearing about an HBO show about Jimmy Olsen and Gorilla Grodd from DC Studios for almost a year now, with various titles given. One of them was DC Crime, which James Gunn later debunked. Well, at last, we have not only a name for the series, The People v. Gorilla Grodd, but we officially have a full season order from HBO Max. The series consists of eight episodes, and HBO describes it as a half-hour comedy series. Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen from Superman, with Jimmy Tatro playing Gorilla Grodd. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, creators of Netflix’s American Vandal, will serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers, with Yacenda directing all episodes.

Here’s the series’ official description:

A superintelligent ape is convicted of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. In an eight-part “true” crime docuseries, the Daily Planet’s Jimmy Olsen reopens the case, investigating whether Gorilla Grodd was wrongly convicted in one of Metropolis’ most famous murder trials.

DC Studios/DC Comics

Right now, the series will star several Superman cast members, including Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, and Wendell Pierce as Perry White. The series also stars Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Arian Moayed, Dan Perrault, Andrew Leeds, and Tim Baltz. From the looks of it, David Corenswet’s Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane won’t appear, but they could always make a surprise cameo.

DC Studios/HBO Max

Our real question as DC fans is if any other major DC Comics heroes appear. Especially if Superman is not the hero who fought and captured Gorilla Grodd. Specifically, we’re wondering if the Flash is going to pop up. But we’d love to see any DC hero. Somehow, we have a feeling Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner will appear. He seems to be the DCU’s lucky charm. No premiere date was given, but we would be surprised to see it before 2028.

Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

The post HBO Max Greenlights THE PEOPLE V. GORILLA GRODD Comedy Series appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• We went on a survival adventure to celebrate Fall 2: Deadpoint and brought back some survival ASMR videos for you.

Want to watch a movie that makes you feel so much like you’re about to fall off the edge of a cliff that you forget literally every other trouble in your life? Well, you’ll have to wait until Fall 2: Deadpoint releases on September 2 for that… Although you don’t have to wait to buy tickets because they’re on sale today. But in celebration of the movie, Fall 2: Deadpoint took Nerdist Editor-in-Chief Rotem Rusak and some other press for a real-life reenactment of the movie that you can enjoy right now. This Fall 2: Deadpoint “Survival ASMR,” as we’re calling it, brings you deep breaths, sudden yelps, and a whole lot of feeling like you might fall from some height at any moment. But that’s what our screens are for, right? A little bit of escapism? (Of course, unlike the characters in Fall 2: Deadpoint, we were perfectly safe.) So join us on this adventure at the edge of our seats… At least until you can get your hands on the really good stuff with Fall 2: Deadpoint.

Nerdist

First up, we have a buffet of deep breathing, perilous balance, and really green trees. Walk… or rather… precariously sway with us across rope bridges, obstacle courses, and zip lines high in the air. It’s just the kind of meditative experience you’ve surely been craving. And, of course, this video will give you one of the most important lessons that Fall 2: Deadpoint has to share with you. “Clip in and then clip out. Clip in. Clip out.” But never clip out without clipping in! It could make all the difference in whether or not it’s safe to… fall.

RELATED ARTICLE

FALL 2: DEADPOINT Cast Talk Taking Franchise to Higher Heights

Of course, the adventure doesn’t end there. It’s never just one twist in a Fall movie, and in Fall 2: Deadpoint, you can never get too comfortable. In this next video, you can enjoy some more survival ASMR courtesy of Nerdist. This time we’ve got some good old pulley sounds and then the satisfying swish of a net swing. We highly recommend this experience.

Nerdist

“Are you down?” That’s the question that Fall 2: Deadpoint poses above all else. Do you have faith in yourself enough to surrender to the true spirit of adventure? Do you have what it takes to leap and thrive? Well, we asked ourselves that same questions. And YES, we are down. Here’s our leap of faith.

Nerdist

If all of this gets you really ready for some more adventure, tickets to Fall 2: Deadpoint are on sale now. You can also head to Boundless Adventures in NY to try out some of this high-flying fun yourself.

RELATED ARTICLE

This Video from Matterhorn’s Summit Might Make You Barf Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post Survival ASMR with Your Nerdist EIC (Courtesy of FALL 2: DEADPOINT) appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• The Pitt gears up for season three with a new teaser trailer that welcomes Dr. Robby back to the chaos.
• Season three will premiere in January 2027, and this season plays out in early November just before the holidays.
• Nerdist’s Take: The Pitt season three trailer is perfection, and we cannot wait to return to the night shift.

The Pitt is one of the best television shows out right now for quite a few reasons. This series follows Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, an attending physician at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center’s ER, better known as the Pitt. We witness the incredibly difficult working conditions and decisions that people who work in emergency healthcare face every single day in a way that’s actually realistic. The writing, acting, and pacing are all perfection. And, like shows from days gone by, The Pitt is incredibly consistent, releasing two seasons in two years. We will get The Pitt season three in 2027, and the first teaser trailer is already here to welcome us back to the chaos. 

Dr. Robby is back in action and everyone looks like they are going through it. We hate that for them. The events of season two took place over the Fourth of July weekend, and this season will happen in November just before the holiday season. Things are more fraught than ever. From a man banging his face into a glass until he bleeds to someone doubling over in emotional anguish, the season three teaser trailer for The Pitt hits all the right emotional buttons. 

Check out the first look images for The Pitt season three:

Click To View Gallery Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Warrick Page/HBO Max Nerdist’s Take: The Pitt Season 3 Trailer Exemplifies What a Trailer Should Be

In today’s world where many trailers give away far too many plot details, this one hits the nail on the head. We see our ensemble cast in various places and with different pairings. There’s some dialogue that sets the tone but doesn’t give too much context on what to expect. A heavy dose of medical drama and a focus on the lead character’s state of mind make it a perfect clip. There’s no doubt that this season will continue the show’s streak of excellence. 

What Is the Release Date for The Pitt Season 3? 

Thankfully, we won’t have to wait super long to see what’s next for the night shift. The Pitt season three will premiere in January 2027. We love a consistent and consistently great TV series.

REad next

Tai Gooden is the Features Editor for Nerdist, a fictional villain apologist, and a horror aficionado who is forever waiting for her trip in the TARDIS.

The post THE PITT Season 3 Trailer Is Brutal, Tense, and Brilliant appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• The SpongeBob SquarePants official YouTube account has compiled a 4-hour-long video of just SpongeBob working at the Krusty Krab.
• This video is one of many long compilations that the channel has to offer fans.
• If You Like This, You’ll Love This: A submarine spotted a real-life version of SpongeBob and Patrick, but there was not a Krusty Krab in sight.

Are you looking for a soothing video to help you get through the day? If so, you’re in luck. The SpongeBob SquarePants official YouTube account has compiled a 4-hour-long video of just SpongeBob working at the Krusty Krab. His interactions with Squidward and Mr. Krabs are definitely our favorite part of the show, and this four-hour video is chock-full of those funny moments.

This is one in an ever-growing series that the channel is posting. Its new kick is creating several-hour-long clip compilations based on very specific themes. For example, “3 Hours of One Squidward Moment From EVERY SpongeBob Episode” or even “3 Hours of SpongeBob’s Main Character Energy 😎.”

