Search Results

Hulu is no stranger to huge activations at San Diego Comic-Con. This year, instead of a dedicated space to their Animayhem line up like previous years, which showcased fan favorites like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Futurama, the space behind the San Diego-Convention Center was transformed into a backyard BBQ out of Arlen, Texas, King of the Hill style. In celebration of the return of King of the Hill and its 14th season debuting on Hulu on August 4th, the fine folks at Hulu invited me to check out the activation, and I'll tell ya hwat, I had a great time. Alamo Beer Themed Water was being passed out to beat the San Diego Comic-Con Heat The offsite transported fans into a backyard BBQ scene straight from King of the Hill 's Arlen, Texas. With various photo areas and scenery that looked like it was straight out of Hank Hill's backyard, I was able to take part in interactive games like Alamo Pong where, because of my excellent Beer Pong skills, I walked away with a branded beer coozie. Alamo Beer Coozie Prizes for playing Alamo Beer Pong There were also other games like Cowboy Boot Ring Toss where if you were good enough to ring the boots, you could get yourself a King of the Hill cookout apron. The activation also had its very own Mega Lo Mart where fans could customize their own trucker hats. There was also a King of the Hill pin set that was given out to lucky attendees. Got Myself a Mega Lo Mart Hat from Mega Lo Mart Not only that, but everyone loves a good photo op when they are on vacation. The activation had cutouts of Hank, Peggy, and Bobby Hill, as well as Hank's gang of contemplating friends Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer. I was enamored with getting behind the wheel of Dale's Extermination Truck, and like a true Dad, I stuck my daughter with the photo op on Hank's lawnmower; you know, to build character. Of course, everyone loves activations with swag and food, in which I'm happy to say that Hulu's King of the Hill Backyard BBQ delivered with a little from column A and a little from column B. The breakfast Tacos that were served at the time I was at the activation were surprisingly good, and the activation did switch up the food offering in the afternoon with BBQ sandwiches. It was a bit of a departure from the norm for Hulu, who in years past for San Diego Comic-Con activations, would focus on their portfolio of animated series. However, I didn't mind this change up at all, as the activation focused on one particular IP, the immersion never broke and that was a welcome change for those like me who are in love with the possibilities of how immersive an offsite activation can be. Hulu definitely goes all in on its San Diego Comic-Con activations, and I am happy to report that this year's King of the Hill activation was fire ignited by a propane. How Hulu manages to step up their San Diego Comic-Con activations every year is a sight to behold, and the team and everyone involved in these definitely should be giving themselves a pat on the back. Hank Hill is a stickler for the quality of things, whether it's the propane igniting his grill, mowing the lawn, or fixing things around the house, there was definitely quality in how thought out this offsite activation was put together. Don't miss Season 14 of King of the Hill which has made its triumphant return on Hulu August 4. Rating: ★★★ ☆ ☆☆

Sources tell Nexus Point News that Max Minghella is being eyed for the role of John in DC Studios’ Clayface . As reported by Nexus Point News, the third protagonist of the film is John, a detective and fiancé to Caitlin Bates, who’s suspicious of his fiancée’s relationship with Matt Hagen/Clayface. Naomi Ackie ( Blink Twice , Mickey 17 ) was recently announced to have been eyed for the role of Caitlin, which NPN has learned she has been officially offered and is in talks for. Caitlin serves as the deuteragonist of the film and Matt Hagen’s love interest and doctor. Hagen is set to be portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries ( White Lines , Suspicion ). Max Minghella is best known for his role as Divya Narendra in The Social Network . His other credits include The Handmaid’s Tale , Horns , and Spiral . Additionally, Minghella will be joining the cast of season 4 of Industry . Minghella is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content, Jackoway Austen, and Lede. In the comics, Hagen debuted in Detective Comics  #298 in 1961 and was created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff. Hagen was originally a treasure hunter who transformed into Clayface after an encounter with protoplasm. Karlo debuted in Detective Comics #40 in 1940 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. In the Golden Age, Karlo was a disgraced actor who donned the costume of a character he portrayed known as Clayface and sought to murder the crew and cast of the remake of a film he once starred in. Clayface was written by Mike Flanagan ( The Haunting of Hill House ) and will be directed by James Watkins ( Speak No Evil ). The film will be co-produced by DC Studios and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho, as the film was originally in development as a spin-off to The Batman . Production is set to begin in September and continue through October in the UK. DC Studios’ Clayface  is set to release on September 11, 2026.

Twisted Metal returns with a sophomore season that messily does what the freshman season should have been doing. This season of the post-apocalyptic racing series pits our loose heroes against other psychopaths to compete not only for their lives, but their hearts' desire. Based on the PlayStation videogame of the same name, Twisted Metal follows an amnesiac milkman, John Doe, and his lover, Quiet, fighting to survive on their way to New Chicago, only to end up going their separate ways. Season Two picks up with John adjusting to his new "home" in New San Francisco, while Quiet embraces her newfound sisterhood with the Dolls. A twist of fate reunites them to enter a tournament hosted by a creep named Calypso, where the winner gets one wish granted. John and Quiet are not the only ones reuniting, friends and foes, with the likes of Dollface and Sweet Tooth entering their hats in the ring. Twisted Metal Season Two boasts talented stars behind the cars, explosions galore, staggering amounts of blood, and the tournament fans have been waiting to see; however, the story drags across the finish line, weighed down by a stale sense of humour and underwhelming visual effects. Twisted Power Couple Takes The Wheel Stephanie Beatriz and Anthony Mackie in 'Twisted Metal' Season Two © Peacock Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz ignite the spark that fuels the chemistry between John Doe and Quiet. Anthony Mackie's John Doe is an idiot, while Beatriz's Quiet is only the voice of reason because she is the lesser idiot. Neither of their characters has a clue what they are doing, so they make things up as they go along. Their plans go horribly wrong about 85% percent of the time, but no matter what, they always come back to each other. Mackie and Beatriz make this series worth watching at least once. They are two talented, hilarious, charismatic actors who genuinely have fun with their characters and the material they were given. Those actors synchronize with the kindred spirits between John Doe and Quiet, mastering the ability to convince anyone of their love for each other. It's a shame knowing that their efforts to save the season are in vain. Sharp Left Turn Into Wasteland © Peacock Season Two delivers a fast-paced story, but the writing is still weak. There are fleeting moments of the story's potential, especially in the scenes featuring John and Quiet's odd married-couple dynamic, or exposition for a tiny sum of the supporting characters. Those elements quickly become drowned out by a confused tone and jokes that