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.

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, set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is due for release in 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

Are you excited for 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.

Fallout heads to New Vegas in first look

Fallout was originally announced in 2020 during the pandemic and exceeded all expectations when season one dropped on Prime Video in April 2024. The live-action adaptation of Bethesda's video game franchise from the showrunners of Westworld, Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, is prestige television on par with HBO's The Last of Us.

Ahead of Gamescom, where a new Fallout video game is rumoured to be announced, Prime Video and Kilter Films have shared a first look at season two of Fallout. The new season will pick up in the aftermath of the debut season 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 most celebrated 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 cast includes Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets, Sweetpea), Aaron Moten (Emancipation, Father Stu), Walton Goggins (The White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones), Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Desperate Housewives), Moisés Arias (The King of Staten Island, Jockey) and Frances Turner (The Boys, The Man in the High Castle).

Fallout season one has had more than 100 million viewers worldwide, ranking among the three most-watched shows ever on Prime Video.

The hit series based on the popular video game franchise will return for a third season as the show’s second season prepares to launch later this year on 17th December.

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

Have you watched Fallout on Prime Video? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien: Earth

Noah Hawley's Alien prequel series is a blood-stained Peter Pan parable, stirring subconscious fears of a life-changing childhood trauma on Disney+.

For the first few years of rehabilitation following an unreported head injury witnessed by my primary school teacher and classmates, which culminated in a brain haemorrhage and diagnosis of paraplegia after awaking from a coma, I didn't think I'd live long enough to become an adult.

My parents shared that fear and initially thought the hospital had sent me home to die. The reality was that medical staff ignored the advice of the senior consultant; I was immunocompromised, and within days, I was readmitted.

At the time, I was obsessed with puzzles, LEGO, Doctor Who, The Muppets and The Six Million Dollar Man. The latter's toy line from Kenner would play a crucial role in trauma therapy, as a 5-year-old, to begin to make sense of what had happened and adapt. I was the boy who lived.

So, I found myself empathising with Wendy, sublimely played by Sydney Chandler. Developed by Prodigy, a competitor of Weyland-Yutani, she is the first hybrid synthetic with the consciousness of a terminally ill child. A chance at immortality, but at what for-profit price?

Wendy's first scenes with the Lost Boys were profoundly poignant as I'd befriended children on the hospital ward who didn't get to go home. Hawley deftly cuts between the Maginot's monstrous managerie and children bravely facing tragedy with hope.

Hawley has said of the Alien franchise: “For me, the first film may be the best horror movie ever made, the second film may be the best action movie ever made.”

The unmistakable look and feel of Alien DNA permeates Alien: Earth. And I got goosebumps as composer Jeff Russo, like Benjamin Wallfisch (Alien: Romulus), adroitly weaves familiar franchise leitmotifs from Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner and more into a brave new world of MU/TH/UR.

Hawley's Neverland examines existential fears of climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), and tech titans vying to control our lives, but never forgets its body horror roots in the biomechanical grotesqueries of H.R. Giger unleashed by Ridley Scott in Alien.

Like many, I watched the original Alien far too young and the titular xenomorph has stalked my nightmares and woven itself into the fabric of fragmented memories of a childhood trauma featuring creepy hospital corridors, flickering neon lights and faceless adults.

Alien: Earth opens with one of the best pilot episodes of all time. Alien has found its Andor.

Have you watched Alien: Earth on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

BBC Proms: The Planets and Star Wars

On Saturday, the Force was strong with The National Youth Orchestra as they performed a brand new suite from Star Wars by John Williams and Holst's The Planets at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms.

"Britain’s most talented teenagers present a concert of intergalactic musical giants. Expect moons and meteor showers, spaceships, stars and lightsabers from the National Youth Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska.

The many worlds of Holst’s The Planets, including the mysterious beauty of ‘Neptune’ and rousing ‘Jupiter’ theme, meet the music from John Williams’s mighty Star Wars soundtracks, plus Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw’s piece inspired by sci-fi and some sky-gazing at the Griffin Observatory in Los Angeles."

The Planets and Star Wars are two musical pillars from my formative years, with the former influencing the latter.

Listen now on BBC Sounds and watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two on 24th August.

Alien at the Natural History Museum

Alien: Earth crash-lands this week on Disney+, and an alien egg is on display at the London Natural History Museum.

For the next fortnight, visitors and fans alike can bear witness to the first stage in the life cycle of the titular xenomorph in this special display, celebrating the release of FX’s Alien: Earth, a new sci-fi series from Emmy Award-winning Noah Hawley (Fargo).

Professor Caroline Smith, planetary scientist at the Natural History Museum, says: "Extraterrestrial life and the secrets of the solar system have forever fascinated humans. It's a treat to have one of the most iconic depictions of alien life opposite our fantastic exhibition, which reveals the very latest scientific discoveries as it explores the age-old question - are we alone in the universe?"

Read the official synopsis for Alien: Earth:

“When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, “Wendy” (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s “Alien: Earth.”

In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. In this Corporate Era, cyborgs (humans with both biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) exist alongside humans. But the game is changed when the wunderkind Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unlocks a new technological advancement: hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness). The first hybrid prototype named “Wendy” marks a new dawn in the race for immortality. After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides into Prodigy City, “Wendy” and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.”

The cast for Alien: Earth includes Sydney Chandler (Don't Worry Darling), Alex Lawther (Andor), Samuel Blenkin (The Sandman), Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), Essie Davis (Assassin's Creed), Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger) and Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian).

Alien: Earth's first two episodes premiere exclusively on Disney+ on 13th August.

Are you looking forward to Alien: Earth? Let me know in the comments below.

Hulu goes global on Disney+

After 4 years, Star on Disney+ internationally will be rebranded as Hulu later this year as the House of Mouse consolidates its streaming services and focuses on the Disney+ app after buying out Comcast’s stake in Hulu.

