The Nerdist

Quick Take

• We break down the nine new Star Wars movies currently in development or production, including Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey.

After many false starts and canceled projects, Star Wars is finally ready to return to theaters. Lucasfilm announced three new upcoming standalone movies during the opening of Star Wars Celebration 2023. These new Star Wars movies include a story about the founding of the Jedi, a movie that will serve as the finale to this era of interconnected Disney+ shows, and the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey. On top of that, the once-canceled Rogue Squadron may rise to join the line-up (but nothing official has been reported.) Shawn Levy also teased that he will direct a Star Wars film. And finally, a whole new trilogy of mysterious Star Wars movies also appears to be in the works. That makes a total of 8 new Star Wars movies in production or development.

Lucasfilm

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

8 New Star Wars Movies Are On the Way

The galaxy far, far away is finally going back to the big screen, and how. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy revealed James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel, Saving Face) have all been tapped to direct these new Star Wars movies. Additionally, if what Patty Jenkins says is true, she will direct an upcoming Star Wars movie as well. And Shawn Levy will also direct a Star Wars movie. Finally, Star Wars: Rebels‘ Simon Kinberg has reportedly been tapped to write a new trilogy that may or may not continue the Skywalker Saga. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rey could play a role “in several movies that are being developed, although which ones remains unclear.”

Variety confirmed on November 15, 2024 that Disney had removed one of its untitled Star Wars movies from its original date of December 18, 2026. While which was not confirmed, it was very likely the Rey movie. While Lucasfilm shared few official details about the films, the little they tell us says a lot. Here’s what we know about these new Star Wars movies so far.

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Tells the Story of the Force

James Mangold’s “will go back to the dawn of the Jedi,” a time set tens of thousands of years earlier than anything we’ve ever seen on screen before. That might mean we’ll meet the figure known as Prime Jedi. That’s the person who founded the Order on Ahch-To 25,000 years before the events of A New Hope. And that is when this film takes place, according to James Mangold’s latest interview with MovieWeb, which you can check out for Star Wars intel in the video below at the 7:30 mark.

Here’s what else Mangold had to say about his upcoming Star Wars film:

“The two aspects that really important are the freedom to make something new, and beau and I have been working on a script in relation to Star Wars and we’ll see what happens, and in relation to Swamp Thing and DC, it’s all about do we find a way on the page to say something original

Part of the reason, the Star Wars movie would be taking place before any known Star Wars movies is because not only its an area and a playground that I was inspired by as a teenager, but also I’m not that interested in being handcuffed by so much lore at this point that it’s almost immovable and you can’t please anybody.”

Fans already know Ahch-To well. They first saw it in The Last Jedi when it served as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway. A release additionally shares, “James Mangold will take audiences deep into the past, telling the tale of the first Jedi to wield the Force and harness it as a liberating power in an era of chaos and oppression.”

Lucasfilm

Mangold further noted to Empire that his new Star Wars movie “takes place 25,000 years before Episode IV, and it’s about the discovery of the Force.” He further shares, “I told Kathy [Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm] I wanted to make a kind of Bible movie, a kind of Ten Commandments of Star Wars – kind of a Cecil B DeMille film about the arrival of the Force, and that’s what I’ve been pecking away at between press events. That’s the idea.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, playwright and screenwriter Beau Willimon will co-write the script with Mangold. In addition to his playwriting career and his Emmy-nominated scripts for House of Cards, Willimon also wrote the prison three-parter in season one of Andor. Writing the best episodes of the best Star Wars show is some real bonafides.

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Connects with Rey’s Next Appearance

Kennedy also recently shared that this movie will help inform the new Star Wars movie featuring the return of Rey. She noted to Total Film, “I think it’s a really nice compliment to what we’re doing with moving into the future with Rey, and then understanding a bit more of where this all came from,” she explains. “Because it will be at the heart of creating the new Jedi Order, so to get a real sense of where that might have began with the dawn of the Jedi could be pretty cool.” 

According to a new official Star Wars eras list revealed by LucasFilm, this movie will most likely take place in the “Dawn of the Jedi” era, but could even take place earlier than that.

Dave Filoni’s Film Will Bring Together Many Current Disney+ Series

The next new Star Wars movie will come from franchise veteran Dave Filoni. His film “will focus on the New Republic and close out the interconnected stories told in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and other Disney+ series.” That’s huge news for both the television and movie side of Lucasfilm. When we get a release date for Filoni’s film, we’ll know just how many more seasons of The Mandalorian we might see. Clearly, there’s already an end in sight to Din Djarin and Grogu’s story. Although, we suppose they could continue on beyond a culminating movie. A release further shares, “Dave Filoni will orchestrate the escalating war between the Imperial Remnant and the fledgling New Republic.”

Lucasfilm Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars Movie

If it happens, Obaid-Chinoy’s movie will take place after The Rise of Skywalker. It will mark the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. Set 15 years after the ultimate defeat of the Sith, she will be trying to build a new Jedi Order. Hopefully, that goes a lot better than her mentor Luke Skywalker’s attempts. According to the new list of Star Wars eras, it seems like this movie will take place in the “New Jedi Order” era.

Unfortunately, most recently, we learned some roundabout information about this Rey Star Wars movie. It was announced that Daisy Ridley would star in a new movie, Killa Bee, a true story about an ICU nurse who became an MMA fighter. That’s not as important as when the movie will film—and that’s Q2 of 2026. So, unless we hear something soon, it feels like the new Star Wars Rey movie will likely have to wait for the second half of 2026 to get started… If it still plans to get started at all.

The latest reports on upcoming Star Wars movies suggest that Daisy Ridley’s Rey Star Wars movie may have been shelved altogether, but nothing official has been shared yet. For all the updates we’ve seen about the Rey movie since 2023, you can expand the below.

All the Updates and Details We’ve Seen About Rey’s Movie Since it Was Announced The Bourne Ultimatum and Ocean’s 12 Writer George Nolfi Joins Rey’s Star Wars Movie—Potentially Titled New Jedi Order

The Bourne Ultimatum and Ocean’s 12 writer George Nolfi has come aboard as a writer on Rey’s Star Wars movie, seemingly titled New Jedi Order. This looks to signal the Star Wars film is moving ahead again.

Daisy Ridley recently revealed that she has not seen the latest script, but feels confident about the film. She notes, “I have not read the latest script, but I know what’s happening, and I know the story, and I think what feels really good is that George is a phenomenal writer. I think we’re making sure that this story is the best way, this script is the best way to tell the story, and I think it will be worthwhile. for everyone watching it, and I am very excited, yeah.”

Rey’s Star Wars Movie Lost Its Original Writer

Recent rumors speculated that the Rey movie might have been delayed indefinitely due to creative differences between Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and the movie’s former writer Steven Knight. However, according to Gizmodo, Lucasfilm confirmed in January the movie is still moving forward without issue. According to the publication, a source at Lucasfilm noted at the time, “Knight continues to write and be a part of the process. In fact, the company is waiting on his latest draft as you read this.”

But now, Knight appears to be officially out as the writer of the Star Wars film and has departed from the project.

A Release Date for Rey’s New Star Wars Movie

According to Productionlist.com, which tracks production updates for the Film & Television Industry Alliance, the Rey movie was reportedly meant to start shooting on April 7, 2024 in London. But that does not seem like it came to pass.

Disney had announced two upcoming release dates for Star Wars movies: December 18, 2026 and December 17, 2027. Rey’s Star Wars outing will likely not debut in 2026. This was later all but confirmed as Disney removed the Star Wars movie from the December 18 date, replacing it with—is this right?—Ice Age 6.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

The Plot of Rey’s Upcoming Star Wars Movie

Kathleen Kennedy shared more about the movie with Variety. She noted:

Well, we’re 15 years out from ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ so we’re post-war, post-First Order, and the Jedi are in disarray. There’s a lot of discussion around, ‘Who are the Jedi? What are they doing? What’s the state of the galaxy?’ She’s attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order, based on the books, based on what she promised Luke, so that’s where we’re going.”

Speaking to Empire, Kennedy added, “The First Order has fallen, the Jedi are in chaos – there’s even a question of how many exist anymore – and Rey’s building the New Jedi Order, based on the text that she was given and that Luke imparted on her.” She also offers, “Rey has made a promise to Luke, and that’s really the core of where we’re going and what this story will be. And I think it offers just tremendous opportunity to introduce new characters and start with something fresh, because we culminated with what George [Lucas] was creating, and now we take all of that and move it to the next chapter.” 

Lucasfilm

On the topic of a possible Luke Skywalker presence in the new Star Wars movie, Kennedy said: “I don’t know if we’ll spend a lot of time in flashbacks or [on] Force ghosts or things like that, but certainly, the spirit of what he represents to her is going to be significant.”

Ridley previously noted, “I know bits and bobs… I know there’s an introduction of new characters… I don’t know about previous characters.” But she also didn’t rule out anyone’s return. When asked about the popular idea of John Boyega’s Finn returning as a Jedi in the new Star Wars movie, Ridley responded, “That is above my pay grade. [Laughs] I would love to see that, but that is not a decision for me.” She also recently told The Hollywood Reporter that it feels like she and Boyega should reunite in the movie, noting, “Absolutely, of course…It feels like we should, yeah.”

But Ridley does have some information, according to Empire, “she knows the story beats for what the new film will be.” And, as of May 2024, she notes that she still hasn’t read a script “but it is imminently about to change.”

A Jedi Academy Is in Rey’s Future

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy further noted about the new Star Wars movie, “At the heart of it, for me, is Rey Skywalker, Daisy Ridley, and her story, and taking her on an adventure to a Jedi Academy and sort of creating a world that is a natural dovetail to the story that we’ve seen her go through in the last three episodes.”

Obaid-Chinoy additionally adds, “I’ve had conversations with JJ Abrams. I’ve had conversations with George Lucas and, of course, Dave Filoni, who is a big part of the Star Wars universe now. We speak very often, and Kathy Kennedy, Carrie Beck, and Simon Emanuel – I think the team is really taking time to make sure that we do justice to telling the story of Daisy.”

Rey’s Future in the New Star Wars Movie Lucasfilm

But will Rey’s upcoming Star Wars movie continue the common franchise trend of introducing new characters that are somehow related to other characters in the world? Daisy Ridley doesn’t really think so. Speaking to Deadline, Ridley noted it seemed unlikely that Rey would have kids in the new Star Wars film. She shared, “I would say she probably doesn’t have children seeing she’s a Jedi.” Of course, we know hypothetically Rey still could have children, like Anakin before her, but it sounds like this won’t be the path of the movie.