not only miss the landing but also come at the plot's expense. Yes, Twisted Metal is a comedy at the end of the day, but when so many stale jokes come at the plot's expense, there is a problem. Excluding Saylor Bell Curda's Mayhem, who is a delight to watch, with a personality that complements John and Quiet, the supporting players are nauseating as they come across like we were rejected from a Deadpool movie. The time spent on those characters does not allow you to become personally invested in them or feel any of the high stakes in the tournament. Anthony Carrigan does his best to remind everyone of the threat he poses as the big bad Calypso, but he sadly lacks development. By the finale, you still don't know anything about him, other than him being a creep who plays with people's desires for entertainment, unless you have background knowledge from the game. Tiana Okoye's Krista falls victim to the messy world-building most of all, as the story does not allow her character to stand on her own. Ultimately, she becomes nothing more than a misguided plot device. PlayStation One Graphics Stick Out © Peacock The production value for this season seems to be on the shallow end. The action and set pieces are fun-mediocre and the VFX and CGI leave so much to be desired. The racing and fighting sequences get passing grades, while VFX and CGI underperform tragically. They especially stick out during Axel's scenes. The moments he gets in his "vehicle" to chase his opponents are ridiculous, yet, more hilarious than most of this season's brand of comedy. Twisted Metal season 2 might be a guilty pleasure for some, but many viewers will find themselves disappointed by the crowded supporting cast lacking character development, weak writing, stale humour and abysmal effects. As powerful as Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz are, they cannot save this season. Rating: ★★★☆☆ © Peacock About Twisted Metal Season 2 Premiere Date:  July 31, 2025 Episode Count:  12 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Writer: Michael Jonathan Smith Directors: Phil Sgriccia, Bill Benz, Iain MacDonald, Bertie Ellwood Production:   Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Universal Television, Distribution:  Peacock Cast:  A nthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, with Will Arnett, Anthony Carrigan, Mike Mitchell, Saylor Bell Curda, Patty Guggenheim, Tiana Okoye, Richard De Klerk, Michael James Shaw, Lisa Gilroy Synopsis: Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

This article contains major spoilers for My Oxford Year . Releasing August 1 on Netflix, My Oxford Year  stars Sofia Carson as Anna de la Vega, a high-achieving American who defers a Wall Street job for a year to study Victorian poetry at the University of Oxford. Leaning into every fish-out-of-water trope it can find and refusing to let go of them, Anna arrives full of intentions of self-discovery. Instead, she finds that her earliest memories involve being drenched by a passing car and standing in a fish and chip shop, confused about whether she’s being offered “haddock” or “a duck.” It’s all a touch cringeworthy. It’s in that same fish and chip shop that she meets Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest), the very man who splashed her, now cowering from a girl he’s ghosted. Crawling on the floor in hopes of avoiding confrontation, Jamie is introduced as a posh playboy, which makes it all the more painful when he turns out to be Anna’s stand-in professor. Her academic inspiration, Professor Styan, the whole reason she came to Oxford, has just been promoted to head of graduate studies and is no longer teaching her cohort. Despite their rocky start, Jamie takes a different approach to teaching, one that involves offering Victoria Sponge cake to his students. If you're British, it's enough to make you sigh out loud. He then asks Anna to read "First Fig" by Edna St. Vincent Millay aloud so her classmates can hear the poem in its original American cadence. He insists that poetry shouldn’t just be analysed, it should be lived, tried, and tested. Where others are touched, Anna’s not impressed. She didn’t fly across the Atlantic to be taught by a smug DPhil student. My Oxford Year. Corey Mylchreest as Jamie in My Oxford Year. Cr. Chris Baker/Netflix ©2024 As this is a romance, inevitably, sparks begin to fly. Between seminars, a pub night with new friends (where Anna is treated to a debate about British vs American superiority that ends in a pint-to-the-crotch incident), and one-on-one meets, the tension between Anna and Jamie shifts from lukewarm to flirtatious. He sings "Yellow" by Coldplay at karaoke (the worst Coldplay-related incident to happen recently, trust me) and takes her for a kebab at Dimitri’s after, introducing her to what she believes is elephant meat. Despite her initial confusion, she likes it. She likes him. When he walks her back to her flat, she kisses him, then invites him in for “tea and crumpets” - a euphemism no one should refer to again. While Jamie turns her down that night, he soon takes her to Duke Humfrey's Library, where their relationship hits new milestones in and out of his car. My Oxford Year. (L to R) Corey Mylchreest as Jamie and Sofia Carson as Anna in My Oxford Year. Cr. Chris Baker/Netflix ©2024 Just as you’re settling into the rom-com routine, the film changes course and Jamie begins to pull away. When Anna heads to his place and finds him hooked up to a drip, everything changes. It turns out that Jamie has a hereditary illness, the same one that killed his brother Eddie, and he’s decided to stop treatment. What began as a bubbling romance shifts into emotional melodrama, complete with tearful confrontations, late-night collapses, and declarations shouted into the rain or Oxford’s crowds. Despite this tonal pivot, the film doesn’t quite earn its emotional stakes. The romance is charming in places but ultimately feels rushed. One minute, Anna can’t stand Jamie, believing him to be a womaniser who couldn’t love a woman for longer than six months; the next, she’s kissing him, inviting him inside her place. The illness storyline feels added on, as if someone realised that they needed higher stakes in the final act, rather than treating it with the weight it deserved from the moment Jamie and his father ( Dougray Scott) clashed over his choices. Still, there are moments that land. In a one-on-one session with Jamie about an assignment, he asks Anna to choose a different poem, one that speaks to her, not to him or his ill treatment of women. She chooses "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold. She interprets it to mean that the reality of life is that it’s hard, but at least we have each other, and he's impressed that she found hope in the single most pessimistic poem of the Victorian era. It’s a rare moment of sincerity in a film otherwise built on clichés and stereotypes. In the end, Anna stays in Oxford, choosing poetry over corporate life in New York and growth over a paycheque. She teaches Victorian literature in Jamie’s place, echoing his words about living poetry, not just studying it, because it will change your life. My Oxford Year  is a predictable but serviceable romantic drama. It’s emotionally shallow, narratively safe, and occasionally insufferable, but honestly, what more should you expect? Rating: ★½☆☆☆ My Oxford Year . © Netflix About My Oxford Year Premiere Date:  August 1, 2025 Executive Producers: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Laura Quicksilver, Isaac Klausner Writers: Allison Burnett, Melissa Osborne Director: Iain Morris Distribution:  Netflix Cast:  Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, Catherine McCormack, Harry Trevaldwyn, Esmé Kingdom, Poppy Gilbert Synopsis: An ambitious American fulfilling her dream of studying at Oxford falls for a charming Brit hiding a secret that may upend her perfectly planned life.