Star ushered in grown-up content on Disney+ in 2021. However, Hulu is synonymous with prestige television from The Bear to Shōgun, and has far greater brand recognition. In 2009, Hulu and ITV almost signed a content deal.

Disney+ currently comprises Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, with the ESPN and Star brands available in selected territories.

“Work is already underway to continue enhancing our technology, and over the coming months, we will be implementing numerous improvements within the Disney+ app, including exciting new features and a more personalised homepage,” said Disney in a statement. “All of this work will culminate with the unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app experience that will be available to consumers next year.”

Could UK-based Disney+ subscribers (myself included) see Hulu launched as soon as next week to tie in with Alien: Earth?

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

Matt Smith to play villain in Star Wars

Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith, after being rumoured for a role as a young Palpatine in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, joins Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth in Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter.

According to Deadline, Smith will play a villain in the upcoming Star Wars movie, set for release in 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera. Smith, best known for playing the heroic Eleventh Doctor, is no stranger to playing villains in Terminator Genisys and House of the Dragon.

As a lifelong Doctor Who and Star Wars fan, I’m more excited for Star Wars: Starfighter than The Mandalorian and Grogu, which should have been released on Disney+.

What are your thoughts on Matt Smith playing a big bad in a galaxy far, far away? Are you excited for Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars fans urged to back Boba Fett

Appearing at the Tampa Bay Comic Convention, Temuera Morrison, who has played bounty hunters Jango Fett and Boba Fett, was asked about his involvement in future Star Wars projects.

“No,” Morrison answered. “We really have to treasure those moments now. All of you need to send a fax, or a letter or an email to those powers-that-be at Lucasfilm. I’m sure they’d love to hear from everyone. Please give Daniel Logan and Temuera Morrison another chance and put them somewhere.”

The enigmatic and mysterious mercenary Boba Fett was first introduced in an animated segment during the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. However, most fans (outside the US) wouldn't have known about him until Kenner's mail-away action figure promotion before appearing in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, played by the late Jeremy Bulloch.

The bounty hunter's apparent demise in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was less than satisfactory and was used mostly for comedic effect. A school friend and I were left nonplussed and, wrongly, assumed he'd escape moments after the Rebels had destroyed Jabba's Sail Barge as creator George Lucas rushed to tie up loose ends leftover from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and sell more toys.

Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in the prequel trilogy and appeared alongside Morrison on the panel, reflected on his experience being part of the Star Wars franchise.

"The crazy part with Star Wars is that you don’t know about filming anything until like, a week, or maybe two, or even less than that, right?" he said.

"But the thing is, Temuera is the greediest person in Star Wars. He’s played so many characters, he’s got the most characters in Star Wars, if you go down the line — from Jango, Boba, all of the Clones, Rex, Cody, Fives — he’s got the most characters in Star Wars."

Logan added, "There’s going to be plenty of opportunities. Especially for this guy, especially with this era of Star Wars, like Ahsoka, and all this stuff set after Return of the Jedi."

Morrison last played the fan-favourite bounty hunter in The Book of Boba Fett and confirmed he won't be appearing in The Mandalorian and Grogu movie next year.

If you hadn't already guessed, Boba Fett's one of my favourite characters from the franchise and the 12-inch action figure was a cherished Christmas gift from childhood - I was too excited to sleep after discovering Santa had left a smuggler's bounty on the landing.

Would you like to see the return of Boba Fett? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars returns to cinemas for 50th anniversary

On Friday, Disney announced it is rereleasing Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in cinemas in 2027 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' groundbreaking space opera. This will be followed by Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and starring Ryan Gosling (Barbie).

Read the press release:

"On April 30th, 2027, we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with a re-release of the 1977 classic back for a limited time, in theaters everywhere.

Part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Star Wars: A New Hope will play in theaters over the May the 4th holiday, also known as Star Wars Day."

Back in June, an original print of Star Wars from 1977 was screened by the British Film Institute (BFI) with the blessing of Lucasfilm. Disney has not shared any details on which version of Star Wars will be shown.

Are you looking forward to seeing the original Star Wars back on the big screen in 2027? Let me know in the comments below.

Predator meets Star Wars

During an interview with IGN at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) revealed that Predator: Badlands was inspired by Star Wars.



The working title of the upcoming Predator movie was Backpack!

Trachtenberg has confirmed that C-3PO and Chewbacca from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back were the inspiration for the titular predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) to carry the Weyland-Yutani synthetic, played by Elle Fanning, around on its back.

The two Alien vs. Predator (AVP) movies were forgettable. Ever since Predator 2 teased a shared universe with Alien, I've longed for something like this.

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

Are you looking forward to Predator: Badlands? Let me know in the comments below.

Gunship announced as Star Wars HasLab

At San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Hasbro announced its Battle of Geonosis campaign for 2026 with a Star Wars HasLab.

Read the official press release:

"Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship

The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship transports you right to the heart of the first battle of the Clone Wars on Geonosis and its aftermath. In Star Wars: Attack of the Clones™, this speedy attack ship led the rescue mission of the Jedi remaining after Count Dooku and the Separatists’ assault, setting a cascade of rockets and laser fire onto the Separatist droid army.

LAAT/i (Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry) Republic ships can be seen in epic battles scenes across Star Wars, including the animated classic Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ and its more recent counterpart, Star Wars: The Bad Batch™. The HasLab team is thrilled to bring you one of the franchise’s most recognizable and celebrated vehicles.

If funded, this ship will make the perfect tribute to one of the defining moments in the prequel trilogy. Let’s get into the details!"

Take a closer look with Hasbro designer Chris and special guest Adam from Lucasfilm's product development, who sold me on backing it.



The last Gunship toy I owned was from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, which I sold to a fellow Star Wars fan and collector a few years ago. Like many fans, I have reservations about the £449.99 price tag and tiers.

