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This review contains minor spoilers for 'King of the Hill' Season 14. © Hulu It gives me immense joy as a fan of King of the Hill  to report that, indeed, patriarch Hank Hill still has a narrow urethra. This is confirmed in the Season 14 premiere’s opening monologue by his dutiful wife, Peggy, whilst on a plane en route from “Saud-eye Arabia” to the fictional suburb of Arlen, Texas. Not only does Hank now have the urethra of a seven-month-old (“like in that movie, Benjamin Buttons !”), Peggy proudly (and loudly) explains to fellow passengers (as Hank protests feebly while mired in the in-flight restroom by his internal plumbing) that, after a decade of living on hummus and falafel, “that skinny little tube just shrinks and shrinks.”  Back on American soil following a stint working for Aramco - it’s unclear whether Aramco bought out Strickland Propane - leaves both Hank and Peggy worrying that things have changed too much since they traded in western Texan suburbia (Arlen is based on a Dallas suburb called Richardson , near creator Mike Judge’s childhood stomping grounds) for an Aramco base aesthetically geared towards Boomers with disposable income who want to live in the ‘50s again. Fortunately, during a weary trudge towards dependable ol’ Mega Lo Mart, Hank and Peggy are charmed by the authentic wholesomeness of a group of Girl Scouts selling cookies, and decide to stay in town. Season 14 of King of the Hill  is thus rooted in the Hills’ reintegration into their familiar homeland of “slow conversations, constant blaring sun, mild annoyance but rare anger at the changing world” (Moser). Spoiler alert: Delightfully, Hank’s newfound disgust for modern Arlen’s army of floppy road reflector markers is more rare anger than mild annoyance. Yahoos and Triangles In a nutshell, King of the Hill ’s return to television via the streaming service Hulu feels familiar, but not nostalgic. This, per Toby Huss (the voice of Kahn Souphinousinphone, Season 1-13; Huss also takes over voicing Hank and Peggy’s wacky conspiracy theorist next door neighbor, Dale Gribble for the late Johnny Hardwick [1958-2023]), was “by design,” a statement underscored by Mike Judge reportedly being “pissed off” at a suggestion that the reboot amounted to “ Andy Griffith is back .” Rather, the Hills’ return to Arlen, Huss counters, “doesn’t feel like it’s a nostalgic thing, like, ‘Let’s look at the old fun people we had fun with.’ It’s nothing like that. It’s a whole other iteration of their lives, just a few years later. It’s charming in its own way, and it’s safe and it’s inviting because it’s, you know, meeting these old people, old friends again, but it never felt nostalgic.” Considering viewers - who, of course, have aged considerably themselves (boy, have we ever, I tell you what!) - have not laid eyes upon new King of the Hill  episodes since 2009, the show ages organically, albeit hardly as faux-idyllic as Aramco’s foreign “American city for Americans.” Ergo, tempting though it may be to yearn for more flashbacks (in Season 15+, please and thank you!) to Hank and Peggy’s time in “Saud-eye Arabia,” the overall tone of the show, circa Season 14, like Peggy’s five-star portrayal by Kathy Najimy since Season 1 (spoiler alert: Peggy’s Arabic is as unerring as her Spanish!), is pretty much pitch perfect, circa 2025. Bill, Hank, Dale, and Boomhauer return to Arlen in 'King of the Hill' Season 14 © Hulu Indeed, Season 14 leans into a world wherein the fictional Arlen experienced its own version of the 2019 COVID-19 “pan-dumb-ic,” during which Dale Gribble ran for local public office on a platform promising no masks whatsoever (“tear gas, catchers”), which Hank is pained to hear his neighbors voted for. “Mayor Gribble was the devil you know,” rationalizes neighborhood newcomer Brian Robertson (Keith David), who rented the Hill house during their absence and now lives elsewhere nearby; meanwhile, Boomhauer (voiced by Mike Judge) acknowledges that he voted for Dale “as a dang ol’ joke.” In any case, having won by only nine votes, Dale swiftly grew disillusioned with the political process and contested the results of his own election, ultimately branding himself an “election denier-denier.” Probably unsurprisingly, Bill Dauterive (Stephen Root) fared the worst in-universe during the show’s hiatus, having not left his bedroom since 2020 (“Do you know what happens