Marvel Animation's Eyes of Wakanda  returns us to the vast and brilliant world of Wakanda, just maybe not in the way audiences had hoped and or expected. © Marvel Animation/Marvel Studios The series naturally follows certain unknown Wakandan warriors ("War Dogs") throughout time as they retrieve vibranium artifacts that have made their way into the outside world. But the most interesting part, to me, was the use of known characters and artifacts. While some characters that appear may not be specifically from the MCU, there are plenty of familiar faces combined with brand-new ones to further expand on storylines and the overall history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since this series is confirmed to be canon. These are the kinds of connections that fans can easily point out and appreciate from the very first viewing. The animation is not dissimilar to what we've seen from Marvel Animation before and even builds upon it further, which elevates the overall viewing experience. The fight scenes are beautifully done, bursting with color, and the character and costume designs are completely unique to this series (specifically those featured in the finale episode). It's very refreshing to be able to say that the animation and visuals remain consistently strong throughout. It's also well known that Wakanda is an intensely fleshed-out world, resembling a character in its own right due to its sheer importance. Unfortunately, after two films set in this culture, there was nothing innately special about this series. Furthermore, the cast performances, sound editing, and overall story are hindered by both the length of the series and the script. As impressive as the series may look, there isn't enough time to truly connect with its characters and, therefore, the story. The throughline between all four episodes is almost non-existent, with some recurring characters being the only real connection. While it does offer some exposition about the nation of Wakanda, it's not enough to make this as memorable a series as Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man  or X-Men '97 , which solidify themselves as worthy entries in an already established universe. This is an acceptable addition to Marvel Animation's lineup, but with Marvel Zombies  on the horizon (another series containing only four episodes), fans have every right to be skeptical. The four-episode format is perhaps the biggest limitation. This approach might work well for tightly focused stories where each episode runs close to an hour, but here, it feels like there just isn’t enough space to flesh out Wakanda’s history or its global impact in a meaningful way. There’s so much potential in the idea of Wakandan agents operating across eras and continents, yet the show only scratches the surface. This brings up a larger conversation within Marvel Animation — whether four episodes are enough to do justice to a high-concept series. Fortunately, there doesn't seem to be another series of this length on the horizon after Marvel Zombies . Is it a must-see for fans? Not necessarily. But if you're interested in period pieces or Wakandan culture in general, then this may be the series for you. Eyes of Wakanda  is a visually rich and lore-deep addition to the Marvel universe, deserving praise for its cultural competence and visual design. Yet it often plays more like a collection of intriguing ideas than a fully realized series — my favorite being the Iron Fist of the 1800s. Ultimately, Eyes of Wakanda  may be remembered more for what it teased than what it delivered. All episodes of Eyes of Wakanda will be released on Disney+ on August 1st. Rating: ★★★☆☆ About Eyes of Wakanda © Marvel Animation Premiere Date:  August 1st, 2025 Episode Count:  4 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Matthew Chauncey, Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Louis D'Esposito, Kevin Feige, Todd Harris, Kalia King, Sev Ohanian Writer: Geoffrey Thorne Director: Todd Harris Production:  Marvel Studios Animation, Proximity Media Distribution:  Disney+ Cast:  Gary Anthony Williams, Cress Williams, Zeke Alton, Lynn Whitfield, Steve Toussaint, Winnie Harlow, Jona Xiao, Patricia Belcher, Larry Herron, Adam Gold, Jacques Colimon, Isaac Robinson Smith, Anika Noni Rose Synopsis: Warriors of Wakanda travel the world retrieving vibranium artifacts.

This article contains spoilers for Platonic  Season 2. Apple TV+’s Platonic  returns for a second season, diving deeper into the intoxicating (and often infuriating) dynamic between Sylvia (Rose Byrne) and Will (Seth Rogen). Continuing Apple’s streak of delivering some of the best TV over the past year, with shows such as Rogen’s The Studio , this season proves even better than the last. If the first season was about rekindling a friendship, Season 2 is about testing its limits. The result is a deliciously awkward but painfully honest comedy that understands the fragility of adult relationships better than most. Byrne and Rogen’s comedic chemistry remains the beating heart of the series, whether they’re stealing Veuve Clicquot from an unsuspecting shop assistant or arguing about a Deadpool tattoo. Creators Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller also double down on their foundational premise: that platonic love can be as intense, irrational, and life-altering as any romance, perhaps even more so. Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen in 'Platonic,' premiering 06 August 2025 on Apple TV+. © Apple TV+ The season begins with Sylvia planning Will’s wedding to Jenna (Rachel Rosenbloom), despite doubting the pair and barely hiding her disapproval. There’s a sense from the outset that their relationship is a car crash waiting to happen. Will is out of sync with Jenna, Sylvia is overstepping, and no one is willing to admit that the wedding is a terrible idea. To avoid acknowledging the obvious, Jenna fixates on the fact that Will spends more time with Sylvia than with her, especially at their engagement party. She’s right, of course, but it’s clear that a running theme is being established that circles back to how Sylvia and Will’s co-dependency is getting in the way of everything else. Charlie (Luke MacFarlane) grows resentful of how Sylvia prioritises Will over their marriage, and he’s right too. And yet, the show refuses to pick a side. Instead, it confronts an uncomfortable truth: adult friendship, when it’s this close, is inherently intrusive. However, within reason, it’s also a bond to cherish. By episode four, Will’s relationship is teetering on collapse. He and Sylvia arrive in San Diego, where Jenna and her father Hank take them golfing. Unsurprisingly, Will isn’t a golfer, so Hank takes a golf ball directly to the eye in a scene that will be as grotesque to some as it is hilarious to others. After being more understanding than anyone would be after another caused their eye to explode, Hank states that he may have lost an eye, but he’s gained a son. Somehow, this gory misfortune becomes the emotional justification for fast-tracking the wedding, which says everything you need to know about Will and Jenna’s ill-fated relationship. Seth Rogen and Rachel Rosenbloom in 'Platonic,' premiering 06 August 2025 on Apple TV+. © Apple TV+ Sylvia is baffled by their rushed plans (you will be too), especially when it’s clear they can’t agree on anything, be it officiants, vows, or the role of sex in their marriage (Jenna’s against it, Will’s not). Eventually, the wedding is