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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.

With Uncanny X-Men , I’m never quite sure what to expect from one issue to the next. I’m not convinced that’s always a good thing. I came into this story with certain expectations, and while I occasionally get fragments of what I’m looking for (such as the Endling story), it rarely feels like it fully comes together. It’s like a puzzle that doesn’t know what picture it’s supposed to form, but occasionally gives you a clear idea of what's to come. We pick up almost exactly where the last issue left off. Becca (Calico) is having what appears to be a nightmare about Mutina. This was a welcome surprise. I enjoyed Mutina’s previous appearance, especially how she established herself as both a credible threat to other mutants and a character with staying power. The encounter may just be imaginary, however, as we see Becca sleepwalking around the Haven house, seemingly unharmed, though her room is left in chaos. As she talks in her sleep, the mystery surrounding her deepens, and it’s exactly the kind of intrigue that keeps me engaged. © Marvel Comics Another highlight of this issue was the focus on Nightcrawler. The Outliers have been in the spotlight lately, and while Rogue and Gambit have had moments to shine, most of the core X-Men have felt pushed to the background. It was refreshing to see Kurt take center stage. One of the things that makes him such a beloved character is his capacity for empathy and trust, especially in the face of the harsh judgment he often receives due to his appearance. A particularly touching moment comes when he reconnects with the family he saved earlier in the run. That encounter helps set the stage for the Friendship Festival later in the issue. A third standout element was the theme of mutant solidarity and broader community acceptance. Honestly, I expected the festival to end in disaster. Mutants have taken a lot of hits during this era, and it’s been hard to find moments of hope. But I was pleasantly surprised. The turnout, the formation of temporary alliances, and the genuine camaraderie offered a rare and welcome moment of optimism, even amid the chaos of a burning pediatric hospital. That said, the sudden appearance of Cyclops and a group of mutants not associated with his usual Adjectiveless X-Men team felt somewhat jarring. Rogue does mention having invited someone to the festival, so I’m assuming that was meant to be Scott. Still, their arrival to save the children’s hospital felt oddly inserted and disconnected from the rest of the narrative. Ultimately, while this issue didn’t significantly move the story forward, it wasn’t without its charms. In the current X-Men landscape, where many characters seem stuck in tired, recycled plotlines, this was at least a more positive and character-driven entry. I do hope we get to the promised Endling story sooner rather than later, though. Here’s hoping for more narrative momentum in the issues to come. © Marvel Comics About The Uncanny X-Men #18 Release Date:  July 23, 2025 Written by:  Gail Simone Art by: Luciano Vecchio Cover by: David Marquez Page Count: 28 Synopsis :  For the first time in New Orleans history, the city has declared a MUTANT APPRECIATION DAY festival and street fair, with all the music, food and fun the city is famous for. If the Hellfire Gala is filet mignon, this is corn dogs and lemonade. But are all mutants okay with this attempt at bridging the gap, or are sinister forces lurking behind the Tilt-A-Whirl?