After pontificating for a few days (The Ghost is still boxed), I’ve decided to back the HasLab for now, if only to support the campaign and reach 8,000 backers. I appreciate that this is a good problem to have. Will it be another Rancor? We'll see in September.

Will you be backing the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab on Hasbro Pulse? What do you think of the price? What are your thoughts on crowdfunded collectables? Should it be a retail release? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro teases Tron toys at Comic-Con

Hasbro's Steve Evans teased Tron toys based on Disney's original Tron, Tron: Legacy and the upcoming Tron: Ares at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Evans handed out 3.5-inch floppy disks, which contained a teaser image.

Christmas 1982 was all about the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K, Disney's Tron and Steven Spielberg's extra-terrestrial. I wanted Tron action figures and vehicles. It looks like Hasbro is about to grant that wish this holiday season.

Which Tron toys would you like to see from Hasbro? Let me know in the comments below.

Terror of the Zygons at the BFI

To mark the imminent release of Doctor Who: The Collection - Season 13, the British Film Institute (BFI) is hosting a screening of the season opener, Terror of the Zygons. The classic Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) story features the shapeshifting Zygons, which were childhood nightmare fuel.

When oil rigs come under attack from some force able to rip them to shreds, UNIT’s Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney) summons the Doctor to Scotland. The Doctor has a theory about exactly what’s causing the destruction, but it couldn’t really be the Loch Ness Monster. Could it?

The event will be held on Saturday, 20th September at midday; it will be preceded by a screening of Chris Chapman’s documentary Worlds Within, about the much-missed actor and writer Ian Marter (Harry Sullivan). Besides acting in Doctor Who, Marter penned acclaimed Target novelisations. There will be a Q&A with producer Philip Hinchcliffe after the main screening.

Tickets will go on sale on 5th August to BFI members and on 7th August to non-members.

Pre-order Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 13 now on Amazon (affiliate link).

Masters of the Universe x Transformers

Club Grayskull, which I ponied up an annual subscription to obtain He-Ro, a member-only grail action figure from my childhood, teased future Masters of the Universe (MotU) crossovers on the official forum (forums are still a thing in 2025?).

On Friday, Mattel and Hasbro announced Masters of the Universe x Transformers action figures at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). An included mini-comic will provide a backstory to the crossover, much like the original toy line!

As a fan of both toy lines since day one, I've pre-ordered Megatron Armour Skeletor and Bumblebee Armour Man-At-Arms from Mattel Creations, as I didn't want to miss out. The Fright Zone sold out in less than 30 minutes on Mattel Creations. I had the long-awaited playset in my cart, but to no avail. However, Hurricane Hordak and Despara won't be homeless for much longer as I've pre-ordered Hordak's stronghold from The Whole Shebang.

Fans have wondered where's Optimus Prime Armour He-Man and why isn't Man-At-Arms, Brawn? The designers revealed that Buzz-Off was an early concept for Bumblebee. This crossover looks fun, and there will be further action figures in the line. Arcee Armour Teela?

In related news. An Amazon exclusive Castle Grayskull (affiliate link) and Hot Wheels x Transformers Bone Shaker and Twin Mill (affiliate link) were also announced at SDCC.

What are your thoughts on Masters of the Universe x Transformers? Which action figures would you like to see? Are you a fan of toy line crossovers? Is it lazy nostalgia to fleece fans? Let me know in the comments below.

Step inside the Hasbro Pulse Booth

For Hasbro fans (myself included) who aren't at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Hasbro Pulse has released a booth tour.

“We’re excited to return to San Diego Comic-Con with a compelling slate of product reveals and fan-driven programming across TRANSFORMERS, BEYBLADE, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and more,” said Tim Kilpin, President of Toys, Board Games, Licensing & Entertainment at Hasbro. “As we continue to focus on our ‘Aging Up’ strategy, we’re delivering premium collectibles and immersive experiences designed to resonate with our fans. From highly anticipated convention exclusives at the Hasbro Pulse Toy Store to engaging brand panels, partner collaborations and experiences throughout the city, we’re inviting fans to celebrate the passion and storytelling that define our iconic franchises.”



"Couldn’t make it to San Diego Comic-Con? Or maybe you’re here and haven’t stopped by yet? Either way – step inside the Hasbro Pulse Booth at #SDCC2025 with Emily as your guide!

From our Fanstream Studio to the latest products from Transformers, G.I. Joe Classified Series, Marvel Legends, STAR WARS, and more, this tour gives fans at home a front-row look at the full Hasbro Pulse experience.

Explore our product displays, check out the exclusive Hasbro Pulse Store, and get a closer look at the sprawling artwork by Tom Whalen that wraps around the booth.

📲 If you’re following along from home, tell us which brand or reveal you’re most excited about this weekend – and stay tuned to Hasbro Pulse for more updates from SDCC 2025!"

Which brand panels are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien: Earth first look

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is currently underway. Go behind the scenes on the set of FX’s Alien: Earth and see what’s in store for humanity when technology and biology collide — with deadly consequences.



Read the official synopsis:

“When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, “Wendy” (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s “Alien: Earth.”

In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. In this Corporate Era, cyborgs (humans with both biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) exist alongside humans. But the game is changed when the wunderkind Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unlocks a new technological advancement: hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness). The first hybrid prototype named “Wendy” marks a new dawn in the race for immortality. After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides into Prodigy City, “Wendy” and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.”

The cast for Alien: Earth includes Sydney Chandler (Don't Worry Darling), Alex Lawther (Andor), Samuel Blenkin (The Sandman), Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), Essie Davis (Assassin's Creed), Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger) and Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian).

The tech bros are the monsters in Noah Hawley's (Fargo) upcoming series.

Alien: Earth premieres only on Hulu and Disney+ on 13th August.