There’s definitely some employee who is hunched over a desk somewhere putting together hours-long videos all day. But this person is certainly doing a good job, with just this video garnering over a million views in a month.

SpongeBob is definitely a good brain-numbing show in general, but only keeping certain entertaining clips from each episode is a recipe for success if your audience has a short attention span. The first clip lasted a minute and a half, the second, longer at four and a half. Regardless, it abandons the classic episodic structure and sticks to fun clips to keep viewers engaged.

Nickelodeon

SpongeBob Squarepants has been around since 1999, and the show still seems to be as popular as ever. A new movie came out in 2025 and the YouTube channel has over 10 million subscribers.

If you work a restaurant job, we recommend you steer clear. The last thing you’ll want to do is come home and watch a shift-length video of a food service employee in terrible situations. But if you don’t mind Mr. Krabs’ countless OSHA violations, you can totally watch 4 hours of SpongeBob Squarepants working at the Krusty Krab.

Ella R. Dunn writes about movies, TV, games, comics, and all things nerdy for Nerdist.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 Watch Spongebob Work at the Krusty Krab for 4 Hours appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 just got another awesome teaser trailer.
• The teaser reveals more of the plot and the characters’ backstories.
• We now know the season will drop on Netflix on October 20.

After the major success of the anime’s first season in 2022, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is returning for a second season. Not only was the anime more loved than the game it was based on, but it (alongside many bug fixes) may have actually saved the game after its rocky release. Now, Netflix has dropped another teaser for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, which debuted on August 20 at Anime NYC.

The first teaser for the season came out on July 1, and gave fans a first look at an entirely new cast of characters unseen in the first season. That was about all the short trailer offered. Without revealing plot points, it was mainly a hype compilation of boss clips. We are definitely not complaining about that. However, this new teaser for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 does reveal a bit more about the plot and characters, touching on their backstories and relationships.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 presents a new standalone 10-episode story from the world of Cyberpunk 2077— a raw chronicle of redemption and revenge. In a city that thrives in the spotlight of violence, one question remains: when the world is blinded by spectacle, what extremes do you have to go to make your story matter?

Netflix

Despite taking place in a futuristic dystopia, the technology and overall vibe of the series take heavy inspiration from the 1990s and early-2000s. When the first teaser came out, I had hopes the show would use the camcorder in a creative way, and those hopes remain intact after this trailer. Several of the clips are seen through the lens of the camcorder, held by a still-unnamed character. It looks, so far, like this character will play a significant role in the plot while also functioning as a documentarian.

It remains to be seen how these characters and these plot lines will overlap, if at all, with those of the first season. What the show’s teasers guarantee, though, are interesting, complex characters, sick fight sequences, and an exciting plot.

What Is the Release Date for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2?

At Anime NYC, Netflix also revealed the series release date, which previously was just “Fall 2026.” Now, we know that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 will be available for streaming on October 20.

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Cyberpunk Classic NEUROMANCER Apple TV+ Series Officially Sets Cast, Begins Production Ella R. Dunn writes about movies, TV, games, comics, and all things nerdy for Nerdist.

The post CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS 2 New Teaser Packs a Mean Punch appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Netflix dropped a new trailer for Blue Eye Samurai season 2.
• Mizu, the series’ main character, is traveling to London and hunting down her father.
• The new episodes will drop on Netflix in January 2027.

Anime NYC is full of plenty of new information about some of Netflix’s most popular animated series. The teaser trailer for season two of Blue Eye Samurai was one of the studio’s big reveals at the convention. Take a look below:

An adult animated series with a unique art style, the first season of Blue Eye Samurai came out in 2023. It was well-rated by both audiences and critics for its portrayal of a samurai revenge plot. The story follows Mizu, a mixed-race samurai disguised as a man in Edo-period Japan. Mizu is hunting down her (suspected) father for kidnapping her mother and for her own “impure” existence.

The first season tied real history to its plotline, from existing political tensions to significant events. The first season ended with a fictional battle during the very real Great Fire of 1657 (also known as the Meireki Fire), a tragedy that destroyed a large portion of Edo and killed nearly a hundred thousand people. Mizu then started a seafaring journey to London to uncover more of her own history.

In Season 2, Mizu’s bloody quest continues in London, where she faces new friends, old foes, and her own demons. In Japan, Akemi and Taigen navigate Edo Castle under a dangerous new Shogun, while Ringo searches for new purpose.

Netflix

The new trailer shows a begrudging deal and Mizu’s treacherous travels across the ocean and through a storm, but doesn’t present us with much new information. We already knew Mizu was on her way to London, and we still don’t know what will happen when (and if) she gets there.

Season 2 of Blue Eye Samurai promises more bloody action, vengeance, and complicated politics. We can also expect to see more from the friends Mizu made in season 1. The new episodes can be expected to drop on Netflix in January 2027.

Ella R. Dunn writes about movies, TV, games, comics, and all things nerdy for Nerdist.

The post BLUE EYE SAMURAI Season 2 Unleashes Bloody Good Trailer appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Insidious: Out of the Further introduces a new demon villain, Cyrus. And we like him a lot.
• Cyrus is what we might call a Shadow Daddy, a hot, morally grey/evil man, with obsessive tendencies.
• Insidious: Out of the Further‘s demon Cyrus is different than other Insidious villains in that he is more human and also hotter.
• Go Deeper: Explore our full Insidious: Out of the Further for even more thoughts about the movie.

Listen, we at Nerdist are professionals of the highest order. We take the art of fannish pursuits very seriously. And that’s why we have to convey, with the utmost professionalism, that one of our main takeaways from Insidious: Out of the Further is that when it comes to main demon villain, Cyrus, we say, “WOULD,” to this Shadow Daddy.

Sony Pictures

Now, this Insidious: Out of the Further demon baddie is not nearly the strangest entry into our “Hear Me Out” pile. At Nerdist, we’ve stanned Orc Fathers, Buff Vecna, and creepy clowns. But we feel the people must know there’s something sizzlingly attractive about Cyrus in Insidious: Out of the Further. Since we are, as stated, professionals, we know that a certain Shadow Daddy presence can help make a movie… Especially since the presence of regular Daddy, Patrick Wilson, is no longer with us in this Insidious entry.

Okay, before we go any further, we know that Insidious: Out of the Further‘s demon, Cyrus, doesn’t truly meet every criterion of a Shadow Daddy. Namely, he’s not really interested in romancing or protecting the lead female character, Gemma. But we might argue he’s obsessed with her… At least with what her powers can do for him. We’re using the phrase more loosely here to capture the essence of a dark, brooding demon-man. Cyrus does meet the following parts of the definition pretty well, after all: a “brooding, powerful, morally gray [man] who exudes dominance and danger while being obsessively devoted to one woman.” Also, he’s a daddy, and he lurks in the shadows. Enough said.

We assume the creators of Insidious: Out of the Further didn’t intend to make Cyrus into the object of anyone’s Shadow Daddy affections. But they did make him the kind of demon who likes to loom over his prey as his hair floats around them. And the type of villain who has a low, rumbling voice that he often uses to rasp sweet nothing threats in Gemma’s ear. Not to mention the kind of baddie who wears an armor-like metal claw on one finger, just so he can push it into skin and have one perfect bead of blood well up. What we’re saying is that Cyrus is serving a c-word we can’t say in Insidious: Out of the Further.

