Star Wars snares Spider-Man director

Spider-Man trilogy director Jon Watts is no stranger to a galaxy far, far away... He co-created and co-wrote the Star Wars spin-off series Skeleton Crew on Disney+.

According to an exclusive Knight Edge Media report, Watts is coming back to Star Wars for Episode X! The Hollywood Reporter (THR) has confirmed the story.

"The film is expected to continue the saga as Episode X following the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Daisy Ridley (We Clean the Dead) is also expected to return as Jedi Master Rey. Her spin-off film, Star Wars: New Jedi Order, was in development for a while but was shelved in favor of Episode X. She is expected to have a minor role in this film, and it may possibly expand in the sequels. It’s unknown if John Boyega (Finn) or Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) will return after their public exit from Disney in 2019. Lucasfilm is currently casting new, relatively unknown male and female leads. Production could begin as early as next year if everything goes according to plan."

Simon Kinberg, best known for his work on the X-Men film franchise, has been tapped to write Star Wars: Episode X.

Lucasfilm had no comment.

Next year is the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, created by George Lucas. The restored re-release of Star Wars, directed by George Lucas, is in cinemas on 19th February 2027. Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and stars Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary), and is due to release on 28th May 2027.

Are you looking forward to a new Star Wars trilogy from Jon Watts? Let me know in the comments below.

Life is Strange on Prime

After buying the Life is Strange Collection on sale for XBOX, I'm finally replaying the remastered video games as the autumn days grow shorter.

I've been a fan of the 'hella good' Life is Strange franchise since the original episodic video game was first released in 2015. Following photography student Max Caulfield's coming of age, it was a love letter to fans of character-driven storytelling. An award-winning interactive timey-wimey My So-Called Life featuring a superlative soundtrack.

However, I hadn't realised that a live-action series is being produced for Prime Video. Starring Maisy Stella and Tatum Grace Hopkins as Chloe and Max, filming is expected to wrap next month.

A few years ago, Life is Strange: True Colors captured my imagination on Game Pass Ultimate! Replaying the spin-off video game has become an annual autumnal tradition, and this year is no exception. As a fan of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Halloween and mystery, what's not to like?

Are you looking forward to Life is Strange on Prime Video? Let me know in the comments below.

Halo moves to Call of Duty's Activision

The XBOX brand's reset under Asha Sharma continues with Tuesday's announcement of further layoffs and Halo moving to Activision, the developer of Call of Duty (COD).

“We’re thrilled to welcome Halo, Rare, and World’s Edge to Activision. It’s an honor and a responsibility that we do not take lightly. These teams and their games have inspired fans around the world for decades,” Rob Kostich, the Activision president, said in a statement. “For Halo, our goal is clear: make the greatest Halo game ever, worthy of its universe and legacy, while staying true to what made players love it in the first place. It is a bold ambition, one that this franchise deserves. We have already begun assembling a purpose-built team, unique in capability and talent, ready and excited to deliver this next chapter with the community. To the World’s Edge and Rare teams, we can’t wait to get to work together.”

As I've written previously, my XBOX journey began with Halo: Combat Evolved in 2002.

As a Mac User since 1995, I vividly remember Apple CEO Steve Jobs announcing Halo at MacWorld 1999 before Microsoft bought Bungie, much to Jobs' chagrin. From the opening scene, I was captivated by Master Chief and Cortana's space opera adventure. Bungie's seminal first-person shooter (FPS) was an XBOX killer app and system seller.

My original XBOX had a faulty power cord (it could have overheated and caught fire). Essentially worthless, I disposed of the console in 2005. So, I traded in my XBOX video games, including Halo: Combat Evolved and Dead or Alive 3.

For almost a decade, I played exclusively on PlayStation. Then, I unexpectedly won an XBOX 360 S after entering a LOVEFiLM (now Prime Video) competition in 2012. The XBOX 360 era introduced me to Mass Effect, BioShock, and Call of Duty, and my unexpected XBOX homecoming culminated with Halo 4. Meanwhile, my PlayStation 3 (PS3) gathered dust.

The Halo brand has been mismanaged for years, and generations of gamers only know Master Chief from Fortnite. Bungie split from Microsoft in 2007, developing Destiny for Activision, and is now part of PlayStation Studios. Going forward, Activision will take over the Halo franchise from Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). Raven Software could be a good fit for Halo: I reviewed the studio's Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy.

Whatever happens, let's hope the next Halo is not filled with microtransactions.

What do you think about Halo moving to Activision? Let me know in the comments below.

Spider-Man surpasses Star Wars

Spider-Man: Brand New Day passes Star Wars: The Force Awakens, grossing $936.7 million, to become the biggest blockbuster in US box office history.

Lucasfilm took to social media to congratulate everyone involved:

"Impressive. Most Impressive.

From a galaxy far, far away, everyone at Lucasfilm sends massive congratulations to Destin, Tom, everyone at Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios and the entire team behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day on setting a new domestic box office record and taking the crown from Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Have you seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who put out to tender by BBC

After months of speculation, the BBC has officially opened the tender process for the next era of Doctor Who, confirming a new series is scheduled for 2028/29.

“We are flexible in the way the series is structured i.e. serialised or ‘story-of-the-week’ and the number of episodes which make up the series,” the BBC said. “We are not necessarily looking to work to a strict showrunner model and would expect once in production that the series will also use episodic writers.”

The tender process is expected to move quickly, with initial applications closing on 2nd October, with a shortlist selected in November and full bids due in December. The BBC will announce the successful tender in March 2027.

Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have departed the series now that the Disney+ deal has ended, and the previously announced Christmas special will not go ahead as the BBC instead focuses on Doctor Who’s long-term future.

Whatever happens, BBC Studios will remain in control of the TARDIS, handling distribution, licensing, consumer products, digital, and immersive experiences.

Who would you like to win the tender for a new Doctor Who series? Let me know in the comments below.

JustWatch TV to launch in October

Our friends at JustWatch have sent over details regarding their new streaming service with content partners that include Paramount, New Regency and Bleecker Street.

On Tuesday, the JustWatch Group, operator of the world's largest streaming guide, announced the launch of JustWatch TV, a new streaming service available directly inside the JustWatch apps and website.

Launching next month across the United States & Canada, the UK & Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. JustWatch TV will offer free ad-supported viewing, transactional rental options, and an ad-free subscription-based option.

