Sir Brian May, the legendary lead guitarist and songwriter for rock band Queen, announced he's performing on the soundtrack to the upcoming Masters of the Universe live-action movie. May brought along vintage action figures and Castle Grayskull, which belonged to his son, Jimmy.
Growing up, I would often listen to Queen's Flash Gordon soundtrack before going to school.
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.
Masters of the Universe is released in cinemas on 5th June 2026.
Are you looking forward to Masters of the Universe? Let me know in the comments below.
In time for the spooky season from Dark Horse Comics, Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands!
Read the official synopsis:
"Shiver at these terrifying tales from a galaxy far, far away…
Three anthologies of spooky Star Wars comics stories are collected in this one deluxe hardcover edition!
Deep in the Outer Rim, far from the light of the Jedi, strange creatures trade chilling stories that would terrify even the cruelest Sith Lord!
As the twin suns set over Tatooine, Captain Vaclav finds himself dangling above Jabba the Hutt’s rancor pit! To bargain for his freedom, Vaclav regales the crime boss with three blood-curdling tales of phantom droids, alien lycanthropes, and ice-planet serpents! Is it possible to scare the cold-hearted Hutt?
On the dark and stormy coast of Kef Bir, a cloaked figure warns a young maverick named Fry about the horrors that lurk in the ruins of the Death Star: trash compactor terrors, ghostly pilots, and Imperial zombies! Will Fry heed the warning?
And during long nights on Ryloth, Twi’leks speak in hushed tones about the Nightlander. This shadowy entity haunts three generations of legendary heroes in its quest to bring despair to the galaxy! How will Anakin, Luke, Leia, and Rey quell this dark power unlike any other?
Written by Master of the Macabre Cavan Scott, the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader’s Castle, and rendered in ghastly detail by award-winning illustrators, including Soo Lee, Nick Brokenshire, Vincenzo Riccardi, Fico Ossio, and more!"
Pre-order Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror at Amazon (affiliate link).
The Walt Disney Company and ITV have announced an expanded strategic deal in the UK.
Building on the innovative collaboration between Disney+ and ITVX, the new deal will bring two Hulu Original series from Disney+ to ITV1 in exclusive primetime linear slots.
The first title, The Stolen Girl, will premiere on ITV1 on 25th February. The gripping psychological drama, produced by Quay Street Productions with Brightstar, made its debut on Disney+ in April 2025 and will now receive its free-to-air premiere in the UK. The series follows the emotional fallout of every parent’s worst nightmare, when their young daughter goes missing after a sleepover, unfolding into a tense story of deception, family secrets, and betrayal.
Later this year, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox will also air on ITV1. The compelling drama explores the extraordinary real-life case that captivated global audiences, examining themes of media scrutiny, justice and public perception.
Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA, said: “This marks an exciting next step in our collaboration with ITV. We’re thrilled that two of our most compelling original series will air on ITV’s powerful primetime platform, introducing millions more viewers to Hulu Originals on Disney+.”
The extension reflects the continued evolution of the Disney-ITV relationship.
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, said: "We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Disney. Bringing these premium Original series into our primetime linear schedule is fantastic for ITV audiences. This extension perfectly complements our existing relationship and showcases the strength of the content-sharing model we established last summer.”
What are your thoughts on the expanded Disney-ITV deal? Is it a good thing for viewers? Let me know in the comments below.
With the end of the Disney+ deal and a confirmed Christmas special starring Billie Piper and written by Russell T Davies later this year, the BBC has teased a potential new streaming partner for Doctor Who!
HBO Max. The streamer has a storied history with Doctor Who.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, was asked whether a new HBO partnership could extend to Doctor Who?
Salt told Deadline, “There are different ways of setting up a show. We just need to make sure we do it in the right way and make sure we take the right time to do it. Ultimately it’s one of the BBC’s most treasured brands, so it’s not going anywhere.”
One of the biggest questions now hanging over the BBC's beloved sci-fi series in the wake of the Disney+ deal ending is how it can continue with a significantly reduced budget.