called off, reinstated, and called off again, as Will spirals between guilt, lust, and denial. At one point, he decides to go through with it simply because Reggie (Andrew Lopez) reminds him he’d get half of Jenna’s money in the divorce – then changes his mind again when Andy (Tre Hale) tells him he wouldn’t marry someone he couldn’t have sex with. Rogen plays this emotional disarray well, and he’s never been better as a man so completely incapable of making a single good decision. Meanwhile, Sylvia’s own life isn’t exactly stable. Her party planning business picks up, thanks in part to a collaboration with the hilarious Aidy Bryant’s Cabo Carrie, but success only highlights how little balance she has. She’s increasingly overwhelmed, missing family moments, lying to her husband, and crashing cars. Even her attempts at therapy with Charlie go sideways, from FaceTiming with a chicken filter to being told she’s subconsciously lying about being late. Their therapist, the aptly named Dr. Melfi, ends sessions early and bikes away like he’s fleeing the emotional wreckage. Byrne navigates all of this with her usual deftness, and her ability to pivot from biting comedy to genuine vulnerability is a masterclass that makes Sylvia so compelling. Once the marriage is off, Will is torn between emotional immaturity and longing for stability. He bounces from one bad decision to the next, including sleeping with a realtor and attempting to start something with Katie that goes beyond friendship after the pair bond over divorce and Sex and the City . He even goes so far as to obsessively watch videos of Jenna, aiming to show up with a giant stuffed penguin in a misguided bid to win her back. It’s the kind of gesture that would be endearing if it weren’t so representative of how emotionally stunted he is. When he eventually does rekindle things with her (albeit briefly), you’ll be hoping for closure more than they are. The ensemble cast is also a delight, adding further depth to the show's world. As mentioned, Aidy Bryant is Cabo Carrie, and two other SNL alums join her. Kyle Mooney, not cut for time, plays Jenna's co-worker Terry, while Beck Bennett portrays Wild Card, an old friend of Will and Sylvia. Even the kids shine, especially Frances (Sophie Leonard), who extorts Sylvia over not reading Charlie’s book by secretly recording her, then charges hush money. Maeve (Sophia Kopera) is convinced there’s a spaceship in the garden (it’s Will), adding another layer of chaos to Sylvia’s supposedly grounded home life. However, it’s MacFarlane as Charlie who offers the season’s most surprising emotional arc. From Jeopardy embarrassment and marital stress to an early retirement and writing a novel that his family don’t care for, his struggles add a grounded counterpart to the show. Luke Macfarlane in 'Platonic,' premiering 06 August 2025 on Apple TV+. © Apple TV+ By the finale, the show has earned its full-circle moment as Sylvia and Will decide to go into business together. There'll be wine on tap (she still hates beer), and she'll be his boss. It’s both inevitable and mildly worrying. Ultimately, Platonic ’s second season doubles down on its premise: that adult friendship, especially one this close, is inconvenient but vital. Will and Sylvia might be each other’s worst enablers, but there’s no one they’re more honest with. And though their proximity continues to wreak havoc on the lives around them, their bond, platonic as it may be, is the show’s most sincere relationship. With standout performances from Rogen and Byrne, sharp writing, and just the right amount of emotional devastation, Platonic  proves it’s one of the most compelling comedies on television – even if you spend half the runtime screaming, “Just set some boundaries already!” Rating: ★★★★☆ Platonic . © Apple TV+ About Platonic Season 2 Premiere Date:  August 6, 2025 Episode Count:  10 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Nick Stoller, Francesca Delbanco, Conor Welch, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen Distribution:  Apple TV+ Cast:   Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Carla Gallo, Andrew Lopez, Vinny Thomas, Rachel Rosenbloom Synopsis: Co-created, directed and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco, “Platonic” season two picks up with everyone’s favourite pair of best friends (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) as they contend with new midlife hurdles, including work, weddings and partners in crises. The duo tries their best to be each other’s rock — but sometimes rocks break things. The season two cast also includes Luke Macfarlane and Carla Gallo, and introduces Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney and Beck Bennett as guest stars.

Sources tell Nexus Point News that Courtney B. Vance has joined the cast of the second season of Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent. Vance joins Rachel Brosnahan who is set to lead this upcoming season of the anthology series. As announced by Deadline today, Jack Reynor has been added to the cast as well. Season 2 will adapt Jo Murray’s upcoming legal thriller Dissection of a Murder  which follows Leila Reynolds (Brosnahan) who is assigned her first murder case: a high profile case revolving around the murder of a judge. Season 1 starred Jake Gyllenhaal as prosecutor Rusty Sabich, who becomes a suspect in the murder of a colleague with whom he was having an affair with. Presumed Innocent was created by and showman by David E. Kelley. J.J. Abrams serves as an executive producer with Kelley. The series is based on the novel of the same name by Scott Turow which was released in 1987. The novel was originally adapted into the 1990 feature film of the same name, starring Harrison Ford as Sabich. Vance is a Tony and Emmy award winning actor who made his Broadway debut in August Wilson’s Fences . On screen, he is best known for his roles in Hamburger Hill , The Preacher’s Wife , and Isle of Dogs . Vance can next be seen as Zeus in the upcoming season of Percy Jackson & the Olympians , a role he is taking over from the late Lance Reddick. Presumed Innocent season 2 is set to begin production this December.

Star Wars productions are constantly in flux. Since the release of The Rise of Skywalker the theatrical side of a Galaxy Far, Far Away has been a bit tumultuous. There have certainly been no shortage of films announced, but The Mandalorian and Grogu aims to be the first full theatrical release since the closing of the Skywalker Saga. However, the production train isn't halting there. Director Shawn Levy's Star Wars film was given a title earlier this year, Star Wars: Starfighter . Nexus Point News has learned that Kyber Mist is the working title for this project, and Blue Mist Productions is the production name. Nexus has also learned the working title for another Star Wars project in development, Cosmic Doom . Cosmic Doom is the working title for Taika Waititiʼs long-awaited Star Wars film, and Ghost Truck 6 is the production name. The interpretation of these titles is left to your discretion, for the time being. Star Wars: Starfighter stars Ryan Gosling and is set roughly five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , as confirmed by official Star Wars channels . Pre-production began this March at Pinewood Studios, with shooting scheduled for September through December in London. Starfighter is currently slated to arrive in theaters on Memorial Day 2027. Demet Koc contributed to this article.

