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After a few devastating blows to Sony’s box office numbers, and a couple films simply to the chagrin of many fans in general, they could really use a win as we wait for them to complete work on Beyond the Spider-Verse , which just recently secured a release date: June 4th, 2027. We believe the upcoming Spider-Noir  series coming to Prime Video might be that win. We'll try to answer as many questions about the upcoming series as possible. The series will debut exclusively on MGM+ in the U.S. for its domestic launch. Afterward, it will become available globally on Amazon Prime Video. A precise release date is yet to be announced, however, Nexus Point News can exclusively confirm that Spider-Noir will release in early 2026. Who/What is Spider-Noir? Spider-Noir. © Sony Pictures Spider-Noir  is a highly anticipated live-action television series, developed as part of Sony's ever-expanding Spider-Man Universe (SSU). This project presents a bold, stylistic departure from the modern superhero formula by diving into an alternate 1930s timeline drenched in noir aesthetics and hardboiled detective storytelling. Cage reprises and reimagines his role from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , this time not as a voice actor but in full live-action form. Cage will portray an older, weathered private investigator operating in a gritty, Depression-era New York City. He's the only costumed hero in his version of the world, haunted by his mysterious past and the legacy of his vigilante alter ego. The tone is expected to lean heavily into noir tropes: brooding narration, moral ambiguity, and stylish, shadow-heavy visuals reminiscent of classic 1930s and 1940s crime films. The character, originally introduced in the Marvel Comics Spider-Man Noir  run, offers a darker, more mature spin on the familiar Spider-Man mythos. Moreover, the story takes place in a parallel version of 1930s New York City during the Great Depression, a time of immense poverty, corruption, and organized crime. Expect noir staples like: Dark alleyways, fog-shrouded streets, jazz clubs, smoky bars, political conspiracy, newspaper headlines, conflicted anti-heroes, femme fatales, and ruthless mob bosses. Spider-Noir isn’t just fighting supervillains; he’s fighting systemic injustice, urban decay, and his own internal demons. With themes like identity, regret, justice vs. vengeance, and moral compromise, this show aims to transcend typical superhero fare and dive into psychological drama. When is Spider-Noir happening? Filming occurred in Los Angeles from August 2024 through March 2025, under tight secrecy and on noir-inspired sets built to mimic 1930s New York. Unfortunately, filming was halted in January of 2025 due to the fires in the Los Angeles area, and the production has wrapped in February 2025. In a unique move, the series was filmed using black-and-white cameras to preserve authenticity to the noir genre. However, Amazon will offer both black-and-white and color versions, giving viewers a choice between full noir immersion or a modern aesthetic interpretation. The show is structured as an eight-episode limited series, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. Who's in charge? With so many familiar faces, not only to the SSU, but to Marvel in general; it's hard not to be confident in this project. The series is co-developed by Oren Uziel ( The Lost City , 22 Jump Street )   and Steve Lightfoot, ( Marvel's The Punisher ). Furthermore, Harry Bradbeer (director of Fleabag  and Enola Holmes ) is directing and executive producing the first two episodes. Finally, to top it all off, executive producers include Phil Lord and Christopher Miller ( Into the Spider-Verse , The LEGO Movie ) and Amy Pascal, a key figure in Sony’s Spider-Man cinematic projects. Together, this team balances serious cinematic credentials with a reputation for inventive storytelling. Who else is involved? As far as the cast goes for the limited series, this is what we know: Nicolas Cage. Nicolas Cage  as the titular Spider-Noir . Cage's character is described as an aging hero grappling with personal failures and a long-lost identity as a masked vigilante. Unlike Peter Parker, this version's relationship with heroism is fractured and reflective. Brendan Gleeson  plays a philosophical villain who may be the central antagonist. His character is described as possessing a “drone’s-eye view of society,” probably a mastermind or crime lord with surveillance or technological reach. Lamorne Morris  stars as Robbie Robertson , a sharp and determined journalist, which is a departure from the classic Daily Bugle editor portrayal. His role is said to be integral to the investigation side of the narrative, helping pull threads of corruption and crime. Lamorne Morris © Los Angeles Times Li Jun Li  is a jazz-era nightclub singer , a mysterious woman entangled in danger or espionage. Abraham Popoola  portrays a World War I veteran  seeking purpose in a fractured city. His background could connect to either organized resistance or the criminal underworld. Jack Huston  plays a bodyguard , likely affiliated with the mob world, possibly protecting Gleeson’s character. Abraham Popoola © Deadline Lukas Haas  plays a trusted lieutenant or advisor within the villain's inner circle. Kai Caster  has a guest role with an undisclosed but “important connection” to another major character. Whitney Rice , Karen Rodriguez , Cary Christopher , Michael Kostroff , Scott MacArthur , Joe Massingill and Amanda Schull 's roles all remain undisclosed. Other SSU Connections and Overall Thoughts Although Spider-Noir  stands alone tonally and narratively, it remains part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU). There’s currently no indication that it will connect directly to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man or the MCU, but it exists adjacent to Sony's other Spider-Man projects like Venom , Morbius , and Madame Web .  Spider-Noir  promises to be a bold, stylistic swing for the superhero genre, blending detective fiction, psychological drama, and classic noir visuals with a Marvel character rarely explored in mainstream media. With Nicolas Cage leading an eclectic and talented cast, and Amazon backing it with high production value, this could very well be one of the most unique superhero projects of the decade. As information on the series is limited, we hope to find out more in the coming months. Keep an eye out for trailers and official announcements as we get closer to release!