Salt reflected on stepping into the role during a turbulent co-production market post-pandemic. “I managed to walk into this job when the co-pro market imploded and I’ve learned a lot about the tenacity of producers and writers to make things at all budget levels,” she said. “Things are getting funded in so many different ways now.”
"We’ll wait and see how we figure it out. HBO have been great partners creatively. There’s a lot of stuff that is changing out there."
In related news. HBO Max launches in the UK and Ireland on 26th March.
What do you think about Doctor Who on HBO Max? Let me know in the comments below.
Somehow, Ben Quadinaros returned. The iconic podrace in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace spawned the fan-favourite video game Star Wars: Episode I: Racer. In the spirit of that seminal racing game from 1999, Lucasfilm Games announced Star Wars: Galactic Racer at The Game Awards last December.
Lucasfilm Games has subsequently shared an official gameplay trailer that has piqued fans' (myself included) interest during Sony's recent State of Play.
Read the official synopsis:
"Star Wars: Galactic Racer™ is a high-stakes, high-octane reinvention of racing born in the lawless Outer Rim of the Star Wars™ galaxy. Coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026.
A new racer has arrived to the Galactic League: an unsanctioned racing circuit where only the bold survive.
For Shade, a lone racer with a dream of glory and revenge, the League isn’t just a race; it’s a shot at reclaiming destiny.
Wishlist today!"
Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Galactic Racer? Let me know in the comments below.
Ever since Adam Driver first spoke about The Hunt for Ben Solo, Star Wars fans (myself included) have been clamouring for the scrapped movie to be revived at Lucasfilm with Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh at the helm.
“We were all frustrated,” Soderbergh said. “You know, that was two and a half years of free work for me and Adam and [writer] Rebecca Blunt. When Adam and I discussed him talking about it publicly, I said, ‘Look, do not editorialize or speculate about the why. Just say what happened, because all we know is what happened.’ The stated reason was, ‘We don’t think Ben Solo could be alive.’ And that was all we were told. And so there’s nothing to do about it, you know, except move on.”
When Lucasfilm took the idea to Disney, they said no.
“I’d kind of made the movie in my head, and just felt bad that nobody else was going to get to see it,” the director continued. “I thought the conversation was strictly going to be a practical one—where they go, what is this going to cost? And I had a really good answer for that. But it never even got to that point. It’s insane. We’re all very disappointed.”
With new leadership at Disney and Lucasfilm, could The Hunt for Ben Solo begin anew?
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Doctor Who: The Movie has been newly restored from the original 35mm film elements, bringing this beloved adventure back to life like never before.
In 1996, Paul McGann debuted as the Eighth Doctor in Doctor Who, a feature-length co-production between the BBC and the American Fox network, more commonly known as The TV Movie.
This 90-minute feature was shot on film, and now, for the first time, all 219 reels of original film (totalling almost 200,000 feet!) have been pulled from deep storage in the US and meticulously scanned over 21 days, then restored by Paul Vanezis to provide a definitive 4K experience.
The TV Movie has never looked or sounded so good, with a 24-frame transfer to match the original film rushes, and immersive surround sound, rebuilt from the original raw sound elements.
Also starring Sylvester McCoy (the Seventh Doctor), Daphne Ashbrook (Grace), Eric Roberts (The Master), and Yee Jee Tso (Chang Lee), The TV Movie sees the Doctor’s regeneration triggered on an operating table, with surgeon Grace Holloway accompanying the new Doctor on an epic adventure to prevent the Master from stealing the Doctor’s future lives.
This 4K UHD edition will contain the 90-minute TV Movie in 4K, plus special features:
The ‘uncensored’ UK version.
The USA broadcast version.
Soundtrack in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and stereo.
Sylvester McCoy and Janet Fielding featurette.
3 New Featurettes with Daphne Ashbrook, Eric Roberts and Yee Jee Tso.
Two audio commentaries.
Isolated music score.
Production info text.
The Seven Year Hitch making-of documentary.
Paul McGann’s audition tape.
Alternate takes.
Electronic press kit and behind-the-scenes footage.
TARDIS tour.
BBC Trails.
And much more.