Sony Pictures

Also not helping him beat the Shadow Daddy allegations, Insidious: Out of the Further‘s main demon is meant to be powerful AND charismatic. Director Jacob Chase shares, “He’s a dark version of Elise. What if someone with her ability didn’t have good intentions?” He also notes that Cyrus is a villain with charisma and charm. “That’s a bit different for Insidious, as most demons in the series are silent, which is very scary itself,” Says Chase, “For this film, I wanted the main villain to be one that had more human characteristics, as he would be desperately trying to get himself and all of his fellow entities out of the Further. I love the idea of someone who can force others to do their bidding—it’s very powerful, and very real to our world.”

Sam Spruell, who plays the demon Cyrus in Insidious: Out of the Further, also offers, “He’s been relegated to the Further and become a kind of cult leader there—a leader of lost souls. But he’s desperate to go back to the living world and resume his status as a leader of troubled, living souls. And he establishes Gemma is the right person on which he can piggyback his way back to the world of the living.”

Sony Pictures

Now is it so wrong to want to live again? We guess we’d have fallen prey to Cyrus’ cult-leader tendencies if we were in Insidious: Out of the Further. Oops. But it’s exactly that seductive energy and goth aesthetics that make this Insidious demon stand out.

Costume designer Liz Keogh Palmer reveals to fans that Cyrus’ blindfold, long robe, and elaborate jewelry are “remnants from his time alive on the material plane.” A collection of attire also known as the Shadow Daddy uniform—just look for yourself. Keogh Palmer notes of the Insidious: Out of the Further demon , “His blindfold has become almost fused with his face. It’s intricately broken down, almost like sinews are running through the outer cloth.” Poor Cyrus… He just wants to see again. But also, that’s pretty metal. (Insert smiling demon emoji here.)

Ultimately, we knew from just his silhouette that we were going to like this demon. He’s just the right kind of evil, long-haired freak for us. And maybe this Shadow Daddy will call to you too when you go see Insidious: Out of the Further—out now in theaters.

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post Demon Cyrus: Would. Meet INSIDIOUS OUT OF THE FURTHER’ Shadow Daddy appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Insidious: Out of the Further introduces us to the concept of “A Courier.”
• In Insidious‘ world, a Courier means someone who can bring physical and spiritual things in and out of the Further.
• The concept of a Courier in Insidious: Out of the Further has huge ramifications for the whole Insidious franchise.
• More About Insidious: Out of the Further: Does the movie have a post-credits scene?

Insidious: Out of the Further is the sixth entry in the beloved franchise. And that means it’s time for an interesting new concept to enter the world of Insidious. For a long time, Insidious relied on the idea of “Travelers” to tell its supernatural horror stories. In Insidious’ world, “Travelers” are humans who have psychic powers that allow them to astral project into the dark purgatory realm of the “Further.” Until Insidious: Out of the Further, it was an important point that nothing physical entered the world with the Travelers; it was only their consciousness visiting the Further. And that holds true… For Travelers. In Insidious: Out of the Further, we meet a new kind of human connected to the Further, “The Courier.” But what/who is a Courier in Insidious’ world? Here’s what we learn about Couriers in Insidious: Out of the Further.

Table of contents

• What Is ‘A Courier’ in Insidious: Out of the Further ?
  • What Is the Further in Insidious Again?
• Being a Courier is Genetic in Insidious
• Who Is a Courier in Insidious’ World?
• What Does the Existence of Couriers Mean for the Further in Insidious: Out of the Further and the Rest of the Franchise?

What Is ‘A Courier’ in Insidious: Out of the Further?

Insidious: Out of the Further introduces us to the concept of “A Courier.” A Courier is a person in Insidious‘ world who can bring physical and spiritual things in and out of the Further, in addition to spiritually traveling there.

In Insidious: Out of the Further, we see Gemma bring a pin that the demon Cyrus pricks into her skin in the Further back into the real world. We also see her send a television into the Further and leave it there in a moment of panic.

Sony

But for the first time in the Insidious franchise, the idea of a Courier means that the boundary between our world and the Further can run two ways. Not only can the spirit of a human travel into the Further, but the demons and beings found in the Further can travel back with them into the real/material world—although this is not always a simple process. For example, in Insidious: Out of the Further, Cyrus forces Gemma to bring a demon from the Further into the real world, but she can only bring half of him back, and he dies.

As the movie continues, though, it becomes clear that the Courier is very capable of bringing demons and spirits to our world, allowing them to unleash their powers. Thankfully, the Courier can also send them away again. In Insidious: Out of the Further, Gemma’s final act as a Courier is to transport her entire house, full of demons who had managed to enter the real world, back into the Further.

What Is the Further in Insidious Again?

Just in case you forgot, Insidious’ Further is “the astral plane between our world and the next, where the tortured spirits of the dead dwell, haunted by demons, and where a few souls from our material plane can project themselves to their terror.”

Being a Courier is Genetic in Insidious Sony Pictures

We also learn in Insidious: Out of the Further that being a Courier is a genetically inherited ability. Gemma’s mother, Ingrid, was a Courier, and Gemma inherited being a Courier from her. Gemma then passed on the Courier ability to her daughter, Maya.

Who Is a Courier in Insidious’ World?

Maya and Gemma are currently the only two known living Couriers in Insidious’ world.

What Does the Existence of Couriers Mean for the Further in Insidious: Out of the Further and the Rest of the Franchise?

The presence of Couriers in Insidious‘ world is big trouble. Although Gemma was able to send Cyrus and his demons back to the Further, her abilities and the abilities of her daughter create a huge danger to the real world. Demons in the Further now know there is a way for them to escape the dreaded realm and enter the physical realm.

As producer James Wan, who directed the first two films in the franchise, shares, “The Further is now leaking—escaping into our real world. That’s something we’ve never seen to this extent. We’ve seen premonitions or glimpses of the Further bleeding into our world, but never to the extent where they take physical form.”

Sony Pictures

And Leigh Whannell, who wrote the original Insidious and wrote and directed Insidious: Chapter 3, further reveals, “When James and I built the Further, the one rule was that you went there in spirit, never in body. What Jacob Chase found was the scariest question we’d never asked: what if something could actually make the trip both ways? That cracks the whole world open.”

The presence of the Courier in Insidious world after Out of the Further really does change everything. It feels like, should the franchise continue, we could see more Further demons creeping into our world and taking on physical form. The crux of the action has always taken place in the Further in Insidious but now a whole new door has opened. We’ll have to wait and see what walks through.

Insidious: Out of the Further is out now in theaters.

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post What Is ‘A Courier’ In INSIDIOUS: OUT OF THE FURTHER? appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Netflix dropped a new teaser for LEGO One Piece at Anime NYC.
• LEGO One Piece brings on the live-action cast as minifigure voice actors.
• The new movie is a more comical and quippy take on the first and part of the second saga.

Netflix is on a generational run when it comes to One Piece content. From the live-action series and the upcoming anime to having the original anime accessible on its platform, the streaming giant is in deep when it comes to this IP. Now, they are taking it a step further with a LEGO version of the story.

