Disney+ to add user-generated AI content

Disney+ will be adding user-generated artificial intelligence (AI) content as part of a major overhaul to the streaming service! Isn't there already an app for that?

“The other thing that we’re really excited about, that AI is going to give us the ability to do, is to provide users of Disney+ with a much more engaged experience, including the ability for them to create user-generated content and to consume user-generated content — mostly short-form — from others,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said at the company's recent investment call.

AI is a disruptor with untold consequences for all industries.

Disney’s latest gambit is an astonishing development, considering the company’s extensive efforts to protect its own intellectual property (IP) from misuse by AI. The House of Mouse has already utilised AI for Marvel Studios' Secret Invasion on Disney+. Prophetic, as the company was forced to concede its use of AI after being called out by eagle-eyed viewers.

This has been met with mostly derision, leading to a backlash from Disney+ subscribers (I won't be renewing an annual subscription due to the cost of living crisis) and creatives, too.

The creator of The Owl House, Dana Terrace, urged fans to unsubscribe. "If you pay us we’ll let you make your own content slop! That we will own!" Terrace wrote as she shared the news on X (formerly Twitter).

Iger implied a deepening relationship with Epic Games by adding game-like features to Disney+.

“The opportunity here, we think, is enormous in terms of increasing our engagement with Disney fans across the world,” Iger added.

What are your thoughts on user-generated AI content shared on Disney+? Is it good or bad? What safeguards should be in place? Let me know in the comments below.

The Legend of Zelda movie first look

On Monday, Nintendo released an official first look at The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, which is directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes). The look of Link and Princess Zelda is inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who is producing, revealed the casting of Link and Zelda over the summer, writing in a social media post: “I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of ‘The Legend of Zelda,’ Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”

The beloved fantasy action-adventure video game franchise, drawing inspiration from Miyamoto's childhood and The Lord of the Rings, debuted on the Famicom Disk System in 1986 and holds a special place for many gamers (myself included).

Following leaked footage from the New Zealand-based production, where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed, Miyamoto has responded: "The release is some time away, so we'd appreciate it if you would wait patiently and look forward to it."

The upcoming live-action movie adaptation from Nintendo and Sony Pictures will be released in cinemas on 7th May 2027.

Are you looking forward to The Legend of Zelda movie? Let me know in the comments below.

The Sea Devils return from the depths

The Sea Devils return in more ways than one next month in The War Between the Land and the Sea, a 5-part spin-off series, on 7th December, as the original 1972 serial gets a special edition on BBC Four.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer says: “52 years after they first rose from the depths, it’s Sea Devil night across the BBC! A great idea never dies, and viewers young and old can now heed the warning: watch the seas!”

Fans are set to be transported back to 1972 with a newly re-edited version of the classic Doctor Who story The Sea Devils, airing on BBC iPlayer from 6am and BBC Four at 7pm on Sunday, 7th December, ahead of the foes’ highly-anticipated return in The War Between the Land and the Sea at 8:30pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

This new 90-minute blockbuster special condenses the original six-part adventure into a feature-length experience, with updated sound design by Mark Ayres, and an enhanced score featured in The War Between the Land and the Sea created by the legendary Lorne Balfe, which has been woven together with Malcolm Clarke’s groundbreaking 1972 music.

The Sea Devils stars Jon Pertwee, who played the Third Doctor between 1970 and 1974, alongside Katy Manning as companion Jo Grant, and features the iconic villain, the Master, played by Roger Delgado. Written by Malcolm Hulke and directed by Michael E. Briant, the story introduced audiences to the formidable aquatic species, the Sea Devils.

The War Between the Land and the Sea is available for pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to The Sea Devils and The War Between the Land and the Sea? Let me know in the comments below.

War is coming in Fallout

Prime Video has dropped an official trailer for Fallout season two.



The new season will pick up in the aftermath of season one’s epic finale and take audiences along for a journey through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. Season two will premiere this December exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

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. Two hundred 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 series stars Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets, Sweetpea), Aaron Moten (Emancipation, Father Stu), Walton Goggins (The White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones), Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), Moisés Arias (The King of Staten Island), and Frances Turner (The Boys).

The dynamic between Lucy (Ella Purnell) and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) was the beating heart of season one, and I can't wait to follow their road trip to New Vegas this holiday season.

Fallout is streaming exclusively on Prime Video (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Fallout season two? Let me know in the comments below.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens in 2026

The starship-like Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, a $1 billion passion project envisioned by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, will open to the public on 22nd September 2026, it has been announced.

“Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life,” said George Lucas, co-founder of the museum.

Exhibits include a life-size Naboo Starfighter, General Grievous on his wheel-bike and original concept art for Indiana Jones.

“This is a museum of the people’s art—the images are illustrations of beliefs we live with every day. For that reason, this art belongs to everyone,” said Lucas Museum co-founder Mellody Hobson. “Our hope is that as people move through the galleries, they will see themselves, and their humanity, reflected back.”

As a Star Wars fan since 1977, I'm hoping the tour guides are astromech and protocol droids.

Are you planning to visit the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien: Earth renewed for second season

Alien: Earth, the first spin-off series from the Alien franchise on Hulu on Disney+, premiered to rave reviews. Noah Hawley's prequel series is a blood-stained Peter Pan parable.

According to Deadline, Hawley's (Fargo) series has been renewed for a second season, with production moving to London, where it will begin filming in 2026.

“It has been our great privilege to work with Noah for more than a decade on some of FX’s best and biggest shows, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership well into the future,” said FX Chairman John Landgraf in a statement.

He continued: “Noah never stops surprising us with truly original stories – and his unique ability to bring them to vibrant life as a director and producer as well as writer makes him extraordinary.

"We can’t wait to get to work on the next season of Alien: Earth, as well as some equally exciting future projects in advanced development.”

Set 2 years before the original Alien, the series explores corporate espionage, an age-old quest for immortality and xenomorphs! Delivering the best hour of genre television this year. What’s not to like?

Eric Schrier, President, Disney Television Studios & Global Original Television Strategy added: “I learned first-hand that Noah was a unique talent while we worked on Fargo at FX. He has gone on to make many of the best shows in television, and I couldn’t be more excited that Noah will continue his FX partnership and broaden it across Disney Entertainment Television.”