May is coming in hot with a lineup of brand-new TV premieres. Netflix leads the charge with two all-star series debuts: The Four Seasons , a new comedy starring Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, and Will Forte, and Sirens , a drama featuring Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, and Kevin Bacon. Meanwhile, Apple TV+ debuts Murderbot , a sci-fi series starring Alexander Skarsgård, and Amazon Prime Video introduces Overcompensating , a comedy-drama created by Benito Skinner. Peacock’s hit mystery-comedy Poker Face , starring Natasha Lyonne, returns with a stacked guest star list that includes Cynthia Erivo and John Mulaney, plus Adrienne C. Moore, Alia Shawkat, Awkwafina, Ben Marshall, B.J. Novak, Carol Kane, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Corey Hawkins, David Krumholtz, Davionte “GaTa” Ganter, Ego Nwodim, Gaby Hoffmann, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Giancarlo Esposito. New original movies are also making their debuts on streaming this May. Apple TV+ premieres Fountain of Youth , starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman as two estranged siblings, alongside Eiza González. Succession creator Jesse Armstrong returns to HBO with a new original film titled Mountainhead starring Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef, following a group of billionaire friends brought together against the backdrop of a rolling international crisis. Over on Prime Video, Another Simple Favor , the sequel to A Simple Favor , debuts with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reprising their roles. I’ve rounded up all the upcoming titles hitting streaming services in May below. May 1 The Four Seasons . © Netflix The Four Seasons , Season 1 - NETFLIX Another Simple Favor - PRIME VIDEO Angi: Fake Life, True Crime , Season 1 - NETFLIX 100 Foot Wave , Season 3 - MAX May 2 Unseen , Season 2 - NETFLIX May 4 Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld , Season 1 - DISNEY+ The Walking Dead: Dead City , Season 2 - AMC+ May 6 David Spade: Dandelion - PRIME VIDEO Untold: Shooting Guards - NETFLIX The Devil’s Plan: Death Room , Season 2 - NETFLIX May 7 Last Bullet - NETFLIX Full Speed , Season 2 - NETFLIX May 8 Poker Face . © Peacock Poker Face , Season 2 - PEACOCK Octopus! - PRIME VIDEO Blood of Zeus , Season 3 - NETFLIX Conan O’Brien Must Go , Season 1 - MAX Forever , Season 1 - NETFLIX Criminal Minds , Season 18 - PARAMOUNT+ May 9 Nonnas  - NETFLIX Summer of 69 - HULU Molly-Mae: Behind it All  - PRIME VIDEO Long Way Home , Season 1 - APPLE TV+ A Deadly American Marriage - NETFLIX Too Hot to Handle: Italy , Season 1 - NETFLIX May 13 Bad Thoughts , Season 1 - NETFLIX May 14 Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story , Season 1 - NETFLIX May 15 Overcompensating. © Prime Video Love, Death & Robots , Season 5 - NETFLIX Duster , , Season 1 - MAX Pernille , Season 5 - NETFLIX Overcompensating , Season 1 - PRIME VIDEO The Reserve , Season 1 - NETFLIX Skymed , Season 3 - PARAMOUNT+ The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives , Season 2 - HULU May 16 Murderbot . © Apple TV+ Murderbot , Season 1 - APPLE TV+ Deaf President Now!  - APPLE TV+ Rotten Legacy , Season 1 - NETFLIX Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special - HULU Dear Hongrang , Season 1 - NETFLIX Welcome to Wrexham , Season 4 - HULU The Chi , , Season 7 - PARAMOUNT+ with SHOWTIME Football Parents , Season 1 - NETFLIX May 20 Motorheads , Season 1 - PRIME VIDEO Untold: The Fall of Favre - NETFLIX May 21 Nine Perfect Strangers , Season 2 - HULU Nine Puzzles , Season 1 - HULU May 22 Sirens. © Netflix Sirens , Season 1 - NETFLIX May 23 Fountain of Youth - APPLE TV+ Big Mouth , Season 8 - NETFLIX Fear Street: Prom Queen - NETFLIX Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds  - NETFLIX Forget You Not , Season 1 - NETFLIX Clarkson's Farm , Season 4 - PRIME VIDEO May 25 The Librarians: The Next Chapter , Season 1 - MAX Rick & Morty , Season 8 - MAX Our Unwritten Soul , Season 1 - NETFLIX May 26 American Music Awards - PARAMOUNT May 28 Adults , Season 1 - HULU May 29 The Better Sister . © Prime Video The Better Sister , Season 1 - PRIME VIDEO And Just Like That... , Season 3 - MAX Scrublands , Season 2 - AMC+ May 30 Bono: Stories of Surrender - APPLE TV+ A Widow's Game - NETFLIX Lulu Is a Rhinoceros - APPLE TV+ May 31 Mountainhead - MAX This list will be updated as new titles are announced.

The season finale of The Wheel of Time , “He Who Comes With the Dawn,” lives up to the high standards the show has been setting for itself. Everything is happening at once - it’s chaotic and sometimes uneven, but it’s epic, and it expands the world in ways that we can only hope will continue with a Season 4 renewal. Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3. The episode is in part structured around Aes Sedai politics, beginning with a flashback to Siuan Sanche ( Sophie Okonedo ) being raised to the Amyrlin Seat. There are scattered clues to the goals of each woman in the White Tower, particularly Elaida ( Shohreh Aghdashloo ), whose deep-rooted opposition to Siuan now has a foothold she can use to bring more sisters to her side.  Another Shocking Loss It’s no surprise that Elaida gets the upper hand in the end, deposing her rival along with the second-in-command Keeper of the Seals, Leane ( Jennifer Cheon Garcia) , and effectively breaking the White Tower into two factions. The story departs from the source material, however, when Elaida not only permanently severs Siuan from the One Power, but has her executed.  Siuan (Sophie Okonedo) is called to trial. © Prime Video Much like Loial’s death in the last episode, this twist can be used to advance the story in its long term, but this time there’s an additional impact. Siuan and Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) are a devoted couple, although they’ve separated to pursue different duties, and Moiraine becomes aware of the death at the exact moment that she herself is engaged in a mortal combat with Lanfear (Natasha O'Keeffe).  This tragedy helps unite multiple arcs for the finale’s climax, but it also veers toward a plot hole. Elaida accuses Siuan of being a Darkfriend, which we know that she isn’t. Rather than pointing out that Aes Sedai can’t lie and requesting to be tested on the Oath Rod, Siuan uses her show trial to condemn Elaida and profess her love for Moiraine. The evidence against Siuan and those loyal to her might have been enough on its own, but this omission is still a frustrating mark against an otherwise solid episode.  Lord of Chaos The heart of the series is still Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), who is now proclaiming himself the Car’a’carn to the Aiel people. His newest opponent is Couladin ( Set Sjöstrand) , a young Aiel warrior who was able to pass himself off as Car’a’carn with some help from Lanfear. The Aiel are divided, not so much because Couladin is convincing but because Rand -- against the advice of his allies -- reveals truths that they don’t want to hear. Finally, Rand gives them a memorable demonstration by channeling to call down a rainstorm in the desert, and it blackens the sky across the world. Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski) shows the Aiel what he can do with the One Power. © Prime Video The episode ends while Rand is still reveling in his tainted power, suggesting that he’s inching closer to madness. It’s an impressive moment to leave as a cliffhanger, but so much happens beforehand, involving most of the cast, that the Dragon isn’t truly in the spotlight. Mat’s Shiny New Accessory The Wheel of Time began with some production woes, one of which was the sudden departure of Mat’s actor Barney Harris during Season 1. Although Dónal Finn has done a great job taking up the role, Mat’s journey was stalled, and it took time for him to get back on track. Now, he finally gets one of his big moments, and it’s as strange and intense as it should be.  The Eelfinn (Robert Strange) cuts a deal with Mat. © Prime Video In the Panarch’s Palace with Min (Kae Alexander), Mat accidentally steps into another dimension and comes face to face with the Eelfinn (Robert Strange): a humanoid, sharp-toothed creature wearing pale leather we can assume is made from human skin. Mat is required to state three needs but doesn’t know what he’s giving up in exchange, so his last wish gets him out of the place but leaves him hanging by the neck.  This scene is unlike anything we’ve seen in the series so far, and it’s a resounding success, but the dialogue shakes up the lore somewhat by using the word “magical.” Mat’s first wish therefore refers not only to the One Power but phenomena such as Min’s viewings -- the foxhead medallion that he receives as protection may end up doing more than he wants it to. Warning: Don’t Play With Balefire One of the coolest and deadliest weapons in The Wheel of Time finally makes its debut, and Elayne (Ceara Coveney) gets to be the one to wield it. Balefire, as she learns when using it against a Black Ajah sister, destroys its target before it strikes, erasing the last few actions of the person it hits. The visuals used to portray this potentially world-altering effect are both entrancing and clear enough to stand alone without further explanation. We’ll definitely see balefire again if renewal allows it, but how it will be used next is anyone’s guess. On top of all of that, “He Who Comes With the Dawn” brings us a victory for Nynaeve ( Zoë Robins ), who has broken through her block and is now truly the most powerful female channeler of the age. Thom Merrilin (Alexandre Willaume ) is handy in a fight and also for informing Elayne of danger in Andor. The Forsaken are regrouping, with Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood) making a play to become one of them. Despite a few missteps, the Season 3 finale is a captivating hour of high fantasy television. Everything is in place for another great season or five to follow. Rating: ★★★★☆ The Wheel of Time . © Prime Video About The Wheel of Time Season 3 Premiere Date:   March 13, 2025 Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Rafe Judkins, Larry Mondragon, Rick Selvage, Ted Field, Mike Weber, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, Justine Juel Gillmer, Sanaa Hamri, Amanda Kate Shuman Director: Ciaran Donnelly, Thomas Napper Production:   Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television Distribution:  Prime Video Cast:   Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Kate Fleetwood, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, Kae Alexander, Sophie Okonedo Synopsis: After defeating Ishamael at the end of Season Two, Rand reunites with his friends at Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn. But in Season Three, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both. As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teacher and student, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost.