JustWatch TV content launch partners include Paramount, New Regency, Fremantle, Bleecker Street and Vortex Media, among many others to be announced on the new service.

The launch marks a significant expansion for the JustWatch Group, which has spent more than a decade helping over 50 million monthly users discover what they want to watch across more than 1,500 streaming services worldwide. With JustWatch TV, the company is using that unique demand intelligence and consumer insights to build a catalog around real audience appetite.

"Every day, millions of people come to JustWatch searching for simpler ways to watch and discover hundreds of thousands of movies and TV shows,” says David Croyé, Founder and CEO of the JustWatch Group. "For over a decade, our mission has been to connect fans with their favorite films and shows, particularly the hard-to-find and previously unavailable titles. With the launch of JustWatch TV, we aim to make content discovery, access and engagement even easier."

JustWatch TV will offer a unique model that both encourages consumers to discover titles and watch them directly on JustWatch, or on their preferred streaming services across the world. Quentin Carbonell, JustWatch’s SVP of Global Content Acquisitions and Strategy, adds, "JustWatch TV is designed to meet that demand head-on, offering a straightforward solution at a time of fragmentation. We are curating film and TV hits and hard-to-find gems that you can watch for free or rent on JustWatch, or easily rediscover them on your favorite services. This way, JustWatch TV aims to support the whole industry, from filmmakers to distributors to streaming platforms across the world."

Because JustWatch TV will be integrated directly into the existing JustWatch apps and website, users move from browsing to watching available titles without switching platforms or creating new accounts. The service will be made available next month to all existing JustWatch users across launch markets.

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

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

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art first look

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening to the public later this month in Los Angeles.

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

Lucasfilm founder and Star Wars creator George Lucas said, “The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art was created to honor humanity’s stories and the artists who illustrate them. The artists in this collection didn’t just create images, they connected our modern imaginations with our ancient emotions—with common beliefs creating community. Their work spans genres, media, and time. They deserve to be in a museum.”

Fans were invited to a press preview earlier this month.



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

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

Star Wars in IMAX

The original Star Wars and Star Wars: Starfighter are in IMAX 70mm for the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

The restored re-release of Star Wars is in cinemas on 19th February 2027.

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and starring Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary), is due to be released on 28th May 2027.

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

Star Trek at 60

My earliest memories of watching Star Trek: The Original Series are of midweek primetime reruns on BBC One in the late seventies and early eighties!

Before we had our first VCR, I would tune in hoping to see The Corbomite Maneuver or Arena, where Captain Kirk (William Shatner) battled the Gorn!

Christmas 1977, I was gifted Dinky Toys’ Starship Enterprise, Klingon D7 Battlecruiser and Mego action figures (Kirk, Spock, Klingon, and a Gorn). These toys were a staple of watching Star Trek reruns for full immersion in an era long before augmented reality (AR) apps.

When Star Trek was revived, and its voyages moved to the big screen in the wake of Star Wars, I couldn’t wait to board the USS Enterprise for further adventures…

Whilst Star Trek: The Motion Picture was more star bore than star war to this hyperactive kid, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was a tale of revenge at too high a price.

Spin-off series soon followed, from Star Trek: The Next Generation to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a seminal series foreshadowing technology many of us use daily. From touchscreens to voice assistants... “Alexa, play Star Trek!”, words my younger self never imagined saying for real as I avidly read Marvel UK’s official magazine.

Soon I had a teenage crush on Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes), who vied for poster space with actresses Jennifer Connelly (Labyrinth) and Winona Ryder (Heathers).

Gene Roddenberry’s allegorical Wagon Train in space is sci-fi born of optimism and hope for the future. And the human race needs that more than ever. Live long and prosper.

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

50 years of The Muppet Show

50 years ago, The Muppet Show was first broadcast!

Jim Henson’s anarchic, fuzzy-felt creations were a staple of Sunday teatime telly and later moved to the big screen, from Star Wars to Labyrinth (don't get me started on teenage crush Jennifer Connelly)!

The original series ran for five seasons from 1976-1981 and featured memorable guest star appearances, including Mark Hamill (Star Wars).

Kermit and Miss Piggy (who scared me as a kid) became pop culture icons and adorned my childhood bedroom walls alongside Luke Skywalker and the Fourth Doctor.

We all have our own Muppetational stories… My parents gifted Muppet memorabilia to the children's hospital where my life was saved, against all odds, in 1977. The Muppet Show is as important to me as Doctor Who and Star Wars.

There's no new series following a one-off special on Disney+ earlier this year, which is a travesty. All 120 episodes of the original The Muppet Show are streaming on Disney+.

What are your memories of watching The Muppet Show? Let me know in the comments below.

Optimus Prime: Awakening

On Tuesday, Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment unveiled new details about The Transformers: The Movie, returning to theatres internationally in 4K from September 17–22. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Hasbro has created Optimus Prime: Awakening as a special animated short as part of its broader anniversary brand celebration.

The short, which will be presented following select anniversary screenings of the original 1986 film, is a fully realized, 12-minute animated video designed as a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen, the legendary talent and voice of Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime: Awakening builds on the acclaimed storytelling and visuals of The Transformers: The Movie (1986), offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the franchise’s iconic cultural moment from its past while exploring its future on the big screen.

The animated short delivers emotional storytelling, electric action, and new performances by legends Frank Welker as Megatron/Soundwave and Peter Cullen in his final original voice performance as Optimus Prime.

Peter shared that returning for Optimus Prime: Awakening meant a great deal to him. He felt the project was a homecoming to a character he had shaped for more than four decades. Peter’s performance reveals a deeper vulnerability while retaining the unmistakable strength and authority that made his portrayal iconic.

Frank Welker shared, “Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other. After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama. Peter’s portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs: honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing.

“This made it easy to be friends. Returning as Megatron and Soundwave for one final story opposite Peter’s Optimus in ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening’ was a real gift. I will miss my friend, but that voice and his heart and values will always be part of Optimus Prime.”

In addition to previously announced regions, Fathom Entertainment today confirmed screenings of The Transformers: The Movie in France, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Peru.

Are you going to see The Transformers: The Movie on the big screen? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO PlayStation at State of Play

Today, the LEGO Group invites fans to press ‘Start’ on a brick building trip down memory lane with the reveal of the LEGO PlayStation. This epic 1,911-piece set pays tribute to the console that redefined gaming, featuring the unmistakable grey silhouette of the original PlayStation console, alongside its very first revolutionary controller.