Are you looking forward to Alien: Earth? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro reveals Star Wars Comic-Con exclusive

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding the Star Wars: The Black Series San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) exclusive 2-pack featuring Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ANAKIN SKYWALKER & OBI-WAN KENOBI

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $109.99 | *Availability details below)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS Galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure 2-pack is detailed to look like Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi from STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. In addition to their signature Lightsabers™, the Sith Lord and the Jedi Master come with swinging and clash effects, a two-part stand, interchangeable Force hands, and more. Designed to look like the planet Mustafar, the platform can be displayed in multiple configurations and includes an additional lava piece for posing. With exquisite features and decoration, THE BLACK SERIES embodies the quality and realism that STAR WARS devotees love (additional products each sold separately, subject to availability).

*The STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ANAKIN SKYWALKER & OBI-WAN KENOBI will be available for purchase exclusively at the Hasbro booth (#3213) during 2025 San Diego Comic-Con. Additional purchasing details to be announced on the official San Diego Comic-Con website. Following San Diego Comic-Con, limited quantities will be available to order on Hasbro Pulse.

Will you be adding Star Wars: The Black Series Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi SDCC exclusive to your collection when available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse? Let me know in the comments below.

Predator: Badlands hunts apex Alien

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is later this week, and 20th Century Studios has dropped an official trailer for Predator: Badlands.



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.

Alien and Predator fans (myself included) are eating good thanks to Disney.

Will the upcoming sequel to Prey connect to Alien: Romulus and Alien: Earth to kickstart a new Alien vs. Predator (AVP) franchise with bite? There's knowing nods to both franchises and Star Wars, too! It's a refreshing premise to see the titular predator as a protagonist with a Weyland-Yutani synthetic as a companion. This is the movie I wanted to see as a college student reading Dark Horse Comics in the early nineties.

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 official trailer for Predator: Badlands? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien: Earth's frightening flora and fauna

Alien: Earth is less than a month away, and the second official trailer teases Noah Hawley's (Fargo) spin-off series is leaning heavily into classic sci-fi movies from The Thing from Another World to Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It! The Terror from Beyond Space was an inspiration for the original Alien.



Read the official synopsis:

“When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, “Wendy” (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s “Alien: Earth.”

In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. In this Corporate Era, cyborgs (humans with both biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) exist alongside humans. But the game is changed when the wunderkind Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unlocks a new technological advancement: hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness). The first hybrid prototype named “Wendy” marks a new dawn in the race for immortality. After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides into Prodigy City, “Wendy” and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.”

The cast for Alien: Earth includes Sydney Chandler (Don't Worry Darling), Alex Lawther (Andor), Samuel Blenkin (The Sandman), Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), Essie Davis (Assassin's Creed), Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger) and Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian).

The Alien vs. Predator (AVP) movies are also set on Earth. However, Hawley's upcoming series is much more compelling as it deals with contemporary issues of climate change, artificial intelligence (AI) and tech titans vying for control over our lives.

Alien: Earth premieres only on Hulu and Disney+ on 13th August.

Are you looking forward to Alien: Earth? Let me know in the comments below.

Fantastic Four livestream on Disney+

Disney+ will livestream the blue-carpet event for Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” offering subscribers an exclusive front-row seat to a world premiere for the first time ever. The star-studded event will unfold at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, celebrating the upcoming theatrical debut of Marvel’s First Family. The livestream kicks off on Tuesday, July 22 at 3am BST, with a full replay available to stream following the event.

This unprecedented live experience marks a new chapter for Disney+, bringing fans closer than ever to the excitement, glamour, and behind-the-scenes action of a red-carpet film premiere. From celebrity arrivals to cast interviews and special surprises, the livestream provides Disney+ subscribers around the world exclusive access, including a special sneak peek at the film before it opens in cinemas.

The film’s cast and filmmakers will be in attendance, including Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles, director Matt Shakman, producer Kevin Feige, executive producers Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis, and Tim Lewis, and composer Michael Giacchino, as well as a host of other talent and filmmakers.

Read the official synopsis:

"Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet.

Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal."

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas on 25th July.

Will you be watching the livestream on Disney+? Are you looking forward to The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Let me know in the comments below.

Jaws at 50

50 years ago, Jaws, the granddaddy of summer blockbusters, was unleashed in cinemas, becoming a pop culture sensation.

Director Steven Spielberg's shark story, adapted from Peter Benchley’s bestselling book, is regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. Such was the phenomenal success of Jaws that shark species were hunted to near extinction due to a moral panic. Thankfully, lessons were learned, myths dispelled, and shark conservation has prevailed on Shark Awareness Day.

While I was too young to see Jaws during its original theatrical run, it caught my childhood imagination courtesy of Ideal's The Game of Jaws and John Williams' Oscar-winning soundtrack as I flicked through the pages of a neighbour friend’s shark book before asking them countless questions about the movie - their patience was limitless.

When Jaws was first shown on television in 1981, I wasn't disappointed (traumatised, more like).

Alien and Jaws have the distinction of being the stuff of childhood nightmare fuel in the early eighties. For the next two hours, I didn't move from the edge of my seat. For context, not for the first time, I had my legs in plaster casts as part of rehabilitation following a life-changing injury.

My nerves were as frayed as the carpet beneath my feet, but I couldn't avert my eyes from the horror unfolding before me and that fella from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Richard Dreyfuss (Matt Hooper). The real villain of Jaws isn’t the great white shark; it’s capitalism as the greedy mayor, played by Murray Hamilton, tries to keep the Amity Island beaches open for the 4th of July.

In the wake of seeing Jaws on ITV, I created an effigy of the shark's head using papier-mâché for a middle school art project. It hung in my parents' garage for decades.

In an era of second screens and artificial intelligence (AI), Jaws remains a masterclass in cinematic storytelling filled with compelling characters we care about. Bruce, the mechanical shark, may have infamously broken down on set, forcing Spielberg to shoot around the titular beast. Yet, Jaws broke box office records, spawned sequels and countless imitators, but never bettered. And generations of movie fans (myself included) can't visit the seaside without hearing Williams' iconic main theme.