The Sandman . © Netflix Although The Sandman avoids the fate of many cancelled series by wrapping up the main plot without leaving too many hanging threads, Season 2 - Vol. 2 still feels incomplete. Fans have expressed their discomfort with Neil Gaiman’s work after last year’s sexual abuse allegations against him, but that isn’t the only baggage that weighs down the series — there’s a sense that everyone involved in making it, except perhaps for the set designers, simply wanted it over with. Maybe they knew something we didn’t. In these latest six episodes, Dream (Tom Sturridge) is facing dire consequences for mercy-killing his son. The metaphysical laws of his universe dictate that spilling family blood leaves him vulnerable to the Furies (Souad Faress, Nina Wadia, and Dinita Gohil), but he’s also made enemies among any number of other entities and wants to secure the safety of his realm and its residents before meeting his own fate. This means naming an heir, and the only candidate is Daniel, a baby who was conceived in the Dreaming and born to Lyta Hall (Razane Jammal) only a year ago. All this is in line with the plot of the comics; the adaptation is reasonably faithful with its major strokes. The nuance of the details is another matter. Idle Dreams and Forgettable Legends Several other characters from Season 1 return to have their own fates settled, including Johanna Constantine (Jenna Coleman), Fiddler’s Green (Stephen Fry), and the Corinthian (Boyd Holbrook). As mortals and myths attempt to help or hinder Dream’s plans, the staff of the Dreaming, led by Lucienne (Vivienne Acheampong), mostly huddle together sharing exposition-heavy dialogue. The novelty of seeing a pumpkin-headed scarecrow custodian (Mark Hamill) at work in an infinite impossible kingdom fades quickly when neither the person nor the place has their potential really explored. Newer additions Loki (Freddie Fox) and Puck (Jack Gleeson) add some liveliness through their chemistry as a pair of trickster gods teaming up as both conspirators and lovers, but overall, nobody gets enough development to earn their big moments. Dream himself mostly stands around brooding while other characters lecture him about how he feels. © Netflix Detour Through Supplemental Comics Although several major arcs and significant characters from The Sandman comics were cut out entirely in the adaptation, some new ones were added from source material that wasn’t published as part of the main series. First, Dream’s desperation leads him to beg for help from his estranged parents, Time (Rufus Sewell) and Night (Tanya Moodie), who were never mentioned in canon until the prequel graphic novel The Sandman: Overture was published in 2013. Their respective scenes are engaging enough, but both refuse to get involved and thus have no impact on the plot other than some worldbuilding, which seems wasted considering that the live-action Sandman Universe is about to end. Later on, an unlikely romance sparks between Johanna and the Corinthian, apparently a nod to one of the more recent comic spinoffs of The Sandman , titled The Dreaming: Waking Hours . The idea of this version of the iconic Constantine character being courted by a reformed nightmare is intriguing enough to become another disappointment, now that we’ll never see any more of it. Art in Motion As the story marches toward Dream’s inevitable doom, there are some undeniable visual delights, and some might find it worthwhile to watch the show just for that aspect. The faerie court home of Nuala (Ann Skelly) is represented by elegantly costumed people riding horses through lush forests. The Dreaming’s gates are guarded by an enormous Gryphon, Wyvern, and Hippogriff. At one point, Dream searches through a chest of Easter eggs that includes an entire living city in a bottle. © Netflix Other than those, the show relies heavily on the charisma of its cast, which sometimes backfires: the portrayal of grieving mother Lyta is wooden, and Rose Walker (Kyo Ra) has no apparent purpose but to follow Lyta around looking sad. Of Dream’s siblings, Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) is still the highlight, but her serene compassion has limited influence over the dreary atmosphere that seems to form around any gathering of the Endless. Does The Sandman Have a Future? If The Sandman ever gets another adaptation, it won’t be for a very, very long time. This may be for the best, as Gaiman’s works are now tainted by association, and probably can’t succeed either with or without him. It's still a shame that Netflix's retelling of the story is the only one that some viewers will ever experience, and that longtime fans of the comic didn't get to see it brought to life as it deserved. More than anything, Netflix's The Sandman is a missed opportunity. In spite of everything it had going for it at the inception, the foundation was faulty. This will be remembered as one more piece of Gaiman's unfortunate legacy. Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Peacemaker © HBO Max Nexus Point News recently had the chance to chat to David Denman, whose resume includes The Office , Brightburn , Rebel Ridge and the upcoming second season of James Gunn’s hit DC show Peacemaker . The below interview has been edited for clarity. David: All right. What do you guys want to know? I can't tell you anything, but… [laughs] Alex: Oh, no – we understand. You've known James Gunn from your days on The Office , and then jumping on to Brightburn , and now with Peacemaker Season 2. What has interested you, just getting onto that project? And have there been any differences between the three, or things that have excited you?   David: I mean, yeah. I've known James [Gunn] for over 20 years, and I've always been a fan.   James is so incredibly talented, and his scripts are amazing, and if you liked Peacemaker Season 1, Season 2 is even better, in my opinion. It's amazing. It's funny, and it's dramatic, and it's incredibly entertaining.   Nobody has James' voice out there in the world, in my opinion. And so, when you get an opportunity to work with him... This is the first time I've actually been directed by James, because he produced Brightburn , and was very involved with that from the get-go.   And I remember, I got sent that script after my son was born. I was literally still in the hospital, because it was the day after he was born. And my agent's like, “I know you really don't want to read anything right now, but there's this movie, and it's James and Elizabeth Banks.” So I read it, and I loved it, and was like, sorry honey, I gotta go to audition for this. So I went and auditioned later the next day, having not slept all night. And they all wanted me to do it. It took a long time before we figured it out. But eventually, I think it was in January, and so it was like May, I think we shot that. I'm thinking it was a few months later.   So, my kid was already home and doing okay, and we shot that. But that's a very different script than this universe [the DCU]. Peacemaker is very specific, and that's one of the great things about James. He knows exactly what he wants. He's very specific about everything that he's doing. But there's a lot of fun making something with James, because especially when you're doing a comedy like this, like Brightburn , there's not a whole lot of comedy in that, if any.   And so, when you do this, there's a lot more improv that happens. James throws things out. “Hey, try this.” I'll say this line. “Try this.” And it's just a lot of fun to roll with that.   And in the cast, I met Steve Agee [who plays John Economos in Peacemaker ] doing Brightburn , and he and I have been very close friends ever since. And when this thing came along, he was like, “You gotta do it.” And so I was excited. I knew Jen [Holland, who plays Emilia Harcourt], obviously. But I also knew Freddie [Stroma]. Freddie and I did 13 Hours together, who I love. Freddie's amazing.   So, there was a lot of familiarity there. I didn't know John [Cena], and he's better than advertised. I mean, he is fantastic in this role. You know, I can't even fathom anybody else touching this. And he just gets better and better and better. I mean, he's got stuff in this. I was like, just blown away by his acting ability. You know, we had some amazing scenes together, and I'm just like, “Damn, look at you go.” I was very impressed with him, and he's just a consummate professional. We had a blast. We had a great time, everybody on it. And I became good friends with Danielle [Brooks, who plays Adebayo].   She's awesome in [ Peacemaker Season 2]. I mean, everybody is so good in this.   Obviously, when you get an opportunity to work with James, you jump at that chance. Because there are very few actors out there that have his gift. And, you know, for me, part of the job required me getting into better shape. I was not in the greatest shape.   Peacemaker © HBO Max Alex: Yeah, we noticed that you hit the gym hard, pretty hard, especially for Peacemaker and Rebel Ridge .   David: I got this call on April 1st, and I didn't work until July - I don't know, middle of July, July 15, something like that. So, I had some time, but I've never had to [work out this hard]. I don't know if you saw Eric at all, but I was probably the worst shape I've ever been in my life. And then I had to go from that to do this job.   