Hawley's series introduced Alien fans (myself included) to a menagerie of monsters. T. Ocellus quickly became the star of the series, leaning into Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Hawley added: “I’m thrilled that this expanded deal opens the door to new opportunities across all of Disney Entertainment Television. FX has always supported bold, character-driven storytelling. From the very beginning with Fargo, they’ve encouraged me to take creative risks and follow the story wherever it leads. I’m grateful to continue exploring the world of Alien: Earth alongside our partners, cast, and crew as we begin the next chapter.”

Did you enjoy Alien: Earth? Are you excited about a second season? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Insider to end in 2026

Star Wars Insider will cease publication after over 30 years in early 2026, Lucasfilm announced.

“Insider has been a big part of my Star Wars experience for a very long time, both as a fan and professionally,” editor Christopher Cooper shared in a statement. “It’s been an honor to explore the galaxy far, far away with our readers during my eight year tenure. But publishing has changed immeasurably since the Lucasfilm Fan Club magazine, and we live in an increasingly digital age, which sadly means that this chapter in Star Wars Insider‘s history is coming to an end.”

The publication began life as the Lucasfilm Fan Club magazine in the 1980s, following the closure of Bantha Tracks! In a world without broadband internet and iPhones, it was an invaluable official resource for fans (myself included). For years, I subscribed and was published in the letters page in 1993.

In 1997, I responded to an advert in Star Wars Insider. I was interviewed for a BBC Radio 1 documentary, Skywalker, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars. Lucasfilm decided to drop the fan segment, but it was fun to share my Star Wars story with the director. At the time, my workstation was surrounded by Power of the Force II action figures, Micro Machines and copies of Star Wars Insider.

Before Disney acquired Lucasfilm from George Lucas in 2012, Titan Entertainment approached me about an official partnership with this blog. Whilst it never came to pass, I was grateful for the opportunity.

The decision to shutter Star Wars Insider is not entirely surprising. However, with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars in 2027, the publication may return in a new guise.

Star Wars Insider issue #237 will be the magazine’s last with Titan.

What are your memories of reading Star Wars Insider? Let me know in the comments below.

Michael teaser trailer thrills

Lionsgate has released a teaser trailer for Michael, the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic from director Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the titular King of Pop.



Read the official synopsis:

"MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins."

The teaser trailer has become a blockbuster online, garnering 116 million views in 24 hours. It perfectly distils the high-octane energy of Michael mania during the eighties in the wake of Thriller, before controversy would overshadow his career in later life.

Growing up, my late mum introduced me to the music of the Jacksons. In my teens, I was obsessed with Doctor Who, Star Wars and Michael Jackson. Jackson embraced science fiction and fantasy in groundbreaking videos such as Can You Feel It, Disney's Captain EO and the prophetically titled Thriller. I saw him twice with friends, live in concert at the old Wembley Stadium, and it was an unforgettable experience, eclipsing everything.

The movie's production woes have been documented elsewhere, but Lionsgate is teasing the possibility of the Michael biopic being split into two parts.

Michael is exclusively in cinemas on 24th April 2026.

Have you watched the teaser trailer? Do you think it will be the most successful music biopic of all time? Are you looking forward to seeing Michael? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Trek boldly goes on Black Friday

On Thursday, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences, unveiled the highly-anticipated LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. This intricate model invites Star Trek and LEGO fans (myself included) to embark on a galactic voyage of creativity, building a detailed replica of Starfleet’s legendary flagship.

Speaking about the reveal of the LEGO Icons Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise set, actor Jonathan Frakes said, “As Commander Riker, I spent a lot of time on the bridge of the Enterprise, and now fans can take the helm themselves… in LEGO brick form!"

Additionally, shoppers who purchase the LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D (10356) between 28th November to 1st December will receive LEGO Icons Star Trek: Type-15 Shuttlepod as a Gift with Purchase, available while supplies last.

Embark on a creative voyage with this LEGO Icons Star Trek: Type-15 Shuttlepod model kit for adults and fans of the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. This minifigure-scale support craft comes with opening wing doors and a rear hatch. Exterior details include the vehicle name, Onizuka, and the interior features a depiction of an LCARS system display with the Stardate 45076.3 and a schematic of a Romulan spacecraft. This set also includes an Ensign Ro Laren minifigure.

LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D to your collection on Black Friday? Let me know in the comments below.

Bob Iger on The Rest Is History

Deadline exclusively announced Bob Iger, Disney CEO, is a guest on The Rest Is History podcast.

The two-part special, presented by historian and translator Tom Holland and historian and author Dominic Sandbrook, focuses on Walt Disney's legacy.

Iger, who returned after Bob Chapek was fired as CEO during the pandemic, will also offer up reflections on his own time at Disney ahead of his planned exit in 2026. He oversaw the successful acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, as well as the launch of Disney+.

The outgoing Disney CEO is currently in dispute with YouTube TV and is facing fallout from the cancellation of the Doctor Who deal on Disney+.

Watch or listen to The Rest Is History wherever you get your podcasts.

Stranger things in IT: Welcome to Derry

My earliest memory of IT, the supernatural horror franchise from American author Stephen King, is ABC’s award-winning televisual adaptation shown on Sky One in the early nineties. It's available to stream on NOW (formerly NOW TV).

Fast forward to today. Sky Atlantic is showing where IT (see what I did there?) all began in this terrifying prequel series, tracing the origins of the murderous, shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgård) in 1962 Derry.

King’s IT explores the horrors of childhood trauma, racism behind suburban picket fences and the omnipresent threat of nuclear war, all through the lens of the supernatural. As a coping mechanism, I immersed myself in science fiction following a life-changing injury in primary school and the subsequent fallout.

So, I found myself empathising with the children, relatives of members of the Losers’ Club, who could have been plucked from Stranger Things. The Derry kids are a great bunch of misfits to spend time with.

There are parallels with the Doctor Who episode Lux and DC Comics Easter eggs to find. The showrunners aren’t afraid to subvert expectations, and by the end of the first episode, all bets are off.

Set in the holiday season, Christmas is as much a time for ghost stories as Halloween, with Gremlins and Krampus creating chaos in the shadow of Santa Claus.

Have you watched IT: Welcome to Derry? Let me know in the comments below.

Vecna strikes back in Stranger Things 5

On Thursday, Netflix released an official trailer for the final season of Stranger Things.

“I think what's unique about this season is that it starts a little bit in chaos because our heroes ultimately lost at the end of Season 4,” series co-creator Ross Duffer tells Tudum. “We usually set up their normal life and how they’re going about school, and then we introduce the supernatural element. But in this case, this season is sprinting from the start.”