when you finish Netflix, Hank? You get something called a ‘wellness check’”). The show skips Bill’s shape-up montage between the premiere episode of the new season and the rest, though his chronic sad man shtick is on moderately unhinged display in Episode 6 (“Peggy’s Fadeout”), wherein Hank meets the Black barber shop patrons who believe Bill is married to Peggy. Essentially, Season 14 leans into the characters learning to radically accept life's inevitable changes, underscored by the handful of adaptations necessary to end the show’s 15-year hiatus. That is, along with Dale and Kahn’s aforementioned vocal switcheroos - Ronnie Chieng, who is of Malaysian descent, plays Kahn in Season 14 with a “ colder delivery ” than Toby Huss, per Helena Lobato - the new season serves as the bittersweet final performance of Jonathan Joss  (1965-2025) as fan favorite John Redcorn. Spoiler alert: He is, naturally, “still giving it to Nancy quite often.” Joss’ tragic murder in June by an “openly homophobic” (per his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales) neighbor who had been stalking Joss and his husband for years horrifically shadows an already complicated personal and professional legacy. Perhaps because of this, King of the Hill  kindly opts to give John Redcorn the happy life he deserves, circa Season 14, complete with commercial success as the co-host of Selling Arlen , a local real estate television show alongside long-time sidepiece (ssshh!) Nancy Gribble, as well as a hopeful interaction between John Redcorn and ‘Dale’s’ son, a now-21-year-old Joseph in Episode 9 (“No Hank Left Behind”).   Likewise, the show’s remaining returning voice actors - Lauren Tom retains the roles of both Minh and Connie Souphinousinphone, while Pamela Adlon ultimately decides n ot to “ tweak the magic ” that i s (still) her Bobby Hill voice - simply sound like home. That Boy Is All Right One can anticipate only a few minor sticking points throughout the reboot that diehard fans of the show may stubbornly excoriate. Perhaps the most obvious one is that Season 14 contains neither in-universe acknowledgement of popular characters, Peggy’s niece, Luanne Platter (voiced by the late Brittany Murphy, who also voiced Joseph Gribble, pre-puberty, before handing the reins over to Breckin Meyer, and now to Tai LeClaire in Season 14), nor her husband, Lucky (voiced by the late Tom Petty), nor does the new season memorialize them (though it does memorialize both Johnny Hardwick and Jonathan Joss, as well as celebrity jazz musician and Mega Lo Mart sponsor Chuck Mangione , who passed days before the Season 14 premiere); spotting the presumably late (given that she would be in her mid-20s in dog years now) Ladybird, Hank’s prized purebred Georgia bloodhound’s urn tucked onto a shelf would have been a nice touch, too. Likewise, aforementioned newcomer, Brian Robertson is underutilized, though voice actor Keith David seems to be having a real brat girl summer between acquiring his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and signing on to head the upcoming Rick and Morty  spinoff, President Curtis ; ergo, Brian Robertson will almost assuredly return for Season 15 and beyond - perhaps his band can perform at Hank and Peggy’s 30th anniversary next year! Joseph Gribble spends time with John Redcorn © Hulu Along with the show’s careful consideration for Arlen’s shifting demographics, per Pamela Adlon, the reboot’s “ new generation of young writers ” have a knack for “finding the sweet spots of the classic, vintage King of the Hill in the new era. We’re very blessed.” Indeed, rewatching the original series in anticipation of the new season makes many of the themes from the original episodes all the more apparent as they show up in updated forms in Season 14. Hank’s relationship with Bobby, fortunately, has improved immensely since the era of the series premiere, circa 1997, wherein Child Protective Services paid the Hill residence a visit on suspicion of Hank verbally abusing then-11-year-old Bobby. Indeed, Season 14 Bobby earns Hank’s begrudging respect amidst ending up on opposite sides of a regional home-brewing competition in Episode 2 (“The Beer Story”). Likewise, Hank eventually admits that he admires Bobby’s authenticity and can appreciate his particular brand of wabi sabi , especially now that Bobby is a self-made young man with his own restaurant (albeit funded by Ted Wassanasong).  