Designed for adult builders, this premium display model celebrates the console that helped shape a generation of play. For the first time, fans can build a detailed, near 1:1 scale replica of the iconic console, measuring over 6 cm high, 26 cm wide, and 19 cm deep. From plugging the brick-built controller into the console to pressing the tactile, functional Open and Power buttons, every detail has been designed to capture the ritual and excitement of ‘90s gaming on the original PlayStation console.

The real cheat code? Pop open the console to discover hidden, buildable dioramas inspired by two games that are a part of video game history. Builders can assemble a mini track from Gran Turismo (originally released in 1997) with tiny cars ready to race, and a scene from Ape Escape (released in 1999) featuring the game's iconic red or blue monkey helmet. These dioramas can be concealed inside the console or pulled out to be displayed alongside your setup.

LEGO PlayStation is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What do you think of the LEGO PlayStation? Will you add this to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who Pops! from Funko

Whovians (myself included) rejoice! Funko has announced its first new Doctor Who Pop! collection in seven years, featuring the Fifteenth Doctor.

You can pre-order Doctor Who Pops! that are still in stock today, with an estimated ship date of 18th November. The only exception is the exclusive Bronze Dalek (Metallic), which ships on 30th December.

Pre-order Doctor Who Pops! from Funko (affiliate link).

Are you collecting Doctor Who Pops! from Funko? Which characters would you like to see added in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime, dies

40 years ago, Optimus Prime (often viewed as a surrogate dad) died in The Transformers: The Movie! Hasbro's controversial decision to sell new toys by killing off fan-favourite characters traumatised a generation of kids (myself included).

Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime, recalled hearing the stories that prompted the return of the heroic leader of the Autobots:

"I did Optimus Prime up until the movie in 1986, where I was put to rest. 'There lays Optimus Prime. See ya, kid!' And I didn't come back, I wasn't resurrected until the first Michael Bay film. So, there's a lot of time in between; however, I did come back to do two or three shows because a lot of kids evidently had trouble with that scene, and they were not coming out of their rooms and hiding under beds, I was told."

On a personal note, my late mum bought me the original Optimus Prime toy - as a surprise gift - whilst I was off sick from school in 1984. The Transformers, combined with the Marvel Comics tie-in, would soon become one of my all-time favourite toy lines, which I still collect.

Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime for almost 4 decades, has died aged 85.

He died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, a statement said.

"Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide.

"His family asks that you honour his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle'."

Cullen's other roles included the evil KARR in Knight Rider, Monterey Jack in Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, and he voiced characters in 1980s and 1990s animated series including Spider-Man, Donkey Kong, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, Duck Tales and Adventures of the Gummi Bears.

Like many Transformers fans, I will be forever thankful for Cullen's contribution to my life.

'Til all are one.

Grand Theft Auto VI shines on PS5

After days of leaked gameplay footage, which I avoided like the bitcoin plague, Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto VI extended look on Netflix left me overwhelmed and even more hyped for the November release!



GTA VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond, in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series yet. With a reported budget of over a billion dollars and a female protagonist (Lucia), GTA VI was originally due to release in 2025.

The footage was captured on a base PlayStation 5 (PS5) and looks phenomenal...

IGN's Ryan McCaffrey said GTA VI "might be the best-looking game I've ever seen." The soundtrack includes inspired use of Cliff Richard's Devil Woman, and I've fallen in love with Lucia before even downloading the Ultimate Edition for PS5 and picking up a controller. Even with GTA VI locked at 30FPS, the PS5 Pro is selling out everywhere.

Rockstar Games has confirmed to Kinda Funny Games that GTA VI will launch without microtransactions or generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Pre-order Grand Theft Auto VI at Amazon (affiliate link).

What did you think of the extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI? Have you pre-ordered the game? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer

On Wednesday, the LEGO Group unveiled the LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (75457), a spectacular 6,130-piece building set designed for adult fans. This highly detailed Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) model invites builders to recreate the legendary flagship of Darth Vader, capturing the vessel’s vast scale and razor-sharp silhouette as seen in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

Designed as a tribute to one of the saga’s most recognisable ships, the set gives fans a striking display piece worthy of a galaxy far, far away... Builders can showcase the completed flagship on its built-in minimal stand alongside a companion Star Destroyer built to scale, complete with a tiny Millennium Falcon on a 1x1 round tile as a playful nod to the Executor’s colossal proportions.

Measuring over 53.5 inches (136 cm) in length, this is the longest LEGO Star Wars brick-built model to date. To achieve this impressive feat, the design team engineered a LEGO System core with slender LEGO Technic outriggers that anchor the exterior panels, delivering strength without bulk.

Authenticity and detail are at the heart of this set, which features dense central greebling contrasted against sleek side panels. Among the 6,130 elements is a newly designed decorated tile graphic used 60 times to recreate the tiny hull lights and central detailing. The graphic works across multiple orientations and overlaps, allowing the repeated tiles read as organic "random lights". Controlled inversions are utilised to switch building orientation mid-build, exposing both stud and tube sides for richer detailing on the center spine and underside.

The set includes seven Minifigures: Darth Vader and, for the first time in a single set, all six bounty hunters: Boba Fett, Dengar (featuring a refreshed backpack build), Bossk, IG-88 (featuring a brand-new moulded head), 4-LOM, and Zuckuss. The model includes a detailed Minifigure-scale scene of the Executor's bridge, where builders can recreate the legendary moment these characters meet.

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

What do you think of the LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer? Will you add this to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Spider-Man swings towards Star Wars

Spider-Man: Brand New Day disproves superhero fatigue by passing Avengers: Endgame at the US box office as the beloved webslinger swings towards Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“The press talks a lot about that, but right now, on anything, the theatrical audience demands greatness,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter (THR). “If it’s only OK, they can stay home and see ‘only OK’ all day long on television. If we’re going to ask them make a trip out of it, it’s got to be great. The answer is as simple as that.”

The Tom Holland-led Marvel Studios blockbuster has taken $2.22 billion worldwide.