Read the official synopsis:

"The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time."

The cast of Stranger Things 5 includes: Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair), Brett Gelman (Murray), Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), Amybeth McNulty (Vickie), Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler), Jake Connelly (Derek Turnbow), Alex Breaux (Lt. Akers), and Linda Hamilton (Dr. Kay).

Stranger Things 5 releases with the first four episodes on 26th November, followed by three episodes on Christmas, and the finale episode on New Year’s Eve. It has not yet been confirmed whether the finale will be released in any UK cinemas.

Are you looking forward to the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who spin-off makes waves this Christmas

Doctor Who may not be returning until Christmas 2026, but a spin-off series emerges from the deep this holiday season with The War Between the Land and the Sea.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer says: “This is a huge, spectacular Christmas treat, with heroes and monsters and battles and romance, in a world on the edge of disaster. And remember. Watch the seas!”

The five-part series will showcase how the world reacts when a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity and triggering an international crisis. Featuring a star-studded cast including Russell Tovey as Barclay, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt, Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, Ruth Madeley as Shirley Ann Bingham, Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim, and Colin McFarlane as General Austin Pierce.

Other previously announced cast members include Adrian Lukis, Patrick Baladi, Francesca Corney, Mei Mac, Vincent Franklin, Waleed Hammad, Iestyn Arwel, Hannah Donaldson, Manpreet Bachu, and Ann Akinjirin.

The upcoming Doctor Who spin-off series is darker in tone, similar to Torchwood, and features a soundtrack composed by Lorne Balfe (His Dark Materials). This is great news, as I was hoping Balfe would work on seasons one and two of Doctor Who on Disney+.

The War Between the Land and the Sea is available for pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to The War Between the Land and the Sea? Let me know in the comments below.

Spielberg and Williams reunite for UFO movie

Director Steven Spielberg (Jaws) and Hollywood composer John Williams (Star Wars) have a storied history spanning decades.

A lifelong love of movie soundtracks began with Williams' score for Star Wars, and soon I amassed a collection of his works from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to Jaws. To say Williams' soundtracks have played a pivotal role in my life's turbulent journey would be an understatement. His music remains inspirational in the darkest of times.

There’s a profound resonance with Spielberg's and my own childhood (overshadowed by a life-changing trauma) and escaping into a darkened theatre to watch Spielberg’s movies and those of his friend and longtime collaborator, Star Wars creator George Lucas. At the end of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 6-year-old me desperately wanted to board the mothership with Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss).

The creative duo are reuniting for their 30th movie, Spielberg's untitled UFO project starring Josh O'Connor, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson.

Spielberg's UFO movie is scheduled for release in the summer of 2026. I'll be standing in line.

Doctor Who returns Christmas 2026

Following months of speculation, the BBC and Disney+ have parted ways after two seasons of Doctor Who.

Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama at the BBC, said: “We’d like to thank Disney+ for being terrific global partners and collaborators over the past two seasons, and for the upcoming The War Between the Land and the Sea. The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026. We can assure fans, the Doctor is not going anywhere, and we will be announcing plans for the next series in due course, which will ensure the TARDIS remains at the heart of the BBC.”

With Disney+ no longer involved, will another streamer materialise? See what I did there, fellow Whovians? Rumours continue to surround Prime Video and Netflix. What about Apple TV? The Cupertino-based streamer has established itself as a home to prestige sci-fi, and the $4 trillion tech titan has money.

Before next year’s Christmas special, fans of the beloved series still have much to enjoy with The War Between the Land and the Sea heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year, as well as a brand-new animation series for CBeebies, which is in development.

The Doctor Who Christmas special will be produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC.

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Ideas The Goonies

Hey You Guys! On Friday, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, announced the long-awaited LEGO Ideas The Goonies set for November.

Ke Huy Quan, the Oscar-winning actor who played Data, comments: “Revisiting Data after all these years - but this time in LEGO form - has been such a joyful experience. The Goonies was all about heart, adventure, and friendship, and this set captures that spirit in fantastic detail. From the booby traps to the treasure room, it’s like stepping back into the tunnels with the gang - only now, I get to share that magic with a whole new generation of fans.”

Additionally, shoppers who purchase the LEGO Ideas The Goonies set (21363) between 1st to 7th November will receive LEGO Ideas The Goonies: The Walshes’ Attic (40773) as a Gift with Purchase, available while supplies last.

LEGO Ideas The Goonies is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Ideas The Goonies to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Stranger Things finale coming to cinemas

Netflix has announced that the Stranger Things series finale will be shown in select cinemas in America and Canada.

“We’re beyond excited that fans will have the chance to experience the final episode of Stranger Things in theaters — it’s something we’ve dreamed about for years, and we’re so grateful to Ted, Bela, and everyone at Netflix for making it happen,” series creators Matt and Ross Duffer tell Tudum. “Getting to see it on the big screen, with incredible sound, picture, and a room full of fans, feels like the perfect — dare we say bitchin’ — way to celebrate the end of this adventure.”

Originally, the 2-hour finale, entitled "The Right Side Up," was only going to be streamed on Netflix, but fans (myself included) took to social media to express their enthusiasm for finale fan screenings.

Read the official synopsis:

"The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time."

Stranger Things 5 releases with the first four episodes on 26th November, followed by three episodes on Christmas, and the finale episode on New Year’s Eve. It has not yet been confirmed whether the finale will be released in any UK cinemas.

Are you looking forward to the final season of Stranger Things on Netflix? Let me know in the comments below.

Fallout Day

It's Fallout Day.

23rd October 2077 marks the most significant event in Fallout’s alternate history – the day of the Great War that destroyed the world of old and from its ashes birthed the franchise’s take on the post-apocalypse.

Bethesda has announced Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition. The update will be released on 10th November and is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.



Fallout season two premieres on Prime Video on 17th December, and Ella Purnell, who plays Lucy MacLean, a sheltered Vault Dweller, teased the following to Empire magazine: “At times, it’s like [they] are on this buddy road trip. And then other times, they’re so much at arms. They’re trying to influence each other and see who’s going to rub off on whom. Is the Ghoul going to become good? Is Lucy going to become bad? Or are they going to be somewhere in the middle?”

The dynamic between Lucy and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) was the beating heart of season one, and I can't wait to follow their road trip to New Vegas this holiday season.

