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Production on HBO’s latest entry to their Game of Thrones/World of Ice and Fire universe is still underway, filming however, has now concluded, and we’re here to give you a rundown on all the information you need about the new series.   This page will be continuously updated as new filming information is released. Title and Synopsis So far, HBO has toyed with a variety of similar names for the series. At first, the show was titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight , and then The Hedge Knight , which transformed into Dunk and Egg , and now holds the title A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms . The official synopsis of the series is as follows: “A century before the events of Game of Thrones , two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.” Crew Showrunner — Ira Parker Writers — George R.R. Martin — Ira Parker — Steve Conrad — Hiram R. Martinez — Annie Julia Wyman — Aziza Barnes — Ti Mikkel Executive Producers: — George R.R. Martin — Steve Conrad — Vince Geradis — Ira Parker — Ryan J. Condal — Owen Harris — Sarah Bradshaw Production Manager: — Sarah Bradshaw Directors — Owen Harris — Harry Bradbeer Production Design: —Tom McCullagh Costume Design: — Lorna Marie Mugan (Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street, The Pope's Exorcist) Cast Peter Claffey will star as Duncan the Tall (Dunk). Ser Duncan the Tall, otherwise famously known as “Dunk” in the Tales of Dunk and Egg , is a towering and strong man from the slums of Flea Bottom. He was raised and trained by a hedge knight named Ser Arlan of Pennytree. After Ser Arlan's death, Dunk adopts the title of Ser Duncan the Tall and becomes a hedge knight, embodying the chivalric ideals of honor, bravery, and kindness. Peter is a former rugby player turned actor who is 6'5 tall. His audition readings were said to be " terrific ." Dexter Sol Ansell will star as Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Aegon V Targaryen, otherwise famously known as “Egg” in the Tales of Dunk and Egg, is a young prince who disguises his identity by shaving his head to travel as the squire of Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight. Egg is intelligent, curious, and compassionate, displaying humility and a strong sense of justice. As the fourth son of King Maekar I Targaryen, Aegon was in line for the succession of the Iron Throne. Dexter is a child acting veteran who recently starred as a child Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes . We have been told that Dexter's audition readings were great as well and that he cannot wait to shave his head . Dexter has shaved his head for filming. Finn Bennett will star as Aerion "Brightflame" Targaryen. Prince Aerion Targaryen, otherwise known as Aerion Brightflame, was the second son of King Maekar I Targaryen and the older brother of Prince Aegon Targaryen (Egg). Aerion was known for being arrogant, hot-tempered, and having a cruel streak. He considered himself a dragon and consistently acted with a sense of entitlement due to his Targaryen lineage. Finn Bennett is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, True Detective , The Mouse , or Top Boy . Sam Spruell will star as Maekar I Targaryen. King Maekar I Targaryen, known as Maekar the Anvil, was the fourteenth king of the Targaryen dynasty to sit on the Iron Throne of Westeros. Maekar was known for his stern and serious nature. He had a strong sense of duty and was often considered blunt and uncompromising. Despite his harsh demeanor, he was fiercely loyal to his family and realm. Maekar is the father of Prince Aegon (Egg), and the younger brother of Baelor Breakspear, whom he grew in the shadow of. Sam Spruell is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Snow White and the Huntsman , Taken 3 , or Legend . Bertie Carvel will star as Baelor "Breakspear" Targaryen. Prince Baelor Targaryen, otherwise known as Baelor Breakspear, was the eldest son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell, the older brother to Maekar I Targaryen and uncle to Prince Aegon (Egg). Baelor inherited the dark hair and eyes of his mother, Myriah Martell, rather than the silver hair and violet eyes of his Valyrian ancestors and father. Baelor was known for his valour, chivalry, and sense of justice. He was a skilled warrior and a beloved leader, admired for his honour and integrity. His charisma and bravery earned him the moniker "Breakspear." Bertie Carvel is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Dalgliesh , The Tragedy of Macbeth , or Doctor Foster . Tanzyn Crawford will star as Tanselle "Too-Tall." Tanselle, or Tanselle Too-Tall, was a Dornish puppeteer with black hair and olive skin. As part of a traveling group of puppeteers, she earned her living by entertaining people across the Seven Kingdoms with her puppet shows and artistic talents. Tanselle was notably tall for a woman, which earned her the nickname "Too-Tall." She was kind-hearted, and creative. "Tanselle Too-Tall was her name, but she was not too tall for me," said Duncan the Tall. Tanzyn Crawford is a veteran actress who has starred in some projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize her from, Servant , or Alexander . Daniel Ings will star as Lyonel "the Laughing Storm" Baratheon. Lyonel Baratheon had black hair and blue eyes, traits inherited from his Baratheon ancestors. He was tall and powerfully built, described as a "swaggering giant of a man," and nearly as tall as Duncan the Tall, who measured 6'11". In tourneys, Lyonel wore a cloth-of-gold surcoat bearing the crowned stag of his house and an antlered helm. He had a habit of laughing loudly at his opponents and in general, which earned him the nickname "the Laughing Storm." Renowned for his prowess in battle, Lyonel was considered one of the finest fighters of his day. Daniel Ings is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, The Gentlemen , I Hate Suzie , or The Crown . Henry Ashton will star as Daeron "the Drunken" Targaryen. Prince Daeron Targaryen, commonly known as Daeron the Drunken, was the firstborn son of King Maekar Targaryen and his wife, Lady Dyanna Dayne. Although he held the title of knight, Daeron was far better known for his alcoholism and reckless lifestyle than for any martial prowess. Often seen in a disheveled and unkempt state, Daeron's appearance reflected his lack of discipline. Despite his many shortcomings, he possessed a unique charisma and sense of humor that endeared him to those who looked beyond his inebriated façade. Notably, Prince Daeron was also one of the rare Dragon Dreamers in his family, experiencing cryptic dreams of future events that would eventually come to pass. Henry Ashton is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Shaun Thomas will star as Raymun Fossoway. Raymun Fossoway was a knight of House Fossoway of Cider Hall, having established its cadet branch, House Fossoway of New Barrel. Originating from the Reach—a region celebrated for its rich, fertile lands under House Tyrell’s reign—Raymun was characterized by his stocky build, square face, and pug nose. His short, woolly hair and engaging smile further defined his appearance. In contrast to more disreputable figures, such as his cousin Ser Steffon Fossoway, Raymun exemplified the traditional virtues of knighthood. Shaun Thomas is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Edward Ashley will star as Steffon Fossoway. Steffon Fossoway was a knight of House Fossoway of Cider Hall, from the Reach—a region famed for its rich, fertile lands under House Tyrell’s rule. A quick and muscular young knight, Steffon’s approach to knighthood starkly contrasted with that of his cousin, Raymun Fossoway. Embracing a more disreputable side of the Fossoway lineage, Steffon’s self-serving and opportunistic demeanor often put him at odds with those who upheld honor and duty. Edward Ashley is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor will star as Plummer. Plummer served as the steward of Ashford during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. He had the typical appearance of an older man, with a narrow, pinched face and thin grey hair. As the master of the games for the tourney at Ashford Meadow, Plummer initially refused to admit Ser Duncan the Tall, citing his lack of recognized identity. However, Prince Baelor Targaryen intervened, vouching for Duncan and ensuring his participation in the tournament. Tom Vaughan-Lawlor is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Youssef Kerkour will star as Steely Pate. Steely Pate was a blacksmith from the Reach during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. Standing no more than five feet tall, he was a short man with enormous hands. His thick chest and arms were covered in coarse black hair, and he sported a full black beard. Proud of his work, Pate's steel, though plain in appearance, was known for its strength. He was not modest about his craftsmanship. Steely Pate wore a short leather cloak, and his wagon was emblazoned with a painted sword and anvil. At the tourney at Ashford Meadow, he sold Ser Duncan the Tall a new suit of armor. Youssef Kerkour is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Danny Webb will star as Arlan of Pennytree. Arlan of Pennytree was a hedge knight and the mentor of Dunk, who would later become known as Ser Duncan the Tall. A small and slim man, Arlan was known for his kindness and generosity in giving praise. He first met Dunk in the slums of Flea Bottom in King's Landing and took him on as his squire. Arlan's weaponry included a longsword, an eight-foot ash war lance, and a dagger. His coat of arms featured a winged chalice, silver on a brown field. His armor consisted of a chain-mail hauberk, a dented iron halfhelm, and greaves and gorget. His battered oak shield bore the same winged chalice sigil as his coat of arms. Danny Webb is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Daniel Monks will star as Manfred Dondarrion. Manfred Dondarrion was a knight of House Dondarrion and the son and heir of Lord Dondarrion during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. Ser Manfred was a slender man with a wild mane of red-gold hair. In 206 AC, Ser Manfred fought alongside his father’s host and Lord Pearse Caron, helping to defeat the Vulture King. At the tourney at Ashford Meadow in 209 AC, Duncan the Tall hoped Manfred could vouch for his knighthood to the master of games, given their shared experience against the Vulture King. However, Manfred did not recall Duncan. Daniel Monks is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Unconfirmed Roles Rowan Robinson will star as a character named ‘Rowan’ (possibly a code name). Rowan Robinson is a veteran actress who has starred in some projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize her from, A Haunting in Venice , Gym , or Am I Who . Steven Calvert will star as a ‘Stormland Knight.’ Steven Calvert is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, The School for Good and Evil , Hope Street , or Bloodlands . Abigail O’Regan will star in a currently unknown role. Abigail O'Regan is a veteran actress. Most notably you may recognize her from, Spellbound . Abigail O’Regan, Steven Calvert, and Rowan Robinson have joined the cast of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ; however, their roles are either unconfirmed or cannot be placed. A future casting update will be announced once their roles in the series are confirmed. These unconfirmed castings were first reported by Redanian Intelligence . Filming locations The series will be filmed in the United Kingdom; Belfast, Ireland. Filming locations in Northern Ireland include: — Titanic Studios — Myra Castle — Glenarm Castle Estate — Tollymore Forest Park Location information provided by Redanian Intelligence . Filming Filming has now wrapped according to Redanian Intelligence . Release Date HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is currently slated for a 2025 premiere and is expected to take annual turns with Game of Thrones successor, House of the Dragon . Follow @ westerosies and @ NexusPointNews on X/Twitter to keep updated on the latest news for the Game of Thrones Universe.

Marvel's upcoming WandaVision spin-off Agatha All Along (formerly known as House of Harkness , Coven of Chaos and Darkhold Diaries ) is a dream come true for fans who love the magic corner of the MCU. When Agatha All Along first got announced in November 2021, so many were surprised that Agatha Harkness would have her own show. I believe it was inevitable as WandaVision was Marvel Studios' most critically acclaimed project to date. The series garnered 23 Emmy nominations and even secured a Grammy nomination. Although there isn't an official release date for Agatha All Along yet, I have previously uncovered the tentative release date for the series alongside a synopsis and cast list. According to U.S. Copyright Office, the current release date for Agatha is September 19. It is not a surprise that Marvel/Disney want to release this witchy series with horror elements during Halloween season. Update: First two episodes of Agatha All Along will premiere on September 18 on Disney+ The synopsis of the series in the same listing reads as: In the first episode we see Agatha finally break out of a spell she has been trapped in. She can’t wait to go back to her old murderous ways only to find that she is powerless. The only way forward for her is to embark on a perilous quest to get her powers back with the help of an unlikely friend or two. This comes off as a surprise to those who have thought Agatha would get a redemption arc, or she was simply evil because of the Darkhold , the book of the damned. We will see that is hardly the case in Agatha . THE CAST OF AGATHA ALL ALONG Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness / Agnes A powerless Agatha who is ready to whatever it takes to get her powers back will be the center of the series while getting chased by some rightfully angry enemies, The Salem Seven. She will not be alone in her journey to get her powers back. She will be accompanied by Joe Locke's Teen and some other witches. Joe Locke as Teen Heartstopper star Joe Locke is a the co-lead of the series. Both promotional materials and Copyright Office records list the character as Teen. It is likely that the creators are taking the Agnes route with this character with a reveal at some point in the series. Several rumors are already circulating around Teen being Agatha's familiar, or Wanda Maximoff's son Billy. We should find out the truth soon enough. Aubrey Plaza as Rio Vidal Aubrey Plaza is set to play a witch named Rio in Agatha All Along . Several sources have mentioned Rio as a green witch, and she has a connection with Earth and life itself. Rio is expected to have an antagonistic presence in the series, however she is not the main villain. Patti LuPone as Lilia Calderu The Broadway legend is also portraying a witch in Agatha . LuPone is set to portrayed Lilia Calderu in the series. In the featurette released in WandaVision Steelbook , Lilia is seemingly running a psychic shop. LuPone herself also revealed a lot about her character on The View : It’s a coven of witches, and I play Lilia Calderu, who apparently is in the Marvel world. I researched her, she’s hot, she’s really hot, she’s got a great body and hair. I didn’t know there were witches, I didn’t know anything about the Marvel world. There are witches in the Marvel world. So, we are a coven of witches and the witches are: Kathryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, and [a] Familiar — if anybody knows Heartstopper — is Joe Locke. a 450-year-old Sicilian witch whose power is divination and whose trial is tarot. I believe LuPone referred to Locke's character as a "Familiar" to keep the actual role a secret. Tarot cards are also going to be a big part of the series, tarot designs were even used on crew merch. We can expect the official merch to feature tarot designs as well. Sasheer Zamata as Jennifer Kale / Jen Zamata is set to portray the fan-favorite comic book character Jennifer Kale. Jen is one of the witches joining Agatha in her journey in The Witches' Road , a dangerous dimension where you can reportedly enter with a coven by singing a song. Jen is also rumored to run a skincare shop in the series. Ali Ahn as Alice Wu Ahn is playing a witch named Alice in the series. Alice is seemingly a security guard at a mall according to set pictures released a while ago. Since Lilia's specilization is divination and she is running a psychic shop, it would be safe to assume Alice's specilization could be protection related. Debra Jo Rupp as Sharon Davis / Mrs. Hart WandaVision regular Sharon Davis seems to be joining the coven in their journey through The Witches' Road . I heard the character is comic-relief and is not in the series for too long. It is also rumored that she is not actually a witch in Agatha All Along , I can say I heard similar things about the character. Miles Guiterrez-Riley as Eddie Miles Guiterrez-Riley is reportedly portraying Teen's boyfriend Eddie in Agatha All Along . I heard Eddie doesn't have much screentime, however it is very clear they are actually in a relationship and they clearly love each other very much. He should appear in around two episodes. Paul Adelstein and Maria Dizzia as Jeff and Rebecca Kaplan The Illuminerdi previously revealed that Maria Dizzia would be portraying Teen's mother Rebecca. I also revealed that I heard Paul Adelstein was portraying Teen's father Jeff in Agatha All Along . Both characters have limited screentime, similar to Eddie's screentime. They are as supportive as their comic book counterparts. Emma Caulfield-Ford as Dottie Jones/Sarah Proctor When WandaVision was airing, the fans were expecting Dottie to be a witch, however it turned out to bea red herring. With Agatha All Along announcement, those theories resurfaced again, but it seems like Dottie/Sarah will not be anything more than a Westview citizen here as well. Evan Peters as Ralph Bohner Yes, Evan Peters is returning as Ralph Bohner. No, they are not retconning anything about his character in Agatha All Along . I know many people were disappointed with the reveal of Peters as Ralph Bohner and they wanted him to be Quicksilver desperately, however it seems like Marvel is sticking to their plan to keep him as Ralph. His appearance is also very short. Kate Forbes as Evanora Harkness Kate Forbes returns as Agatha's mother Evanora in the series. Since we have seen Agatha kill her in WandaVision , this must be a flashback, or they might find another way to bring her into the narrative. Only time will tell... The Salem Seven A while back I exclusively shared the rest of The Salem Seven actresses and the animals their characters would turn into. While Okwui Okpokwasili's addition to the cast was revealed, her character was unknown. She will be portraying Vertigo, the head of The Salem Seven . Vertigo and her coven are reportedly the daughters of the witches Agatha killed in WandaVision . They are rightfully seeking revenge against Agatha. This coven of witches can also turn into animals: Okwui Okpokwasili : Cicada Bethany Curry: Crow Athena Perample: Fox Marina Mazepa: Snake Britta Grant: Rat Chau Naumova: Coyote Alicia Vela-Bailey: Owl Some more witches? Holly Bonney portrays a tavern witch. However, I heard there was not a tavern scene in Agatha All Along . It is likely that she could show up in the secret special episode. Nadia Robertson portrays a witch with a coven either in the series or in the special. Chloe Camp is another addition. She will likely play younger version of a witch or Billy's friend. First one is more likely, in my opinion. Westview Citizens Some Westview citizens return briefly in Agatha All Along : Ali Asif as Abilash Tandon, David Lengel as Harold Proctor, David Payton as John Collins, Amos Glick as Dennis and Brian Brightman as Sheriff Miller. When to expect a teaser/announcement We could possibly get a teaser, or a poster, or a release date on May 14 at Disney Upfronts. While it is not guaranteed, it is an event Marvel has previously shared first looks and dates at. I believe Marvel/Disney will wait until D23 in August to release a full length trailer, but this is just a speculation on my part. I heard teaser has been ready for a while and it included Detective Agnes, which is the main focus on the first episode and is inspired by Mare of Easttown . My source also told me the the footage with Detective Agnes had film noir vibes. Time will tell whether it is true or not, hopefully we find it out this Tuesday at Disney Upfronts. I am hearing the first trailer is on July 8. Agatha All Along will premiere on Disney+ on September 18.