Upon original broadcast, The TV Movie was divisive amongst fans (myself included)! I was in my final year as an undergraduate and haven't watched The TV Movie since. However, McGann has subsequently reprised the role of the Eighth Doctor for Big Finish and on television, most memorably in The Night of the Doctor and The Power of the Doctor.
Pre-order Doctor Who: The Movie in 4K at Amazon (affiliate link).
Are you looking forward to watching Doctor Who: The Movie in 4K? Let me know in the comments below.
Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver) stars in The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Lucasfilm confirmed this on X (formerly Twitter) following fan speculation that a familiar voice can be heard in the latest trailer for the upcoming movie based on the fan-favourite Star Wars spin-off series on Disney+.
Absolute cinema.
Scorsese plays an Ardennian fry cook.
Read the official synopsis:
"The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself)."
The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX, opens exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.
Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.
Following a controversial Super Bowl spot, Lucasfilm has dropped a new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Read the official synopsis:
"The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself)."
The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.
“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,” director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) said when the movie was first announced. “The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”
For over half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+, making way for Star Wars: Starfighter to blast onto the big screen for the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2027?
Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.
Adam Savage (MythBusters) recently visited Sideshow to inspect the prototype for a new Star Wars statue featuring Han Solo!
Read the official synopsis:
"Adam visits the headquarters of Sideshow to check out the prototype for a new Star Wars statue featuring Han Solo when we first meet him in the Mos Eisley cantina! We learn about the challenges of capturing Han's likeness and posture, and visit Sideshow's cut and sew department to get a demo for how this 1/4 scale figure's costume was tailored."
Inspired by Star Wars: A New Hope, the Han Solo: Sorry About the Mess Premium Format Mixed Media Figure showcases the captain of the Millennium Falcon in an idealized version of the iconic film scene. The nook in which he sits features a small gray table, cushioned bench, and a wall painted with weathering and distressed textures, adding to the authenticity of the environment. To give your display a realistic tavern ambiance, this Star Wars statue also includes a drink and a light-up lamp on the table. Han Solo himself wears a screen-accurate ensemble with sculpted boots and custom-tailored brown fabric trousers, a white shirt, and a navy vest. His belt and holster are also incredibly detailed and meticulously crafted with immense care for character accuracy. Additionally, the Han Solo: Sorry About the Mess Premium Format Mixed Media Figure has two alternate right arm pieces: a hand with a standard DL-44 blaster pistol and a swap-out hand with the DL-44 blaster used to defeat Jabba’s bounty hunter Greedo. Pair it with the Han Solo: Sorry About the Mess Fine Art Print by artist Jerry Vanderstelt — sold separately — for the ultimate tribute to this character’s iconic introduction.
Pre-order Han Solo: Sorry About the Mess from Sideshow (affiliate link).
According to Forbes, George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, is the 4th greatest American innovator.
"One of the founding fathers of the modern blockbuster, Lucas also revolutionized movie merchandising, unleashing a never-ending tsunami of Star Wars action figures and Indiana Jones lunch boxes. Through his special effects house Industrial Light & Magic and THX sound outfit, he sold his tools to other moviemakers."
I can't recall a time when Lucasfilm didn't have an impact on my life, from seeing Star Wars, following a life-changing head injury in primary school, to using technologies pioneered at Skywalker Ranch.
The Lucasfilm Fan Club magazine (rebranded as Star Wars Insider) published a letter of mine in 1993.
Lucas was only beaten by Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
What do you think about George Lucas being ranked 4th on Forbes' 250 list of the greatest American innovators? Let me know in the comments below.
On Thursday, Disney Consumer Products announced its global Star Wars: Most Wanted campaign, a yearlong program that will spotlight the most sought-after merchandise inspired by both new and classic stories from the Star Wars galaxy. Fans will enjoy an ongoing cadence of reveals and product drops in 2026, featuring toys, collectibles, apparel, accessories and more from top collaborators, along with retail activations tied to the new campaign.
The announcement was made at an event in New York City ahead of Toy Fair New York 2026. The event featured the very first look at toys and collectibles inspired by the highly anticipated film, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” coming to theaters on May 22. New product highlights include fan and kid items from Hasbro, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection figure lines, all-new building sets from the LEGO Group, Mandalorian and Grogu-inspired Funko Pop! bobbleheads, and both youth and adult costumes from Jazwares. Additional new releases come from fan-favorite brands like POP MART, Moose Toys, Mattel, Jada Toys and Displate - each bringing fresh additions to the Star Wars galaxy throughout the year.
“Star Wars products have always been at the forefront of fan demand and collector crave,” said Paul Gitter, executive vice president of global brand commercialization at Disney Consumer Products. “From the iconic lightsaber, to Grogu’s impact on pop culture, fans find ways to integrate their favorite characters into their daily lives and bring our stories into their homes. Our ‘Most Wanted’ campaign carries this legacy forward, kicking off with a robust consumer products program for kids, families, collectors and casual fans in support of this summer’s ‘Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu’ release.”
Filmmaker Jon Favreau, director of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” made a special appearance at the event, sharing insights into the upcoming film, his approach to Star Wars storytelling and his own experience as a collector. Favreau was joined onstage by Bobby Kim, global creative director at Disney Consumer Products, as they discussed the enduring impact of Star Wars, collector culture and the creativity driving the new products inspired by the film.
“One of the best parts of making Star Wars stories for the screen is seeing how they inspire the next generation of toys and collectibles,” said Jon Favreau. “For many fans my age, the toys were how we lived in the Star Wars galaxy between film releases. Now, fans have a wonderful variety of fun products to keep them connected to the story and their favorite characters. I’m very much looking forward to continuing that tradition with ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu.’”
“Star Wars products have a cultural longevity that have made them a consumer staple for nearly 50 years,” said Bobby Kim. “That’s absolutely a testament to the content, but specifically for products, it’s also a testament to creative design, unique collaborations and the stories our products help consumers share about themselves. Products that can bring people into the fandom are powerful tools for storytelling.”
Also featured at the event was an assortment of Star Wars products from every part of the galaxy including the new LEGO SMART Play sets featuring LEGO Star Wars, the recently released Star Wars-inspired sunglasses collection from Ray-Ban, new Star Wars baby toys from Kids Preferred, and exciting new toys and collectibles from Disney Store launching this spring.
As Star Wars: Most Wanted continues throughout 2026, fans of all ages can look forward to discovering new products linked to their favorite characters and stories, along with retail activations.
Discover even more galactic gifts at Amazon (affiliate link).
A first look at Disclosure Day, directed by Steven Spielberg (Jaws), dropped during the Super Bowl.
Read the official synopsis:
"If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to … Disclosure Day."
The upcoming star-studded sci-fi mystery reunites director Spielberg with composer John Williams (Star Wars). Together, they've brought us blockbuster alien invasions in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and War of the Worlds.
“I’ve always been fascinated with things that cannot be explained, and I’ve made a lot of movies about things that cannot be explained — from sharks to saucers,” Spielberg said.
Based on a story by Spielberg, the screenplay is by David Koepp, whose previous work with Spielberg includes the scripts for Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Combined, those films earned more than $3 billion worldwide.
Disclosure Day will be released in cinemas on 12th June 2026.
Are you looking forward to Disclosure Day? Let me know in the comments below.
After years of waiting, HBO Max has confirmed it will launch in the UK and Ireland on Thursday, 26th March. This is in the shadow of a proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, pending regulatory approval and a hostile bid from Paramount Sundance.
JB Perrette, CEO and president of Global Streaming and Games at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “After decades of delighting audiences in the UK & Ireland with our remarkable stories and brands, it’s a huge thrill to finally bring it all together on HBO Max, and also offer it directly to all consumers. Starting at just £4.99 per month or £5.99 for our complete entertainment offer – HBO Max brings the most differentiated and best streaming offer to market.”
It's a complicated rollout as HBO has a storied history with Sky.
Sky Atlantic has been the exclusive home to the award-winning Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, Westworld and many more prestige dramas from HBO. That said, if you're already a Sky or NOW (formerly NOW TV) subscriber, HBO Max will be bundled for free as an added value. Personally, I'm subscribing to a discounted annual NOW Entertainment pass and am looking forward to checking out HBO Max.
HBO Max will attempt to convince viewers to sign up for another subscription in a cost of living crisis, doing battle with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+ and Apple TV.
HBO Max will offer 5 plans:
Basic with Ads - £4.99/month
Standard with Ads - £5.99/month
Standard - £9.99/month
Premium - £14.99/month
TNT Sports - £30.99/month
It arrives with the promise of some heavyweight titles and TNT Sports (moving from discovery+). They will include Lanterns this summer and the Harry Potter series next year.
“Launching HBO Max in the UK & Ireland marks a significant moment for viewers here,” added Andrew Georgiou president & managing director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe. “HBO Max will offer them their most loved series and movies from HBO, Warner Bros. and DC Studios, alongside premium sports from TNT Sports in the UK, within an outstanding single destination for this great content and strong value proposition. Nowhere else will you be able to get The Pitt, House of the Dragon, Euphoria, Lanterns, Superman, One Battle After Another, as well as the eagerly awaited Harry Potter series, all together.”
The future of HBO Max is uncertain. If Netflix is successful in its bid, the streamer may want to consolidate everything into one app, much like how Disney is migrating Hulu to Disney+.
HBO Max will be available across all major devices, including select phones, tablets, computers, TVs, streaming players, set-top boxes, and game consoles.
Just make sure your device is updated to the latest version when HBO Max launches.
HBO Max will be available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store and Google Play on 12th March.
Will you be subscribing to HBO Max? Let me know in the comments below.
A tense Super Bowl showdown between the victorious Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots was interrupted by the Mandalorian and Grogu dashing through the snow on a wagon pulled by a team of tauntauns. Din Djarin and his charge pay homage to classic ads of the past with a new commercial.
Read the official synopsis:
"The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu (as himself)."
The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.
Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.
A cold mug of tea and uneaten biscuits are a testament to an immersive, interactive experience with player agency; Larian Studios’ award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3 is such a video game!
So, news of a live-action adaptation from the co-creator of The Last of Us series, Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), has piqued my interest. I may be an outlier, but I've enjoyed seasons one and two of The Last of Us.
“After putting nearly 1000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of the Coast created,” Mazin said. “I am a devoted fan of D&D and the brilliant way that Swen Vincke and his gifted team adapted it. I can’t wait to help bring Baldur’s Gate and all of its incredible characters to life with as much respect and love as we can, and I’m deeply grateful to Gabe Marano and his team at Hasbro for entrusting me with this incredibly important property.”
The fantasy genre captured my childhood imagination when a neighbour friend gifted me a copy of The Hobbit, and I saw Ralph Bakshi's animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings in the cinema. From there, I consumed Fighting Fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), played text-based adventures on 8-bit home computers, watched Knightmare on ITV, and collected Citadel Miniatures.
During the spring and summer school holidays, my dad would take me on a forest trail (lost to time) as I underwent years of rehabilitation in the wake of a life-changing childhood trauma. As he carried me part of the way on his back, I imagined I was Frodo with Strider on a quest to destroy the One Ring to rule them all.
Fast forward to 2024. I downloaded Baldur’s Gate 3 for Xbox Series S and embarked on an epic adventure that encapsulates everything I love about tragic tales of found family. My character, a female elf called L’Ara Wynter (in homage to Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft), survived an abduction by mind flayers that had stepped out of a Lovecraftian nightmare, fell in love with Shadowheart and befriended a band of dysfunctional misfits on the road less travelled, in shades of Tolkien.
Over 2 years on, Baldur's Gate 3 continues to get updates with fixes and further Forgotten Realms content.
On X (formerly Twitter), the director of publishing at Larian Studios, Michael Douse, expressed concerns over his team being excluded from the upcoming HBO series' creation.
Douse wrote: "I've spent the last 8 to 10 years of my life with the writers & creators of Baldur's Gate 3 and they're the most incredible storytellers & creators in the space. Only hope is that they get both the credit deserved & the characters are represented at the same level as the game."
The decision is controversial given Mazin's creative collaboration with Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann on The Last of Us, and fans are divided. Hasbro owns Wizards of the Coast and can use its own intellectual property (IP) as it sees fit, but to ignore Larian Studios' contribution to Baldur's Gate would be disingenuous. The Fallout series on Prime Video is expanding on the subversive post-apocalyptic world with oversight from Bethesda Game Studios' Todd Howard.
He continued, "Our stories are built by fierce comeraderie [sic] and resolve. I have watched them write and write and write and through respect for audience & material come up with some of the finest shit i [sic] have ever played. I hope TV allows for the same thoroghness [sic]."
What are your thoughts on a Baldur's Gate 3 series seemingly sans creative input from Larian Studios on HBO? Let me know in the comments below.
The bold new chapter in the legendary Predator franchise charges into homes everywhere on 12th February, when Predator: Badlands arrives on Hulu on Disney+.
Predator: Badlands deepens Yautja lore by introducing new characters, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and Thia (Elle Fanning), following them on an underdog hero’s journey shaped by an unlikely alliance. Blending themes of survival and self-discovery with intense combat, striking visual effects, and moments of humour, the film delivers a high-stakes action adventure on both a visceral and emotional level.
Now the highest-grossing entry in the franchise’s 38-year history, Predator: Badlands earned $184.5 million worldwide, surpassing the previous record holder, 2004’s Alien vs. Predator ($177.4M). Under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg (Prey), the film’s bold vision has been embraced by audiences and critics alike, boasting a 95% Rotten Tomatoes Verified Hot Popcornmeter score and an 86% Certified Fresh Tomatometer critics rating.
Begin the hunt with the complete Predator movie franchise now streaming on Hulu on Disney+.
Pre-order Predator: Badlands on Amazon (affiliate link).
Are you looking forward to Predator: Badlands on Hulu on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.
Josh D'Amaro has been appointed as Bob Iger's successor as Disney CEO.
Iger returned as CEO after Bob Chapek was fired in 2022. As former CEO, Iger oversaw the successful acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and more. This culminated in the launch of Disney+ in 2019.
ABC News, owned by Disney, sat down with D'Amaro and Iger.
Read the official synopsis:
"The Walt Disney Company has named Josh D’Amaro as its new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger after nearly two decades of leadership. David Muir sits down with D’Amaro and Iger to discuss Disney’s future – including streaming, embracing AI, and the company’s legacy."
In a unanimous vote on Monday, the board elected Disney Experiences Chairman D’Amaro to serve as Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, succeeding Iger.
“Josh D’Amaro possesses that rare combination of inspiring leadership and innovation, a keen eye for strategic growth opportunities, and a deep passion for the Disney brand and its people – all of which make him the right person to take the helm as Disney’s next CEO,” said James Gorman, Chairman of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors. “Throughout this search process, Josh has demonstrated a strong vision for the company’s future and a deep understanding of the creative spirit that makes Disney unique in an ever-changing marketplace. He has an outstanding record of business achievement, collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment to bring their stories to life in our parks, showcasing the power of combining Disney storytelling with cutting-edge technology. The Board believes he is exceptionally well prepared to guide this global company forward to serve our consumers around the world and create long-term value for shareholders.”
Disney also named Dana Walden, currently co-chair of its entertainment business, to a new role as chief creative officer, reporting to D'Amaro.
“Dana Walden is an excellent leader who commands tremendous respect from the creative community,” Iger said. “Given that creativity is at the heart of everything Disney does, she is a wonderful choice to serve in this new leadership role. In the years since Dana joined Disney, she has accumulated great knowledge about the many facets of our businesses and brands, and is very well prepared to be President and Chief Creative Officer.”
Last year, Disney shocked the world when it announced a partnership with OpenAI to allow user-generated artificial intelligence (AI) content on Disney+. This pivot will only hasten despite critics being wary of so-called 'AI slop' and its implications for the media industry.
What do you think about Josh D'Amaro's appointment as Disney CEO? Let me know in the comments below.
On Monday, Lionsgate released the official trailer for Michael, the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic from director Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the titular King of Pop.
Read the official synopsis:
"MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins."
More myth than man before controversy overshadowed his cosmic career. Jackson was an enigmatic force. Combining consummately crafted songs and stellar, gravity-defying dance moves, his concerts remain vivid and surreal experiences. The first Super Bowl halftime show featured Jackson to promote sales of his Dangerous album in 1993.
The movie's production woes have been documented elsewhere, but Lionsgate is teasing the possibility of splitting the Michael biopic into two parts.
Michael is exclusively in cinemas on 24th April.
Have you watched the trailer? Do you think it will be the most successful music biopic of all time? Are you looking forward to seeing Michael? Let me know in the comments below.
Doctor Who fans (myself included) can bid on memorabilia from the BBC's beloved sci-fi series.
Twenty per cent of the auction money will go to BBC Children in Need. The remaining will be reinvested in the storage and preservation of historic Doctor Who items for future generations.
“Doctor Who has always been a wonderful friend to BBC Children in Need, and we’re delighted to see the Whovian community come together once again,” said Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need. “Their support helps raise vital funds to make lives lighter for children and young people across the UK.”
For over 60 years, Doctor Who has captured imaginations, united fans of all ages, and become a cherished part of British culture. This auction celebrates that legacy, giving fans the opportunity to own a part of the beloved series and make a difference along the way.
The collection, which includes pieces from 2005 through to 2025, incorporating David Tennant's double tenure as the Doctor, and Ncuti Gatwa's more recent incarnation, will be auctioned online from Tuesday, until 19th February.
“Propstore is honoured to support BBC Children in Need with another Doctor Who auction,” said Stephen Lane, Founder and CEO at Propstore. “The 2025 Doctor Who charity sale earlier this year, and the response from fans was incredible. This new auction brings an even stronger selection, and we’re excited to see it raise even more for such an important cause.”
Will you be bidding on any of the Doctor Who props? Let me know in the comments below.
Music By John Williams, a compelling Disney+ documentary chronicling the Oscar-winning career of the legendary Hollywood composer, has won a Grammy Award.
Williams' soundtracks are synonymous with the movies of George Lucas (Star Wars) and Steven Spielberg (Jaws). His scores have been the beating heart from Jaws to E.T. and Indiana Jones to Jurassic Park, and have had a profound impact on my childhood in the wake of a life-changing trauma in 1977. His music, played in isolation, inspired in times of tribulation - years of rehabilitation were my Jedi trials.
Spielberg had this to say about their milestone achievement:
“Thank you to all the Grammy voters, whose recognition of Music By John Williams, means the world to me and our Amblin team, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey and congratulations to our partners at Imagine and the Walt Disney Company. This acknowledgment is obviously deeply meaningful to me because it validates what I have known for over 50 years: John Williams influence on culture and music is immeasurable and his artistry and legacy is unrivaled. I am proud to be associated with Laurent’s beautiful film.”
Spielberg has not yet directly addressed his EGOT status.
An acronym for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, the coveted designation is given to people who have won all four of the major performing arts prizes. Winners include Rita Moreno, Mel Brooks, Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend, and Elton John, amongst others.
Williams is currently scoring the soundtrack to Spielberg's upcoming sci-fi movie, Disclosure Day.
Music By John Williams is streaming on Disney+.
Have you watched Music By John Williams on Disney+? Do you have a favourite movie or television soundtrack? Let me know in the comments below.
The LEGO Group has announced an Up-Scaled Blue Astronaut Minifigure building set (40921) inspired by the iconic LEGO astronaut minifigure first seen in 1984.
Growing up, LEGO Space was my jam! When the LEGO Group announced the Galaxy Explorer, based on the iconic 1979 spaceship I vividly remember building on Christmas Day, many brick fans (myself included) hoped there would be more nostalgic sets based on the fan-favourite theme. I'll be adding this set when it is available on 1st March.
Up-Scaled Blue Astronaut Minifigure is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).
Will you be adding the Up-Scaled Blue Astronaut Minifigure to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.