At Anime NYC, Netflix revealed another teaser trailer for the movie. Check it out below:

The fun part about this series is that the live-action actors are reprising their roles as the voice cast for their respective minifigs. As LEGO usually does, the collaboration takes on an even more comedy-focused version of the story of One Piece. The movie will no doubt offer a treasure trove of quips and smart humor about the series.

Get ready to set sail! In this two-part animated LEGO® special, Usopp, the Straw Hat’s most reliably unreliable narrator, regales Chopper with the crew’s escapades across the East Blue and into the Grand Line, prior to him joining them in Drum Island. Usopp only tells the tallest of tales, and this action packed special is no different!

The teaser trailer shows us the perspective of Usopp, cementing the character’s status as significant to the plot. He’ll be narrating the movie, too, a nice change of pace from the Luffy-focus of every other form of One Piece media. At the very end of the trailer, we see the live-action actor for Usopp next to the “live-action” version of Tony Tony Chopper.

Netflix

Based on the synopsis, this movie’s storyline spans the first and part of the second major sagas of the series. At Anime NYC, Netflix also revealed that the series will be available for streaming starting on September 29. This comes just a handful of months ahead of the first season of the new anime, and the live-action’s new season is reportedly dropping sometime next year. It is definitely a good time to be a One Piece fan.

Ella R. Dunn writes about movies, TV, games, comics, and all things nerdy for Nerdist.

The post Anime NYC Delivers Trailer for Netflix’s LEGO ONE PIECE Trailer appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Dave Bautista has been cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War series.
• Bautista replaces Ryan Hurst who suffered an onset injury while filming.
• The production will restart in 2027.
• NERDIST TAKE: Bautista will be a great choice to play the grizzled, retired god.

It’s a bummer any time an actor has to leave a project for reasons out of their control. It always presents a “what might have been” scenario. Ryan Hurst really would have made a great Kratos in the Prime Video God of War series. Especially after a great turn as Mentor in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. But, unfortunately, Hurst suffered an injury while on the GoW set and had to bow out of the series. So who then could take his place? Your new Kratos is no stranger to franchise properties nor extensive body makeup. It’s none other than Dave Bautista.

Marvel Studios

As reported by Variety, Bautista—of Guardians of the Galaxy and Dune fame—will step into the shoes and beard of the titular, but now retired, god of war. The series, which adapts the 2018 game about a grizzled older Kratos living in relative peace in Scandinavia with his son, Atreus. Prime had announced Hurt’s casting in January 2026, with filming beginning in the spring. The actor suffered a torn bicep which required surgery. The production will restart in 2027, but without Hurst. All the scenes he already shot will need a redo with Bautista, obvs.

Sony Santa Monica Studios

Prime has given God of War a two-season order, presumably also to adapt the 2022 game God of War: Ragnarok. Other cast members include Callum Vinson as Atreus, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Max Parker as Heimdall, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, and Mandy Patinkin as Odin.

Ronald D. Moore, developer of the 2004 Battlestar Galactica is in charge of the series. Here’s the official logline for God of War to deliver a bit more clarity: 

God of War follows father and son Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

The post Dave Bautista to Play Kratos in GOD OF WAR Show appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Walt Disney World is finally bringing Dreamfinder back to EPCOT, as Figment’s ride is getting overhauled.
• While Journey Into Imagination needs a big upgrade, so does the entire out-dated Imagination Pavilion.
• Nerdist’s Take: Imagineers told Nerdist the Figment refurb at EPCOT is “very early” in the progress, which means there’s a great opportunity for Imagineers to build something special.

This year’s D23 Experiences Showcase at the Honda Center ended with Neil Patrick Harris in a purple suit and hat and a dramatic announcement. It’s one Walt Disney World fans have longed to hear: EPCOT is finally bringing back the Dreamfinder. That might not sound like much if you’re unfamiliar with the beloved figure who used to call the theme park home. For anyone who remembers the original, best version of the Journey into Imagination ride it’s all we’ve wanted. The cheerful Dreamfinder was Figment’s best friend. EPCOT’s de facto mascot, who is more popular than ever, has never been the same without his bearded pal. That flying purple dragon’s attraction has also been considerably worse.

The show-closing news is bigger than just one character or even one ride, though. It’s a sign that Disney might finally fix one of its most glaring, most confounding problems. This should finally be the spark to bring some Imagineering magic back to the Imagination Pavilion.

Figment—the lovable fellow with two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow, and the horns of a steer—joined EPCOT in 1983 a year after the park opened. His home and ride have always been located inside the Imagination Pavilion. It’s also where visitors could once walk the long-shuttered Rainbow Corridor, a still-missed part of the land.

The pavilion stands out thanks to its two glass pyramids. One has long been closed to most guests while the other is entirely closed to everyone. Visitors also know the area for its nearby jumping water fountains and signature reverse waterfall. Until 1998, it was also home to the dream-chasing Dreamfinder, Figment’s revered story-telling friend. The two took guests on a ride through imagination and all the ways we can tell stories. Visitors then entered the ImageWorks playground, which long ago moved downstairs.

The original Journey Into Imagination was the best. It was one of Walt Disney World’s most fun and creative rides. Dreamfinder and Figment, who often greeted fans in the park, were also perfect symbols for everything EPCOT represented. But when Disney revamped the ride in 1999 as Journey into YOUR Imagination, Dreamfinder was gone. Eric Idle’s Dr. Nigel Channing was part of a team of scientists who took over instead. That version of the attraction was so unpopular it lasted only two years. Since 2002 guests have instead ridden Journey into Imagination with Figment.

It’s…..it’s fine. It’s fine. Figment is such a great character that any ride based on him has a high floor. My toddler certainly likes it, and even I find it has its charms, like when Disney uses burnt coffee to recreate a Figment skunk spray. Buuuuut….it’s just not nearly as good as many other dark rides at Disney parks. It’s not especially innovative or whimsical. It also feels dated. It’s even worse for those of us who know what a Journey Into Imagination could really be. The ride pales in comparison to what it originally was.

Disney has seemingly agreed with that assessment for a long time, too. The Mouse House knows Dreamfinder and Figment are the best. In 2014 the company released an absolutely wild steampunk graphic novel series about the pair. A 2024 Golden Book titled Figment, written by Imagineer Jason Grandt, is also a retelling of the original ride. Dr. Nigel Channing is nowhere to be found in either tale. The same is also true of Eric Idle at EPCOT. He’s never even been on the ride he’s in. He doesn’t even remember filming his role for it. Not exactly a ringing endorsement. That’s not even a broken doorbell endorsement.

In the last few years, as the kids who grew up with the original ride have become some of Disney’s most dedicated paying customers, Figment’s popularity has only grown. His merch is everywhere and it always sells. That’s happened even though most people who love Figment don’t love his ride. So as his presence in EPCOT and Disney World has increased, so have the calls for the company to fix his ride by bringing back Dreamfinder. Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum addressed that directly when he told the Honda Center crowd about the upcoming update. “We know how important this is to you,” he said. “We’ve heard you, and this is one more way we’re putting you in the center of everything we do.”

A new ride can’t be all they do, however. Journey Into Imagination is not a singular problem at EPCOT’s Imagination Pavilion. It’s emblematic of the fact the whole pavilion is a problem. A big one. It’s not “fine.” It’s underwhelming at best and hugely disappointing at worst. The area, in theory, represents creativity, art, imagination, innovation, and storytelling. Instead it’s old and in desperate need of an update. The Imagination Pavilion lacks anything resembling imagination. That’s about as inexplicable as anything you’ll find in any Disney park considering the parks’ greatest asset is its Imagineers.