When the From the Ashes  era titles were announced, I was surprised to see so many solo series included. Psylocke , however, felt like a natural fit. If you’ve been following the Krakoan era, you’ll know that Kwannon quickly became a standout character. Her appeal goes beyond her ninja skills and psychic powers; it’s her painful past and sharply defined personality that have truly set her apart. Fortunately, writer Wong seems to understand that completely. In this issue, Psylocke returns to Kyoto, to the very place where she was once trained to become the assassin she is today. There, she comes face-to-face with Mitsuki, an old friend she believed had died. Early on in the series, we learned that Mitsuki could connect and share energy with Yokai, and that ability now appears to explain her survival. She was saved by one Yokai in particular—the Lady in White, a spirit known for protecting lost children and punishing those who harm them. Along with other Yokai, the Lady in White helped Mitsuki recover until she was strong enough to take revenge on the master who nearly ended her life. © Marvel Comics But something about Mitsuki is different. As Kwannon observes, the quiet and kind girl she once knew is gone. Mitsuki not only took vengeance on their old master, but has since taken his place as leader of the Hand—the secretive ninja organization that holds power over much of Japan. With the aid of her Yokai allies, she has already taken control of the Kyoto branch and now hopes to use Kwannon to conquer the rest, whether she agrees to help or not. This part of the story is especially powerful. Watching Kwannon realize that she may have lost another loved one to darkness is emotionally gutting. The situation becomes even more disturbing when Mitsuki suggests that she could have the Lady in White possess Kwannon. Given Kwannon’s traumatic history with loss of autonomy and identity, this threat feels deeply personal and painful. It lands like a blow to the heart. Not all hope is lost, though. There’s an intriguing subplot developing, as Greycrow and Devon are also in Japan. They appear to be on Mitsuki’s trail, discovering a marking similar to the one that suddenly appeared on Kwannon and may be the cause of her visions. One that might either ward off possession or serve as a seal allowing spiritual entry. It’s a small but meaningful thread that adds mystery and tension to the narrative. Wong continues to deliver more than just a solo superhero comic. She offers a rich, emotional character study that delves into who Kwannon is and what she continues to endure. The storytelling is filled with drama, depth, and genuine surprise. Even when it feels like Psylocke is being pushed to her limits once again, her resilience remains unshakable. She always finds a way to rise stronger and more determined than before, so I’m eager to see what issue #10 brings for our Lady of Mercy. © Marvel Comics About Psylocke #9 Release Date:  July 23, 2025 Written by:  Alyssa Wong Art by: Vincenzo Carratu Cover by: Mahmud Asrar Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  Psylocke has found the home of the man who trained her and rebuilt her into a weapon. Can she face what lives within those walls? And what devious creature is watching them from afar?

Jean Grey has lived a confusing life—some might even say multiple lives. She’s traveled through space and time, been cloned, and existed beyond the bounds of reality. But somehow, nothing ever seems more complicated for her than family. In Phoenix  #13, we find Jean defending her recently rediscovered sister, Sara, from her quasi-son, Cable. It’s a tense and emotional standoff made even more complicated by the fact that no one involved has the full picture or perspective on events. At the center of it all is Cable, who has returned from the future to stop what he believes is the destruction of the universe. His claim? That Sara is the cause of it. He calls her an imposter and is determined to convince Jean that the woman she thinks is her sister isn’t real. But Jean has felt  Sara. Empathy is an essential part of her power set, and when she says she believes in someone, it's not just sentiment; it’s instinct. Even so, Cable refuses to back down. Realizing he can’t beat Phoenix in combat, and in a desperate move to distance her from Sara, he pulls Jean into the future to prove his point. © Marvel Comics What she sees there is haunting. The future is lifeless and empty, a desolate landscape littered with corpses. But in this apocalypse, Cable finally has the chance to speak to Jean without interference. He delivers a brutal truth: Jean didn’t just find Sara—she created her. Not the Sara who was once born to her parents, but a new being brought into existence by the Phoenix Force when Jean last connected with the cosmos. According to Cable, this version of Sara is a cosmic anomaly, and destroying her may be the only way to restore balance to the universe. This revelation forces Jean into one of the most painful decisions of her life. Sara is someone she just got back, someone she held in her arms. But she now represents a threat to everything Jean has ever fought to protect. The emotional weight is immense. As the Phoenix, Jean is the custodian of cosmic balance. As a human being, she’s a sister desperate not to lose someone she loves. But love might not be enough this time. The tension doesn’t end there. Sara and her allies are on the trail of Phoenix and Cable, and they aren’t alone. Their actions have attracted the attention of the In-Betweener, a powerful cosmic entity with its own agenda. It appears it has decided to intervene in affairs, which means Jean may lose control over how this crisis is resolved—and what that resolution costs. This issue hit harder than expected. Phillips skillfully puts Jean in a battle that can't be won with psychic might and flames. Instead, it’s an emotional and spiritual test, one that pushes her to the edge as both a woman and a cosmic force. Early on, Jean remarked that she was still trying to find a balance between her two identities. This chapter proves just how difficult that balance is to maintain—and how high the stakes are when she falters. Phoenix  #13 is intense, layered, and deeply human, even as it operates on a cosmic scale. With the arc building toward a dramatic resolution, I’m both anxious and excited to see what happens next for our cosmic guardian. © Marvel Comics About Phoenix #13 Release Date:  July 23, 2025 Written by:  Stephanie Phillips Art by: Roi Mercado Cover by: Lucas Werneck Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  TIMESLIDING IN…TO PUT A STOP TO THE PHOENIX! Jean Grey's beloved, long-dead sister Sara is…alive and well among the stars?! On a mysterious planet called Greyhaven, the Grey sisters have had an impossible reunion… But while Jean is overjoyed, other forces at work in the universe are less than thrilled - especially the psychically-attuned ones: like the telepathic, time-traveling soldier known as CABLE. After all, what's an X-Men family reunion without at least one time-displaced stepchild?!