And there's just elements of [ Peacemaker ] that required me to get in the best shape I could get in the short amount of time. And so, I literally started that day. And, I mean, I was working out twice a day, six days a week, literally nonstop, even, you know, even while I was filming - which went all the way up to Thanksgiving. And then I gave myself a little bit of a break. But, you know, so I can, my kids can thank James Gunn for getting me probably another five to 10 years off my life, if anything else.   Personally, I've never been - you know, I'm not a big comic book guy. I never followed much of this. You know, the DC world - I knew very little of, but I knew all the main characters, because my generation, that's what we grew up on. You know, Marvel is something I think for people a little bit younger than I am.   Alex: This is not technically your first time diving into this type of world because since you did Brightburn - that was something different, but there were some similarities. But now you're looking at this large IP with a vast history.   With that, and especially one that could be with a 6-to-10-year plan. And so, with signing on, do you feel that your character, without revealing anything, will be appearing in more things?   David: I mean, anything is possible, honestly. I mean, that's the thing, right? When you're in this universe, anything is possible. That's all I can say. I can't reveal anything else other than you just never know. I think there's potential, but you'll have to watch the show to see how that's possible. It's hard to explain.   Alex: No, you don't have to stress yourself over that. But it seems that there was like a lot of physicality that you had to do on and off screen. I think you shared something a few months ago that there was a plaster cast on your face. Is this something for prosthetics or will you be wearing a shiny helmet?   David: Can't reveal any of that, but I can say it wasn't the first time I've had whatever you call it, the face. Because I did it for Brightburn . My character’s face gets burned off.   And we had to do a whole cast for that. I did it before.   I did it early in my career. I was on a show called Angel . I played this demon. I had full prosthetics and that. We had a full body cast and stuff. It's not comfortable, but it's gotten a lot better because when I did it years ago like that, the process is just technology has advanced so much that it makes it a little more tolerable. But you still have to be still for, I don't know, 30 minutes or so and just breathe out of your nose. I had to do it actually at the time too. I did it a couple of years ago in France. I did it for a show called Serpent Queen . My character gets… [ mimes throat being slit ] And so we had to do it.   Alex: Yeah, I don't know how you guys deal with that. Like I'll be claustrophobic.   David: Yeah, they can get... I mean, my wife has done it, and she lost her mind when she had to do it. So, you know, it's just part of the fun.   John: So it hasn't completely traumatized you of having to face being a member of the ‘Blue Man Group’ once again?   David: You know, I wouldn't want to do that, you know, all the time. Like the guys that are in Star Trek and stuff like that that have to be in full prosthetics every day. That's some heavy lifting. You know, when you see Colin Farrell do all of that work for Penguin . Oh, my gosh.   You know, anyone who's ever had to do it once knows that that's just a little bit of insanity, you know, which is why I'm not surprised that they're very skeptical of him wanting to come back and do it again for another season. But, I mean, God, he was so amazing in that. But, yeah, it's not easy.   Alex: Just going back to your character in Peacemaker , were there any similarities for this role that you've done previously, or is this a complete departure of what you've done before?   David: Yeah, it's a bit of a departure from anything I've done before. I mean, I will say I was very surprised being, you know, I'm 51, being asked to do this. I never...   I kind of got to a point in my life where I didn't think that I would be doing something in the comic book world, and all of a sudden, here I am in it, which is pretty fun. And ultimately, you know, I've never done anything in the comic book world. I never did anything in Marvel.   So that alone is something that's new for me and hopefully something my kids will get to watch when they get older. Although they're too young now to watch it. But maybe when they're older, they'll go, oh, “That's cool, dad was in that thing.” So those are certain things that when you have kids, you think about.     John: I must, as a Trek fan, just pick up on your point about Star Trek . And I'm kind of curious, because I know there's also a connection between, of course, one of your cast members, Sol Rodriguez, who was in the recent Star Trek: Picard . Yes, she was in the first series of that show.   And I suppose it's curious because nowadays, of course, with the wonders of technology and CGI, not all Star Trek aliens have to go through that awful process of lots of prosthetics. They could even literally, as they did in the 90s, put a couple of bits of makeup on your nose and call it a day. So in terms of the world of science fiction, whether it be Star Trek, Star Wars or otherwise, is that something that you personally sort of have an interest in delving into in the future?   David: Actually, I do. It's funny. I was just having a conversation with my agent, who I've had for, I don't know, 20-something years. And, you know, the entertainment industry is going through a whole transition right now and not as much work that there used to be. And so, you kind of look back. I've had a good run here for a number of years that I never really think about, like, “Oh, I want to do that” or “I want to do that next.” It's just things that come to me, you know? And I've been very lucky and blessed to have some really great opportunities that have been creatively fulfilling. But I was saying, “God, you know what I've never done is, like, true, like, fantasy or sci-fi.”   Like, I haven't done any of that stuff. And I think it would be a lot of fun to do something like that, you know? And she was like, “Oh, yeah, that would be fun. That would be different.” So, yeah, to answer your question, I'm definitely interested in it and I would love to find the right thing that hopefully would come along. John: Well, fingers crossed for you, David. David: Thanks. Yeah, my kid watched this - you know, they're making a TV series of God of War . I had a long beard for a while and I was scrolling through the internet - and it came up, and my seven-year-old has no idea what that is and he's like, “You could play that, dad.” I'm like, “Hmm, I probably could.” But that would take a lot more time in the gym. But, yeah, something like that's just full fantasy, like, you know - Nordic gods and stuff - that appeals to me, to do something different like that. It would be a lot of fun.   Lanterns © HBO Alex: Just to circle back with what John's mentioning with fellow co-stars. You have another one that recently joined the DCU, Aaron Pierre. How do you feel with him jumping in as John Stewart? And how was it working with him in Rebel Ridge ?   David: Oh, I'm a huge, huge fan of Aaron. Aaron is like, yeah, he's a very, very sweet man and a terrific actor. And I loved working with him on Rebel Ridge.   And it's been really fun to watch his star just rise here, you know, from the sidelines. And I sing his praises nonstop. He was testing for that while I was filming and James asked me what I thought about him. And I was like, “This guy should be the next James Bond.” I mean, he's a movie star.   He's just a great human being, first and foremost. Just a good guy and a terrific actor and probably one of the most beautiful human beings walking around that you'll ever see. So, I think they hit gold by casting him as the Green Lantern.   And I have another friend of mine who's on that - Kelly MacDonald is on that show. Her and I did a movie years ago called Puzzle . And we've stayed friends ever since and so we've been able to hang out.   Alex: MacDonald was a fantastic casting as well.   David: Yeah. I mean, there's a lot of terrific actors in that. I mean, Kyle [Chandler]'s great. And gosh, you know, Jason Ritter just got confirmed, who I think is so great. Another great human being. I did something, a reading with him years and years ago and I just find him so talented - and just, you know, good people. There's a lot of good people.    You know, I mean, that's the nice thing - James is incredibly loyal to the people he's worked with in the past. It's like once you get in the James Gunn company, you know, he's always looking for stuff for people he loves. And he likes to work with good humans.   It's like you can see that everyone cast, you're like, these are good people. Then you want to hang out with them. And so a big part of this point in my life is like, I want to be on set with people I enjoy hanging out with.That's a big part of it, to be quite honest. You know, all the money in the world doesn't make up for dealing with someone who isn't an asshole or something. It's just not fun. It's not worth it.   