Disney+

When Disney lets Imagineers run wild they create actual magic. They’re the best at what they do, and no singular location in all of Walt Disney World should better capture what they are capable of—the wonders they can create, the stories they can tell, the rides they can build and design, the feelings they can evoke, the environments they can bring to life, the ideas they can raise and challenge you with—more than a place called the Imagination Pavilion.

It’s so obvious it almost seems silly to even say. If any area, and most especially at EPCOT, should embody the best of Imagineering its the Imagination Pavilion. And that’s why Dreamfinder’s return has to be a big part of an even bigger overhaul. The whole interior needs to be gutted and redone. It needs to not only be updated but re-imagined. There’s no reason one of the glass pyramids should remain closed, why it should feature technology that was old 20 years ago, or why any of it, let alone most of it, should be boring.

Nerdist

It’s not just long past time for Dreamfinder to make his way home. It’s time for that home to live up to its own name. And I hope the it finally will. I asked a head Imagineer at D23 if that was the plan. He told me the Figment revamp is “very early” in the process. Early might not be what Disney World fans eager to get Dreamfinder back might want to hear, but that’s good news. It means plans aren’t even close to finalized. Anything is still possible. And if anyone can make real the infinite possibilities the Imagination Pavilion represents, it’s Imagineers. Disney need to let them do exactly that.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. He nerded out for the Figment announcement. You can follow Mikey on Bluesky at @‌burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post EPCOT’s Dreamfinder Return Needs More Than Figment Ride appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• There are currently 7 Scream films in the franchise, with an eighth installment in the works.
• In honor of 30 years of Scream, we are ranking all the films from worst to best.
• Nerdist’s Take: There are truly no bad films in the Scream franchise… except one.
• Don’t Stop Readin’: Check out our ranking for the scariest Ghostface calls to see which one takes the top spot.

Somehow, the Scream franchise has three decades of films under its belt. The first film caused a huge shift in the genre and inspired a litany of teen and young adult ensemble slasher flicks to come. We’ve watched Sidney Prescott, whom many see as the quintessential final girl, go from a traumatized teenager to a fierce survivor who is determined to protect her daughter Tatum. As of 2026, there are seven Scream films in the franchise, and an eighth one is in development. We already have our opinion on which Ghostface is the best one of the franchise, but which Scream film takes the #1 spot and who ends up at the bottom? 

7. Scream 7 Paramount Pictures

Scream 7 lands solidly at the bottom of this list for many reasons. The film catches us up with Sidney Prescott Evans in her small town, where she lives with her husband Mark (not Kincaid), teen daughter Tatum, and her two younger kids. Thirty years after the original Ghostface attacks, new killers don that infamous mask and set their sights on Tatum, who desperately wants to know her mother and have her fiery strength. Outside of Neve’s performance as Sidney and a few cool setpieces, there’s nothing that stands out in this film at all. The killers are forgettable with nonsensical motivations, the teen ensemble cast is dreadfully one-note, and its commentary on AI and current media culture was thin at best. 

RELATED ARTICLE

SCREAM 7 Is NOT My Favorite Scary Movie, Sadly (Review) 6. Scream VI Paramount Pictures

The only installment in the franchise to not include Sidney, Scream VI takes the slicing and dicing to New York City. It’s a couple of years after Sam and Tara Carpenter and their crew faced Ghostface in Woodsboro, and everyone is just trying to move on. Well, everyone except Sam, who seems to have some deep rooted draw to homicidal tendencies. Scream VI takes some interesting swings, like revealing someone wearing the Ghostface mask early and having three killers in play.

And this film has some of the best set pieces that we’ve seen in a long time, like the Stab theater shrine, the subway, the bodega, and more. But, a lot of it feels like territory that we’ve tread before, especially in terms of killers’ motivations and a connection to a previous killer. Still, solid performances all around, the return of Kirby Reed, some inventive/brutal kills, and a satisfying ending for the Carpenter sisters make it an enjoyable enough watch. 

5. Scream (2022) Paramount Pictures

Scream (2022) revived the franchise after over a decade of hiatus, passing the primary final girl torch to Sam Carpenter. We also get to see a touch of a new era of Sidney as a mentor and an experienced survivor. This fifth installment delivers on the franchise’s meta vibes and pays homage to the original, down to the boyfriend being the killer and the third act at the Macher house. Packed with mostly well-placed humor and Easter eggs, it certainly sparks up nostalgia.

It ups the brutality but forgoes the emotional impact that made previous films so deeply effective. This film attempts to provide commentary on toxic fandom, yet does very little to build that foundation among its characters to support that belief. There’s little to no cinematic scope that made its predecessors feel more like an expansive and actual world, with most scenes being tightly shot, bland, and a touch too dark. Scream (2022) really gave me the ick with the entire conceit of the Billy Ghost suddenly being a twisted positive guide for Sam, a daughter whom he never met, is incredibly cringe. Let’s not rewrite the history of him being a total psychopath, please. 

4. Scream 3 Dimension Films

Scream 3 was meant to be the concluding chapter of the franchise, and it did indeed end that way with Sidney reconciling with her mom’s past and finding peace. While Scream 4 is a great film, it wouldn’t have been super sad for Ghostface to put his knife away here for good. Scream 3 takes us to Hollywood as a new Ghostface killer starts to cut down people Sid knows IRL as well as the cast of the next Stab movie. The meta commentary and the loose idea of the movie within a movie still feel relatively fresh in this installment.

The film has quite a few unforgettable set pieces, like Roman’s expansive house and the entire recreated world of Woodsboro. Scream 3’s pointed and chillingly accurate commentary about the abusive and exploitative nature of Hollywood and how trauma can manifest in a person is still socially relevant. Where the film does fall short is that it is more of the “Gale, Dewey, and Scooby-Doo Acting Gang” show versus about Sidney’s final chapter, and these two storylines are very different tonally. Sure, this film has some of the best secondary and tertiary characters in the franchise, but still. A lot of glaring plot holes point back to an ever-changing script, even though the final scenes truly deliver the tension, drama, and brutality that we’d expect from this franchise. 

3. Scream IV Paramount Pictures

Scream IV brought the franchise back to life briefly in 2011, introducing a new generation of Woodsboro High Students facing Ghostface killings. It has some of the most interesting commentary on society that was truly ahead of its time and holds up very well through a modern lens. The dangerous thirst for quick Internet fame that can lead to callous actions is extremely present in Jill and Charlie’s motive. Visually, it is not the most appealing film, but it introduces promising new characters like Kirby Reed.

And, in terms of Sidney’s arc, this film doesn’t offer her much room for growth nor to truly be the badass that we know she is. Sidney feels like she’s simply a piece on a chessboard that Ghostface is moving around, and putting that character in the driver’s seat takes away from her story.

2. Scream 2 Dimension Films

These days, you gotta have a sequel! Billy and Stu didn’t make it to the next round, thankfully, but Scream 2 is a sublime follow up to the first film. It takes us to Windsor College and gives us a sweeping viewpoint of Ohio, where Sidney and Randy are in college. The actually surprising twist of Billy’s mother as the killer hiding in plain sight, incredible set pieces, and one of the most intense scenes in the franchise where Sidney and Halle are climbing out of the cop car all make this film worthy of a spot near the top.