After a long wait, The Old Guard 2 has finally arrived on Netflix, the long-awaited sequel to The Old Guard , with Charlize Theron returning to lead and director Victoria Mahoney helming the sequel. The Old Guard 2 is set six months after the first film and follows Andy (Charlize Theron) and her team, who are back in action with a renewed sense of purpose. Andy must confront her newfound mortality while Qyunh ( Veronica Ngô ) seeks revenge, and a mysterious threat looms closer, endangering the existence of the Immortals. The Old Guard 2 brings Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman together in their first movie, and Victoria Mahoney takes an approach with the action that makes every sequence feel integral to the plot. I got to sit down with Victoria Mahoney and discuss what it felt like getting to be the first director to work with both Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman, how she tackled her action sequences and their importance, and the long development process for The Old Guard 2 . Watch our interview below: The Old Guard 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

Kevin Smith is a man who needs no introduction. But if you are not familiar, his long list of works spans from working in the comic book industry to creating the legendary View Askew Universe which include cult classics Clerks, Mallrats , and of course Jay and Silent Bob and their many adventures. Smith is no stranger to San Diego Comic-Con. With appearances dating back to as early as 2013, it has become a fan staple and favorite for him to make his annual trip to San Diego. I was able to meet Kevin Smith at San Diego 2024 and personally tell him that he made a huge impact on the many things that I love to this very day. My Wife, Kevin Smith, and Myself at SDCC 2024 Of course, he probably hears that all the time, but meaningful to me none the, nonetheless. He showed enthusiasm of a person who doesn’t take any enduring words from a fan for granted, after going through his share of things in life after suffering a severe heart attack in 2018. This year, Bucket Listers is partnering up with Kevin Smith’s SModcast to bring fans a can't-miss comedy event series throughout this year’s Comic-Con weekend.  There will be three shows featuring Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Ralph Garman, and a whole lot of comic chaos. Image provided by Bucket Listers The three shows are:   Archie Meets Jay & Silent Bob Live!   Thursday, July 24 Kevin and Jay read the Archie comics release live, with audience participation! If you come to the show, you may be in the show!   Jay Mewes: The Ghosts of Comic Cons Past! Friday, July 25 Reminisce about comic cons of old with a man who has been going since 1995! For Jay Mewes' 30th Anniversary at Comic Con, he will regale the audience with journal entries from the many times he's been to San Diego over the years!   Hollywood Babble-On  Friday, July 25 When famed independent film director Kevin Smith teams up with veteran radio personality Ralph Garman, you know the results are going to be hilarious. Their weekly Hollywood Babble-On podcast gives these two geeky, raunchy comedians a platform to rant about whatever crosses their minds, much to the amusement of their rowdy audience.   Tickets and info can be found at https://bucketlisters.com/experience/kevin-smiths-comic-concerts , In collaboration with Bucket Listers, we’re giving one lucky fan and a guest the chance to pick attend a show from the three mentioned! Check out our post on X (formerly known as Twitter) for more details.

Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for Season 17, episodes 1-3, of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia . Season 17 marks the 20th anniversary since It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia  premiered in August 2005 on FX (with the latest season currently airing via FXX and next-day Hulu). Inherent in reviews for the Gang’s latest eight episode offering includes frequent marveling over the secret of its successful longevity across two decades of an ever-shifting socio-political landscape, to say nothing of maintaining a 20-year foothold with the same television network, or even of said network’s success in sustaining itself amidst brushes with streaming wars and/or oligarchal oversight.  Multiple interviews with showrunners seem to stress the importance of maintaining joy for the project at hand, e.g.: Danny DeVito  (Frank Reynolds) recently referred to the show as “ I Love Lucy  on acid. It’s been a joy and I look forward to it.” Concurs “pop-culture journalist” Kimberly Potts  in a recent interview to promote her upcoming Sunny  memoir, “No one” attached to the show “ever had a bad thing to say. And that’s pretty unusual about a show that’s gone on that long.” Potts then connects viewers’ ‘acceptance’ of the Gang’s shenanigans to fans having gotten to know the actual cast and crew, et al behind them over the years - or at least, trusting that “they’re nothing like the characters”; ergo, “It’s okay to laugh at their [characters’] hijinks on camera.” Overall, Potts credits the “complete positivity” surrounding Sunny for its longevity. Likewise, Gemma Wilson  acknowledges that while Sunny  premiered in an era wherein “America’s cultural appetite for meanness was pretty high,” the characters being forced to confront “current events and cultural shifts” as they age is yet funny because “the Gang continues to be the worst … but at least they’re so comically vile there’s no mistaking the show as endorsing their choices.” © FX “I Need to Say a Bad Word” Season 17 of Sunny opens with some long-awaited rounding out of unfinished business - namely, the Gang’s ‘side’ of their week of community service that they get sentenced to perform at Abbott Elementary School in west Philadelphia following a scheme involving dumping 100 gallons of baby oil, along with 500 Paddy’s Pub t-shirts and a Cybertruck, into   the Schuylkill River ( Abbott Elementary , “Volunteers” [4x9]). Suffice it to say, the Gang makes a lasting impression at Abbott, as Principal Ava Coleman describes at length in Sunny ’s Season 17 premiere, “The Gang F**ks Up Abbott Elementary.” The episode functions somewhat as a clip show, with Ava sharing security footage of the Gang’s week-long volunteering stint, albeit with several new-to-the-viewer ‘flashbacks’ and other Abbott  characters providing their own commentary.  While the conceit of a crossover between two Philly-based sitcoms is obvious, the logistics are tricky, given that one sitcom is populated by a group of local criminals who should clearly never have unsupervised access to minors, let alone underprivileged, inner city minors in a public school setting. On the Sunny  side, it’s not the first time that the Gang has been sentenced to community service involving working with children: Early on in the series, “The Gang Gives Back” (2x6) reveals the legal consequences of burning down a rival business owner’s property (albeit accidentally) in a previous episode (“The Gang Goes Jihad” [2x5]) aka coaching rival youth basketball teams, a task which the Gang almost immediately fumbles by making everything about themselves. Fast forward to 2025, wherein the Gang’s "unrepentant, unaware” behavior has only pathologized over the years, meaning their "comically vile” (Wilson) shamelessness overlaid with viewer pathos for characters whose refusal to change their ways for the past 20 years has also led to their unchanged (or perhaps, worsened) circumstances. “I’d Rip This Whole School Bald!” If anything, forcing the Gang outside of the comfort and relative safety of Paddy’s Pub to mingle with pretty much anyone outside of their immediate social circle and/or collection of beefs about town hammers home how decades of self-imposed isolation, alcoholism, and bad behavior have rendered them incapable of blending into the rest of society even as well as they did in earlier eras of Sunny . Case-in-point: Even though the Gang initially skirts around disclosing that their volunteering stint at Abbott is community service until Abbott Elementary  fan favorite, Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) recognizes them as the proprietors of “some gross bar” in south Philly “with like 300 one-star reviews” ( Abbott Elementary , “Volunteers”), their suspicious behavior precedes their local reputation. For instance, the Gang requests an empty room at Abbott in order to mostly contain their screaming asides and/or heated in-house discussions on everything from 9/11 to Fall Out Boy.  