Star Trek: Starfleet Academy cancelled

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has been cancelled after only two seasons. The second season recently wrapped and has yet to be shown on Paramount+.

“We’re incredibly proud of the ambition, passion, and creativity that went into bringing ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ to life,” CBS Studios and Paramount+ said in a joint statement. “The series introduced audiences to a bold new group of characters, welcomed familiar faces, and expanded the ‘Star Trek’ universe in exciting new ways. We’re grateful to Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau, Gaia Violo, and the entire cast and crew who pushed storytelling boundaries in the spirit of Gene Roddenberry’s vision. We look forward to sharing the upcoming second and final season with everyone, and continuing to celebrate the cast, crew, and all that was accomplished with this series.”

The cast included Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, and Zoë Steiner, along with heavy hitters like Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Gina Yashere, Robert Picardo, and Tig Notaro. Tatiana Maslany even showed up in a guest role.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the latest Star Trek spin-off series as much as I have! From Jeff Russo's opening theme, which pays homage to Jerry Goldsmith, to a shiny San Fransico and flying robots, it's the most fun and inclusive Star Trek has been since the first season of Star Trek: Discovery.

Series showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau released the below letter to the cast and crew of Starfleet Academy, republished in Variety.

"It’s been my and Noga’s joy and privilege to help carry Gene Roddenberry’s extraordinary vision forward with Starfleet Academy, thanks to the hundreds of hardworking humans who pour every ounce of their talents into the work daily with imagination and reverence. We are in post-production now on what will be the second and final season. We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished together on this show, and the world will get to see the work of these extraordinary artists when season two airs. We will finish strong.

Whether you’re working on Star Trek or part of the marvel that is Star Trek fandom — its very heart, soul, and conscience —the joy comes from adventuring across boundaries of time, space, and the humanly possible in service to Roddenberry’s transformative vision of the future. That incomparable vision was fueled by an inexhaustible optimism. Star Trek places its bet on the best in human nature. It dares to imagine a society of “infinite diversity in infinite combinations,” free of war, hate, poverty, disease, and repression, and dedicated to the spirit of scientific inquiry and respect for all life, whether carbon or silicon-based, green-skinned or blue.

But make no mistake: Gene Roddenberry wasn’t some starry-eyed dreamer. He was a decorated Army bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater. He had seen first-hand the grim consequences of the worst of human nature. And his vision of the future wasn’t just a promise of hope. It was also a warning. In a fraught, frightening time of intolerance and violence, Star Trek said: Look! We made it! But just barely. First, we had to put all those ancient scourges behind us. It said that what makes us glorious as a species, and gives us hope for the future and the galaxy is inextricably linked to what makes us dangerous to each other, to this one world we presently inhabit, and to ourselves. That dual message—of hope and of warning—isn’t just a pretty dream but a call to action, to think about who we are in a different way.

Please don’t take our word for it. Take Gene’s:

“Star Trek was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate, but take a special delight in differences in ideas and differences in life forms. […] If we cannot learn to actually enjoy those small differences, to take a positive delight in those small differences between our own kind, here on this planet, then we do not deserve to go out into space and meet the diversity that is almost certainly out there.”

With enduring hope that his vision of the future is possible, for our children, their children, and every future cadet in Starfleet Academy: Live Long and Prosper."

A mix of toxic fandom and media ownership means many of our favourite franchises, including Doctor Who and Star Trek, are facing an uncertain future. Before the announcement, I'd cancelled my annual subscription to Paramount+. Like many, I'm suffering from subscription fatigue amid a cost of living crisis.

Are you disappointed that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has been cancelled? Will you be cancelling Paramount+? Let me know in the comments below.

50 years ago in a galaxy far, far away...

50 years ago, in the middle of a salt flat on the edge of North Africa’s Sahara Desert, an independent movie produced by Lucasfilm and financed by 20th Century Fox began principal photography. Its working title was The Star Wars, directed by George Lucas (American Graffiti).

The rest is cinematic history...