Legendary Pictures’ Street Fighter  is circling its first cast members. Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo are in talks to join the film as Ryu and Ken, respectively. Koji is in talks to portray Ryu, the titular martial artist of the Street Fighter  franchise, who dedicated his life to mastering the art of Ansatsuken through any fight he can by traveling the world in search of worthy opponents. Koji is best known for his lead role in Warrior  and his role as Storm Shadow in Snake Eyes . Centineo is in talks to portray Ken Masters, Ryu’s best friend, and brotherly rival, who is both a fiery and charismatic fighter who trained with Ryu from a young age. Unlike Ryu, however, Ken has embraced a much more distant lifestyle from his fighter upbringing, but still retains a style that is aggressive and fast-paced, which reflects his confident personality and once-burning drive to be the best. Centineo is best known for his role in Netflix’s To All The Boys  franchise and titular role of The Recruit . Street Fighter  is a series of fighting games, with the first installment being released in 1987. The games center around a global fighting tournament organized by M. Bison, the leader of the evil organization Shadaloo. The latest installment in the game, Street Fighter 6 , was released in 2023 and won “Best Fighting Game” at the 2023 Game Awards. Street Fighter is set to be directed by Kitao Sakurai ( Bad Trip ) and the latest draft was written by Dalan Musson ( Captain America: Brave New World ). Danny and Michael Philippou were originally attached to direct the film before falling off. Legendary Pictures is developing the film with Capcom and the film is set to be released by Sony Pictures. The film was recently removed from Sony’s release schedule, and is currently undated.

If you’re not already reading Ultimate Wolverine , now’s the time to jump in. What Condon and Cappuccio are crafting here is nothing short of remarkable. In a Marvel landscape often saturated with Wolverine-centric content (the character is currently headlining three  mainline titles), Ultimate Wolverine  boldly distinguishes itself. Yes, the iconography is familiar—but this is a very different game, and the creative team makes that clear with every page. This series is a near-perfect fusion of Wolverine and Winter Soldier mythologies, reimagined through the lens of the Ultimate Universe. Let me be upfront: even though I’m praising this as a stellar Wolverine story, Logan himself doesn’t appear until halfway through the issue. Instead, we open on what appears to be a lone wolf’s desperate struggle to survive in the wilderness. It's likely a metaphorical retelling—Logan’s own fragmented interpretation of events while sedated and held captive by the Eurasian Republic’s Directorate X. As this wolf stalks the frozen landscape, hunting, surviving, searching, we hear the distant voices of scientists monitoring his condition. Ultimate Wolverine #4 - © Marvel These scenes were easily some of my favorites. The cold, clinical dialogue of the observers like debating protocol, scrambling for control as the Winter Soldier begins to stir, contrasts brilliantly with the raw, visceral violence unfolding on the page. It reads like a found-footage horror film: you’re helpless, reading the rising terror of the observers while the danger unfolds just beyond your reach. All the while, fragments of phrases, possibly Logan’s thoughts or memories, rise to the surface like half-remembered dreams. Eventually, Wolverine does what Wolverine always does: he breaks free. And in true Logan fashion, it’s brutal. He slaughters nearly everyone in the facility—until he's finally subdued by his handler, Dr. Alonya Prostovich. We’ve seen her before and know her survival depends on keeping the Winter Soldier in check. When sedatives and standard manipulation fail, she resorts to a last-ditch option: telepathy. This is where things take a wild turn. We get a chilling glimpse into how deeply Directorate X has reshaped the world, and mutantkind in particular. The reason they don’t fear retaliation from mutants or any kind of X-Men analog? Because they’ve already neutralized the major threats. The Omega-level mutants such as Xavier, Magneto, and even Jean Grey, the Phoenix have all been “handled.” Jean, under their control, is revealed as their intended solution to taming Logan. This alone is something you must see for yourselves, as it was quite a shocking moment. The issue ends with more questions than answers, but it does an excellent job of keeping the momentum going and leaving you hungry for more. Early on, the Ultimate Universe felt sparse in terms of recognizable mutants, but that’s starting to change, even if the fates of these characters are deeply unsettling. Condon and Cappuccio are telling a dark, visceral, and surprisingly layered story. If this is just the beginning, I can't wait to see what they unleash next. Ultimate Wolverine #4 - © Marvel About Ultimate Wolverine #4 Release Date:  April 16, 2025 Written by:  Chris Condon Art by: Alessandro Cappuccio Cover by: Alessandro Cappuccio & Frank Martin Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  THE WINTER SOLDIER THAWS? Wolverine's confrontation with Kitty Pryde and Gambit leaves him disoriented, violent and questioning his Maker's Council overlords… who is "Logan"?

While I genuinely believe Eve Ewing has done an excellent job with Exceptional X-Men  and its mostly new cast, I’ve got to admit, the return of Mister Sinister feels like a bit of a misstep. The Krakoan era will go down as one of the most iconic chapters in X-Men history, introducing radical ideas that completely reshaped the mutant status quo. Chief among them: mutant resurrection. And while this miraculous process gave us the return of countless lost mutants, we can’t forget one of its chief architects: Mister Sinister. His role during the Krakoan years placed him squarely in the spotlight, but unlike many of the era’s standout characters, Sinister often felt like he overstayed his welcome. That feeling has crept back in with this issue. Ewing’s work on Exceptional X-Men  has been a breath of fresh air following the Fall of Krakoa and the dawn of the From the Ashes  era. That’s why it’s a little disappointing to see Sinister reenter the fold so soon. This time, he has his sights set on the mutant Axo, whose powers allow him to sense and influence the emotions of those around him. Sinister, disguised as Sheldon Xenos, founder of the shady biotech firm Verate, is once again up to his old tricks. He’s harvesting mutant DNA under the pretense of curing mutants, but his real goal seems to be creating perfect genetic copies. Exceptional X-Men #8 - © Marvel It’s classic Sinister behavior, and that’s part of the issue. We’ve seen this play out before. So far, nothing new has been added to the formula. Thankfully, the real strength of this issue lies in the rest of the cast. Bronze and Melee, two of the standout new mutants, are on Sinister’s trail, and it’s Bronze who notices the flaw in his plan. Despite Sinister deploying a near-identical clone meant to fool them, she quickly sees through it, realizing something’s off when Axo’s powers didn’t activate during a crisis, which, for someone with a visible mutation tied to emotional resonance, just doesn’t add up. It’s a sharp moment that shows her growth and perceptiveness. Meanwhile, Kitty Pryde gets looped into the situation when a tense phone call with the girl she’s dating (love that by the way)  is interrupted by a distress call from Melee. From there, I imagine the team starts piecing things together. By the end of the issue, the clone’s more or less dealt with, Axo is confirmed missing, and the team is fully aware that something’s up with Sheldon Xenos and Verate. Despite my reservations about Sinister’s return, it’s still a solid issue. Ewing doesn’t miss when it comes to blending comedy with emotional moments, and Carnero and Woodard’s art continues to elevate the material. Most importantly, this series is giving Bronze, Axo, and Melee the kind of spotlight they deserve. They’ve quickly become standout additions to the mutant lineup, and I sincerely hope this book propels them to stardom. Exceptional X-Men #8 - © Marvel About Exceptional X-Men #8 Release Date:  April 16, 2025 Written by:  Eve L. Ewing Art by: Carmen Carnero Cover by: Carmen Carnero & Nolan Woodard Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  Our guy AXO is in trouble. Big trouble. He's bitten off more than he can chew in his relationship with charismatic technologist and Verate C.E.O. Sheldon Xenos, and now he's being held hostage while an Alex clone wanders around in his stead. Can the rest of the Exceptional team bail him out, or will they fall for the dupe of their beloved friend?

