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Anne Hathaway Gives THE PRINCESS DIARIES 3 Non-Update

Mon, 08/17/2026 - 10:09
⚡ Quick Take
  • Anne Hathaway says her team is “constantly working” on bringing The Princess Diaries 3 to theaters in the near future.
  • At D23, Hathaway expressed gratitude for fans’ patience as the team worked to get the movie right, but didn’t really give a meaningful update.
  • Given Hathaway’s current pregnancy, we feel like it will be a little bit before we get substantial news about

Anne Hathaway recently brought us The Devil Wears Prada 2, a long-awaited sequel movie to a millenial classic. But before we even knew that she’d reprise her role as Andy Sachs, we were already excited about another iconic Hathaway character coming back. A few years ago, there was word that The Princess Diaries 3 would bring our royal sweetheart Mia back once again. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve heard anything, but now Hathaway says her team is “constantly working” on bringing The Princess Diaries 3 to theaters. At D23, which took place in August 2026, Hathaway affirmed the movie was in the works, but didn’t really offer anything substantial. We are ready to see Genovia, Queen. 

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Anne Hathaway Returns for PRINCESS DIARIES 3, Chris Pine Reacts to Movie News Anne Hathaway Offers Updates on The Princess Diaries 3

Here’s what Hathaway had to say at D23: “Thank you for your patience on The Princess Diaries 3, we are trying to get it right.” Which, while a non-update about the movie, at least seems to affirm Disney is taking the project seriously.

“We’re constantly working on it. [The Devil Wears Prada 2] cropped up unexpectedly and took over the space,” Hathaway said in April 2026, during an Entertainment Weekly interview. Hathaway also said that it “became impossible to focus on both at the same time,” which totally makes sense. But we are still a long journey from this becoming a reality. Anne Hathaway emphasized that The Princess Diaries has not been confirmed nor greenlit quite yet. Right now, it’s all about trying to nail down the right script. At D23, we weren’t given any confirmation if a script has been approved, but again, the official presence of the movie at the event is heartening.

Disney Will Chris Pine and Julie Andrews Return for The Princess Diaries 3?

We don’t know if Julie Andrews will return as Mia’s royal grandmother. To be fair, she’s 90 years old and perhaps she just wants to chill. But, according to the Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot, Chris Pine will return for this next sequel. She made these comments during BookCon, saying she read a version of the script already. Well then. 

Of course, Pine has not confirmed anything. He probably doesn’t use the Internet, and we love that peaceful existence for him.

It Might Be Some Time Before More Substantial The Princess Diaries 3 Updates Arrive

Anne Hathaway has now completed work on The Devil Wears Prada 2. But she’s onto a very different kind of project. Hathaway is currently pregnant with her third child. We assume there won’t be any major movement until sometime after she has given birth and spent some time with the newborn. And that makes total sense.

For now, we will have to wait and see what happens with The Princess Diaries 3.

Originally published April 21, 2026.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY Gets Season 2 Renewal, Heads Back to 1935

Mon, 08/17/2026 - 09:44
⚡ Quick Take
  • IT: Welcome to Derry is officially renewed for season two!
  • This next season will go back to 1935 and explore the events that led to the Bradley Gang massacre.
  • There will be a new leading cast, but we don’t know who will star in the show’s next season.

In news that shouldn’t be shocking to any horror fan, HBO finally gave IT: Welcome to Derry a season two renewal. Before the show’s release, we knew that creators Andy and Barbara Muschietti had plans for a three season arc that would take us back in time to cycles where Pennywise the Clown terrorized Derry. Season 2 will go back to a previous cycle in 1935, where we will see the events that led to the Bradley Gang massacre. 

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IT: WELCOME TO DERRY’s 4K Release Is Something Special and Rare

The opening credits for IT: Welcome to Derry gave us the tiniest glimpse into that horror with bloody streets. Right now, there aren’t many details about what else will happen in season two. There is no casting news, but we can assume that we will see people like Lily’s mom Terri, a young Ingrid Kersch, and maybe even a younger Rose as well.  

Of course, no one is happier about the season two renewal of IT: Welcome to Derry than the Muschiettis. “Continuing to explore and expand on the amazing world Stephen King created is an absolute privilege,” they said in a joint PR statement. “The support of our partners at HBO and Warner Bros. Television is priceless. Boy do we love our jobs!” 

Bill Skarsgard as Pennywide in It: Welcome to Derry.HBO

If you want to relive the first season all over again, you can stream it on HBO Max or own it forever in 4K UHD.

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!

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Categories: Nerd News

AHSOKA Season 2 Will Finally Air…3+ Years After Season 1

Mon, 08/17/2026 - 09:12
⚡ Quick Take
  • Season two of Disney+’s Ahsoka series will release on January 20, 2027.
  • That means Ahsoka season two will release over three years after the first season wrapped.
  • TV is simply taking too long to release new seasons of shows across the board.

TV simply takes too long to make nowadays. Ballooning “blockbuster” per-episode costs coupled with fewer episodes and a lack of sustained studio contracts means audiences have to wait multiple years between seasons. Even if a show shoots entirely on a state-of-the-art virtual soundstage we don’t get consistent yearly programming. Add to that list Disney+’s Ahsoka, which aired its eight-episode first season all the way back in 2023. That really is a long time ago. Now, season two has an official release date, and it is not soon.

ahsoka season 2 posterLucasfilm

A while back, Rosario Dawson gave us a timeline for Ahsoka season two at the Disney upfront presentation. She said the premiere will happen sometime in “early 2027.” Following that, at D23, Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed the release date of Ahsoka season two is January 20, 2027.

On the one hand, the next season of Ahsoka is less than a year away. On the other, that’ll make it over three years since the finale of season one. Dawson said, “This season, the battles are bigger and the stakes are higher,” which is apparently a court-mandated way to promote new seasons of things. Oh, the stakes are higher this time? Weird, I thought they’d be way lower. Huh!

Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) wields her white lightsaber.Lucasfilm

At any rate, Ahsoka season two will continue season one’s thrust of attempting to foil Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and his plot to resurrect the Empire. Game of Thrones star Rory McCann will replace the late Ray Stevenson as evil Jedi Baylan Skoll. Hayden Christensen will also return as Anakin Skywalker in ghost and flashback form. And lest you think the Dave Filoni series won’t have even more beloved characters, Admiral Ackbar will appear. “He’s going head-to-head with Thrawn,” promised Filoni.

While we have a long time to wait for Ahsoka, the Star Wars universe continues apace. This year, we’ve seen Maul – Shadow Lord arrive on Disney+ and the TV-to-film adventure The Mandalorian and Grogu hit theaters. Next year, in addition to Ahsoka, we’ll get Star Wars: Starfighter in theaters starring Ryan Gosling.

More About Ahsoka Season 2

Lucasfilm reveals the following additional information about Ahsoka Season 2, “Season 2 continues the story of Ahsoka Tano and her extraordinary journey beyond the known galaxy. As Ahsoka and her Jedi apprentice Sabine Wren travel across a mysterious and perilous world to find their way home, their friends Hera, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the New Republic into war.

Ahsoka season one streams now on Disney+.

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

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Categories: Nerd News

New Tomorrowland Is Coming to Disneyland. What Can Fans Expect?

Mon, 08/17/2026 - 08:01
⚡ Quick Take
  • After decades of waiting, Walt Disney Imagineering announced a long-awaited overhaul of Tomorrowland at Disneyland during D23.
  • The expected overhaul will bring the opening-day land back to Walt Disney’s original concept.
  • The new Tomorrowland will correct the mistakes of the last refurbishment, back in 1998.
  • Nerdist Take: A new Tomorrowland is long overdue and can bring new energy back to Walt Disney’s original park.

At the D23 Horizons: A Carousel of Progress Disney Experiences presentation, Disney Imagineering announced something that Disneyland fans have been waiting literally years for. Something we here at Nerdist have been hoping for since at least 2019. At the end of the panel, Thomas Mazloum, chair of Disney Experiences, announced that Tomorrowland in Anaheim will receive a major overhaul. Mazloum told the audience, “We are entering Disneyland’s next great chapter where new generations will continue to relive fond memories of the past and savor the challenge and promises of the future. And it all begins with Tomorrowland.” Disney released an image of Space Mountain and the tagline, “Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today.” Here’s what we know and think about this new Tomorrowland.

The D23 Expo announcement image for Disneyland's new Tomorrowland.The Walt Disney Company

Although no concept art or details were released, the Disney Blog added, “The plans for Tomorrowland will restore the spirit of optimism, innovation, and possibility that inspired Walt Disney to create ‘A vista into a world of wondrous ideas.'” More “open spaces” were also mentioned. The plan seems to be for the Tomorrowland refresh to be ready for Disneyland’s 75th anniversary, which is in 2030. Four years seems like a long way away. But when it comes to Disney Imagineering, that’s not a very long time at all. Whether Disney can maintain this timetable or not remains a big question mark. Disney did confirm that the new Tomorrowland will precede the Avatar Experience planned for Disney California Adventure, which was a big surprise.

Even with the scarce details presented, that announcement tagline tells us quite a bit. “Yesterday’s Tomorrow” suggests we’re getting a retro-futuristic makeover. Essentially, updating by going backward. We’d venture a guess that the new Tomorrowland will channel the mid-century modern futurism of the late ’50s to mid ’60s, the optimistic future imagined by the likes of artist Syd Mead, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and the heyday of NASA’s Apollo program. Not to mention Marvel’s Fantastic Four, which Disney now owns. If the new Tomorrowland leans into a future that never really happened, instead of trying to predict our actual future, it really can’t become dated. The Space Mountain in the announcement image remains unchanged, suggesting a makeover like the one at Tokyo Disneyland is not in the cards.

Disneyland's Tomorrowland in the modern day.The Walt Disney Company Nerdist Take: A New Tomorrowland Is Long Overdue, Here Are Attractions We’d Like to See

So what attractions can fans reasonably expect to see in this new Tomorrowland, and which ones can we expect to go away? We think some form of the classic People Mover will be a part of the land. Whether Disney can salvage the now-abandoned tracks, which have been rotting for over 25 years, or build a whole new one, the People Mover exemplifies Walt Disney’s vision of “a world on the move” more than almost anything. So we think some form of a People Mover is coming. It’s remained one of the most requested attractions in Disneyland’s history. Something new will likely come into the Magic Eye Theater, now standing empty, and the equally empty Starcade.

The new Tomorrowland of 1967 at Disneyland.The Walt Disney Company

The original Carousel of Progress building in Tomorrowland has been a shell of its former self for years. It’s a huge piece of real estate that can probably house a large new attraction. So demolition making way for something entirely new makes sense. Or, Disney can gut the building and keep the structure, but give park guests a new Carousel of Progress. We can safely say that the Astro Orbiter will move from its bottleneck position at the front of the land. Perhaps a new spinner ride will take its place elsewhere. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters may get an update, as might Star Tours. Or, Disney could replace them entirely. Because of their massive footprint, we expect the Autopia and the Submarines to stay, although re-theming is likely.

Tomorrowland was one of Walt Disney’s original signature lands inside Disneyland from day one in 1955. At first, it wasn’t much, and mostly a showcase for corporate sponsors. But the Tomorrowland that lives in the hearts of fans remains the reimagined “New Tomorrowland,” which opened in 1967. It contained the iconic People Mover track, as well as attractions like the Carousel of Progress and the Rocket Jets. Eventually, Space Mountain became the land’s signature attraction, something that remains true to this day. But by the ’80s, Tomorrowland had largely become “Yesterdayland,” and needed an update. Sadly, the one we did get in 1998 was done on a budget. And it left the land in a terrible state. Here’s hoping that now, 28 years later, this new vision of Tomorrowland will return the land to its former glory.