Buffy star Nicholas Brendon dies

It's been a tough time for Buffy fans (myself included). Hulu has cancelled the pilot for a revival series, and most tragically, Nicholas Brendon, who played Buffy's best friend Xander Harris in the Scooby Gang, has died aged 54.

Brendon's family confirmed in a statement on social media that "he passed in his sleep of natural causes."

His family added: "He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.

"Most people know Nicky for his work as an actor and for the characters he brought to life over the years. In recent years Nicky has found his passion in painting and art."

Brendon was open about his health struggles, including a heart attack, and underwent two spinal surgeries for cauda equina syndrome, a rare condition that can affect movement as well as bladder and bowel function.

The actor also lived with a stutter, later advocating the cause as a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America.

The late actor had also opened up about his struggles with substance addiction, alcoholism and mental health issues.

His family told The Hollywood Reporter (THR): "While it's no secret that Nicholas had struggles in the past, he was on medications and treatment to manage his diagnosis and he was optimistic about the future at the time of his passing."

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the titular slayer, paid tribute to Brendon with one of Xander's quotes: “They'll never know how tough it is … to live so near the spotlight and never step in it. But I know. I see more than anybody realizes because nobody's watching me." She added: "I saw you Nicky. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.”

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, arguably one of the greatest television series of all time, is long overdue for a rewatch on Disney+.

LEGO Icons Project Hail Mary

Launch into the realm of cinematic science fiction with the LEGO Icons Project Hail Mary spaceship model kit for adults.

A stellar LEGO gift for sci-fi fans (myself included) based on the blockbuster movie, adapting Andy Weir’s best-selling novel, starring Ryan Gosling.

Buy LEGO Icons Project Hail Mary on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding the LEGO Icons Project Hail Mary to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day official trailer

Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures have dropped an official trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland as the titular web-slinger.



Read the official synopsis:

"After the record-breaking global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he's devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced."

When Spider-Man: Brand New Day wrapped filming last December, director Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) published an open letter on social media praising Holland. The director thanked him for his “kind, generous leadership on and off screen, for your relentless work ethic, your fearless performances and for your friendship.”

“I’m so deeply grateful for the people who walked with me through the biggest, most rewarding film I’ve ever been a part of,” Cretton added. “To our amazing cast, for breathing so much life into these beloved characters and moving us every day. To our unbelievable crew, who worked tirelessly with unmatched creativity and craftsmanship, who made me laugh so hard my stomach never stopped hurting. I love you all so much and can’t wait for the world to see your stunning work on the big screen.”

Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into cinemas on 31st July, 2026.

Are you looking forward to Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Let me know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu at the Oscars

Grogu stole the show at the Oscars on Sunday night when he appeared alongside Oscar nominee Kate Hudson. Sigourney Weaver and Pedro Pascal took to the stage, where Weaver reprised her famous line from Aliens.



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.

Hulu stakes Buffy reboot!

As a Buffy fan, I didn’t see this coming. Hulu has cancelled the reboot starring Ryan Kiera Armstrong (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew).

“I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me,” Sarah Michelle Gellar revealed the news on Instagram. “Unfortunately, Hulu has decided not to move forward with ‘Buffy: New Sunnydale.’ I want to thank Chloé Zhao because I never thought I would find myself back in Buffy’s stylish, yet affordable boots, and thanks to Chloé, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means, not only to me, but to all of you. And this doesn’t change any of that. And I promise if the apocalypse actually comes, you could still beep me.”

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the spin-off series Angel, Star Trek, and The X-Files sustained me during the 1990s and early 2000s before Doctor Who returned in 2005. For seven seasons, I adored the adventures of the Scooby Gang (Heat magazine printed my letter in 1999) and have cherished memories of watching the series with my late mum. After mum died in 2007, I haven't been able to watch The Body.

Armstrong, who was set to be the new vampire slayer mentored by Gellar, has reacted to the news that the show is not moving forward at Hulu.

“I’m sure many of you have already heard the news by now. I wanted to come on here and say thank you for all the support you guys have given me and the show throughout the past couple months. It’s been really special. I’m really proud of what we did. I’m sad that you guys won’t be able to see it, but it doesn’t take away from the amazing experience that I had,” the actress said in a video message on her Instagram.

“I wanna say thank you to Sarah, the Zuckerman sisters, Chloé. I love you guys. I also wanna say thank you to all the fans and all the people that believed in this new chapter and who believed in me. So, thank you, guys. Thank you to the cast that I worked with, you guys are awesome,” she continued.

“I guess all I want to say is, you know, we brought this back for you guys and, you know, Buffy is such a big part of all of our lives, and it’s not going anywhere. So, who knows what the future will hold?” Armstrong concluded.

Zhao, the Oscar-winning director of Hamnet, responded to the cancellation of the pilot for Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale.

“I had an incredible, incredible time with Sarah [Michelle Gellar], with all the cast and crew doing this. And we, first and foremost, see ourselves as the guardians of the original show,” Zhao said. “Our priority for Sarah and for us has always been to be truthful to the show, to be truthful to our fans. So, things happen for a reason, and we keep our hearts open and we welcome the mystery. And what this might lead us to.”

Are you disappointed that the Buffy reboot has been cancelled? Let me know in the comments below.

Lost Dalek episodes coming to iPlayer this Easter

Film is Fabulous! have recovered two missing episodes of Doctor Who, which feature William Hartnell in the title role. These are the first missing episodes of Doctor Who to be announced since 2013.

The episodes are from the serial, entitled ‘The Daleks’ Master Plan'. Written by Terry Nation, they were broadcast during the third season of Doctor Who. The serial starred William Hartnell as the Doctor, and Peter Purves as Steven Taylor. It also featured Nicholas Courtney as Bret Vyon, Adrienne Hill as Katarina, and Kevin Stoney as Mavic Chen.

The recovery means that the first three instalments of a once totally missing 12-part story now exist. They provide a dark and gritty outing for the Daleks, who were being groomed by their creator, Terry Nation, for their own series, and life outside of Doctor Who. Indeed, ‘The Daleks’ Master Plan’ was not sold by the BBC to overseas broadcasters.

In addition to the recovery, the Film is Fabulous! team have organised a special event, at which the two restored episodes of Doctor Who will be screened. This celebration of vintage television will take place on Saturday 4th April. The full details will be published shortly. The two episodes will be on BBC iPlayer this Easter.

Film is Fabulous! have collaborated with BBC Archives to enable these programmes to be returned to the BBC. BBC Archives has ensured that the original 16mm telerecordings are restored – meaning viewers will be able to watch them in the best possible condition on BBC iPlayer.

Noreen Adams, director of BBC Archives, said: "BBC Archives has been working to restore the original recordings and update these to broadcast quality, ensuring fans can enjoy a little extra treat with their Easter Eggs this April."

Film is Fabulous! is a charitable trust run by film collectors, cinema lovers, and vintage television enthusiasts. Its primary objective is to ensure that vulnerable film collections held in the U.K. are preserved when private film collectors, and former industry professionals, pass away. Since 2023, the team have preserved many private film collections.

For further information and to donate, visit Film is Fabulous!

Are you looking forward to seeing the two missing episodes from The Daleks' Master Plan on BBC iPlayer? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Ideas Tintin Moon Rocket

Blast off into comic book history with the LEGO Ideas Tintin Moon Rocket (21367), a detailed display model inspired by the classic Tintin comic books Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon.

"Creating the Tintin Moon Rocket has been an incredible journey”, said Alexis Dos Santos. “I wanted to capture the spirit of Tintin’s iconic rocket in a way that celebrates both its engineering elegance and its place in pop culture. Recreating its curvature and connecting the three floors pushed my creativity, and seeing it finally come together with all the minifigures in their space suits has been incredibly rewarding. I hope the build sparks the same sense of imagination and adventure that inspired me from the very beginning."

Pre-order LEGO Ideas Tintin Moon Rocket on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding the LEGO Ideas Tintin Moon Rocket to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Dark Forces strikes back!

Back in 1995, Star Wars: Rebel Assault II: The Hidden Empire and Star Wars: Dark Forces were the first CD-ROM-based games I owned on my first Apple Macintosh computer, a Performa 5200.

Fast forward to 2024. Nightdive Studios released an acclaimed remaster of Star Wars: Dark Forces for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5) and PC. Atari is publishing physical editions of the game for Nintendo Switch and PS5 on 13th March.

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster has been brought to life by the team at Nightdive Studios, fully remastered through its proprietary KEX engine. New and returning players will enjoy Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster’s upgraded gameplay, high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting and rendering, and support for gamepads.

The original 1995 Star Wars: Dark Forces raised the bar for FPS games, offering players a significant degree of movement and interactivity, a large selection of items and power-ups, and engaging environments.

In the first Star Wars FPS video game, players assume the role of Kyle Katarn, a defector of the Galactic Empire turned mercenary for hire. Katarn joins the Rebel Alliance’s covert operations division tasked with infiltrating the Galactic Empire, where he discovers the secret Dark Trooper Project. The development of this powerful new series of Imperial battle droids and power-armoured stormtroopers stands to strengthen the Empire’s grip on the galaxy unless Katarn and the Rebel Alliance intervene.

Pre-order Star Wars: Dark Forces at Amazon (affiliate link).

What are your memories of playing Star Wars: Dark Forces? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro reveals new line for Star Wars: Maul

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding Star Wars: The Black Series Maul: Shadow Lord action figures for the upcoming animated series on Disney+.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES MAUL

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 | Pre-Order on March 5 at 1PM ET on Hasbro and participating retailers; available Spring 2026)

After the events of the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure is detailed to look like Maul from STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD. Pose out Maul with his two red-bladed Lightsabers™, which can be combined into one double-bladed Lightsaber. Look for more STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-inch action figures to recreate your favorite scenes — or imagine your own (each sold separately, subject to availability).

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ELEVENTH BROTHER

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 | Pre-Order on March 5 at 1PM ET on Hasbro and participating retailers; available Spring 2026)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure is detailed to look like the Eleventh Brother from STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD. Pose out this Inquisitor with his red double-bladed Lightsaber™. Look for more STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-inch action figures to recreate your favorite scenes — or imagine your own (each sold separately, subject to availability).

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ROOK KAST

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 | Pre-Order on March 5 at 1PM ET on Hasbro and participating retailers; available Spring 2026)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure is detailed to look like the Rook Kast from STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD. Pose out Rook Kast with the included jetpack, blasters, and removable helmet accessories. Look for more STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-inch action figures to recreate your favorite scenes — or imagine your own (each sold separately, subject to availability).

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DEVON IZARA

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $27.99 | Pre-Order on March 5 at 1PM ET on Hasbro and participating retailers; available Spring 2026)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure is detailed to look like the Devon Izara from STAR WARS: MAUL – SHADOW LORD. Pose out Devon Izara with the included blue-bladed Lightsaber™. Look for more STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-inch action figures to recreate your favorite scenes — or imagine your own (each sold separately, subject to availability).

Shop Star Wars at Amazon (affiliate link).

The two-episode premiere of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord streams on 6th April only on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

Anthony Daniels breaks silence on Star Wars

During an interview for Nacelle’s Icons Unearthed: Star Wars series, Anthony Daniels, 80, detailed the first time he tried on the C-3PO costume for Star Wars.

“They put it on me, piece by piece by piece, and gradually, I really kind of felt I was losing my humanity,” he admitted. “I was clamped into this. And then they did have a camera turning. And for about 10 minutes or so, I wobbled around this workshop, crashing into things, smashing things. And then they took it off.”

Daniels continued, “It was a relief, you know? Ten minutes, 15 minutes, felt like a lifetime, a nightmare. I couldn’t see anything. It’s no wonder I crashed into stuff.”



Read the official synopsis:

"Cast, crew and experts detail the secret histories of the most iconic film and television series in Icons Unearthed. Icons Unearthed: Star Wars includes interviews with Marcia Lucas, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, Paul Hirsch, Phil Tippett, Rick Baker, Ken Ralston, John Dykstra, Howard Kazanjian, Julian Glover, Ian McDiarmid, Gus Lopez, Tom Spina and many more. Icons Unearthed: Star Wars is narrated by Michael Pennington, who portrayed the iconic character Moff Tiaan Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi."

Have you watched Icons Unearthed: Star Wars? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars under the stars

Adventure Cinema is bringing Star Wars: A New Hope to 16 venues across the UK this summer, on a huge open-air screen under the stars in stunning settings, running between 2nd August and 20th September.

"What to expect at the Star Wars outdoor cinema experience…

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

Enjoy the original Star Wars like never before as you watch the movie on a huge open-air screen under the stars in a stunning setting.

A legendary start to the sci-fi saga, George Lucas opened our eyes to the possibilities of blockbuster filmmaking and things have never been the same since.

Plus music to enjoy before the movie with a soundtrack of specially curated songs."

Here are the venues and dates:

Calke Abbey, Derby – Saturday, August 2nd; gates open at 6pm
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire – Saturday, August 9th; gates open at 6:30pm
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland – Saturday, August 2nd; gates open at 5:30pm
Cobbham Hall, Gravesend – Friday, August 14th; gates open at 6pm
Aldenham House, London – Sunday, August 16th; gates open at 6:30pm
Stowe House, Buckinghamshire – Wednesday, August 19th; gates open at 6pm
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury – Sunday, August 23rd; gates open at 5pm
Harewood House, Leeds – Sunday, August 23rd; gates open at 6:30pm
Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire – Saturday, August 29th; gates open at 5pm
Ashton Court, Bristol – Sunday, August 30th; gates open at 6:30pm
Lyme Park, Cheshire – Friday, September 4th; gates open at 6:45pm
Knebworth House, Stevenage – Sunday, September 6th; gates open at 6pm
Boughton House, Northamptonshire – Sunday, September 6th; gates open at 6:30pm
Coombe Abbey Country Park, Coventry – Sunday, September 13th; gates open at 6:30pm
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridge – Saturday, September 13th; gates open at 6:30pm
Arley Hall, Northwich – Sunday, September 20th; gates open at 6:30pm

Find out more and book your tickets here.

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

LEGO SMART Play x LEGO Star Wars official trailer

Check out the LEGO SMART Play x LEGO Star Wars official trailer with Ben & Nora to see some of the latest sets in the LEGO Star Wars collection, all available to purchase now.



Powered by the innovative LEGO SMART Brick, which is packed with pioneering, world-first technologies, LEGO SMART Play is a groundbreaking new platform that brings LEGO creations to life like never before.

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

Are you excited about LEGO SMART Play LEGO Star Wars sets? Let me know in the comments below.

Final issue of Star Wars Insider this May

Star Wars Insider #237, the final issue of the official magazine, will be available from 6th May, 2026, and will feature three variant covers, all celebrating the publication’s 38-year run, with an exclusive final interview with Kathleen Kennedy, short fiction and more.

The three variant covers include the Direct Market Edition featuring vintage Ralph McQuarrie artwork, a foil variant featuring Han Solo in Carbonite, and a Fan Club foil variant paying homage to The Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine #1 released in the Fall of 1987.

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

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

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

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

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

Brian May on Masters of the Universe soundtrack

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.

Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror

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).

Disney+ presents a Hulu Original on ITV

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.

Doctor Who’s streaming future on HBO Max?

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.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer gameplay trailer

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.

Steven Soderbergh on The Hunt for Ben Solo

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.

Doctor Who: The Movie remastered in 4K

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.

Martin Scorsese plays an alien in Star Wars

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.

The Mandalorian and Grogu go to war

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 inspects Sideshow's Han Solo statue

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).

George Lucas is 4th greatest American innovator

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.

Star Wars: Most Wanted

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).

Happy hunting!

Steven Spielberg on Disclosure Day

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.

HBO Max launching in the UK

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.

The Mandalorian and Grogu at Super Bowl

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.

Baldur's Gate 3 will continue on HBO

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.

Predator: Badlands boldly roars onto Hulu

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 is next Disney CEO

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.

His story begins... Michael

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 auction with Propstore

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 wins Grammy

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.

LEGO Space Up-Scaled Blue Astronaut

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.

How a modern Stormtrooper helmet is made!

Adam Savage (MythBusters) returned to the Propstore in London and talked to founder Stephen Lane about the construction of a Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars.



Read the official synopsis:

"After seeing an original Star Wars Stormtrooper helmet at Propstore a year ago, Adam gets the opportunity to examine the same helmet design, created by the speciality costume makers at FBFX for a modern Star Wars production. It’s a fascinating look at how modern fabrication techniques are used to recreate an iconic design and retain all the aesthetic hallmarks of the original."

I remember holding an original Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi at The Elstree Star Wars Day in 1994. I regret not having a camera with me to capture the memories with college friends. However, there were film props, and I met David Prowse (Darth Vader) and Warwick Davis (Wicket). This was one of Davis' earliest appearances at a Star Wars-related event before the first Star Wars Celebration in 1999.

Masters of the Universe movie toys first look

Entertainment Weekly (EW) has released an exclusive first look at the initial wave of Masters of the Universe Chronicles action figures based on the upcoming movie directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) and starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man.

Mattel has pulled out all the stops for this collector-level toy line, with a movie-accurate design, which was first revealed at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. The sculpts are amazing for He-Man, Battle Cat, Skeletor, Evil-Lyn, Trap Jaw, Tri-Klops, Man-at-Arms and Teela.

Roberto Stanichi, Mattel's chief global brand officer, said there was a lot of nostalgia for a toy line that first came out in the 1980s. "So we've been waiting for the right moment to bring it back in a way that really delivers on the legacy", he said at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany.

He-Man and Battle Cat will make a perfect pairing on my desktop when the line launches on 25th April.

Masters of the Universe is released in cinemas on 5th June 2026.

Will you be collecting the Masters of the Universe Chronicles action figure toy line? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO SMART Play expands the LEGO Star Wars Galaxy

Actor Anthony Daniels, who brings C-3PO to life in the Star Wars galaxy, joined the LEGO Group live at the Nuremberg Toy Fair to showcase the next step in LEGO SMART Play within the Star Wars galaxy.

Daniels revealed a range of new LEGO SMART Play toys, including the first-ever C-3PO SMART Minifigure.

“Though he was never a fan of adventures himself, I have always loved C-3PO as a LEGO Star Wars minifigure but SMART Play takes it to a whole new level. Fans will get to experience my friend and other beloved characters in a thrilling new way. It makes me happy and proud that 3PO will now be part of endless SMART Play adventures,” said Anthony Daniels, Actor, C-3PO.

The new sets revealed include iconic builds like the Millennium Falcon, the Mos Eisley Cantina and Luke’s Landspeeder, as well as SMART Minifigures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Yoda, among others.

"LEGO SMART Play is opening up a whole new galaxy of play for fans to explore. We have been telling incredible stories through LEGO Star Wars for over 25 years and Lucasfilm has been a fantastic collaborator, so it's a thrill to embark on this new adventure with them. These five new sets showcase what our talented teams can create with the LEGO SMART Play platform. We can now bring fans all new experiences that react to how you move and play in real time and we can’t wait for builders to get their hands on these sets and explore a galaxy far, far, away like never before.” said Mike Ilacqua, Head of Product, LEGO Star Wars at the LEGO Group.

Powered by the innovative LEGO SMART Brick, which is packed with pioneering, world-first technologies, LEGO SMART Play is a groundbreaking new platform that brings LEGO creations to life like never before.

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

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