Daisy Ridley also notes that Rey will take a different approach to teaching the next generation of Jedi than Luke Skywalker did. Speaking to Den of Geek, she says about Rey’s tactics diverging from Luke’s, “I would say, from what I understand, yes. Short answer.”

Daisy Ridley and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Give Updates on the New Film

Daisy Ridley noted to Collider, “I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited.” And additionally told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m genuinely really excited about the next one [Star Wars movie]. I haven’t read anything, but I know the story. It’s really worth telling, worth exploring, and I think people will be excited.”

Daisy Ridley on Returning as Rey

The actress also offered a bit of a further tease about the film to AlloCiné. She said of the upcoming Rey Star Wars movie, “Once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew that it was something I really wanted to do. I think it’s a really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world. It’s a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction.” In conclusion, as Ridley noted to Variety, the story of this Star Wars movie is “cool as sh*t.”

Ridley also recently shared that this time around, she feels more ready to be Rey. “I suppose I feel more like I’m owning it. I suppose I owned it the first time. Basically, I’m an adult now. I certainly did not feel like an adult at the time. Obviously, personally, things have changed, and professionally, I’ve had lots of other experiences, and so I definitely feel like it’s a different thing this time. There’s just a lot of joy with me and these films. Honestly, if I wasn’t excited, I wouldn’t have done it. It feels like a great thing to be a part of.” However, the actress also expressed reprising the role could be a strange experience, saying, “I honestly have had moments where I’m like, ‘I don’t know if I remember what I did [as Rey]… It’s really strange. I think the whole thing will feel so different anyway, with a totally different team. I’m in a very different place than I was. I’m probably going to be one of the adults, and initially, I was the youngest person on set, which is a weird feeling.”

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Tackling a Star Wars Story

Meanwhile, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy noted to CNN, “I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special… We’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.

We couldn’t agree more. But something tells us it won’t be smooth sailing for Rey. The dark side of the Force has a way of always creating shadows over the galaxy far, far away, especially in theaters.

The director also added, “The story that interests me most is in Rey’s journey as a female Jedi. That’s how I can best bring my experiences to it.”

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

Patty Jenkins Returns to Direct the Once Canceled Star Wars Movie Rogue Squadron Lucasfilm

In 2020, Lucasfilm announced Patty Jenkins would direct a new Star Wars movie, Rogue Squadron. But the movie was removed from the company’s lineup in 2022. Now, Jenkins has revealed she’s back to work on the film, and she’ll take on the roles of writer and director. You can see what she had to say in full, here.

Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Movie, Star Wars: Starfighter, Will Star Ryan Gosling Lucasfilm/Marvel Studios

Shawn Levy is set to direct a Star Wars movie of his own, Star Wars: Starfighter. Star Wars: Starfighter was officially announced at Star Wars Celebration 2025. Levy’s Star Wars movie will star Ryan Gosling as well as Flynn Gray, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams. . It is written by Jonathan Tropper.

Shawn Levy

Star Wars: Starfighter is “an all-new standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” The movie, which begins production in the fall, is “an entirely new adventure featuring all-new characters set in a period of time that has not been explored on screen yet.“ Star Wars: Starfighter” will release in theaters on May 28, 2027. It has now officially begun production.

Warner Bros./Lucasfilm

Levy also briefly spoke on his Star Wars movie during a Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance in August. Fresh off of Deadpool & Wolverine, the director didn’t give up too many details. But Shawn Levy did say that his Star Wars movie would not be redundant and that he and writer Jonathan Tropper have a fresh concept in mind.

“…there’s only so many times that Star Wars movies can revisit the same section of the timeline, and so it’s really forced me—because I don’t want to do a Star Wars movie that is redundant to others, nor am I interested in doing one that has to serve another movie,” he said.

A New Trilogy of Star Wars Movies Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg Lucasfilm

Recent reports also indicate that Lucasfilm has hired Simon Kinberg to write and produce a new trilogy of Star Wars movies and that these movies will indeed be Episodes X-XII of the Skywalker Saga. It’s news we have mixed feelings about. Spider-Man‘s Jon Watts will direct Star Wars: Episode X.

As we shared in our piece, “According to Knight Edge Media, Star Wars: Episode X will see Daisy Ridley return as Rey Skywalker in ‘a minor role’ that ‘may possibly expand in the sequels.’ No other sequel trilogy stars are attached to the project yet. Instead, Disney is said to currently be casting ‘relatively unknown male and female leads’ for its new Star Wars movie.”

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

Originally published on April 7, 2023.

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 All the New STAR WARS Movies Announced, Including Daisy Ridley’s Return as Rey appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Spider-Man‘s Jon Watts will direct Star Wars: Episode X, the start of another Skywalker Saga trilogy.
• Star Wars Rebels co-creator Simon Kinberg is writing the entire trilogy, which will reportedly see Daisy Ridley initially reprise Rey in a minor role in Episode X.
• Nerdist’s Take: We want Lucasfilm to move on from the entire Skywalker family, but if we’re getting another Saga trilogy, there’s reason to hope we’re getting the best possible version.

Two years ago, Lucasfilm tapped Star Wars Rebels co-creator Simon Kinberg to write a new trilogy series for the galaxy far, far away. The initial report said those Star Wars movies might be a new installment of the Skywalker Saga. Now the latest update says Kinberg is in fact writing Star Wars: Episode X and that Disney has already found its director. The Mouse House has turned to someone who has led both a Disney trilogy and a Star Wars series. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Spider-Man‘s Jon Watts is Disney’s choice to continue its main Star Wars story.

Lucasfilm

And if this news about the Skywalker Saga “somehow” returning has you feeling absolutely exhausted about the future of Star Wars, we don’t blame you. But if we are getting Star Wars: Episode X and a new trilogy, it sounds like we might be getting the best possible version we could hope for.

Jump To:

• Who Is Writing, Directing, and Starring in Star Wars: Episode X?
• Why the News About Star Wars: Episode X Is Bad
• The Good News About Star Wars: Episode X
• Nerdist Take: Call Star Wars: Episode X Part of the Skywalker Saga Trilogy, But Tell New Stories Please

Who Is Writing, Directing, and Starring in Star Wars: Episode X?

Jon Watts will direct Star Wars: Episode X. (Caleb Williams at Knight Edge Media first broke the news, and we heard about it at THR). Star Wars: Episode X will be the first installment of yet another Skywalker Saga trilogy that Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past) is writing. However, it’s unknown—or more likely undecided—if Watts will handle the next two installments.

Disney would obviously trust Watts with taking on the whole trilogy. He helmed all three movies in the first Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland: that includes Spider-Man: Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home. He’s also familiar with the galaxy far, far away. Watts co-created and served as co-showrunner on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. It earned critical-acclaim but low viewership numbers on Disney+.

According to Knight Edge Media, Star Wars: Episode X will see Daisy Ridley return as Rey Skywalker in “a minor role” that “may possibly expand in the sequels.” No other sequel trilogy stars are attached to the project yet. Instead, Disney is said to currently be casting “relatively unknown male and female leads” for its new Star Wars movie. It’s possible production on the movie will begin next year.

That’s a lot of Star Wars: Episode X news. And you might not feel good about any of it for one pretty obvious reason.

Why the News About Star Wars: Episode X Is Bad Lucasfilm

Say what you will about the Star Wars sequel trilogy and The Rise of Skywalker. No, seriously, say whatever you want because I certainly have and will. But even if you think Lucasfilm and J.J. Abrams absolutely crash-landed the Skywalker Saga on the runway, they still technically finished the flight. Disney definitively and intentionally ended the Skywalker Saga with Star Wars: Episode IX. And for that reason alone, it’s clearly time to move on from the family and their tale that has dominated the franchise from the start. When it comes to whatever “main” Star Wars story Lucasfilm wants to tell on the big screen—which is still and forever the most important screen in the franchise—the Skywalkers should not be part of it.

(We’ve long accepted we’re never going to be done with the time period of the Skywalker Saga in standalone movies or Disney+ series. But none of those should revolve around the Skywalker clan like Episodes I through IX, which clearly belong to a category all their own.)

The Star Wars: Episode X announcement has us saying: Just move on. Move on already. (Seriously, how many times can you kill Palpatine?) It’s so easy to do exactly that, too. Lucasfilm could easily move on by going backward in new Star Wars movies if it wants. The galaxy’s history goes back millennia. Better, though, would be going forward. Lucasfilm can move its main story hundreds or even thousands of years into the future and still be set “a long time ago.” Instead, with this Star Wars: Episode X news, it feels like the studio is holding on to the same singular story it just finished telling. It’s frustrating and feels desperate, like it’s afraid to abandon the Skywalker cash cow for uncharted territories. And that refusal to take a risk is coming at the expense of creativity and originality.

Lucasfilm

“Yes, but they botched the Skywalker Saga ending so badly they need to fix it. Star Wars: Episode X is a good thing.” you might say. But no, they don’t. They really don’t! Bad endings happen, and they stink, but they still happen. Besides, eventually people will say they didn’t botch anything. A whole generation of fans will come along in 20 years and say the sequel trilogy was “good actually,” just like the Prequel Truthers have falsely convinced themselves those movies are good. (I can say that because I love the prequel trilogy even though all three movies objectively stink.)

When Star Wars finally does move forward, so many of the things we love about this franchise—the Force, light and dark, Jedi, Sith, good, evil, sassy droids—will still exist. They’ll just exist in a world free of Anakin Skywalker’s presence and memory.

The Star Wars sequel trilogy didn’t go the way anyone hoped. But it did the most important thing fans needed: it revived the franchise. Now it’s time to take its main antagonist’s advice and let the past die. The Skywalker Saga is finished. Leave it that way and tell a whole new story. Give someone the enormous potential of the galaxy far, far away’s sandbox without telling him which action figures he must use. The possibilities of what Disney can do without the Skywalkers far outweigh anything else they can further squeeze out of Darth Vader’s kyber crystal.

Lucasfilm

But since it seems as though we’re not going to get something fresh and new, at least it sounds like we’re getting the most interesting version of Episode X we could hope for. And it will do so in a way that will also address the biggest creative failing of its predecessor trilogy.