As Daniel Kurland writes for Den of Geek , Bobby is akin to “the audience’s child who is now grown up and living his best life,” including being able to hold his own creatively and professionally against Hank when they “clash over hobbies.” Adds William Hughes, it is gratifying to watch the modern incarnation of “the pair working through conflicts that once would have seen Bobby get steamrolled by Hank.” Ultimately, Hughes muses, the new season “revels in” the “real pleasure” of “seeing this soft, sweet kid grow into a genuinely good man. (Also, in case you’re wondering: Bobby Hill absolutely pulls .)” YUP. Bobby hooks up with a restaurant patron-cum-admirer for a one-night stand in the season premiere, and the Vegan (‘vay-gan,’ per Peggy) Willow even accompanies Bobby and Hank to Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Camp in Episode 7 (“Any Given Hill-Day”) - a surprising bonding experience, until Willow does a truly unspeakable deed on unpopular Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones’ office desk, though the TV screen only has eyes for Hank’s aghast expression. (Jones seems unsurprised that “it happened again.”)  In addition, Bobby appears to get low-key invited to join Connie and a friend for some “Ethical Non-Monogamy” (ENM), but he mistakes the offer as Connie trying to hook him up exclusively with her friend. In fact, Connie’s open relationship with Chane Wassanasong (yes, son of Ted Wassanasong aka Bobby’s boss) embodies ENM ideals, or at least, the 21-year-old version of it - Willow aptly calls it “side-dick.” Much of Connie’s arc throughout Season 14 is watching her work through the various relationship dynamics she’s compartmentalized over the years, from her parents’ secret (ssshh!) divorce two years prior, to Chane’s general apathy towards her aside from opportunities to show off their relationship to their families. Likewise, Connie simultaneously seems to be weighing the pros and cons of starting a romantic relationship with Bobby, including inviting him to sing a sentimental karaoke song together. When Kahn and Minh’s divorce comes to light in Episode 8 (“Kahn-scious Uncoupling”), and Connie Kahn-sciously uncouples from Chane, Connie and Bobby share a sweet hug beneath the stars - may the obvious Bobby-Connie-Joseph throuple at last be realized in Season 15! Assigned Meat At Birth What remains to review includes brand spankin’ new additions to the King of the Hill  universe, e.g.: Boomhauer’s stint as a “father-figure to his girlfriend’s anxious son”; a popular theory is that Luke Jr. is, in fact, Boomhauer's biological son (ssshh!). Alas, Boomhauer proves to be a somewhat careless caretaker, looking askance when Luke Jr. develops a taste for Near Beer, and focusing on his phone instead of coaching Luke Jr.’s soccer games. Fortunately, Hank steps in (“New Ref in Town”), having developed his own taste for the sport (and CNN, on account of it being on during commercial breaks over at Fox News aka the only English-language channels in “Saud-eye Arabia”) while overseas, much to the chagrin of Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer. Also fortunately, modern Hank is “fundamentally smart, well-intentioned, and good with his hands, though he can occasionally be obstinate (‘what kind of food is poke?’) and flummoxed by all-gender restrooms and the metaverse. He’s not ‘woke,’ but he is awake.” Likewise, Cary Darling  gushes, “Hank, God bless him, stubbornly remains unlike other TV-cartoon dads who often are just lazy laughing stocks.” This is to say that Hank Hill, circa 2025, is an empathetic man capable of acknowledging his feelings (mostly) and resolving conflicts without threatening to kick anybody’s ass (mostly). Per Darling, “He’s the animated embodiment of dad jeans and those Progressive insurance commercials about young homeowners turning into their parents.”  Likewise, Hank and Peggy have obviously successfully managed to nurture Bobby’s creativity against all odds, as well as his innate “kindness and charisma,” enough for him to have created his own business. Thus, the aforementioned William Hughes offers, modern Bobby “naturally gravitates into the ‘sane man surrounded by weirdoes’ position that was once the sole province of his old man.” Even so, an outstanding sticking point of adult Bobby’s portrayal thus far is that the show downplays all of the self-educating he clearly did in order to create Robata Chane. Though his expertise about authentic Japanese charcoal and such is apparent in “Bobby Gets Grilled,” the show misses the opportunity for Bobby to confidently back up his decision not to attend college like many of his peers-cum-customers with his noted prowess as a self-made chef. There’s also presumably nothing stopping him from deciding to study cooking abroad in the future, of course.  