Have you seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien director says he's an influencer

Sir Ridley Scott, the 88-year-old director of seminal sci-fi movies Alien and Blade Runner, told The Times of London how his legacy has inspired others:

"Every time, you are vulnerable. Also, I never want to repeat myself and all my films have been on the money. I've been ahead of the game frequently and, if you're ahead of the game, you're an influencer. So I'm not a filmmaker, I'm an influencer."

Scott is one of the highest-grossing directors of all time – winning two Golden Globes and two Emmys – as well as being nominated for four Oscars, eight Baftas and a Grammy.

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

Do you agree that Ridley Scott is an influencer, not a filmmaker? Let me know in the comments below.

Harrison Ford and Cookie Monster team up

The cast of Shrinking on Apple TV visited the set of Sesame Street earlier this year, where Harrison Ford and Cookie Monster teamed up.

The odd couple hummed composer John Williams' Raiders March from the Indiana Jones franchise in a viral clip that has broken the internet! As a kid growing up watching Sesame Street, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, this made my day.

Shrinking is streaming exclusively on Apple TV.

LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile

The LEGO Group, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, unveils the LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile (76355). The 2,269-piece set, inspired by the legendary vehicle from the 1992 film Batman Returns, recreates the sleek silhouette, intricate details and unforgettable transformation sequence of one of cinema's most recognisable Super Hero vehicles.

The latest in a series of LEGO Batman display models, this set brings the distinctive vehicle from Tim Burton's Batman Returns to LEGO brick form for the very first time. Featuring authentic details, an innovative transformation function and hidden references from the film, the model celebrates one of Batman's most memorable on-screen appearances.

From its elongated bodywork and jet turbine rear engine to the opening canopy and detailed cockpit, every element has been carefully recreated to reflect the Batmobile as seen on screen. Builders can also discover several hidden details throughout the model, including The Penguin's tracking device, inspired by memorable moments from the film.

LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What do you think of the LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile? Will you add this to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who legends launch the Pondcast!

Doctor Who legends Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) have officially launched their new podcast, The Pondcast!

The duo, who played fan-favourite companions of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), will be featuring guests from the beloved BBC sci-fi series, including former showrunner Steven Moffat.

Whilst the date of the first episode hasn't been confirmed, the former co-stars launched their show on Monday with an Instagram account, with Darvill explaining: "We're going to be doing some chatting."

"And drinking tea," Gillan added. "Telling stories..."

You had me at drinking tea.

"And reminiscing," Darvill went on. "And generally having an absolutely lovely time."

Darvill and Gillan first appeared in The Eleventh Hour and remained on Doctor Who until their heartbreaking exit in The Angels Take Manhattan.

What are your favourite episodes featuring the Ponds? Will you be listening to The Pondcast? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Starfighter at D23

During the Disney Studio Showcase panel at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, director Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and actor Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary) took to the stage with Lucasfilm co-president Dave Filoni to promote Star Wars: Starfighter.

“I owe a lot to Disney,” Gosling, a former member of the Mickey Mouse Club who is playing Kade Auberon, said. “Had they not looked far and wide and come to my hometown, I would not be here today. And now here I am 30 years later... I’m back, and it’s changing my life again.”

D23 attendees got an exclusive first look at the upcoming Star Wars movie along with its retro-inspired logo.

“I am so honored to release this film on the same weekend that the original film opened 50 years earlier,” Levy said.

Like Star Wars creator George Lucas, Levy was inspired by American car culture and films like The Outsiders and Lucas’ American Graffiti.

“Starfighter embodies the themes of hope, family and adventure that have always been core to Star Wars, but our story takes place in a period of time that has never been seen before, which has been a privilege to create and explore."

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.

Ahsoka brings the Force to D23

During the Ahsoka Spotlight panel at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Star Wars fans (myself included) got a first look at Ahsoka season two on Disney+. Creator and Lucasfilm co-president Dave Filoni and stars Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), and Eman Esfandi (Ezra Bridger) were on stage to tease the next chapter for Ahsoka Tano.



Read the official synopsis:

"As Ahsoka and her Jedi apprentice Sabine Wren travel across a mysterious and perilous world to find their way home, their friends Hera, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the New Republic into war."

It looks like the 3-year wait was worth it, with Lucasfilm pulling no punches for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.

Season two of Ahsoka, streaming on 20th January, 2027 on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to the second season of Ahsoka on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+

The Mandalorian and Grogu are coming home.

The Mandalorian and Grogu hit the big screen on 22nd May. For over half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. The family-friendly adventure, featuring fan-favourites from The Mandalorian series, brought the saga back to cinemas. This is the way.

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. The upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

Experience Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, streaming 2nd September on Disney+.

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

Stargate producer on rebooting Doctor Who

The BBC is putting Doctor Who out to competitive tender after the Disney+ deal was not renewed and the departure of series showrunner Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf.

Dean Devlin, who co-wrote and produced Stargate and Independence Day, has responded to rumours that his production company, Electric Entertainment, is linked to a new series of Doctor Who with David Tennant purportedly reprising the titular role.

When approached by the Radio Times, Devlin said in a statement: "It is untrue that we have had negotiations with the BBC. Preliminary or otherwise. When the proper time comes when they are prepared to speak with people, we certainly hope to have a discussion with them."

The update follows an earlier post by Devlin on Facebook, in which he shared an AI-generated video featuring himself and various other former Doctor Who actors posing on the set of the TARDIS. "So BBC is putting Doctor Who out to tender," Devlin captioned the video. "Do you think they should partner with us at Electric Entertainment?"

What are your thoughts on Dean Devlin producing Doctor Who? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars and Marvel Comics collide

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm Publishing unveiled Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, the first-ever crossover between the two beloved franchises launching in January 2027.

Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles marks a new chapter in the decades-spanning relationship between Marvel Comics and Star Wars.

“On April 12th, 1977, Marvel Comics introduced readers to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars #1. Now, 50 years later, it's only fitting that the Star Wars galaxy collides with the Marvel Universe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of A New Hope,” reflects Michael Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing. “With Hope Assembles, Kevin Smith has written a true love letter to Star Wars, to Marvel, and to comics in general. And combined with David Marquez's incredible art, we'll see the heroes and villains of Star Wars team-up and battle with the heroes and villains of Earth-616.”

As I've written previously, Star Wars Weekly #2 was my first comic book glimpse of a galaxy far, far away...