Disclaimer: This review contains spoilers for ‘Insurgent Iron Man #7’.  © Marvel Comics The Merchant of Death, Tony Stark, has made a shocking return to his roots: Stark Unlimited is back in the weapons business. As part of the ongoing One World Under Doom  event, Stark has chosen a path that is as controversial as it is bold. Instead of assembling the Avengers, Tony has decided to fight from within the system. He’s using his vast wealth, resources, and corporation to directly influence the global impact of Doctor Doom’s uprising. Stark’s reasoning for this decision is typically rooted in his sense of responsibility, as he believes that someone with his power should step up and play a role in shaping the future. His actions, however, raise a number of questions and doubts. Tony is faced with significant opposition, not only from Melinda May but also from Doom’s emissary, Lady Victorious. Their protests are valid, given the morally questionable nature of Tony’s decision to return to weapons manufacturing and, even more controversially, to provide those weapons not to Latvarian freedom fighters, but directly to Doom. To the outside world, it may appear that Stark is aligning himself with a dictator. This is a concerning development, especially considering Stark’s own position as a billionaire oligarch, both as the head of Stark Unlimited and as the director of SHIELD. Given his influential role in global politics and his vast personal wealth, it’s not entirely unreasonable to suspect that Stark could be shifting allegiances to maintain his power, even if it means compromising his principles. Stark’s attempts to keep his true motives hidden only exacerbate the situation. Instead of gaining the trust of his allies, he comes across as sneaky, secretive, and self-serving—someone who might be waiting for the perfect moment to further his own interests. His natural paranoia only works against him, making it harder for him to explain his actions and justifications, especially to Lady Victorious, who sees through his facade. Lady Victorious confronts Iron Man © Marvel Comics It’s difficult to take Tony Stark at his word in this situation. Although he’s supposed to be the hero of his own story, his questionable decisions and morally ambiguous actions make it appear as if he’s playing both sides. Some, however, are not entirely opposed to Stark’s return to the weapons business, especially those who see him as a disruptor of the status quo. Writers Spencer Ackerman and Julius Ohta cleverly highlight Stark’s complicated relationship with the public by having him announce his company’s shift in direction at the New York Stock Exchange. In-universe, Stark’s new “anti-woke” agenda garners praise from certain factions, showcasing how his actions are both celebrated and critiqued. The tension between Tony Stark’s dual identity as Iron Man and as a billionaire industrialist has never been more apparent. As both the director of SHIELD and Iron Man, Tony is more than capable of dealing with Doom’s global dominance, but his approach seems to be driven by a political, capitalistic agenda rather than by pure heroism. Stark’s involvement in world politics feels far more self-serving than heroic, and his decision to use his corporation to influence the world’s power dynamics complicates his standing as a hero. In the end, Stark’s actions raise the question of whether he can truly be trusted to fight for the greater good, or if he’s merely using the chaos of the moment to further entrench his own power. Rating: ★★★☆☆ Insurgent Iron Man #7 © Marvel About Insurgent Iron Man #7 Release Date:  April 16, 2025 Written by:   Spencer Ackerman Art by: Julius Ohta Cover by: Alessandro Cappuccio & Frank Martin Page Count: 23 Synopsis :   THE IRON SELLOUT! After witnessing firsthand the devastation of war, Tony Stark famously divested his company from the weapons trade. Then Orchis and Feilong came along, and a furious Iron Man watched them dismantle his legacy. Now Stark Unlimited is going back to its roots as Tony publicly announces a FULL-SCALE RETURN TO WEAPONS MANUFACTURING! What?! Why is Iron Man meeting with rebels outside Latveria? Why is the Winter Guard after him (this time)? Why is Doctor Doom sending angry emissaries to Stark's door? WHAT IN ALL HELL IS TONY STARK DOING?!

As Daredevil: Born Again approaches its season finale, Nexus Point News sat down with The Newton Brothers to discuss the series, their scoring process, and the creative journey behind the music. From capturing the duality of Matt Murdock’s character to honoring the legacy of the original Daredevil score, the duo offers an insightful behind-the-scenes look at their creative process, inspirations, and the careful choices that bring each scene to life. In this interview, we explore their work on Daredevil: Born Again and their broader journey as composers, collaborators, and passionate storytellers. Congratulations on Daredevil: Born Again ! When you first came on board, what was your initial reaction to scoring this project? Was there something about Daredevil's world that immediately sparked a musical idea for you? Taylor: I mean, like so many, we were just big nerds and big fans of the comics, and even the show. So it was really exciting. I don't think we were thinking about music just yet, but we're always thinking about music and about all kinds of projects. I think we were more just excited at the opportunity to try to get attached to something we love so much. Andy: Yeah, it was fun to see the character that they've put together in this season, and that was fun to work with musically because there's so much. I think the thing that Taylor and I kept coming back to was like the rage and redemption of Matt Murdock and Daredevil in this season, right? In episode 3, he's happy that the end of that trial plays out in a way that he feels like the Matt Murdock side of him found justice for Hector. It's like a tennis match back and forth of how he feels about following the law or being a vigilante. Those are the two things that are fun to work with in music because music is tension, and tension in notes. Yes, and also, there's this rage bottling up inside him. He's like keeping it at bay, and you can see it almost surfacing. And then he just suppresses it, so it's nice to see it in the score, too. Andy: Absolutely, yeah! It really plays out nicely at the end of episode 2 with that scream he does, right when he's confronted in the apartment, and he ends up having to fight back against the cops, and the episode ends with him giving that big shout scream and it just feels like, “Oh, here we go! This is what he's really feeling inside.” I think we are also kind of expecting him to do something, but then he's just not doing what we want him to do and what his friends want him to do. He's just this closed shell for a while. Taylor: I don't think he's doing what he wants to do. Yeah, true. Andy: Yeah... I mean, when we lose someone in our lives, there's always a sense of anger, even if there was no wrongdoing. Just natural life takes its course. And in this situation, the anger that he feels is so much more… It's augmented by the scenario of what he has seen happen to Foggy. Yes, exactly. So, what does your workflow look like as a composing duo? Do you divide responsibilities or is everything blended from the start? And do you ever have disagreements? Taylor: Great question. No, normally what we do is we go off on our own and we separate and write different ideas so we don't influence each other. Then we come back, and we filter out what we love, and sometimes I'll write on his ideas or write on mine and then we put forth what we feel is best. I feel like the best idea wins. And I think it's more about how it makes you feel when you watch it at the end of the day. Does it land and does it make you feel something? Can you remember it? Is it memorable if it needs to be? And I think all those questions really kill any ego. I think it's more about serving the show and how we can uplift the show. It's nice to get into that area because I wasn't expecting you to work separately and then get it all together. I think I expected more blended work from you. Andy: By the end, it's a big hodgepodge. It's not messy, but it's like all of each of our pieces are sort of blending together, and it's taking elements and having them work together and against each other and so… It's a fun process. So, when approaching a character as iconic and layered as Daredevil, where do you begin musically? Do you begin with tone, theme, or with a specific scene? Taylor: In the beginning, we didn't even have video. We're just going off of script, and then we just go off of finding the theme of the character. Sometimes it's more musical than others—for instance, like Muse. Muse has a very minimal amount of notes, whereas Daredevil has a much more musical approach. So I think it's about establishing who that character is, and what we're trying to say with the music. Then from there, we find ways to what kind of arrangement, what kind of palette we're gonna use. © Marvel Andy: Yeah, he summed it up perfectly. I would just be making stuff up if I added to that. When you see a scene on film, do you ever feel like you have to change something? Does that happen often? Andy: Oh, yeah! Sometimes it works magically, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you think it's gonna work right, and then you see it against the picture and something just doesn't [work]. Something just doesn't gel; that's the place where you just have to pivot and figure out. The good news about that is, when you find out things that are not working, it's actually even more beneficial than knowing what is working in the early stages of the process because it informs you in a way that you're not informed with when something is working. It's like, “Oh, this is working,” and you've crafted it for a reason to work and it works, but it's not really informing you. That's the goal, obviously, so you want to get there. So it's strange to say this, but in some ways, having things that don't work are very helpful to inform further on what is working and why it's working. That's another reason why it's great to have both of us because a lot of times, trial and error is very important. And it's nice to play that out and see; it's very humbling, the process of scoring. When you're scoring a project, you're creating a piece of music that is doing a dance with a story and characters and lighting and a bunch of other things. You have a partner in this creation. And you're not just like throwing your paint on the wall and going like, “That is my art,” and leaving it alone. It's more like how does that paint that I threw on the wall work with Taylor's paint, and how does that work with the showrunner's paint? It can get tricky, but it's fun. Did you have early conversations with the directors or with Marvel about the sound or mood they envisioned? How collaborative was that process? Taylor: We were on quite a long time ago, and because we needed to adjust on our end. That process kind of went back and forth until we got the picture, and then we started applying those pieces and those themes. About the main theme… It feels like a conversation between the past and present, a kind of musical passing of the torch from [ John] Paesano 's original score to your new vision for Matt Murdock. When you were building that piece, did it feel like you were scoring Daredevil's legacy as much as the character himself? Andy: It was about maintaining the legacy of Daredevil, but then also figuring out, in this Born Again series: that story is sort of the plight of Matt Murdock. That was what we set out to do with scoring Matt Murdock, but then also embracing the Daredevil of it all. We knew that we wanted to use John's theme because that is Daredevil, and we, as fans, wanted to not only honor it but also keep who Daredevil is. In this season, we have Matt's character being almost like the alter ego as he is, and that was the approach we took. It was like, let's get into who Matt Murdock is and how Matt Murdock plays into Daredevil, and then coming out of Daredevil, how Daredevil then comes back to Matt Murdock... And that's why the main titles start off with Matt Murdock, lead into Daredevil, and come back to Matt Murdock—basically, kind of bookends. Does that sound right, Taylor? © Marvel Taylor: Yeah, it's also about rebuilding, too because he's broken and lost. We start off with such a bang, losing one of his best buddies, and it's about rebuilding Daredevil, and a lot of that is about reflection. Is it doing more harm than good? Can he be just a lawyer and do more for his city and his friends than he can be as a vigilante? So I think, as fans, you're all wanting Daredevil to show up in the suit, you're wanting to see it, but the fact that you also see how much he's struggling —which is hats off to the actors— it just gives you a real sense of where he's coming from and where he wants to be, and I think that was a real fun thing to play with. There's also a lot of choir and religious-sounding elements in the score. Was that something you planned from the start to reflect Matt's inner struggles and faith? Andy: Yeah, that's exactly right. In fact, the season opens with just a single female vocal line, acting like the cantor of the city, and that was our approach… That the city would be a character within the series, and the city is calling out to the people: the vigilantes, the Matt Murdocks, the Fisks, the Kingpins etc. And we wanted to make sure we looked at Matt's big arc, his full story, and where he came from, and we wanted to incorporate the church of it all into that with the organ and the choir. The solo voice is intended to be like the cantor at a mass. The choir being the choir, and the organ... Then the other themes are the responses to the calling out from the city. And that's why the very first piece of music in episode one has vocals in it and has organ in it to tee up that element without being over the top with it. We were very careful with the sound of the organ that we picked out, so it wasn't too overbearing, but definitely gave you the sense that you felt a bit of a religious presence. Absolutely! I love the choir in a soundtrack because it speaks to my soul whenever I hear it. Andy: The choir has a quality that's strangely very calming, even when it's done in a dark way. We have two hymns that we wrote that are in this season, and those were a call for redemption, and the thought was like, “Let's write actual hymns that are singing about his redemption.” One of them is called "The Lord Near My Shadow," and the idea is like not feeling that he is. Wondering who he is and where salvation is for him… Like, how does that exist through Daredevil, or does that exist through his humanity? And with X-Men '97 and now Daredevil , you are entering two different corners of the Marvel Universe. How does scoring a street-level hero like Daredevil differ from the high concept world of mutants? Taylor: We obviously love X-Men, too. I think it's very different because X-Men has these big bold moments of this massive orchestra happening in these big motifs and themes, whereas Daredevil has moments of that, but there's a lot of time for developing characters internally, with what they're struggling with. And with X-Men, it's a lot faster in terms of what it means, even just as a shorter amount of time in terms of the show, and we're moving quickly between stories and characters so the music needs to accompany that, whereas with Daredevil, you can develop things a little bit more over several episodes. © Marvel Andy: It's 100 miles an hour with X-Men '97 ; it's just abrupt shifts, and everything is at 11 out of 10. Daredevil is a totally different approach, different character, different everything... I think that's what makes working on the two of them such a delight for the two of us. We feel so lucky to get to work on these two shows for that reason. Taylor: Daredevil is such a grounded character… He's such a human being, and his struggles are very relatable. I think musically, it's a different playground with these characters versus Magneto, who can shape and bend the metal and lift up massive structures… You've worked closely with Mike Flanagan across multiple projects now. The Haunting of Hill House , Bly Manor , Midnight Mass , Doctor Sleep , The Life of Chuck ... I can just go on. What has that ongoing collaboration been like for you both creatively and personally? Has your process evolved together over time? Andy: Yeah, like any life relationship, it definitely evolves over time. We feel incredibly lucky to get to work with Mike on everything, and it feels like it should get easier because we do have a very good shorthand. We know the things that Mike likes and doesn't like, but also Mike is always trying to tell a unique and interesting story. We always want to be in step with what he's doing with that. So for us, the challenge is always reinventing ourselves in a way that we feel like we are on par with his reinventing of himself on each story… He's not reinventing himself, but telling a unique story. And we want to try to be a part of that in telling a unique story each time. So it's hard because we have to challenge ourselves internally on our end to dig into different places and find inspiration. I think a big part of evolving relationships is finding inspiration in life that you can bring back to that relationship and using that to help cultivate a relationship that can grow and prosper and do all the things that relationships do. Taylor: Absolutely! Mike is incredibly talented. We've been very fortunate enough to see all the things that he creates and does. So, we're always trying to match that and support these stories that he tells the best we can. Then personally, he's just a great human being, and we love him, just this whole family and Kate [Siegel]... He's beyond talented, he's a good guy. Mike Flanagan and the Newton Brothers. © The Newton Brothers He's currently developing a Carrie TV series and a Clayface movie for DC. Are you involved in either of those? Could we be hearing your music in a DC project next? Taylor: I know Mike wrote the script for Clayface . We don't know what goes on behind the scenes. But that would be amazing. And I know he has a lot of projects that he wants to make that are very exciting. So I don't know about Clayface . I do know he is going to be doing Carrie , that was just announced, but we don't know too much about that yet, but I hope to work on that with him. Andy: We're really excited about The Life of Chuck, too. It's coming out in theaters in a couple of months, and I'm really excited for everybody to see that. I can't wait to see it! Also, speaking of DC... is there a character you would like to work on? Taylor: Oh man, that is a great question! I love Swamp Thing, and I love more of the darker characters that tend to be more tragic. I do love Clayface as well. But I think any characters that have a tragedy or some history of struggle because there's so much you can play with musically. Obviously, everybody loves Superman and Batman and all these great characters. They're amazing, but I feel like these other characters that are overlooked deserve a little lift up, and those would be a lot of fun to be part of. Andy: Yeah, they have done a great job with The Batman . I love Giachhino's score for that. So, that would be so fun to work on, but I wouldn't want to touch that because I loved hearing that score. It was so good. But on another planet, in another place, in another time… I've always enjoyed the character of Batman.  