Connie (left) and Chane (right) eat a meal at Bobby (center)'s restaurant. © Hulu Overall, Season 14 of King of the Hill is a crowd-pleaser with a debut “ rare perfect score”  of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and several publications declaring it to be “ the best revival ” / “ reboot ” ever. Per Kate Sanchez, Season 14 is “honestly the best revival that has ever been made” because “The reverence for its past is still intact, but it’s also grown.” That is, “Mike Judge understands Texas the same way Texans do.” Not only that, the original show often slid under the radar regarding its ability to “capture cultural moments and sensitivities in a thoughtful manner that doesn’t come across as preachy,” something the reboot arguably pulls off, as well. Even better, modern renderings of these much-loved characters have been thoughtfully updated with arguably more nuance than the original series had, whether it’s Hank being dismayed that nobody cares about historical accuracy while roleplaying at the Bush Presidential Library, or his somewhat reluctant ‘mantoring’ of his teenaged half-brother, GH (Good Hank) at his mom, Didi’s pleading insistence leads him to confront the idiocies inherent in the alt-right ‘manosphere’ movement, which he and GH unwittingly find themselves enveloped in (“No Hank Left Behind”). Here, Season 14 effectively showcases both Hank’s softly partisan determination to remain true to not only his most steadfast values, but also what he perceives to be baseline reality, something his goofy neighbors, et al often attempt to skirt the boundaries of; and though their escapades often exasperate him, he cares about them enough to (mostly) patiently walk them through whatever they’re missing. It’s what makes Hank a good block captain, neighbor, father, husband, friend, and even son, for though the late, great Cotton Hill may never say so, Hank carries on his legacy by instilling deeply bred Texan values in his offspring while simultaneously breaking the chains of intergenerational trauma one by one by encouraging GH to respect his mother, and leaning on his family, friends, and community to do what they can to make Arlen great. Likewise, the years look good on Peggy, whose feet, while still canonically huge, are rendered somewhat more proportioned by the new season’s clean-looking animation, perhaps too much to avoid fan criticism that they are not noticeably gargantuan enough now. TL;DR: Season 14 Peggy is a certifiable MILF. Like her husband’s, Peggy’s conflict resolution skills have matured like a fine wine she would name Peggy Ale. Likewise, Peggy and Hank regularly meet to discuss potential investments of their respective nest eggs; and while they may not couple as frequently as their 21-year-old son, it is clear that it happens often enough, including when Peggy successfully redirects Hank in this or that minor funk with sex (ssshh!). Peggy still has a tendency to smother Bobby a bit, but like Connie and Chane, Bobby proves adept at compartmentalizing his parents’ expectations and setting (mostly) polite boundaries with them. The result is a comfortable return to Arlen’s small-town Texan charm, one which the gods of streaming TV will hopefully deign to allow to continue. Welcome back, pardners. Rating: ★★★★☆ © Hulu About King of the Hill Season 14 Premiere Date:  August 4th, 2025 Episode Count:  10 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Mike Judge, Greg Daniels Writer: Saladin K. Patterson Director: Wes Archer, Kelly Turnbull Distribution:  Hulu Cast:  Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, Toby Huss, Keith David, Tai Leclaire, Ronny Chieng, Jonathan Joss, Stephen Root Synopsis: After years working a propane job in Saudi Arabia to earn their retirement nest egg, Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Arlen, Texas, to reconnect with old friends Dale, Boomhauer and Bill. Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas and enjoying his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph and Chane.