“Marvel and Star Wars’ histories have been intertwined for 50 years and continue to set the standard for storytelling across the world… and across the media landscape,” adds Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Stephen Wacker. “Lifelong lovers of both Star Wars and Marvel have a lot to look forward to as we finally bring the characters together in ways fans have been dreaming about for decades!”

Series scribe Kevin Smith is one such lifelong lover of both franchises. “Back in the early ‘80s, I had a subscription to Marvel’s Star Wars comics. And as fun as it was to follow the adventures of Luke, Leia and Han, I always wished that Spider-Man or Doctor Doom could cross over into their cinematic saga,” he shares. “So when the opportunity arose to actually tell that story, nobody had to Force my hand! I’m ecstatic to be writing Hope Assembles for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars! Many thanks to Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm for trusting me to fly the Falcon and the Quinjet!”

Are you looking forward to Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars at D23

Lucasfilm has exciting news about the Star Wars franchise at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this week.

Friday, August 14

A LEGO Star Wars Conversation with Shelby Young

10 a.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Go behind the bricks with voice actress Shelby Young as she discusses her experience across various LEGO Star Wars projects, including a sneak peek into new LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian special coming to Disney+ on September 2.

Ahsoka Spotlight

12 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Ahsoka’s Eman Esfandi, who plays Ezra Bridger in live action, stops by to talk about making Season 1 of the Emmy Award®-winning Disney+ series.

Creatures and Characters with Legacy Effects

2 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

The creative effects studio that brought the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the Anzellans to life talks about the craft of making lifelike creatures and costumes.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Meet & Greet

4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Saturday, August 15

Hasbro: Bringing Star Wars Characters to Life Through Toys

10 a.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Meet the Makers! Join the Hasbro team for a conversation about the creative journey behind bringing Star Wars characters from the screen into fans' hands through expressive, interactive toy design.

Designing The Mandalorian and Grogu: A Conversation with Doug Chiang

12 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Join Lucasfilm's Senior Vice President and Executive Design Director Doug Chiang for a moderated conversation about bringing The Mandalorian and Grogu to the big screen. Hear firsthand how the film's environments, creatures, and vehicles were developed from concept to screen.

Creatures and Characters with Legacy Effects

2 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

The creative effects studio that brought the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the Anzellans to life talks about the craft of making lifelike creatures and costumes.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Meet & Greet

4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Sunday, August 16

The Making of Star Wars: The Experience

10 a.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Lucasfilm’s Portia Fontes and Matt Martin join The Franklin Institute’s Abby Bysshe and MDSX’s Dan Picard to provide an in-depth look at curating the new Star Wars: The Experience traveling exhibition to celebrate 50 years of the franchise and the fandom.

Inside Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord with Matt Michnovetz

12 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Join head writer and executive producer Matt Michnovetz as he discusses the production process, creative journey, and powerful storytelling of Maul - Shadow Lord Season 1.

Creatures and Characters with Legacy Effects

2 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

The creative effects studio that brought the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the Anzellans to life talks about the craft of making lifelike creatures and costumes.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Meet & Greet

4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Which Star Wars panels are you looking forward to at D23? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd

Lucasfilm has announced a Welsh-language dub of Star Wars: A New Hope. Entitled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, it is scheduled to air on Christmas Day on S4C in anticipation of the movie's 50th anniversary next year.

S4C's chief executive Geraint Evans said: "We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope.

"It's such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world so we're delighted to be working with them and Creative Wales to turn this ambition into reality."

Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd is directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, director of distribution operations at Lucasfilm.

"We're really excited about this project for many reasons," Kohn said.

"I've been involved in a few indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language.

"The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn't pass up."

Wales has a storied history with Star Wars. A life-sized Millennium Falcon was built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, as well as scenes from Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte that were shot across Bannau Brycheiniog.

Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, said: "Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language.

"We have never before had a translation of Star Wars into Welsh and I am so thankful that in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality.

"Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time."

Matthew Rhys will voice Han Solo, with Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones, who portrayed Captain Moden Canady in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, will take on the role of Darth Vader, and Osian Morgan will voice Luke Skywalker.

May the Force be with you, or Bydded y Grym gyda chi, as fans say in Welsh.

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

Grand Theft Auto VI extended look on Netflix

Rockstar Games has announced that an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI will first be available on Netflix later this month.

"The new iteration in the blockbuster series comes 13 years following the debut of GTA 5, the same year that Netflix was beginning its push into original programming," Netflix wrote. "This collaboration represents the next generation of storytelling and content on Netflix."

GTA VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond, in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series yet. With a reported budget of over a billion dollars and featuring a female protagonist (Lucia), GTA VI was originally due to be released in 2025.

“Grand Theft Auto reveals have become cultural moments in their own right," said Brandon Riegg, Netflix's VP of Nonfiction Series. "The anticipation and fandom around Grand Theft Auto 6 is unprecedented, and we’re honored that Rockstar Games has partnered with us to debut the next part of the Grand Theft Auto story with Netflix members first. It’s a reflection of what we hope Netflix is becoming: a place where the most ambitious storytelling, from any medium, can find the biggest possible audience."

The long-awaited next instalment in the GTA franchise will be released on PlayStation 5 (PS5) and XBOX Series X|S on 19th November and will be digital-only. The halcyon days of midnight launches are gone forever post-pandemic, and vertical companies will have complete control over distribution, availability and dynamic pricing.

This has sparked controversy (I'm team digital on XBOX, but prefer physical on PlayStation), and now an extended look will be paywalled on Netflix for 6 hours, which will only add to the unprecedented hype.

My octogenarian dad isn't a gamer, but he knows about GTA VI given all the mainstream media coverage of this monoculture moment in entertainment and that I've pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition for PS5.

Pre-order Grand Theft Auto VI at Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Grand Theft Auto VI? Let me know in the comments below.

Babylon 5 on YouTube

The future of Doctor Who and Star Trek may be in flux, but renewed interest in Babylon 5 could be our last, best hope for a classic sci-fi series on streaming services following the cancellation of Stargate.

Warner Bros. Discovery has launched an official YouTube channel featuring classic episodes from J. Michael Straczynski's sprawling space saga.



Read the official description:

"You’ve arrived at Babylon 5, the last, best hope for peace. A neutral station standing at the crossroads of galactic powers, where ambassadors, soldiers, traders, and dreamers all have a stake in the future.