What are your memories of watching Jaws? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars creator coming to Comic-Con

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, is heading to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Lucas' space opera franchise has a storied history with Comic-Con dating back to 1976.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome George Lucas to Comic-Con for the very first time,” said David Glanzer, chief communications and strategy officer of Comic-Con. “Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring Howard Chaykin’s now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item.

Lucas will be joined by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water) and artist and Star Wars prequels production designer Doug Chiang for a panel that will explore the power of illustrated story and offer a sneak peek at the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

“Now, to have Mr. Lucas return, this time to debut the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community, and the museum’s mission to celebrate narrative art in all its forms perfectly reflects what Comic-Con has championed from the very beginning.”

SDCC is set to run from 24th July through 27th July. I wish I were attending this year.

Are you looking forward to SDCC? Let me know in the comments below.

Disney and ITV partner in streaming wars

The Walt Disney Company and ITV have announced a strategic deal for Disney+ and ITVX.

The partnership will be billed as a “Taste of ITVX” and a “Taste of Disney+” on their respective streaming services in the UK.

Starting 16th July, a curated, and regularly refreshed selection of hit shows and movies from Disney+ and ITVX will be available to viewers on both platforms. The agreement showcases ITV and Disney’s world-class content to each other's complementary audiences, extending reach and allowing more viewers to discover Disney+ and ITVX.

Joe Earley, President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment commented: “We are proud of this innovative collaboration with ITV, which will allow us to bring Disney+ customers some of the UK’s favorite and buzzworthy shows and encourage ITVX viewers to discover some of Disney+’s award-winning series and blockbuster films.”

It will allow Disney+ viewers to watch the likes of ITV‘s Love Island, Mr Bates vs The Post Office or Spy Among Friends, and vice versa: ITV audiences can watch the first season of FX’s The Bear or Lucasfilm’s Andor alongside other hit Disney movies.

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, ITV said: “Disney are fantastic partners with a brilliant breadth of content. This mutually beneficial alliance allows us to show our complementary audiences a specially selected collection of titles, regularly updating, that gives a flavour of the range in our respective offerings. For us, this deal means even more great content for viewers on ITVX, and even more opportunity for viewers to find and enjoy our distinctive titles and services.”

Lucasfilm and ITV have a storied history. Star Wars premiered on ITV in 1982, and I remember recording it off-air on my parents' Panasonic VCR. I will follow this development with great interest.

What are your thoughts on the Disney and ITV deal? Is it a good idea? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Icons Transformers Soundwave

Today, the LEGO Group, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company Hasbro, reveals the LEGO Icons TRANSFORMERS Soundwave model set (10358), an immersive building experience crafted for adult fans. This collectable set captures the essence of the iconic Decepticon Soundwave and his loyal cassette companions in a detailed and dynamic LEGO brick interpretation.

The LEGO Icons Soundwave set invites builders to build a highly detailed version of the legendary TRANSFORMERS character. With 1,505 pieces, the set features posable joints, a working cassette bay, and seamless conversion between robot and cassette player modes - without disassembly. Pressing Soundwave’s play button activates specially recorded voice and sound effects, offering an interactive, first-ever twist with sound.

Accompanying Soundwave are two buildable cassette companions: Ravage and Laserbeak, that convert into miniature cassette tapes, fitting snugly into Soundwave’s chest compartment. Accessories including a rocket pod, laser blaster, and darts, add to the set’s action-packed authenticity. A display plaque showcasing Soundwave’s power statistics makes this a perfect centrepiece for home or office display. This new set adds a villainous Decepticon to the existing the LEGO Icons TRANSFORMERS lineup, which also includes the LEGO Icons Optimus Prime set and the LEGO Icons Bumblebee set.

LEGO Icons Transformers Soundwave is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Icons Transformers Soundwave to your collection? Which LEGO Icons Transformers sets would you like to see in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Tron in Dolby Vision

Christmas 1982, I unwrapped a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K and saw Disney's Tron.

The story of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a gifted computer programmer who gets transported onto the Game Grid by the Master Control Program (MCP), captured my 10-year-old imagination.

From then on, I was hooked on computers and their creative possibilities. Over the decades, I've owned a ZX Spectrum, ZX Spectrum+, Commodore 64 and Apple Macintosh computers.

On 3rd July, Disney showcased a special screening of Tron in Dolby Vision as part of the series Bathed in Light: Saturated Colors in Cinema. The cult sci-fi movie, written and directed by Steven Lisberger from a story by Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird, has been fully restored ahead of the release of Tron: Ares in cinemas later this year.

The Tron franchise is synonymous with innovative visual effects and soundtrack soundscapes, featuring award-winning composers such as Wendy Carlos, Daft Punk, and now Nine Inch Nails (NIИ).

Hopefully, fans (myself included) of the original Tron will be able to watch the dazzlingly restored movie on Disney+.

What are your memories of watching Tron? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Wars UCS AT-ST announced

LEGO has announced exciting Star Wars sets available on 1st August. The sets include the UCS AT-ST Walker.

Inspire memories of the epic battles of Endor with the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series AT-ST Walker building set for adults (75417).

A great Star Wars gift for men and women, this build-and-display model captures many authentic features of the All Terrain Scout Transport vehicle, from its distinctive legs to the top hatch, which opens to reveal the highly detailed 2-person cockpit. Customise your display by rotating the ‘head’ of the AT-ST, opening and closing the shutters over the viewports and adjusting the laser cannons. This collectable brick-built Star Wars vehicle comes with an information plaque and a unique LEGO Star Wars minifigure of an AT-ST Driver (with the Imperial crest printed on its arms) to complete a dramatic centrepiece.

This set offers an immersive, rewarding and creative challenge, and the large-scale AT-ST Walker model kit makes a fine addition to any fan’s LEGO Star Wars UCS collection.