AppleTV’s Chief of War  arrives with the promise of being an epic, action-heavy historical series, but what it delivers is a slower, more character-focused drama, anchored by Jason Momoa in a role that feels tailor-made for him. Momoa plays Ka‘iana, a historical Hawaiian figure caught between worlds, and his commanding presence, along with his Hawaiian heritage, makes him the ideal choice not just to lead the show, but to help mount it. He not only starred in, but also co-created and co-wrote the series. Though heavily marketed as a large-scale war epic, Chief of War  leans more into drama than action. Much of the storytelling is built on personal conflicts, loyalty, and identity, with the backdrop of colonial tension simmering throughout. The opening scene, featuring Ka‘iana in a shark-infested sequence, immediately recalls Momoa’s Aquaman , and in many ways, the character feels like a grounded blend of Aquaman and Khal Drogo. Te Kohe Tuhaka and Siua Ikale'o in Chief of War . ©Apple TV+ The series deserves credit for its deep cultural respect. Most of the cast are Hawaiian, and the first two episodes are spoken entirely in the Hawaiian language, which is a bold, admirable choice that helps root the viewer in this world. The language continues to weave through the show even after English becomes more dominant and at time may feel convenient, but it never feels forced. Add to that stunning natural locations, lush production design, and fantastic hair and makeup work, and Chief of War  creates an atmosphere that feels alive and genuinely Hawaiian. Performance-wise, Momoa sticks to his usual strengths for the most part — stoic glances, physical dominance, and brooding charisma — but he does rise to the occasion in the final stretch, delivering some powerful emotional moments that hint at what he could do with more layered material. Temeura Morrison, usually a scene-stealer, is unfortunately stuck with a fairly one-dimensional villain, while Te Ao o Hinepehinga as Kupuohi adds some welcome emotional conflict. Lucianne Buchanan as Ka‘ahumanu, however, is the true standout. She delivers her career-best performance, bringing complexity and nuance to her very integral role. Luciane Buchanan in Chief of War . ©Apple TV+ In terms of production, the series is solid. The score is immersive without being overbearing, and the pacing, while mostly consistent, does sag in parts. At nine episodes, it arguably could’ve been trimmed down by two to keep things tighter. The show holds back on action for a good while, which may disappoint some viewers, but when it does arrive — particularly in the finale — it’s brutal, bloody, and beautifully executed. The last episode is easily the series’ best, offering the kind of visual flair and cathartic payoff that had been building throughout. Chief of War  is a respectful tribute to Hawaiian history and a solid platform that expands Momoa’s talents. It doesn’t break new ground, and it plays things relatively safe in terms of narrative complexity, but it’s sincere, effective, and visually compelling. It keeps you engaged enough and there’s certainly a lot more story left to explore. Rating: ★★★ ½ Chief of War © Apple TV+ About Chief of War Premiere Date:  August 1, 2025 Episode Count:  9 Executive Producers: Jason Momoa, Doug Jung, Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook, Brian Andrew Mendoza, Anders Engström, Justin Chon, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence, Tim Van Patten Writers: Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett Directors: Jason Momoa, Justin Chon, Anders Engström, Brian Andrew Mendoza Distribution:  Apple TV+ Cast:   Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka Synopsis: Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Jason Momoa, Chief of War follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai‘i at the turn of the 18th century. The ensemble cast includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka.

BBC Studios definitely knows that the hearts of Whovians all over the world are definitely bigger on the inside. For six-decades now, the Doctor has been gracing our screens, ears, and eyes with adventures that span galaxies and moments. Doctor Who is no stranger when it comes to San Diego Comic-Con. Whenever I am on the show floor, I make it a point to navigate the hustle and bustle to feast my eyes on what BBC Studios and Doctor Who have to offer. I have been following the Doctor's adventures since he found me in the late 80s. Doctor Who would be shown on PBS and Tom Baker's whimsical, eccentric, but sternly profound mannerisms convinced me to sneak onto the television after my parents were asleep to see what adventure would unfold. Time travel some years later and here I am, having have found myself gone through an adventure of my own, raising a family. It's crazy to think that at about the same time Doctor Who found its way back into our homes over here in the States that I find myself sharing some of these adventure with my wife and kids. When I introduced to my wife I didn't know if she was going to think I was a madman to enjoy such whimsical and sometimes depressing adventures. Daleks, Cybermen, Vashta Nerada, and Weeping Angels, only someone who marries you for life would sit through these adventures. Now we indulge on the Doctor's journeys with our children. When BBC Studios invited me and my family to check out the UNIT: Black Archive activation during San Diego Comic-Con, they can attest that I responded with "ALLONS-Y". Upon arriving at the activation, I was able to preview new Doctor Who merchandise and apparel. I especially loved the look of the new shirts as they had a British Punk esthetic to them. Various Doctor Who Merchandise on Display So, if you get to know me, I can NOT pass up a TARDIS photo op. Maybe it's because phone booths are a rare sight to behold these days, or just the idea of a phone box where it really is bigger on the inside, it just warms my heart. The Entrance to the UNIT: Black Archive at San Diego Comic-Con It was awesome to see that the TARDIS set from the 2024 convention floor was repurposed outside for the activation. I was extremely excited as this was one of my favorite booths on the 2024 show floor. Fezzes were donned instantly and the Doctor Who UNIT: Black Archive activation was underway. The Black Archive was definitely a sight to behold for Whovians. Scattered about the UNIT warehouse were relics of various items and artifacts from the Doctor Who timeline. Seeing an actual member of The Silence encased in glass and Cybermen heads up close truly has an added sense of wow knowing that the UNIT artifacts played a part over the last 60 years of Doctor Who lore. Head of a Cyberman on Display at the UNIT: Black Archive It was a breath of fresh air to see BBC Studios and the folks who planned the activation go more interactive this time around. I had hoped it would feel like I was on the set of an episode of Doctor Who , and it was exactly what I had hoped for. I was fortunate enough to experience the immersive aspect to this activation, where attendees were able to interact with UNIT scientists to solve a series of puzzles at various stations to send a message to 'warn the Doctor'. The folks portraying the UNIT scientists were amazing keeping up with the immersion and they kept even the younger Whovians like my children highly motivated and entertained throughout. Happy to say the mission was a success. UNIT Scientist Congratulating My Kids on a Successful Mission. The excitement BBC Studios has for Doctor Who could definitely be felt in the air during this activation, and I am excited for what adventures the Doctor has in store. I was also told that the San Diego Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park has a Doctor Who exhibit ongoing at the moment. The " Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction" exhibition at Comic-Con Museum is an interactive exhibit delves into the science behind the series, offering a deeper look at the Time Lord’s adventures through time and space. With a wealth of original screen-used props and costumes, along with exclusive in-depth recorded interviews from scientists and FX crew from the show, I'm told it is a must-see exhibition. Unfortunately, I was unable to check this out but, on a sidenote, if the fine folks over at BBC Studios sees this, please bring Doctor Who to San Diego Comic-Con EVERY YEAR. Rating: ★★★★☆

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: ★★☆☆☆