Here you’ll find stories of destiny and choice, of politics and prophecy, of wars fought in shadows and victories won through understanding. This channel is a gathering place for the history, ideas, and moments that made Babylon 5 one of science fiction’s most enduring legacies.

Whether you’re a longtime citizen of the station or arriving through the jump gate for the first time, you’re welcome here."

Straczynski introduced the new channel, promising it would feature original commentaries, interviews, chats, and additional material in the coming months.

As I've written previously, the sci-fi series will always be synonymous with undergraduate study. SeaQuest DSV and Babylon 5 both utilised Amiga Video Toasters and were the subject of lively debate in computer animation studies. George Lucas' Star Wars prequels were still a few years away, non-linear media production was still in its infancy and prohibitively expensive for the homebrew crowd (myself included) before Steve Jobs returned to Apple, democratising the industry with the iMac and iPhone.

Babylon 5 was originally shown on Channel 4 in the UK, running for 5 seasons between 1993 and 1997. Straczynski's sci-fi opus, a galaxy-spanning retelling of The Lord of the Rings, quickly became a touchstone in the space opera firmament. There were countless carshare and water-cooler conversations with fellow fans when I was hired as an online journalist at Reuters following graduation 30 years ago.

Could Warner Bros. Discovery be testing the cosmic waters to garner reaction from fans (myself included)? There have been premature announcements of a reboot with Straczynski back at the helm on The CW.

What are your memories of watching Babylon 5? Let me know in the comments below.

Dungeons & Dragons x Star Wars

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a gateway into role-playing games (RPG) for generations of fantasy fans (myself included)!

The first time I became aware of TSR's tabletop franchise (not namechecked) was in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Subsequently, Marvel Comics' D&D animated series became an afterschool staple, and my parents bought me licensed LJN action figures, which were soon integrated into Masters of the Universe and Star Wars toy stories.

Netflix's Stranger Things introduced a new generation to D&D.

Star Wars celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, and Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast has announced a collaboration during the D&D Vision Keynote at Gen Con!

Season of Rebellion.

"We want to let our community know that D&D Universes Beyond is additive to the incredible roadmap we have for our own worlds. We have been staffing up to support this initiative and look forward to what the future holds."

As a fan of both franchises, I'm intrigued and am envisaging Magic: The Gathering Star Wars action figures on Hasbro Pulse!

Are you looking forward to the Dungeons & Dragons | Star Wars collaboration? Let me know in the comments below.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Is superhero fatigue a thing, or can Spidey swing above it? Matt, Harry and Luke Charlton find out in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Guest post by the Charltons

Are you Spider-Man? Or are you Peter Parker?

This is the question that our hero is faced with throughout the latest movie from Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures - with the latter hoping that the webhead carries on bringing in those dollars after every other attempt to bring a Spider-Man villain to the big screen without Spidey has failed miserably and is often lambasted for being ‘that bad’ - especially by the people who star in them.

We won’t mention Morbius; suffice to say we know that Jared Leto (Tron: Ares) is very capable in Masters of the Universe, but every single attempt by Sony to do anything with the Spider-Verse that doesn’t involve Spider-Man is terrible. It is known.

This will be a spoiler-free review for the most part - but if you want to stay completely away from anything going on until you’ve seen the movie, step away now.

We, of course, will not speculate nor confirm who Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) is playing in this movie.

She is in the movie. That’s all you’re getting. Oh, and there’s no Kate Bush.

The movie picks up after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) being pretty much truly alone in the universe. Nobody knows who Peter is, but everyone knows Spider-Man and his reputation has never been better. Everyone loves him. It’s great.

If you’ve seen the trailers, you’ll have seen The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) features, as does Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) (and maybe even a little Hulk - and maybe even a big Hulk?).

I’ve seen a few early reviews that say bad things, but I think they were going to the shock jock angle. People saying it was emotionless and messy. I disagree, and at the moment the critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes is 91%, which is fair.

I’ve also seen people asking if we need a 4th Spider-Man film, and the answer is yes, we do, and more, please.

This movie is an emotional rollercoaster, and it will make you feel things, and feel things again. It covers topics of grief, of loneliness, of loss and of losing hope. But it also talks about finding hope and helping others, too.

There are many lessons, multiple layers and many laughs. The stakes are high; anything could happen, and you truly feel your heart leave your chest at multiple parts.

As always these days, I travelled to the cinema with Harry (15) and Luke (10), both big Spider-Man fans and again as a dad, I can’t tell you how much love I feel in my heart that I can share these moments with them. Seeing their faces light up with joy, seeing the shock and awe. You can’t beat it.

The cinema was the fullest it's been on any of our trips, given it was the first UK showing at 5:30pm on release day - and we get it two days before the USA, too. The people sat beside me sadly could not stay off their phones or stop talking all the way through - why people are happy to pay upwards of £70 with tickets, snacks and drinks and sit there like it is their living room, I have no idea - or maybe that’s just what it was, feeling they paid enough so they could do what they wanted?

The dynamics between Spider-Man and The Punisher are great. There’s a lot of quips, attitude and history there, and you get a feeling they’ve worked together quite closely in the past.

We see Peter go through a lot of changes in this movie, both physically and emotionally, and we also see him evolve in many other ways.

It’s fun to see how right or wrong people were about characters being photoshopped out of certain scenes in trailers, AKA Peter 2 and Peter 3 in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

There is a post-credits scene, just a single one - which doesn’t give much away but, as always with Marvel, it’s worth hanging around for, and shaking your head at the people who leave immediately - who even does that?

Some questions that you might have...

Will Spidey make it through the movie in one piece?
Does Venom eat lunch at Delmars?
Do we see Thor and the Avengers robbing ATMs again?
Do we see Man-Spider?
Does Ned turn into Hobgoblin?
Who is Sadie Sink playing?
Where else *do* those organic webs come out of?

For answers to these questions and more, book your tickets to see Spider-Man: Brand New Day... today!

Have you seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Let us know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu at Steve Jobs Theater

Lucasfilm recently screened The Mandalorian and Grogu at Apple's Steve Jobs Theater.

Read the official description:

"Attendees were treated to a special screening of The Mandalorian and Grogu at Apple’s Steve Jobs Theater courtesy of Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound. Before the screening, Senior Visual Effects Supervisor John Knoll joined Apple’s Alex Lindsay for a discussion about ILM’s legacy with Apple hardware and software and how the studio is developing new software and leveraging the latest Apple technology to streamline the filmmaking process. Watch the film at home on Digital now!"