Discover LEGO Star Wars on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series AT-ST Walker building set to your collection this August? What other LEGO Star Wars UCS sets would you like to see in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 13

It's Throwback Thursday and BBC Studios has today announced that the next release in the hugely popular Doctor Who: The Collection range will be...

Season 13!

Read the official synopsis:

"In his second season, Tom Baker’s Doctor really hits his stride, with faithful companion Sarah-Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) by his side. Together they cross time and space to do battle with the Zygons, the biomechanoid Loch Ness monster, the fearsome Sutekh and his robot mummies, vengeful renegade Time Lord Morbius, an anti-matter creature on a distant planet, the scheming Kraals and the terrifying Krynoids."

Dad and I still discuss Baker's seminal second season as the titular Time Lord, which forever cemented my fandom. From shapeshifting Zygons to the bubbling brain of Morbius, Doctor Who was a Saturday teatime staple that would find infamy with Mary Whitehouse. During lockdown, my tweet concerning this fan-favourite season was published in the pages of the official Doctor Who Magazine (DWM).

All episodes have been newly remastered from the best available sources – these classic adventures have never looked or sounded so good on home media. Including never-before-released footage from Mathshow, Disney Time and more.

Pre-order Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 13 now on Amazon (affiliate link).

What are your memories of watching season 13? Let me know in the comments below.

Return to Oz

Before Wicked, there was Return to Oz.

Disney's dark fantasy fairytale sequel to The Wizard of Oz, directed by Walter Murch with an uncredited assist from George Lucas (Star Wars) and Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), was released 40 years ago and formed part of a childhood cinematic collective of stylistically similar movies including The Neverending Story, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth (the latter two directed by Muppet creator Jim Henson).

Although Return to Oz, based on L. Frank Baum’s early novels, Ozma of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz, passed me by at the cinema for reasons unknown. I vividly remember the Wheelers appearing on Blue Peter as instant nightmare fuel for Dorothy (Fairuza Baulk) and friends to evade.

Murch's movie forgoes the Technicolor trappings of the beloved MGM musical starring Judy Garland in favour of muted tones in a twisted tale of psychiatric wards, disembodied heads, talking clockwork toys and an exploration of childhood trauma, which many (myself included) can relate to.

David Shire's sumptuous soundtrack deserves special mention for its haunting orchestrations, which transcend the movie's shortcomings. My friend, Professor Michael Williams, lent me his copy of Bay Cities' CD release when we were in college together. Subsequently, the fine folks at Intrada released a remastered album years after the CD went out of print, which is available to stream - I'm listening to it as I write - on Apple Music.

A box office bomb, Return to Oz embodies a darker and riskier creative chapter of family fare from the House of Mouse, which also includes The Black Hole and The Black Cauldron. It became a cult classic on home media and the subject of critical analysis with fellow media students at college.

Return to Oz is streaming on Disney+.

What are your memories of watching Return to Oz? Let me know in the comments below.

The truth is out there: LEGO The X-Files

10 years in the making, an official LEGO Ideas set is coming soon based on the sci-fi series The X-Files, which centres around two FBI agents, Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), who carry out paranormal investigations. The series debuted in 1993 and ran for 11 seasons, becoming a worldwide phenomenon in the process.

During the nineties, I was sold on the conspiracies and bought the official magazine, comics, books, CDs, posters, and season box sets on VHS and then, latterly, DVD. This was an era when a new series of Doctor Who on television was a pipe dream.

The X-Files set was designed by user WetWired and features an intricate diorama of a forest UFO scene above a recreation of Fox Mulder’s famous basement office. The set will comprise approximately 2,020 pieces and includes seven minifigures: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, “Grey” Alien, The Jersey Devil, Assistant Director Walter Skinner, Syndicate Leader and Eugene Tooms.  

Discover more sets on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Are you excited for a LEGO Ideas The X-Files set? Let me know in the comments below.

Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy

Longtime Disney collaborator Coca-Cola has announced collectable Star Wars cans and bottles with 30 character designs and Disney Park exclusives to commemorate 70 years of partnership.



"This collaboration is about more than just bringing together two iconic brands-it’s about celebrating the power of Star Wars fandom, shared passions, and the strength of community when we lift each other up," Islam ElDessouky, Coca-Cola’s global VP, creative strategy and content, said in a statement.

Thanks to a new Augmented Reality (AR) experience from Coca-Cola and Star Wars, you can be just like Princess Leia and send your own holo messages to friends, loved ones ... and maybe even retired generals-turned-Jedi hermits!

“Star Wars is a powerful cultural force around the world, with millions of fans across generations who carry these stories off the screen and into their lives,” Mindy Hamilton, SVP of global marketing partnerships at The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. “This custom campaign is for them and inspired by them.”

Each of the 30 Coke cans and bottles will feature a distinct character with a unique design.

In the Original Taste, consumers can find designs featuring characters such as Lando Calrissian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, The Mandalorian, and Emperor Palpatine.

Characters available in the Zero Sugar variety include Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Han Solo, R2-D2, and an Imperial Stormtrooper.

Will you be collecting the Star Wars-themed Coca-Cola cans and bottles? Let me know in the comments below.

Live-action Dragon's Lair lives!

In 1983, I vividly remember playing Don Bluth's (An American Tail) laserdisc-based Dragon's Lair in a Felixstowe arcade and losing all my pocket money to Dirk the Daring's abortive attempts to rescue Princess Daphne from the titular dragon, Singe, and the evil wizard, Mordroc.

Bluth, a former Disney animator, skillfully leveraged full-motion video (FMV) technology during an era of 8-bit graphics. Dragon's Lair left an indelible imprint on popular culture and spawned a short-lived animated series. The coin-op was featured in Stranger Things.

Netflix announced a live-action adaptation back in 2020 starring Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool & Wolverine). Although Reynolds has purportedly stepped away from playing the role of Dirk the Daring, it is still going ahead with director James Bobin (The Muppets) at the helm.