Ghostface is more chilling than ever, both over the phone and in person, and the kill count amps up for some bloody fun. The shock of losing Randy and that wild theater opening scene are two cherries on top of this Sunday. Some glaring plot holes, specifically with some incredibly convenient things that work in the killers’ favor, keep this film from outdoing the original. 

1. Scream 

While the overall Scream franchise has better quality than other long-running horror ones, we all know that nothing f**ks with the original. Set in a reality where people are hyper-aware of how these types of terrifying situations work, Scream hits all the big points. Visually, it sticks with those sweeping wide shots that bring true depth and character to Woodsboro, making it feel less like a curation of sets and more like an actual town. The setpieces are all expansive and feel truly lived in. The characters are great, with Sidney balancing palpable fear and dogged determination with ease.

In fact, the casting is pitch perfect all around with characters who feel less like caricatures and more like fully realized people, even when they lean into certain archetypes. While it doesn’t go super big on the kill count, they are all memorable with different types of unique touches. The opening scene is one of the best to ever exist in horror, and continues to influence other films to this day. Scream’s dialogue and deft balance of humor and edge totally knock it out of the park. The film’s soundtrack turned “Red Right Hand” into a cornerstone of the sound of horror, and Roger L. Jackson’s voice helped to birth a villainous icon with a signature look who is a merchandising goldmine, from this adorably sinister Funko! Pop to too many T-Shirts to possibly own. 

REad more

Tori Spelling’s SCREAM Story Is the Franchise’s Funniest Gag Tai Gooden is the Features Editor for Nerdist, a fictional villain apologist, and a horror aficionado who is forever waiting for her trip in the TARDIS.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 Every SCREAM Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• At more than $1.35 billion Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has surpassed Deadpool & Wolverine for the biggest R-rated movie ever.
• Adjusted for gross The Odyssey is the third biggest movie of Christopher Nolan’s filmography.
• Nerdist’s Take: Box office records are fun, but they’re not all that meaningful.

Ithaca’s King just notched another win. Unlike his victory at Troy, though, he can be proud of this achievement. Christopher Nolan’s smash hit The Odyssey just passed $1.35 billion at the global box office. That puts it at #1 all-time for R-rated movies, besting a tale about two modern day heroes with their own flaws, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Universal Pictures

As Variety noted, after a summer of sold-out showings, especially in IMAX theaters, The Odyssey has reached $1.352 billion in ticket sales. That surpassed the previous R-rated record holder set by 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine. It ended its theatrical run with a foul-mouthed $1.338 billion. By the time The Odyssey leaves theaters the gap between the two will be even wider.

A Christopher Nolan movie doing gangbusters is not exactly a surprise, especially on the heels of Oppenheimer. He’s as much a guarantee of box office success as any actor or franchise. But a nearly three-hour adaptation of an epic poem from Ancient Greece outperforming Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool and Wolverine is still absolutely stunning. It’s also worth celebrating, which Reynolds did with a very funny social media post mashing up the two films.

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Odyssey for becoming the highest grossing R-rated movie of all time. That is one helluva car. pic.twitter.com/s7QzTza21l

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) August 19, 2026

Nolan’s epic still has some work to do to set another record: his highest grossing film by inflation. When ranked by adjusted gross, as of this writing, The Odyssey still comes in just below The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. It will have to reach $1.563 billion to take that spot.

Can it do it? Or like Odysseus for ten years will it come up short of its goal? It doesn’t really matter. These records are fun, but also meaningless. What matters is that a whole lot of people have gone to see a great movie, one that should hopefully encourage more studios to take big chances on big ideas.

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

The post THE ODYSSEY Takes R-Rated Throne from DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• We have an exclusive track from The Vampire Lestat soundtrack by Daniel Hart that you can listen to right now.
• This piece of music plays during an incredibly important scene in the finale of The Vampire Lestat. In the scene, Lestat has a crucial revelation about his mother, Gabriella.
• On August 21, you can purchase The Vampire Lestat score wherever you get your music.

The Vampire Lestat soundtrack is releasing into the hands of the Beautifully Unwell on August 21. But before that happens, we at Nerdist are thrilled to share an exclusive track from The Vampire Lestat soundtrack a day early. We hope his many admirers appreciate this. You can now hear the track titled “The Witches’ Place” by Daniel Hart without any further delay. And if you, beloveds, like us, have been watching and rewatching The Vampire Lestat, you know that this piece of music accompanies a MASSIVELY important moment in The Vampire Lestat‘s finale episode. You might say it helps the scales fall from Lestat’s eyes when it comes to one person he has not been seeing very clearly. We’ll get into it, but first, take a listen to this exclusive The Vampire Lestat track below, and don’t forget to pre-order/pre-save the entire soundtrack wherever you like to listen to your vampires sing.

This Exclusive The Vampire Lestat Track Marks an IMPORTANT Moment for Lestat in the Series and Soundtrack

The Vampire Lestat is one incredibly nuanced and heartbreaking meditation on love, trauma, and the search for meaning in life and in the self. These themes emerged in different ways throughout the season, but nowhere more intensely than in the complex relationship that existed between Lestat and his mother/creator/lover/fledgling Gabriella this season.

AMC

Throughout The Vampire Lestat, the audience watched with baited breath as Gabriella toyed with Lestat, bringing him closer, shutting him out, and manuvering and manipulating him with soft words, physical affection, approval and, of course, the withholding of all of that, to serve her own aims. But finally, finally in The Vampire Lestat‘s finale, Lestat achieves clarity on just how intensely Gabriella has molded and shaped him into her vision of what he should be; how she has abused him. And this clarity comes accompanied, by yes, the exceptional exclusive The Vampire Lestat soundtrack track from Daniel Hart we share with you today, “The Witches’ Place.”

Lestat Recalls Gabriella with New Eyes as the Soundtrack Underscores This Crescendo AMC

As we watched The Vampire Lestat, we thought a lot about the tremendous work Daniel Hart put into the original songs for the series, but this orchestral soundtrack and score is equally incredible. As we listen to the “The Witches’ Place” for the first time without dialogue, we hear the push and pull of it, the intensity, the way it softens then cuts—a perfect mirror of the scene we see unfold between Gabriella and Lestat as the music plays in The Vampire Lestat finale. There’s a violence to this track and also beauty, the core duality of Lestat’s existence; there’s poetic yearning and vicious anger. It’s a heartbreakingly exquisite track and a testament to Daniel Hart’s genius.

AMC

In this scene, Lestat remembers not only how intensely Gabriella’s abuse affected him throughout his life, from when he was nine watching his friends burn, learning to be afraid, to the present day, as where he’s pressed into a dangerous leadership role he doesn’t want. But Lestat also, with horror, recalls how he transformed into a shade of Gabriella when it came to his own daughter, Claudia. The revelations leave him gutted, looking at the nothingness of existence, but, in a way, stronger. Strong enough to eventually face Gabriella outside of his own mind and stand up to her. And we hear that in every note of this The Vampire Lestat soundtrack track, which flutters fragile, but beats determined. “The Witches’ Place” is another truly beautiful entry by Daniel Hart, one that swells emotions in our throats as it trembles through our veins.