Pre-order The Mandalorian and Grogu at Amazon (affiliate link).

Have you seen The Mandalorian and Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Comics Library Volume 1

Marvel Comics' Star Wars Weekly was a staple of many Star Wars fans' (myself included) childhood. My earliest memory was borrowing a primary school friend's copy of Star Wars Weekly #2 featuring Tusken Raiders attacking Luke Skywalker on the cover!

TASCHEN has announced Star Wars Comics Library Volume 1 1977-1979!

The Greatest Space Fantasy of All!

The first journey into the Star Wars comic book universe

"In January 1976, as George Lucas prepared to shoot his new film, then titled The Star Wars, he asked Marvel Comics to publish a comic book for the film’s release. Marvel’s initial reluctance abated once they understood that Lucas was prepared to give the rights for free. Royalties would only be paid if the comic sold more than 100,000 copies.

Upon the movie’s release in May 1977, Marvel soon realised that they had a mega-hit on their hands. The first issues, scripted by Roy Thomas and drawn by Howard Chaykin, a young artist Lucas had spotted in the indie comic Star*Reach, sold over one million copies, four times the number of Marvel’s top superhero title: The Amazing Spider-Man. Hence, Star Wars became a monthly publication.

With no new film due to drop for at least a few years, and fans ravenous for more stories, Lucasfilm released several novels. But the only regular source of new material was the comic. It continued to outsell all Marvel’s other titles, thanks to the quality of the creators guiding the stories. Thomas and Chaykin were soon joined by writer Archie Goodwin and penciller Carmine Infantino, who took Luke, Han, Leia and Darth Vader all over the galaxy, exploring new worlds and introducing new characters.

The first 23 issues have now been digitally remastered to correct the original era’s inexpensive, imperfect printing, while still capturing the spirit and texture of the comics' historic first release, and collected in an XXL-sized edition: bigger even than a Death Star. This truly out-of-this-world collection includes an in-depth history by comic book historian Peter Sanderson."

Pre-order Star Wars Comics Library Volume 1 1977-1979 at Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Star Wars Comics Library Volume 1 1977-1979? Let me know in the comments below.

The Empire Strikes Back at the BFI IMAX

This August, Star Wars fans can see Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at the BFI IMAX.

Read the official description:

"The Empire Strikes Back is not only one of the great film sequels of all time, it is the moment when George Lucas and Frank Oz introduced masterful Jedi knight Yoda into the Star Wars series. He takes young Luke Skywalker under his wing to teach him the ways of the Force. The resulting scenes between Hamill and Oz’s puppet are seamless and accomplished. Elsewhere, pioneering special effects are showcased to impressive effect, making for a perfect film in every measurable way."

The three screenings take place on Saturday 15th August, Friday 21st August and Monday 31st August.

Are you booking tickets to see Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at the BFI IMAX? Let me know in the comments below.

Tomb Raider joins G.I. Joe at Comic-Con

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding G.I. Joe Classified Series Collaborative Lara Croft Tomb Raider at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

G.I. JOE CLASSIFIED SERIES RETRO CARDBACK COLLABORATIVE LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER

(HASBRO | Ages 4 years & up | Approx. Retail Price: $44.99 | Pre-Order Thursday July 23 at 5 PM ET; Available Fall 2026)

G.I. Joe is a highly skilled, on-demand, special operations force of men and women from around the world. Lara Croft, the TOMB RAIDER, is a legendary truth seeker and adventurer whose globetrotting explorations have brought her fame and notoriety. It's only natural their paths would cross while exploring the jungles of Cobra Island in this amazing collaborative between Hasbro and Crystal Dynamics. New to the G.I. Joe Classified Series line, Lara Croft TOMB RAIDER comes ready for adventure, with multiple points of articulation for high poseability. This Lara Croft TOMB RAIDER figure contains 16 character-inspired accessory pieces including alternate head, 2 alt hands, 2 climbing axes, backpack, grappling hook with handle and rope, recurve bow and arrow, quiver, the Dagger of Xian with sheath, and dual weapon accessories; plus a removable bandolier.

Look for other G.I. Joe figures and toys to build your roster of heroic G.I. Joe’s and Cobra villains (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.).

Lara Croft is based on her appearance in the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis video game coming to PlayStation 5 (PS5), XBOX Series S|X, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC on 12th February 2027. Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel to Tomb Raider: Underworld, has been delayed until 2028.

Despite a premium price tag, Lara Croft quickly sold out on Hasbro Pulse and fan channels when she went up for pre-order. I managed to pre-order mine along with Action Man from Star Action Figures in the UK in time for Christmas.

Pre-order G.I. Joe Classified Series Collaborative Lara Croft Tomb Raider at Amazon (affiliate link).

Have you pre-ordered G.I. Joe Classified Series Collaborative Lara Croft Tomb Raider? What other collaborative crossovers would you like to see in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO celebrates 60 years of Star Trek

Today, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences, unveils the LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge (11385), a 1,701-piece building set for adult fans. The model recreates two of the most recognisable locations from the original series Star Trek – the bridge and transporter room of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Following the debut of the first ever LEGO Star Trek set, which recreated the iconic exterior of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation, the highly-anticipated new LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge gives fans the opportunity to step inside the legendary starship from the original series for the very first time in LEGO form, with an impressive level of detail, interactive features and an all-star Starfleet crew.

The model focuses on the ship’s iconic bridge and transporter room, featuring computer stations, a viewscreen displaying a Klingon warrior, and a transporter platform for crew deployment. Once completed, the modular sections can be arranged into a display configuration.

Several interactive features that recreate familiar on-screen moments are included. Builders can rock the captain’s chair to simulate ship turbulence and battle sequences, turn a dial to activate the transporter and move crew between pads, and use a lever to open the turbo lift doors.

Eight brand-new minifigures represent the Starfleet crew: James T. Kirk, Spock, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, Pavel Chekov, Christine Chapel and Montgomery “Scotty” Scott. It also includes four tribbles – the iconic, fluffy alien characters from Star Trek – along with accessories such as two Starfleet communicators, four phasers, Spock’s harp, two Vulcan Lirpas and a Trident Scanner. The Starfleet communicators are represented by a decorated 1×2 tile, while the phaser is an all-new LEGO element.

LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge 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 Bridge to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Ideas The X-Files

The LEGO Group, in collaboration with Disney Entertainment, today unveils the LEGO Ideas The X-Files (21369) set, a 1,478-piece model that invites adult fans to celebrate the iconic ‘90s sci-fi drama.

To mark the reveal, Emmy Award-winning actor, Gillian Anderson, stars in a cinematic mini-film tribute to the beloved series. With a nod to FBI Special Agent Dana Scully, Anderson is drawn into an investigation that gradually leads her to uncover the LEGO set itself, piece by piece – bringing the world of The X-Files into brick-built form for the fans.



The LEGO Ideas The X-Files set recreates iconic moments from the series, centred on a detailed build of Fox Mulder’s office, paired with a forest clearing scene and a hovering UFO. The set includes 8 Minifigures: Fox Mulder, Dana Scully, Walter Skinner, Mr. X, Alex Krycek, Carl Busch, The Flukeman and a grey alien, allowing fans to recreate key investigations and encounters.

Anderson comments: “I didn’t expect to be stepping back into Scully’s heels to investigate a LEGO set… it has been so much fun revisiting that world all these years later. This set is a wonderful celebration of The X-Files, and the fans who have kept its mystery alive. The level of detail is brilliant - there are so many little nods that fans will absolutely recognise - and as a LEGO fan myself, I love that people can now quite literally build their own X-Files moments at home.”

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

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

Masters of the Universe on Prime

Only a month or so after its release in cinemas, Masters of the Universe is coming home to Prime Video this Wednesday in time for San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

Read the official synopsis:

"After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe."

Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) from a script by Chris Butler. It stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, and Jared Leto as Skeletor.

Mattel launched Masters of the Universe with a toy line in 1982, followed by the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon from 1983-1985. The franchise now includes multiple animated series, toy lines, comics, video games, and books, along with a 1987 live-action film.

Only time will tell if the movie has enough of a second life on streaming to convince Amazon MGM Studios to take another journey to Eternia.

Masters of the Universe is streaming on Prime Video (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Masters of the Universe on Prime Video? Let me know in the comments below.

Kenner Wars Kickstarter

Kenner played a huge part in the success of Star Wars, enabling fans (myself included) to create their own adventures. Personally, the toys (licensed by Palitoy in the UK) took my mind off of years of neurological rehabilitation in the wake of a life-changing traumatic brain injury in childhood. I still have my original R2-D2 action figure, which an aunt gifted me before Star Wars was in cinemas in 1978.

Pulse has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Kenner Wars documenting the original toy line from 1978 to 1985, curated and annotated by Ron Salvatore and Jean-François Rolland.

Read the official description for Kenner Wars:

"A long, long time ago, in a toy store near you...

With the book Kenner Wars, travel back in time and return to the Star Wars toys range manufactured by Kenner between 1978 and 1985. This stunning, large-format, 240-page hardcover book will take you back to your childhood with hundreds of original photos, detailed descriptions of the action figures, spaceships and playsets, in-depth information on their production, and the most surprising stories.

A brand-new collector’s edition of Jean-François Rolland’s book is now available in an exclusive slipcase, along with a second 100-page book of advertisements titled May the Toys Be With You, by Ron Salvatore and Jean-François Rolland, as well as five prints of exclusive photos created for the book’s illustrations.

If you already own the first edition of the book, you can back a special Upgrade Bundle that includes the case, May the Toys Be With You, the five prints, and a dust cover to have your initial edition match the new one.

Kenner Wars is the gift that all the nostalgic fans from the galaxy far, far away have been waiting for! We need your support to make it real, so you can receive it by next Christmas."

What are your Kenner Star Wars memories? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars made out of cardboard

In an era of AI-generated slop and algorithms, I stumbled across Star Wars superfan and YouTuber Zach King's loving recreation of the original Star Wars, made out of cardboard!



King enlisted several of his friends to help create the Star Wars reimagining, including on-screen roles for actors Randall Park and Jamie Costa. Costa has previously acted in Star Wars fan films.

"Star Wars has truly inspired so many filmmakers and reshaped how movies are made," King tells SPACE. "As a nod to how groundbreaking those films were, we asked ourselves, what if we made a version out of cardboard and shot it in just five days? That’s exactly what we ended up doing."

I mean, what Star Wars kid (myself included) didn't use cardboard boxes and pretend they were flying the Millennium Falcon or an X-wing into the Death Star trench during school summer holidays?

Have you watched Star Wars made out of cardboard? Let me know in the comments below.

The Batman: Part II first look

Director Matt Reeves has shared a camera test from The Batman: Part II. The upcoming sequel has been delayed until 18th February 2028.



Reeves recently confirmed that Robert Pattinson (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Jeffrey Wright (Jim Gordon), Andy Serkis (Alfred Pennyworth), Colin Farrell (Oz Cobb/The Penguin), Jayme Lawson (Bella Réal) and Gil Perez-Abraham (Officer Martinez) will reprise their roles, alongside new cast members Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Charles Dance, Sebastian Koch and Brian Tyree Henry.

Nick Smith, our US-based reviewer, raved about The Batman.

Are you looking forward to The Batman: Part II? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO celebrates SpongeBob Day!

It's SpongeBob Day! The LEGO Group dives down to Bikini Bottom with two new SpongeBob SquarePants sets, the 1,794-piece LEGO Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom (11386) and the 72-piece LEGO BrickHeadz SpongeBob SquarePants Figure (40858), both available 1st September.

Read the official press release:

"Embark on an underwater journey with the LEGO® Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom (11386) building set, a perfect gift for adult fans of the popular animated series. Enjoy the experience as you recreate SpongeBob’s pineapple home with a living room and bedroom; Squidward’s house with a living room, bedroom, bathroom and rooftop lounge; Patrick’s rock with a detailed interior; and a Jellyfish Fields scene. Relive iconic moments with favourite characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Squidward Tentacles, Gary the Snail and DoodleBob. Discover items from famed storylines, including the boatmobile, Squidward’s clarinet and music stand and a portrait of Gary, plus lots of surprises. Bring your favourite scenes to any bookshelf, desk or display cabinet with this collectible home and office décor building kit. Build smarter with the LEGO Builder app, where you can rotate the model in 3D, zoom in and track your progress."

LEGO Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.