The animation of Dragon's Lair was so integral to the charm of the game that it seems almost sacrilege to adapt it in live-action. Whilst the adaptation won't use the choose-your-own-adventure style of the original arcade game, as was initially planned, there's still a lot to be excited about.

Are you looking forward to Dragon's Lair on Netflix? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien: Earth teases Predator

It's the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, and we're less than two months away from Alien: Earth, a new sci-fi series from Emmy Award-winning Noah Hawley (Fargo) based on the acclaimed Alien franchise, on Hulu on Disney+. An official trailer was released earlier in the month of flaming June.



Read the official synopsis:

“When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, “Wendy” (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat in FX’s “Alien: Earth.”

In the year 2120, the Earth is governed by five corporations: Prodigy, Weyland-Yutani, Lynch, Dynamic and Threshold. In this Corporate Era, cyborgs (humans with both biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) exist alongside humans. But the game is changed when the wunderkind Founder and CEO of Prodigy Corporation unlocks a new technological advancement: hybrids (humanoid robots infused with human consciousness). The first hybrid prototype named “Wendy” marks a new dawn in the race for immortality. After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides into Prodigy City, “Wendy” and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.”

The cast for Alien: Earth includes Sydney Chandler (Don't Worry Darling), Alex Lawther (Andor), Samuel Blenkin (The Sandman), Kit Young (Shadow and Bone), Essie Davis (Assassin's Creed), Adarsh Gourav (The White Tiger) and Timothy Olyphant (The Mandalorian).

As an Alien franchise fan since watching the original movie far too young on VHS, the Alien: Earth official trailer, with its allusions to Peter Pan, in the synthetic form of Wendy and Neverland Research Island, has piqued my interest further. Corporate espionage, an age-old quest for immortality and blood-stained xenomorphs! What’s not to like?

Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey), features a Wayland-Yutani synthetic, and you can hear a Predator in the Alien: Earth trailer. With Trachtenberg and Hawley mixing up the franchise DNA at Disney, I'm amped for an Alien vs. Predator (AVP) reboot.

Hulu is being rolled out internationally following its full acquisition from Comcast, and Alien: Earth would be the perfect launch title on Disney+.

Alien: Earth premieres only on Hulu and Disney+ on 13th August.

Are you looking forward to Alien: Earth? Let me know in the comments below.

The Witcher 4 demo at State of Unreal

CD Projekt Red showed a stunning tech demo at Unreal Fest Orlando 2025 of The Witcher 4 running on a base PlayStation 5 (PS5) with ray tracing enabled.



Read the official synopsis:

"This demo provides a glimpse at a number of 5.6’s powerful new open world features in action—all running on PlayStation 5 at 60 fps with raytracing—including the new, faster way to load open worlds via the Fast Geometry Streaming Plugin.

We get a peek at the power of 5.6 for handling busy scenes full of high-fidelity characters and visual effects like Chaos Cloth and an early look at Nanite Foliage, which provides a fast and memory-efficient way to achieve gorgeous foliage density and fidelity, slated for release in UE 5.7."

Remember that this isn’t gameplay of The Witcher 4 itself, but a deep dive into the technological groundwork.

Speaking on The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5 tech demo, Joint-CEO of CD Projekt Red, Michał Nowakowski, stated:

“We started our partnership with Epic Games to push open-world game technology forward. To show this early look at the work we’ve been doing using Unreal Engine running at 60 FPS on PlayStation 5, is a significant milestone — and a testament of the great cooperation between our teams. But we’re far from finished. I look forward to seeing more advancements and inspiring technology from this partnership as development of The Witcher 4 on Unreal Engine 5 continues.”

I vividly remember playing Unreal Tournament on my iMac DV SE in 2000. The Unreal Engine has evolved, and The Witcher 4 promises truly next-gen fidelity.

Tim Sweeney, Founder and CEO of Epic Games, said:

“CD Projekt Red is one of the industry’s best open-world game studios, and we’re grateful that they’re working with us to push Unreal Engine forward with The Witcher 4. They are the perfect partner to help us develop new world-building features that we can share with all Unreal Engine developers.”

Sony's $250 million investment in Epic Games is paying dividends, and I can't wait to play The Witcher 4 on PS5.

Have you watched The Witcher 4 tech demo? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

CBSO Star Wars Trilogy Weekender

The force will be strong in Birmingham this October, as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) teams up with esk to present the Star Wars Trilogy Weekender – a three-day orchestral spectacular that brings the galaxy’s most iconic saga to life.

Birmingham’s Symphony Hall will become the ultimate destination for film fans and music lovers between 24th to 26th October 2025. The CBSO will perform John Williams’ legendary, Oscar-winning score live, in synchronisation with the original Star Wars trilogy, screened in full cinematic glory. It’s a rare opportunity to experience these beloved films like never before – all in a single weekend at one of the UK’s most celebrated concert venues.

The weekend opens on Friday 24th October with Star Wars: A New Hope, followed by Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on Saturday 25th October, and concludes with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on Sunday 26th October. Each performance will feature the full force of the CBSO, delivering the unforgettable score live in real time with the film.

Emma Stenning, Chief Executive at the CBSO said: “This is not just a concert – it’s a cinematic and musical pilgrimage. Whether you're a lifelong fan or introducing someone to the saga for the first time, this promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music and big-screen magic.”

This event arrives at a time of growing national interest in orchestral film concerts. Symphony orchestras across the UK are using blockbuster scores to attract new audiences to classical music, with Arts Council England reporting a 17% increase in younger attendees. The Trilogy Weekender follows a string of sell-out Star Wars performances across the UK and coincides with heightened excitement around the next chapter of the Star Wars franchise.

Ticket packages are available, with 10% off when booking two concerts and 15% off when booking all three. Tickets range from £32 to £94.50 including fees, with tickets already selling fast.