Looking ahead to upcoming seasons of Daredevil: Born Again and X-Men '97 , are there any new directions and elements you are excited to explore musically? Taylor: It'd be great to expand on characters and do more things. In terms of specifics, I think we would be shot in the head if we were to divulge any information. In season one, we had a lot of material that we wrote that were sort of these pieces, and it would be great if we got the opportunity to expand on some of those. I'm hoping to play with more interesting stories. Andy: Yeah, and just to evolve with them is exciting to us… To see where the writers and the team take the show is always really fascinating, and it's fun because, as Taylor said earlier, we are fans. So like when we get the scripts, it's just like, “Oh my gosh!  did you read this?” and “No, I didn't read it yet. Don't say anything!” It's really fun. Taylor: And it's always so exciting, because everyone's just such big fans themselves. They all have these ideas, and they come together and want to lift it up. So many of the creators we work with love the IP so much, they love the comics so much that it's super exciting coming into those kinds of projects. Any projects where people care that much, where they really are putting everything they can into it, it's always an honor to be on those kinds of projects. Even with Mike, when he writes his stuff, he always puts so much of himself and so much of his own heart in the stuff. We've been very fortunate to work with people who kind of submerge themselves so the excellence of their level of craft is being as high as possible. It's great. Yeah, it feels like a labor of love . Taylor: Absolutely, it's a labor of love, yes. Andy: Yeah, 100%. One last question I have to ask: Do you have a favorite project or a particular piece you've composed that really stuck with you? Something that you are really proud of. Andy: Oh, that's a tough question. Taylor: That is tough. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy… I think we're both really excited to do a theme for Storm because she didn't really have a lot of screen time. We both felt like she needed something that really showcased the awesome character that she is, and that was something we're both very proud of. © Marvel And I think trying to find something that tells the story of who Matt Murdock is obviously very rewarding, and it's very tricky because of the pre-existing material and getting it to work, where it's being different from Daredevil , but in the same connection of tissue. Then I would say with Mike, we worked on this movie called Sonia , and it got retitled Before I Wake , and we co-scored with Danny Elfman. There was a sequence where someone is telling a story about a little boy and there's a lot of changes… It's magical, and it shifts, and that music has always stayed with us as this fantasy and beautiful music. That was probably one scene that I'll always remember: Andy: I don't think I have a single piece of music only because each project sort of represents a period of time in my life for me. I know that sounds weird, but every time I hear music from a certain show, I'm brought back to what was happening in my life at that time, because typically, Taylor and I are like ensconced in a project when we're working on it. It's like, we eat and breathe that project while we're working on it, and it really becomes the fabric of what's happening for me in my life at those times. So they all hold something for me, if that makes sense. Even music that I wouldn't necessarily say is my favorite music that we've written, it lands for me nicely. This interview has been edited for clarity.

Marvel's latest movie, Captain America: Brave New World , follows Sam Wilson, our new Captain America, after he takes over the mantle from Steve Rogers. Although Sam's tenure as Cap is relatively new to live-action audiences, the film wastes no time establishing him as a fully realized and iconic hero in the Marvel universe. From the very start, we see an already established Captain America, one who effortlessly carries the weight of his legacy while confronting global challenges with the same determination we've come to expect. While the movie doesn't reinvent the superhero genre or deliver any groundbreaking surprises, it still manages to offer a pleasant and nostalgic ride reminiscent of the pre-Infinity War era. That period of Marvel films was less about universe-shattering spectacles and more about character-driven narratives. (L-R): Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross and Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Marvel Studios' CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL. One of the film's most compelling aspects is the dynamic portrayal of its central characters. Sam Wilson emerges as a man of honor and unwavering moral conviction—a living testament to why we love Captain America. Anthony Mackie's portrayal reminds us that true heroism lies in integrity, compassion, and the courage to stand by one's principles. In parallel, Harrison Ford delivers a standout performance as Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. Ross's actions throughout the film are undeniably morally questionable. He keeps Isaiah imprisoned and holds Samuel Sterns captive, essentially turning Sterns into a pawn for his bidding. Yet, there's a method behind his madness. His decision to keep Isaiah incarcerated is driven by concerns over global optics, while Sterns' continued captivity is justified by his role in ensuring Ross's own survival. Whether it's Ford's magnetic performance or the inherent complexity of the character, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to Ross. The film ambitiously attempts to mix superhero action with elements of a political thriller. It clearly wants to make a statement about the sociopolitical climate, yet it ends up justifying the questionable actions of its characters rather than challenging them. For instance, one of the most controversial decisions in the movie is Ross's choice to let Isaiah remain in prison despite knowing the full truth behind his actions. This part, involving Isaiah—a Black, innocent man who faces the looming threat of a death penalty—had the potential to serve as a powerful commentary on systemic injustice and racial bias. Unfortunately, the narrative skirts around these heavy issues, it opts for a sugarcoated approach that ultimately diminishes the emotional impact and social relevance of the storyline. In many ways, Captain America: Brave New World is a film of contrasts. It comfortably situates itself within the established Marvel framework, and serves familiar action sequences and heroic feats, yet it also hints at deeper, more complex themes that are never fully explored. Overall, the movie stands as a solid addition to the MCU. It honors the legacy of Captain America through its character work and engaging performances, even if its political ambitions and social commentary feel somewhat half-hearted. RATING: 3/5