Fallout is streaming exclusively on Prime Video (affiliate link).

How are you celebrating Fallout Day? Let me know in the comments below.

Adam Driver on The Hunt for Ben Solo

After his debut in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, played by Adam Driver, quickly became a fan-favourite as he grappled with the light and the dark side of the Force before sacrificing himself to save Rey (Daisy Ridley) in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Driver recently spoke to AP about his idea for a standalone Star Wars movie. "I had been talking about doing another one since 2021. Kathleen (Kennedy) had reached out. I always said: With a great director and a great story, I’d be there in a second. I loved that character and loved playing him."

Whilst Lucasfilm loved the idea developed by Oscar-winning director Stephen Soderbergh and Rebecca Blunt, the project fell apart after they took it to Disney, who had forgotten that no one's ever really gone in Star Wars.

"We took it to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman, and they said no. They didn’t see how Ben Solo was alive. And that was that," Driver told AP. "It was called ‘The Hunt for Ben Solo’ and it was really cool. But it is no more, so I can finally talk about it."

Soderbergh, in a statement, said: “I really enjoyed making the movie in my head. I’m just sorry the fans won’t get to see it.”

What do you think? Was it a missed opportunity? Let me know in the comments below.

The Force Awakens trailer 10 years on

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Lucasfilm remains relatively quiet on the matter, instead choosing to focus on Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter. The latter movie is not due in cinemas until 2027 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera franchise.

Yesterday marked 10 years since the official trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released during Monday Night Football. At the time, I wrote how it evoked all the nostalgia for the original trilogy.



Much has changed in the past decade with the House of Mouse pivoting to Star Wars spin-off series on Disney+, but I'll never forget the anticipation and booking tickets at midnight to see the first instalment in the sequel trilogy on the day of release in December 2015.

Forbes revealed that with costs of $638.9 million (£452 million), Star Wars: The Force Awakens is Disney’s most expensive Star Wars movie and one of the most expensive films in Hollywood history. Remarkably, it is also one of the most profitable.

What are your memories of watching the official trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Eclipse still in development

4 years ago, Star Wars Eclipse was announced with fanfare from Lucasfilm Games, followed by controversy as developer Quantic Dream faced allegations of a toxic working environment.

Since then, there has been silence until now.

“For over 28 years, Quantic Dream has been pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling,” founder David Cage said in a statement. “With award-winning titles like Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls, and Detroit: Become Human, more than 25 million players worldwide have shared the journeys of Ethan Mars, Jodie Holmes, Kara, Markus and Connor with us.”

As a fan of Quantic Dream's previous PlayStation console exclusives Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human, I was excited to play Star Wars Eclipse. Set during the High Republic era, Star Wars Eclipse is an intricately branching action-adventure game that can be experienced in many ways and puts the destinies of multiple playable characters in your hands.

“Of course, development of Star Wars Eclipse continues, and we are eager to share more with you in the future,” he said.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars Eclipse? Let me know in the comments below.

Drew Struzan, legendary poster artist, dies

On Tuesday, it was announced on Instagram that Drew Struzan, a legendary Hollywood artist famous for his collaborations with directors George Lucas (Star Wars) and Steven Spielberg (Jaws), has passed away at the age of 78.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world as of yesterday, October 13th. I feel it is important that you all know how many times he expressed to me the joy he felt knowing how much you appreciated his art. - Greg, IG manager"

For generations of film fans (myself included), Struzan's iconic movie posters from Indiana Jones to Star Wars were woven into the fabric of popular culture. In the eighties, when I walked into a local video rental store owned by family friends in a pre-streaming world, I would look for his art on the cover of VHS cases. John Carpenter's The Thing always stood out, years before I saw it on ITV.

“Drew was an artist of the highest order,” says Star Wars creator George Lucas. “His illustrations fully captured the excitement, tone and spirit of each of my films his artwork represented. His creativity, through a single illustrated image, opened up a world full of life in vivid color…even at a glance. I was lucky to have worked with him time and time again.”

I may be misremembering, but I'm sure his unused poster art for Star Wars: Revenge of the Jedi, before the final chapter in the original Star Wars trilogy was renamed at the last minute, was used on toy aisles to promote the latest merchandise. Certainly, it was somehow seared into my childhood memories.

“When one thinks of iconic movie poster artists, Drew Struzan is the first name that comes to mind,” says Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy. “Drew’s unforgettable artwork has touched so many hearts throughout the years, and I have been thankful to have worked with him on films such as E.T., Back to the Future, Hook, and the Indiana Jones series. His artwork is so imaginative, so beautiful, it elevated the movie-going experience for those films before audiences even stepped foot into a theater. Drew’s work is timeless, and will undoubtedly inspire both artists and film lovers for generations to come.”

As I write this, I'm poignantly listening to The Spielberg/Williams Collaboration on Apple Music, featuring album art by Struzan.

RIP Drew Struzan.

Apple TV+ is now simply Apple TV for F1

In a press release for F1: The Movie, Apple quietly announced that Apple TV+ is rebranding as Apple TV.

“It’s been thrilling to see audiences around the world embrace F1: The Movie in theatres,” said producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “Now, we’re beyond excited to bring this exhilarating, cinematic ride to fans everywhere through Apple TV’s unparalleled global reach. Partnering with Apple and Formula 1 has been an incredible journey, and we’re proud that even more viewers, from every corner of the world, will get to experience the heart-pounding action and passion that defines F1.”

Apple TV+ is now simply Apple TV, with a vibrant new identity.

This holiday season, I'll be watching F1: The Movie on Apple TV on Apple TV... on Apple TV!

Will you be watching F1: The Movie on Apple TV? What do you think about the change from Apple TV+ to Apple TV? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien gets Monster High makeover for Halloween

H.R. Giger's iconic xenomorph design from the Alien franchise gets a Monster High makeover that slays this Halloween from Mattel Creations.

“This elegantly designed doll pays tribute to the iconic Xenomorph, blending sci-fi inspiration with high fashion. It features a sheer black dress with subtle exoskeleton-inspired embellishments and a headpiece that echoes the creature’s elongated skull. With refined detail and a unique aesthetic, this release offers a fresh take on a pop culture legend and is ideal for collectors and fans of science fiction. Packaged in premium collectable packaging and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, this Skullector delivers horror at its most stylish.”