The Good News About Star Wars: Episode X

The Watts news also includes the tidbit that Disney has “shelved” Daisy Ridley’s New Jedi Order movie. Rey is a fantastic character who transcended the sequel trilogy’s issues thanks to Daisy Ridley’s performance. But the premise of that movie also felt like more of the same. Since Rey adopted Skywalker as her name and legacy, even a standalone film about her rebuilding the Order felt like a pseudo-Episode X movie. (Especially as the whole premise “rhymed” with Luke’s post-Return of the Jedi life.)

Lucasfilm

This new trilogy will seemingly instead focus on all new characters, with Ridley playing a much smaller role to start. This is a far more interesting creative choice, which means the trilogy won’t be as Skywalker Saga-heavy as it might sound. The new characters were the best part of the sequel trilogy. This approach could even mean Episodes X, XI, and XII end up being more of a fourth Skywalker trilogy in name rather than actuality.

If that’s the point—that Disney wants to capitalize on the financial aspect of saying these movies are part of the Skywalker Saga without actually making this trilogy about the Skywalkers—fine. Fine! Great, even. Make your money, so long as we get good, creative, original, engaging films. If this means Disney is simply going to use the term “Skywalker Saga” as a catchall for its main series of films (told in trilogy form) we’ll adjust our expectations in the best way.

Lucasfilm Nerdist Take: Call Star Wars: Episode X Part of the Skywalker Saga Trilogy, But Tell New Stories Please

The issue we have with the announcement of Star Wars: Episode X is not telling “more stories.” It’s telling “more Skywalker stories.” If Disney does that in name only, who cares? Just give us a good trilogy about the eternal battle between light and dark. And if you can do that while also including Rey, Poe, Finn, BB-8, Jar-Jar, Mon Mothma, and anyone else from the previous three trilogies, that’s not inherently bad. In many cases, it might be good. It will depend on whether the movies are good.

The easiest way to make them good is to have a plan before making them. The ping-pong nature of the sequel trilogy was a disaster. The Last Jedi felt like it said everything teased in The Force Awakens didn’t matter. The Rise of Skywalker then undid all of the work of the second installment. It was an awful non-strategy to making a trilogy, one Lucasfilm seems intent on avoiding this time. It has hired one writer to write all three films. There is clearly a plan in place this time when there clearly wasn’t one before. And that plan will remain in place whether Watts directs all three or not.

“A new Skywalker Saga trilogy” is the last thing we wanted from Lucasfilm. We want a whole new story set during an entirely different era untouched by Anakin Skywalker and his kids. But what we most want from Star Wars are “good movies.” And, in true Star Wars fashion, there’s at least a reason to hope Star Wars: Episode X will begin a run of three.

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 Good News/Bad News About Jon Watts’ STAR WARS: EPISODE X appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The latest trailer for Robert Eggers’ Gothic film Werwulf is bloody, dark, and deeply unsettling.
• The film will come to theaters on December 25.
• Nerdist‘s Take: We are sure that many people will thirst over a beastly and cursed Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Robert Eggers is once again bringing frights to Christmas with Werwulf, which is arriving just two years after Nosferatu. We’ve seen some teases from the film, which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Willem Dafoe, and Lily-Rose Depp, a trio whom we all love. The latest trailer for Werwulf is perhaps our biggest insight into the gothic tale as we see a man’s curse fully unfold. 

In addition to this new clip, Focus Features is giving fans an immersive look into this world with a new website, DevourethAllMankynde.com. It’s an alternate reality game that is timed to our real-life full moons from September to November. There’s a special prize for those who complete its challenges for all three moons, which we assume isn’t the gift of becoming beastly. Fans will have to find a hidden “sign” on different digital platforms and decipher the sign back into the site in order to fulfill the moon. 

But, they only get 24 hours each full moon to search for the sign before it disappears, so they will need to work fast to find it.

Nerdist’s Take: This Werwulf Trailer Makes Us Sure That Fans Will Thirst Over a Beastly Aaron Taylor-Johnson Courtesy of Focus Features

Sounds like some great Fall fun for us to have while we keep this Werwulf trailer on a loop. We already know that this film will somehow spawn a legion of thirst for Taylor-Johnson’s leading man, even after his transition. He truly cannot help being a good looking guy despite the overall haggard look and bloodlust. And, of course, we will be at the theaters on December 25 to check out Werwulf.

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 WERWULF Trailer: Aaron Taylor-Johnson Is Both Hot and Haunting appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• In Lanterns‘ penultimate episode of the season, John and the Halogram go to a devastated unnamed alien world, one we believe is the planet Ryut from DC Comics.
• This planet is presumably where the Manhunters once slaughtered Antaan’s race centuries earlier.
• Nerdist’s take: If this is indeed Ryut, this means we could see the Sinestro Corps, Parallax, and maybe even the Black Lantern Corps in future seasons.

In episode seven of Lanterns, we learned that Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) was hiding a cosmic portal in his storage facility in Rushville. John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and the Halogram venture inside it, emerging on the other side and finding themselves on a desolate world. One without a living soul in sight. John discovers a floating city above the desert, and dozens, if not hundreds, of skeletal remains on the surface. In the middle of a lake in this desert we see some kind of structure with a tower, and hiding inside it is Thaal Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen), who has escaped from prison on Oa. But do the Green Lantern comics tell us exactly what this planet is? We have a feeling it’s Ryut, home of the Red Lantern Atrocitus. Not just that, but where the entity Parallax was once imprisoned.

Is the Alien Planet We Visit in Lanterns Where Antaan’s People Were Slaughtered by Manhunters? HBO Max/DC Studios

We know that in Lanterns, the artificially created Manhunters, the Guardians of the Universe’s first attempt at a cosmic peacekeeping force, went rogue and slaughtered life on an entire planet. This happened untold centuries ago. This was told to John by the alien Antaan (Paul Ben-Victor), who, for all intents and purposes, is a reimagining of the villain Atrocitus. Antaan was one of the only survivors of this massacre, and wanted to see Zoe, the last Manhunter remaining, destroyed. Antaan also seemingly died, killed when he detonated an explosive while Hal Jordan flung him into the air. John suggests to the Halogram that the planet is where the genocide of Antaan’s people happened. Something released a fear toxin that made the inhabitants kill each other, or kill themselves.

In Green Lantern Comics, Manhunters Killed Everyone on the Planet Ryut

In the comics, the Manhunters slaughtered not just one planet, but an entire space sector they were assigned to defend. Eons ago, they unleashed their brand of justice on Space Sector 666. (Yeah, we know. Superhero comics are cheesy sometimes). And they killed trillions. Ryut is the name of the world that Atrocitus hailed from. Later, this husk of a world became the place the Guardians of the Universe confined the cosmic fear entity Parallax. A world where he stayed imprisoned for a very long time. Could Lanterns have just introduced us to Ryut, and perhaps even the Fear Entity Parallax as well?

We Believe Lanterns Just Introduced Ryut, Where the Manhunters Went Rogue DC Comics

The episode doesn’t give the world John and the Halogram go to a name, but we know what happened there was a complete massacre. This lines up with what happened to Atrocitus’ homeworld. So even if they change the name, we think this planet almost certainly represents Ryut. And what is inside this structure in the middle of the planet? Could Lanterns be introducing us to Parallax already? Parallax is the embodiment of fear itself, and somehow this toxic cloud causes uncontrollable fear in people. Parallax famously possessed Hal in the comics, so could this lend further credence to the theory that Hal is really alive, and soon to be a host to Parallax?

Nerdist’s Take: This World Could Hint at Yellow Lantern Sinestro, Parallax, and Maybe Even Black Lanterns DC Comics

Even if we don’t get Hal as Parallax, the fact that Sinestro is on this planet must mean something. After all, he’s famous for using a yellow ring that uses fear. In the comics, he got the yellow ring on the planet Qward. But perhaps in Lanterns, it’s different. Maybe he’s on Ryut, and needs whatever fear toxin/fear entity is already there to create his yellow ring. After all, why have Sinestro on this series at all if you’re not going to have him use a yellow ring? We wouldn’t be surprised if the season finale revealed Sinestro powering up with a yellow ring, leading us directly into season two. Ryut also became home base for the undead Black Lantern Corps. Now, it seems way too soon to introduce them on Lanterns. But all of these things suggest that this dead world might be key to many future Lanterns storylines.

Lanterns drops new episodes every Sunday night on HBO and HBO Max.

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 LANTERNS Might Have Introduced an Infamous Planet from DC Lore appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Dolly Parton’s iconic comedy classic 9 to 5 is coming back to theaters, and proceeds from each ticket sold will contribute to the musical icon’s charity.
• Proceeds from each ticket sold will support Dolly’s own Dollywood Foundation and her Imagination Library.
• Nerdist’s take: 9 to 5 is still a relevant and iconic comedy, and what better way to honor the icon’s legacy than by seeing her signature movie in theaters and helping out kids?

As a planet, we’re all still collectively grieving the loss of Dolly Parton, who recently passed away at age 80. In that time, folks have been sharing their favorite Dolly memories, television moments, and songs on social media. And now, one of her most iconic movies is getting a theatrical re-release in her honor. And going to see it will actually benefit a good cause. Twentieth Century Studios is bringing Dolly’s iconic comedy 9 to 5 back to theaters, with ticket proceeds going to The Dollywood Foundation. This supports its flagship program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Twentieth Century Studios

This weeklong run for “9 to 5” begins on October 9. Disney announced the 9 to 5 theatrical re-release, fittingly enough, on September 25, or “9/25.” This is now designated as “Give Like Dolly Day.” It will be a new annual celebration asking folks to make a contribution to improve a child’s life, and honor Parton’s lifelong mission to spread literacy to children everywhere. So why not go to a theater, enjoy one of Dolly’s most iconic cinematic performances, and in doing so help contribute to a cause that was near and dear to her heart?

9 to 5 famously also stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. This brilliant satirical comedy is about women in the workplace, who scheme to get revenge on their sexist boss. And it remains relevant to this day. The film became an enormous hit when it came out in 1980, behind only The Empire Strikes Back in terms of box office success. It especially struck a chord with women across the country, just as feminism and the concept of workplace equality were starting to become mainstream. And, of course, the theme song by Dolly herself became an anthem. If you go see the film in theaters, you’ll have the song stuck with it in your head for days. But really, that’s not so bad, right?

You can purchase tickets for the 9 to 5 re-release on Fandango by clicking here. Do it for Dolly.