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. Eric has been waiting for a new Tomorrowland for a long time.

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Categories: Nerd News

Hayden Panettiere Dies, HEROES Star Was 36

Mon, 08/17/2026 - 06:56
⚡ Quick Take
  • Hayden Panettiere has sadly died.
  • A star of Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream movies, Panettiere was 36 at the time of her death.
  • This death is tragic and sudden, but Panettiere leaves behind a beautiful legacy.

Hayden Panettiere has sadly died. This beloved actress, known to many from her time on Heroes, Nashville, and the Scream franchise, was 36 at the time of her death. Alas, this is a tragically young age to pass away. The loss of Panettiere is sudden and shocking. But her legacy will no doubt be remembered for a long time to come.

Hayden Panettiere in heroesNBC

Save the Cheerleader, Save the World. For a certain subset of the population, those words have a massive impact. Heroes season one was a tremendous series, one that greatly impacted TV and brought superheroes into the spotlight even before the MCU ushered in a new era for the genre. And Hayden Panettiere was, of course, the cheerleader in question, the hero for heroes.

In a statement about Panettiere’s death, her father Skip said, “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”

And those words ring true for us as we look back on Panettiere’s career. “Light” was a word that came forward in our thoughts as well; a bright smile and a true talent.

At this time, the cause of Hayden Panettiere’s death remains unknown. But police share that “the preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.” And we’re relieved to hear that much, at least.

In addition to Heroes, Hayden Panettiere starred in Nashville from 2012-2018. She additionally appeared as Kirby Reed in the Scream franchise, including in Scream 4 (2011) and Scream VI (2023). Very early in her career, she played Sheryl Yoast on Remember the Titans (2000). All memorable roles in their own right. For those looking to remember Hayden Panettiere after her death, Panettiere wrote a candid memoir about her life experiences, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

We could not have expected news of Hayden Panettiere’s death to come so soon. But we will celebrate her roles and life in the wake of her passing.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER Shares Exclusive First Footage at D23

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 22:08
⚡ Quick Take
  • Director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling shared the exclusive first footage of Star Wars: Starfighter at D23.
  • Gosling said it’s a story of someone “from the wrong side of the galaxy whose fate is intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built.”
  • Levy also said it is “full of humor, danger, and spectacle.”
  • NERDIST TAKE: We’re not going to lie, it was pretty, pretty good.

Fans lucky enough to be in attendance at the Honda Center for Disney’s D23 Entertainment Showcase got a very special glimpse at the galaxy far, far away. Director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling took to the stage to discuss Starfighter. Gosling said it’s a story of someone “from the wrong side of the galaxy whose fate is intertwined with the fastest starfighter ever built.” Levy also said it is “full of humor, danger, and spectacle, but above all the joyous spirit that has always been the beating heart of this legacy we all love so much.” And then they showed an exclusive clip meant solely for those in the room. Fortunately Nerdist was among the massive crowd and got to see this special, one-time only sneak peak.

Title card for Star Wars: StarfighterNerdist

The clip began with a young boy (newcomer Flynn Gray) taking the tarp of a starfighter. The sequence evoked racecar movies. And for good reason. Gosling’s character then appeared to scold him for touching something Gosling told him not to touch. That turns out to be a decommissioned G17 Imperial reaper. It’s “the fastest starfighter ever built.”

We then see a craft (maybe the starfighter) zipping along the water followed by a baskside shot of a person wearing a leather skull jacket holding a bazooka-like weapon. A montage of gear work follows, then a small craft with a sail also on water. A classic Star Wars sequence of engines firing up, people jumping from opening tunnels, and a battle end with a quick shot of Gosling in the starfighter he just reluctantly turned to.

first look at ryan gosling in star wars starfighter from shawn levy 2Shawn Levy

We’re not going to lie, it was pretty, pretty good. It, fittingly, zipped right along. The wait to see the whole movie will not feel that way, though. Starfighter—which also stars my Adams, Aaron Pierre, Matt Smith, and Mia Goth—doesn’t arrive in theaters until May 28 2027. At least then we’ll all get to see it together.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

Marvel Announces X-MEN Movie Cast at D23

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 21:42
⚡ Quick Take
  • Marvel head Kevin Fiege brought out X-Men movie director Jake Schreier to the D23 stage to introduce some of the cast of mutant favorites.
  • Among the cast include Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Kit Connor as Cyclops, and Maya Boyd as Storm.
  • One big surprise is Obsession breakout Inde Navarrette as Rogue.
  • NERDIST TAKE: Adam Driver as Mister Sinister is a huge win.

After Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which famously had a [REDACTED] in the cast, plus a slew of new reports, fans have assumed we’d get a cast list for the upcoming X-Men at some point. Well, thanks for that, D23! The end of Kevin Feige’s portion of the over-two-hour Friday night presentation of Disney’s many studio projects, we learned who’d join [REDACTED] in Jake Schreier’s hotly anticipated movie. Some names were favorites, others were massive surprises. But it wouldn’t be X-Men without those.

Meet the Cast of the X-Men Movie

Jake Schreier and Sadie Sink, who of course plays the unredacted Jean Grey, joined Feige to announce that X-Men will arrive on May 5, 2028. But joining them were soon brand new cast members who just met backstage. The previously reported Kit Connor as Cyclops and Samara Weaving as Emma Frost were of course among the group. Additionally, we got Kraven‘s Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier, Obsession breakout Inde Navarette as Rogue, and Maya Boyd as Storm. Also, sending in a video, we got the last announced cast member, Adam Driver as Magne—wait, no. Good psychout. He’s actually playing Nathaniel Milbury, whom comic fans will know is one of the many aliases of Mister Sinister.

X-Men cast take the stage at D23.Nerdist

More as it develops…

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

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Categories: Nerd News

AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Trailer Confirms Doom as LEGENDARY Bad Guy

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 21:33
⚡ Quick Take
  • The latest star-studded trailer for Avengers: Doomsday doesn’t hide Doctor Doom’s real goal.
  • This trailer was first shown exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con.
  • Nerdist Take: The D23 Avengers: Doomsday trailer is the best look yet at the film.