The Monster High Skullector dolls usually sell out in minutes after going on sale. Following the success of Alien: Romulus and Alien: Earth, the latest crossover will be no exception when it goes on sale to the public on 17th October. Whilst I'm not a Monster High collector, as an Alien fan, this is a must-have for the spooky season.

Will you be adding Monster High Skullector Alien Doll to your collection? Which other iconic horror franchises would you like to see get the Monster High treatment? Let me know in the comments below.

Tron toys at New York Comic Con

During San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), Hasbro's Steve Evans, senior design director for Marvel and Star Wars, teased Tron toys based on Disney's Tron franchise. Evans handed out 3.5-inch floppy disks, which contained a teaser image.

Fast forward to today. Hasbro has announced a Tron HasLab and 6-inch Tron: Legacy action figures at New York Comic Con (NYCC).

The latest HasLab is Tron: Heroes of the Grid, which features five 3.75-inch action figures based on Tron, Flynn, Yori, Sark, and a Program, two Light Cycles and an LED-lit display stand. The action figure sculpts look amazing, but it shouldn't be a HasLab requiring 10,000 backers and costing £259.99! Granted, a Recognizer or Tank would have been cool! However, in view of current market conditions, I think it's egregious.

I was hoping for a Hasbro Pulse exclusive line of action figures and accessories, as I missed out on the original toy line from Tomy. Even so, I did have fun collecting Tomytronic 3D handheld gaming devices inspired by Tron.

Hasbro 375 is a new line of 3.75-inch action figures inspired by the vintage Kenner Star Wars toys, beginning with Tron: Heroes of the Grid. Perfect for world-building on your desktop, I would like to see Indiana Jones and the Micronauts next.

Will you be backing the Tron: Heroes of the Grid HasLab? Which Hasbro 375 action figures would you like to see released in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

You are the prey in Predator: Badlands

On Monday, 20th Century Studios dropped a final trailer for Predator: Badlands from the director of Prey.



Read the official synopsis:

"Predator: Badlands, which stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator (Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary."

The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg and produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor.

The announcement of a PG-13 rating has sparked some trepidation among Predator fans online. Still, Trachtenberg and Rosenblatt claim there will be no compromise in terms of quality compared to previous movie entries in the franchise.

"We don't have any humans in the movie, and so we don't have any human red blood," Rosenblatt confirmed to IGN. "We're going to go as hard as we possibly can within those constraints, and we think we'll be able to do some pretty awesomely gruesome stuff. But in colours other than red."

Both Benjamin Wallfish and Sarah Schachner are returning to score Predator: Badlands! It’s been officially announced that Wallfisch, who previously scored Predator: Killer of Killers and Schachner, who scored Prey, are collaborating on the score for Predator: Badlands! I hope Alan Silvestri's main theme from Predator is reprised.

Predator: Badlands opens exclusively in cinemas on 7th November in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Cinemark XD, 4DX, ScreenX, and premium screens everywhere.

Have you watched the final trailer for Predator: Badlands? Let me know in the comments below.

Hulu launches internationally on Disney+

This Wednesday, Hulu launches on Disney+ in the UK and internationally.

All current Star content migrates seamlessly to the new Hulu section. Shows like Only Murders in the Building, Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, and newer hits like High Potential, Rivals, and Alien: Earth will be under the Hulu banner.

Along with the rollout of Hulu to replace the Star brand, an ESPN tile will be available in selected territories, and Disney+ is receiving a much-needed makeover. The homepage will feature an improved "For You" tab with better personalised recommendations and a new "Live Hub" for live sports, news, and events.

Disney has recently courted controversy with chat show host Jimmy Kimmel, and an annual price hike is not good optics. I've been a subscriber since the launch of Disney+ in the UK in March 2020. However, I am now considering cancelling an annual subscription next year.

What are your thoughts on Hulu launching internationally on Disney+? Are you cancelling Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

Peanuts stay on Apple TV+ through 2030

Charlie Brown and Snoopy stay on Apple TV+ until 2030.

"In this milestone 75th anniversary year, it feels incredibly meaningful to continue our collaboration with our brilliant partners at WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson," Tara Sorensen, head of children's programming for Apple TV+, said in a statement. "Our commitment, dedication and passion for ‘Peanuts' runs deep. These beloved characters and stories hold a timeless significance, resonating with people of all ages across the globe."

To catch your favourite Charlie Brown holiday special at no cost, mark these dates on your calendar:

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: Saturday, 18th October and Sunday, 19th October
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: Saturday, 15th November and Sunday, 16th November
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Saturday, 13th December and Sunday, 14th December

Reruns of the beloved holiday specials on the BBC were a childhood staple in the run-up to Christmas. A cousin gifted me a Snoopy soft toy when I was in a children's hospital, and it remains a cherished gift.

Are Peanuts specials part of your holiday traditions? Let me know in the comments below.

Echo Dot Max looks like the Death Star

Amazon has announced a new lineup of Alexa-enabled devices with premium audio for the autumn.

The all-new Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11 deliver more processing power for premium audio, feature an all-new look and feel that Amazon thinks customers will love, and are ready to unlock new-generation artificial intelligence (AI) experiences through Alexa+ once available in the UK. With Alexa+, you can now have full-blown conversations with the AI, while also picking up on colloquial expressions.

As a fan of the Echo Dot, the Echo Dot Max has caught my attention, as I'm considering replacing my existing Echo Dot (3rd generation) smart speaker on Black Friday. It looks like a miniature Death Star. This Star Wars fan approves and I can't wait to review it.

Pre-order Echo Dot Max from Amazon (affiliate link).

Do you like the Echo Dot Max? Does it remind you of the Death Star? Let me know in the comments below.

The Rubber-Keyed Wonder

Tron: Ares has inspired a nostalgic journey back to the 8-bit wonder years of my childhood!

Christmas 1982 was all about the rubber-keyed Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K, Horace Goes Skiing and Disney’s Tron (available on Disney+)!

The first time I saw a computer in person was at my dad’s lighting shop in Truro in the late seventies. The Commodore PET looked like something out of Star Trek and captured my nascent imagination. Soon after, a BBC Micro materialised in middle school. However, having our own 8-bit home computer was transcendental!

Countless hours were spent and lost inputting basic code from the pack-in manual and Crash magazine at weekends.

And games! So many games in the age of Atari!