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 9 TO 5 Returns to Theaters, Honoring Dolly Parton’s Charities appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• One of the new post-credits for Avengers: Endgame Encore features Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom busting out Bruce Banner from his underground prison cell, which he’s in after the Hulk-out events of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
• While many presume to believe this is setting up Banner for a role in Doomsday, we actually think it’s for a bigger role in Avengers: Secret Wars. Although a Doomsday cameo may still be in the cards.
• In the original Secret Wars comics, Hulk has a big role in a domain in Battleworld called Greenland, filled with gamma-irradiated Hulk variants.
• Nerdist’s take: We believe Hulk will be Doom’s secret weapon in Secret Wars, and we sincerely hope that means we get a Hulk vs. Ben Grimm/The Thing fight scene.

One of the biggest surprises from the enormous Avengers: Doomsday cast announcement last year was that Mark Ruffalo was not included. Of course, he did have a big role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, so that kind of made up for it. And in BND, we got to see Banner go full “savage Hulk” for the first time since Thor: Ragnarok, which was glorious. But now a new scene at the end of Avengers: Endgame Encore shows what became of Banner after BND, and how it sets up his MCU future. But that future is probably not in Doomsday. We’re pretty sure this scene sets up Hulk’s role in Secret Wars instead.

Endgame Encore’s Bruce Banner Scene Shows Him Being Taken By Doctor Doom Marvel Studios/Sony

The new scene shows Bruce Banner alone in a secure bunker miles underground. Authorities placed him there after his first Hulk-out “incident” in a decade, thanks to Jean Grey unleashing his inner beast. Dr. Banner speaks to a camera and says he’s there experimenting with a new gamma serum. One to keep his savage self under lock and key. Then, lights start flickering, and a green glow appears. We then hear the voice of Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor von Doom. He’s there to “collect” (abduct) Banner, but as Doom takes him, we hear the Hulk’s voice. Doom and Hulk then vanish, as glowing green runes cover the floor.

We Believe the Banner Scene Sets Up Secret Wars, Not Doomsday

Here’s the thing, though. While Banner may have some kind of cameo in Doomsday, we’re not counting on it being much more than that. No, we are fairly certain this new scene is setting up a big role for him in Secret Wars instead. We don’t actually think that Doctor Doom is going to show all of his villainous cards up front in Doomsday, and will operate for much of the film under the pretense of being a good guy, and an old friend of the Fantastic Four’s Reed and Susan Richards. Whatever his plans are for Banner, possibly as his mind-controlled enforcer on Battleworld, that’s all going to play out in Secret Wars.

In Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars Comics, Banner Became “Doc Green” in Battleworld Marvel Comics

In Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 Secret Wars comic, which the film will largely be based on, the Hulk plays an important role. On Doctor Doom’s Battleworld, there’s an entire domain named Greenland, populated entirely by different variants of the Hulk and She-Hulk. In this domain, there’s a version of Bruce Banner that goes by the name Doc Green. This version of Banner acts as a guide in this gamma-irradiated and desolate area. And we think it’s likely that the 616 version of Banner we know and love will become Doc Green. Or, at least some kind of variation of him, under Doom’s thrall.

Nerdist’s Take: We Believe Bruce Banner as Doom’s Minion Means We Get a Hulk vs. Thing Battle

We know that Doom will have several “Latverian Witches” who serve him in Doomsday, who are all likely known MCU characters. None of them look to be Banner, much less the Hulk. But it stands to reason that Banner could also become a minion of Doom like them, maybe his main muscle. If that means we get the Hulk vs. the Thing on Battleworld, we’re all for it. But aside from a possible brief cameo appearance? We really don’t think this new scene is setting up Hulk’s role in Doomsday. This scene is teasing something that’s still more than a year away. We’ll find out for certain when Avengers: Doomsday arrives this holiday season.

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 ENDGAME: ENCORE May Tease Hulk for SECRET WARS, Not DOOMSDAY appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• We at Nerdist felt The New York Times‘ “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century” list was missing quite a few very important shows.
• Our staff selected their 1 or 2 picks for the series that were left off the list but should really have been included.
• Among others, our list contains The Boys, Hannibal, Fargo, Interview with the Vampire, Avatar: The Last Airbender and more.

Ah, do you feel that in the air? It’s the sound of DEBATE. The New York Times has published a new list: “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century.” And, of course, all over the internet, the sound of people arguing has emerged. Do these shows deserve to be on the list of the 100 Best TV Shows of the modern era? Are there other great series that have cruelly been forgotten? Well, we at Nerdist were certainly having this discussion. And we had OPINIONS, chiefly about which of our favorite shows were left off the Best TV Shows of the 21st Century List, but surely deserve to be there. And so, we bring you a list of our own, “Nerdist Staff Pick The 10 Shows Missing From NYT’s 100 Best TV Series.” We each tried to pick only one series we felt was the best of the best of 21st Century TV— worthy of a place among the rest. But, in the end, we ended up with way more than that. That’s just how passion works, baby.

Nerdist Nerdist Staff Pick The 10 Shows Missing From NYT’s 100 Best TV Series List; Jump To:

• The Boys (2019), Selected by Eric Diaz
• Doctor Who: Modern Era (2005), Selected by Kyle Anderson
• Hannibal (2013), Selected by Rotem Rusak
• Fargo (2014), Selected by Mikey Walsh
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), Selected by Jess Harshbarger
• Interview with the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat (2022), Selected by Rotem Rusak
• Review (2014), Selected by Mikey Walsh
• Glow (2017), Selected by Eric Diaz
• Manifest (2018), Selected by Tai Gooden
• Sons of Anarchy (2008), Selected by Tai Gooden

The Boys (2019), Selected by Eric Diaz Prime Video

When The Boys landed on Prime Video in 2019, it came at the peak of “Peak TV” and the peak of superhero cinema. Somehow, Eric Kripke’s satirical series managed to skewer both things hilariously, while brilliantly holding up a very, very accurate mirror to our own political and cultural landscape. Some were disappointed in how it all ended, but nothing can erase what an amazingly written series this was for the majority of its run. And Antony Starr’s performance as the psychotic Homelander was one of television’s greatest star turns of all time. Yes, The Boys was crass, violent, and gross. But it was also brilliant, and deserved a spot on “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century” list.

You can stream The Boys on Prime Video.

Doctor Who: Modern Era (2005), Selected by Kyle Anderson BBC

One could argue Doctor Who has been on the air since 1963, ergo it doesn’t deserve to eat up real estate on a Top 100 of the 2000s list. But since its regeneration in 2005, it has been one of genre TV’s most consistent and consistently interesting programs. Across 15 full seasons and 21 years, Doctor Who has seen some of sci-fi’s highest highs and experienced some of its most troubling setbacks. But while some would argue its best days are behind it, with the high-water mark coming around 2013 for the franchise’s 50th anniversary, Doctor Who continued on for a further 12 years, and even if fans had their gripes, the show never lost relevance, each new Doctor bringing with them a different excitement and set of fans. What other series in the modern age can boast beginning in the pre-HD days, becoming one of Tumblr’s sacred cows, finding a Gen Z star, and becoming a victim of the streaming wars?

Hannibal (2013), Selected by Rotem Rusak NBC

If you haven’t seen Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal, you are truly missing out. Even today, deep into the age of prestige television, no series has ever been quite like Hannibal. (And before Hannibal, there was nothing to rival it either.) Hannibal is a TV show that transcends definition, effortlessly weaving together notes of grotesque horror, gorgeous surrealism, laugh-out-loud humor, sweeping romance, and fever-dream opera into a symphony that swallows your soul and consumes your mind. What could have easily been just another procedural in less deft hands than Fuller’s transformed into the most incredible meditation on love, otherness, queerness, and being seen. If you think I’m exaggerating and you have not yet witnessed the revelation of Hannibal, know that I’m not. And watch it IMMEDIATELY. Then you’ll see exactly why Hannibal belongs on the list of “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century.”

You can stream Hannibal on Pluto TV.

Fargo (2014), Selected by Mikey Walsh Fargo

Not including Fargo among the top 100 shows of the 21st century is a crime so absurd I’m surprised it didn’t happen at the end of a Fargo season premiere. The Coen Brothers’ iconic film should not have worked as a TV show. Instead, Noah Hawley’s black comedy crime drama has been among television’s best since it debuted. Even its one “down” season (the fourth) is still wildly entertaining. Meanwhile, its sublime second year has a legitimate case as the best season of TV ever made. It should have garnered a spot on this list by itself. The other fantastic seasons should have pushed it high on the list, dontcha know?

You can stream Fargo on Hulu.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), Selected by Jess Harshbarger Nickelodeon

There are some television shows that come along once in a generation—if you’re lucky—that can redefine an entire genre of media. Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of those shows. A series that didn’t talk down to its younger viewers. A series that respected the cultures it based its world on, weaving those influences into the fabric of the universe seamlessly. It was a show in the ’00s with no white characters. Avatar: The Last Airbender taught us about genocide and the horrors of imperialism, while also teaching us the unshakeable importance of empathy, hope, and cross-cultural connection. It was infinitely compassionate to its characters, and Prince Zuko’s redemption arc remains a defining example of the trope. I could go on forever, but suffice it to say, Avatar: The Last Airbender has had tremendous staying power over the past twenty years, and still remains the bar for narrative in animation. This show taught me more about writing than just about any other piece of media I’ve ever watched. It absolutely should’ve made the cut for “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century” list.

You can stream Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.

Interview with the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat (2022), Selected by Rotem Rusak AMC

Interview with the Vampire is one of the densest and most delicious TV shows out there. Its first two seasons are sheer perfection in deft storytelling, plot revelations, and incredible tension that contracts and explodes at exactly the right moments. The major bombs dropped at the end of both finales will leave you literally breathless. Of course, the caliber of acting MUST be praised. The series leads Jacob Anderson (Louis de Pointe du Lac), Sam Reid (Lestat de Lioncourt), Assad Zaman (Armand), and Eric Bogosian (Daniel Molloy) are all uniquely talented in their own, very different, right and exude singular chemistry when they’re in any permutation of scenes together. Season two, episode five, “Don’t Be Afraid, Just Start the Tape” might contain some of the best acting ever enacted on our screens. We also tip our hats to the great talents of Delainey Hayles and Bailey Bass, who brought the vampiress Claudia to life in the series.

AMC

Then, in season three, the series makes a screeching turn into the rockstar world of The Vampire Lestat. The careful unfurling of theater-like storytelling that is Interview with the Vampire becomes the wild, discordant waves of emotion that are Lestat. The story is electrified, and everything is amped up and sparking with feeling. As we’ve said before, The Vampire Lestat was an experience unlike anything we’ve had before on our screens. All three seasons of the show are also gloriously queer, which we cannot stress enough, really matters.

