Star Wars returns to cinemas for 50th anniversary

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

Read the press release:

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

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

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

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

Predator meets Star Wars

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



The working title of the upcoming Predator movie was Backpack!

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

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

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

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

Gunship announced as Star Wars HasLab

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

Read the official press release:

"Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

Hasbro teases Tron toys at Comic-Con

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

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

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

Terror of the Zygons at the BFI

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

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

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

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

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

Masters of the Universe x Transformers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step inside the Hasbro Pulse Booth

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Alien: Earth first look

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



Read the official synopsis:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hasbro reveals Star Wars Comic-Con exclusive

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

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

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

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

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

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

Predator: Badlands hunts apex Alien

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



Read the official synopsis:

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

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

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

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

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

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