More About The Vampire Lestat Soundtrack and Show AMC/Lakeshore Records

AMC Global Media and Lakeshore Records are releasing The Vampire Lestat Original Series Soundtrack, a new soundtrack album featuring music by composer, songwriter, and co-producer of the series, Daniel Hart. The Vampire Lestat soundtrack is available digitally on August 21, 2026, and the release brings the original score for the hit series in the Anne Rice Vampires universe to its fans. 

The Vampire Lestat soundtrack, including our exclusive track, will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other major streaming platforms. 

RELATED ARTICLE

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT Is Unlike Anything Else on TV (Review)

For those who somehow missed the phenomnen, the synopsis for The Vampire Lestat reads, “Set against the backdrop of a global rock phenomenon, the latest season follows Lestat as he takes his music to audiences around the world while confronting figures from his past that continue to shape his  present. As his fame reaches new heights, his growing influence over both vampires and humans fuels the Great Conversion, dramatically altering the balance of the supernatural world. The Vampire Lestat stars Sam Reid, Jacob Anderson, Assad Zaman, Eric Bogosian, Delainey Hayles, and Jennifer Ehle, and is executive produced by Mark Johnson, creator, writer, and showrunner Rolin Jones, Hannah Moscovitch, Christopher Rice, and the late Anne Rice.“

In addition to listening to the soundtrack, you can stream The Vampire Lestat now on AMC+. On August 23, you’ll also be able to watch The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only, the concert movie of Sam Reid’s live performance as Lestat in NYC.

The Vampire Lestat Soundtrack Track Listing 

The hungry fledgling can find the track listing for The Vampire Lestat soundtrack below. It’s pretty easy to identify which tracks might be about your favs. Personally, we’re seated for “The Rothko Chapel.”

1. Were You A Stutterer As A Child?
2. What Does The Scalpel Do?
3. She Meant To Kill Me With The Challenge
4. Twenty Thousand Followers
5. We Have A Pact Now
6. Eight People On The Arc
7. Help Him To Be A Man
8. The Greatest Spectacle Of The Boulevard
9. I Remember The Light
10. Can You Get Out Of My Eyeline?
11. You And I Have A Friend In Common
12. Enter The Gremlin
13. On The Devil’s Road Now
14. He Told Himself He Was In Control
15. Hi Dad
16. Blood Marriage
17. They Long For Communion
18. The Rothko Chapel
19. Check Your Phone
20. No Spark
21. Let Me Tell You Something About The Blood
22. I Am The Answer
23. Rest
24. Intersections Of My Many Selves
25. It Isn’t Just One Thing, Louis
26. Wrote In That, Died In This
27. Called By The Livin’
28. Your Sad Sorries
29. Bring Your Malice
30. Could Be Nice
31. I Might Be A Room Without Walls
32. Don’t Write The Obituary Just Yet
33. You Caught Me In A Lonely Hour
34. The Witches’ Place
35. A Love That Will Cradle You
36. The Soul
37. I Let Too MuchSpill Too Often

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is still waiting for Devil’s Minion to fully sail so one of her ships can finally become canon. Follow her on Instagram.

The post Hear Exclusive Track From THE VAMPIRE LESTAT Soundtrack appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• Wonder Man is the latest Marvel Studios project with a Black lead actor that has been canceled, and star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has thoughts on the bad optics of it all.
• Disney+ renewed Wonder Man, then two months later, mysteriously reversed its decision.
• Marvel Studios has several Black heroes that now seem nowhere to be found in upcoming projects, like Ironheart, Monica Rambeau, War Machine, and most significantly, Blade.
• Nerdist’s take: Disney’s decision to cancel Wonder Man after its Emmy nominations and early renewal sends a terrible message.

The entire journey of Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man series has been a strange one. Despite a lack of early buzz, the show about two Hollywood actors in different phases of their lives (and one with superpowers) proved to be a hit with critics and fans, garnering star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II an Emmy nomination. And it even got a quick season two renewal. Then, two months later, Disney+ mysteriously canceled Wonder Man. And Marvel fans noticed this was yet another series or movie featuring a Black lead character that Disney canceled, right after Blade. Needless to say, it’s not a good look for the company. Now, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is being candid about the terrible optics of Wonder Man’s early demise, in an interview with Vanity Fair. Here’s what he had to say:

I think the optics are obvious. If I’m a big business, if I’m Disney, if I’m Marvel, I don’t want to be attached to these optics. So it should be a priority to change that narrative and to do what it takes to responsibly change that narrative with quality stories, with quality resources. I felt that our show did have quality story, did have quality resources, did have quality actors and people, and did produce quality results that the viewers responded to positively, that the voters responded to positively. So our show does deserve some study and some real, hard information about why a show like this did not continue forward, because it had all of the ingredients that one would want in a show.

Marvel Studios

Yahya is not the only person shocked by this decision. Wonder Man director and EP Destin Daniel Cretton also seems shocked by the cancelation. And he suggested it was purely a Disney decision, and not one from Marvel Studios. Showrunner Andrew Guest was also perplexed. Rumor has it that Disney has chosen to severely cut back on live-action programming on the streamer for both Marvel and Star Wars. Apparently, they feel the constant flood of new shows has diluted both brands. And in that way, they certainly have a point. But to reverse a decision about a well-reviewed show like Wonder Man, something they’ve never done before? Well, as Yahya Abdul Mateen plainly said, the optics are awful.

Marvel Studios

Blade aside, there seems to be no indication that Dominique Thorne’s Ironheart or Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes are anywhere near Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars. Perhaps most glaringly, neither is Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau, whose The Marvels post-credits scene seemingly leads directly to Doomsday. A movie where almost all the original Fox X-Men have returned, minus Halle Berry’s Storm. Again, this is not a good look. Disney would garner a lot of goodwill if they took the temperature of the room, and re-renewed Wonder Man. It’s not too late to admit you made a massive mistake, and fix it. Maybe there’s still a chance to see Yahya Abdul-Mateen II light up our screens as Simon Williams again.

Eric Diaz is a staff writer at Nerdist and a Swiss Army knife of fandoms. Eric loves DC, Marvel, horror movies, and even Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

The post Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on Bad Optics of WONDER MAN Cancellation appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• The live-action Naruto movie is still in development at Lionsgate. This anime/manga adaptation has even found its screenwriter.

It’s the age of the adaptation. And one particular live-action anime/manga adaptation has been in the zeitgeist for quite a while. We first heard reports of a live-action Naruto movie in 2015. At the time, Lionsgate was in negotiations for the film rights to the franchise. And it was reported that Michael Gracey would helm the live-action Naruto movie, acting as its director. But since that exciting announcement, very little progress has happened with this film. But, here we are, over ten years later, and finally, it looks like momentum is picking up for the Naruto live-action movie. Most recently, we learned that Destin Daniel Cretton will write and direct this anime adaptation. Reports also indicate that Charles Melton may play Kakashi Hatake. Here’s what we know about this adaptation so far.

The Live-Action Naruto Movie Will Be Written and Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton  Viz Media

Destin Daniel Cretton, who was responsible for co-writing and directing the MCU’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will now help the Naruto live-action movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Additionally, Cretton will produce alongside Avi Arad, Ari Arad and Emmy Yu of Arad Productions.