AMC

We must caveat, though, that we expect Bogosian’s Daniel Molloy and Zaman’s Armand to not only kiss, but have a beautiful love story in season four, The Queen of the Damned. And with that strongly held belief shared, we note that Interview with the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat/Queen of the Damned absolutely belong on “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century” list. (Don’t let us down.)

You can stream Interview with the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat on AMC+ and Netflix.

Review (2014), Selected by Mikey Walsh Comedy Central

Andy Daly’s Review only ran for three seasons and 22 episodes, and yet it had more perfect installments than TV shows that ran much, much longer. It was a hilarious comedy that was often strangely moving thanks to its pairing of impeccable premise and likable star. Daly could make us laugh while simultaneously making us both mad, sad, and hopeful for Forrest MacNeil. Review is also responsible for some of the most truly inspired episodes in TV history, like “Pancakes; Divorce; Pancakes.” Not putting it on this list? We give that half-a-star. (If understand that rating you definitely agree with us it should have made the list.)

You can rent or buy Review on Prime Video.

Glow (2017), Selected by Eric Diaz Netflix

It’s fair to say the Top 100 Best TV Shows list, as it exists on The New York Times, skews toward male-led series. Not all, but it’s a lot. But one series that celebrated women and is criminally underrated was the Netflix dramedy GLOW, about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. On the surface, it might seem like just ‘80s nostalgia bait, catering to the pro wrestling crowd. But it was so much more than that. It was one of the strongest ensembles in recent years, with incredible lead performances anchored by Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and Marc Maron. This show explored everything from complex female friendships to sexism and bigotry in entertainment, to living in the ‘80s when AIDS was running rampant. The show was nominated for multiple awards, but ended on a cliffhanger when COVID killed the final season before it aired. And we’re still not over it. But it should 100% be acknowledged as one of the best shows of the past 25 years.

You can stream Glow on Netflix.

Manifest (2018), Selected by Tai Gooden Netflix

Tai is away from her desk today, but selected Manifest as her pick for the one show left off The New York Times‘ “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century” list. She’ll be back to add more details next week, so stay tuned.

You can stream Manifest on Netflix.

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MANIFEST Spinoff Series ARRIVALS Will Land on Netflix Sons of Anarchy (2008), Selected by Tai Gooden FX

Tai is away from her desk today, but also selected Sons of Anarchy as her pick for the one show left off The New York Times‘ “The 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century” list. She’ll be back to add more details next week, so stay tuned.

You can stream Sons of Anarchy on Hulu.

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 10 Series Missing From NYT’s 100 Best TV Shows List, According to Nerdist appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The Resident Evil movie’s movement coordinator posted video footage of performers rehearsing to create the massive Merged Monster.
• The clips show different configurations of stunt and movement performers lashed together, standing back to back.
• Nerdist take: Cregger’s use of practical effects makes the movie more tangible, and you can’t get much more tangible than tying people together and asking them to move as a single entity.

Whether you thought it was a good video game adaptation or a poor one, Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil swung for some fences. In addition to some good zombie stuff, the standout creature was an ever-growing mass of flesh and appendages. This thing, like a Koosh ball made of people, follows our hapless courier Bryan (Austin Abrams) through the entire movie. But, what is not perhaps immediately evident, like much of the rest of the movie, the film used real people to create the Merged Monster. And we know this because Jakub Hudlicky, the movement coordinator, posted rehearsal footage.

The clips show different configurations of stunt and movement performers lashed together, standing back to back. Flipping and/or cartwheeling end over end looks kind of fun, but in the context of the movie, it’s terrifying. It’s actually more upsetting with fewer people. Several of the slides in the Instagram post feature a Merged Monster made up of three people. Tumbling like a wagon wheel is just the right level of uncanny weirdness if you ask me.

The videos come from July of 2025, right at the beginning of production. The team’s first job was to determine exactly how the Merged Monster would move. If you’ve seen the final product, it seems like most of the preliminary rehearsals found their way into it. This also gives a good indicator that, should they ever choose to, creatures from games like Inside and Carrion could also easily make their way to live-action movie screens.

Sony/Movement Production Instagram

I was a big fan of Resident Evil. In specific, the way Cregger and company utilized real locations, sets, and effects where possible. It made the body horror much more tangible. And you can’t get much more tangible than literally tying people together and asking them to move as a single entity.

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

The post Video Shows Movement Rehearsal for RESIDENT EVIL Leg Monster appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The most important new scene from Avengers Endgame: Encore features a catastrophic moment from the TVA.
• From incursions to the Tree of Life, Loki will have a huge impact on Avengers: Doomsday.
• Nerdist’s Take: While we don’t know why the multiverse is collapsing, we’ll understand the answers when we get them in Avengers: Doomsday.
• Learn More: Dive into Avengers Endgame: Encore‘s other important scene.

Avengers Endgame: Encore features four extra scenes, but one is far more important for Avengers: Doomsday than the others. A sequence at the TVA shows the multiverse “collapsing” as incursions “terminate” thousands of worlds. The new Avengers: Endgame TVA scene sets up Doctor Doom’s attack on the multiverse by undoing the end of Loki season 2. How and why? Here’s what you need to remember from the Disney+ Loki series to understand why the Avengers: Endgame Encore TVA moment is a big deal for every dimension.

Marvel Studios

When He Who Remains (also known as Kang the Conqueror) and his variants first discovered the multiverse in the 31st century. They then waged a violent war for control over every world. Their battle nearly destroyed all of existence in the process. He Who Remains emerged victorious, but since time is circular he needed to ensure the same war wouldn’t erupt again and again. To do that, he created the Sacred Timeline and the TVA. It bundled every dimension into one plane with each world piled on top of one another. The TVA then monitored the Sacred Timeline for any unauthorized branches that threatened the stability of the multiverse.

In the MCU, branches formed when certain variants caused “nexus events,” or events not in keeping with the vision of the Sacred Timeline, TVA agents stop the branching by sending those variants to the Void, last seen in Deadpool & Wolverine. If necessary, the TVA would also prune an entire branch.

Marvel Studios

In Loki, we learned that He Who Remains was tired after overseeing the TVA for millennia and hoped Loki and Sylvie would replace him. He promised that the Machiavellian nature of the TVA was a far lesser evil than his variants and the threat of another Multiversal War. Sylvie didn’t agree, but Loki couldn’t see another option. At least not at first. He eventually realized that he could allow all timelines to be free and flourish by accepting his “glorious purpose.” He sacrificed himself and became the God of Stories at the end of time. There, alone, seemingly forever, he gathered every timeline together. But rather than a rigid Sacred Timeline, he weaved them into Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life.

The TVA remained to monitor He Who Remains’ variants, but Scott Lang and allies defeated Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. His variants then seemed ready to wage a new multiversal war together, but that story ended when Disney fired Jonathan Majors following two convictions in his domestic violence trial.

Marvel Studios

Deadpool & Wolverine revealed Loki’s Tree of Life did not save every world forever. Wade Wilson’s dimension was eventually going to die after losing its “anchor being,” Wolverine. (You can read more about why “anchor beings” are important enough that their death can lead to an entire world being lost.) That wasn’t supposed to happen for thousands of years, but an impatient TVA agent working in secret wanted to hurry the process along. Turns out a rogue employee was not the biggest concern for the the agency. Avengers Endgame: Encore showed the TVA didn’t even see the next multiversal catastrophe on the horizon.

In the new Avengers Endgame: Encore TVA scene, Owen Wilson’s Mobius and his fellow TVA employees are shocked to see an unexpected incursion taking place. An incursion, introduced to the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is one of the most important concepts to know for Avengers: Doomsday. It’s when two different worlds slam into one another. The collision results in the complete destruction of either one or both dimensions, killing trillions in the process.

Marvel Studios

The incursion that Mobius first saw in Avengers Endgame: Encore was taking place between the X-Men world of Earth-10005 and Earth-1127. Before they collided, though, the two Earths began firing on one another. We know the result of this Endgame clash already; Earth-10005 wins that existential showdown because the X-Men will play huge roles in Avengers: Doomsday.

That incursion was not the only one that caught the TVA off guard in this new Endgame scene. The monitor showing the Tree of Life turned red as incursions “terminated” worlds. Within seconds, 3,000 took place, leading Ke Huy Quan’s TVA engineer, Ouroboros, to say, “The multiverse is collapsing.”

Marvel Studios

Loki’s sacrifice to give the multiverse and its infinite worlds freedom to exist wasn’t a permanent solution. The end of Kang did not save it, either. The end of Loki season two ultimately leads to a new kind of Multiversal War in Avengers: Doomsday. It’s one that Victor von Doom will try to win.

In Avengers: Doomsday, we’ll find out exactly what caused the multiverse to collapse. The evidence points to Steve Rogers’ time travel and relationship with Peggy. Loki himself might hasten the issues by moving the couple to another world. Avengers Endgame: Encore‘s TVA scene begins with Miss Minutes telling everyone to stay in their own world lest they’re hunted “like dogs.” Clearly, leaving your world, even if it’s fated for destruction, for another causes problems across the entire multiverse. But whatever answers we get for why Doctor Doom is coming, you’ll now understand 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.

The post What LOKI & ENDGAME’s New TVA Scene Mean for DOOMSDAY appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Treasure Island is getting a fresh take in an MGM+ series that’s coming on October 11.
• The trailer for Treasure Island has gained a lot of views, but it seems those in the comments aren’t too sure about it.
• MGM+ is looking for a way to keep subscribers locked in, and maybe this will do the trick.

Yes, there are too many streaming services in the world. But, some of them really know how to lure people in for another subscription. That certainly applies to MGM+. A lot of folks were willing to subscribe because of the popular horror series From. And now that series is coming to an end, but MGM+ has another trick up their sleeves with Treasure Island, a reimagined series of the classic tale with an epic trailer. 

People are really into this clip. After being up only one day, it amassed around 773K views. That’s a lot of clicks, whether people are offering praise or criticism. Here’s the synopsis that the trailer video gives us for MGM+’s Treasure Island: 

A high-stakes reinvention of the classic, Treasure Island follows teenager Jim Hawkins and his formidable mother Bess as they’re pulled into a deadly race for the treasure of the infamous Captain Flint. Battling for control are Long John Silver—a ruthless survivor who is just as charming as he is cunning —and Aaron Graham, a revolutionary spy seeking to use the gold to upend colonial power. Set in 1788 across storm-battered Cornwall, treacherous seas, and a jungle island soaked in secrets, this is Treasure Island reimagined as a thrilling, immersive, and character-driven epic. 