The concerts are a part of the CBSO’s new 2025–26 season, which bridges classical tradition and contemporary culture. Other highlights include Best of Bond, Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush with live orchestra, and Symphonic Queen.

The Star Wars: Film Concert Series is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music. All rights reserved © Disney.

To book tickets or explore the full CBSO 2025–26 season, please visit www.cbso.co.uk.

Are you attending the CBSO Star Wars Trilogy Weekender? Let me know in the comments below.

The War Between The Land And The Sea first look

Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper in The Reality War, but the Whoniverse continues with a first look at The War Between The Land And The Sea, coming soon to BBC iPlayer and Disney+.



Read the official synopsis:

"When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war."

The five-part series stars Russell Tovey as Barclay and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt, with Jemma Redgrave, Alexander Devrient, Ruth Madeley, Colin McFarlane, Adrian Lukis, Patrick Baladi, Francesca Corney, Mei Mac and Vincent Franklin. Additional guest stars who can be spotted in the trailer are Waleed Hammad, Iestyn Arwel, Hannah Donaldson, Manpreet Bachu and Ann Akinjirin.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer says: “The excitement is beginning to build, as the Whoniverse expands. I can’t wait for people to see this magnificent cast in such a powerful, vital, epic story. Look to the seas!”

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

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

Doctor Who: The Reality War

The second season of Doctor Who on Disney+ has been somewhat overshadowed by speculation surrounding the series’ future, a decades-spanning tabloid trope since the classic era.

Rumours of Disney stepping away from the deal, regeneration, series cancellation, or hiatus haven’t detracted from my enjoyment. And the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) are plastic fantastic as Barbie dolls. Don’t forget Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), Mattel!

Does The Reality War stick the landing, unlike Empire of Death, or is the Doctor’s fate sealed with a headache-inducing hot mess of Russell T Davies' making?

Alas, it's the latter as Davies indulgently uses the Disney intellectual property (IP) playbook like a child in a candy store. The special runs the gamut from Avengers: Endgame to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. It was all too much.

We last saw the Doctor falling to his death in Wish World. He's rescued by Anita Benn (Stephanie de Whalley) from Joy to the World. Anita became an instant fan-favourite and possible future companion. Working at the Time Hotel and channelling the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from Loki, she's 6 months pregnant with the hotel manager's baby, and this ties into a theme of Time Lord reproduction or lack thereof, as revealed by the Rani (Archie Panjabi) as Poppy becomes the Doctor's surrogate child. A pivot too far, as Susan Foreman (Carol Ann Ford) is all but forgotten and Belinda is put in a box.

I couldn't keep track of all the twisted-up threads. Davies is at his best when using restraint, as seen in 73 Yards.

Ultimately, Omega was another classic villain to fall foul of Scooby Doo voodoo! Like Sutekh, he was a giant CGI monstrosity and a boring boss battle with zero stakes, dispatched using a reject prop from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Snacking on the Rani, he's more Rancor monster from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi than the vengeful creator of the Time Lords. What was far more interesting was the dynamic between the Doctor and his companions, Belinda and Ruby.

Here, the series shone brightest.

Whilst the bombastic battle at Avengers Tower, I mean UNIT HQ, was derivative and filled with far too many cameos, it was the mind games between Ruby and Conrad Clark (Jonah Hauer-King), her fake ex-boyfriend from Think Tank, that piqued my interest as giant skeletons attacked! Here was a former TARDIS companion with PTSD confronting her abuser.

Jodie Whittaker reprises the role of the Thirteenth Doctor on television for the first time since The Power of the Doctor. Her cameo, aboard the TARDIS, was a surprise, but a welcome one, subverting the expectation that David Tennant would return for the finale as the Fourteenth Doctor.

The chemistry between Gatwa and Whittaker sparkled, and I was a little misty-eyed. Davies has embraced former series showrunner Chris Chibnall's divisive Timeless Child with aplomb.

A time traveller for the TikTok generation.

As much as I’ve enjoyed this second season, I wanted to spend more time (pun intended) with the Fifteenth Doctor, Belinda and Ruby aboard the TARDIS. That’s good, even if it feels far too brief over two seasons. However, after an emotional goodbye with Belinda and Poppy (I teared up), Ruby was completely ignored back at UNIT HQ, the Fifteenth Doctor regenerates into Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) or is it?

Bad Wolf?

When the Disney+ partnership was announced in 2022, beginning with the 60th anniversary specials spearheaded by a returning series showrunner, I was excited about the future of my all-time favourite television series. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s trapped in an infinite loop of nostalgia.

The revival has come full circle from small beginnings in Rose. If the series is to continue in partnership with Disney+, it's time for a change and not a moment too soon.

Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Disney+ outside the UK and Ireland. Season two is available for pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link).

Have you watched The Reality War? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Millie Gibson teases return of Omega

Millie Gibson (Ruby Sunday) teased the return of Omega in the Doctor Who season two finale, The Reality War, in an interview with the Radio Times: "He's terrifying… I think people are going to be really shocked."

Omega, a founder of the Time Lord society corrupted by anti-matter and his ego, first appeared in the 10th anniversary special The Three Doctors, which featured William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton reprising their roles as the First and Second Doctors alongside Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor. He was originally played by Stephen Thorne, and his disembodied voice is heard in Wish World. The dialogue was taken directly from a Big Finish audio drama, Gallifrey: Intervention Earth, recorded before Thorne died in 2019.

Gibson goes on to say: "I think Archie is just such a cool Rani – she kind of worships Omega. I think it's a really cool two-villain dynamic. The more the better! This is why it's the biggest battle for the Doctor – there are two of his biggest villains that he has to defeat."

New episodes of Doctor Who drop every Saturday on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and Disney+ outside the UK and Ireland. Season two is available for pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Omega's return in The Reality War? Who do you think should play him, Brian Blessed? Let me know in the comments below.