Doom is coming for the Avengers. And now it has finally come for all of us. At D23 Marvel Studios shared the Avengers: Doomsday trailer it first aired exclusively at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. And if you were frustrated you didn’t get a chance to see it before, you’re going to be even angrier you had to wait. This is a fantastic introduction worthy of Doctor Doom. That is unless you’re a member of the Fantastic Four.

There’s no question who Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor von Doom is in this trailer. He is the greatest threat the multiverse has ever known. In the last official look at the film, the iconic villain was first teased as someone who was maybe hoping to save worlds. But this time the MCU is all-in on letting all fans know what awaits them in the next Avengers film. Sue Reed provides background into what happened to her old brilliant friend, whom she did not realize was more than lost. He was broken. The Avengers: Doomsday trailer’s official tagline also makes reference to the catastrophic chance in the genius sorcerer: “He used to be different.”

Also broken in this star-studded trailer? Thor’s back, as we get an even better look at the sequence where Doctor Doom easily flicks away the God of Thunder.

Doctor Doo with his arms held out as Sentinels stands behind him Avengers: DoomsdayMarvel Studios

While the build to Doom has essentially been non-existent (even if the multiversal saga has been), this is the kind of Avengers: Doomsday teaser that will do a lot of heavy lifting for viewers who might not know why Doom is a truly all-time, iconic legendary bad guy. And that was true before he potentially kills Sir Ian McKellan’s long-haired Magneto.

Please, let Doom and his Sentinels come for us all. So long as he doesn’t harm one strand of that glorious hair.

We’ll find out if Doom will harm all of them later this year. Avengers: Doomsday premieres on December 18, 2026.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

Marvel Drops VISIONQUEST Trailer at D23

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 21:13
⚡ Quick Take
  • D23 finally gave us a first look at Marvel Studios’ exceedingly long-awaited VisionQuest series starring Paul Bettany.

D23 is the place to be for Disney nerds who want exclusive first looks at upcoming content from all the Mouse’s many subsidiaries. Marvel appeared this year, and they brought with them a never-before-seen trailer for their upcoming show, VisionQuest. We’ve been waiting for this since seemingly 2021. Or at least since 2023Take a look!

VisionQuest follows Vision, a sentient android created to fight Ultron, a villainous robot bent on wiping out humanity in order to achieve world peace. Paul Bettany is back playing Vision, now seemingly alone after the events of WandaVision and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But he’s only alone…in the real world. In his mind, we see that Vision has a whole Vision family, including JARVIS (James D’Arcy) and his “Peepaw” Ultron in human form (James Spader).

The poster for the series is very much in this vein.

VisionQuest poster showing Vision (Paul Bettany) in a chair with Ultron (James Spader) behind him.Marvel Studios

Arguably Marvel’s favorite couple, along with Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda, the pair won our hearts in one of Marvel’s most successful series, WandaVision. WandaVision garnered 23 Emmy nominations and three wins.

Wanda looking at Vision as they sit on her bed in WandaVisionMarvel Studios

Before the trailer screening, there was almost no information on the internet about the show’s premise. Marvel did, however, have some of the cast list available. We knew it would include James Spader, who played Ultron, and James D’Arcy, who played Edwin Jarvis from Agent Carter. Other than them, the provided cast list was short and included no other previous MCU stars.

RELATED ARTICLE

VISION QUEST Series Sets October Premiere Date

However, now we have some hints as to what it might be about.

_____________

VisionQuest will premiere on Disney+ on October 14.

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

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Categories: Nerd News

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds Officially Join AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 21:11
⚡ Quick Take
  • From directors to cast to story, here’s everything we know so far about the fifth chapters in the Avengers series, Avengers: Doomsday.

One of the most anticipated films of all time is currently in production, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday. The fifth film in Avengers franchise (and the 39th MCU movie overall) will pit Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against the ultimate Marvel villain, Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. It will lead directly into the sixth Avengers film, Avengers: Secret Wars, based on the iconic Marvel Comics event series.

At D23, Marvel Studios officially announced something exciting that we may have seen coming: Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds will star in Avengers: Doomsday. Amazing.

Hugh Jackman on a big screen at D23 surrounded by the green Doomsday colorNerdist

Here’s everything we know so far about Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday:

Title Avengers: Doomsday logo.Marvel Studios

Despite originally being called The Kang Dynasty, changes in the story and script resulted in a new title for the fifth Avengers film, now called Avengers: Doomsday.

Avengers: Doomsday’s Plot Robert downey jr with doctor doom maskRobert Downey Jr.

It’s the beginning of the end for the Mutliverse Saga. But we don’t have an official plot synopsis from Marvel Studios for Doomsday yet. But we know it’ll feature the Avengers, the Thunderbolts, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men in a battle with Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. We expect Multiversal incursions galore, probably resulting in a patchwork “Battleworld” in the follow-up film, 2027’s Avengers: Secret Wars.

Behind the Scenes 

Returning to take the reins after Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, are directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Writing the film is their frequent collaborator, Stephen McFeely. Alan Silvestri is scoring the film once more, as he did with the previous four Avengers films. As with all Marvel Studios films, Kevin Feige is producing. Shooting commences for the film in the United Kingdom in April, 2025.

Avengers: Doomsday’s Cast

So far, Doomsday has a cast of 27 actors. And this is just the ones they’ve announced already. The cast includes Avengers Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Danny Ramirez (Falcon), and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man). From the kingdoms of Wakanda and Talokan, we have Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther), Winston Duke (M’Baku), and Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor). Also in the cast of Doomsday are the Thunderbolts, Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), David Harbour (Red Guardian) Wyatt Russell (U.S. Agent), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), and Lewis Pullman (Sentry).