What Is the Release Date for the MGM+ Series Treasure Island?  MGM+

If you are one of those people who are curious or totally onboard with this series, you won’t have to wait very long. Treasure Island will arrive on MGM+ on October 11.

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NATIONAL TREASURE 3 With Nicolas Cage in Development at Disney 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 TREASURE ISLAND Trailer’s Take on a Classic Story Gets a Lot of Views appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• After years of developmental struggles, Saw 11 is happening with Silent Night, Deadly Night director Mike P. Nelson at its helm.
• Saw 11 does not have an official title yet, as evidenced by the franchise’s announcement video featuring Billy the Puppet.
• The film will be produced by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, which brings James Wan back into the fold.

Billy the Puppet misses you, apparently. While he’s the last figure that we’d want to see on a screen whilst stuck in a torture trap in real life, many horror fans enjoy watching this scenario play out with characters on the big screen. Jigsaw’s diabolical machinations in the Saw franchise have gone on for ten films, and now there is an eleventh movie happening. According to Entertainment Weekly, Saw 11 finally made it out of developmental darkness and is happening soon. 

Saw/X

Saw posted a video on its X account of Billy riding his trademark tricycle by a script that says “Untitled Saw” along with “Directed by Mike P. Nelson.” It’s hard to believe that the franchise started back in 2004, bringing torture horror into the forefront of the genre. While subsequent installments did wear some viewers thin, the Saw franchise has enough of a following that people are still down for another movie. This film will be produced by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, which puts James Wan back into creative power. 

did you miss me? pic.twitter.com/c6tpQwanFF

— SAW (@Saw) September 24, 2026

“Making the original Saw was a defining experience for me, so it was essential to find a director who would honor that world,” Wan said in a press release. “Mike has a raw, distinctive filmmaking voice with an inventive approach to the genre, and I believe he’ll bring something truly unique and special to the franchise.” 

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TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE TV Series by A24 in the Works

Nelson is ready to get into this wild world as well, saying, “Greg and Geoff and James have crafted such a wild script that brings the mystery of the original while exploring new insane bloody ideas that meld so well with the brutal moral compass of the franchise. Let the games begin!”

It is not clear when Saw 11 will release nor who its stars will be at this time. It’s been around three years since Saw X hit theaters, so perhaps we will see this next round in 2028.

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 SAW 11 Is Officially Happening With Mike P. Nelson Directing appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Avengers Endgame: Encore features four new scenes. Here’s what each of them is and what they mean for Avengers: Doomsday.
• These four Avengers: Endgame scenes show that Steve Rogers’ happy ending with Peggy Carter led to the multiversal disaster we will see in Avengers: Doomsday.
• One of these “encore” scenes feels like it belongs in a different movie and is teasing Doomsday‘s sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars.

The Russo Brothers said Avengers Endgame: Encore‘s extra scenes would serve as a bridge to Avengers: Doomsday. Turns out that was only partially true. The superhero-sized edition of the film features four additional scenes, one of which seems to connect to Avengers: Secret Wars rather than its predecessor. Here’s what happened in each “Encore” moment and what they mean for Avengers: Doomsday.

Table of contents

• What Happens In Avengers: Endgame First New Scene? Loki Interrupts Steve and Peggy’s Dance
• What Happens In Avengers: Endgame Second New Scene? Doctor Doom “Collects” the Hulk
• What Happens In Avengers: Endgame Third New Scene? The TVA Watches the Multiverse Collapse
• What Happens In Avengers: Endgame Final New Scene? Doctor Doom Hammers His Mask

What Happens In Avengers: Endgame First New Scene? Loki Interrupts Steve and Peggy’s Dance Marvel Studios

Avengers: Endgame ended with a shot of Steve Rogers in the past dancing with Peggy Carter. Right before that, in the present, a very old, very content Steve told Sam Wilson he had decided it was time to try and find a life. But we never saw anything that happened to the former Captain America between his dance and his chat with Sam many decades later. Until Avengers Endgame: Encore. The first new Avengers Endgame: Encore scene shows Loki in a TVA jacket arrive at Peggy’s house. His knock at the door interrupts the couple’s dance. Peggy cautiously opens the door while Steve Rogers hides out of sight on high alert. In the new Avengers: Endgame scene, Peggy asks Loki if she can help him. Loki says he doesn’t need help, but that he can help both of them. Steve Rogers stares shocked at Loki and the moment ends uneasily.

What Does Loki, Steve, and Peggy’s Extra Scene in Endgame Mean for Avengers: Doomsday? Marvel Studios

There have long been rumors about this exact Avengers: Endgame scene between Steve, Peggy, and Loki, which Anthony Russo has already confirmed is now directly responsible for Doomsday. His comments after an Encore screening indicate Steve’s trip to the past led to Doctor Doom’s rise. That makes us think the other rumors about this new Avengers: Endgame moment are also true: that Loki will try to move Steve and Peggy to another dimension entirely in Avengers: Doomsday. Could that be to try and preemptively stop an alternate, dangerous timeline? Reset the multiverse? Protect Earth-616? Only Steve and Peggy? Another dimension?

Whatever the reason Loki knocked on that door it’s clear that Steve Rogers is a huge part of Avengers: Doomsday. He’s the reason it exists. The question is whether or not old Steve’s conversation with Sam is a sign the Avengers will win, or if it will now have never happen.

What Happens In Avengers: Endgame Second New Scene? Doctor Doom “Collects” the Hulk Marvel Studios/Sony

Another new scene in Avengers Endgame: Encore is essentially an extra end-credits scene for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. It shows Bruce Banner alone two miles underground in a secure bunker. He and the military put him there after his first “incident” in a decade, a reference to Jean Grey making him “Hulk out.” Dr. Banner, alone and speaking to a camera, says he’s there experimenting with a new gamma serum to keep his big green guy under control. That’s when the lights start to flicker and a green glow . We then hear (but never see) the voice of Robert Downey Jr.’s Victor von Doom in this new Avengers: Endgame scene. He’s there to “collect” Banner, but as Doom takes him we hear Hulk’s voice. The two then disappear as Doom’s glowing green runes cover the floor.

What Does Bruce Banner’s Extra Scene in Endgame Mean for Avengers Doomsday? Marvel Studios/Sony

Not only does this sequence feel like a Spider-Man: Brand New Day “encore” scene rather than an Endgame one, it’s also far more likely a tease for Avengers: Secret Wars. In Brand New Day, an end-credits scene showed Ned’s Spider-Man tracker showing Peter Parker suddenly being transported into space. While that could indicate Tom Holland’s web-slinger will appear in Avengers: Doomsday, it was clearly meant to tease his involvement in Battleworld which will happen in Secret Wars. That’s where it looks like Doom is taking the Hulk he just “collected.” The two MCU scenes also featured the same kind of glitching, pointing to them being directly connected.

If that’s the case, this is not really a new Avengers: Endgame scene meant to bridge the story to Doomsday, but is really an extra Spider-Man: Brand New Day scene that sets up Secret Wars.

What Happens In Avengers: Endgame Third New Scene? The TVA Watches the Multiverse Collapse

The serenity the multiverse experienced after Loki weaved every world/the Sacred Timeline into the Tree of Life might have lasted a trillion years. We wouldn’t know cause time works differently at the Time Variance Authority. But for MCU fans experiencing time normally it didn’t take long for the multiverse’s peace to end. In an explosive new Avengers: Endgame scene, Mobius and other TVA agents watched as thousands of incursions suddenly took place without warning, clearly setting up chaos in Doomsday.

It began with Earth-10005, the Fox X-Men universe, about to collide with Earth-1127. The two planets then began firing on one another. Before Mobius, Ke Huy Quan’s Ouroboros, or Eugene Cordero’s Casey could figure out why this was happening, other incursions started destroying entire worlds that were “terminated.” A red split broke up the monitor’s Tree of Life model. By the end of the scene they lost 3,000 universe because “the multiverse is collapsing.”

What Does the TVA Extra Scene in Endgame Mean for Avengers Doomsday? Marvel Studios

Whatever story Doctor Doom will tell the Avengers about Earth-1005 and the collapse of the multiverse will be based in truth. Every dimension is in real danger. And the X-Men will fight to keep their world safe even at the cost of trillions of others. There’s also no sign the TVA can do anything to stop it when they didn’t even see the collapse coming. Of all the new Avengers: Endgame Encore scenes, this is the most important. It also means Deadpool & Wolverine is an absolute must-watch before Doomsday.

The new Endgame scene additionally indicates that Loki’s possible attempt to relocate Steve and Peggy will create more problems than it solves in Avengers: Doomsday. It begins with the voice of Miss Minutes saying, “Stay in your universe so we don’t have to hunt you down like a dog.” Clearly crossing over to other dimensions is very bad for every dimension.

Marvel Studios What Happens In Avengers: Endgame Final New Scene? Doctor Doom Hammers His Mask

The real Avengers: Endgame didn’t feature any end-credits scenes. Instead it ended with the sound of hammering, a clear callback to the start of the Infinity Saga when Tony Stark built his first Iron Man suit “in a cave with a box of scraps!” But in this altered Endgame, we instead see that hammering is the work of Victor von Doom, who is crafting his own iconic iron mask and suit of armor.

What Does Doom’s Hammering in Endgame Mean for Avengers Doomsday? Marvel Studios

For the movie? Nothing. This scene doesn’t mean anything for Avengers: Doomsday because it’s merely showing Doom making his mask. But it does mean the Russos and the MCU can claim this was always the plan, that what we thought was the sound of a tribute was secretly the ultimate MCU end-credits tease.

Whether we believe that or not doesn’t matter. We were always going to see Avengers: Doomsday even without an Endgame encore and any new scenes. But we guess at least now, we kind of have a lead-up to the story.

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 What AVENGERS ENDGAME: ENCORE’s New Scenes Mean for DOOMSDAY appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Anthony Russo confirms that Steve Rogers going back in time in Avengers: Endgame causes Avengers: Doomsday to happen.

So, you agree. Unilaterally deciding that only you are allowed to go back in time to disrupt the life of a woman who was moving on, carrying YEARS of trauma that she could not possibly begin to fathom, while abandoning all your best friends and found family who DO need you, is a villainous thing to do? That’s what I heard Anthony Russo say about Steve Roger going back into the past to be with Peggy Carter in Avengers: Endgame. Okay, he didn’t literally say that… But he did say that Steve Rogers’ decision to go back to the past and stay there is what causes Avengers: Doomsday to happen. And is that really a surprise? As Tony Stark would tell you, “When you mess with time, it tends to mess back.” And Steve’s comuppence for his selfish, and dare I say evil, choices might just cost everyone dearly. You can listen to what Anthony Russo shared about Steve Rogers’ decisions causing Avengers: Doomsday below.

Anthony Russo confirms that Steve Rogers traveling back in time in ‘ENDGAME’ created ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’. pic.twitter.com/DFVs8h6enz

— Avengers Updates (@AvengersUpdated) September 25, 2026 Here’s What Causes Avengers: Doomsday to Happen

The Avengers: Endgame rerelease, Avengers Endgame: Encore, adds a brand-new scene that changes the ending of Avengers: Endgame and ties it into Avengers: Doomsday. In it, we see Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter’s so-called idyllic dance interrupted by a knock on the door. It’s Loki, and he has bad news. Steve and Peggy are in danger, and Loki thinks he can help them. Alas, it seems like Steve’s decision to head back to the past and mess with time will FINALLY have some consequences.

MArvel Studios

When asked if there’s a character choice that means something different in Avengers: Endgame than it did before, Anthony Russo shares—“There’s certainly a pivotal moment in that film, in the end, where the moment has a different meaning. We play one beat past where Steve Rogers’ story ended with Peggy Carter, and in that moment, that’s where Doomsday is born.”

Although Russo isn’t EXPLICITLY clear, it certainly sounds like he’s saying Avengers: Doomsday happens because Steve Rogers is in the past, in a time where he shouldn’t be. That Steve’s choice to return to the past set the events necessary to get from Avengers: Endgame to Avengers: Doomsday into play. In short, if Steve Rogers weren’t there dancing with Peggy Carter, Avengers: Doomsday wouldn’t be happening.

Nerdist Take: Steve Rogers’ Decision to Go Back to the Past in Avengers: Endgame Was an Evil Choice, and We Hope Avengers: Doomsday Makes That Clear Paramount

Why wasn’t Thor allowed to go back in time to spend more time with his mother? Why couldn’t any of the other heroes choose what places in time they wanted to inhabit? Why is it that if Steve Rogers’ Avengers: Endgame decision was taken out of context, it would probably be seen as the story of a villain, not a hero? Well, that’s all because Steve Rogers going back to the past to be with Peggy Carter was always an evil set of decisions, ones that should obviously have consequences, but the fallout of which was handwaved away in order to accommodate the optics of an idea that didn’t really make much sense.

I’m not saying I’m holding out much hope here, but I think it makes perfect sense that Steve Rogers’ decision to go back in time in Avengers: Endgame messed up time enough to cause Avengers: Doomsday. You can’t just be hopping around through time willy-nilly because you want to. That’s literally always the point.

Avengers: Doomsday releases in theaters on December 18, 2026. Tickets are available now.

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 Steve Going Back in Time Causes DOOMSDAY, Confirms Anthony Russo appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Kraft Heinz Canada has partnered with Solly’s Craft Soda for KD x Solly’s Cream Soda, a sweet carbonated beverage with a savory cheesy touch.
• The official image for KD x Solly’s Cream Soda makes it look like cheese water.
• This is the type of product we’d expect from Kraft in America, so we’re already afraid of what this will lead to in the U.S.

I long ago accepted the fact Kraft can—and will—add any flavor it wants into its mac and cheese. What I merely assumed was that these bizarre concoctions were a uniquely American thing. Clearly, I lack imagination, because our treasured friends to the north have brewed up something that is much, much stranger. Kraft Heinz Canada has partnered with Solly’s Craft Soda for KD x Solly’s Cream Soda. This Mac and Cheese soda is a sweet beverage with a savory, cheesy touch that looks like cheese water.

Kraft Heinz Canada/Solly’s Craft Soda

Kraft Dinner says it is giving fans “a new way to satisfy their KD cravings,” and they are not kidding. They’ve teamed with Solly’s Craft Soda for a “beverage that combines the taste of cream soda with a hint of KD’s iconic cheesiness.” That is a real quote from the very real press release for this very real limited-time product. KD x Solly’s Cream Soda is “a sweet and savoury carbonated drink that pairs nostalgic cream soda with a hint of KD’s familiar cheesy flavour.”

As far as flavours go, we’re not sure how much we would like to savour this Mac and Cheese soda. I mean, obviously I would. And in some ways I must. But I’m also a huge food weirdo who gets paid to eat and drink absurd foods. So I am exactly the target audience for this cheesy soda. Minus the part where I live in the United States and this is a Canadian product.

Kraft Heinz Canada/Solly’s Craft Soda

Canadians of all stripes—whether they really love either cheese, enjoy ridiculous food crossovers, or if they have lost a wager—can now grab this cheesy cream soda at Amazon for a whole new way to enjoy Kraft Mac and Cheese. It will arrive at participating retailers like Walmart early next month “while quantities last.” Solly’s website list a single can for $2.95 CAD.

If this sells out, like we’re sure it will, I don’t even want to know what kind of Kraft mac and cheese soda we’re going to get in America.

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 Cheesy Mac & Cream Soda Is on the Way From Kraft appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Doctor Who will head to the theaters this year for David Tennant’s 20th anniversary for one night only.
• Doctor Who: The Satan Pit Extended Cut will bring a feature-length, extra-long version of arguably the Tenth Doctor’s scariest adventure.
• Nerdist take: If you’re going to see any episodes as a celebration of David Tennant’s iteration of Doctor Who, this would be them.

Right now, Doctor Who is in a precarious, or at least uncertain, place. The series hasn’t gone without a production team since the 15-year break between 1989 and 2005. Right now, the BBC has sent Doctor Who out for competitive tender, so how will they choose to celebrate the upcoming 63rd anniversary? Why, by instead celebrating 20 years of arguably the most popular Doctor this side of Tom Baker. David Tennant, the 10th Doctor, on the big screen from BBC Studios, Fathom Entertainment, and CinemaLive. And not just his era, but among the best stories in which he appears.

BBC

In news we saw on Polygon, for one night only, Whovians will get a chance to see Doctor Who: The Satan Pit Extended Cut. This is, of course, an extended, feature-length cut of the two-part story, “The Impossible Planet” and “The Satan Pit,” among the very best episodes of the Tenth Doctor tenure. The story sees the Doctor and Rose (Billie Piper) end up in the far future on an Earth outpost on a planet perched precariously on the edge of a black hole without falling in. The crew digs deeper into the planet to get a better reason for why, unknowingly unleashing ancient evil forces, perhaps from the dawn of time, which point to our very conception of the Devil himself.

These episodes whip ass, I have to say. These are easily top five Tenth Doctor episodes. They’re scary, weird, supremely thoughtful, and they introduced the Ood, one of the modern era’s more iconic aliens. This two-parter came from Tennant’s first season on the show, 20 years ago, of course, and remain a high-water mark for two-parters. If you’re going to see any episodes as a celebration of David Tennant’s iteration of Doctor Who, this would be them.

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The extended version of these episodes will include never-before-seen extended scenes in addition to deleted scenes which had previously only been out as DVD extras. That in an of itself is a cool enough reason to go see this. Additionally, the night at the movies will include “an exclusive interview with BAFTA-award-winning director and producer James Strong, reflecting on the behind-the-scenes work that went into creating one of the scariest episodes in Who history.”

Natasha Spence, Global Events Director at BBC Studios, shared in a press release: “Doctor Who Day is the perfect moment to celebrate that sense of discovery with fans. We’re delighted to be working with CinemaLive again to bring this unforgettable Tenth Doctor and Rose story to the big screen, and to give audiences the chance to experience it together in cinemas for the first time.”

BBC

Tickets for the event will go on sale September 25 at 9am local time. Fans can find which of the 1,000 cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will be participating in the event here. US fans can find out here.

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

The post DOCTOR WHO Scariest Episodes Heading to Theaters appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Dungeon Masters, Wizards of the Coast’s official actual play series, is back with a campaign set in World of Warcraft‘s Azeroth.
• The game is led by Dungeon Master Jasmine Bhullar, with five actors joining her as players.
• Nerdist’s Take: The first two episodes already promise that this will be an exciting and likely hilarious campaign to watch, while also demonstrating how one might run their own game using the World of Warcraft Gameplay Expansion.

On September 23rd, Wizards of the Coast’s official actual play series, Dungeon Masters, returned with a new campaign set in the universe of World of Warcraft. Using the D&D World of Warcraft Gameplay Expansion book, veteran DM Jasmine Bhullar (DesiQuest, Critical Role) is guiding five actors/experienced D&D players through Azeroth. These, of course, include Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Neil Newbon, Theo Solomon, and Devora Wilde. Our heroes are part of a small guild called “Afterlife.” And the morning our story begins, they were robbed blind by a disgruntled member, leaving their guild treasury completely empty. Afterlife seeks to not only make their money back and increase their status within the Horde, but to eventually be sent to Northrend to be on the frontline of the war against Lich King Arthas Menethil.

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Things are off to a fun start with the first two episodes of Dungeon Masters‘ third season. Who is joining the series for this excellent mashup of Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft? Let’s do a quick rundown on the players and their characters—

• Devora Wilde: One of three Baldur’s Gate 3 alums, Dev is the voice of Lae’zel. Her character is Jandi, a grouchy Troll Balance Druid.
• Neil Newbon: You know him as the voice of Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3, but in this game of Dungeons & Dragons, he’s taken up the mantle of Greave, a surly and stiff Forsaken, or World of Warcraft‘s intelligent undead… Which is a bit similar, if you think about it. He’s an Oath of the Ebon Blade Death Knight. It’s like World of Warcraft was MADE to be in the Dungeons & Dragons world.
• Theo Solomon: He’s Wyll in Baldur’s Gate 3, and now he’s orc-in-charge Rokkar, a Beastmaster Hunter. He’s also got a pet ostrich named Angela. Okay, not literally an ostrich—technically Angela is a Tallstrider, but Tallstriders look a hell of a lot like ostriches, just sayin’.
• Mayanna Berrin: Returning Dungeon Masters player Mayanna Berrin is Talonia, a Blood Elf Discipline Priest.
• Christian Navarro: Best known for his role as Tony Padilla in 13 Reasons Why, Christian is playing a character that I’m positive will become a fan-favorite: Mistik, a Goblin Assassin Rogue who speaks primarily in the third person. The voice Christian does for him gets a 10/10 for me, folks.

Dungeon Masters

This group of players already has great chemistry, and seeing the party dynamic being built in real-time is fantastic. Rounding out the group is DM Jasmine Bhullar’s character, a Tauren (she’s a cow, like, a bipedal cow basically) healer named Gladiola. Speaking of excellent voices, Jasmine’s voice for Gladiola had me laughing my ass off from the start.

While the adventure is just beginning, there’s no telling where it might lead. Hopefully Northrend, but in World of Warcraft and Dungeons & Dragons both, anything is possible. I’ll definitely be tuning in for the next episode! In the meantime, if you want to send your party into the universe of Dungeons & Dragons meets World of Warcraft, snag your copy of Dungeons & Dragons: World of Warcraft (D&D Gameplay Expansion Book) today.

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!

Jess Harshbarger writes about movies, TV, games, comics, and all things nerdy for Nerdist.

The post DUNGEON MASTERS Returns With New D&D WORLD OF WARCRAFT Campaign appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• New Marvel X-Men ’92: Incursions comic pits the mutants from X-Men: The Animated Series vs. their younger counterparts from X-Men: Evolution.
• This one-shot is one of several that Marvel is putting out this winter, taking us back to the multiversal incursions that preceded the 2015 Secret Wars events.
• It seems that the Rogue from both universes will be a central character.
• Nerdist’s take: Since the ’90s animated X-Men’s Jean Grey has Phoenix potential, we have a feeling that her team will wipe the floor with the X-Men: Evolution kids.

Avengers: Doomsday’s plot centers on the concept of multiversal incursions, where one reality collides with another, potentially wiping out both. However, this concept originated in the pages of Avengers, in the storyline “Time Runs Out.” This story preceded Marvel’s 2015 Secret Wars event comic. Recently, Marvel announced a return to the era of incursions for a new set of one-shots. One of them was X-Men ’92: Incursions, but no details were given about the context. Now, Marvel has announced (via IGN) that this series will feature the ’90s classic X-Men: The Animated Series team battling the 2000s-era mutants of X-Men: Evolution.

Here’s the official solicitation for issue #1 of X-Men ’92: Incursions, along with cover art:

X-Men ’92: Incursions #1 Marvel Comics

X-Men ‘92 Vs. X-Men: Evolution! The X-Men of the 90’s must save their world! But can they do so when it means destroying another world in the process? Especially one filled with younger versions of themselves who still have hope for Xavier’s dream?

Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost, known for their work on X-Force, and several animated Marvel projects, are writing this one-shot. It features art by Salva Espin. The cover shows X-Men: The Animated Series‘ sassy Southern belle version of Rogue front and center, with the variant cover putting the “goth Rogue” from Evolution in her place. So it looks like she’ll be our main character for this story. Marvel also released further details on the previously announced Incursions one-shots, which include Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the Avengers.

Marvel Comics

There’s a lot of potential for fun interactions here, as this story will mainly feature teenage versions of most of the characters fighting their older selves. Only Wolverine and Storm were adult heroes in X-Men: Evolution. We’re actually looking forward to Jubilee vs. Kitty Pryde the most, as Kitty never once appeared in the ’90s cartoon. As incursions are designed to play out, one universe must die so that the other can live. But this might also be a battle of the generations, as Millennial favorite X-Men: TAS must battle Gen-Z favorite Evolution to the death. We’re not taking sides, but only one version of these X-Men has a Jean Grey who tapped into her Phoenix potential. You do the math. These 21st-century kids don’t have a prayer.

X-Men ’92: Incursions #1 hits comic shops on January 6, 2027.

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 Marvel INCURSIONS Comic Pits X-MEN: TAS vs X-MEN: EVOLUTION appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• V/H/S Mixtape is the latest installment in this beloved horror franchise, and its first trailer is completely unhinged.
• There are five segments that will all blend together to explore music and rhythm and how they can haunt us.
• V/H/S Mixtape will hit Shudder on October 9.

The V/H/S franchise is back with yet another installment for this year’s spooky season. V/H/S Mixtape will deliver several scary stories, and even includes some Jim Henson puppets doing some very naughty things. Rebooting shows really can have some disastrous results. And, if the trailer for V/H/S Mixtape is any indication, we are in for a really wacky, bloody, and fun ride. 

There are several segments that will all blend together in a terrifying way. Here’s a little more about each one: 

“Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance” : A studio attempts to reboot a long-cancelled puppet show with a mysterious past. Featuring work from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

“Heartbeat” : A pair of YouTube urbex influencers find themselves trapped in a decommissioned military facility used for sonic experimentations.

“The Music of Mr. SZE” : A college film student’s documentary project uncovers the reclusive life of a tormented musician.

“Death Tone” : A young sound engineer follows her late Dad’s instructions to create the ultimate track.

“Wrap Segment”: GWAR hosts skits and music videos in an MTV-style show from hell. Featuring music videos directed by Tobias Forge and Flying Lotus.

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And, here is the synopsis for V/H/S Mixtape to go along with its trailer: 

 V/H/S/Mixtape cranks the franchise’s signature found-footage horror up to eleven with an electrifying new anthology where music and sound become the source of terror. United by a theme that explores the power of music, rhythm, and audio to haunt, possess, transform, and destroy, the film blends cosmic horror, psychological suspense, outrageous splatter, and groundbreaking practical effects into one unforgettable mixtape of nightmares.

Shudder

Of course, we don’t have to wait long for this to arrive. You can check V/H/S Mixtape out on October 9.

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 V/H/S MIXTAPE Trailer Is a Killer Puppet Nightmare appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• Warner Bros. Discovery shared a short promo with Gizmo announcing that Gremlins 3 will now release 11 months later in October 2028.
• The long-awaited third entry in the franchise was originally given a November 2027 release date.
• We’ve been waiting so long for Gremlins 3 that we’re not even surprised we have to wait 11 more months.

Sometimes it feels like we’ve been talking about Gremlins 3 for longer than the internet has been around. Those discussions have only ramped up in the last few years as the long-awaited third installment got closer and closer to becoming a reality. Once Steven Spielberg signed off on the script, the three-quel was good to go. But it turns out we’re going to have to wait a little while longer to see Gizmo and his violent offspring will return to theaters. Warner Bros. Discovery released a short promo featuring the lovable mogwai peeking out of a backpack. And while we’re always happy to see him, he helped announce Gremlins 3 will now premiere on October 6, 2028.

10.6.28. Only In Theaters. pic.twitter.com/kZVLPrNd12

— Warner Bros. (@warnerbros) September 23, 2026

Last November, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that after many years of delays and false starts, Gremlins 3 was finally going to happen. The news was first announced during the company’s third quarter earnings call. It was originally arriving in theaters on November 19, 2027. Instead the film is going to release eleven months later. When it does premiere it will be 44 years since the first film and 38 years since Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Chris Columbus is also returning to the franchise, but this time to direct. Joe Dante, who helmed the first two movies, does not appear to be involved. Screenwriter Hannah Marks is handling the script, originally written by Columbus, Zach Lipovsky, and Adam Stein. While no plot details or cast are known, Zach Galligan was the one who first said a script was completed and waiting for Spielberg’s go-ahead, so we’d expect him to be back.

Warner Bros. Discovery

This is (kinda) technically the second Gremlins 3, though we don’t think Warner Bros. Discovery officially acknowledges Nick Lutsko’s masterpiece Gremlins 3: Dawn of Desmond. (We do. We definitely do.) But if nothing else this otherwise frustrating delay gives us the perfect excuse to share his song “Where Did the Gremlins Go?” So we’re going to take it.

Where did the Gremlins go, Nick? To October 2028, apparently. Because even when our long Gremlins 3 wait nears its end we still have to wait for it.

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 Gizmo Announces That GREMLINS 3 Is Delayed to 2028 appeared first on Nerdist.

Quick Take

• The new trailer for MADDEN starring Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale looks like an SNL sketch, but Prime Video says it’s definitely a “new movie.”
• MADDEN comes from director David O. Russell and also stars Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, John Mulaney, and Shane Gillis.
• Despite possibly being an unintentional comedy, MADDEN will tell the story of a sports legend worthy of a biopic.

The late John Madden is truly one of the greatest legends in not just football, but sports history. He’s one of the most successful NFL head coaches ever. Madden never had a losing season and he won Super Bowl XI. He then went on to become one of the best, most beloved, and most important broadcasters ever. And the greatest football video game franchise ever bears his name. He’s a truly worthy subject for a biopic. As is the owner who hired him to lead his team, the Raiders’ Al Davis. And that’s exactly what Prime Video is giving us with MADDEN, a movie about two football icons starring two Oscar-winners, Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale, whom we see in the trailer below.

But while there’s no question why John Madden is worthy of his own movie, we are a little curious why this one looks like an extended SNL sketch.

Okay. Okay. Lot going on here. We’re not giving up on this without seeing it, though. And yet, it is not exactly a great sign Amazon felt the need to end this trailer by pointing out it is a “new movie.” Typically that’s what the trailer is for. At least the official synopsis indicates this is definitely a real film and not an elaborate joke. From Prime Video:

Inspired by the life of a beloved American icon, MADDEN chronicles John Madden’s incredible journey alongside best friend and true original Al Davis – from a Super Bowl-winning partnership with the Raiders, to becoming football’s most recognizable voice, to building the worldwide Madden NFL video game. MADDEN is the celebration of a brilliant mind whose once in a century spirit and personality, partnership with his daring wife Virginia, lifelong friendships, and infectious love of people and football transcended the world of sports.

Hey, that seems legit! Now to show you an official image from the movie…

Prime Video

….That’s great. Hey, this is a comedy, right? We….we can’t tell.

Despite the unavoidable silliness conveyed by this trailer, it does have a lot going for it. It comes from director David O. Russell. He wrote the script with Cambron Clark. And in addition to its big-name two stars it also features Kathryn Hahn, Sienna Miller, John Mulaney, and Shane Gillis.

MADDEN will debut in select theaters on November 11. It will then be available on Prime Video one week later on November 18. Will it prove worthy as iconic as the coach it’s about? Maybe, but maybe just not for the right reason.

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 Nicolas Cage’s MADDEN Trailer Looks Like an SNL Sketch appeared first on Nerdist.