Likewise, whereas many well-meaning yet problematic non-POC guest stars on Abbott Elementary  often portray subtle and/or nuanced prejudicial behavior - Ava spends much of Season 4 blackmailing the wealthy, smarmy, Caucasian proprietor of a local golf course for resources for the school in exchange for turning a blind eye to the city’s gentrification efforts - the Gang remains startlingly obtuse. At one point, Dee Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson) attempts to assuage fears that they might catch lice in a public school setting by pointing out ( incorrectly ) that “Black people can’t get lice.” Likewise, Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day) later muses that “White people aren’t supposed to help Black people anymore” as commentary on the modern-day backlash against ‘White savior’ media like The Blind Side  (2009). Unsurprisingly, the Gang ramps up to attempting to recruit tall kids to play basketball for the high school they themselves graduated from in the late ‘90s, as well as trying to put together a boy band. Finally, it is heavily implied that the Gang lures Abbott staff to Paddy’s Pub at the end of the week to bestow upon them a new espresso machine while Frank makes good on his promise to rip “a hundred feet of copper” from the school’s very walls, something Ava comically corroborates as a money-saver, as “the state was gonna make us move out some old pipes, so actually he saved us a few grand in construction costs.” © FX “Yes, Chef!” Season 17’s other early exploits include a temporary dissolution of Gang dynamics when Frank seemingly falls into a coma and Dennis, Charlie, and Mac (Rob Mac) immediately ditch Dee at his bedside in order to attend a business gala with pie-eyed dreams of franchising Paddy’s Pub (“Frank Is In A Coma”). Alas, said dreams quickly turn to dust like so much snorted cocaine when the boys fall into a reluctant mentorship with Simon (Alex Wolff), a young entrepreneur currently running his late father’s business empire … until Simon ODs in the corner while the Gang conducts one of their infamous asides. Back at home, Dee reluctantly works though each of Kubler-Ross’ Five Stages of Grief  while Frank lies in a coma, accompanied by a private nurse (played by Audrey Wasilewski) … until it is revealed that Dee has been spilling her guts to a hyper-realistic lookalike of her sleeping father made of cake , one of several seasonal homages to Sunny ’s TV contemporaries. Similarly, Charlie’s cooking skills take center stage in “Dennis and Mac Become EMTs” (17x3), which parodies fellow FX show, The Bear , following the exploits of a fine dining chef returning home to Chicago to take over the family sandwich shop. The frenetic pace of cutaways between Charlie chopping food and the Gang’s increasingly demented foray into microdosing chili peppers as they repeatedly fail to learn to be EMTs and/or deliver orders (from whom?) from Charlie’s ghost kitchen invoke some of the Gang’s ‘classic’ misadventures, e.g.: “Charlie Work” (10x4), wherein the camera follows Charlie as he lopes around Paddy’s while shmoozing a health inspector. By far, the episode’s biggest crowd-pleaser is the long-awaited return of The Lawyer (Brian Unger), whose handful of run-ins with the Gang over the years have begun to take their toll. Now sporting an eyepatch (the result of having an eye pecked out by the local McPoyle family patriarch’s pet Poconos Swallow), The Lawyer, clearly hard up, encounters Frank at the hospital while skulking around for new clients and makes it clear that he intends to help a recent Paddy’s patron sue Frank for ‘pranking’ him into eating a hot pepper. Eventually, The Lawyer is tricked into imbibing part of a California Reaper pepper, only to awaken in the midst of a wild ride through Philadelphia in a decommissioned ambulance whose erratic movements slosh the cooking grease from Charlie’s now-mobile ghost kitchen directly onto his face. When the Gang’s own foray into ghost pepper microdosing leaves Dennis temporarily blind, The Lawyer is not only left behind at the inevitable crash site but also stuffed into an EMT costume and covered in hot grease. The episode ends with the “gnarled, burned, partially blinded legal professional” being sentenced to 30 days in jail for the Gang’s misdeeds, seemingly placing The Lawyer on the tragic trajectory of other characters whose lives have worsened as they continue to orbit around Frank, et al. As Cracked  aptly notes, the episode is evidence that Sunny  plans to “Continue … Its Noble Tradition of Gradually Deforming Guest Stars.” Perhaps, The Lawyer will team up with none other than disgraced priest-cum-street rat, Matthew “Rickety Cricket” Mara against the Gang! Eternal Optimism of the Spotted Minds After 17 seasons of the Gang refusing to learn from their mistakes, their latest attempts to shortcut reality and public decency tend to take the form of corporate goonery, wherein “the Gang craves money and parasitic social privileges. That’s been plain since 2005.” FX 's latest promotional materials for its(/America's) longest-running sitcom likewise allude to future Season 17 forays  into “cross-network promotion,” “scapegoat[ing] one