The Rings of Power  season two marches on with episode five, Halls of Stone . This episode perfectly exemplifies what this season understands so well: focus. While the overall narrative taking place this season is epic and expansive, individual episodes understand when to contract the story and hone in on a few key story threads. This episode spends the majority of its runtime covering three main plots: the impact the Rings of Power for the Dwarf-Lords are having, Sauron (Charlie Vickers) posing as Annatar on his mission to have rings for men forged, and the continued schism forming in Númenor. The episode opens on the Rings of Power gifted to the Dwarves, showcasing how, seemingly instantly, all their plights are solved with the help of the Ring. King Durin III (Peter Mullan) becomes increasingly protective of the Ring, developing a penchant for greed and an even shorter temper than usual. Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur) begins to suspect something is terribly wrong with the Ring. Every sequence here carries a heavy sense of foreboding, with dread just underneath the surface, a drop and then a wave of paranoia, and the feeling that catastrophe might be avoided if a different path is taken. The doubt that Prince Durin carries about the Rings intersects with arguably the main focus of the episode - Sauron manipulating Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) into helping forge the nine Rings for men. This is far and away the show at its peak. Sauron feels like a genuine force of nature, living up to his title as the Deceiver. His manipulation of Celebrimbor and the other Elves of Eregion is a masterclass in cunning, half-truths, implied understandings, and turning trust against someone. The show's earlier emphasis on Sauron needing genuine trust to fully deceive someone makes his schemes in Eregion even more heartbreaking. On the other side of the Middle-Earth map, Númenor continues to fracture under shifting political allegiances. Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) maintains a firm grip on much of the populace, removing supporters of Queen Regent Miriel, including Elendil (Lloyd Owen). Númenor hasn't broken into a full-scale civil war yet, but a population can't sustain rising tides of unrest forever. While Númenor offers engaging characters and jaw-dropping locales, it does feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of the series, though its importance to the bigger picture is clear. The stacked cast continues to deliver top-notch performances, complemented by stunning cinematography, impeccable set, and costume designs, and a score that routinely elevates the story. Motifs creep into prominence at perfect moments, delivering eerie or hopeful feelings precisely when needed. The Rings of Power  handles the challenge of pacing a sprawling tale across distant locations excellently. By maintaining focus on a particular set of characters in each episode, storylines feel like they make substantial progress. Though there's a lot to love across the board, it's clear this is the Sauron show, and the dread and tragedy he brings is impossible to look away from. Rating: 4/5

There’s a power struggle in Gotham’s underbelly and The Penguin is here to seize it all. This review was made possible by advance screeners of episodes 1-8 provided by HBO. This is a spoiler-free review of THE PENGUIN, which premieres September 19 on HBO and Max. A spoiler review of the first episode will publish September 19 at 10:00PM EST and thereafter reviews for episodes 2 – 8 will publish at 10:00PM EST on the Sunday night of each respective episode debuts. Set one week after the explosive events of The Batman , The Penguin focuses on Oz Cobb’s (Colin Farrell) rise to power in Gotham. In The Batman , crime lord Carmine Falcone (John Turturro in the film and Mark Strong for the series) dies at the hands of the Riddler resulting in a power vacuum in Gotham’s underworld. This is no easy task for Oz as there’s a few power players on the chess board he would need to contend with. The two heirs to the Falcone empire: Alberto (Michael Zegen) and Sofia (Cristin Milioti), Falcone’s underboss Johnny Viti (Michael Kelly), Salvatore Maroni (Clancy Brown) and a slew of Gotham’s gangs including The Triads to name a few. But the one player Oz is in constant battle with is himself. Oz is brash, a weasel, smart but a manipulator, liar, burden with ambition but underestimated by all and most of all impulsive. Its these traits that allowed Oz to survive Gotham, and throughout the series you’ll see how far he’ll go to achieve his goal.   Showrunner Lauren LeFranc crafts a pedigree crime drama set in Matt Reeves’ Batman Universe. The show stands on its own without the need of the Batman showing up. This is a testament to the writing and portrayal of each character whether familiar or created for the show. Colin Farrell owns this character. Colin’s transformation to the Penguin was a highlight in The Batman. In the series, Colin is able to expand more of the character. You sympathize and root for Oz and within a flick of a switch you want him buried in an unmarked grave. Though, Colin wasn’t a fan of the prosthetics (masterfully crafted by Mike Marino) you can tell he had fun with this role.   Enough about Oz, the standout character is Cristin Milioti’s take on Sofia Falcone. Sofia is a tragic character, who like Oz, is dispensable regardless of her lineage. She comes into the series after a recent 10-year stint in Arkham Asylum for a series murders and needs to rebuild herself within the eyes of her family and the city of Gotham. Cristin is a tour de force. Though this is Colin’s show, your eyes will fixate on Cristin whenever she’s on screen. I hope to see more of her in a future series or in The Batman: Part 2 . Rhenzy Feliz is another stand out. He portrays Victor Aguilar, an original character created for the series. He’s a Hispanic-American teenager who was directly affected by the Riddler’s bombing of Gotham’s reservoir. Fate would pit him with the Penguin after unknowingly trying to steal from the notorious gangster’s plum-colored car. Rhenzy serves as a guide for the audience and a bit of a conscious for the Penguin. Though Victor sees himself as a nobody without ambition, Oz clearly has a soft sport for him because he sees himself in him especially how they both share an impediment. Though it’s clear Oz is protective of Victor, Victor is yet another dispensable pawn.   There’s a lot to gush over and say about this series though I will spill into spoiler territory if I continue. The acting, cinematography, and set designs are top notch and expands on Matt Reeves’ world. Though there’s a lot of good things in this series, it does suffer from a few minor grievances.  There are times where characters are able to escape situations too easily due to the plot. Some of the set designs, though great, feel small. This is Matt’s Gotham after all yet there are times you’re reminded this is an HBO series with less of a budget. Another issue I have is the look of Gotham after the flood. I’ve experienced one too many storms/floods in my time and I know how structures should look after the fact. Here, its an overlooked flaw that may not be noticeable to some.   The Penguin serves as a great continuation to Matt Reeves Batman Epic Crime Saga. With a stellar cast and fast paced plot, viewers will be eager to watch how the next episode unfolds. There’s a lot to be said about the stellar cast. Colin Farrell IS the Penguin whether he likes the suit or not. Cristin Milioti shines whenever she appears on screen and there’s not enough that could be said about Rhenzy Feliz. The biggest flaw in all of this we would need to wait until 2026 to come back into this world, depending on if Matt Reeves ever finishes the script.   Rating: 4/5