Avengers Doomsday final cast image (1)Marvel Studios

The entire Fantastic Four is here as well, including Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing), Joseph Quinn (Human Torch), Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman), and Pedro Pascal (Mr. Fantastic). Original X-Men cast members include Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops) and Kelsey Grammer (Beast). Joining them is Channing Tatum as Gambit. Other characters include Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Tom Hiddleston as Loki. Finally, Robert Downey Jr is headlining villain Victor von Doom.

Click To View Gallery Avengers Doomsday trailer shuri Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer namor Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer thor Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer new avengers fantastic four and avengers Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer bucky and sam Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer fantastic four Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer Mystique Marvel Studios Avengers Doomsday trailer Loki Marvel Studios Professor X and Magneto reunion Avengers Doomsday trailer Marvel Studios

We know a lot of cast members, thanks to that very long sequence of chairs on IG, but there are more coming. One of them could be Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. During an interview with The View, the actor gave a coy response to whether Wolverine would appear in Avengers: Doomsday.

“I really can’t say much, except when you say ‘appear,’ more like dominate and destroy every other character—I’m kidding,” Jackman teased. “I really have nothing to add, and if I did, I would find a really cool way to not say it, but I actually have nothing to add.”

Even though that’s a rather enormous cast list, Robert Downey Jr. and Marvel Studios are already hinting that even more names are on the way.

RDJ Avengers Doomsday cast comment on IGMarvel Studios Avengers: Doomsday Release Date

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in North America on December 18, 2026.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

Disney’s Live-Action TANGLED First-Look Images Revealed

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 20:50
⚡ Quick Take
  • Disney is moving forward with its live-action Tangled movie once again, and Scarlett Johansson could play Mother Gothel.

Earlier in 2025, Disney reported that it was halting progress on its live-action Tangled film. This decision likely came from the critical and commercial failure of Snow White. It wasn’t clear if the film would ever move forward again or end up getting the axe for good. But now Disney is ready to move forward with the live-action Tangled movie. And we even got our first-look at live-action Tangled at D23.

NerdistNerdist live-action tangled first lookNerdist

Taking on the two leading roles, according to The Hollywood Reporter, are Teagan Croft and Milo Manheim. They will star in the Tangled live-action movie as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, respectively. Croft previously played Raven in the DC series Titans while Manheim is known for his role in the Zombies movie franchise. Joining them is Kathryn Hahn as villain Mother Gothel. And additionally, Diego Luna will take on a role that has not yet been confirmed, per Deadline.

Disney

For those who aren’t familiar, the animated Tangled film came out in 2010 and reimagined the classic story of Rapunzel. In this version, Mandy Moore voiced the main character. It was a big box office success for Disney and, with the recent love for Lilo & Stitch, it seems the company wants to bet on Tangled now.

It is not clear who else will star in this film nor when things will fully get back rolling again. We will have to wait and see what happens in the near future.

Originally published on October 10, 2025.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

Pixar Reveals New Movie GHOST MARKET, Shares First Clip

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 20:29
⚡ Quick Take
  • Pixar announced its next featured film, and it hopes fans will gobble up its first supernatural story with the very fun Ghost Market.

Disney’s Entertainment Showcase at this year’s D23 fan event came with some big Pixar news. The studio already has its next original big screen film lined up. It is releasing an entirely original story inbetween two highly-anticipated sequels. Pixar’s new movie Ghost Market will hope fans gobble up a story about hungry ghosts.

Nerdist was in the packed house when Pixar provided an update on its upcoming slate. That now includes Ghost Market, a tale that will mark new territory for a studio currently celebrating its 40th anniversay. The film is Pixar’s first supernatural movie, though it has dabbled in supernatural entities before, most notably with Soul. But that’s not the type of supernatural they’re dealing with here. Pixar’s new movie Ghost Market is about dead beings.

In the short clip from Ghost Market that aired at D23, we saw a teenage boy who appears to be an amateur ghost hunter. In it, he goes to an Asian market that’s entirely empty, but we then see a bowl of noodles float by itself as he freaks out.

Ghost Market title card split with an image of a young boy near ramenPixar

Gotta learn how to not freak out when you see a floating bowl of food if you want to go from amateur ghost hunter to professional. That’s, like, a huge part of the job. Seeing weird stuff. Not that we’re complaining. We love this Ghost Market premise, especially since it will provide fertile ground for a movie that will be Pixar’s 34th feature film to hit theaters.

Joining Ghost Market in Pixar’s line-up of new movies is Gatto. Gatto will follow a Venetian cat hoping to escape his mafioso life and will arrive in theaters next spring on March 8, 2027. Incredibles 3 will then follow on June 16, 2028. And then Coco 2 will arrive potentially sometime in 2029. Ghost Market will slot in between.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

Disney Announces KINGDOM HEARTS Animated Series

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 20:23
⚡ Quick Take
  • Disney announced a brand new animated TV series based on video game series, Kingdom Hearts.
  • Developed in partnership with video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at SQUARE ENIX.
  • The series will retell and remix the story of the games, about young hero Sora teaming up with Disney characters.
  • NERDIST TAKE: It’s shocking this had taken so long to be a thing.

If you’d have told me it would take until the year 2026 for Disney to announce a TV series based on their popular franchise mashup video game Kingdom Hearts, I’d demand to know who you were. But it also seems very strange it took this long! But here we are, with the announcement at D23 that Disney+ will air a series of Kingdom Hearts. Might have a different title, but for now that’s what we’ll call it.

Kingdom Hearts coming soon to Disney+.Disney

From the press release: Developed in partnership with video game creator Tetsuya Nomura and the creative team at SQUARE ENIX, the series reimagines the iconic adventure with a brand-new story that will expand on the universe of Kingdom Hearts. The first video game came out in in 2002, a classic Japanese role playing game where the player controls Sora, a young adventurer who teams up with and meets various beloved Disney characters. The third named title came out in 2019 and a fourth game is forthcoming.