With summer on the horizon, there are plenty of questions regarding how this summer might fare against the past three summers with major releases such as Barbie  (2023), Oppenheimer  (2023), Deadpool & Wolverine  (2024), Inside Out 2  (2024), etc., and rightfully so. It may be hard to top these previous summer releases. However, if there was a summer filled to the brim with an action-packed, jaw-dropping, and deeply nostalgic lineup to top the previous ones, it would be Summer 2025. From Disney's Lilo & Stitch  to DC Studios and James Gunn's Superman  and then to the "Rebirth" of Jurassic World, these are the upcoming theatrical releases of this summer (May 2nd -August 8th, 2025)... Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts*  - May 2 (L-R): David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, and Wyatt Russell in Thunderbolts* . © Marvel Studios Synopsis:  Ensnared in a death trap, an unconventional team of antiheroes -- Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker -- embarks on a dangerous mission that forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Director: Jake Schreier Runtime: 2 hrs 6 mins Starring: Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Olga Kurylenko Final Destination: Bloodlines  - May 16 Brec Bassinger in Final Destination: Bloodlines . © Warner Bros. Synopsis: Plagued by a violent and recurring nightmare, a college student heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle of death and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all. Director: Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein Runtime: 1 hour 49 mins Starring: Tony Todd, Brec Bassinger, Richard Harmon, Teo Briones, Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Owen Joyner Lilo & Stitch  - May 23 Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong in Lilo & Stitch . © Disney Synopsis:  The wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. Director: Dean Fleischer Camp Runtime:  1 hr 48 mins Starring: Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Tia Carrere, Chris Sanders, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning  - May 23 Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. © Paramount Pictures Synopsis: Ethan Hunt and the IMF team get betrayed by someone in the CIA. Director: Christopher McQuarrie Runtime: 2 hours Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Simon Pegg, Esai Morales Karate Kid: Legends  - May 30 (L-R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Karate Kid: Legends . © Sony Pictures Synopsis: After moving to New York City with his mother, kung fu prodigy Li Fong struggles to let go of the past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition -- but his skills alone aren't enough. With help from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he soon learns to merge two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown. Director: Jonathan Entwistle Runtime: 1 hour 58 mins Starring: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, and Ben Wang Bring Her Back  - May 30 Sally Hawkins in Bring Her Back . © Sony Pictures Synopsis:  A brother and sister witness a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster home. Director: Danny and Michael Philippou Runtime: 1 hour 39 mins Starring:  Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Jonah Wren Phillips, Mischa Heywood, Stephen Phillips From the World of John Wick: Ballerina  - June 6 Ana de Armas in Ballerina . © Lionsgate Synopsis: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, Eve Macarro begins her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. Director: Len Wiseman Runtime: 1 hour 29 mins Starring: Ana De Armas, Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus Materialists  - June 13 (L-R) Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal in Materialists . © A24 Synopsis: A young New York City matchmaker's lucrative business gets complicated as she finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Director: Celine Song Runtime: 1 hour 49 mins Starring: Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, Chris Evans How to Train Your Dragon  - June 13 Mason Thames in How to Train Your Dragon . © Universal Synopsis: As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup, an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together. Director: Dean DeBlois Runtime: 1 hour 56 mins Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Nick Frost 28 Years Later - June 20 Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Alfie Williams in 28 Years Later . © Sony Pictures Synopsis:  28 years after the Rage virus escaped a medical research laboratory, survivors have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One group life on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway. When a father and his son leave the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, they discover secrets, wonders, and horrors of the outside world. Director: Danny Boyle Runtime: 2 hours Starring: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams Elio  - June 20 Elio . © Disney & Pixar Synopsis: Elio, an underdog with an active imagination, finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. Mistakenly identified as Earth's ambassador to the rest of the universe, he starts to form new bonds with eccentric aliens while discovering who he's truly meant to be. Director: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian Runtime: 1 hour 30 mins Starring: Yonas Ascunsion Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Brad Garrett, Remy Edgerly, Jameela Jamil, America Ferrera, Shirley Henderson F1  - June 27  Brad Pitt and Damson Idris in F1 . © Sony Pictures & Apple TV+ Synopsis : In the 1990s, Sonny Hayes was Formula 1's most promising driver until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, the owner of a struggling Formula 1 team convinces Sonny to return to racing and become the best in the world. Driving alongside the team's hotshot rookie, Sonny soon learns that the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. Director: Joseph Kosinski Runtime: 2 hours Starring: Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon, Damson Idris, Lewis Hamilton Megan 2.0. - June 27 Megan 2.0. © Universal Synopsis:  Two years after Megan's rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN's underlying tech. Director: Gerard Johnstone Runtime:  TBA Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, Brian Jordan Alvarez Jurassic World: Rebirth  - July 2 Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson in Jurassic World: Rebirth . © Universal Synopsis: Zora Bennett leads a team of skilled operatives to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park. Their mission is to secure genetic material from dinosaurs whose DNA can provide life-saving benefits to mankind. As the top-secret expedition becomes more and more risky, they soon make a sinister, shocking discovery that's been hidden from the world for decades. Director: Gareth Edwards Runtime: 2 hours 30 mins Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Luna Blaise, Ed Skrein Superman  - July 11 David Corenswet in Superman . © DC Studios Synopsis: Superman embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. Director: James Gunn Runtime: Rumored to be around 2 hours 20 mins, not confirmed yet. Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Frank Grillo Smurfs - July 18 Smurfs . © Paramount Pictures Synopsis: When evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel take Papa Smurf, the Smurfs embark on a mission to the real world to save him. With help from some new friends, they must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. Director: Matt Landon and Chris Miller Runtime: TBA Starring:  Rihanna, Xolo Maridueña, Octavia Spencer, Kurt Russell, John Goodman, James Corden I Know What You Did Last Summer  - July 18 © Sony Pictures Synopsis: When five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident, they cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it a secret rather than face the consequences. One year later, the past comes back to haunt them as they learn someone knows what they did last summer. Stalked by a mysterious killer, they soon seek help from two survivors of the legendary Southport massacre of 1997. Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson Runtime: TBA Starring: Madelyn Cline, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Chase Sui Wonders, Sarah Pidgeon, Austin Nichols The Fantastic Four: First Steps - July 25 (L-R): Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn in The Fantastic Four: First Steps . © Marvel & 20th Century Studios Synopsis: Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing face their most daunting challenge yet as they defend Earth from Galactus and Silver Surfer. Director: Matt Shakman Runtime:  2 hours 20 mins Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson The Bad Guys 2  - August 1 The Bad Guys 2 © Universal Synopsis: Reformed criminals Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula are trying very hard to be good. However, they soon find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes heist that's masterminded by a new team of delinquents they never saw coming -- the Bad Girls. Director: Pierre Perifel Runtime: TBA Starring: Sam Rockwell, Anthony Ramos, Maria Bakalova, Awkwafina, Zazie Beetz, Danielle Brooks, Craig Robinson, Marc Maron Freakier Friday  - August 8 (L-R) Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in Freakier Friday . © Disney Synopsis: Tess and Anna discover that lightning may indeed strike twice as they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge. Director: Nisha Ganatra Runtime: TBA Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis Weapons - August 8 Synopsis: A group of high school students vanishes under mysterious circumstances, sending shockwaves through the small-town community. Director: Zach Cregger Runtime: TBA Starring: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Brian Tyree Henry, Pedro Pascal, Austin Abrams, Renate Reinsve, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong While there are plenty of other titles hitting theaters this summer, there are also quite a few that will go straight to streaming that we highly recommend as well, such as Happy Gilmore 2 (Netflix) on July 25th! As for what's beyond, come back soon to Nexus Point News for an update on the release dates in the future and plenty more!