Most notably from Ultimate Play the Game, AKA Rare. Rare, now part of Microsoft Studios, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and was synonymous with the 8-bit era before working with Nintendo on the revolutionary Donkey Kong Country for the 16-bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)! Followed by GoldenEye and Perfect Dark in the nineties.

Plugging in the Currah μSpeech peripheral for the ZX Spectrum unlocked voices in Atic Atac years before Atari’s Gauntlet gobbled up my allowance at the arcades! Titles such as Knight Lore were revolutionary. And Ocean’s Daley Thompson’s Decathlon culminated in the premature demise of joysticks, much to the chagrin of my late mum.

Apple and Google dominate in this homogenous mobile-centric era. However, I miss the halcyon days of walking into a computer store like Laskys or Silica Shop and seeing Apple, Atari, Commodore, MSX, and many more on store shelves.

I would go on to own a Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ (the beloved rubber-keyed original was handed down to a younger cousin, who soon broke it), a Commodore 64, and all things Apple thereafter (my iPhone and iPad wallpapers are based on the iconic ZX Spectrum rainbow motif). But nothing will surpass discovering that little 8-bit home computer, with the rubbery keyboard, filled with infinite possibilities under the Christmas tree in 1982...

The Rubber-Keyed Wonder tells the story of legendary British inventor Clive Sinclair and the birth of the ZX Spectrum home computer in 1982, opening the door to a new world of technological possibilities and enabling home users to learn programming - directly contributing to the video game boom of the 1980s.

Watch The Rubber-Keyed Wonder on Prime Video (affiliate link).

Have you watched The Rubber-Keyed Wonder? What are your 8-bit home computer memories? Let me know in the comments below.

Marvel's Wolverine at State of Play

During the PlayStation State of Play, a gameplay trailer for Marvel's Wolverine was shown. The upcoming console exclusive was first announced in 2021.



Read the official synopsis:

"Become a living weapon. As he searches for answers about his past, Wolverine will do whatever it takes – unleashing brutal claw combat, violent rage, and relentless determination – to cut through the mystery of the man he used to be."

From Insomniac Games, the developers of the critically-acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise, comes Marvel’s Wolverine, an all-new take on an iconic character based on Marvel Comics. Developed in collaboration with Marvel Games and Sony Interactive Entertainment, Marvel’s Wolverine is coming to PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles in late 2026.

In a PlayStation Blog post, Insomniac senior community manager Aaron Jason Espinoza, said, "We aim to deliver the ultimate Wolverine fantasy built on Insomniac staples like fast, fluid, and ferocious combat; exhilarating, action-packed set pieces; robust accessibility features; and a gripping story that taps into the core tenets of one of the most compelling comic book characters of all-time."

X-Men fans (myself included) are eating well with X-Men '97, Deadpool & Wolverine and next year's Avengers: Doomsday.

Are you looking forward to Marvel's Wolverine? Let me know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu official trailer

First shown at Star Wars Celebration Japan, Lucasfilm has released an official teaser trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Given the timing, some fans are suggesting the trailer is a Jedi mind trick to distract from Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.



Read the official synopsis:

"The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself)."

The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.

“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,” director Jon Favreau said when the film was first revealed. “The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”

For half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. The Mandalorian and Grogu will be in cinemas next year. Will it be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+, making way for Star Wars: Starfighter to blast onto the big screen for the 50th anniversary of the franchise in 2027?

Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Starfighter first look

Director Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) has revealed the first look at Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling (Barbie) and newcomer Flynn Gray. Filming is underway on the Mediterranean Sea, and I'm reminded of Waterworld.

For half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian, will be in cinemas next year. While it's directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), will it be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+?

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is due for release on 28th May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Hot Wheels Transformers Nemesis Prime

It's Transformers Tuesday! This morning, Hot Wheels Transformers Nemesis Prime was made available for pre-order on Mattel Creations.

Read the official description from Mattel Creations:

"Optimus Prime’s evil clone, Nemesis Prime rolled in to the Transformers universe bent on destroying Autobots and Deceptions. Created by the twisted mind of Unicron, Nemesis Prime was equipped with the same abilities as his counterpart but lacked morality and pain receptors. Those powerful traits allowed Nemesis to wreak havoc in his wake until his ultimate downfall."

Last year, I missed out on the premium die-cast Optimus Prime and didn't want to repeat that for his evil twin. So, I was ready at 9:00AM (BST) and joined the queue. After several failed attempts, I successfully pre-ordered Nemesis Prime with seconds to spare before he sold out. £77 (including P&P) isn't cheap, but it's that or pay inflated secondary market prices (or else never get it).

Did you pre-order Hot Wheels Transformers Nemesis Prime on Mattel Creations? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Icons Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship

The LEGO Group, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, sets sail on a new adventure with the launch of the LEGO Icons Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship. Inspired by Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, this detailed interpretation of the legendary ghost galleon captures the spirit of adventure and storytelling that has captivated audiences for over two decades.

The 2,862-piece set captures the ship in all its glory. Rotate dials to deploy the port or starboard cannons, turn the ship’s wheel to steer the rudder, and open the deck to reveal the detailed captain’s quarters, complete with furnishings, candlesticks, and an apple. Additional elements include a detachable rowboat and a minifigure figurehead. The hull can also be separated at the waterline to depict the ship in full sailing mode.

The model also features a full crew of eight minifigures, representing beloved characters from the film series: Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, Hector Barbossa, Gibbs, Cotton, Anamaria, and Marty. Each minifigure is intricately designed to reflect its on-screen counterpart, inviting fans to recreate legendary scenes or imagine new adventures on the high seas.

Designed as both a tribute and a statement piece, the model doubles as captivating décor for the home or office. Whether mounted on its angled stand or set in motion in sailing mode, the ship offers a striking blend of nostalgia, creativity and imagination. As Captain Jack Sparrow himself once said, “not all treasure is silver and gold.”

LEGO Icons Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean sets would you like to see released in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Coleman Trebor unlocked!

Hasbro's Steve Evans, senior design director for Marvel and Star Wars, posted updated details regarding the Star Wars HasLab The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship campaign.

International retail partners have reported their final backer count, bringing the final tally to 10,541. Therefore, the first tier, Jedi Coleman Trebor, was unlocked.

The news broke following a Geek Meet livestream, where we discussed the latest HasLab with fellow toy collectors. Ryan Speaks Geek hilariously christened Coleman Trebor as Mustard Mint, and this can't be unseen.



This is good news for fans who backed the campaign. I didn't, as I still have an unopened Ghost stored in the garage since last Christmas.