Kingdom Hearts has captivated gamers everywhere with its unique blend of adventure and imagination,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family. “There’s something really exciting about taking a world fans have spent years exploring through the games and bringing it to life in a completely new way. And with a creative team that is working closely with the legendary Tetsuya Nomura, our new series will be unmistakably ‘Kingdom Hearts,’ while giving fans a whole new way to experience the world they love.”

Though young kids will be the focus of show, we assume Kingdom Hearts will retain its truly absurd and complicated plot. Because it wouldn’t be Kingdom Hearts otherwise.

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

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Categories: Nerd News

LILO & STITCH 2 Sets May 2028 Release Date

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 20:19
⚡ Quick Take
  • A Lilo & Stich 2 live-action movie is in development with Disney to bring fans more family-friendly joy and dancing.

Lilo & Stitch’s live-action film made a ton of money at the box office and delighted many kids (and kids at heart). Who can resist a blue furry pal and an adorable story about love and family? I certainly cannot. So it is not shocking that Disney announced that Lilo & Stitch 2 is in development. June 26 (626) was the perfect day to reveal this news considering that’s Stitch’s experiment number. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Lilo & Stitch‘s co-creator Chris Sanders will write the script for the next live-action sequel. And we also know that the Lilo & Stitch 2 live-action sequel will arrive in theaters on May 28, 2028.

Lilo and Stitch 2 graphicNerdist Lilo and Stitch 2 graphic 2Nerdist

In the meantime, keep watching the adorable Instagram video for the Lilo & Stitch 2 news, which includes our favorite guy zipping around town with the top down. What a vibe. 

We can assume that the cast will return in their respective roles. And we cannot wait for more Ohana joy.

The CGI Stitch from the live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.Walt Disney Studios

That’s one thing we need a lot more of these days. 

Originally published on June 26, 2025.

lTai 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.

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We Saw THE NEW SIMPSONS MOVIE’s First-Look Footage

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 20:06
⚡ Quick Take
  • Disney shared the first look at The New Simpsons Movie during this year’s D23 Entertainment Showcase. Here’s what we saw.

It’s still hard to think that The Simpsons, one of the least Disney-like animated shows ever, is now part of the Mouse House. But you’d have an easier time accepting that if you attended this year’s D23 event in Anaheim. Everyone’s favorite family from Springfield has a big presence at this year’s expo. And that extended all the way from the Anaheim Convention Center to the Honda Center, where the Disney Entertainment Showcase provided attendees the first glimpse at The New Simpsons Movie. And Nerdist was there to be your very own Kent Brockman. Here’s what we saw in first-look footage from The New Simpsons Movie.

Green and yellow title card for The New Simpsons Movie with release dateNerdist

Our first-look at The New Simpsons Movie footage featured an animatic of Homer at a baseball game. He was trying to catch a home run ball, but instead it went in Grandpa Simpson’s mouth. He then spit it out, resulting in Homer chasing the ball throughout the stadium all the way through Moe’s Tavern, then the Bowling Alley, and finally into the Duff Beer Factory…..and right into Bart’s waiting hands.

So, you know, a pretty normal experience for Homer.

RELATED ARTICLE

CRITICAL ROLE Meets THE SIMPSONS to Form Bart the Bard 

While this doesn’t really tell us much about what The New Simpsons Movie‘s plot will look like, it’s still a funny sequence that should get fans excited for the long-running animated sitcom’s long-awaited return to theaters. The original Simpsons Movie released in 2007. It will be 20 years when its sequel arrives. This animatic sequence is indicative that the movie is still a ways away. It will debut on September 3, 2027.

Yellow banner for The New Simpsons Movie with release dateNerdist

Expect an amazing popcorn bucket when it does. During a panel earlier in the day, the show’s creative team said they probably spent more time pitching buckets that plots. They also promised that The New Simpsons Movie‘s bucket will be more vulgar than the notorious Dune popcorn bucket. And if that’s true, then yes, this will really be a vulgar bucket.

More amazing? Disney will pay to make them.

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.

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Categories: Nerd News

INCREDIBLES 3 Reveals Summer 2028 Release, Plot

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 20:00
⚡ Quick Take
  • Incredibles 3 has set a summer 2028 release date and revealed some of its plot. This Incredibles movie will focus on the kids.

Your favorite animated super family is back. At D23, Disney announced that Incredibles 3 has set a release date of the summer 2028. Disney also shared a tease of the plot we can expect. In Incredibles 3, Supers are legal again, and this movie will feature a superhero league. This time the focus will be on the kids, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack. We’re excited to see what the beloved franchise will bring us in its third outing. Incredibles 2 fell just a little short of what we were expecting, but hopefully the third time’s the charm. We’re already counting the days until an Incredibles 3 trailer graces our screens.

incredibles 3 d23Nerdist incredibles 3 d23 2Nerdist Rotem Rusak is the Editor-in-Chief at Nerdist. She is a great love 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.

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7 Things We’re Hoping to See in X-MEN ’97 Season 3

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 15:52
⚡ Quick Take
  • X-Men ’97 season two ended with an ominous tease involving Mystique for season three.
  • Several iconic Marvel mutants still need to reappear, or even appear for the first time in X-Men ’97.
  • Nerdist’s take: We really hope to see mutant teams like Excalibur, and former members like Iceman, in X-Men ’97 season three.

X-Men ’97 season two has come to a close, and unlike last time, we won’t have to wait that long for season three. It’s expected to drop on Disney+ in the summer of 2027. Given the final scene of the season, we know Mystique is going to make trouble under the guise of government operative Valerie Cooper, and that her bigoted son, Graydon Creed, has won the United States presidency. Something that cannot bode well for mutants at large. We expect government-sanctioned Sentinels, more religious Purifiers, and much chaos. But as longtime Marvel mutant fans, we have some requests for the creators of X-Men ’97 year three when it arrives.