This review is based on the entirety of The Last of Us Season 2 and contains minor spoilers. The Last of Us Season 2 continues to prove why this series stands as one of the best video game adaptations ever made. While Season 1 centered on survival and the early sparks of trust and love, Season 2 unravels that trust, fractures those bonds, and explores the emotional wreckage left behind. The Last of Us . © HBO After a significant time jump, we’re reintroduced to Jackson, a familiar setting, but one that feels new in many ways. We get a closer look at how this community lives, how it protects itself, and how it manages to maintain some sense of order. This season, Joel (Pedro Pascal) mostly steps out of the spotlight, which allows the story to focus on Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced), and their relationship. The show gives them space to breathe and grow, and it’s one of the best decisions it makes. That said, Joel’s presence still looms large, especially the weight of his betrayal. It lingers in every scene they share, and when it comes back around in a devastating new way, it hits harder. Ellie already felt betrayed, but when it happens again, when the trust is broken a second time, it creates a deep emotional rupture. The season also does a great job with introducing new characters who are far more than just plot devices. They feel lived in, layered, and human. Dina is without question the standout. She’s funny, sharp, confident, and instantly lovable. But more importantly, she’s written as her own person. She isn’t defined by her relationship to Ellie... She has her own desires, her own opinions, and her own moments of vulnerability. Their chemistry is electric, and their relationship feels so genuine that it grounds the entire season. It’s rare to see a queer relationship given this kind of depth and emotional room, and the show handles it beautifully. Jesse (Young Mazino) is another great addition, even though he gets less screen time. He acts as Ellie’s foil: level-headed, duty-driven, and unwilling to take the same reckless risks. By the end of the season, you care about him a lot more than you expect to. Gail, played by the incredible Catherine O’Hara, is another standout. She brings a surprising softness to the show without sacrificing depth. Gail is a widowed therapist who has a deep-rooted dislike for Joel, something she admits is irrational, and yet still shows up to help him. And once we learn why she feels the way she does, that supposed irrationality suddenly makes sense. It’s one of the show’s greatest strengths, it doesn’t make anyone fully right or wrong. It just shows people reacting to impossible circumstances in very human ways. The Last of Us . © HBO Of course, we have to talk about Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) , the daughter of the doctor Joel killed to save Ellie. Abby doesn’t know the full story, only that her father was murdered and that Joel killed everyone else at the hospital. Fueled by grief and rage, she trains for years with her group, preparing to track down and kill Joel. We see them before the time jump, setting out for Seattle, and in the present, as they quietly stalk Jackson. Abby becomes the antagonist, but it’s not simple. Her pain is deeply human. This is someone whose father was murdered so her fury, her drive to avenge him, is justified. We don’t get enough of her this season to fully connect with her yet, but the foundation is being laid. And everything we do feel about her? That’s all Kaitlyn Dever. Her performance does so much with so little, and it’s clear we’ll see much more of her in Season 3. The Last of Us . © HBO Ellie and Dina’s relationship remains the emotional core. In a world full of violence, betrayal, and death, their connection feels like a rare source of light. It’s comforting without ever feeling forced or idealized. Their banter, their quiet moments, their arguments… It all feels heartbreakingly real. That emotional depth carries into one of the most powerful scenes in the entire series between Ellie and Joel. It’s a conversation about mistakes, betrayal, and love… the kind of moment that doesn’t need anything flashy. Just two characters being raw and honest.... The acting is nothing short of stunning. And yes, the Cordyceps are back, and somehow even more terrifying. This season introduces a new variant called the Stalker. These infected are smart, calculated, and far more dangerous than anything we’ve seen before. They hide. They wait. They sneak on you. There is also another addition that game fans will definitely recognize and dread. What’s impressive is how this season leans even more confidently into its game origins. Some sequences are adapted almost shot-for-shot from The Last of Us Part II, but each one has its own emotional rhythm, its own visual identity. The show respects the source material, but it never feels trapped by it. It builds on it and improves it. The Last of Us . © HBO By the end of the season, you’re emotionally exhausted in the best way. Not because of monsters or jump scares, but because of what the characters go through. The moral grayness, the weight of grief, the aching loneliness… it’s all there. And just like the game, the show isn’t interested in easy answers. It’s not just about survival. It’s about what you do with survival. Who you become after you’ve lost everything. The Last of Us Season 2 is just as dark, just as brutal as Season 1, but feels more emotionally raw. It’s a season about consequences, about love and guilt and revenge and forgiveness. It reminds us that in the end, the scariest part of the apocalypse isn’t the infected. It’s the people trying to live through it. And once again, The Last of Us delivers something emotionally devastating, beautifully acted, and utterly unforgettable. Rating: ★★★★★ The Last of Us . © HBO About The Last of Us Season 2 Premiere Date:  April 13, 2025 Episode Count:  7 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells Writer: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, and Halley Gross Director: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Mark Mylod, Peter Hoar, Kate Herron, Stephen Williams, Nina Lopez-Corrado Production:   PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, Sony Pictures Television and Naughty Dog Distribution:  HBO Cast:   Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright and Catherine O’Hara. Synopsis: Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.

After spending most of its third season squeezing as many characters as possible into each episode, The Wheel of Time devotes its latest chapter, “Goldeneyes,” to a single arc. This is a spotlight on Perrin Aybara (Marcus Rutherford), taking place entirely within the mountainous Two Rivers where he was born. It’s not often that a high-budget streaming series can risk interrupting its main story to focus on a one-shot, but in this case, it absolutely pays off. Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3. Alpha Wolf of the Two Rivers The plot is simple: Perrin and his companions must defend his home from a horde of Trollocs and a suspicious battalion of Whitecloaks. Although he resists the mantle of leadership at first, Perrin is known and respected by the Two Rivers villagers, and once he takes charge, he truly comes into his own.  Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) contemplates the costs of war. © Prime Video When battle breaks out, it’s reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings, complete with ranks of archers, spreading flames, and unearthly monsters. Many scenes are packed with full crowds of actors, giving the action a sense of grand scale. The sets and the choreography show real dedication in bringing the combat to life. There are moments when all seems to be lost, and there are moments focused on individuals whose courage and sacrifice bring a ray of hope. Ogier, Aiel, Tinkers, and More Perrin’s allies provide a few secret weapons as well as rounding out the adrenaline with their personal stories. Loial (Hammed Animashaun), whose steady and kind nature makes him prefer books to battle, goes on a side quest to close the Waygate that’s letting the Trollocs through. He’s accompanied by Bain (Ragga Ragnars) and Chiad (Maja Simonsen), two Maidens of the Spear who steal every scene they appear in, because they owe Loial their allegiance according to the esoteric Aiel customs of honor and obligation. While Bain and Chiad’s brash condescension for “wetlanders” is sometimes played for laughs, there’s also a bleak contrast between them and the pacifistic Tu’atha’an who take shelter in the Two Rivers. Earlier this season, we saw the history of the two cultures and how both of them lost something by going to their respective extremes, but the characters don’t know that and won’t change their ways. Bain (Ragga Ragnars) and Chiad (Maja Simonsen) are always ready for another fight. © Prime Video Meanwhile, Perrin’s love story with Faile (Isabella Bucceri) advances, and Alanna (Priyanka Bose) and Maksim (Taylor Napier) are back on their game and doing the work that only they can. This includes training some of the Two Rivers’ latent channelers, which may lead to some interesting developments down the line.  A Painful Loss Another factor that makes “Goldeneyes” stand out in the series so far is a major character death, one which even book readers won’t have anticipated. Some genre shows, like Game of Thrones ,  gained a reputation for frequent, brutal death scenes, which in that case were generally faithful to the source material. The Wheel of Time  books have the opposite reputation: it’s very rare for characters to be killed off once they’ve been firmly established.  That pattern leads to problems of its own, where the reader would too easily know what to expect, and some characters would tag along for lengthy stretches of the books without having much to do. With that in mind, it’s little surprise that the TV adaptation of The Wheel of Time  is taking a different approach, but that won’t be much consolation to fans who have grown attached to a fictional somebody and now have to say a premature goodbye. Maksim (Taylor Napier) and Alanna (Priyanka Bose) are no strangers to loss. © Prime Video What does help is that the death is treated with care, honoring the character and allowing others some screen time to mourn. It’s also a sign that there may be more deaths coming, but if they follow suit, they won’t be gratuitous. Next week’s episode of The Wheel of Time will be the Season 3 finale, and it’s likely that Perrin and his companions will be absent. That means a long wait until we find out what happens to him after the twist at the end of “Goldeneyes,” but as far as send-offs go, he couldn’t have had any better. Rating: ★★★★★ The Wheel of Time . © Prime Video About The Wheel of Time Season 3 Premiere Date:   March 13, 2025 Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Rafe Judkins, Larry Mondragon, Rick Selvage, Ted Field, Mike Weber, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, Justine Juel Gillmer, Sanaa Hamri, Amanda Kate Shuman Director: Ciaran Donnelly, Thomas Napper Production:   Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television Distribution:  Prime Video Cast:   Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Kate Fleetwood, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, Kae Alexander, Sophie Okonedo Synopsis: After defeating Ishamael at the end of Season Two, Rand reunites with his friends at Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn. But in Season Three, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both. As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teacher and student, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost.