Halo Season 2 hit a major high point with Episode 4 and the Battle of Reach - including some shocking character deaths. That left Halo Season 2 Episode 5, "Aleria" facing the daunting challenge of at least keeping the momentum going, even when all the fighting finally died down.

What we got was arguably one of the more balanced episodes of this Halo TV series yet - mix of some thrilling action, harrowing drama, and a lot of developments for an ensemble of characters that is quickly dwindling down to some key players. There was a lot packed into this episode - here's the full breakdown, scene by scene.

Halo Season 2 Episode 5 "Aleria" Recap (Spoilers)

Fight Or Die - There's no time for a single breath as Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) regains consciousness in the midst of battle. Vannak has been killed in Chief's brutal duel with the Covenant Elite (we now confirm is the Arbiter), and Master Chief is rattled, to say the least. Chief's fellow Spartans Soren-066 (Bokeem Woodbine) and Riz-028 (Natasha Culzac) are holding the line against the advancing Covenant forces. Meanwhile, Dr. Catherine Halsey (Natascha McElhone) is traumatized by the death of her ex-husband Admiral Jacob Keyes (Danny Sapani) during the fight in Episode 4 Halsey tries to convey to Chief that all hope is not lost: the evacuation of Reach is happening as they fight, with numerous escape crafts taking off in the distance, beyond the exploded hangar bay they're fighting in. Chief gets back on his feet and grabs his gun - but everything goes silent until Soren foolishly calls out, asking if that's all the Covenant has for them. The answer is a hammer-swinging armored Covenant Brute, who crashes in through the ceiling and thrashes the unarmored Spartans. The group is only saved by the arrival of Soren's ship, with his wife Laera (Finnoa O'Shaughnessy) piloting and Kwan Ha (Yerin Ha) shooting a heavy canon that blows out the Brute's armor, killing the beast. Riz and Soren get Halsey and Master Chief onboard, while Kwan covers the extract with a barrage of minigun fire. Riz will not leave without Vannak's body and jumps into a fog of Covenant forces to retrieve her dead teammate's corpse. She heroically comes running back to the ship carrying Vannak, but takes a Covenant plasma blast to her lower back, while getting him on the ship. The group barely gets everyone onboard and take off as Reach is being annihilated. Chief looses consciousness while Halsey tries to stabilize him, suffering visions of the moment he was separated from Cortana and Makee's message to him on Sanctuary. It's revealed that Cortana was taken out of Master Chief and given to ONI director Admiral Margaret Parangosky (Shabana Azmi), who struck some yet-unknown deal with the AI entity. When Chief finally succumbs, he sees Riz being hooked up to an oxygen tank, her fate unknown.

[Opening Title and Credits Play]

Art Thou Still Blessed? - We find Makee (Charlie Murphy) on her ship viewing the ruins of Reach and conversing with Var 'Gatanai (Viktor Akerblom), the Elite warrior that has repeatedly dueled Master Chief and killed Vannak. Var is unhappy that Makee stopped him from killing Master Chief during his duel on Reach - just as she did on Sanctuary in the Season 2 premiere. The Arbiter accuses Makee of having sympathy for "The Demon" (Master Chief), saying that his nemesis' death is the only "higher purpose" he's interested in - not Makee's religious prophecies. The Arbiter is curious about what Cortana is, exactly - especially after Makee made a point to steal it from Reach. Makee craftily offers her death if she's deemed useless or traitorous to Var, and then plays down what Cortana is, calling it a repository of human knowledge. The Arbiter leaves her to play with her human tech, for the time being...

What Was I Made For? - Master Chief wakes up to see Riz laid out on a medical table, body broken and barely hanging on. Chief is attended to by Halsey, and he quickly turns angry with her, demanding to know what she truly made the Spartans for, and how she views them: As actual people, or just tools of war. Chief demands to know how Halsey sees Riz, and denies her the easy out of saying Spartans are "people," as Spartans don't have any personal lives or ties that would qualify them as "people" by any traditional definition. John nearly gets violent with Halsey, but she stands firm, commanding him to let her go. Master Chief's rage quickly turns to anguish over how the UNSC and ONI left him and Silver Team on Reach without armor or backup. Master Chief then finds out he's been unconscious for two days; Riz is in a coma, Kai is still MIA, and Reach has fallen. Chief is still badly hurt and feverish from his wounds and starts to spiral out over how he could have stopped the Fall of Reach if he'd had Cortana and his armor. After giving him a sedative, Halsey warns Chief that ONI left them for dead as part of a plan - and that they must stay in the shadows to survive. Chief wants to know how and why Halsey thinks they're a team now, before passing out.

Makee v. Cortana - Makee tries all kinds of arcane summoning to bring Cortana online - but Cortana (voice of Jen Taylor, body of Christina Bennington) appears, stating she needs no prompts, just the push of a button. Makee confirms that Cortana has been captured by Var 'Gatanai, "The Arbiter," of the Covenant (a name Halo fans have been waiting to hear since the show began). Makee wants to look into Master Chief's memories that Cortana recorded to find the information about the Halo ring she needs - but Cortana makes it clear that she cannot be coerced. Makee turns the tables on Cortana's defiance by taking the vulnerable stance that her own survival is dependent on producing something useful from Cortana - if Makee is not useful, then Cortana is not either, and they will both be doomed. Cortana takes herself offline, but it's clear Makee has made a point worth considering.

Survivors Club - Master Chief finally wakes up after three days of rest to find Soren, Laera and Kwan at his bedside. The group is landing on the mining planet Aleria to retrieve Soren's son Kessler, whom Kwan sent away for safekeeping while rescuing Laera on The Rubble and Soren on Reach. Soren and Laera head out to get their son; Kwan takes Master Chief to see Vannak, but Chief refuses to look at the body, coldly claiming an empty corpse is not the same as his friend. Riz is rushed into what passes for a surgeon's office on the planet, with Halsey overseeing the operation. Master Chief takes in the desolate barren lands of Aleria, while Soren, Laera, and Kwan go to a local merchant to investigate. Soren drops heavy coin for info, but the merchant doesn't quite believe that Soren and Laera are the loving parents they claim to be - hinting that children can become valuable commodities in a place like Aleria. Still, the merchant produces a record of recent arrivals, and Laera spots one entry that seems to match Kessler, giving them a real lead.

Spartans Don't Go to the Grave - Kwan approaches Master Chief about doing the duty of burying Vannak, but Chief refuses, saying Spartans don't get buried: when a Spartan becomes a Spartan, they leave their old life behind, meaning they are already dead, in a sense. Kwan is upset by this idea, saying she would give anything to have the chance to bury her own family. She conveys (without saying directly) that putting people in the ground isn't just a ritual to honor the dead - it allows the living to move on by symbolically leaving the dead behind, instead of carrying their ghosts with them.

Be Where I Am - Soren and Laera are riding a commuter truck across the Alerian wastelands, where Soren is trying to make conversation. Laera expresses her frustration with her husband's jovial nature, as they are supposed to be looking for their son, she is in torment, and he should be right there with her. Laera call out Soren for running from every perilous situation, starting with the Spartan program - and that right now, he's not properly processing the loss of Reach; the home and power they lost at the Rubble; or Kessler being missing. Laera moves to the other side of the truck bed and takes off her white-haired wig, tossing it over the side, while Soren twists on his wife's barbed words.

No Fight Left - Riz finally wakes up in the "hospital" center on Aleria. She sees Halsey at her bedside and recalls the memory of how she came out of her Spartan augmentation process to the same sight. She remembers that Halsey told her that only "1 out of 3" candidates survive, and she was one of them. Halsey breaks the hard news to Riz that her injuries have diminished her capabilities of being a Spartan, she'll "have to work harder." Riz looks out the window at her new surroundings, lost in thought and consideration.

Battle Scars - Kwan lugs Vannak's body to a clearing, complainingly asking the dead man why he was so big. She starts digging the hole for him, and the scene cuts to Riz, asleep under a blanket looking very much dead as well, with Halsey updating Master Chief that her injuries are debilitating, but that she's viable as a fighter. Chief and Halsey discuss what happened on Reach - and how Admiral Parangosky made the fall of the planet her statement that she is still the controlling power of the UNSC in this war. Kwan has a whole monologue with Vannak's corpse while trying to bury him, admitting that grieving all of Reach is impossible - as is mourning all the family and friends she's lost - so Vannak must become the vessel of all that grief. Mysterious robed figures carrying torches come out of the shadows of the night and approach Kwan. Chief recalls to Halsey that Parangosky was there when Cortana was taken out of him - something that Halsey thinks should be impossible for him to remember. Chief describes the hole that's been left since Cortana's been gone - and follows up a hint from Cortana to ask Halsey why he, specifically, was chosen to be a Spartan. Halsey will not let her mask slip even a bit, maintaining that John matched a genetic profile they created for an ideal Spartan candidte. Kwan and the robed figures are in a loud argument outside, so Master Chief intervenes; Kwan objects to the group taking Vannak's corpse away, but the religious figures claim that they just want to burn the body, as a proper send off. During the commotion, the sheet covering Vannak's corpse slips off; John is finally affected on a human level by seeing his friend dead and suddenly reverses course, acquiescing to Kwan that the religious group can "Put him in the sky" (i.e., cremation). Kwan explains to Chief that there is a difference between "death" and "loss," and that he is finally feeling the latter.

Little Human Trafficking - Soren and Laera are taken out to an old factory facility in a dark and snowy part of the wasteland. They find two women there armed with guns, who claim to be running the place to protect wayward children. The two girls insult Laera and Soren, claiming that the little boy who came to them looked abused - and the two "parents" are the ones responsible. Laera freaks out, but Soren carries her outside to cool off and heads back in to try a friendlier negotiation. While Soren talks to the women, Laera spots a little boy running in the shadows with a Spartan helmet on his head. She pursues the boy, thinking it's Kessler, only to find out that it's a different boy, who was given the helmet by Kessler, to make him feel brave when he was afraid. Soren leaves his negotiation claiming the women have agreed to let see Kessler - it's left ambiguous whether or not he did something brutally violent to the women running the facility to get his answer. It's a moot point: Laera confirms that Kessler never made it there, and they are back to square one.

Funeral for Friends - The funeral rights for Vannak are carried out by Master Chief, Kwan, the religious group, and Halsey, who leads the eulogy. Chief can only stand to listen to her talk for a moment about Vannak, the boy she first met, before stepping in to take over, eulogizing Vannak as more than the boy he began as; once Vannak became a Spartan, that was everything he was - and as a Spartan, he never truly dies, because his fight is not done. Master Chief pledges to become the weapon that carries out retribution for his lost friend, by killing the Arbiter, the Covenant, and the ONI leaders (Ackerson, Parangosky) that betrayed them. Chief sets Vannak's body ablaze and limps off into the darkness leaving the others to mourn. Halsey follows, calling out Chief for having more rage than an actual plan. Halsey finally confesses that she never "chose" John to be Master Chief, she discovered his unique potential after he made contact with one of the Halo keystones as a boy, and that connection made him the prized candidate for Spartan augmentation. She lobbies John to not go after ONI out of revenge and instead help humanity discover possible salvation through the Halo ring. Master Chief doesn't fear ONI killing him, as "I'm already dead" to them.

Grave Warning - Kwan is watching Vannak's body burn when she's pulled into a vision. The old woman/religious leader that Master Chief met on Sanctuary (and watched die there) appears to Kwan, claiming she is a speaker for all planets - including Kwan's lost home of Madrigal. The woman warns that the "monsters" are close and that Kwan has lost her path and purpose as the last of Ha family: to be a protector of life. Kwan recalls the memory from the Season 2 premiere ending of her in a cave on the Rubble, viewing cave paintings of a Flood Gravemind, and takes it as a warning that the parasitic species of the Halo Universe is about to be set loose. The vision ends, and Kwan is back at the funeral pyre, with only Riz noticing her freaked-out demeanor.

No Charity Here - Makee runs onto the bridge of the Arbiter's ship to confirm that they have been recalled to High Charity, the Covenant capital city/space station. Makee knows that the Covenant leaders The Hierarchs will kill them for failing to unlock the Halo and kill "The Demon" (Master Chief); however, the Arbiter's devotion makes him ready to face all consequences as punishment for his perceived failure. Makee lobbies Var to consider that the Hierarchs are false prophets - that she and the Arbiter are the true chosen ones of the prophecy of the Great Journey. Arbiter is about ready to strike Makee down, but Cortana intervenes by showing them both a projection of John's memory of Halo's surface. The Arbiter wants to know what vision he is seeing, and Makee uses the moment of confusion to inspire him with the idea that it is a divine vision, that he should heed. The ruse pays off: together, Makee and Cortana get the Arbiter to break ranks and take his ship out to find Halo - knowing that the Covenant will inevitably come to hunt them down.

New Riz, New Life - Riz finally gets on her feet and sees some locals on Aleria constructing a new building together. It looks like the kind of new life she can embrace.

New Negotiations - Laera returns to the merchant who first pointed them toward the settlement of wayward kids. Laera gets gloves, and wraps a large pipe in barbwire before recalling to the merchant the day she realized she would do any monstrous thing to protect her son. Laera emerges from the shop and tells Soren that she's discovered that the UNSC took Kessler. Like with Soren, it's left unanswered whether or not Laera used brutal violence to get her answers.

My Fight's Over - Master Chief tries to get Riz back on Soren's ship for the next part of their mission - but Riz states that she's staying on Aleria, and that her fight is over. Chief tries to use Vannak and Kai's memories to push his soldier, but Riz is serene and at peace with her decision. She stand to face Chief, only to let him know that her "revenge" is living a life - but Chief can't let go of his guilt and pain. Riz calmly confirms that pain is just a burden to either carry or be crushed by if you cannot know peace to balance it - and she wants that peace. Chief pleads that Riz is the only family he has left, but she's resolute. Halsey tries telling her she's no one now - but Riz smiles at that, and joins the local building the new structure, leaving her Spartan dog tags behind. Halsey and Master Chief join Soren, Laera, and Kwan on the ship, ready to depart.

New Kai, New War - A final scene takes us to "Onyx" and "Camp Currahee," where Col. James Ackerson (Joseph Morgan) is debuting Spartan Kai-125 (Kate Kennedy) as the new commander of his ONI-brand Spartan unit. Kai steps out of a facility door onto a massive military staging tarmac, at the head of her battalion of specialized soldiers and a fleet of UNSC Pelican and Condor aircraft lifting off for flight. "Winter Contingency" seems to be underway.

[End Credits Roll]

Halo Season 2 releases new episodes Thursdays on Paramount+.

It's easy to argue that Doctor Who has been a distinct part of the genre TV landscape, with the long-running science fiction program charming fans for decades. Over the years, the show has continued to fold in an ever-growing number of Doctors and companions, and it looks like three of the show's alumni have joined forces in an unexpected way. Karen Gillan, who played Amy Pond on the series, recently shared a TikTok of herself, Clara Oswald actress Jenna Coleman, and former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat at a recent event. The video shows Gillan and Coleman trying to convince Moffat to start dancing, as the trio recreate some of the moves popularized by Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor.

This is the latest unofficial Doctor Who reunion that Gillan has hosted on her TikTok, after she went on a "mother-daughter" shopping trip with her onscreen daughter, River Song actress Alex Kingston, in a video posted late last year.

@karengillan

We might have had a few red wines...but look WHO it is! #doctorwho

? original sound - Karen Gillan

Will Karen Gillan Return to Doctor Who?

In previous years, Gillan has hinted that she would return to play Amy Pond again, if the circumstances worked out. Still, this past year she spoke to RadioTimes about the show's upcoming trajectory, praising both Fifteenth Doctor actor Ncuti Gatwa and Ruby Sunday actress Millie Gibson for helping modernize the show even further.

"My first reaction to both of them being cast was excitement," Gillan explained "I sort of feel like they're going to inject a whole new lease on life -- like it really got my attention. When I saw both of them, I was like, 'OK, I'm ready to jump into this now.' And it's just exciting, and it's new, and he's clearly brilliant because I've seen him in other things. So, I think it's a really good piece of casting."

Who Will Be the Next Doctor Who?

Gatwa, whose work includes Barbie and Sex Education is set to play the Fifteenth Doctor in the upcoming 60th anniversary season of Doctor Who, beginning with a brand-new Christmas Day special titled "The Church on Ruby Road". The new batch of episodes will be showrun by returning executive producer Russell T. Davies, who previously worked on Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant's tenures on the character. In addition to Gibson as Ruby Sunday, the cast of the new season will include Jonathan Groff, Jinx Monsoon, and Indira Varma.

"She is very cool," Gibson explained with a laugh in a recent interview with TotalFilm. "I've said this before, but I think her dynamic with the Doctor is very much like two girls at school gossiping. They're very cliquey. I think the Doctor's not had that sort of dynamic before. It's really beautiful to see come alive when you do watch it."

What do you think of this new surprise Doctor Who reunion? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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The new Lay's X IHOP Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity is said to feature the flavor of IHOP pancakes with sweet notes of strawberries and maple syrup finished with the subtle flavor of bacon to give the chips a savory balance. According to Nation's Restaurant News, the flavor was translated from the plate to the chip via a customized seasoning mix that was created by IHOP Chef Art Carl along with Frito-Lay's R&D and culinary teams.

The Lay's X IHOP Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity are a limited time offering and are available at Walmart currently for those who are curious enough to give them a try.

Lays Recently Unveiled Another New Flavor

Lay's also recently unveiled another new flavor: Lay's Sweet & Spicy Honey, a take on the Hot Honey trend.

"As a leader in flavor innovation, Lay's is always on the lookout for the latest trends to inspire our next potato chip flavors," Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing, PepsiCo Foods North America, offered in a press release. "From condiments to cocktails to restaurant menus, the Swicy food trend is everywhere now, so we're excited to bring this unique combination of flavors to life in potato chip form for fans of sweet heat."

Will you be trying the Lay's X IHOP Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity chips? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

Avatar: The Last Airbender's composer had some praise for the attention to detail in the new Netflix show. Takeshi Furukawa took some time to speak at length about the musical choices in the live-action adaptation. ComicBook.com asked the composer about some favorite moments in Avatar: The Last Airbender. While the Netflix show does manage to capture a lot of what people loved about the Nickelodeon animated classic, there are some details that live-action allows to flourish. Furukawa had to single out the sequences of Omashu and how they worked with small touches in the score.

"Absolutely. It's really the small details," he began. "You know, I think we were amazed when we first started seeing the first visuals. I was talking to my music editor and we were saying like, 'My gosh, the details on this.' And my music editor is a very seasoned. His name is Micha Lieberman. He's worked on many, many big epics. It's like these small things."

"Like someone in the costume department paid attention to that button right there, where like no one is gonna notice the button, except probably the costume people who put a lot of care and attention in detail to the authenticity," Furukawa added. "But it's these small things that really add up and just makes the difference. And that's where the craft is. That's where the difference is and that's where the craft is. And, that's where the expertise is. It's very important, so we made sure we paid attention to that as well in the music side."

Live-Action Avatar's Best Moment

Furukawa took some time to discuss his favorite moments from Season 1 as well. There's a whole lot of stuff jammed into the first outing on Netflix. Despite the pressure from our interviewer, the composer did point out that everything that happens in Omashu was a highlight for him. Episode 4 seems to be the personal highlight for Furukawa. However, he would go on to mention the finale's climactic battle as well. Check out what moments he decided to single out.

"This is this is such a difficult unfair question almost as if you're asking me to pick a favorite child," Furukawa laughed along with us. "Can I just give you some random highlight for me? Highlights for me: I loved Omashu. I loved scoring that entire world building and that arc."

"There is a couple of really high points in episode 4. There are a couple of, really high points in Episode 4. You'll know what I'm referring to when you watch it, I think," he added. "And then also Episode 6, for me, is is the highlight. It's a very very emotional episode. I know I sound like a broken record, but emotion to me is everything in score and music. I think it really is the key. And whenever I'm able to cut loose with the emotional arcs, emotional moments of the music, that's just the highlight for me. But then also, you know, I'd be remiss to not mention the epic battles that take place towards Episodes 7 and 8, at the end of season one. So yeah, I love everything."

What's your favorite detail from Avatar? Let us know down in the comments!

More details about the disastrous, unauthorized Willy Wonka "immersive experience" in Glasgow, Scotland have begun to emerge and now, one of the actors who was hired on to play Willy Wonka himself is opening up about the experience and what was going on behind the scenes. Speaking with The Independent (via The Hollywood Reporter,) Paul Connell opened up about the lack of chocolate at the event which had been billed a "Chocolate Experience", a bizarre script he says was AI-generated, and even misspellings on the contract he signed.

"I'm constantly applying for more acting jobs and comedy work, then I got a phone call on Thursday saying, 'Congratulations you are going to play Willy Wonka, we will send you over the script and dress rehearsal is tomorrow," Connell said. "The script was 15 pages of AI-generated gibberish of me just monologuing these mad things."

He continued, "The bit that got me was where I had to say, 'There is a man we don't know his name. We know him as the Unknown. This Unknown is an evil chocolate maker who lives in the walls. It was terrifying for the kids. Is he an evil man who makes chocolate or is the chocolate itself evil."

Connell went on to explain that at one point in his monologue he was supposed to "suck up the Unknown Man with a vacuum cleaner" but when he asked if there was a vacuum cleaner, he was told they hadn't gotten to that yet and he was to improvise. He also revealed that there was no chocolate at the experience -- and they were instructed to give kids just one jelly bean and a quarter cup of lemonade. Connell said that eventually, he and the other two Wonka actors as well as some of the actors playing Oompa Loompas decided to walk away after the situation began to get dangerous.

"People were shouting, people who put on the event were crying. There were arguments, people running around everywhere -- the set had been trashed," he said."

What Happened With the Unauthorized Willy Wonka Experience?

Over the weekend, fans who had paid around $40 to attend what was billed as an "immersive" Willy Wonka experience that promised to transform them to a "magical realm" in Glasgow, Scotland found themselves attending anything but. What had been billed by organizers House of Illuminate as "a journey filled with wondrous creations and enchanting surprises at every turn" though the reality ended up being little more than warehouse with few, underwhelming decorations.

"It was basically advertised as this big, massive Willy Wonka experience with optical illusions and big chocolate fountains and sweets," attendee Eve Stewart told the BBC. "But when we got there, it was practically an abandoned, empty warehouse, with hardly anything in it."

Attendees, who had paid $40 per ticket for entry, reported that the warehouse was decorated with plastic props, a small bouncy castle, and backdrops pinned to the walls. Children were reportedly in tears and Scotland police were even called. Online, it was reported that staff at the event had been given scripts the night before and one post shared photos of a performer staffing one of the "exhibits", describing the scene as looking like a meth lab.

On Facebook, a spokesperson for House of Illuminati wrote that "Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and for that we are truly sorry. Unfortunately, at the last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue and puss through and now realise we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead," The post also pledged to provide full refunds, which are expected to take ten days to process.

Kaiju No. 8 will be making its official anime debut later this Spring, and it has finally announced its release date with the launch of a new trailer! Naoya Matsumoto's original Kaiju No. 8 manga series has been a major standout in Shueisha's Jump+ app in Japan, and now the series is gearing up to reach a whole new world of fans with the premiere of its official anime adaptation. Kaiju No. 8 is likely going to have the biggest premiere of the Spring 2024 anime schedule, and thankfully it's not too much longer until it launches in full.

Kaiju No. 8 previously announced it would be premiering some time this April as part of the Spring 2024 anime schedule, but the newest update for the anime has confirmed that it will be premiering on April 13th. This anime will be having a groundbreaking premiere that fans can look forward to, however, as it not only will be simultaneously available around the world with Crunchyroll but will also be debuting with the social media site, X, at the same time as well. You can check out the newest trailer for Kaiju No. 8 celebrating the release date below.

How to Watch Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 will be premiering on April 13th with both Crunchyroll and X. Starring the likes of Masaya Fukunishi as Kafka Hibino, Wataru Kato as Reno Ichikawa, Fairouz Ai as Kikoru Shinomiya, Asami Seto as Mina Ashiro, and Kengo Kawanishi as Soshiro Hoshina and more, Kaiju No. 8 begins to tease itself as such, "In a world plagued by threatening creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in the Japan Defense Force to defeat them. 'Let's wipe out the Kajju together.' Kafka pledged to his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Over time, life circumstances forced them to go their separate ways and caused him to abandon his lifelong ambition. He found himself employed by Monster Sweeper, Inc., a professional cleaning company that specialises in cleaning up the aftermath of Kaiju battles."

The synopsis continues with, "Meanwhile, Mina Ashiro is now the Captain of the Defense Force's 3rd Division. As it stands, he is currently unworthy of fighting Kaiju alongside her. At work, Kafka crosses paths with the highly motivated Reno Ichikawa. Reno's undying determination to join the Defense Force leaves no room for failure. His perseverance reawakens Kafka's ambition of standing next to Mina as they protect humanity from Kaiju together. A dream frozen by time, thawed by a burning promise."

Are you ready for Kaiju No. 8's April premiere? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments! You can even reach out to me directly about all things animation and other cool stuff @Valdezology on X (formerly known as Twitter)!

The Batman was one of the most buzzed-about superhero adaptations in recent years, and it's pretty safe to say that fans are excited to see the film's sequel. The Batman Part II is awaiting production and currently scheduled to debut in October 2025, and it sounds like one of the film's cast members has a particular arc in mind. In a recent interview with Discussing Film, Jeffrey Wright advocated for exploring the personal life of his character, James Gordon, in The Batman Part II, arguing that his character has a similar sort of dual role within the community as Batman.

"Well, it's probably not a good idea to get too far ahead of Matt [Reeves]," Wright argued. "One of the things that I've spoken about with him a little bit is, in playing the role, I wondered about his private life and I wonder about people who have the level of responsibility that he has, having that public face of rectitude and goodness. I wonder what lies underneath Commissioner Gordon because the Batman wears his cowl but, in some ways, Gordon wears a mask too. Gordon represents justice in a way through his type of righteousness, not sanctimony, and I wonder what might lie behind that mask with the sacrifices that he may have to consider because he gives so much to this public persona and his civic duty. What's the bearing of all that on him, underneath his mask? Those are questions that might be interesting to pursue, but we'll see. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to read and dive back into it, but I know as much as you know about it at the moment. We'll get there!"

What Is The Batman Sequel About?

Plot details regarding The Batman Part II are currently a mystery, although it is expected to feature the return of Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman, Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle / Catwoman, and more of the original film's cast.

"I mean, I can't give an update on that in terms of specifics, except to tell you that we are hard at work on the script," Reeves told ComicBook.com in an interview last year. "My partner and I are deep in it and I'm excited about what we're going to do."

Is The Batman Part II in the New DCU?

It has already been confirmed that The Batman Part II will be operating as a DC Elseworlds project, separate from James Gunn and Peter Safran's upcoming DC Universe of movies and Max-exclusive television shows.

"Matt is working on [The] Batman 2, which he thinks of it as a Batman crime saga, which also includes The Penguin TV series," Gunn previously said when asked about the project. "And it is its own thing, and he's hard at work on that. He came in and pitched us some amazing, really cool stuff the other day. Our plan is for that to continue."

Are you excited for The Batman Part II? What do you think of Jeffrey Wright's new comments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

The Batman Part II is currently scheduled to debut in theaters on October 3, 2025.

Will Ospreay has arrived in All Elite Wrestling. This past fall, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion put pen to paper with AEW, announcing that he would be joining Tony Khan's promotion in February 2024 after he wrapped up his commitments with New Japan Pro Wrestling and the British independent scene. Leading up to his arrival, Ospreay's AEW manager, Don Callis, booked him in a friendly contest against fellow The Don Callis Family member Konosuke Takeshita at AEW Revolution. Ospreay has been represented by Callis in AEW since June 2023 when he sided with the scheming mouthpiece in his feud against Kenny Omega.

Callis went on to stand in Ospreay's corner for his AEW pay-per-view matches against Omega and Chris Jericho. Ospreay would fight one of Callis's battles for him in late 2023 when he teamed with Takeshita and Sammy Guevara to take on Omega, Jericho and Kota Ibushi at AEW WrestleDream.

While Ospreay was a full-fledged heel back then, he has received nothing but positive crowd reactions in the months since, and has even tapped into the babyface mannerisms as well.

Will Ospreay Teases Friction Within The Don Callis Family

The Aerial Assassin's days in The Don Callis Family might be numbered.

Will Ospreay made his official AEW debut tonight on AEW Dynamite. Entering the arena with his familiar "Elevated" theme alongside some spiced up entrance graphics, Ospreay played up to the hot reaction that the Alabama crowd gave him. The Propst Arena at Von Braun Center gave Ospreay nothing but cheers until he brought up Don Callis.

He's full time, bruv!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@WillOspreay pic.twitter.com/CPZnbJAEwY

-- All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 29, 2024

Callis himself then hit the ring alongside his faction members Powerhouse Hobbs and Konosuke Takeshita, receiving a chorus of boos that carried on throughout the full duration of his promo. Callis continued to sweet talk Ospreay, playing him up as one of his most cherished clients before emphasizing that his upcoming AEW Revolution exhibition against Takeshita will be just that, an exhibition, as the two will shake hands before and after the contest.

"The real winner after this match, will be the Don Callis Family"

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@WillOspreay | @TheDonCallis | @takesoup | @True_Willie_Hobbs pic.twitter.com/rjNdo6gF4q

-- All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 29, 2024

Ospreay and Takeshita obliged, shaking hands, but both men attempted to "little brother" the other during it. Neither came close to getting physical, and Callis seemed to enjoy the spirit of competition. That said, general fan expectation going into AEW Revolution is that Ospreay will leave the event as clear singles babyface.

Ospreay vs. Takeshita goes down this Sunday, March 3rd at AEW Revolution.

"Hangman" Adam Page is leaning into some real heel territory heading into AEW Revolution. The former AEW World Champion is fighting for the same title on Sunday night, taking part in a three-way bout against current champion Samoa Joe and arch-rival Swerve Strickland. Over the past week, fans have been worried about Hangman's status for Revolution, as he was seen noticeably limping after a tag match on the February 21st edition of AEW Dynamite. Not to fret, though; Hangman's injury was all a work.

Wednesday's new episode of Dynamite began with Hangman addressing the crowd, hobbling into the arena on a crutch and trying to keep weight off one of his feet. He told the fans in attendance that he wouldn't be able to compete at Revolution on Sunday, which prompted Swerve to join him in the ring.

When Samoa Joe eventually entered, and Swerve turned his attention to the champ, Hangman showed his cards. He attacked Swerve from behind, knocking him out with the crutch that was clearly just for show. Swerve was left facedown on the mat as Hangman was sent out of the arena.

Swerve may have taken his eyes off of Hangman a bit too early...

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!#HangmanAdamPage | @SwerveConfident | @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/1kHbEQjxzd

-- All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 29, 2024

The former champion is just fine, using the injury to work Swerve into a false sense of security. The brutal attack might actually leave Swerve vulnerable going into the title match on Sunday, but that remains to be seen.

Speaking to ComicBook.com this past week, when Hangman's status was up in the air, Strickland offered his thoughts on his rival's potential injury.

"It changes a lot because me and the Hangman, I know his game, I know his style," Swerve said. "I've studied this man. I've endured a lot from this man. Hangman is a tough dude but he is also overly prideful. There's a lot of rumors going around about the possibility of him being hurt, but people are reporting that he had been walking around fine in the back after said injury. I think that's his pride overshadowing the fact that his body just can't go at the moment. Whether he shows up, whether he can do the match, whether or not we don't know."

Hangman, Swerve, and Samoa Joe will fight it out on Sunday night at Revolution, with one of the three men leaving the Greensboro Coliseum as the AEW World Champion.

Harvey Guill?n, the actor best known for playing Guillermo de la Cruz in What We Do in the Shadows, had a very busy 2023. The actor appeared in multiple shows and movies, including different projects for DC. Guill?n played Dr. Sanchez in Blue Beetle and returned to voice Nightwing in Harley Quinn. Blue Beetle was released within about a week of Nightwing's death on Harley Quinn, and it ended up featuring Guill?n's character dying yet again... or did it? ComicBook.com recently had the chance to chat with Guill?n in honor of the digital release of Disney's Wish, and we brought up the fact that he died twice in DC last year. While Nightwing is expected to be revived on Harley Quinn, Guill?n also believes Dr. Sanchez could return...

"That's true. But I do want to point out that in Blue Beetle and Harley Quinn, you do see them, and here's the thing," Guill?n began. "In both scenarios ... I mean, a little bit more in the other one, but in Blue Beetle you never see my body ... You only see what you want to see when something splatters on a window, on a glass window on a door, but you never see the actual outcome of what you thought you saw. Right?"

"I mean, I'm saying anything's possible," he added when we asked if that meant we could be seeing Dr. Sanchez again.

We also asked if Guill?n has started work on the fifth season of Harley Quinn, to which he simply replied, "No."

When Will Blue Beetle Return to the DCU?

During an appearance on the Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast last year, DC Studios head James Gunn referred to Jaime Reyes as the "first hero" in the new DC Universe, teasing that Xolo Maridue?a will reprise his role in future projects.

"I mean the first DCU character for sure is Blue Beetle and the first DCU movie is Superman," Gunn said at the time.

While chatting with ComicBook.com, director Angel Manuel Soto addressed the confirmation that Maridue?a will return as Blue Beetle.

"It was very reassuring to know that it's not just the character of Blue Beetle, it's Xolo being Blue Beetle," Soto explained. "Which means that what we have learned up to this point about his background and his family are part of Jaime Reyes' character. And that is a beautiful thing to see because it's a vote of confidence that what we did, the impact that it did and how it was shown, Whatever they end up doing in the bigger scheme of the DCU, you can always go back to Blue Beetle to know what are the foundations of Jaime Reyes."

Wish is available now at Digital retailers, and will be available on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 12th.

From Elvis to Dune: Part Two, Austin Butler has already been featured in some pretty significant projects. As Butler has earned critical acclaim and a number of new fans, the actor is revisiting one career aspiration that he no longer has. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Butler revisited a video from Teen Vogue, in which he shared his hopes of playing the first American James Bond.

"That's crazy," Butler revealed. "What was I thinking? ...I grew up loving James Bond." When asked by Fallon if he'd still want to play Bond, Butler replied, "Nah, he's gotta be British."

Who Will Be the Next James Bond?

At the moment, an actor for the upcoming reboot of James Bond has yet to be cast. According to franchise producer Barbara Broccoli, the task of finding a successor to Daniel Craig's Bond is not easy.

"I go back to GoldenEye when everyone was saying 'the cold war is over, the wall is over, Bond is dead, no need for Bond, the whole world's at peace and now there's no villains' - and boy was that wrong!" Broccoli explained in an interview last year. "Daniel gave us the ability to mine the emotional life of the character ... and also the world was ready for it. I think these movies reflect the time they are in, and there's a big, big road ahead reinventing it for the next chapter and we haven't even begun with that."

Who Does Austin Butler Play in Dune: Part Two?

Butler is cast as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in Dune: Part Two, the heir to Baron Harkonnen's empire who becomes a significant adversary for Paul Atredies (Timothee Chalamet).

"I'm always nervous. I always feel an incredible pressure," Butler explained in an interview with Interview Magazine last fall. "I felt that when I was 12 years old. Even if the material doesn't really require it, I feel I need to do the best that I possibly can. That sets a bar, and then I'm always afraid that I'm going to miss something. With Dune it was interesting, because I met with Denis [Villeneuve], and we got along very well, and started talking about the character. At that point, we didn't even have a script, but as we started talking about Feyd, my imagination started running, and I started to feel the terror of the challenge. That's what I'm guided by now: What really scares me?"

What Is Dune: Part Two About?

Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

The big-screen epic Dune: Part Two includes Timoth?e Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and L?a Seydoux, with Stellan Skarsg?rd, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. Denis Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Frank Herbert's iconic novel.

What do you think of Austin Butler's new stance on possibly playing James Bond? Who would you like to see play the iconic role next? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

The Pokemon Trading Card Game is fixing a visual issue that has haunted the game since its earliest days. Earlier this week, The Pokemon Company announced Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, a new digital card app meant for experiencing the Pokemon Trading Card Game in a new format. The new card app will feature a mix of modern, classic, and brand new cards, along with updated visual elements. One such element is a new back for the digital Pokemon cards, which features a subtle but noticeable difference - namely, the Poke Ball on the back of the card opens the correct way.

On the back of Pokemon cards, fans may notice that the Poke Ball button is attached to the bottom half of the ball. However, in every physical recreation and Pokemon media, the button is attached to the top half of the ball. Although this was fixed on the back of Japanese Pokemon cards way back in 2001, the art has remained "wrong" on the back of international cards for 25 years.

The new cards featured in Pokemon Trading Card Game: Pocket uses a new card back design, which mimics the Japanese card back design and more importantly features a mechanically correct Poke Ball. Noted Twitter user TAHK0 was one of the first to spot the difference in a now-viral tweet (seen below).

THEY FINALLY FIXED IT https://t.co/CxH2wXICUj pic.twitter.com/LEHLg5HWpP

-- TAHK0 ? (@TAHK0) February 28, 2024

The new Pokemon Trading Card Game: Pocket game appears to focus more on collecting Pokemon cards, with new "immersive" cards that features expanded digital artwork. Players can open two card packs for free per day, with the ability to trade cards with other users. Players will be able to play the Pokemon Trading Card Game, using a streamlined ruleset. The new digital card app will be released later this year.

Norman Reedus revealed when fans can expect the next chapter in the Walking Dead Universe. In October, the first season finale of his Walking Dead spinoff ended with a teaser trailer announcing "Daryl Dixon season 2 coming 2024." While an exact release date has yet to be announced by AMC Networks, the series star and executive producer confirmed today that The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol -- starring Reedus as Daryl and Melissa McBride as Carol -- is set to premiere this summer on AMC and AMC+.

Reedus announced the news on Instagram by sharing what looks like a sneak peek from an unreleased trailer: the words "season 2, summer 2024." It's likely that the Daryl & Carol trailer will air with The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, the new six-episode event series reuniting Andrew Lincoln's Rick Grimes and Danai Gurira's Michonne.

"I've known there was much more to be told of Carol's story as I felt her so unsettled when we last saw her, as she watched her best friend, Daryl, ride away [in The Walking Dead series finale]," McBride said in October when announcing she had joined Daryl Dixon as series regular and executive producer. "Apart or (hopefully!) together, their stories run deep, and I'm so excited to continue Carol's journey here. This team of storytellers have done amazing work to land these two established characters in an entirely new world to them, and I'm loving the discoveries!"

Both seasons are shot and set in France, where Daryl washed ashore after the events of the Walking Dead's "Rest in Peace" series finale. McBride reprised her fan-favorite role in the Daryl Dixon season finale when Carol traveled to Freeport, Maine, to track down the missing Daryl.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol stars Reedus, McBride, and first season cast members Cl?mence Po?sy as Isabelle, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi as Laurent, Laika Blanc Francard as Sylvie, Anne Charrier as Madame Genet, Romain Levi as Codron, and Eriq Ebouaney as Fallou. The second season is executive produced by showrunner David Zabel, Scott M. Gimple, Reedus, McBride, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, Daniel Percival, Jason Richman and Steve Squillante.

"It was always the hope and the desire that we would get Melissa onto the show in season one, in whatever version she was ready to do. That was always what I wanted to do and what everybody wanted," Zabel previously told ComicBook. "Norman wanted it, Scott [Gimple] wanted it, we all wanted it. So it was just a matter of working out what the show was going to be and then seeing how we could include her. Because we love the character, and we love Melissa, and we love the dynamic of Daryl and Carol together. So from the point where I started participating on the show, that was always the conversation."

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol premieres this summer on AMC and AMC+. Stay tuned to ComicBook/TWD and follow on Facebook for more TWD Universe coverage.

WWE 2K24's release is quickly approaching, and there are over 200 superstars to choose from on this year's roster. That's a rather massive number, but there are even more superstars and celebrities on the way courtesy of WWE 2K24's Season Pass DLC. The DLC will consist of 5 packs released from May to November, and the packs will add 25 new playable superstars to the mix. That includes two relatively new additions to the roster in CM Punk and Jade Cargill, though the season pass includes plenty of other fan-favorite superstars, legends, and even commentators. You can check out the entire rundown of the season pass DLC below.

Punk will be playable pretty soon, as he will be part of the ECW Punk Pack that will be released in May. Punk will join The Dudleys, Terry Funk, Sandman, and Paul Heyman (through a Manager Card), and that pack will be followed by the Post Malone & Friends Pack. This pack adds Malone to the game alongside The Headbangers, Sensational Sherri, and Honky Tonk Man.

There's still some mystery around the Pat McAfee Show Pack, which will include McAfee but will also feature playable co-hosts, though no details are shared on who they are. If it's McAfee, perhaps Michael Cole will be part of it, and Corey Graves also stands out as an option. We'll just have to wait and see.

One of the most anticipated packs will be the Global Superstars Pack hitting in August, which will feature several anticipated additions to the roster. That pack features Cargill, Nia Jax, Carlito, Kairi Sane, Lyra Valkyria, Michelle McCool, and Dragon Lee, completing several current rosters in the process.

The final pack is the WCW Pack, which will bring Diamond Dallas Page, The Iron Shiek, Mr. Perfect, Greta Muta, and Lex Luger to the game. This will go perfectly with the other WCW representation in the game, and you'll be able to really deck out your WCW My GM roster with these legendary superstars. You can find all of the details in the full DLC rundown below.

ECW Punk Pack - May 2024

• CM Punk
• Bubba Ray Dudley
• D-Von Dudley
• Sandman
• Terry Funk
• MyFACTION Content:
• ECW Paul Heyman Manager Card
• Superstar Cards

Post Malone & Friends Pack - June 2024

• Post Malone
• Sensational Sherri
• Mosh
• Thrasher
• Honky Tonk Man
• Jimmy Hart Manager
• MyFACTION Content

Pat McAfee Show Pack - July 2024

• Pat McAfee
• Playable co-hosts - stay tuned for more info
• MyFACTION Content
• Co-Host Manager Cards - stay tuned for more info

Global Superstars Pack - August 2024

• Jade Cargill
• Nia Jax
• Michelle McCool
• Carlito
• Kairi Sane
• Lyra Valkyria
• Dragon Lee
• MyFACTION Content

WCW Pack - November 2024

• Diamond Dallas Page
• The Iron Sheik
• Mr. Perfect
• Great Muta
• Lex Luger
• MyFACTION Content

Which roster addition are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments and you can also talk all things wrestling with me on Threads @mattaguilarcb!

The month of March will see more changes make their way to Max's streaming lineup. The popular streaming service will be adding quite a few new titles next month, including the hit film Wonka, but there are also films preparing to exit the service in the coming weeks.

Max recently released the streaming newsletter for March 2024, which comes with the complete list of every movie and TV show hitting the service. Unfortunately, that newsletter also includes a list of everything leaving the service, and there are quite a few popular films on their way out.

The LEGO Movie and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory are leaving Max in March, along with classics like Citizen Kane, Clockwork Orange, and Full Metal Jacket.

Here's the full list of movies exiting Max next month:

March 1
Elvis
Just a Boy from Tupelo: Bringing Elvis to the Big Screen
March 6
Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera (Quarantine Special)
March 7
Hit & Run
March 11
OWN Celebrates The New Color Purple (OWN)
Own Spotlight: Oprah & Angela Bassett (OWN)
Own Spotlight: Oprah & Danielle Brooks (OWN)
Own Spotlight: Oprah & Fantasia Barrino (OWN)
Own Spotlight: Oprah & Taraji P. Henson (OWN)
March 12
The Banshees of Inisherin
March 15
The Grey
March 19
Amsterdam
March 29
Jack Stauber's Opal
March 30
The Promise
March 31
A Day in the Country
Across the Universe
The Animal
The Answer Man
The Benchwarmers
The Big Wedding
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Cesar Chavez
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Citizen Kane
Class Action
A Clockwork Orange
Control Room
Coraline
The Cranes Are Flying
Drive Me Crazy
Dumb and Dumber To
Dutch
Evan Almighty
Fast Food Nation
Firestorm
Full Metal Jacket
George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey
Ghost
The Golden Child
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Harriet The Spy
Horrible Bosses
Horrible Bosses 2
I Was a Teenage Zombie
In Vanda's Room
Ismael's Ghosts
Jennifer's Body
Johnny Dangerously
Late August, Early September
Lean On Me
The Legend of Bagger Vance
The Lego Movie
Life As We Know It
Major Barbara
Millennium
Mon Oncle D'Amerique
My Life as a Dog
The Naked Kiss
P?p? le Moko
Pootie Tang
Post Grad
The Pyramid
Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel
Revolutionary Road
The Rise of Catherine the Great
Rita, Sue and Bob Too
Robin Hood: Men in Tights
Rookie of the Year
Se7en
Six Days, Seven Nights
Smallfoot
The Soloist
Strange Days
Sunset Strip
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Taken 3
Tanner '88
Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf Too
Traffik
Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos (Aka A Brave Little Rooster)
Unfaithfully Yours
Upgrade
The Verdict
A Walk In The Woods
Wedding Crashers
Whose Streets?
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Winter's Bone

Are you disappointed to see any of these films leaving Max? Let us know in the comments!

Deadpool & Wolverine has seemingly revealed one of its surprising guest stars. The movie reunites Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as the titular Deadpool and Wolverine, respectively, marking the first X-Men movie developed by Marvel Studios. There have been numerous rumors that the film will feature some surprising guest stars, with reports of Taylor Swift playing Dazzler making the rounds. While nothing has been confirmed just yet regarding additional cameo appearances, a new U.S. copyright filing potentially confirms that star Emma Corrin is playing Charles Xavier's twin sister Cassandra Nova.

The U.S. Copyright Office's official filing has a February 13th preregistration date for Deadpool & Wolverine. Inside it has a description of the film and lists its cast, including the co-stars Ryan Reynolds / Deadpool and Hugh Jackman / Wolverine. Along with the returning Morena Baccarin as Deadpool's girlfriend Vanessa, the filing lists Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova. Corrin's role as the villainous Cassandra Nova was hinted at in the first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine when eagle-eyed fans caught a glimpse of the back of a bald person's head that didn't appear to be Charles Xavier.

Who is Cassandra Nova?

Created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, Cassandra Nova debuted in 2001's New X-Men #114. Cassandra Nova possesses similar telekinetic and telepathic powers to her twin brother, Charles Xavier, and uses them in her crusade against what terms "the mutant menace." One of her worst acts involves sending an army of evolved mutant-hunting machines, the Sentinels, to the mutant island nation of Genosha that results in the death of 16 million Homo Superior.

It's later revealed that Professor X tried to kill his twin sister while they were both in the womb after detecting just how evil she really was. However, Professor X has no recollection of even having a sister. Jean Grey explains that the Xavier twin was born without a body -- using Charles' cells to survive and mimicking human traits. Cassandra is what's called a "Mummudrai": a formless being of living emotional energy.

An official, synopsis for Deadpool & Wolverine has not been released by Marvel Studios, but what's clear is that it will not only bring Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe but usher in a major new era of the X-Men under the banner of Marvel Studios. Shawn Levy directs Deadpool & Wolverine which stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

"Not only have Kevin Feige and Marvel and Disney supported this extremely Deadpool-ian, audacious, R-rated tone, they've also supported our super meta, self-referential self-awareness," Levy told Wired about the first R-rated MCU movie. "Some of the jokes are dirty, some of them are cultural observations, but that's what we love about Deadpool, that he knows he's in a movie, even though the stakes are real. Our movie is very loyal to that DNA too, with tremendous Marvel and Disney support, in making fun of and being self-aware about everything, including themselves."

Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine opens only in theaters July 26.

It's finally happening... Nicole Kidman is getting new AMC ads. The Oscar-winner has become a favorite part of the moviegoing experience ever since her ad debuted at AMC Theatres back in 2021. In 2022, it was announced that Kidman had renewed her deal with AMC, and it was reported that she would be filming a new ad for the company. Now, we finally know when the new ad will run. During the theater chain's earnings call earlier today, AMC CEO Adam Aron revealed that THREE new ads starring Kidman are coming next month.

"We're going to show three different reels on a rotating basis starting on March 1st" Aron shared. "You'll see a different reel just before the movie begins."

While the idea of three new Kidman ads is exciting, it has been confirmed that they will replace the original ad. We'll never forget you, "Heartbreak feels good in a place like this."

Billy Ray, the screenwriter behind the original ad, told Vanity Fair in 2022 that he was asked by AMC to write a follow-up. Ray, who also wrote films such as Flightplan, The Hunger Games, Captain Phillips, and Richard Jewell, confirmed that a new ad had been written.

"I got a text from the chairman of AMC about a month ago asking me if I would write the next one, and of course, the answer to that is yes," Ray said. "It's already written." He added, "I'm very, very excited about it ... All I can tell you about it is we are not dumb enough to fly in the face of the one we've already done and try to top it. So, it's a very, very different approach that is a little bit of a wink to the one we've already done."

Ray also revealed that it was Kidman who asked him to write the first ad. "When Nicole first asked me to do it, I was just doing it as a favor," Ray explained. "I said I would do it for free just because I'm a fan and a friend of hers. My agent said, 'No, that's not what's happening here. You need to be paid for this.' And it turns out my agent was right because it's had real value."

You can expect to see the new AMC ad as early as this weekend ahead of Dune: Part Two.

Just hours after making headlines for announcing "dynamic pricing" plans, Wendy's is now walking things back. According to a statement released by Wendy's late Tuesday night, the restaurant chain clarified that they are not planning to implement so-called "surge pricing" and said that the initial announcement about the dynamic pricing plan had been "misconstrued in some media reports".

"Wendy's will not implement surge pricing, which is the practice of raising prices when demand is highest, the statement read (via WTHR). "We didn't use that phrase, nor do we plan to implement the practices."

The statement continued, "This was misconstrued in some media reports as an intent to raise prices when demand is highest at our restaurants. We have no plans to do that and would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most. Any features we may test in the future would be designed to benefit our customers and restaurant crew members."

"Digital menu boards could allow us to change the menu offerings at different times of day and offer discounts and value offers to our customers more easily, particularly in the slower times of the day," the statement added.

Why Were Consumers Upset About Wendy's Pricing Announcement?

Earlier this week, it was reported that Wendy's would soon be rolling out the new pricing feature, one that Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner had revealed during an earnings call earlier this month that the chain would be rolling out digital menu boards as well as implementing dynamic pricing as early as 2025 -- though as Wendy's follow up statement on Tuesday noted, the comments did not indicate "surge pricing".

"We are planning to invest approximately $20 million to roll out digital menu boards to all U.S. company-operated restaurants by the end of 2025," Tanner said on call with analysts and investors (via Nation's Restaurant News), "and approximately $10 million over the next two years to support digital menu board enhancements for the global system."

"Beginning as early as 2025, we will begin testing more enhanced features like dynamic pricing and daypart offerings along with AI-enabled menu changes and suggestive selling," the executive added. "[Technology] plays a key role on our restaurant team, enabling the crew to focus on what matters: preparing fresh high-quality Wendy's favorites and building customer relationships to bring them back time and again."

What Actually Is "Dynamic Pricing"?

According to the Associated Press, dynamic pricing is commonly associated with "the quick rise or drop in prices based on demand. At places that use this pricing strategy, it may cost more to go on a Saturday, when everyone else is buying tickets." Dynamic pricing sounds very similar to the surge pricing that frequent Uber users will recognize in that it is a strategy that sees pricing change based on various factors, including availability of drivers, demand, and time of day.

What do you think about Wendy's pricing clarification?

Rick and Morty Season 7 ended with the titular duo reaching a new status quo as characters, and series co-creator Dan Harmon teased how that finale could be seen as a "rebirth" heading into Season 8! Rick and Morty Season 8 is currently in the works for a release some time next year, and there is currently no gauging where the two of them will be heading in the new episodes. With Rick defeating Rick Prime and Morty reaching a new understanding of himself as Season 7 came to an end, the duo is now heading into a new kind of status quo.

Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon opened up to Variety about where Season 7 left the titular duo when it came to an end, and noted how the team wants to continue to balance the inclusion of a serialized narrative while making sure to have fun with its episodic stories. Teasing what is coming in Season 8 of the series, Harmon explained that with the end of some of its major canonical storylines the series is now open to have more ideas spark further serialization down the line.

Rick and Morty's Rebirth After Season 7

"There's obviously been a lot of shakeups and transitions that have happened that are luckily coinciding with some of these canonical storylines being resolved," Harmon began. "If I could set a framework for fans of the show, it's the old characters and all these things, but it's like, this is an opportunity for a rebirth. I mean, the kind of canonical things like searching for Rick Prime, these are things that come out of the ether, and then they acquire this gravity, and then they become a canonical serialized story."

Elaborating further, Harmon noted that this "rebirth" means that more of the new random ideas could end up becoming huge canonical storylines of their own, "I think people should expect more random embers shooting off of that fire and turning into organically gigantic serialized things of their own." But still, Harmon is still aiming for episodic stories. "I will always target the episodic personally. Because, like, your job is to fight gravity. And gravity is serialization. That's what happens organically; gravity is a great thing. But you're supposed to want to fly."

What kind of stories are you hoping to see more of in Rick and Morty Season 8? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments! You can even reach out to me directly about all things animation and other cool stuff @Valdezology on X (formerly known as Twitter)!

HT - Variety

The last three years have been an interesting period of time for TV's most iconic reality competition. Survivor has been in a self-proclaimed "new era" for the last five seasons, featuring all-new players and removing the individual season themes. This has brought a lot of great new players to the game, and delivered a few twists that fans have come to love. On the other hand, there have been so many new advantages and twists that many viewers have felt the series could stand to take a step back to a more simpler game.

According to host and producer Jeff Probst, there's a reason for all of the madness. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly ahead Wednesday's Survivor 46 premiere, Probst revealed that the blitz of advantages over these last few seasons was an effort to create a new kind of game, one that rewarded contestants for actually playing the game and not just surviving.

"This is the sixth iteration of this new era," Probst explained. "And I think players are starting to figure out, 'Okay, here are the elements that are in this game. How can I use them to my advantage? How should I be prepared in case one befalls me?' And that really goes back t the grand design of the new era, which was to create so much uncertainty that even if we never put an idol or twist in the game, it would still have the impact that they were in the game because you don't know if they are in the game or not, so you have to play as though they are, and that makes you make a move."

Probst went on to say that the style of play they've been trying to design with this new era of Survivor is one that prevents players from being idle. Not only does the threat of so many advantages and twists force them to make moves, but it also keeps an idle player from winning at the end. With all of these different elements, it's nearly impossible to coast and still be seen as a winner by the jury.

"That's the idea behind creating this blistering attack of advantages and all these changes that everybody said, 'Oh my God! its too much! It's too much,'" Probst continued. "Well, now I think we're going to start to see the reason we were doing that is to create this world, and the ultimate idea is that it will give the player permission to play because you have to play. You can't be idle in this version of Survivor. You won't win even if you get to the end."

Survivor 46 debuts Wednesday night at 8pm ET on CBS.

[Spoiler alert for Avengers: Twilight #3.] Avengers... assemble. Decades after "Hero Day" -- a battle against Ultron that resulted in the deaths of many of Earth's mightiest heroes -- the Avengers disassembled. Their replacements are the new "Avengers" working with the totalitarian government manipulated by Kyle Jarvis -- secretly a disguised Red Skull conspiring with an A.I. Ultron -- and James Stark, the CEO son of the original Iron Man and the Wasp. In this future without heroes, Luke Cage recruited an elderly Steve Rogers to his underground resistance, the Defenders, and had his freedom fighters replicate the Super-Soldier Serum that transformed Steve into Captain America.

After "Jarvis" had the U.S. military engage the Thunderbolts to quell Captain America's Defender rebellion, Ramona Jones -- a Marine sniper nicknamed "Bullseye" -- disobeyed a direct order to fire on an unarmed Cap, who then escaped. Cap and Cage's Defenders sought help from the "world's smartest man": the visionary Tony Stark, whose disembodied head is kept prisoner in the Raft.

This week's Avengers: Twilight #3 sees Captain Americainfiltrate the prison on the East River, which the government converted into a monstrous research facility with relics from past supervillains: Doctor Octopus' tentacle-like arms, the Vulture's wings, the Green Goblin's glider, the Venom symbiote. After techie Tyler manages to transmit a distress signal that Cap calls his "Hail Mary," he flies an old Avengers quinjet to the prison surrounded by miles of icy water. Tyler accompanies the rescue mission to help Cap override the Raft's security.

At the Raft, James tells his father that he created his own Iron Man armor -- without using Tony Stark's brain. James believes he's smarter than his father and "actually saving the world," unlike his superhero parents who "just flew around punching baddies." Cap sneaks into the high-security prison turned research facility to find and free Tony, but he's caught by Bullseye: "The soldier who didn't shoot me." A soldier who has been ordered to shoot the "terrorist" Captain America on sight.

James confronts "old man" Cap and threatens to call the Avengers. As he rants about locking up dissidents and the countless rights violations under this totalitarian regime, Bullseye strikes James with an arrow -- a flesh wound to his shoulder. Before Bullseye can explain why she's suddenly switched sides, the new Iron Man calls in a security breach as the two soldiers escape with Tony's head.

Bullseye trades in her sniper rifle for a bow on "quiet missions," but alarms turn Cap's stealth rescue mission into a prison break. "You call yourself 'Bullseye'... but I know a Hawkeye when I see one," Cap tells the Thunderbolt he's just christened an Avenger. The new Hawkeye abides by Cap's no-kill rule and leads him to a room where he'll be "made whole."

"I thought it was age that made me feel incomplete," Cap thinks. "With the serum, I can lead armies. With you... I can do anything." For the first time in what feels like a lifetime, Captain America is reunited with his star-spangled shield. The Sentinel of Liberty lives again. Cap and Hawkeye make a run for the quinjet, but James -- suited up in a brawny Iron Man armor -- impedes their escape with a repulsor blast. Iron Man shoots down the aircraft and nearly kills Tyler... but as Cap says: "Nobody dies today. Nobody. Not while Captain America lives."

Hawkeye covers Cap as he rescues Tyler from the crashing quinjet, but the trio are surrounded by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s armored Iron Cops. Iron Man trades blows with the Super Soldier, telling the old man he's "the past, fighting the future." Old-fashioned as he may be, Cap reminds the young man: "No. I fight for the future." James is intoxicated on the power granted to him by his Iron Man armor. Hawkeye embraces Cap's no-kill rule as she tries to save the Raft soldiers who are collateral damage from Iron Man's recklessness.

"You want to save people? All our rules that you hate do just that," the Authoritarian Avenger tells Cap as he tries to beat him into submission. "A few examples made. A few dreamers put to sleep." Cap resists and questions what gives James Stark the right to decide who lives or dies: His money? His father's brilliant mind? James throws Tony's head into the East River and declares he no longer needs his father's brain. Hawkeye dives into the water to save the Iron Cops... and is fished out by the giant hand of Kamala Khan, Ms. Marvel, who lifts them to safety with Tony's head in hand.

Captain America's shield trades blows with Iron Man's armor, but he's outmatched. "I'm James Stark," the iron war monger says, "and I run the world." But Cap has met men like him. "You won't run it for long. The power resides in the people." As Iron Man fires up a repulsor blast to kill the dream, he's struck by a thunderbolt from the heavens. But it's not Cap's prayers that are answered: it's his distress signal. It's the mighty Thor, the God of Thunder, wielding his enchanted hammer Mjolnir as the skies rage with righteous fury. "It's been a wolf's age, Captain," Thor proclaims. "Shall we assemble?"

Avengers: Twilight #3 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.

Avatar: The Last Airbender has debuted its live-action series with Netflix, but the new adaptation really missed out by not including a very important scene with Sokka and the Kyoshi Warriors. When Avatar: The Last Airbender was getting closer to its release, the staff and cast behind the series made sure to note that they were taking out the more sexist elements from Sokka's character that were seen in the original animated series. This caused a major debate among fans as his early sexism is what formed the core of his character arc for the series, and the live-action series has offered a different story for Sokka in its place.

In the original animated series, Aang and the gang's journey to played out much differently than seen in the live-action show. Sokka's run in with Suki started out a lot more prickly as he ridiculed the Kyoshi Warriors' strength. But eventually his learning respect the Kyoshi Warriors' training is the first major step in changing Sokka as a character. It's then cemented with his giving full respect to them by dressing like a Kyoshi Warrior himself. But that didn't happen in the Netflix series, and it's something that could come back to bite this adaptation later.

Why Sokka Needs to Be Sexist

Removing Sokka's sexism might seem like a good idea on the outside, but it completely misreads the function of his character arc in the grand scheme. The live-action version of Sokka is much different than the animated series. In the original, Sokka was loud and boastful but was ultimately ridiculed at many moments to undercut his comments (to further demonstrate to the audience how ridiculous he was being). His losing to Suki was humbling, and it was the kind of initial jostling he needed to get on that path of maturity we see by the end of the third season.

Sokka then realizes his mistake and instead of running from his weakness, he humbles himself before the Kyoshi Warriors and completely dons their garb (as Suki forces him to) in order to properly train with someone stronger to get on the path to being a true warrior. This was the first real indication that Sokka was at least open to change, and his first real experience with someone outside of the Southern Water Tribe helped him start that path to true growth. It's why Suki's eventual romantic feelings for him felt earned because Sokka realized the error of his initial ways.

It's not the same in the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender at all. While Sokka does not ridicule the Kyoshi Warriors for being girls, his loss to Suki has a completely different vibe. When he loses to her and gets embarrassed, it's almost as if Suki has to help him realize how strong he already was. She needed to tell him he was already competent, and that's not really supposed to be Sokka's function at all. His role in Team Avatar is to steadily learn to be a proper warrior and leader, but the live-action show seems to start him out at this point.

His loss to Suki then sees her almost catering to him and raising him up rather than the other way around. Suki loses her initial function as a warrior, and instead seems like she's there just to tell Sokka he's doing great. Sokka's never humbled to the point of needing to fully immerse himself in a new culture, and thus means he'll likely be less challenged in other ways as the live-action series continues.

Sokka's journey reflects the world's changing as Aang and Team Avatar continue to impact the lives of those they come across. His path to maturity as an adult is one of the big reasons the original animated series success, and missing out on big moments like this seems to indicate that the live-action series might be misreading Sokka's journey in their adaptation as well. It's just a different character entirely.

But what do you think? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments! You can even reach out to me directly about all things animation and other cool stuff @Valdezology on X (formerly known as Twitter)!

At long last, Dragon Ball FighterZ is slated to come to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in the coming day. All the way back in 2022, Bandai Namco announced that it was in the process of bringing its Dragon Ball fighting game to the latest PlayStation and Xbox platforms alongside rollback netcode. In the time since this reveal, news on this major update has been pretty quiet, which has led to lingering questions from those in the DBFZ community. Fortunately, this silence has now ended and will result in the impending release of the title on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Detailed on Bandai Namco's website today, the publisher confirmed that the next-gen upgrade for Dragon Ball FighterZ on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will release tomorrow, February 29. This patch will be available for free to all who already own DBFZ across PS4 and Xbox One platforms. Additionally, rollback netcode will also come to the game at last and will greatly improve its only functionality.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ releases 29th February (midnight local time) on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S with rollback netcode! #DBFZ pic.twitter.com/e7yWHn6sSH

-- Dragon Ball Games (@dragonballgames) February 28, 2024

"Rollback netcode is a technique that reduces the input lag and visual stuttering that often plague online matches in fighting games," Bandai explained of the new feature. "Unlike delay-based netcode, which waits for the synchronization of inputs between players, rollback netcode predicts the inputs and executes them immediately, then corrects any discrepancies later. This creates a smoother and more responsive gameplay that feels closer to offline play."

It's worth noting that rollback netcode will only be available for use in the new iterations of Dragon Ball FighterZ across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The last-gen iterations of the title on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch will instead continue using the original delay-based netcode system. Beyond this, crossplay is something that will not be featured between different platforms given the varying netcode options that are now going to be in use.

Are you going to be diving back into Dragon Ball FighterZ in the wake of this new update? And how do you feel about finally seeing rollback netcode implemented into the title? Let me know your own thoughts either down in the comments or reach out to me on social media at @MooreMan12.

Last year Steamforged announced that it had acquired the fan-favorite Street Masters board game and IP from Blacklist Games, and now Steamforged is bringing an updated version of the game along with a brand new expansion to Kickstarter. Street Masters: Champion Edition is described as the definitive edition and will include a massive amount of content depending on the tier you end up choosing, but there's also a great entry point tier that will get you started with a later standalone expansion. The game is themed after classic video game beat 'em ups, and includes over 50 fighters to choose from, arcade and story modes, and the option to play solo or co-op with friends. The campaign has already surpassed its goal and unlocked a host of stretch goals along the way, and you can check out the full campaign right here.

The New Challenger Pledge offers up the core experience for $139 and includes the Rise of the Kingdom Core Box, Legend of One expansion, Twin Tigers expansion, the Redemption Pack 1, and all stretch goals from the First Kickstarter. There's also the Aspirant Pledge, which is made for those looking for a streamlined entry point to the series. That tier is $69 and includes the Street Masters III: Tide of the Dragon standalone expansion, the Rumble Pack, and the New Challengers Pack in one box.

The Veteran Fighter Pledge is for those who just want all the new content and includes Street Masters IV: Lament of the Blood Moon, which is exclusive to this Kickstarter for $49. You also get all of the unlocked goals in this campaign included with it.

Finally, there's the Global Gladiator pledge for $357, which has everything from the Kickstarter and is described as the definitive experience. That includes the Rise of the Kingdom Core Box and its expansions, Street Masters II: Aftershock and its expansions and deluxe items, Street Masters III: Tide of the Dragon and its extra packs, and Street Masters IV: Lament of the Blood Moon. You can check out the full campaign right here, and you can find the official description of Street Masters: Champion Edition below.

"Remove one danger, and another will rise. Embark on the next chapter in the new expansion! The Kingdom has fallen, but peace did not last. A new threat is carving an empire in blood across Japan. To fight it, you must once again become...Street Masters.

Street Masters is BACK! Get ready for thrill-packed street-fighting action in Street Masters: Champion Edition - the definitive edition that wraps up all the good stuff from previous campaigns and debuts a BRAND NEW EXPANSION! Inspired by beat 'em up video games, Street Masters blends side-scrolling vibes with tactical, card-driven combat for exciting challenges, engaging fights, and hours of replayability in Arcade of Story mode. Ready? Fight! Designed by Adam & Brady Sadler (The Walking Dead: No Sanctuary, Warhammer Quest: The Adventure Card Game)."

Will you be checking out Street Masters: Champion Edition? Let us know in the comments and as always you can talk all things gaming and tabletop with me on Threads @mattaguilarcb!

Filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are set to deliver audiences the Universal Monster movie Abigail in April, with the pair making the promising tease that it will fully honor the mythology of vampires and feature more blood than any of their previous efforts. Given that blood is a key component in the overall mythology of vampires, it might not come as much surprise that we'll see a lot of it, but given their bloody track record, these remarks will surely excite fans looking to see what they pull off with a creature feature. Abigail is set to hit theaters on April 19th.

"All of our movies are bloody ... I would say that this is definitely the most bloody. We spent a lot of time apologizing to our actors on this movie!" Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett shared with Total Film, per GamesRadar. "I mean, blood is in the DNA of a vampire movie, and the amount of blood work in this one is... It's pretty extreme! ... But it's still fun."

With a career that includes V/H/S, Devil's Due, Southbound, Ready or Not, and two Scream movies, the pair have found a number of creative ways to spill blood for the sake of audiences' delight, but with the filmmakers often focusing on blending humor with horror, the storylines they explore don't always lend themselves to filming grotesque encounters. That all looks to change with Abigail, as evidenced by the first trailer.

The movie is described, "Children can be such monsters. After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they're locked inside with no normal little girl."

Abigail stars Melissa Barrera (Scream franchise, In the Heights), Dan Stevens (Gaslit, Legion), Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Freaky), William Catlett (Black Lightning, True Story), Kevin Durand (Resident Evil: Retribution, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and Angus Cloud (Euphoria, North Hollywood) as the kidnappers and Alisha Weir (Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, Darklands) as Abigail.

Abigail is set to hit theaters on April 19th.

Are you looking forward to the new movie? Let us know in the comments or contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter or on Instagram to talk all things Star Wars and horror!

The Lord of the Rings series The Rings of Power took a distinct approach to J.R.R. Tolkien's mythos, leaving fans very curious to see what future seasons might have in store. As a new update surrounding series creators J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay reveals, the long-awaited premiere of The Rings of Power Season 2 might be on the horizon.

Buried within the announcement of Payne and McKay's exclusive deal with Amazon MGM Studios is confirmation that Season 2 of The Rings of Power "is expected to debut later this year." The report also reveals that although The Rings of Power has yet to be officially renewed for Season 3, Payne and McKay "have started to break the initial story outline."

What Will The Rings of Power Season 2 Be About?

Filming on Season 2 of The Rings of Power began just months after Season 1's premiere. Filming reportedly wrapped this past June, even as many other shows shut down production altogether amid the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. Plot details have yet to officially be revealed, although it has been safe to assume that it will play off of last season's Sauron reveal, and could possibly introduce characters such as Tom Bombadil.

"We want the shortest time possible between seasons, but we want to keep the bar just as high," Amazon's Jennifer Salke said in an interview last fall. "So it'll take what it takes. But there's been some urgency around moving quickly, which is why these guys have been writing all through their hiatus. We're moving fast."

What Is The Rings of Power About?

The Rings of Power is set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, during Middle-earth's Second Age. It begins during a time of relative peace following the defeat of Morgoth, Sauron's master. The series chronicles the lives and adventures of its ensemble cast and promises to visit the Misty Mountains, the forest elf-capital of Lindon, and the shores of the island kingdom of N?menor. The series features an ensemble cast that includes Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz C?rdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani.

J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay lead the series as executive producers with Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, J.A. Bayona, Bel?n Atienza, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Bruce Richmond, and Sharon Tal Yguado. Ron Ames and Christopher Newman are producers. Wayne Che Yip is a co-executive producer and directs along with J.A. Bayona and Charlotte Br?ndstr?m.

Are you excited for Season 2 of The Rings of Power? What do you think of this new release update? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse made Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk a mainstream breakout character, and Marvel Comics is keeping that momentum going with an entire new Spider-Punk series featuring Hobie.

And, like the current Spider-Gwen: Smash series, Spider-Punk: Arms Race (2024) makes it clear that Marvel fans are going to see more of Hobie's world on Earth-138, and the alternate versions of the Marvel heroes and villains that reside there!

(SPOILERS) In Spider-Punk: Arms Race #1, are quickly introduced to Hobie's team the "Spider-Band," whose ranks include: Mz. Marvel (Kamala Khan) on guitar, Daredevil (Mattea Murdock) on drums, Riotheart (Riri Williams) on keyboard, and Captain Anarchy (Karl Morningdew) on bass.

In addition to the Spider-Band, Spider-Punk #1 also introduces the Earth-138 versions of T'Challa and Shuri, who both hold the mantle of Black Panther in this reality.

All in all, the world of Earth-138 seems like a perfect fit for Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk: dingy, grungy, with a punk edge. Underneath the novelty of seeing familiar characters in punk form, the Spider-Band members are each interesting spins on the familiar Marvel characters - including a deeper look at Hobie himself. Ironically enough, this Gen-X punk aesthetic has a very Gen-Z feel and tone under the pen of writer Cody Ziglar - which should surprise no one.

Spider-Punk: Arms Race Villains

In addition to the Spider-Band and Black Panthers of Earth-138, there are also villains to the punk universe to meet.

This new series is set after Spider-Punk toppled President Norman Osborn and the people rose up to reclaim the streets. Rising up in that void we find the Earth-138 Doctor Octopus is serving as a mastermind villain, working with the likes of Justin Hammer to create Sentinels that are targeting the Spider-Band. The issue also opens with Spider-Band taking on "The Lzrdz," a gang that consists of punk versions of The Lizard, Vulture, Sauron, and a couple of other Dinosaur-themed Marvel foes.

Writer: Cody Ziglar
Penciler: Justin Mason
Cover Artist: Takashi Okazaki

ENCORE! YOU WANTED MORE! In a world without NORMAN OSBORN, SPIDER-PUNK REIGNS! This ain't no victory lap though - as HOBIE BROWN and team try to rebuild society, JUSTIN HAMMER & DOCTOR OTTO OCTAVIUS have other plans...like introducing the world to the SPIDER-SLAYING SENTINELS! Cody Ziglar (MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN) & Justin Mason (SPIDER-MAN 2099: DARK GENESIS) reunite to bring the Brooklyn boy back with the whole crew you know and love! Grab your boots, your instruments, your amps and LET'S GO!

New layoffs at video game publisher Electronic Arts have reportedly led to the cancellation of a game that could have been associated with Star Wars: The Mandalorian. Just a couple of weeks back, a high-profile new report asserted that developer Respawn Entertainment was in the process of working on a first-person shooter that would see players controlling a Mandalorian character. At the time, this news excited many Star Wars fans, but it seems as though EA has now chosen to kill the project.

Earlier this afternoon, EA announced that it would begin the process of laying off 670 employees, which equates to roughly 5% of the company. As a result of this move, EA said that it would be "moving away from [the] development of future licensed IP" that it didn't believe would be successful. At the time, it wasn't known exactly what this game in question would be, but subsequent reporting from IGN has since claimed that this canned project was Respawn's Star Wars shooter.

All the way back in January 2022, Respawn revealed that it would be embarking upon creating three Star Wars video games. One of these titles ended up becoming Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which launched last year and was relatively successful for EA. The other two were then known to be a shooter and a strategy game, the latter of which was being created in tandem with developer Bit Reactor. While the Star Wars shooter is now scrapped, it's unknown if this strategy title is still happening.

As for the reason behind this delay, IGN reports that Electronic Arts is choosing to focus more on its own properties rather than those that it licenses from other companies. That being said, EA is still said to be keeping many projects alive that is working on with outside corporations. EA's previously announced Iron Man and Black Panther games, notably, are continuing work. Meanwhile, Respawn has already confirmed that it's going to be creating a third entry in the Star Wars Jedi series, which will surely become the studio's biggest focus moving forward.

KSI and Jake Paul have been squabbling verbally since at least 2018 when KSI challenged Paul and his brother Logan to fights following a match against Joe Weller. However, talks about an actual fight between the two have broken down several times throughout the last few years. Just last year, we saw Paul issue a $50 million challenge to KSI only for the British YouTuber to say that Paul "ain't got any hype anymore," essentially shutting down hopes about the fight. Fortunately for fans hoping to finally see it, things have appeared to swing back in the other direction, with KSI recently appearing to be open to the fight once again.

KSI vs. Jake Paul Might Be Back on for 2024

KSI VS JAKE PAUL THIS YEAR? ?

"KSI is back in the gym. He's made it very clear he wants Jake Paul this year." - Misfits promoter Kalle Sauerland today ?

(via @fredpdbeck) pic.twitter.com/ausE1FPHK0

-- Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 26, 2024

It's worth noting this could all be posturing from the two influencers. It certainly wouldn't be the first time both fighters talked a big game only for everything to go pear-shaped, leaving the can to be kicked down the road once again. However, with the noise coming from KSI's camp, it might be more likely than when things were coming from the other direction last year. Paul has seemed keen to make the fight happen recently, so if KSI is on board, it's definitely a possibility.

Either way, it's apparent that KSI is "back in the gym" and is looking to fight somebody. In addition to the Paul rumors, there have also been reports that KSI wants to fight soccer legend Wayne Rooney. Of course, Rooney might be more interested in getting back into a management position after recently getting sacked by Birmingham City. One way or the other, it looks like KSI isn't content to let his last moment in fighting be the sparring match he had against iShowSpeed to end 2023.

Who is Jake Paul's Next Fight?

While KSI doesn't have a fight currently on the cards for 2024, Jake Paul will be in action this weekend. Paul is going up against Ryan Bourland on a card that is headlined by Amanda Serrano and Nina Meinke's featherweight title bout. Bourland has much more in-ring experience than Paul as a former Gold Gloves Champion and National Junior Olympics boxer. That's been a trend for Paul in his last few fights. In his quest to build a case for an eventual title fight, he's been stepping away from big names to fight more legitimate boxers. Here's the full card for this weekend's fight:

• 126 lbs.: Amanda Serrano vs. Nina Meinke, 12 rounds for IBF, WBO, WBA, and IBO women's featherweight titles
• 200 lbs.: Jake Paul vs. Ryan Bourland, eight rounds
• 108 lbs.: Jonathan Gonzalez vs. Rene Santiago, 12 rounds for WBO light flyweight title
• 115 lbs.: Krystal Rosado vs. Gloria Munguilla, four rounds
• 126 lbs.: Javon Walton vs. Joshua Torres, four rounds
• 130 lbs.: Christopher Diaz vs. Headley Scott, 10 rounds
• 126 lbs.: Pedro Marquez vs. Brandon Valdez, eight rounds
• 147 lbs.: Elijah Flores vs. Alejandro Munera, six rounds
  

The Isekai genre is an ever-growing part of the anime world, with Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation being one of the forerunners in the field. On its face, the story of Rudy does not necessarily break the wheel, but it does present an exceptional story that remains one of Isekai's finest. Thanks to the anime adaptation so far, fans are quite interested in the second half of season two, and luckily, Studio Bind has some good news to share. The musical acts for the upcoming opening and ending themes have been revealed for the Jobless Reincarnation.

The opening theme for the second half of Mushoku Tensei's second season will be performed by musical act Hitorie, with the song "On The Frontline". Here's what Hitorie had to say about joining the anime adaptation, "We are truly honored that Hitorie's "On the Frontline'' has been selected as the theme song for the second season of the TV anime "Mushoku Tensei''. This song is about the helplessness of the main character, Rudeus Greyrat, before he became Rudeus, his strong feelings of not repeating that in this life, and the front lines he goes to in order to carry out those feelings, and even then, he is sometimes forced to face them.

"As a result of comparing various parts of myself, such as the inherent weaknesses that lie within me, and asking various questions about what I really need to protect and what are the reasons why I need to be strong, I have become quite strong. I think the song is finished. This year marks the 10th anniversary of our major debut. I hope that the band sound that we have honed on the front lines of the live stage will become the igniter that will further accelerate this work."

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-- ?????II ~???????????~?TV????? (@mushokutensei_A) February 28, 2024

Jobless Reincarnation Opening, Jobless Reincarnation Closing

The ending theme of Jobless Reincarnation's second half of season two will see singer Yuiko Ohara return to the franchise. Here's what Ohara had to say about returning to the story of Rudeus, "I'm really happy to be able to continue to be in charge of the ending of the second season of Mushoku Tensei II. As the story progresses from season 1 to season 2, I feel like the melodies and lyrics have become more straightforward. Continuing from the first season, MANYO will be arranging the song, and the band members will deliver the same familiar sound. Just like all the viewers, I am also very much looking forward to the anime broadcast!"

Jobless Reincarnation will return for the second half of its second season on April 7th this spring.

Via Official Mushoku Tensei Website

In a press release today it was announced that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunners Patrick McKay and JD Payne have signed a an exclusive overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios. This new deal will include exclusivity on TV rights and is set to last three years. Buried in the release however of the news was confirmation that McKay and Payne's work on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power continues in a big way, including confirmation that season two of The Rings of Power "is expected to debut later this year" but also that "the showrunners have started to break the initial story outline" for The Rings of Power season 3. The press release also notes that when production eventually begins on The Rings of Power season 3, the series will shift production hubs once again and move from Bray Studios to a brand new production facility at nearby Shepperton Studios in the UK.

"We began this remarkable journey with JD and Patrick more than five and a half years ago and have never looked back," said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios. "We continue to be amazed by the scope and scale of their vision and the enormous global success achieved by The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in its record-breaking first season. We can't wait for Prime Video customers to experience the epic adventure and high-stakes drama that JD and Patrick are continuing to build throughout season two and beyond. Naturally, the studio is thrilled to extend our overall deal with these brilliant creative minds as they continue to deliver on their passion for great storytelling."

The Emmy-nominated Prime Video series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premiered its first season in the fall of 2022 breaking all Prime Video records, making it the most-watched Amazon Original in every region of the world as well as debuting at #1 on the Nielson streaming chart and remaining in the Top 4 through every week of its initial run.

When does Rings of Power take place?

The events shown in the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and beyond are all set in "Second Age" of Middle-earth's timeline. As of the end of season one, the events seen, including the creation of the titular Rings of Power, is still about 2,000 years before the defeat of Sauron at the hands of Isildur. Those events are seen in the opening minutes of the first Lord of the Rings movie and mark the ending of the Second Age.

As for how this relates to the events of The Lord of the Rings, all of that takes place in the Third Age, but the One Ring itself was lost for over 2,000 years before it made its way to Gollum and then Bilbo Baggins. One thing that has been clear about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power however is that the showrunners have revealed they're okay with remixing things and moving the timeline up and down on major events. In short, what we see in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power takes place thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings proper.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power cast

Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will see a few new faces join the cast, including Gabriel Akuwudike (Hanna), Yasen 'Zates' Atour (The Witcher), Ben Daniels (The Crown, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Amelia Kenworthy, Nia Towle (Persuasion), Nicholas Woodeson (Paddington 2), Oliver Alvin-Wilson (Wonder Woman 1984), Stuart Bowman (Bodyguard), Gavi Singh Chera (The Lazarus Project), William Chubb (The Sandman), Kevin Eldon (Game of Thrones), Will Keen (My Lady Jane), Selina Lo (Hellraiser), and Calam Lynch (Bridgerton). The series has also recast a major role with Orc leader Adar set to be played by Sam Hazeldine in Season 2, Joseph Mawle previously filled the role in season 1.

Amazon Prime Video previously touted the success of the first season of the show, claiming it was viewed by more than 100 million people worldwide, with more than 24 billion minutes streamed and 25 million global viewers on its first day. These impressive numbers continued to be spread by the streamer, but other reports have since cast doubt on the show's popularity.

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Richard Lewis, after the prolific actor and comedian passed away due to a heart attack on Tuesday, February 27th. Lewis, who passed away at the age of 76, has been most recently known amongst TV fans for his stint on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, in which he played a semi-fictionalized version of himself since the show's inception in 2000. Shortly after Lewis' passing, Curb Your Enthusiasm star and producer Larry David released a statement reacting to the death of his co-star and friend. David, who first met Lewis at summer camp as children, revealed that he is "like a brother" to him.

"Richard and I were born three days apart in the same hospital and for most of my life he's been like a brother to me," David wrote in a statement Wednesday, shared by HBO. "He had that rare combination of being the funniest person and also the sweetest. But today he made me sob and for that I'll never forgive him."

Born on June 29, 19447 in Brooklyn, New York, Lewis entered the stand-up comedy community in the early 1970s, making appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in a matter of years. By 1979, Lewis made his onscreen debut in 1979's NBC TV movie Diary of a Young Comic, a film that he also co-wrote. In addition to multiple comedy specials and late night talk show appearances, Lewis thrived in the late 1980s and early 1990s through projects like the sitcom Anything But Love alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, as well as Daddy Dearest, Hiller and Diller, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Outside of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lewis' onscreen roles in the 21st century included 7th Heaven, Alias, Two and a Half Men, Vamps, Sandy Wexler, The Dead Zone, Code Black, BoJack Horseman, and 'Til Death. Lewis stepped away from his role on Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2021, in order to recover from multiple surgeries.

"Two years ago, I started walking a little stiffly. I was shuffling my feet and I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. And that was two years ago," Lewis revealed last year. "But luckily, I got it late in life and they say it progresses very slowly if at all. And I'm on the right meds so I'm cool. I just wanted you to know that's where it's been at. I'm finished with stand up. I'm just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson's Disease, but I'm under a doctor's care, and everything is cool. And I love my wife. I love my little puppy dog. And I love all my friends and my fans and now you know where it's been at the last three and a half years."

Our thoughts are with Lewis' family, friends, and fans at this time.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu reportedly has a working title. Both the upcoming Star Wars movie and upcoming Rey film have been announced by Lucasfilm. The Cosmic Circus says that The Mandalorian and Grogu's working title is Thunder Alley. Meanwhile, Rey's story is being called "New Jedi Order" in the development stage. The outlet's other reporting indicated that the longer title for Daisy Ridley's return to the franchise was Star Wars X: A New Beginning. However, when Lucasfilm was approached for comment, they denied that title was being used. (Keep in mind that nothing will be confirmed until a massive Disney presentation of some sort.)

During a recent earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger hyped The Mandalorian's big movie for 2026 or so. "Looking to our 2025 theatrical slate, we're excited to bring audiences Captain America: Brave New World, Fantastic Four, Pixar's Elio, Zootopia 2, and Avatar 3," Disney CEO Bob Iger previously told investors. "And we're already looking forward to 2026 and beyond with Frozen 3, the first Toy Story movie since 2019 [Toy Story 5], and a new Star Wars movie that brings the Mandalorian and Grogu to the big screen for the very first time."

Excitement For Mando & Grogu

People were completely shocked when it came to this movie. The Mandalorian and Grogu was basically announced out of nowhere. But, with a focus on theatrical releases being touted by the executives at the top of the company, it was only a matter of time before the bounty hunter made his way to the big screen. Entertainment Tonight spoke to Star Wars story chief Dave Filoni about the big movie. He's obviously very jacked for people to hear more about the film.

"There's so much spinning in the galaxy right now. You know me better than to commit to any one thing, no mind trick works on me," Filoni smiled. "I'm excited about what we're doing right now, but the movie, I think, is gonna be great. With Jon at the helm, it's gonna be fantastic, and he's so well-studied in Star Wars now, so he's got a great shorthand and I love collaborating with him. Just excited to share the future of what we're doing."

What's Coming With The Mandalorian & Grogu?

In January, StarWars.com posted: "The Mandalorian and Grogu are embarking on a new adventure -- to movie theaters.Directed by Jon Favreau, and produced by Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, and Dave Filoni, The Mandalorian & Grogu will go into production in 2024." They would go on to praise the work of Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said, "Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into Star Wars two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen."

"I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created," added Favreau. "The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting."

Which of these movie is more exciting? Let us know down in the comments!

Get excited, NCIS fans, "Tiva" is back. On Wednesday, it was announced that Paramount+ has ordered a new NCIS spinoff centered around fan-favorite pairing Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo). The announcement of the currently untitled series comes on the heels of Weatherly's brief return to CBS's NCIS for a special tribute to late cast member David McCallum. Both Weatherly and de Pablo are set to star in the new series as well as serve as executive producers. The series is slated to start production later this year in Europe.

As NCIS fans will recall, Ziva left the team -- and Tony -- in Season 11 and was reported dead in Season 13. Tony also departed in Season 13 to raise his and Ziva's young daughter, Tali. However, during the Season 16 finale, Ziva revealed to Gibbs that she was alive, and was ultimately reunited with Tony and Tali in Paris. The new Paramount+ series will open on the family in Paris, but "when Tony's security company is attacked, they must go on the run across Europe, try to figure out who is after them and maybe even learn to trust each other again so that they can finally have their unconventional happily ever after."

"We've been talking about this story for many years, and now with John McNamara at the helm, we are ready," Weatherly and de Pablo said in a statement (via TVLine). "The world of Tony and Ziva (and daughter Tali) promises to be an action-packed roller coaster fueled by love, danger, tears, and laughter. We also want to acknowledge and thank the fans from around the world who supported the 'TIVA' movement for years. To this day, they say hello in grocery stores and on the street to tell us how much these characters mean to them and ask what Tony and Ziva are up to now. This is for you."

John McNamara wrote the premiere episode and will serve as showrunner. He will also executive produce along with Weatherly, de Pablo, Laurie Lieser, Christina Strain, and Shelley Meals.

"I'm incredibly excited to step into the NCIS universe with Cote and Michael and thrilled to explore it from a few new angles," said McNamara. "Given that the franchise is such a global sensation, I think it's phenomenal that CBS Studios and Paramount+ have given us the green light to shoot in Europe. As to the title of this series, if I told you what it is, I'd be violating the Espionage Act."

CBS Recently Ordered an NCIS Prequel Series

In addition to Wednesday's news about the "Tiva" spinoff for Paramount+, CBS recently announced a prequel series set to debut in the 2024-2025 season, NCIS: Origins. The series will follow young Leroy Jethro Gibbs -- played by Mark Harmon in the main NCIS series. NCIS: Origins will be set in 1991 so Harmon won't be reprising his role but will serve as the show's narrator.

"In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks."

David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal co-write the prequel's pilot and are set to take on the roles of executive producers and co-showrunners. North and Monreal wrote on NCIS for a decade, and North currently serves as the co-showrunner on the long-running series.

Are you excited for the new NCIS series for Paramount+? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.

The Michael Jackson biopic Michael is now filming, preparing to offer viewers an opportunity to experience the life of the titular pop culture icon. The ensemble cast of Michael has begun to be announced -- and now, that includes the actors who will be portraying Jackson's siblings. On Tuesday, Lionsgate announced the castings of the young and adult iterations of the Jackson 5 in Michael, the supergroup that Michael Jackson's career began in. Jayden Harville and Jamal R. Henderson have been cast as the young and adult versions of Jermaine Jackson, Jaylen Lyndon Hunter and Tre Horton will play the young and adult versions of Marlon Jackson, Judah Edward and Rhyan Hill will play the young and adult versions of Tito Jackson, and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre and Joseph David-Jones will play the young and adult versions of Jackie Jackson.

"The truly epic nature of this film required a total of ten actors with the talent to portray the Jackson 5 through the years," producer Graham King said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of actors and performers to worldwide audiences in this film."

What Is the Michael Jackson Biopic About?

Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale -- from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.

"Michael Jackson was inarguably one of the greatest entertainers of all time," said Adam Fogelson, Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "His impact on music, video, art, fashion, culture - and so much more - was extraordinary and is still profoundly relevant. I can't wait for audiences to be able to see this film in theaters worldwide next year."

Who Is Cast in the Michael Jackson Biopic?

Jaafar Jackson (Jackson's real-life nephew) has already been cast as adult Michael, with newcomer Juliano Krue Valdi set to play young Michael. Colman Domingo and Nia Long have been cast as the Jacksons' parents, Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson, with Miles Teller set to play Jackson's attorney, John Branca. The film will be directed by The Equalizer's Antoine Fuqua.

"I'm so honored to tell Michael's story," King said in a statement when Michael began production. "It's been a long journey and I'm excited for the film to show audiences around the world a perspective of Michael that they've never seen."

What do you think of the newest casting surrounding Michael? Are you excited to see the Jackson 5 factor into the film? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Michael is set to be released exclusively in theaters on April 18th, 2025.

This weekend, you can catch Denis Villeneuve's long-awaited Dune: Part Two in theaters. The reviews for the new film have been extremely positive, and the movie is currently up on Rotten Tomatoes with a 96% critics score. ComicBook.com's Patrick Cavanaugh gave the sequel a 4 out of 5, and called it a "thrilling journey." The movie's star-studded cast has been busy doing press, and Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica) recently made headlines talking about an unnamed former co-star.

Ferguson called the actor an "idiot" and revealed they screamed at her and made her cry. While she confirmed the actor in question wasn't Tom Cruise or Hugh Jackman, many people online have been speculating about who it could be. Ferguson starred in Hercules (2014) with Dwyane Johnson AKA The Rock, and he took to social media to comment on her story.

"Hate seeing this but love seeing her stand up to bullshit. Rebecca was my guardian angel sent from heaven on our set. I love that woman. I'd like to find out who did this," Johnson shared. Considering people have been trying to guess who Ferguson was talking about, Johnson's comment could be a result of being suggested as the actor in question. You can view his tweet below:

Hate seeing this but love seeing her stand up to bullshit. Rebecca was my guardian angel sent from heaven on our set. I love that woman. I'd like to find out who did this.

-- Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 28, 2024

"I did a film with an absolute idiot of a co-star and this human being was being so insecure and angry because this person couldn't get the scenes out," Ferguson said while appearing on the Reign With Josh Smith podcast. "And I think I was so vulnerable and uncomfortable that I got screamed at and I would cry walking off set."

"This person would literally look at me in front of the whole crew and say, 'You call yourself an actor? This is what I have to work with?' I stood there just breaking," Ferguson continued. "Because this person was number one on the call sheet, there was no safety net for me. No one had my back."

What Is Dune: Part Two About?

Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

In addition to Timoth?e Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune: Part Two sees the return of Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Stellan Skarsg?rd as Baron Harkonnen, and Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban. New cast members include Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, L?a Seydoux as Lady Margot, and Christopher Walker as Emperor Shaddam IV.

"We have been hearing in the past few decades that it's not possible to adapt this book, and that it's an impossible task. I think that in the back of the mind of the studio, it's still the same!" Villeneuve told Total Film in a 2021 interview. "So the first thing was to prove that there was a beautiful, popular movie that can exist, and I think that I proved that - everybody at Warner Bros and Legendary, they are 100 percent behind the project. They feel that it would need a really bad outcome at the box office to not have a Dune: Part Two, because they love the movie. They are proud of the movie, so they want the movie to move forward. And they still did half of it. So, you know, I'm very optimistic."

Dune: Part Two is scheduled to be released on March 1st.

Rick and Morty is now at work on returning to Adult Swim with Season 8 of the animated series next year, and the co-creator and showrunner debunked a major villain theory heading into the new season! Rick and Morty Season 7 ended some big stories for Rick with the defeat of Rick Prime, and had essentially reset the table for the next wave of episodes to come as Rick and Morty are now at much different places heading into the future. But that also means that with a new status quo also comes the potential for some new major villains.

A major villain that fans had expected to see was Mr. Poopybutthole, who left Rick and Morty Season 7 with an ominous post-credits scene that teases him seemingly going backward on his growth. With the YouTube channel the Film Theorists taking this theory to a new level and expanding on it further, Variety asked Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon and series showrunner Scott Marder on their thoughts of that theory and the two explained that while it's a great theory, it's not the plan they have in mind for the character.

Rick and Morty: Is Mr. Poopybutthole the Next Villain?

"Shit. Well, now we can't do that, or he can sue us, right? Good job, internet! You blew it again!" Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon stated to Variety when asked about the Mr. Poopybutthole villain theory. "No, in all seriousness, I do love that guy so much; I want to encourage those kinds of theories. I love, love that stuff. I love him, particularly the amount of energy he puts into that stuff," Harmon stated. Marder added that while he thinks it's an interesting theory and that he "always love[s] what fans take and run with in any show" he clarified that it's "not their plan for him."

Rick and Morty Season 8 is currently in the works for a release with Adult Swim in 2025, and you can check out the first seven seasons of the series now streaming with Max and Hulu. Rick and Morty: The Anime will be hitting Adult Swim some time later this year, and will likely be introducing all kinds of unique new villains and characters to the wider multiverse for the franchise.

Do you think Mr. Poopybutthole would make a good Rick and Morty villain in the future? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments! You can even reach out to me directly about all things animation and other cool stuff @Valdezology on X (formerly known as Twitter)!

HT - Variety

Madden NFL 24 has been out for a few months now and developer EA Sports has continued to update the roster, tweaking player ratings and introducing new X-Factor and Superstar abilities. These skills are incredibly powerful if you're able to activate them. If you know which players in Madden NFL 24 have them, you can not only take advantage of them but will know what other players might have equipped when you're playing online. Below, you'll find a breakdown of every single X-Factor and Superstar ability sorted by team, with a special section at the top listing the best X-Factors and Superstar abilities for Madden Ultimate Team.

Madden NFL 24 Best MUT X-Factors and Superstar Abilities

Depending on your team makeup, you might consider targeting different skills, but the list below should give you a good start. It covers several different positions and schemes, so make sure to target the ones that best suit your playstyle. Here are the abilities that tend to make the biggest impact in online play:

• Acrobat - OLB, MLB, CB, S
• Backfield Master - HB
• Deep Out Elite - WR, TE
• Double Or Nothing - DE, DT, OLB, MLB
• Edge Threat - DE, DT, OLB, MLB
• Edge Threat Elite - DE, DT, OLB
• Hot Route Master - QB
• Inside Shade - OLB, MLB, CB, S
• Medium Route KO - OLB, MLB, CB, S
• One Step Ahead - OLB, MLB, CB, S
• Pass Lead Elite - QB
• Route Apprentice - TE
• Route Technician - HB, WR, TE
• Set Feet Lead - QB
• Short In Elite - HB, FB, WR, TE
• Slot Apprentice - HB, WR, TE
• Slot-O-Matic - HB, WR, TE
• WR Apprentice - HB, WR

Arizona Cardinals

• SS Buddha Baker (Superstar)
• Unfakeable: Decreased chance to be faked out by ballcarrier moves.
• Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions and catch knockouts in mid zones.

Atlanta Falcons

• FS Jessie Bates III (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage and more INTs on contested catches. (X-Factor)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Pick Artist: Better catching and improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Deep In Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep inside zones.
• RG Chris Lindstrom (Superstar)
  • Fool Me Once: Gains blocking resistance faster
  • Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves
• CB A.J. Terrell Jr. (Superstar)
  • Inside Shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts inside the numbers.
  • Deep Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. deep routes.
  • Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.
• HB Bijan Robinson (Superstar)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves.

Baltimore Ravens

• TE Mark Andrews (Superstar X-Factor)
  • YAC Em' Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle. (X-Factor)
  • TE Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up at TE.
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
  • Matchup Nightmare: Better route running and catching vs. LBs.
• MLB Roquan Smith (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. (X-Factor)
  • Deflator: More ballcarrier fatigue on non-conservative tackles.
  • Tackle Supreme: Decreased takeout chance & better conservative tackles.
  • Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones.
• QB Lamar Jackson (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Truzz: Can't fumble as a result of a tackle. (X-Factor)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Tight Out: Consistent catching from TEs who beat their coverage.
  • Fastbreak: improved blocking on designed QB runs.
• SS Kyle Hamilton (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. (X-Factor)
  • Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones.
  • Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones.
• CB Marlon Humphrey (Superstar)
  • Short Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. short routes.
  • Deep Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. deep routes.
  • Inside Shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts inside the numbers.
• K Justin Tucker (Superstar)
  • Zen Kicker: Slower kicking meter for all kicks over 45 yards.
  • Clutch Kicker: Immunity to the "ice the kicker" effect.
• LT Ronnie Stanley (Superstar)
  • Secure Protector: Stronger protection v quick block shed moves.
  • Edge Protector: Stronger pass protections vs. elite edge rushers.

Buffalo Bills

• WR Stefon Diggs (Superstar X-Factor)
  • RAC Em' Up: Wins RAC catches. (X-Factor)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers.
• QB Josh Allen (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Bazooka: Max throwing distance increased. (X-Factor)
  • Fastbreak: Improved blocking on designed QB runs.
  • Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes.
  • Dashing Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on the run up to 40 yards.
  • Anchored Extender: Higher chance to break the first sack by a blitzing DB.
• ROLB Matt Milano (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. (X-Factor)
  • Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs.
  • Demoralizer: Hit-sticking the ballcarrier wipes their zone progress.
• CB Tre'Davious White (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. (X-Factor)
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.
• SS Jordan Poyer (Superstar)
  • Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.
  • Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockdowns in mid zones.
• FS Micah Hyde (Superstar)
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Medium Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. medium routes.

Carolina Panthers

• LOLB Brian Burns (Superstar)
  • Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball.

• RDE Derrick Brown (Superstar)
  • Swim Club: Swim/Club moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.

Chicago Bears

• WR D.J. Moore (Superstar)
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.

Cincinnati Bengals

• QB Joe Burrow (Superstar)
  • Sideline Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws outside the numbers.
  • Fearless: Immune to defensive pressure while in the pocket.
  • Set Feet Lead: Increased THP when leading bullet passes with set feet.
• WR Ja'Marr Chase (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Runoff Elite: Grants more convincing runoffs.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches and swats.
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium pass inside the numbers.
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.

• RDE Trey Hendrickson (Superstar)
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

Cleveland Browns

• RDE Myles Garret (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. (X-Factor)
  • Strip Specialist: Reduce tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball.
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
• HB Nick Chubb (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Wrecking Ball: High success rate on trucks and stiff arms. (X-Factor)
  • Bruiser: More powerful truck & stiff arm animations.
  • Reach For It: Frequently gains additional yards while being tackled.
  • Balance Beam: Avoid stumbling as a ballcarrier.
• WR Amari Cooper (Superstar)
  • Route Technician: Quicker cuts while running routes.
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
• RG Wyatt Teller (Superstar)
  • Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double-team blocks.
  • Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
• TE David Njoku (Superstar)
  • TE Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up at TE.
  • Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers.
• CB Denzel Ward (Superstar)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Deep Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. deep routes.
• LDE Za'Darius Smith (Superstar)
  • Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs.
  • Mr. Big Stop: Start 3rd/4th down with half of your pass rush points.
  • Edge Threat Elite: Dominant edge rush moves & increased QB pressure.

Dallas Cowboys

• RDE Micah Parsons (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Unstoppable Force: Pash rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. (X-Factor)
  • Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs.
  • Secure Tackler: Higher success rate on conservative tackles.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
• WR CeeDee Lamb (Superstar X-Factor)
  • YAC 'Em Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle (X-Factor).
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.
• LDE DeMarcus Lawerence (Superstar)
  • Instant Rebate: Successful block sheds grant a pass rush point.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

• RG Zack Martin (Superstar)
  • Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double-team blocks.
  • Screen Protector: Dominant impact block wins on screen plays.
• CB Stephon Gilmore (Superstar)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones.

• LT Tyron Smith (Superstar)
  • All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts.
  • Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers.
• CB Trevon Diggs (Superstar)
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
• QB Dak Prescott (Superstar)
  • Anchored Extender: Higher chance to break the first sack by a blitzing DB.
  • Gutsy Gambler: Immune to defensive pressure while on the run.
  • Inside Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws inside the numbers.
    

• CB Stephon Gilmore (Superstar)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zone.

Denver Broncos

• CB Patrick Surtain III (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. (X-Factor)
  • Tip Drill: Higher chance to catch tipped passes.
  • Outside Shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts outside the numbers.
  • Short Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. short routes.
• FS Justin Simmons (Superstar)
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones.

Detroit Lions

• WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage (X-Factor).
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.

• RT Penei Sewell (Superstar)
  • Natural Talent: Begin the game with blocker resistance.
  • Screen Protector: Dominant impact block wins on screen plays.
• C Frank Ragnow (Superstar)
  • Linchipin: Stronger blocking from all offensive linemen.
  • All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts.
• TE Sam Laporta (Superstar)
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
• RDE Aidan Hutchinson (Superstar)
  • B.O.G.O.: Grants a free pass rush move after spending a point.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

Green Bay Packers

• CB Jaire Alexander (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. (X-Factor)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Short Route KO: Improved knockouts in man vs. short routes.
  • Outside shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts outside the numbers.
• LT David Bakhtiari (Superstar)
  • All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts.
  • Edge Protector: Stronger pass protections vs. elite edge rushers.
• LOLB Rashan Gary (Superstar)
  • Swim Club: Swim/Club moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
• HB Aaron Jones (Superstar)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Reach For It: Frequently gains additional yards while being tackled.
• DT Kenny Clark (Superstar)
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.
  • Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside run plays.

Houston Texans

• LT Laremy Tunsil (Superstar)
  • Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves.
  • Screen Protector: Dominant impact block wins on screen plays.
• WR Nico Collins (Superstar)
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
  • Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers.
• QB C.J. Stroud (Superstar)
  • Lofting Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on lob and touch throws.
  • Inside Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws inside the numbers.
  • Fearless: Immune to defensive pressure while in the pocket.

Indianapolis Colts

• DT Deforest Buckner (Superstar)
  • Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside run plays.
  • Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption.
• LG Quenton Nelson (Superstar)
  • Puller Elite: Significantly increases effectiveness of pull blocks.
  • Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
• HB Jonathan Taylor (Superstar)
  • Arm Bar: More powerful stiff arm animations.
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Goal Line Back: Stronger run blocking within 5 yards of the end zone.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• RG Brandon Scherff (Superstar)
  • Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double-team blocks.
  • Matador: Prevents dominant bull rush moves.
• QB Trevor Lawrence (Superstar)
  • Gunslinger: Grants faster passing speed.
  • Gutsy Gambler: immune to defensive pressure while on the run.

• LOLB Josh Allen (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding (X-Factor).
  • Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball.
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

• TE Evan Engram (Superstar)
  • TE Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up at TE.
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.
• HB Travis Etienne Jr. (Superstar)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield.
• MLB Foyesade Oluokun (Superstar)
  • Tackle Supreme: Decreased takeout chance and better conservative tackles.
  • Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions and catch knockouts in flat zones.

Kansas City Chiefs

• QB Patrick Mahomes (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Bazooka: Max throwing distance increased. (X-Factor)
  • Hot Route Master: Four additional hot routes.
  • Dashing Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on the run up to 40 yards.
  • Red Zone Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy while throwing in the red zone.
  • No-Look Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on cross-body throws up to 20 yards.
  • Pass Lead Elite: increased throw power when leading bullet passes.
• TE Travis Kelce (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Leap Frog: Prevents fumbles while hurdling.
  • 3rd Down Threat: Better 3rd down mid-range catching vs. single coverage.
  • Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
• C Creed Humphrey (Superstar)
  • Linchpin: Stronger blocking from all offensive linemen.
  • Natural Talent: Begin the game with blocker resistance.
• HB Isiah Pacheco (Superstar)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Balance Beam: Avoid stumbling as a ballcarrier.
• DT Chris Jones (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Momentum Shift: On field opponents have their zone progress wiped. (X-Factor)
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Goal Line Stuff: Quicker sheds near the goal line.
  • Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption.

Las Vegas Raiders

• WR Davante Adams (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Route Technician: Quicker outs while running routes.
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.
• HB Josh Jacobs (Superstar)
  • Backlash: More tackler fatigue on non-consecutive tackles.
  • Closer: Reduced zone objectives in the 2nd half.
  • Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield.
• LOLB Maxx Crosby (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Relentless: Rush moves no longer cost points. (X-Factor)
  • Swim Club: Sim/Club moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Edge Threat Elite: Dominant edge rush moves & increased QB pressure.

Los Angeles Chargers

• SS Derwin James Jr. (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. (X-Factor)
  • Unfakeable: Decreased chance to be faked out by ballcarrier moves.
  • Lumberjack: Cut sticks guarantee tackle & add fumble chance.
  • Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones.
• LOLB Joey Bosa (Superstar)
  • Swim Club: Swim/Club moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
• HB Austin Ekeler (Superstar)
  • Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves.
  • Goal Line Back: Stronger run blocking within 5 yards of the end zone.
  • Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield.
• WR Keenan Allen (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Max Security: High success rate on possession catches. (X-Factor)
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Mid Out Elite: improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.
  • Slot-O-Matic: better cuts & catching on short slot routes.
• WR Mike Williams (Superstar)
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
• QB Justin Herbert (Superstar)
  • Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes.
  • Sideline Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws outside the numbers.
  • High Point Deadeye: Grants perfect accuracy on high throws under 20 yards.
• ROLB Khalil Mack (Superstar)
  • Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

Los Angeles Rams

• RDE Aaron Donald (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Blitz: On field blockers have their resistance bars wiped. (X-Factor)
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside run plays.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Under Pressure: Larger area of effect for QB pressure and disruption.
• WR Cooper Kupp (Superstar X-Factor)
  • RAC Em' Up: Wins RAC catches. (X-Factor)
  • Persistent: Harder to knock out of the zone.
  • Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.
  • Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes.
  • Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers.

• HB Kyren Williams (Superstar)
  • Bruiser: More powerful truck & stiff arm animations.
• WR Puka Nacua (Superstar)
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.
  • MId In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.

Miami Dolphins

• WR Tyreek Hill (Superstar X-Factor)
  • RAC Em' Up: Wins RAC catches. (X-Factor)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.
• CB Jalen Ramsey (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Bottleneck: Dominantly win man press attempts. (X-Factor)
  • Acrobat: Divinig catches & swats.
  • One Step Ahead: Faster reaction to receiver outs in man coverage.
  • Bench Press: Press wins fatigue the receiver.
• LT Terron Armstead (Superstar)
  • Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves.
  • Edge Protector: Stronger pass protection vs. elite edge rushers.
• WR Jaylen Waddle (Superstar)
  • Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers.
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.

• HB Raheem Mostert (Superstar)
  • Evasive: Grants steerable spin & juke animations.
  • Balance Beam: Avoid stumbling as a ballcarrier.
• QB Tua Tagovailoa (Superstar)
  • Fearless: Immune to defensive pressure while in the pocket.
  • Sideline Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws outside the numbers.

Minnesota Vikings

• WR Justin Jefferson (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Route Technician: Quicker cuts while running routes.
  • Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers.
  • Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
• SS Harrison Smith (Superstar)
  • Enforcer: Guaranteed tackle after hit-sticking ballcarriers.
  • Flat Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in flat zones.
  • Deep in Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep inside zones.
• LOLB Danielle Hunter (Superstar)
  • Reach Elite: Able to tackle/sack while engaged with blockers.
  • Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance.

• TE T.J. Hockenson (Superstar)
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
  • Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers.

New England Patriots

• LOLB Matthew Judon (Superstar)
  • Demoralizer: Hit-sticking the ballcarrier wipes their zone progress.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

New Orleans Saints

• MLB Demario Davis (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Reinforcement: Higher chance to defeat run blocks & disrupt catches. (X-Factor)
  • Out My Way: Dominant impact block wins vs. WRs, HBs, & TEs.
  • Secure Tackler: Higher success rate of conservative tackles.
  • Outmatched: better catch knockouts against RBs.
• CB Marshon Lattimore (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage and more INTs on contested catches (X-Factor)
  • Bench Press: Press wins fatigue the receiver.
  • On the Ball: Grants improved reactions to runoffs.
  • Deep Out Zone Ko: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.

New York Giants

• DT Dexter Lawrence II (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Blitz: On field blockers have their resistance bars wiped. (X-Factor)
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.
  • Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside run plays.
• HB Saquon Barkley (Superstar X-Factor)
  • First One Free: High fakeout rate on next juke, spin, or hurdle. (X-Factor)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Leap Frog: Prevents fumbles while hurdling.
  • Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves.

New York Jets

• CB Sauce Gardner (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage and more INTs on contested catches (X-Factor)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Inside Shade: Faster reactions to receiver cuts inside the numbers.
  • Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.
• DT Quinnen Williams (Superstar)
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.
• QB Aaron Rodgers (Superstar)
  • Gunslinger: Grants faster passing speed.
  • Roaming Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy while standing outside the pocket.
  • Pass Lead Elite: Increased throw power when leading bullet passes.
• HB Breece Hall (Superstar)
  • Evasive: Grants steerable spin & juke moves.
  • Backfield Master: More hot routes & improved catching from the backfield.

Philadelphia Eagles

• CB Darius Saly Jr. (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Shutdown: Tighter coverage & more INTs on contested catches. (X-Factor)
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
  • Deep Out KO: Improved knockouts in man va. deep routes.
  • Inside Shade: Faster reaction to receiver cuts inside the numbers.
• WR A.J. Brown (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Max Security: High success rate on possession catches. (X-Factor)
  • WR Apprentice: Four additional hot routes at any WR position.
  • Runoff Elite: Grants more convincing runoffs.
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.
• QB Jalen Hurts (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Run & Gun: Grants perfect passing while on the run. (X-Factor)
  • Juke Box: Grants steerable juke animations.
  • Gunslinger: Grants faster passing speed.
  • Fastbreak: Improved blocking on designed QB runs.
  • Anchored Extender: Higher chance to break the first sack by a blitzing DB.
• RT Lane Johnson (Superstar)
  • Fool Me Once: Gains blocking resistance faster.
  • Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.
• C Jason Kelce (Superstar)
  • Natural Talent: Begin the game with blocker resistance.
  • Screen Protector: Dominant impact block wins on screen plays.
• LOLB Haason Reddick (Superstar)
  • Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.

• WR Devonta Smith (Superstar)
  • Runoff Elite: Grants more convincing runoffs.
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.

• HB D'Andre Swift (Superstar)
  • Balance Beam: Avoid stumbling as a ballcarrier.
  • Energizer: Replenish stamina after successful skill moves.

• DT Jalen Carter (Superstar)
  • Reach Elite: Able to tackle/sack while engaged with blockers.
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• LOLB T.J. Watt (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Unstoppable Force: Pass rush wins lead to quicker block shedding. (X-Factor)
  • Strip Specialist: Reduced tackle penalty while trying to strip the ball.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
• RDE Cameron Heyward (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Fearmonger: Chance to pressure the QB while engaged with a blocker. (X-Factor)
  • Unpredictable: Shed wins are less likely to add to blocker resistance.
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside run plays.
• FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (Superstar)
  • Pick Artist: Better catching & improved stamina on INT returns.
  • Tip Drill: Higher chance to catch tipped passes.
  • Deep Out Zone KO: Improved reactions/knockouts in deep outside zones.

San Francisco 49ers

• RDE Nick Bosa (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Relentless: Rush moves no longer cost points. (X-Factor)
  • Extra Credit: Grants an additional max pass rush point.
  • Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • Edge Threat: Dominant pass rush moves from the edge.
• MLB Fred Warner (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Zone Hawk: More INTs in zone coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Lurker: Spectacular catch animations for lurking defenders.
  • Outmatched: Better catch knockouts against RBs.
  • Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones.
• TE George Kittle (Superstar X-Factor)
  • YAC Em' Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle. (X-Factor)
  • Route Apprentice: Four additional hot routes from any receiver position.
  • Short Out Elite: Improved catching on short passes outside the numbers.
  • Short In Elite: Improved catching on short passes inside the numbers.
• HB Christian McCaffery (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Ankle Breaker: High fakeout rate on skill moves following the catch. (X-Factor)
  • Evasive: Grants steerable spin & juke moves.
  • Leap Frog: Prevents fumbles while hurdling.
  • Playmaker: Immediate & precise reactions to playmaker inputs.
  • Backfield Master: More hout routes & improved catching from the backfield.
• WR Deebo Samuel (Superstar X-Factor)
  • YAC Em' Up: Increased chance to break the first post-catch tackle. (X-Factor)
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.
  • Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes.
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
• LT Trent Williams (Superstar)
  • All Day: Better protection against frequent shed attempts.
  • Post Up: Dominant when engaged in double-team blocks.
  • Edge Protector: Stronger pass protections va. elite edge rushers.
  • Nasty Streak: Dominant impact block wins against DBs & LBs.

• WR Brandon Aiyuk (Superstar)
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
  • Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers.

• LDE Chase Young (Superstar)
  • Speedster: Speed rush moves partially ignore blocker resistance.
  • Adrenaline Rush: Sacks restore all pass rush points.
  • No Outsiders: Quicker run sheds against outside zone plays.

• FB Kyle Juszczyk (Superstar)
  • Mid Out Elite: Improved catching on medium passes outside the numbers.
  • Matchup Nightmare: Better route running and catching vs. LBs.
• QB Brock Purdy (Superstar)
  • Gutsy Scrambler: Immune to defensive pressure while on the run.
  • Inside Deadeye: Perfect pass accuracy on throws inside the numbers.

Seattle Seahawks

• WR D.K. Metcalf (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Deep Out Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
  • Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.

• HB Kenneth Walker III (Superstar)
  • Arm Bar: More powerful stiff arm animations.
  • Matchup Nightmare: Better route running and catching vs. LBs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• MLB Lavonte David (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Run Stuffer: Block shedding is more effective vs. run plays. (X-Factor)
  • Lurker: Spectacular catch animations for lurking defenders.
  • Deflator: More ballcarrier fatigue on non-conservative tackles.
  • Mid Zone KO: Improved reactions & catch knockouts in mid zones.
• WR Mike Evans (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Double Me: Wins aggressive catches vs. single coverage. (X-Factor)
  • Deep Ouot Elite: Improved catching on deep passes outside the numbers.
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.
  • Red Zone Threat: Improved catching vs. single coverage in the red zone.
• LT Tristan Wirfs (Superstar)
  • Secure Protector: Stronger protection vs. quick block shed moves.
  • Natural Talent: Begin the game with blocker assistance.
• DT Vita Vea (Superstar)
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • B.O.G.O.: Grants a free pass rush move after spending a point.
• FS Antoine Winfield Jr. (Superstar)
  • Tip Drill: Higher chance to catch tipped passes.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches & swats.
• WR Chris Godwin (Superstar)
  • Slot-O-Matic: Better cuts & catching on short slot routes.
  • Mid In Elite: Improved catching on medium passes inside the numbers.

Tennessee Titans

• HB Derick Henry (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Freight Train: Increased chance to break the next tackle attempt. (X-Factor)
  • Arm Bar: More powerful stiff arm animations.
  • Tank: Breaks hit-stick tackles.
  • Backlash: More tackler fatigue on non-conservative tackles.
  • Closer: Reduced zone objectives in the 2nd half.

• RDE Jeffrey Simmons (Superstar)
  • El Toro: Dominant bull rush wins from max pass rush points.
  • Run Stopper: Shed attempts are free on run plays.

Washington Commanders

• WR Terry McLaurin (Superstar)
  • Outside Apprentice: Four additional hot routes when lined up outside.
  • Acrobat: Diving catches and swats.
  • Deep In Elite: Improved catching on deep passes inside the numbers.
• DT Jonathan Allen (Superstar X-Factor)
  • Momentum Shift: On field opponents have their zone progress wiped. (X-Factor)
  • Reach Elite: Able to tackle/sack while engaged with blockers.
  • Inside Stuff: Quicker run sheds against inside run plays.
  • Run Stopper: Shed attempts are free on run plays.

The Ghostbusters franchise got a surge in recent years, as Jason Reitman -- son of original director Ivan Reitman -- brought the series back with an eye toward the new generation. The story continues the original films, but with a slew of new characters and a more adventurous, Amblin-esque spin. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is being followed by this year's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and it appears there are plenty of ideas floating around for even more films in the future.

Speaking to Total Film, Frozen Empire director Gil Kenan said that he wants to keep the Ghostbusters franchise going beyond this next movie. It all just depends on how many fans keep showing up.

"Jason and I really love Ghostbusters," Kenan said. "We love these characters and we would be really happy if audiences were down to keep going on adventures with them. If audiences feel this way, then we know what the next stories are going to be."

While Kenan and Reitman may have ideas for more Ghostbusters movies, the cast seems to be down to continue showing up for them. Carrie Coon expressed nothing but excitement when presented with the idea of continuing to make new films in the franchise.

"Absolutely! There's something so thrilling about working on these movies, especially as a woman," Coon explained. "We're not often asked to participate in the adventure or the physical elements of movies like this. We're often just on the sidelines, so to be thrown into the action has been a real thrill. On top of that... Well, it's already going to be in my obituary, so I might as well lean in."

The same can be said for McKenna Grace, who plays the daughter of Coon's character in both of the new Ghostbusters movies. Despite the proton packs creating more difficult work days, she wants to keep suiting up as long as she can.

"As heavy as those frickin' proton packs are, I would gladly put one on again," Grace said. "The proton packs weight around 40 pounds, but I'm fine with that because it's been a dream come true to be part of this franchise. I love these films. I love getting to be a Ghostbuster. I mean, who are you gonna call? This guy! Me."

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire will hit theaters on March 22nd.

The Demon Slayer Corps has returned to the big screen once again thanks to Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training film. Despite the movie once again being a compilation, taking episodes from the anime's third and fourth seasons, there were still plenty of anime fans who made their way to theaters to support Tanjiro and company. In a surprising turn of events, the latest Demon Slayer movie might have seen more support from countries that aren't Japan than the place where the shonen franchise first debuted.

Demon Slayer's time in theaters hit the ground floor running with its first outing, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. To this day, the first film of the shonen franchise remains the number one anime movie of all time, as its time on the silver screen warranted hundreds of millions of dollars for studio Ufotable. To The Swordsmith Village and To The Hashira Training haven't managed to hit those same heights, though this most likely isn't thanks to a waning interest for the series, but rather as the past two movies were compilations of anime episodes.

Demon Slayer's Box Office Tally

In Japan, To The Hashira Training is around $10 million USD, meaning that Tanjiro's latest silver screen adventure has earned more in North America with a total of over $11 million USD. In terms of its worldwide box office, Demon Slayer's latest movie has earned a little over $28 million USD, showing that there is a hunger for anime projects around the globe.

If you are thinking about making your way to theaters to check out the latest Demon Slayer film, here's an official description for the third film of the shonen franchise, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- will feature 'A Connected Bond: Daybreak and First Light' (Episode 11) from the Swordsmith Village Arc, featuring the conclusion of the fierce battle between Tanjiro and Upper Four demon Hantengu, as well as Nezuko's triumph over the sun. Seamlessly followed by Episode 1 of the highly anticipated Hashira Training Arc, featuring the start of training conducted by the Hashira in preparation for the forthcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, an episode never before seen by audiences."

Do you think Demon Slayer will one day create an entirely original movie for the silver screen as it did with Mugen Train? Feel free to let us know in the comments or hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics, anime, and the world of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Via Box Office Mojo

Avatar: The Last Airbender debuted a new live-action take on elemental bending with its new series on Netflix, and fans have gotten to see a look at how they made it all happened with a new behind-the-scenes video! Avatar: The Last Airbender has been dominating Netflix's charts ever since it made its debut around the world last week, and fans are already sharing their hopes of seeing the series return for a new season. One of the major reasons why is how the new live-action series interprets the various bending styles of the original animated show.

Avatar: The Last Airbender fans have been sharing their love of how Netflix's series showcases its own take on the various bending styles, and it's a blend of visual effects and stunts that helped pull it all together. Sharing a better look at how Avatar: The Last Airbender brought all of its bending to life, Netflix has shared an in-depth behind the scenes video of the steps they took to bring the bending styles to life. You can check out the special Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender behind the scenes video below:

Will Avatar: The Last Airbender Get a Season 2?

It has yet to be announced if Avatar: The Last Airbender will be getting a second season as of the time of this writing. The end of the first season seems to drop some big cliffhangers for the future, however, and with all of the support the series has been getting on Netflix so far, there could very well be a new season of the series before long. For now, you can check out the original eight episode series on Netflix as it adapts the first season of Nickelodeon's original animated series.

ComicBook.com's own Megan Peters said the following about Avatar: The Last Airbender in our official review, "...Avatar: The Last Airbender deserves to move forward. The live-action adaptation is the antithesis of Hollywood's blighted attempt from years ago. The adaptation takes big risks with its changes, but they all serve the story in an authentic way. Despite its gritty aesthetic, Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender realizes a new and faithful take on Nickelodeon's greatest series, but if you are an Avatar purist, this bold adaptation might not be up your alley."

What did you think of the bending in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments! You can even reach out to me directly about all things animation and other cool stuff @Valdezology on X (formerly known as Twitter)!

With Fallout TV series set to premiere on Prime Video on April 12th, now is a great time for fans to revisit the game series. You can do that and then some with the Bethesda Fallout S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Anthology Edition, which includes 7 classic games and some fun collectibles. One of these collectibles is an awesome mini nuke storage case that features and audible bomb sound.

The set also includes 7 perk card-inspired Vaultboy cards and PC game codes for Fallout 76, Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition, Fallout Tactics, Fallout 2, and Fallout. Pre-orders for the set are available here on Amazon for $59.99 with a release date set for April 11th - one day before the show airs.

What Is the Fallout TV Show About?

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there's almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind -- and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird and highly violent universe waiting for them.

The Fallout series will star Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Mois?s Arias, Kyle MacLachlan, Sarita Choudhury, Michael Emerson, Leslie Uggams, Frances Turner, Dave Register, Zach Cherry, Johnny Pemberton, Rodrigo Luzzi, Annabel O'Hagan, and Xelia Mendes-Jones. The series comes from Kilter Films and executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. Nolan directed the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner serve as executive producers, writers, and co-showrunners. Athena Wickham of Kilter Films also executive produces, along with Todd Howard for Bethesda Game Studios and James Altman for Bethesda Softworks. Amazon MGM Studios and Kilter Films produce in association with Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks.

Will There Be a Fallout 5?

There hasn't been a new Fallout game since 2015 and given Bethesda just released Starfield and is currently working on The Elder Scrolls 6, we likely shouldn't expect a new one anytime soon. However, Bethesda has put fans at ease by promising Fallout 5. It might not happen until the 2030s, but it will happen. If we're lucky, maybe Bethesda and Microsoft will work with another team to produce a spin-off game like Fallout: New Vegas to ensure the IP doesn't go close to 20 years without a brand new game.

During a conversation at CCXP, Fallout's co-showrunner Graham Wagner opened up about the TV adaptation and what it has been like to develop. Although stressing that he didn't want to share too much about the show and its story, Wagner said that those helming the project intentionally tried to distance it from the timelines seen in the Fallout games. To help with this, Wagner said that they tried to look at the show as Fallout 5 rather than a typical video game adaptation.

"We didn't start from a place of characters from the games. We set things after," Wagner said. "We kind of told ourselves, 'This is Fallout 5, this is just another installation, and we're starting with fresh snow.' But as things go on, things go on. So yeah, again, I am really desperate not to spoil stuff, leave it at that I guess."

Richard Lewis, the legendary comedian known for playing himself on Curb Your Enthusiasm, has died at age 76. Lewis revealed last year that he had Parkinson's Disease and was leaving stand-up. Deadline reports that Lewis died in his home last night after suffering a heart attack. His passing has since been confirmed by his publicist, Jeff Abraham. While Lewis had stopped performing live, he has been seen in the latest season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Lewis' death comes only about a week after appearing in the episode, "Vertical Drop, Horizontal Tug."

"His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship, and support and asks for privacy at this time," Abraham shared.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Englewood, New Jersey, Lewis got his start in comedy in 1971. Within a few years, Lewis had appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and became known for his "brutally honest" approach to stand-up, having been declared a "new breed" of comedian. Lewis' first acting gig came in 1979 when he starred in the TV movie Diary of a Young Comic. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lewis became a well-known comic and made many appearances on big talk shows in addition to starring in his own comedy specials, including Richard Lewis: I'm in Pain, Richard Lewis: I'm Exhausted, Richard Lewis: I'm Doomed, and more.

Lewis' film credits also included The Wrong Guys (1988), Once Upon a Crime... (1992), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), Drunks (1995), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Game Day (1999), Vamps (2012), She's Funny That Way (2014), and more. Lewis was also known for starring in the sitcom Anything But Love opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, which ran for four seasons from 1989 to 2002. His television credits also included Daddy Dearest (1993), Tales From the Crypt (1994), Rude Awakening (1996), Alias (2003), Two and a Half Men (2004), 7th Heaven (2002-20024), The Dead Zone (2004), The Simpsons (2006), and more.

In addition to over 60 film and television credits and a longstanding stand-up career, Lewis was well known for appearing in all 12 seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm. He's been involved with the series since its inception in 1999 and played a huge role in the show's pilot, "The Pants Tent," in 2000. The show is coming to an end this year, but it's currently unclear how many more episodes will feature Lewis.

"Two years ago, I started walking a little stiffly. I was shuffling my feet and I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. And that was two years ago," Lewis revealed last year. "But luckily, I got it late in life and they say it progresses very slowly if at all. And I'm on the right meds so I'm cool. I just wanted you to know that's where it's been at. I'm finished with stand up. I'm just focusing on writing and acting. I have Parkinson's Disease, but I'm under a doctor's care, and everything is cool. And I love my wife. I love my little puppy dog. And I love all my friends and my fans and now you know where it's been at the last three and a half years."

Many famous names in comedy have already posted about Lewis' passing, including Patton Oswalt, who shared a photo of the comedian on Instagram. Our thoughts are with Lewis' friends and family at this difficult time.

Photo by Tibrina Hobson/FilmMagic

The NFL season might be over, but the developers at Electronic Arts continue to churn out updates for Madden NFL 24. While most of the team is likely working hard on the next game in the long-running franchise, Title Update 9 was revealed earlier today. It gives fans a re-shuffling of X-Factors and brings Season 5 to Ultimate Team. With Madden NFL 25 likely to be revealed in the next few months, this might be the last major update we see, especially when it comes to X-Factors. Interestingly, no Kansas City Chiefs players were given new X-Factors with this update, despite winning the Super Bowl (as predicted by Madden NFL 24).

Instead, players have two linebackers hopping into the fray with Josh Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Matt Milano (Buffalo Bills). Joining those two are CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys), Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore Ravens), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions). Outside of the shuffling of X-Factors, Title Update 9 includes a substantial tuning update for the fatigue system. EA has reverted a previous change to the fatigue system, and players should now feel like their pass rushers won't be as tired as they were before the update. Madden NFL 24 is also bringing Season 5 to Ultimate Team with this update, which includes a new Field Pass featuring Derrick Henry as the ultimate reward.

Below, you'll find the full patch notes for Title Update 9. Madden NFL 24 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms.

Madden NFL 24 Title Update 9 Patch Notes

Season 5 The Ultimates of #Madden24 is Here! ?

Learn More ? https://t.co/ugXP48nzCq pic.twitter.com/LQjnFqDmUk

-- Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) February 28, 2024

Welcome back to Gridiron Notes. This is where you can receive the most up-to-date information about any changes coming to our game. In today's Title Update we have an update for you regarding Fatigue affecting your players and the final X-Factor shuffle for the Madden 24 Season. Let's dive in and see what changes are in today's Title Update.

GRIDIRON NOTES

X-Factor Postseason Shuffle

NEW X-FACTORS

• CeeDee Lamb
  • X-Factor: Rac 'Em Up
• Josh Allen
  • X-Factor: Unstoppable Force
• Kyle Hamilton
  • X-Factor: Reinforcement
• Matt Milano
  • X-Factor: Reinforcement
• Amon-Ra St. Brown
  • X-Factor: Double Me

NEW SUPERSTARS

• Kyle Juszczyk
• Laremy Tunsil
• Nico Collins
• Chris Lindstrom
• Antoine Winfield Jr.
• Denzel Ward
• David Njoku
• Trey Hendrickson
• Evan Engram
• Travis Etienne Jr.
• Derrick Brown
• Creed Humphrey
• Isaiah Pacheco
• Frank Ragnow
• Penei Sewell
• Sam LaPorta
• Raheem Mostert
• Kyren Williams
• Breece Hall

DOWNGRADED X-FACTORS

• Von Miller
• Josh Jacobs
• Demarcus Lawrence
• Austin Ekeler
• Terry McLaurin

DOWNGRADED SUPERSTARS

• Cameron Jordan
• Kevin Byard
• Dallas Goedert
• Ryan Jensen
• Mekhi Becton
• Kyle Pitts
• Shaq Barrett
• Daniel Carlson
• Younghoe Koo
• Diontae Johnson
• Tony Pollard

GAMEPLAY

• Fatigue Tuning Update - We have now reverted the Fatigue changes where defenders would get a severe fatigue penalty when pass rushing and engaging in a block with a blocker that was significantly bigger than the defender.

DEV NOTE - Though the concept of this new fatigue penalty was something that was correct in premise, the application resulted in too many undesired artifacts that hindered the end user's playing experience. We do plan to revisit this in the future and possibly implement a more comprehensive version in an upcoming title.

MADDEN ULTIMATE TEAM

• Stability and Server Disconnection fixes.

SUPERSTAR MODE

• General Stability fixes

SEASON 5

Season 5 is here and so is a new Field Pass loaded with new rewards and player items to earn like T.J. Watt, Andrew Whitworth, Keyshawn Johnson, and Patrick Peterson! Let's take a look at these new player items that were revealed last night and will be available starting today.

The annual NFL Combine is coming and we are so excited to show you what is on the way! Be sure to tune into Good Morning Madden tomorrow morning at 10:30AM ET live on Twitch for a full reveal, but for now here is a special early teaser of some players items that will be revealed tomorrow.

Cowboys fans, did we have a surprise for you this week as well! We released some player items that for sure were exciting. While we're at it, let's take a look at who just arrived on Monday and also look at some of the fantastic Weekly Wildcard Player Items that will arrive today as well!

And that is a wrap! Thank you all so much for tuning in to the Gridiron Notes! Be sure to tune into Good Morning Madden on Twitch and MaddenNFLDirect for more updates and announcements.

- The Madden Team

[This article contains spoilers for Amazing Spider-Man #44.] To the victor go the spoils. Ever since Amazing Spider-Man #31 incited the conflict between New York's crime bosses and Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War First Strike sparked all-out war in the criminal underworld, the heroes have been plunged into a city-wide gang war. Madame Masque hired Shotgun to take out Tombstone in an attack that left the Harlem gang leader comatose, then deposed Hammerhead to seize control of the Maggia from Count Nefaria and Silvermane.

Marvel's Gang War event came down to a final battle between Madame Masque and Tombstone's daughter, the Beetle, who took over her father's territory to control everything in Manhattan north of Central Park. But when Tombstone emerged from his coma and teamed with Spider-Man to spare his daughter from becoming another casualty of the deadly gang war, he learned Shotgun was working with a government agency sent to assassinate the gang lords of New York -- and stop the growing threat posed by Beetle.

"Whoever wins today is gonna own everything. And they're gonna have to be a monster to keep it," Tombstone told Beetle before clipping her wings and removing her from the fight to end last issue. "That's not you, Janice. It's me." This week's Amazing Spider-Man #44 picked up with Team Spider-Man -- including She-Hulk, Spider-Woman, Miles Morales, and Daredevil (Elektra) -- joining forces with Beetle's Syndicate to battle Madame Masque's army: a legion of A.I.M. grunts, the technopath Rabble, and a hypnotized Nefaria and Silvermane.

But when Tombstone took control of the Syndicate from Janice, he ordered Electro (Francine Frye), Lady Octopus, Trapstr, Scorpia, White Rabbit, and Digger to turn on the heroes. "We help Spider-Man win and we're all gonna lose," said Tombstone, who was already known to be (temporarily) allied with Spider-Man. The heroes rallied with the help of reinforcements -- Mayor Luke Cage, Danny Rand, Shang-Chi, Spider-Boy, and Jackpot -- and Spider-Man defeated Madame Masque to finish the fight. The gang war was over.

Peter Parker's activist friend, Randy Robertson, was almost among the casualties: Randy was shot when Hammerhead hired assassins to kill Janice and her then-fianc?. Randy lobbied against former Mayor Wilson Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Act that outlawed superheroes (during Devil's Reign) and awoke from his coma in time to learn that Fisk's law was repealed in the aftermath of the gang war.

In an epilogue, White Rabbit told Tombstone that Beetle escaped arrest and is out of the game. The city, once full of gangsters, now belongs to Tombstone and the Syndicate. His new number two, White Rabbit, said there won't be any challengers to Tombstone's new empire -- but no one would forget that the city's reigning crime lord worked with Spider-Man. Tombstone admitted he owed Spider-Man for helping him... but his next move would be beating Spider-Man to death in broad daylight. "No one's gonna remember anything after that," he told White Rabbit. "Come on. We've got a city to run."

Amazing Spider-Man #44 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.

One Black Widow star says that working on the Marvel Studios movie was "soul destroying." Ray Winstone singled out his time on the MCU feature in a new interview with Radio Times. In particular, the Dreykov actor pointed toward executive notes and the reshooting process as the biggest negatives. Winstone alluded to being really happy with his performance in Black Widow. But, when the reshoot process began, he felt like there was executive meddling going on. The star even mentioned that he wanted them to recast his character at one point. Now, that didn't happen because he had signed a contract. But, it's clear that Winstone was not a happy camper at that point.

"It was fine until you have to do the reshoots," the star explained. "Then you find out that a few producers have come down, and your performance is too much, it's too strong... That's the way Marvel works. It can be soul-destroying because you feel like you're doing great work."

"I actually said, 'You ought to recast it because that was it for me,'" Winstone revealed. "And you end up doing it again because you're contracted to do it. Otherwise you end up in court. It's like being kicked in the balls."

Black Widow's Reception

Funnily enough, Black Widow is one of the Marvel's best received post-Endgame movies. On Rotten Tomatoes, it is certified fresh with a 79% from critics and a very cheery 91% from audiences. However, writer Eric Pearson told ComicBook.com's Phase Zero podcast that he had received hate mail for things like the Taskmaster twist in the film.

"I got one. I made the mistake of looking in direct message requests and someone said, 'I don't mean to be out of line, but Taskmaster was the biggest betrayal of my life.' I got mad for a second and then I was like, 'Well, you've had a pretty good life then,'" he told us. If that's the worst thing that's ever happened to you, then you should be psyched because someone in a movie wasn't who you wanted them to be."

"Taskmaster was going to be involved and there was versions before I came that was Tony Masters," Pearson added. "I kept thinking, I was like, 'Can this guy somehow not just be a goon?' Because Dreykov in the Red Room is the thing that's tied into Natasha personally in her past of giant, nefarious, that as we learned, the spy station, that is circling the globe in the atmosphere. Why is there this guy? Why would this guy be an arm of them? That's what I kept trying to be... Trust me, I looked very, very far for how do we get this Tony Masters guy to believably be an agent of the Red Room? And then just leaned more towards other things were making sense, other parts of the puzzle were adding up."

Did you like his Marvel villain? Let us know down in the comments!

The difference between Outer Range, which he said confused him, and Jonah Hex, which he genuinely seems to hate, is night and day. And in a moment he had to know would be the headline in nerd circles, Brolin said he would "never stop s--tting" on Hex.

"I won't ever stop shitting on Jonah Hex," Brolin told GQ, "because it was a s---ty f---ing movie!"

Still, he said, he has stopped attacking director Jimmy Hayward personally. In the past, Brolin has criticized the filmmaker for being in over his head and not up to the task. In the time since his last public comments on Hayward, the two have reconnected -- only for Brolin to learn that Hayward has been dealing with an incredibly painful battle with bone cancer.

"It reminded me [that] you can't just keep s---ting on somebody," Brolin told the magazine. "I don't know what the f--k's going on in his life. I mean, total facial reconstruction, the whole thing."

To be fair, Hayward also apologized for his role in the film's failure -- and in some more recent remarks, Brolin admitted that it was both himself and Warner Bros. who brought Hayward on board because they needed a director right away.

"It was not successful creatively or monetarily," Brolin said last year. "I mean, everybody knows how I feel about Jonah Hex. But the biggest thing with Jonah Hex is rushing into hiring somebody. I remember Jeff Robinov, who I'm still close with, who was running Warner Brothers at the time and he was like, 'Look, you've got to get a director in the next two weeks, otherwise we've got to can this thing. And then you meet somebody who has a lot of knowledge, [director] Jimmy Hayward, and I remember it didn't feel right. I loved that he was excited, but he just didn't have the experience and he didn't treat it like I would imagine somebody would want to treat it -- to run back to their house at the end of their every day and watch tonal inspirations and [Martin] Scorsese movies or this or that. He would be out partying instead."

He added, "And not that I had a ton of pull then, but I brought in Megan [Fox,] who I thought was perfect for that role. Maybe not the best actress at that moment, but for that type of parody, forget it. Her, at that moment? You couldn't do better than that. And [Michael] Fassbender? One of our best actors, who had done Shame and Hunger, are you kidding me? Malkovich, who had just been ripped off by Bernie Madoff, and we're asking him to do it for a third of his price. He said yes. I mean, f-ck, I still owe these people. Michael Shannon was in it, he was cut out. We just asked Michael to do George and Tammy because I pulled out of it, and he took my place and was amazing in it. So the intention was there, I just think we made a big mistake with the director -- not to blame it all at him, because that was my choice, that was my bad choice."