1. More Episodes The X-Men unite in the X-Men '97 season 2 trailer.Marvel Television

This is perhaps the most important thing X-Men ’97 needs to do next season, and that is to add more episodes. Even if it’s just one or two more. The stories this past season, while good, all felt rushed and skipped over important emotional beats. We do enjoy some of these stories told in a far more abbreviated form than in the comics. For example, Storm lost her powers for years in the comics; we’re glad they didn’t stretch that storyline out too long in season one. But these plotlines still need more time to develop. Whoever the showrunner is on year three, or maybe it has to be year four, we certainly hope they find a way to add more episodes. If only to allow these plotlines to breathe a little.

2. Cyclops Discovering Havok Is His Brother Cyclops and Havok in X-Men: The Animated Series X-Men '97.Marvel Television

X-Factor’s field leader is the plasma energy-wielding Havok, who appeared several times in season two. The Flash’s Teddy Sears voices him. The character actually appeared before, on the original X-Men: The Animated Series. But although the show dropped broad hints, it never confirmed Alex Summers is the brother of Scott Summers, aka Cyclops. We’re now two seasons into X-Men ’97, and these two still don’t know they’re related. Cyclops has already encountered his space pirate dad, Corsair, and his adult cyborg soldier son, Cable. Hopefully, by next season, these two finally realize they are each other’s long-lost sibling.

3. The Arrival of Rachel Summers Rachel Summers as a member of the X-Men.Marvel Comics

Speaking of the complicated Summers family tree, season two introduced us to yet another Summers. Mother Askani, the powerful psychic who led the fight against Apocalypse 2,000 years in the future. But she never confirmed who she really was to Cyclops or Storm. Even though they both knew there was more to her than she was admitting. Comics fans know that Mother Askani is actually a (much) older version of Rachel Summers. Rachel is the psychic daughter of Scott Summers and Jean Grey from a dystopian timeline, who sometimes hosts the Phoenix. The teenage version of Rachel traveled to the 20th century and joined the X-Men. Mother Askani implied that version of Rachel is her younger self. So that’s a storyline we need to see play out on X-Men ‘97.

4. Emma Frost Joins the X-Men Emma Frost in X-Men '97Marvel Television

So far, Emma Frost, the telepathic White Queen of the Hellfire Club, has made two brief appearances in X-Men ’97. Even though she nearly died in Genosha, that experience has not seemingly made her a better person. We know she’s not suddenly a noble hero thanks to her selling out X-Force this season. Our understanding is that former showrunner Beau DeMayo was not a very big fan of modern “heroic” Emma. But she’s one of the most popular X-Men ever, so she needs to appear at some point.

In the 2000s era New X-Men comics by Grant Morrison, after Apocalypse possessed Cyclops’ body, he had serious PTSD issues. Now a teacher at the Xavier Institute, Emma Frost psychically nursed him back to a more functional state. And this “psychic therapy” did kind of lead to a psychic affair. Well, didn’t Gambit just get possessed by Apocalypse on X-Men ’97? Maybe the Scott/Jean/Emma triangle in the comics becomes Remy/Rogue/Emma for the series. Talk about a soapy twist to a classic storyline.

5. The Return of Iceman Iceman in X-Men: The Animated Series.Marvel Television

X-Men: The Animated Series brought in Iceman for one episode, titled “Cold Comfort,” establishing Bobby Drake as a founding member of the team. A member who left Xavier’s School under unhappy circumstances. Eventually, Cyclops invited Iceman back, but Bobby chose to turn down the offer. But given that in the years since X-Men: TAS, Iceman has come out as a gay man. And he’s become one of Marvel’s most prominent LGBTQ heroes. Yes, we acknowledge the X-Men ’97 team is a bit overcrowded right now. But we should at least get an episode that focuses on one of the team’s most iconic members.

6. A Proper X-Men History Explained Cover and interior artwork for Uncanny X-Men #138 from 1980.Marvel Comics

When we first met the X-Men in the first episode of X-Men: The Animated Series back in 1992, they were already a well-established team with some history. And over the course of the series, we learned a bit of that history. They eventually showed us how Iceman and Angel were in Xavier’s first class, and eventually Polaris joined too. But we don’t really know the team’s full timeline, and how it does (or doesn’t) match up with Marvel canon. In the comics, after Jean Grey died, Uncanny X-Men #138 featured Cyclops reflecting on the team’s history as he mourned his love. An episode like this, finally clarifying the history of the X-Men, should be produced at some point.

7. The Introduction of Excalibur Alan Davis' art for the X-Men spinoff Excalibur.Marvel Comics

Back in the ’80s and ‘90s, the X-Men got several spin-off teams, starting with X-Factor, and then X-Force. And both appeared in X-Men ’97 season two. But another major X-Men satellite group was established in 1987, and that’s the British team Excalibur. Established after the X-Men were believed dead, Excalibur operated out of a lighthouse off the coast of England. Their expertise was in more trans-dimensional and just weirder adventures, kind of like a mutant Doctor Who team.

The core team of Excalibur, consisting of Nightcrawler, Kitty Pryde, Rachel Summers, Captain Britain, and his girlfriend Meggan, would be a little difficult to pull off right now. Nightcrawler is dead, the younger Rachel Summers has yet to arrive in the ‘90s, and it doesn’t seem like the X-Men ’97 producers are very eager to introduce Kitty Pryde. But we’d like to think somewhere down the line, maybe in season four, we can finally see Excalibur on the series. We all know Nightcrawler is going to get better eventually. That’s just how mutant deaths work.

The X-Men run towards danger in the X-Men '97 opening creditsMarvel Television

X-Men ’97 seasons one and two are currently streaming on Disney+.

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.

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HBO Max Renews STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE for Season 2

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 14:01
⚡ Quick Take
  • HBO Max has renewed Stuart Fails to Save the Universe for a second season.
  • The Big Bang Theory spinoff premiered in July and became the streamer’s second-biggest comedy premiere.
  • Stuart Fails to Save the Universe stars Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, and John Ross Bowie.
  • Nerdist take: comedy/sci-fi is always a welcome addition to the television landscape.