of their own to avoid a PR backlash,” and “risk[ing] everything for a handshake with the Saudis,” all of which allude, of course, to their painfully human natures: “They crave love … respect … conditional freedom … constant adulation ... histrionic amounts of attention … non-stop gratification … and unfiltered, slaphappy eroticism.” Fortunately, their presumed collective future failure tints the Gang’s troubling lack of follow-through on schemes, as well as their increasingly Dorian Gray-esque relationship with The Lawyer, et al with demented delight rather than outright tragedy. Likewise, every so often, the Gang’s benevolent real-life keepers throw them a bone, allowing a surprisingly sweet moment and/or implication to play out. For instance, Miller  notes that Season 17’s upcoming tribute to the late Lynne Marie Stewart, who passed in February after portraying Charlie Kelly’s mom since Season 1, exudes “sincere emotion,” as does the show’s recent tribute to entertainment producer and Philadelphia native Eric Biermann , who passed away in October 2024 at age 42.  Said spots of sincerity can be bittersweet, however: Though Charlie learning to read at a kindergarten level during the Sunny-Abbott  crossover is “Unlikely” to lead to him “turn[ing] over a new leaf” and/or “leav[ing] his unsavory friends from Paddy’s behind” - per Charlie Day , “Charlie Kelly probably went and huffed a little too much spray paint … right after that episode of Abbott ” - his on-screen rapport with Abbott kindergarten teacher, Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is surprisingly heartfelt, all the more so when Charlie briefly showcases his natural music-writing talent (Barbara loves to sing with her church choir). Alas, Day  offers wryly, “We’re not really interested in any actual growth on our show. So I think it’s fun and cute that he learned to read in the Abbott  episode, and it’s fitting in the Sunny  world that he quickly forgets.” Adds Glenn Howerton, “They’re very motivated characters. They’re just putting their energy in the wrong places.” Never change, guys. Rating: ★★★★☆ About It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17 Premiere Date:  July 9, 2025 Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Rob Mac, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton Writer: Rob Mac, Charlie Day, David Hornsby, Javi Scott, Nina Pedrad, Keyonna Taylor Director: Ashly Burch , Imani Hakim, Zachary Knighton Production:  RCG Distribution:  FXX Cast:  Rob Mac, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito, David Hornsby, Mary Elizabeth Ellis Synopsis: Five friends with big egos and small brains are the proprietors of an Irish pub in Philadelphia.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has had anything but a smooth ride getting to the big screen. Let’s not forget that this film was first announced six years ago. Back in 2020, Jon Watts was tapped to direct, but two years later, he stepped away from the project, leaving fans uncertain about the team's future… again. That all changed when Matt Shakman, hot off the success of Marvel’s most critically acclaimed series WandaVision, took over. Since then, momentum began to build, and fans couldn’t help but ask: Will they finally get the Fantastic Four right this time? The answer is an enthusiastic, resounding yes. The Fantastic Four: First Steps soars. From its opening moments, it makes one thing crystal clear: this is not another origin story. And thank god for that. Instead of dragging us through another retelling of how the team got their powers and learned to work together, the film opens with a stylish, cleverly edited montage that gives us just enough background to get us up to speed. It’s a quick, visually striking recap that honors their history without getting bogged down in exposition. This film trusts that the audience already knows who the Fantastic Four are, and even if they don’t, it gives them more than enough emotional context to care. We’re watching a flawed, loving, complicated, and deeply connected family. That’s the soul of this movie. It’s about these four people and their bond. And that’s exactly what sets it apart. © Marvel Studios The casting, which stirred up plenty of debate when first announced, ends up being one of the film’s greatest strengths. Every performance clicks, every role feels tailor-made. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is nothing short of phenomenal. She’s the emotional center of the film, the glue that holds the family together. Kirby plays Sue with a rare mix of strength and grace. She is intelligent, compassionate, fiercely protective, and quietly powerful. She’s the strategist, the moral compass, and the emotional backbone. There’s a sense of quiet authority in her performance that makes you believe instantly that everyone around her trusts her. She commands every scene she’s in without needing to shout. It’s understated brilliance. Kirby brings her A-game and then some. This is a performance that’s going to be remembered. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is a masterclass in nuance. Yes, he’s the smartest man alive but he’s also deeply human. Pascal gives Reed a fascinating internal rhythm. You can practically see the gears turning in his head as he tries to calculate every outcome and solve every problem before it happens. But beneath that brilliance is a man constantly struggling with the pressure of responsibility over his team, his family, the world. He’s anxious, restless, occasionally distant. But he’s also loving, and deeply invested in the people around him. Pascal plays him with the warmth and weariness of a man carrying the world on his shoulders. He feels real: as a superhero, a partner, a father, and a friend. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm is another standout. His performance feels effortless in the best way. The makeup and VFX are top-notch, but it’s Ebon’s voice work that really sells the character. There’s a deep sadness in Ben, but also resilience, loyalty, and a quiet sense of humor that makes him instantly lovable. He feels like the kind of guy you’d want in your corner in any situation. His relationships with each team member are full of warmth and subtle complexity. He’s the big, rocky heart of the group. And finally, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm… I’ll admit, I was pretty neutral on his casting when it was first announced. But by the time the credits rolled, he had completely won me over. Quinn brings the perfect mix of charm, energy, and surprising emotional depth to the role. He’s everything Johnny should be: fiery (pun absolutely intended), impulsive, and full of personality. There’s also a sharpness to him that makes it clear he’s more than just a thrill-seeker. He’s quick, clever, and unexpectedly sincere, making Johnny feel like a fully realized character. Together, the four of them have chemistry. Real chemistry. The kind that makes you believe in the Fantastic Four not just as superheroes, but as people who live together, fight together, argue, laugh, hurt, and love each other. Their dynamics feel lived-in. It’s not forced or overly quippy. There’s a warmth and emotional texture to their interactions that so many team-based superhero films lack. But this film is also a visual feast. The retro-futuristic aesthetic is one of the film’s most unique assets. It leans into a vintage sci-fi style — Jack Kirby-esque design choices, analog tech, cosmic weirdness — but blends it seamlessly with modern VFX. The result is a movie that feels like it was ripped from the pages of classic comics but brought to life with modern polish. It’s stylized without being gimmicky. The action is fluid, the color palette is gorgeous, and every visual choice feels intentional. Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer and herald of Galactus, is utterly mesmerizing. Garner embodies a cosmic being wrestling with profound moral conflict. Her performance is subtle, haunting, and razor-sharp. You can see what she’s thinking in every silent moment: the hesitation, the burden, the flicker of empathy buried beneath an almost divine sense of duty. And when she finally unleashes her power, she’s absolutely menacing. It's one of the most compelling portrayals of the Silver Surfer ever put to screen visually and emotionally. © Marvel Studios And then… There's Galactus. Let’s be clear: he is not a cloud. This is not a vague force of destruction. This is Galactus, and he is terrifying. The film doesn’t make Galactus a standard villain with a clear-cut agenda. Instead, it leans into the cosmic horror of who he is. He’s not evil. This is a being cursed with endless hunger. There are scenes where his presence is chilling, his voice and scale evoking a kind of awe that feels earned. You see Galactus and you feel him. His arrival is accompanied by a score that reverberates through your chest. It’s unsettling in the best way. Speaking of the score… It's incredible. Sweeping, emotional, otherworldly… It elevates every scene, from the smallest family moments to the largest cosmic battles. There’s a musical identity here that feels specific to the Fantastic Four: hopeful, haunting, and heroic all at once. What makes The Fantastic Four: First Steps so special is that it finally gets the tone, cast, and story right while giving the Fantastic Four the respect they deserve. They're a family of explorers, thinkers, and dreamers. And this film lets them be exactly that. It's a celebration of everything that makes this team special. After years of false starts, missed opportunities, and skeptical fans, Marvel has finally delivered a version of this iconic team that feels authentic, vibrant, and full of life. Rating: ★★★★★

Smurfs , directed by Chris Miller — no, not the one behind Sony's Spider-Verse trilogy — follows the little blue bundles of joy and chaos, led by Smurfette, on a rescue mission into the real world after Papa Smurf is kidnapped by the evil wizard brothers, Razamel and Gargamel who have a plan to destroy all things good. Paramount, for the longest time, hasn't quite got it right with Smurfs ; their two live-action adventures from the early 2010s are fun but flawed and forgettable. Then the fully animated 2017 counter-piece Smurfs: The Lost Village , unfortunately, did not take off in the way they had hoped. A different fate does not seem to be in the cards for the 2025 iteration and third attempt at creating a flourishing franchise around the blue flowing IP. Big Talent Behind Little People At Least Tried Smurfs is an overly generic, forgettable flat family film where even its strengths don't reach too high heights, but there are a few worth mentioning. The animation is visually and stylistically vibrant with colors that truly look great, especially when experienced on the big screen. It feels inspired by Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The aesthetic of the movie is a platter of respectable and clean cinematography sprinkled across the movie. Accompanying the choice of artistry and admirable cinematography is a serving of strong voice talent, though it's more so a plate of lovely-looking food with bland or mixed results. Besides the casting of Papa Smurf, brought to life in a very great choice of the amazing John Goodman, the majority of everyone else is just rather forgettable in their performances. Even James Corden and Rihanna, both stars in their own right I admire for different reasons, coming across as very monotone and uninspired. They Smurfed This One Up © Paramount The story of the movie is one that's been tread on 1000 times before and will likely be 1000 times again in other various projects we've yet to see. It's the typical evil bad guy wants to harness a powerful object to destroy all good — just...because, no other reason given . There is no substance to it whatsoever, no motivations, no originality, it's just reheating an already reheated piece and the results speak for itself. It's unengaging and never remotely gets off the ground. What's worse is the humour, which not only undercuts any slightly serious or emotional beat the screenplay attempts to inject into the film, but is also just dry and unfunny, even for the kids in my showing. The film's best joke comes at the very end of the 90-minute running time, where a 'sound effect Smurf' (in another joke we've seen done in a lot of prior projects) censors a piece of dialogue. But at least it worked, unlike 90% of other gags throughout. By the time its credits roll, Smurfs , though stylistically pleasing, stumbles. Where many family movies are good, some great and others not so much, this is one of those others. Let them Smurf or Rest The overly generic story is unengaging to begin with: a flat voice talent, humour as fun as a funeral, and a screenplay far too silly even for its smurfing good don't help. There's not a singular reason for this to be set largely in the real world. With this being the third Smurf movie to do that gimmick, maybe now someone at Paramount will realize it just isn't interesting. It'll probably pass the time for kids and there are certainly much more offensive pictures out there, but even as a blatant and glorified 90-minute music video for Rihanna and James Corden, it's not very good. Watch Smurfs: The Lost Village instead, as that's genuinely a good, vastly underrated Smurfs movie. Rating: ★★☆☆☆ About Smurfs Premiere Date:  July 18, 2025 Executive Producers: Jay Brown, Ryan Harris, Rihanna, Tyran Smith Writers: Pam Brady, Peyo Director: Chris Miller Production:  Paramount Animation Distribution:  Paramount Pictures Cast:   Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, John Goodman Synopsis: When Papa Smurf is taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him.

The legendary Dan Aykroyd ( The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, Coneheads ) is on a mission to join San Diego Comic-Con with a good ole' special panel in celebration of the 45th anniversary of The Blues Brothers, and fans will want to make sure to put on their shades and get the band back together as they will get a special look at The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake , a new graphic novel which is a continuation of the classic film. The panel takes place on Thursday, July 24, from 4:15 to 5:15 PM in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The premise of the graphic novel The Escape of Joliet Jake focuses on Elwood teaming up with a young detective after Jake escapes from prison, with the novel picking up almost two decades after the original movie with Chicago law enforcement is once again in pursuit of the notorious musical criminal, Jake Blues, after a mysterious jailbreak. Cover for The Escape of Joilet Jake (©) Copyright Z2 Comics The project's editorial oversight was overseen by Dan Aykroyd and was also developed in collaboration with the late Judy Belushi Pisano. Joining Dan Aykroyd on stage will be his daughter Stella Aykroyd who is the writer of The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joilet Jake , Luke Pisano (son of Judy Belushi), James Werner, and Z2's Comics Editor-in-Chief Rantz Hoseley and President Josh Bernstein. Stay tuned to Nexus Point News for more San Diego Comic-Con coverage!