Did you back the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars HasLab Gunship is backed!

The Star Wars HasLab The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship campaign was backed hours before the 9th September deadline.

Despite a final promotional push by official channels and support from fans (myself included), the centrepiece of Hasbro's Battle of Geonosis campaign for 2026 limped over the finish line without unlocking any of the tiers. The total number of backers was 9,776, just 224 short of unlocking the first tier at 10,000 backers for Coleman Trebor.

The LAAT/i Gunship may have been more successful at a lower price point, and if it had included exclusive variant action figures of Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi or a Clone Trooper army builder pack.

Did you back the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab? What future Star Wars HasLab would you like to see for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars? The Death Star? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker

LEGO Group has announced its Christmas-themed sets available from 1st October.

LEGO Star Wars fans (myself included) can build a Gingerbread AT-AT Walker this holiday season. The gorgeous Gingerbread AT-AT Walker set includes an exclusive Gingerbread Darth Vader minifigure.

Inspire kids’ imaginations during the holiday season with the festive LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker (40806). A brilliant Star Wars gift idea for boys, girls and fans aged 10 and up, this Christmas craft building set features an AT-AT with gingerbread-house-style decoration and a Gingerbread Darth Vader LEGO minifigure. Pose the legs of the AT-AT, open the cockpit and flip up the sides of the main compartment to reveal the cozy interior: there’s a seat by the fireplace for Darth Vader, a table, drinking cup, cookie and candy cane elements, stockings hanging on the wall, a pile of gifts, and other festive accessories for creative play.

LEGO Star Wars Gingerbread AT-AT Walker is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What Christmas-themed LEGO Star Wars sets would you like to see released in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Darth Vader's lightsaber sells for millions

Darth Vader's legendary lightsaber sets a new auction record for Star Wars.

The iconic character’s screen-matched primary duelling lightsaber that was used in the films Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi sold for $3,654,000 when it hit the block from Propstore in Los Angeles on Thursday, becoming the highest-valued piece from the Star Wars franchise ever up for auction. The winning bid came in at a franchise record of $2,900,000 and reached the final total with the additional buyer’s premium that is paid to the auction house.

Brandon Alinger, the COO of the auction house Propstore, which hosted the sale, remarked, "Darth Vader, of course, arguably the most memorable villain of all time. And this is his weapon, the weapon of cinema's most infamous, recognizable, unforgettable villain."

This is said to be the only hero lightsaber from the original Star Wars trilogy to ever hit an auction. The Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction coincides with this year, marking the 45th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

For the fortunate Star Wars fan who claimed Darth Vader's lightsaber, may the Force be with you.

LEGO Star Wars ultimate Death Star

Today, the LEGO Group unveils one of the most anticipated LEGO Star Wars sets of all time: the LEGO Star Wars Death Star - Ultimate Collector Series (75419). With an astonishing 9,023 pieces, this is the largest LEGO Star Wars set to date, designed to transport fans into the heart of the Galactic Empire’s most infamous space station.

From Star Wars: A New Hope to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, this collectable set recreates some of the most legendary moments in cinematic history. Fans can build and explore detailed brick recreations of the trash compactor, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Princess Leia’s cell, the tractor beam control unit, the Imperial shuttle hangar, and much more. With a compact foundation and layered vertical structure, this model delivers depth and complexity while remaining impressively displayable.

This epic build includes an incredible 38 LEGO Star Wars minifigures, with iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker (in both Jedi and stormtrooper variants), Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and two LEGO Star Wars droid figures. As a playful nod to the LEGO Star Wars video games, the set also includes a stormtrooper minifigure in a hot tub.

Whether you're re-enacting the lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, swinging across the retractable bridge with Luke and Leia, or simply admiring the architectural power of the Death Star, this set is a must-have for Star Wars collectors.

LEGO Star Wars Death Star is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding the LEGO Star Wars Death Star to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

The undead assemble in Marvel Zombies

The spooky season is coming to Disney+. On Tuesday, Marvel Animation dropped an official trailer for Marvel Zombies.



Read the official synopsis:

"After the Avengers are overtaken by a zombie plague, a desperate group of survivors discover the key to bringing an end to the super-powered undead, racing across a dystopian landscape and risking life and limb to save their world."

The voice cast includes Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Tessa Thompson, Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Hailee Steinfeld, Wyatt Russell, Randall Park, Iman Vellani and Dominique Thorne.

The ghoulish new four-part series premieres exlusively on Disney+ on 24th September.

Are you looking forward to Marvel Zombies on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Ideas iMac G3

Apple and LEGO are two of my favourite brands. Therefore, I couldn't ignore this 700-piece LEGO Ideas iMac G3 submission developed by fan designer terauma!

Read the official description:

"The iMac G3 was released in 1998.

The bold design, which overturned the conventional image, attracted many people and became the beginning of the later translucent boom. When I was a kid, my brother and I often played games on this iMac.

By releasing this set at LEGO, I wanted people to pick up this nostalgic computer again."

Sir Jony Ive's iconic all-in-one iMac design would become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in everything from Jennifer Lopez's iconic pop promo for If You Had My Love to television series, foreshadowing the Cupertino-based company's rise, Lazarus-like, under the auspices of the then returning co-founder Steve Jobs, from imminent collapse into the consumer electronics giant we know today.

Without the iMac, there would be no iPod, iPhone or iPad and, quite possibly, no Apple.

A LEGO Ideas iMac G3 may be a pipe dream due to licensing, but I've cast my vote here. LEGO has a storied history with Disney, Nintendo and more, so why not Apple?

Are you voting for the LEGO Ideas iMac G3? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Starfighter begins filming

Today, to mark the start of production on Star Wars: Starfighter, Lucasfilm has announced the full cast for the upcoming feature film from Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine).

Joining the previously announced Ryan Gosling, the film stars Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

“I feel a profound sense of excitement and honor as we begin production on Star Wars: Starfighter,” said Levy in a statement. “From the day Kathy Kennedy called me up, inviting me to develop an original adventure in this incredible Star Wars galaxy, this experience has been a dream come true, creatively and personally. Star Wars shaped my sense of what story can do, how characters and cinematic moments can live with us forever. To join this storytelling galaxy with such brilliant collaborators onscreen and off, is the thrill of a lifetime.”

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is due for release on 28th May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

For half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian, will be in cinemas next year. While it's directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), will it be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+?