Alex: We've heard a lot of great things about how James runs his sets. I don't know if that man sleeps especially working between two sets in Atlanta for Peacemaker and Superman . How was that experience?   David: Well, James. Yes. First and foremost, he's the hardest working man in show business. He's constantly, he's got so many projects happening, but you know, he's also incredibly smart. He hired really great people to fulfill his vision and he's very specific about it, you know? So he's good at communicating that.   And we had great directors. Greg Mottola is awesome. Alethea Jones - she's fantastic. I didn't work with the other director. I forget their name now, but, but James did a couple episodes, he's there. We all shot in it and it was on the same studio and it'll cross the lot like literally on the same lot.    One soundstage is Superman, the other soundstage is Peacemaker. So, he's there, but he's just got a million things to think about at the same time. And he's a pro, he just compartmentalizes it and it's all his new universe, you know? So, he has to be the final say on everything, you know - it's like creating that world, which I'm super excited to see. Everyone that I know that has seen the rough cuts of Superman are just blown away by how great it is. And I met a bunch of the cast members cause we were right there across the stage from them and seeing David in the Superman gear - he looks phenomenal. It's perfect and he's going to be great. It's going to be great. I got to watch it - you know, a couple of scenes being filmed.   Superman © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Alex: Were you able to take a peek at that set.   David: Yeah. The day was mostly a green screen, you know, all the way doing a lot of special effects stuff. But it looked amazing.   Alex: Since you've spoken with David and especially seen him in the gear, from your interactions with him, do you feel like he exuberates who Superman is?   David: He's perfect casting. Perfect. In my opinion, he's perfect.   It's a different world than previous versions of Superman. For this world that James is creating, you know, he is the perfect casting in my opinion.   I don’t want to say anything negative about other versions of it. But when I was a kid growing up - I'm a Christopher Reeves fan, you know, like I I'm a big fan of that first movie and that charm and that fun. There's just a lot of joy and I remember seeing that as a kid. I really liked Man of Steel, but it was a more adult take on the world in my opinion. And I think maybe there's room for, I don't know, not as dark. It's just not as dark of a world as what the previous one was, you know?   John: Speaking of David, if I may, about talking about connectivity, did you find yourself on, on of course what is season two of Peacemaker thinking, you know, firstly, did you feel a sort of need to kind of go back and reflect, you know, reflect upon, upon the first series? Or did you feel that it was, it was very much a sort of jumping on point in its own right?   David: No, I watched the whole first series again. I wanted to, you know, you have to understand the world, right? It's very unique.   It's, it, you know, anytime you're doing anything, whether it's the office or it's Mare of Easttown , there's a world that you're all living in and, and, and Peacemaker has its own, its own specific world. So, it was very helpful to watch the first season to kind of get into that, you know, that universe of how everyone communicates. And, you know, there's a lot of dialogue that's, it's very quick and, you know, it's, it's a smart, it's really smartly done. The scripts are very tight and they're very specific.   So it, yeah, it definitely helped to look at, look at the world, but yeah. Yeah. And so, yeah, to answer your question was helpful, but it definitely takes, takes where they started and it goes even, you know, takes it to another level.   In my opinion, it's like I remember getting sent the scripts when I was deciding whether I wanted to spend the next, you know, six months of my life in the gym and starving myself and trying to, you know, physically be, you know, not a fat old dad. The second I read the scripts, it's just like, yeah.   How can you not sign up for this journey? You know? And, as Peter likes to say, we're looking for volunteers.   We're not, you're not indentured servants. So, this is what the role requires, you know, is this something you want to be in, and this is what you want to do. And we had that conversation and I said, “look, I can do as much as I possibly can, but I can't, I'm not going to overpromise you”.   Alex: Is there anything you'd like to share for the fans for this upcoming season of Peacemaker ?   David: I can just say if you were a fan of the first season, I think you're going to be blown away by the second season. I think the bar was set pretty high and it's only goes up from there in my opinion. I think everyone's going to be very pleased.   Very, very pleased. It's really fun.

Ororo has been on quite a journey since issue #1, and it’s been a brutal fight at nearly every turn. From radiation poisoning and death to possession and cosmic threats, Storm has weathered it all—and this issue continues that momentum with no signs of slowing. We open four days in the future with Bishop, standing alone, apologizing to an unseen Storm before releasing a massive blast of energy into the sky. That mystery lingers as we’re pulled back to the present, where Storm, Maggott, and Manifold are clearing the remnants of a kaiju drifting in space. Manifold suggests he could just teleport the thing into the sun, but Storm delegates the cleanup to Maggott and his slugs. What follows is a humorous exchange about mutant classifications and romantic lives—possibly a meta-nod from Murewa Ayodele to the readers themselves. © Marvel Comics As the story progresses, it becomes clear there’s purpose behind Maggott’s kaiju-sized meal. Days later, he’s now a giant as he joins Storm on a mission of vengeance. Earlier in the series, she was ambushed by a group of Thunder Gods, and now she’s ready to strike back. With her allies at her side, Storm confronts the god Sango in his domain. The ensuing battle isn’t one of raw power but of precision and strategy. Using cunning tactics, Storm traps Sango in a pocket dimension—one he soon discovers is already occupied by another god whom Storm swore vengeance against, Chaac. It’s a clever victory, but the celebration is short-lived. Upon returning to Earth, Storm sees the energy beam Bishop fired into the sky, and the timeline begins to reconnect. We’re reintroduced to Jaden, the mutant child from issue #1 whose radiation abilities nearly destroyed Oklahoma and nearly cost Storm her life. While it's not explicitly stated, I couldn’t help but wonder if he had been guarding the child for the last seven months and how Storm convinced him to do so. Storm’s reunion with Jaden is touching but tragically brief. In a shocking turn, Maggott and Manifold are both killed in rapid succession by the FBI agents who had been pursuing Jaden, using some form of voodoo magic to eviscerate the men. Their deaths are sudden and brutal, leaving both Storm and readers reeling. But the chaos escalates further when the bodies of Galactus and the Silver Surfer Soot crash to Earth, disrupting everything in the area. Before anyone can react, the twin sister of Eternity—Infinity herself—arrives, confronting Storm and demanding to know what has become of her brother. Her presence alone shakes the foundations of everything Ororo has been dealing with, and her threat is clear: Storm could soon share the fate of Galactus and the Surfer. There is a lot  packed into this issue—arguably too much—but Ayodele brings it all together with confidence. The pacing remains strong, the emotional beats land well, and the artwork is as stunning as ever. It’s clear Ayodele is building a long-form, character-driven cosmic epic, and this chapter delivers both scale and substance. With the fate of Maggott and Manifold uncertain and the arrival of Infinity looming large, Storm  #10 ends on a powerful cliffhanger. I don’t know how I’ll wait for issue #11—but I’ll absolutely be on the edge of my seat when it arrives. © Marvel Comics About Storm #10 Release Date:  July 23, 2025 Written by:  Murewa Ayodele Art by: Lucas Werneck Cover by: Mateus Manhanini Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  "THUNDER WAR" Begins! It's a full-circle moment. The F.B.I. finally discover the mutant child from the OKLAHOMA INCIDENT (from ISSUE #1) and the safe house STORM sheltered the child in. The F.B.I. will not stop until they take in this mutant child, as the kid's unmatched nuclear-radiation powers make them a threat to humanity. STORM must protect this child, but there is one problem: The last time STORM was in close proximity to the child, STORM died a horrible death. Meanwhile, in the far reaches of space, ETERNITY locates the BLACK WINTER that consumed GALACTUS and SILVER SURFER SOOT - kick-starting the terrifying THUNDER WAR. Guest-starring BISHOP - the gunslinging energy gobbler!