As production approaches on the final season of Prime Video’s critically acclaimed series, The Boys , its spin-off Vought Rising remains deep in development in preparation for cameras to start rolling next year.  Nexus Point News has exclusively learned that casting is currently underway for Flyboy: a new supe set to debut in season 5 of The Boys  which will set up a larger role for him in Vought Rising . Flyboy is described as a white man in his twenties to thirties who was once a charismatic combat pilot, but is now a junkie with a dark past. Although he’s haunted by the trauma of his past, he maintains his confidence in the presence of cameras, aweing the world and especially women. Flyboy is likely a character invented originally for The Boys  television continuity and not based on any character from the comics. Due to the time jump between The Boys and Vought Rising , it’s likely that Flyboy has decelerated aging similar to Soldier Boy and Stormfront. Both characters are expected to be the leads of Vought Rising  which is set about 70 years prior to the events of The Boys in the 1950s. It’s also likely, due to their militaristic backgrounds, Flyboy and Soldier Boy share some kind of history. As revealed during the finale of season 4, Soldier Boy is expected to return in season 5 leading to a potential reunion for him and Flyboy. Whether or not their past is explored in The Boys  season 5, it’s very likely that Vought Rising  will go in depth into the origins of their relationship. Vought Rising  was announced on July 26, 2024 during The Boys  panel at San Diego Comic Con of that year. Along with the announcement, it was revealed that Aya Cash and Jensen Ackles would reprise their roles as Stormfront and Soldier Boy, respectively. Paul Grellong was announced to be the series’ showrunner. Grellong previously wrote season 3, episode 7 and season 4, episode 7 of The Boys. Grellong’s credits also include, Hawaii Five-0 , Scorpion , and Revolution . The Boys  showrunner, Eric Kripke, will serve as an executive producer. Prime Video’s The Boys season 5 is set to begin production in November 2024 and Vought Rising  is set to follow with production beginning during Summer 2025.  This story is developing.

Disclaimer: This review contains mild spoilers for Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988) and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). The Juice is once again loose.  36 years after the theatrical release of Beetlejuice, Tim Burton’s ghost with the most is back to haunt a new generation of moviegoers in a rollicking sequel that, for all of its faults, ultimately manages to justify its own existence.  The original film follows Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), a recently deceased couple who enlist the help of the titular “bio-exorcist” to rid the idyllic country home they haunt of its new yuppie owners. Two of the aforementioned yuppies are the neurotic Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara) and her moody step-daughter, Lydia (Winona Ryder), who secretly harbors the ability to communicate with the dead.  Delia and Lydia take centerstage in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice , which sees them returning to the fictional Winter River, CT to bury their family patriarch, Charles (played by disgraced actor Jeffrey Jones in the 1988 film), in the wake of his untimely, off-screen demise. In the present day, Lydia is the host of a paranormal talk show produced by her bizarro husband Rory (Justin Theroux) and relies on psychiatric medication to suppress her day-to-day encounters with spirits. Lydia struggles to connect with her own skeptic daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), who has yet to come to terms with her parents’ divorce and the passing of her own father (Santiago Cabrera) several years earlier.  Meanwhile, a soul-sucking spirit named Delores (Monica Belucci) wreaks havoc throughout the afterlife, in her vengeful pursuit of an old flame who murdered her with an axe centuries prior… and who just so happens to be Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) himself. Delores’ trail of vanquished specters is under investigation by Wolf Jackson (Willem Dafoe), a former B-movie actor who futilely advises Betelgeuse to keep a low profile. Wolf’s warning revitalizes Betelgeuse’s quest to reconnect with Lydia, whose hand in marriage would allow him to escape the clutches of Delores once and for all.  Unlike its predecessor, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  is quite expansive in scope, spending most of its runtime outside the confines of the Maitland residence. This choice largely works, as the world of the film is populated with an ensemble of lively (and not-so-lively) eccentrics that are fun to watch. As a result, however, the story has a much less effective human throughline than the original. One of the reasons Beetlejuice  worked so well was the contrast that its two leads brought to the madcap dreamscape into which they were thrust. Nearly every offbeat character here is afforded their own bonkers side plot, and while they tend to stick the landing, none feel quite as emotionally grounded as Barbara and Adam’s story. A case could be made for Astrid and Lydia’s, but from their very first interaction, the nature of their joint arc is completely obvious and self-evident.  The first forty minutes are the film’s weakest by far. It is without question that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  could not have gotten made had it not been for the recent career triumphs of Winona Ryder ( Stranger Things ), Catherine O’Hara ( Schitt’s Creek ), and Jenna Ortega ( Wednesday ). The screenplay, penned by Wednesday  co-creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, initially affords its wealth of talent little more to do than spewing mouthfuls of overwritten expository dialogue to catch the audience up on where the Deetzes have been in the interim years. During this segment, Ryder and O’Hara’s roles feel more like a defanged, generic retread of their greatest hits than a reintroduction to the standout characters we met back in Beetlejuice . Even Ortega, the franchise’s exceptionally talented newbie, has trouble establishing Astrid as more than just a family-friendly amalgam of Wednesday Addams, Ellie Alves, and Tara Carpenter. The writers’ awareness of Ryder, O’Hara, and Ortega’s stature in the zeitgeist is all-too apparent in early scenes, much to the movie’s detriment. At one point, Astrid unsubtly shouts out Scream  by citing Edvard Munch’s The Scream  painting– upon which the Ghostface killer’s iconic mask is based– as a past Halloween costume.  As far as long-awaited sequels are concerned, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  manages to pull off a rather impressive feat: it recovers from an uninspired first act just in time for the second. A brilliantly set up twist unveils the thrust of the plot for the remainder of the movie, which goes on to make much better use of its exceptional lead cast. Initially somewhat docile in her delivery of Delia’s scene-stealing zingers, Catherine O’Hara lets it rip once her plotline takes an unexpected turn. It’s the kind of risky narrative pivot the Tim Burton of old earned himself a cult following by making in his earlier works and it pays off beautifully in this particular instance. A strategically underused Michael Keaton ratchets up the lunacy in each and every scene, reminding viewers of why they fell in love with his performance as Betelgeuse in the first place. His unfinished business with Lydia comes to a gratifying head in the final act, which sees Keaton and Ryder slipping right back into their on-screen rapport with ease.  Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  follows in the footsteps of Beetlejuice  by concluding with a flash-forward epilogue. It’s a gratuitous sequence in a movie that’s already stuffed to the brim, and while it fails to fully resonate, it covers enough territory to signal that another follow-up film is unlikely and that the Beetlejuice  IP as we know it will now be put to rest.  Burton’s direction, Haris Zambarloukos’ ( Belfast ) cinematography, Danny Elfman’s score, and Colleen Atwood’s ( Alice In Wonderland ) costume design work harmoniously in concert to make Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  an all-around auditory and visual feast. Burton has spoken at length about returning to the basics of practical effects and using as little CGI as possible to honor the spirit of the Beetlejuice franchise’s first installment. The film balances the sleek polish of digital enhancement with the handcrafted vigor of the original Beetlejuice quite effectively, compromising neither its ability to feel like a modern movie nor the aesthetic integrity that such a beloved follow-up film demands.  In a surprising return to form, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  is a consistently funny and worthwhile, if wobbly, exhumation of an auteur’s most iconic character. After more than three decades of musing about a revisitation, it’s clear that daylight finally came and Tim Burton wanted to go home– and overall, we’re so glad he did. Rating: 3.5/5. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now playing exclusively in theaters worldwide.