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Rebecca Romijn on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' third season is currently streaming exclusively on Paramount+. After a two-year hiatus between seasons, I couldn't miss it, so I resubscribed!

Our friends at JustWatch recently talked to Rebecca Romijn (X-Men) about the enduring appeal of the Star Trek franchise.

Rebecca Romijn on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: “Enjoy This Optimistic Entry Point into the Alien Worlds of Star Trek”

JustWatch spoke with Rebecca Romijn, who plays Number One in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, about the show's unique appeal to both new and longtime fans of the franchise. As part of our Why to Watch campaign—spotlighting exclusive cast insights to help viewers discover meaningful stories—Romijn shared why Strange New Worlds stands out as a must-watch.

Rebecca Romijn on Why Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a Must-Watch

“I think that Star Trek is an important show for anyone to watch, in terms of the way that it promotes a sense of hopefulness and optimism for the future.

If you’re not familiar with Star Trek, Strange New Worlds is the perfect gateway series to start with—except maybe the original series. It’s a mission-of-the-week show, and you don’t need much background on Star Trek to watch it. It’s a great starting point that appeals to many generations, a great show for kids to watch with parents and grandparents.”

About Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Set in the decade before Captain Kirk’s command, Strange New Worlds follows Captain Christopher Pike and his crew—including Romijn’s Number One—as they explore new planets aboard the USS Enterprise. With a return to the franchise’s episodic roots and emphasis on moral storytelling, the series has earned critical praise for being both refreshing and faithful to Star Trek’s core themes.

About Rebecca Romijn

Rebecca Romijn is a longtime fan-favourite with a diverse career in both film and television. She rose to prominence as Mystique in the original X-Men trilogy and has starred in Ugly Betty, The Librarians, and Femme Fatale. In Strange New Worlds, she brings gravitas and wit to the role of Number One—originally played by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry’s wife, Majel Barrett.

Find where to stream new, popular & upcoming entertainment with JustWatch.

Are you watching Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? Let me know in the comments below.

Retro-inspired game for Masters of the Universe

Mattel and Limited Run Games announced He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction at Gamescom.

“Dragon Pearl of Destruction is one of the exciting ways we’re bringing Mattel’s brands to life through digital games,” said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Games at Mattel. “It’s a love letter to those who grew up with He-Man, combining nostalgic visuals with fast-paced, modern gameplay. Our goal is to honor the franchise’s legacy while introducing it to a new generation of players. The team at Limited Run Games shares that passion, and we hope the game connects with both lifelong fans and newcomers alike.”

Inspired by the iconic ‘80s cartoon, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction allows players to take control of Eternia’s beloved heroes, including He-Man, Teela, Man-At-Arms, and more, to battle Skeletor and Evil-Lyn and save Eternia from plunging into darkness.

Fight through over 12 action-packed levels using character-specific moves, abilities, and power-ups to stop Skeletor’s ancient ritual that threatens to take over Eternia. Battle Cat, He-Man’s fearless feline companion, also joins the fray, battling on the side of justice with his claws unsheathed.

“Dragon Pearl of Destruction is the Masters of the Universe arcade game I yearned for as a child,” said Josh Fairhurst, CEO and Executive Producer at Limited Run Games. “I am excited and honored to be playing a small part in making it a reality.”

Growing up, I wanted an Intellivision to play the Masters of the Universe: The Power of He-Man video game. An arcade port of Golden Axe filled the void on the Sega Mega Drive, and now fans (myself included) can play a retro-inspired 2D brawler by Bitmap Bureau on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2026.

Are you looking forward to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who is going nowhere

Ever since Ncuti Gatwa announced his departure from Doctor Who after only two seasons, fans (myself included) have speculated about the beloved series' uncertain future in partnership with Disney+.

Kate Phillips, the BBC’s new chief content officer, has appeared at the Edinburgh TV Festival and aimed to quell concerns and speculation about the franchise’s future:

“Rest assured, Doctor Who is going nowhere. Disney has been a great partnership – and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year – but going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC … The TARDIS is going nowhere.”

Longtime fans (myself included) have been here before, back in the eighties. Let's hope it's not another sixteen years before a new series.

What are your thoughts on the future of Doctor Who? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

During Gamescom Opening Night Live, Warner Bros. Games, TT Games, DC, and the LEGO Group announced LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a brand-new action-adventure videogame inviting players to embark on an epic journey to become the hero of Gotham City, inspired by the 86-year history of Batman films, television shows, comics, and games, all combined with the TT Games’ legendary LEGO humour.

“We are thrilled to announce LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a fantastic new game designed to entertain and provide enjoyment for every type of player,” said JB Perrette, President and CEO, Streaming & Games, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Our remarkable team at TT Games is working hard to deliver a fresh take on the beloved Batman universe, offering new and improved features beyond previous LEGO games that will excite both longtime fans and gamers of all levels.”

Developed by TT Games, creators of the best-selling LEGO Games franchise, including the critically acclaimed LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and published by Warner Bros. Games, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 system, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

“All of us at TT Games are incredibly proud to reveal LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a brand-new game that’s a real celebration of everything Batman,” said Jonathan Smith, Strategic Director & Head of Development Team, TT Games. “We take players on Bruce Wayne’s epic journey to become the legendary hero of Gotham City, incorporating iconic moments from across Batman’s history with our special LEGO twist. Our all-new crime-fighting combat features are amazing fun and take LEGO gameplay to an entirely new level.”

The adventure begins with the origins of Batman as a young Bruce Wayne trains with The League of Shadows, and throughout the story-led campaign, players will build a family of allies with well-known characters including Jim Gordon, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul to help confront an ever-growing threat from a Rogues Gallery of DC Super-Villains, facing the likes of The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Ra's al Ghul, Bane, and more.

“This is a Batman game that fans will instantly connect with,” said Fredrik Löving, Senior Vice President and Global Head of GAME, The LEGO Group. “Our partners at Warner Bros. Games, TT Games, and DC have created an experience that delivers the style, intensity, and authenticity of Gotham City’s greatest hero, infused with the family-friendly fun of the LEGO brand, making it an exciting experience for LEGO Batman fans old and new.”

While fans (myself included) wait for the release of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, LEGO is releasing the amazing Arkham Asylum building set on 9th September.

LEGO DC Batman Arkham Asylum is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Are you looking forward to LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight? Let me know in the comments below.