According to the publication, Destin Daniel Cretton even has the approval of Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Kishimoto notes in a statement, “When I heard of Destin’s attachment, it happened to be right after watching a blockbuster action film of his, and I thought he would be the perfect director for Naruto. After enjoying his other films and understanding that his forte is in creating solid dramas about people, I became convinced that there is no other director for Naturo. In actually meeting Destin, I also found him to be an open-minded director who was willing to embrace my input, and felt strongly that we would be able to cooperate together in the production process.”

We’re excited to hear this news about the Naruto live-action film after such a long development.

What Else Do We Know About This Anime/Manga Adaptation? Crunchyroll

Additionally, recent reports indicate that Charles Melton is in final talks to play the important Naruto character, Kakashi Hatake, in the live-action movie. Kakashi Hatake is “the elite ninja mentor figure to the main character and his friends.” He is also an incredibly popular character.

Of course, we don’t know any official casting information for the live-action Naruto yet. But it’s not too early for fans to get their dream casting lists together. Hopefully, we’ll get to hear more about this adaptation soon.

Originally published on Februrary 23, 2024.

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post Live-Action NARUTO Movie in the Works, Destin Daniel Cretton to Write and Direct appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• The Guild Reunion Movie is the most crowd-funded movie in history, beating out The Veronica Mars Movie’s 2013 Kickstarter campaign.

We were all excited to hear about Felicia Day’s The Guild reunion movie, now called The Guild: Ren Faire’d. As we’ve shared before, “The Guild set out to break down some stereotypes about gamers and show the world that true friendship, cool people, and a whole lot of adventure could be found through fandom. And somehow, 20 years later, it’s time to do it all again.” To make The Guild reunion movie a reality, Felicia Day and friends took to Kickstarter to summon the people to the aid of The Knights of Good. And the people answered The Knights of Good’s call for aid. Not only was The Guild: Ren Faire’d funded, but The Guild reunion movie is now the most crowd-funded movie in history, having raised upward of $5,809,479… That’s nearly FOUR TIMES the amount The Guild reunion movie hoped to crowd-fund.

On her Twitter, Felicia Day wrote, “Omg World record broken. You guys…..thank you. Thank you!” And it is truly astounding. Clearly, the appetite is there for “the most epic ren faire movie of all time!”

Omg World record broken. You guys…..thank you. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/3Qc6DF3ElJ

— Felicia Day🇺🇸 (@feliciaday) August 20, 2026

To become the most crowd-funded movie of all time, The Guild reunion movie had to beat another nerdy fav, The Veronica Mars Movie. The Veronica Mars Movie raised a total of $5,702,153 from over 91,000 backers through its 2013 Kickstarter campaign. Meanwhile, The Guild: Ren Faire’d has made 5,800,000+ from 38,169 backers. Interesting that a third of the backers have helped The Guild reunion movie break this crowdfunding record. But, hey, we guess Ren Faire nerds are generous.

Here is the full list of crowdfunding records that The Guild: Ren Faire’d has broken.

• Biggest Movie Launch Day Kickstarter Has Ever Seen
• Fastest Movie to $2.5M in Kickstarter History
• Most Funds Raised in 24 hours by A Movie on Kickstarter
• Most Funds Raised for A Movie on Kickstarter Ever

The Guild Movie

In addition, The Guild reunion movie and Felicia Day share more about why making this movie and crowdfunding it now was the only way to go:

When I realized the show’s 20th anniversary was coming up in 2027, I knew I needed to do something big to celebrate. My times with the cast during COVID, when we were murdering each other over and over in Among Us, reminded me of all the fun we’d had together. But it wasn’t until someone evoked rage in my heart that I decided to make a reunion movie.

A Hollywood executive called me up at the beginning of 2025 to talk about “The Guild”. Since the show had largely been ignored by the establishment, I was excited. Would someone finally give me a budget and help me make my show?! Then they told me what they envisioned: A show re-tailored for gamers TODAY. With… younger actors.

That’s right! They wanted to recast me in my own show. And in that moment I knew I had to bring the cast together again and make a reunion movie. Fund it by going straight to the community that helped us defy the system over and over for nearly twenty years. So we could laugh together again. Celebrate gamers and geeks again. And do it OUR way.

The Guild: Ren Faire’d‘s Kickstarter only has another day or so to go on it, but that’s plenty of time to support. You can back today and join in any tier, from $20 to $25,000. (Which gets you an Executive Producer credit and a ton more stuff!) You’ll be in some great company if you do.

Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great lover of the anti-hero and is always ready for a new ship to set sail. In her work, she likes to combine fandom passion with journalistic sensibilities. Follow her on Instagram.

The post THE GUILD REUNION MOVIE Is Most Crowd-Funded Movie in History appeared first on Nerdist.

⚡ Quick Take

• The Carrier Pidge app for IOS will use GPS calculated distance to deliver your messages at the same exact speed as a carrier pigeon.
• The free app sends yours at the speed those birds could fly, which was an impressive 110+ mph.
• In an effort to stay authentic to the carrier pigeon mode of communication, there is a 0.2% chance your note won’t reach its destination.
• NERDIST TAKE: Modern digital tech isn’t exactly an unqualified success. Maybe we’d be better off using birds.

Digital technology hasn’t exactly made everything better, but one thing that doesn’t stink is being able to quickly communicate with people around the globe. I can email, text, call, or even FaceTime friends no matter how far apart we might be. But what if you could keep that ability while also making it painfully slow? Carrier pigeon slow, in fact? Then you’d have the new IOS app Carrier Pidge. It delivers your messages at the exact same speed as one of those birds would have.

Carrier Pidge/Noah Larrobino

Developer Noah Larrobino clearly doesn’t believe in instant gratification. His Carrier Pidge app (which we first learned about at Tom’s Hardware) allows you to convey messages with all the urgency of a carrier pigeon. That’s not really an indictment of those old-time messengers, though. The free app sends yours at the speed those birds could fly, which was an impressive 110+ mph. The app uses GPS distance to figure out how quickly/slowly your message arrives at its destination.

That’s if it makes it at all. In an effort to stay authentic to the carrier pigeon mode of communication, there is a 0.2% chance your note won’t reach its destination. There’s also a 25% +/- speed variance, so it could get there faster or slower. Either way, it makes a cross country message in the U.S. an almost full-day ordeal.

Spent 3 weeks building a texting app slower than email. Messages fly at pigeon speed — LA to NYC takes 22 hrs. Sometimes the bird dies & the message isn’t delivered. pic.twitter.com/MwHcldFr0Y

— Noah (@noah_bino) August 12, 2026

While this seems silly, there are some very practical reasons to use it. Sometimes you don’t want someone to instantly get your message. For example you might send a birthday greeting before you go to bed or if you will be unavailable the next day. With Carrier Pidge you can be 99.8% confident your well wishes will arrive on time. And if you forget to send it entirely you can always blame the digital pigeon for getting distracted and dying.

Will digital carrier pigeon replace all of the instant forms of communication we currently employ? Probably not, but we won’t actually rule it out. Modern digital tech isn’t exactly an unqualified success. Maybe we’d be better off using birds.

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

The post App Delivers Messages With the Speed of a Carrier Pigeon appeared first on Nerdist.