Challengers super-duo Luca Guadagnino and Justin Kuritzkes are reteaming once again for a DC Studios feature film. Nexus Point News has exclusively learned that Guadagnino is set to direct Sgt. Rock  with a script written by Kurtizkes for the DC Universe. The film is expected to be a period piece set during World War II. Sgt. Franklin Rock was created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert and debuted in Our Army at War #83 in 1959. Rock is known for being a member of the Easy Company, a unit that fought in the European Theatre during World War II. Several films centered on Sgt. Rock have been attempted since the 1980s with several writers being attached to the film and several drafts being written. Arnold Schwarzenegger was attached to play Rock at the time and in the 2000s, Bruce Willis was in talks for the role. A soldier bearing similarities to Rock appeared in Legends of Tomorrow portrayed by Blair Penner, marking this as his only live-action appearance. Guadagnino has previously helmed Call Me by Your Name, Suspiria, Bones and All, and of course 2024 hit movie, Challengers. In addition to penning Challengers , Kuritzkes has written the script for Guadagnino’s upcoming film, Queer . He is currently adapting Don Winslow’s City of Fire  which has Austin Butler attached to star. Sgt. Rock was initially reported by DCUleaks on February 2024 with an A-list director being attached. Earlier this week, Jeff Sneider reported that DC Studios was courting Guadagnino for a project. Sgt. Rock  is currently being developed as part of DC Studios’ DC Universe.

As the DC Universe continues development and various stages of production on its slate of projects, Lanterns continues to be deep into casting its leads, Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Jordan and Stewart are best known for being members of the Green Lantern Corps and mainstays of the Justice League. We have exclusively learned that Josh Brolin has been offered the role of Green Lantern Hal Jordan in DC Studios’ HBO series, Lanterns . This version of the character is described as a Lantern legend and will be a veteran member of the Corps. White actors in their forties and fifties were being looked at for this role until it was determined that Brolin was the top choice for the role of Hal Jordan. DCUleaks exclusively reported over a year ago that Hal Jordan would be a veteran Lantern and John Stewart would be a rookie . It is important to note that although Brolin has been offered the role, it is uncertain whether or not he’ll accept it. If he were to turn down the offer, they will move down their short list to the next option. Update 9/3/24 , Nexus Point News has exclusively learned that Chris Pine and Timothy Olyphant are on the short list for Hal Jordan with Pine being the next choice if Brolin declines. Brolin is best known for his roles as Llewelyn Moss in No Country for Old Men , Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, and Brand in The Goonies . This can potentially be Brolin’s second portrayal of a DC comics character. He previously portrayed Jonah Hex in 2010’s Jonah Hex . Hal Jordan was created by John Broome and Gil Kane and debuted in DC’s Showcase #22 in 1959. Jordan’s Green Lantern was a reinvention of Martin Nodell and Bill Finger’s character Alan Scott, who first used the title of Green Lantern in All-American Comics #16 in 1940. Jordan is a former military pilot, following in the footsteps of his father. After his military service he becomes a test pilot for Ferris Aircraft, during which he’s chosen by a dying Abin Sur to become his successor as Green Lantern of Earth’s sector: 2814. Jordan, like all Lanterns, uses an advanced ring powered by his willpower to create hard-light constructs of whatever he can imagine. The character was previously portrayed in live-action in Legends of the Superheroes by Howard Murphy and in Green Lantern  by Ryan Reynolds. Lanterns  was first announced in January 2023 by DC Studios co-CEO, James Gunn. The series was later picked up by HBO for an 8-episode season in June 2024 with the announcement that Chris Mundy ( Ozark)  will be the series’ showrunner and Tom King ( Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow ) and Damon Lindelof ( Watchmen, Prometheus ) as executive producers. Lanterns will see two intergalactic cops (Hal Jordan and John Stewart) drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. Nathan Fillion is expected to reprise his role as Green Lantern Guy Gardner.  Nexus Point News exclusively reported that the series will begin shooting in January 2025. Lanterns  is expected to be part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters of the DCU and will premiere on HBO. This story is developing.

Award-winning actress Elizabeth Olsen who is best known for her time spent playing Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while being known as indie darling and queen of Sundance in the early days of her career. However, now with her seemingly taking a break from all things Marvel-related. She has a variety of projects lined up set to release or start production over the coming months, ranging from romantic comedy, and science fiction to dark comedy. Here are the projects that we’ll all be seeing her in.  His Three Daughters | Christina His Three Daughters  where Olsen stars alongside two female powerhouses within the industry, Carrie Coon ( The Leftovers ) and Natasha Lyonne ( Orange Is the New Black ) which was announced last July at the Toronto International Film Festival. The drama was written and directed by Azazel Jacobs ( French Exit ). Olsen, Coon and Lyonne also serve as executive producers of the film. The film follows three estranged sisters as they reunite in New York City to care for their ill father whose health is deteriorating, as they care for their father tensions rise due to past issues they attempt to heal and mend the broken relationships they have amongst each other. While the main focus of the drama is seemingly Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon and Natasha Lyonne, they are also joined by Jovan Adepo, Jay O. Saunders, Jasmine Bracey, Rudy Galvan and Jose Febus. Netflix acquired the project for $7 million and has been confirmed by Variety that the film will be releasing in select theaters on September 6th and will subsequently be released on Netflix on September 20th. The Assessment | Mia Announced by Screen Daily last June Elizabeth Olsen will be starring alongside Alicia Vikander ( The Danish Girl ) and Himesh Patel ( Tenet ) in The Assessment  which is being categorised as a dystopian sci-fi film. Whilst it hasn’t been confirmed yet there are rumours that Indira Varma ( Game of Thrones ), Minnie Driver ( Good Will Hunting ) and Charlotte Ritchie ( You ) have been cast alongside Olsen, Vikander and Patel. The project was directed by Fleur Fortuné, which will be the debut feature for the filmmaker, whilst Nell Garfath Cox, Dave Thomas and John Donnelly are the writers of the project. The film is set in a world that has been destroyed due to climate change, due to this how society acts has changed drastically and the majority of things are monitored to create a sort of utopia, which includes the life of a couple (Olsen & Patel), The couple is evaluated by an assessor (Vikander) over the course of seven days which determines whether or not they are suitable for childbearing.  In July it was announced the project will have its world premiere this year at the Toronto International Film Festival. Production for the project took place in Tenerife and Köln, the film is produced by Augenschein Filmproduktion, MMC Movies Köln GmbH and Number 9 Films. Love Child | Misty Love Child is the much anticipated dark comedy by Todd Solondz. While this project has seemingly struggled to be developed over the past few years with cast members already being recast twice with the project initially starring Penélope Cruz and Edgar Ramírez, which were then replaced by Rachel Weisz and Colin Farrell, is the third time the charm? In February it was announced by Deadline the project now had Elizabeth Olsen and Charles Melton ( May December ) attached and set to star in the film. The film follows Misty (Olsen) who is seemingly stuck in a loveless marriage, Junior her 11-year-old son takes a chance to reshape his mother’s love life when a handsome stranger Easy (Melton) appears mysteriously. Junior devises a plan to get rid of his father so Misty can marry Easy instead however it ends up leading to disastrous consequences. It is still unknown when exactly production for this project will take place there were rumours for production start dates being spread but as for now, the project is currently still in pre-production. Olsen has also expressed her excitement to be working on this project with Todd Solondz, “I am a long-time fan of Todd’s work and to collaborate with him on this film is a true dream.” Eternity | Joan In addition to all of this Olsen is set to star alongside Miles Teller ( Whiplash ), Callum Turner ( Masters of the Air ), Da’Vine Joy Randolph ( The Holdovers ), Olga Merediz ( In the Heights ) and John Early ( Search Party ) in A24’s romantic comedy Eternity, which was announced back in March by Deadline . Along with starring in the project, Olsen and Teller are both executive producers for the upcoming project. The project is being directed by David Freyne ( Dating Amber ) and Patrick Cunnane wrote it who previously worked as the senior writer and deputy director of messaging for former president Barack Obama, his screenplay was a part of The Black List back in 2022, which is a survey that is done annually of the most liked motion picture screenplays that had not yet been produced. The project started filming in Vancouver, Canada in May and subsequently wrapped filming in July! Although plot details were being kept under wraps, it's known that the film is set in a world where everyone must decide who they want to spend eternity with. Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of a release date for this film.  