DreamWorks has been extremely hit and miss lately, from hits such as The Bad Guys , The Wild Robot and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to some unfortunate misses such as Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken and Kung Fu Panda 4 . They’re a studio that knows how to make stunning films that stay with you once the credits roll, and The Bad Guys 2 is the perfect example of when DreamWorks gets it right.  The Bad Guys 2 follows the crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws who are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys. However, they’re pulled out of retirement and forced to do “one last job” by an all-female squad of criminals who call themselves The Bad Girls and have a plan to achieve the biggest heist of all time. Job Hunting Is The Real Evil © DreamWorks Animation There was some worry that with the premise of The Bad Guys turning good, the franchise would quickly become what Despicable Me has, a franchise that has lost all its identity. The Bad Guys 2 instead takes this premise, and while still remaining a by-the-books animated movie aimed at children, it still manages to sneak in a complex story about the Bad Guy’s journey to turning good. What also helps with this is that The Bad Guys was always about this crew having the itch to do some good, with the first film touching on that and The Bad Guys 2 further exploring how to navigate a world where they’re only seen as criminals. Etan Cohen and Yoni Brenner, who are the writers for The Bad Guys 2 , have a great understanding of the message they’re sending with this movie. That message is to not let other people tell you who you are and what you can’t or can be and to set your own path. The opening of the movie showcases Tarantula’s (Awkwafina) first heist with the crew as they steal their iconic car in Cairo, Egypt and it truly highlights how happy the Bad Guys are when they're taking on heists and how they feel fulfilled, just to instantly cut to present day and show the contrast of how all that happiness has vanished as they attempt to turn good while looking for jobs. Jobs are hard to acquire in real life, and that translates into The Bad Guys 2 . The crew find themselves getting rejected at every job as the city refuses to trust that the Bad Guys are trying to turn over a new leaf. It's not only a strong message to teach young kids that doing bad can lead to the struggles of getting a job and getting back on your feet but also shows the reality of how hard it can be to get a simple job in a society that just fails to give chances. The Bad Guys Keep It Somewhat Simple This is a movie aimed at a younger audience, and this leads to the story being surface level just so that kids can get an understanding of what's going on, but The Bad Guys 2 manages to take a simple story and be extremely on the nose while also telling a complex story about Mr. Wolf's (Sam Rockwell) moral compass. When I say that this movie is extremely on the nose, I'm talking about so on the nose that it's hilarious. The Bad Guys begin to get framed as a new crew has hopped onto the scene hitting various locations and leaving behind the calling card of the Bad Guys, which leads the public and Commissioner Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein) to believe they're behind it all. The crew tries to prove their innocence, but it all blows up in their face as the real culprits, the Bad Girls, which consists of Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks), Doom (Natasha Lyonne), and Pigtail Petrova (Maria Bakalova) shows themselves and reveal what their real plan is. © DreamWorks Animation To steal a space rocket, go to space, use the Macguffinnite and steal all the world's gold. You heard that right; the item that helps to keep the story moving forward is called a Macguffinnite. It's a joke that will go over the head of its younger audience, but it's more in line with the audience that grew up on slapstick comedy. All of this humour doesn't take away from the emotional depth that's provided to Wolf, Snake (Marc Maron), Shark (Craig Robinson), Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Tarantula. The crew get thrown into situations that put them under a whole lot of pressure, as it's not only their reputation on the line but Diane Foxington's (Zazie Beetz) too, as her secret identity as the Crimson Paw is also on the line. There are real stakes at hand and moral dilemmas at play, and it really makes you forget that the story starts off by being rather by the book's storyline to then show that Cohen and Brenner care about the characters and world. It also helps that Kitty Kat as an antagonist feels threatening; she brings these stakes to the film, and they linger around and change the trajectory of the entire film, which heads in a direction by the end of the third act that’s completely unexpected. DreamWorks Has Hit A Gold Mine The Bad Guys was the first DreamWorks film to showcase that they could use a different art direction and animation style from usual and make it work. It helped the film stand out, and it changed DreamWorks for the better. The Bad Guys was already a film that was mind-blowing with its animation and visuals, but The Bad Guys 2 takes it beyond what I thought was capable. The Bad Guys 2's third act has some of the best animation that's been seen in a DreamWorks movie and even rivals some of the best, such as Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse . Visually it's the highlight of the film, and it makes you think just what else is DreamWorks capable of. The Bad Guys seems to be the franchise for DreamWorks that will allow them to experiment with their animation, as their art direction allows them to get away with so much. There are scenes where the animation will switch to 2D as they scream. It's colourful and expressive, which are the two ingredients you need to keep audiences engaged with an animated movie. Keep The Bad Guys Coming © DreamWorks Animation The Bad Guys 2 is a highlight of what DreamWorks is capable of when they put all their effort into it. From the intelligent script that Cohen and Brenner wrote to the adventurous direction from Pierre Perifel that brings that script to life. It's an impressive movie that has left a lasting effect and is undoubtedly DreamWorks best animated movie yet. If they continue in this direction, they'll be a studio that'll outdo themselves with every film they release. The Bad Guys 2 takes risks with its ending, and it's hard to say whether these risks will play out in their favour, but it's a risk that I'm willing to watch play out, as it could change the dynamic of The Bad Guys franchise for good. Rating: ★★★★☆ The Bad Guys 2 . © DreamWorks Animation About The Bad Guys 2 Premiere Date:  July 25, 2025 Executive Producers: Damon Ross Writers: Etan Cohen and Yoni Brenner Director: Pierre Perifel Production:  DreamWorks Animation Distribution:  Universal Pictures Cast:   Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova, Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Lily Singh, Alex Borstein Synopsis: The Bad Guys 2 follows the crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws who are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys. However, they're pulled out of retirement and forced to do "one last job" by an all-female squad of criminals.