Let no one ever say the public doesn’t love a loser. Figuratively, of course. Because, while the titular goober of HBO Max’s The Big Bang Theory spinoff, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, is, to some, the definition of a loser, today he won big. The show has proven popular enough for the Warner Bros.-owned streaming service to warrant ordering a second season. Does this mean he’ll eventually save the universe for real? I guess we’ll find out.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe stars Kevin Sussman and Lauren Lapkus.HBO Max

The first season of the series, from creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, is HBO Max’s second-biggest comedy ever globally. Amy Gravitt, EVP, HBO Programming, and head of HBO and HBO Max Comedy says the following:

“We’re delighted with how this hilarious, genre-bending show from Chuck, Zak, and Bill has connected with the audience, both devotees of The Big Bang Theory and new fans alike. Along with everyone else, we can’t wait to see the worlds they conjure for these beloved characters next season.”

The series stars Kevin Sussman as Stuart David Bloom, the proprietor of a comic book shop, who finds himself on a multiversal adventure along with his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus) and his friend and employee Bert (Brian Posehn). All-purpose villain Kripke (John Ross Bowie) also partakes. Season one saw pastiches of Mad Max and The Matrix as the characters trip the cosmic nethersphere.

Stuart from Stuart Fails to Save the Universe next to the show's depiction of DC's Mr. Freeze.HBO Max

During San Diego Comic-Con 2026 a few weeks ago, we learned that several DC Comics characters also appear in season one, including Mister Freeze. Jim Lee, DC’s president, publisher, and chief creative officer said of the cameos, “Some of the DC characters they have in it, I think, are some of the best versions I’ve seen of those characters.”

Season one of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premiered on July 23 and will have its finale September 24.

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

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THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU Disney+ Premiere Date Announced

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 13:01
⚡ Quick Take
  • Disney+ has announced the streaming premiere date for The Mandalorian & Grogu.
  • In addition, fans will get an official podcast for the movie and a new LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian special.
  • All content will debut September 2, 2026.
  • Nerdist has dozens of pieces about the movie which you can find here: The Mandalorian and Grogu at Nerdist!

If you didn’t go to the theater to see the newest Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu—and statistically that’s most of you—but you still want to see it, you’re soon to be in luck. Disney has announced the streaming debut of the movie with Din Djarin and the Wee Baby Grog on Disney+. They also have announce two other related titles will debut on the same date.

The Mandalorian and Grogu flying togetherLucasfilm

The Mandalorian and Grogu will make its Disney+ debut on Wednesday, September 2, in just a few short weeks. We called it “pure Star Wars fun,” which will seemingly feel right at home amid the previous three seasons of the TV series. In addition to the movie, September 2 will also see the premiere of LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian, which will tell the whole adventure of The Mandalorian in LEGO form, complete with gentle ribbing. Check out the trailer below.

And as if that weren’t enough, on September 2, you’ll also get to stream Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Official Podcast. This video interview series will go behind the scenes of all things having to do with the movie. Writer-director Jon Favreau welcomes Lucasfilm head Dave Filoni, star Pedro Pascal, co-star Sigourney Weaver, and even Grogu himself. (How’d they get him?!) No indication on how many episodes we’ll get in total, but the first two episodes will drop on 9/2/2026. Trailer below.

So if you’ve been waiting roughly a few months to check out anything having to do with Mando and the puppet, your patience has paid off. Or if you just want to watch stuff again, plus new things you haven’t seen, then bonus for you.

Catch up with our coverage of The Mandalorian and Grogu and our whole library of Star Wars content.

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

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Categories: Nerd News

D23 VISIONQUEST Booth Teases Original Human Torch

Fri, 08/14/2026 - 11:48
⚡ Quick Take
  • The VisionQuest display on the show floor of D23 2026 depicts a curious painting that may point to the original Human Torch from 1939.
  • The original Human Torch was not Johnny Storm, but a superpowered android who took the human form of Officer Jim Hammond.
  • In the comics, the Vision’s body was the discarded and lifeless form of the original Human Torch.
  • Nerdist Take: While we know where Vision came from in the MCU, Ultron and White Vision may well have a tie to Human Torch.

If you can believe it, WandaVision, the first Marvel Cinematic Universe TV series to air on Disney+, came out five whole years ago. More than a lifetime in the land of humanity, but perhaps six in blockbuster media. We’ve waited all this time to learn anything beyond cursory information regarding VisionQuest, Terry Matalas’ third part in the trilogy which includes WandaVision and Agatha All Along. At this year’s D23, the show floor featured a bit of VisionQuest goodness, with a particularly intriguing painting front and center.

Images of white Vision's costume and a painting of a human on fire (Human Torch) at the VisionQuest booth at D23.Nerdist

The painting depicts a singular figure standing in the middle of a narrow road with buildings on either side. The man is engulfed in flames and the fire rages outward and up the walls of the buildings. This leads many to speculate that VisionQuest will feature the original Human Torch. No, not an early Johnny Storm, but Jim Hammond.

In the very first issue of Marvel Comics in 1939, writer-artist Carl Burgos introduced an android named Jim Hammond who would burst into flames as the Human Torch. At first, this version of the Torch was a monster, but quickly he became a hero. Marvel Mystery Comics #9 from 1940 depicted the very first comic book crossover, with the Human Torch meeting Namor, the Sub-Mariner.

Human Torch comics showing a crossover with Sub-Mariner.Marvel Comics

So what does this have to do with the Vision? Well, in the comics, the Vision wasn’t the result of Ultron, Tony Stark, J.A.R.V.I.S., and an Infinity Stone, like in the MCU. As first depicted in Avengers #133-135, the Vision was Jim Hammond’s lifeless robot body which Ultron 5 found. The evil robot suffused the android body with the Wonder Man’s essence. Hammond’s memories erased and powers altered with the coerced help of the Human Torch’s original creator, Phineas Horton.

Now, we’ve learned in the past that Ultron will feature heavily in VisionQuest, though we don’t know exactly how. Could he have become some kind of Human Torch-esque android now. We’ll likely get more info as D23 unfolds.

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

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