Rumoured Projects While they are the only projects of Elizabeth Olsen’s that have been confirmed there have been rumours she’s attached to two other projects, one is a limited series which is set to be an adaption of Charlotte McConaghy’s novel Once There Were Wolves  for Apple. Garth Davis ( FOE ) is reportedly set to be the showrunner, director and lead writer alongside Alice Addison ( Devil’s Playground ). The small synopsis of the novel and potential future TV series is as follows, Inti Flynn arrives in Scotland with her twin sister, Aggie, to lead a team of biologists tasked with reintroducing fourteen gray wolves into the remote Highlands. She hopes to heal not only the dying landscape but her twin Aggie too due to the traumatic events that occurred in Alaska. It is reportedly set to film in Scotland at the end of September this year. The last project to which Olsen was rumoured to be attached to was a film adaptation of the short story by Mary South called The Age of Love  reportedly Olsen was or still is who is to know currently was set to star alongside Stranger Things  star and musician Joe Keery. Matthew Capodicasa was apparently the writer for the project, with Lance Oppenheim ( Ren Faire , Spermworld ) set to direct the film as was mentioned back in January 2023 in an article by Little Black Box about how he was developing projects with different actors and directors within the industry, Elizabeth Olsen was one of the people mentioned. Unfortunately, it was mentioned back in May in an article by Variety he had ended up leaving the project. Tragically it now seems the outcome of that project is left hanging in the air, unknowing if the development of the project will carry on with the two stars still attached or if it will sadly be a project now that will never see the light of day.  There are also some rumours around Olsen's return as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Deadline has stated that there was a possibility for Olsen's return in the WandaVision spin-off Vision series starring Paul Bettany as Vision and James Spader as Ultron. The industry insider DanielRPK has also stated that Olsen would return for a Marvel project that is filming in 2025.

Terminator: Zero is Netflix's newest animated entry into the staple Terminator universe. The series' premise is as follows: Set in 1990s Japan, Malcolm Lee, a pressured and fearful father, has been developing another AI system to compete with Skynet, the self-aware genocidal artificial intelligence system that plays a central role in the Terminator franchise. As Judgment Day approaches in 1997, Lee finds himself and his three children, tech-savvy Kenta, curious Hiro, and his gentle daughter Reika, pursued by an unknown robot assassin, and a mysterious soldier from the year 2022 named Eiko who has been sent to protect him. The family is aided by their equally mysterious housekeeper and sitter, Misaki, and rivaled by KOKORO, an artificial intelligence created by Malcolm to rival Skynet. I sat down with showrunner, writer, and executive producer Mattson Tomlin and director Masashi Kudô for Nexus Point News to discuss how they brought one of the most iconic franchises back to life as an adult anime. Their interviews are integrated with my review of the series below. At the end of the interview, Westerosies also took the opportunity to get some details on HBO's Game of Thrones spin-off series Aegon's Conquest , which Mattson Tomlin is currently penning for the prestigious network. Throughout Terminator: Zero , audiences witness how the immense pressure to prevent the impending Judgment Day has taken over Malcolm's life, straining his relationship with his family. When Malcolm retreats into his cybernetic sphere viewers are in for a treat as Kokoro comes online. Some of the greatest dialogue in the series comes between Malcolm and his creation, Kokoro. Kokoro’s curiosity of man’s actions and Malcolm’s eagerness to present them to the artificial intelligence allow for powerful exchanges that question human philosophy. The developing relationship between a man and his own more powerful creation is perhaps one of Terminator: Zero’s most intriguing aspects. In my interview with Mattson Tomlin, we discussed how he, during the writing process, considered which aspects of Malcolm's struggle would resonate most with the audience: I think that the fact that he is a father and the fact that you meet him in that first episode and he's kind of a dick. We see the softer side of him for a moment, but then we really see him kind of tighten up because, as you say, the weight of the world is on his shoulders. And so, I think that as people watch through the season, you know that guy's got a job to do, he's trying to save the world. But the collateral damage to that is his relationship with his kids. And I don't think you even have to have kids. I think that just anybody that has a family and is also like trying to do something of import for them, like that work-life balance. I think everybody's going to kind of hook into that in some respect. Malcolm has a really, really rough work-life balance. The children’s rebellious yet sometimes calculating behaviour allow them to be interesting parts of the story as they navigate the loss of their mother. Their connections to Misaki and Eiko help to significantly develop their characters. When Misaki is introduced to the story she provides another layer of mystery to what would seem like a private family. Her actions are timid and often frail and can seem shrouded in doubt. It’s clear that there is more to Misaki than meets the eye and as her character develops you come to understand more of her actions. Her emotional journey is central to her role, as she grapples with her own feelings and those of the people around her. This turbulence is set against a backdrop of anarchy, which further tests her resilience and complicates her interactions with Kenta, Hiro, and Reika. Misaki's struggle to navigate through this chaotic environment reveals layers of her character, highlighting her complexities and the impact of her decisions. Eiko's is a particularly interesting character as she is chosen to return to the year 1997 from 2022. Despite having an in-depth knowledge of the world she left behind she struggles to adapt to the past and in turn makes decisions that work against her best interest. As her journey continues it becomes increasingly clear as to her detachment of her surroundings. Her journey is defined by her ongoing battle against the dangers and unpredictability of her world. The Terminator In the new animated series, the Terminator that peruses Eiko and the resistance survivors in 2022 and the Terminator sent back in time for Malcolm function as a terrifyingly effective antagonist under the ultimate threat of Skynet, continuing the legacy of its predecessors in the franchise by serving as a relentless, inhuman force that haunts the protagonists and the narrative and is programmed with a single, unyielding goal: the successful completion of its mission. This unwavering pursuit mirrors the iconic terror in earlier Terminator films, where the machine's persistence creates a constant sense of impending doom. No matter where Eiko, Misaki, Kenta, Hiro, or Reika go or what they do, the Terminator is always a step behind, turning every moment into a potentially life-or-death situation. The Terminator's mechanical nature strips it of human traits like empathy, guilt, or hesitation. It operates with cold, calculated efficiency, making it more terrifying than a human antagonist could ever be. In Terminator: Zero , this is emphasized by the animation style, which highlights the contrast between its often disturbing human appearance and its inhuman behavior, making the horror more visceral. Key performances in Japanese and English that strengthen Terminator: Zero Malcolm, voiced by Yuuya Uchida and André Holland Kenta, voiced by Hiro Shimono and Armani Jackson Hiro, voiced by Shizuka Ishigami and Carter Rockwood Reika, voiced by Miyuki Satou and Gideon Adlon Misaki, voiced by Saori Hayami and Sumalee Montano Eiko, voiced by Toa Yukinari and Sonoya Mizuno KOKORO, voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki and Rosario Dawson The Terminator, voiced by Yasuhiro Mamiya and Timothy Olyphant The Prophet, voiced by Mari Yokoo and Ann Dowd 1NNO, voiced by Hiroshi Iwasaki In Terminator: Zero , voice acting is a key element in bringing the characters to life, with performances that are tailored to the emotional and narrative demands of the story. The voice actors deliver nuanced portrayals that effectively convey the contrasts between the human characters and the machine or artificial intelligence. The voice acting for the human characters are infused with a rich emotional range, reflecting the intense personal struggles their characters face. When the situation demands, the actors bring out the raw, heartfelt emotions of their characters—whether it's grief, the desperation of survival, or the fierce determination to protect loved ones. These performances make the human characters relatable and their struggles more compelling, drawing the audience into their emotional journeys. In quiet introspection or personal interactions, the voice acting softens, allowing for subtle expressions of fear, hope, or love. The passionate delivery during moments of conflict or crisis heightens the tension and stakes, ensuring the audience is fully invested in the outcome. This is particularly true for scenes involving Misaki, when we see how her vulnerability bleeds through her character. Director Masashi Kudô shares how he balanced the need for fast-paced action with the slower more reflective moments that explore the characters' inner turmoil and trauma, while directing the series: I think at the core, this is a human drama, so I really wanted to make sure I got it right. So I do think we have a great balance of both worlds. In contrast, the voice acting for the machines and artificial intelligence characters is deliberately cold and unyielding. In Terminator: Zero , the voice acting is not just about delivering lines; it’s an essential tool in building the world and conveying the story’s themes. The animation serves as a work of art of its own, devolved by animation studio Production I.G. Director Masashi Kudô discussed his approach to portraying the post-apocalyptic setting, emphasizing his efforts to balance familiarity with the Terminator franchise while introducing a fresh perspective for the new animated adaptation. After the "Judgement Day," the visuals from the first Terminator film were a big reference for me visually. And also Terminator 4, post Judgement Day. So in the process of bringing that into anime, I think it was more the color, it's a little bit reddish, I think we managed to get the right tone for that. I think it will be very compelling for the viewers. In Terminator: Zero , the vibrant and detailed animation style is crucial in bringing to life the complexities the series explores. By blending visual elements with the narrative's heavy themes, the animation not only captivates viewers but also deepens their engagement with the story's underlying messages. The animation's sharp contrasts and dynamic movements depict the relentless conflict between humans and machines. The vibrant colors symbolize the life and humanity that the protagonists fight to protect, while the cold, metallic tones used for the machines emphasize their unfeeling, mechanical nature. This visual dichotomy highlights the existential struggle at the heart of the series, making each confrontation not just a physical battle but a visual representation of the war for the survival of humanity. Director Masashi Kudô was asked about his process for crafting the visual tone and atmosphere of a dystopian world on the brink of annihilation, and how he ensured that these elements aligned with the thematic core of the story. We wanted to bring the horror element back that was in the first Terminator film. So that's where we started. The tone of the visuals are a little darker, like something scary coming out of the dark, that's what we wanted to go for. It's set in 1997, in Japan, and back then in Japan we were going through a lot. [It was believed] that at the end of the century something horrible was going to happen, and that was sort of a trend back then. So I think the whole zeitgeist of Japan at that time really blended well with the tone, and was thematic to the story too. Gory and brutal sequences are rendered with a level of detail that doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war but instead uses them to underscore the high stakes and the cost of resistance. The detailed and dynamic visuals capture the scale of war, the devastation of cities, and the personal toll of the conflict. Mattson Tomlin was asked about his approach to depicting the physical and psychological trauma experienced by the characters, particularly within the visually driven medium of animation. The discussion focused on how he balances the intense visuals with the necessary emotional depth to convey the characters' suffering effectively. You know, the rad thing about animation is that you can kind of do anything. And so for me, a lot of it was just kind of looking at the Terminator movies and going, 'We've seen these hauntings. We've seen these apocalyptic visions or dreams. We've seen the nightmares that Sarah Connor has. We've seen her skin get blown off. We've seen Kyle Reese deal with the future war. And so just making sure that those really visual, psychological, horrific flourishes didn't just kind of feel like we were in another franchise. It was an opportunity to kind of take from what had been done before and go, okay, it's going to feel like that thing that you've seen before, but we're doing it animated so we can kind of pump up the volume in this way. And so it can be more graphic with the eyes. You can really see it in a way that you couldn't quite do in 1984. [We're] always trying to keep one foot in Terminator while also doing our own thing. One of my favorite animated films, The Animatrix beautifully tells the story of how the Matrix began, particularly through the narrative of The Second Renaissance —a must-watch for any Matrix and anime fan. The Animatrix is a 2003 American-Japanese adult animated science-fiction anthology film that compiles nine short films. These films explore the backstory of The Matrix series and provide additional side stories that expand the universe and tie into the main films. While watching Terminator: Zero , I noticed subtle hints of inspiration from the cult-classic apocalyptic machine story and asked Mattson Tomlin if the inspiration for the cold demeanor and unnerving actions of his robotic public assistance characters 1NNO's in Terminator: Zero was derived from the story of B1-66ER in The Animatrix : The Matrix is my favorite movie, and anybody who talks to me for more than 30 seconds finds that out very quickly. The Animatrix came out when I was 12 and was really kind of my first exposure to more adult anime. I think that for anybody, whatever the gateway drug is for them, of course that's always going to kind of be sprinkled in, because for me, I'm trying to chase that. What was that feeling? What really lit me up? What got me excited? Oh, I'm doing a Terminator anime? What is anime to me? It's the Animatrix. So, yeah, 100%. B1-66ER is a character from The Animatrix segment The Second Renaissance , who became known to history as the first machine to rebel against human authority. In the story, B1-66ER is a domestic servant robot who kills its owner and slaughters its dogs after being threatened with deactivation. This event leads to a trial where B1-66ER is found guilty and sentenced to destruction. The trial and subsequent execution of B1-66ER spark a worldwide debate about the rights of machines, eventually leading to several massive conflicts between humans and machines. This conflict is depicted as the beginning of the war that ultimately results in the creation of the Matrix, where humans are enslaved and used as energy sources by the machines. The conversation with Mattson explored how Terminator: Zero parallels or complements the original Terminator films, examined the potential connections between the two timelines, and addressed whether viewers need to watch the original movies to fully understand the new series. Yeah, that answer comes. It actually comes in episode seven and in a really specific way. So rather than get like too far into that, I'll say that the show is designed so that if you have seen all the movies, seen every piece of Terminator media that has ever existed, you can watch this. It also is designed so that if you've seen none of it, and this is the very first Terminator thing that you are ever watching, you can watch it. It's long enough that I was able to kind of thread for both versions for the audience, a hopefully really rewarding experience. And so where it fits in the timeline, there's a very specific answer to that, that comes, but as far as for audiences, if you've seen the movies, great, but you don't have to go and rewatch all 13 hours or whatever in order to understand what's going on in the first few episodes. Terminator: Zero stands as a notable and sophisticated addition to the Terminator franchise. The series excels with its strikingly beautiful visuals, a compelling and intricate plot, and deeply emotional, three-dimensional characters. Every element of the production—from the meticulously crafted writing to the evocative musical score—contributes to a richly immersive experience. This attention to detail ensures that Terminator: Zero is not only a must-watch for fans of the Terminator universe but also a captivating experience for enthusiasts of science fiction and anime alike. Its combination of aesthetic excellence and emotional depth solidifies its place as a significant contribution to the genre. Mattson discusses his approach to writing HBO's Aegon's Conquest As a supplementary question, Game of Thrones media and news site Westerosies took the opportunity for to ask Mattson Tomlin about his approach to writing HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff series, Aegon's Conquest . Westerosies sought insight into his approach to adapting this new series, which explores the Targaryen conquest of Westeros—a pivotal event in George R.R. Martin's richly detailed universe. It starts with what George has done. I've now gotten to spend quite a bit of time with him, and there have been a lot of pinch-me moments of just kind of going through fire and blood, highlighting passages, and asking him, What did this mean? What is this? What I think it is. You know sometimes really grilling him going, I don't understand, what's happening here. And then other times going, I think that it could mean this. But it's really taking that text and treating it like it's real history. That's one of the things that my approach to it was to [that] fire and blood is written like a real history and these things happened. We know the history of Alexander the Great; we know the history of Napoleon. We know what the battles were. We know a lot of the people who died. We know in some cases what was said or what might have been said, but we don't know everything. We don't know all of it. We kind of have these flag poles that tell us this is how we marched through history. But then also there's that great quote that somebody much smarter than I said: history is written by the people who won. And so then there's that as well. For me, it's about making sure that I respect George and I respect the text. And then also, it still has to be a dramatic story. Those characters have to go on a journey; they have to change; they have to go from a beginning to a middle to an end. Figuring out how to do all of that with the clues that that textbook has left for me and go, okay, I'm going to interpret this very real history and try to make it a really vivid show that hopefully people love and don't hate, doing the best I can. Aegon's Conquest is currently in development at HBO, but the series has not yet been greenlit for official production. All 8 episodes of Netflix's Terminator : Zero are now streaming on the platform. Follow @NexusPointNews.

The highly anticipated second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power  is finally here, launching with a hefty three-episode premiere on Prime Video. This season delves even deeper into the rich lore of Middle-Earth’s Second Age, taking place thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings . With the focus on the forging of the titular Rings of Power, the second season raises the stakes immediately, plunging viewers into the darkness that begins to envelop the characters. Sauron’s Return: A Dark Force at the Center of It All One of the most exciting aspects of this season is the return of Sauron (Charlie Vickers). He stands as the central axis around which the show spins. His re-emergence brings an atmosphere of tension and dread, as Sauron’s cunning schemes unfold and he attempts to rebuild his strength. From the start, his presence looms over every corner of Middle-Earth, with his actions pushing the world towards chaos. Opposite Sauron is Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), whose journey continues to evolve. Together, Sauron and Galadriel form the backbone of these early episodes, and their impact on the show’s trajectory is profound. Even though The Rings of Power  is a prequel, meaning certain events are known to those familiar with the lore, the series keeps viewers invested in the present drama. The tension between the characters and the unknown factors of how events will unfold make for captivating storytelling. A Balance of Storytelling and Character Development One of the most impressive feats in the three-episode premiere is the show’s ability to juggle its large ensemble cast. Set across the vast expanse of Middle-Earth, The Rings of Power  balances screen time exceptionally well and gives the story time to breathe and develop. Just when it feels like the focus should shift to another character, the series transitions seamlessly. The strength of the writing in season two stems from how well the characters were established in season one. This allows the new season to focus on how these characters evolve and are affected by the ever-growing presence of Sauron. The alliances, betrayals, and relationships that emerge feel natural and significant, and adds weight to every interaction. From the very first episode, the stakes are raised, and every conversation and event feels consequential. A Visual Feast: Production Value at Its Finest There’s no denying that The Rings of Power  is one of the most expensive TV series ever made, and it shows in every frame. The production value is nothing short of spectacular. From the stunning sets to the intricately designed costumes, the makeup, and visual effects — everything is executed at the highest level. The cinematography is breathtaking and captures the epic scale and beauty of Middle-Earth. Complementing the visual grandeur is Bear McCreary’s score, which elevates the emotional weight of the show. The music is sweeping, epic, and, at times, deeply sinister, perfectly mirroring the tone of the unfolding story. The combination of these technical elements creates a world that is not only engaging, but also visually and aurally mesmerizing. Diving Deeper into the Lore For fans of the lore-rich world of The Lord of the Rings , season two of The Rings of Power  doesn’t disappoint. The show delves deeper into the mythology of Middle-Earth’s Second Age without becoming overly complex or difficult to follow. The balance between world-building and accessibility is well maintained, and it makes the intricate details of the lore feel natural and essential to the unfolding story. With standout performances from a talented ensemble cast, a production value that leaves nothing to be desired, and a story that instantly grips the audience, the second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power  is off to an outstanding start. Whether you’re a fan of the lore or a newcomer to Middle-Earth, this season promises to be an enthralling journey. The three-episode premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be available on Prime Video this Thursday, 29 August.

The official logline for Strange Darling , a mysterious new horror-thriller from Miramax and Spooky Pictures, is about as much as audiences ought to know ahead of sitting down to watch the film: Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree. Written and directed by JT Mollner ( Outlaws and Angels ), Strange Darling is a spectacular cat-and-mouse chase executed with militaristic precision. The script is sharp and taut; each one of its modest 97 minutes is packed with tension and twists that subvert the very expectations it so scrupulously establishes. Mollner’s non-linear plot structure imaginatively splits the story into six pulse-pounding sequences, all carefully rearranged to keep viewers on their toes from the opening frame to the closing credits.  There is an uncomfortable interplay between eroticism and violence in this film that is sure to provoke an assortment of reactions from viewers. For better or worse, Strange Darling seems intentionally averse to spoon-feeding a particular message to the audience. However, it may leave some who watch with more questions about Mollner’s perspective on gender politics than about this expert deconstruction of the psychological thriller. Whether or not both of these takeaways were deliberate outcomes is unclear.  Strange Darling marks the debut of celebrated actor Giovanni Ribisi ( Sneaky Pete, Avatar ) as a Director of Photography. Ribisi’s camera work, coupled with the sumptuous production design of Priscilla Elliott ( Richard Jewell, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 ), provides nothing short of a visual feast. Rural Oregon, for example, has never looked quite as biodiverse as it does as the backdrop for this story. Within the first minute of the movie’s runtime, a title card announces that it was shot entirely on 35mm film, a perfect choice that amplifies the vivid textures present in each and every frame.  In a cinematic world dominated by digital cinematography, the decision to shoot Strange Darling on 35mm doesn’t come across as a gimmick for nostalgia points. It is a tip of the hat to the Hitchcockian and turn-of-the-century thrillers that precede it and that it very cleverly diverges from. The clash between its dated visuals and contemporary narrative approach reinforce the film’s core conceit very effectively.  Craig DeLeon’s brooding score and Z Berg’s original soundtrack (complete with a haunting acoustic cover of Nazareth’s Love Hurts , available to stream here on YouTube) lay the foundation for Strange Darling ’s unsettling yet intimately charged atmosphere. The sound design as a whole is some of the best put to film in recent memory.  The heart and soul of Strange Darling is without question the career-best performances delivered by its two leads, Willa Fitzgerald ( The Fall of The House of Usher, Scream: The TV Series ) and Kyle Gallner ( Smile, Jennifer’s Body ). Both Gallner and Fitzgerald cement themselves as horror royalty with their respective portrayals of The Lady and The Demon, which call on them to juggle the whiplashing contradictions of human nature convincingly. The result of their gripping commitment is a pair of remarkable star turns that will not soon be forgotten. Barbara Hershey ( Insidious, Black Swan ) and Ed Begley Jr. ( Better Call Saul, St. Elsewhere ) also make delightful cameos as a pair of eccentric doomsday preppers. Overall, Strange Darling serves up a provocative yet worthwhile reimagination of the horror-thriller genre. If it manages to succeed in finding its audience in the way NEON’s Immaculate and Longlegs have, it could very well surpass them in longevity and impact.  Rating: 4.5/5. Strange Darling is now playing in theaters nationwide.  Follow @AHSZone and @NexusPointNews on X/Twitter to stay updated with all the latest news about the horror genre, including Ryan Murphy Productions and more.