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  • EXCLUSIVE: Elle Fanning Has Been Offered the Role of Effie in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’

    Elle Fanning has been offered the role of a younger Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . The role was previously portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the first four films in the series. Fanning would portray Effie before her time as the escort for District 12, twenty four years before the events of the first film. Effie serves as a stylist for the District 12 tributes in order to assist her sister, Proserpina. Although she supports the Hunger Games in principle, Effie shows genuine compassion for the tributes and treats them with kindness and care. The film adaptation is set to start shooting in July of this year in Germany. As announced at CinemaCon by Lionsgate, Francis Lawrence is set to direct the film with Billy Ray writing the script. Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson will be producing the film. Jacobson has served as a producer for all four films in the series and Simpson returns after producing The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Fanning will potentially join Charlie Plummer as Haymitch and Emma Thompson as Drusilla, as reported by Nexus Point News. As reported by DanielRPK, Ralph Fiennes has been offered the role of Snow and Kieran Culkin has been offered the role of Caesar Flickerman. Nexus Point News can corroborate these casting updates. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to release on November 20, 2026.

  • REVIEW: ‘The Uncanny X-Men #13’ - Three Stories of Dark Mystery

    Uncanny X-Men  has been a bit of a mixed bag for me over the last 13 issues, but I think the series may have finally found its stride. There are a few things that have made this a rocky read, and I don’t think the two X-Men events since the start of the From the Ashes  era helped much. We were promised a mystery surrounding the Outliers, a story that would reveal who they are and which of them might spell the end of mutants, and I finally feel like we're getting closer to that story in earnest—well, sort of. Rather than opening with the present-day adventures of our mutant misfits, Simone takes us to the past, introducing us to Henrietta Benjamin, a young Black schoolteacher living in Chicago. Despite her roots in the city, she seems to be on an urgent mission to Louisiana. One thing that immediately piques interest is the urgency with which she must leave home, despite never having ventured more than a few miles away. Her mystery deepens when, as she departs, she carves a symbol on a nearby sign, one that strongly resembles an "M." A lot happens in this issue, starting with Gambit and Rogue enjoying a quiet morning together. The heartwarming moment is interrupted when Remy is called away by the dragon Sadurang, the same mystical creature Gambit took the Left Eye of Agamotto from in issue #1 . Despite Sadurang's intimidating appearance, this interaction is unexpectedly amusing, especially when the dragon references events from Storm #3 . However, Sadurang isn’t just here for casual conversation, he brings an important reveal about the Left Eye of Agamotto, which has been a lingering mystery. I found it very satisfying that this plot thread was finally brought back into the fold. The Uncanny X-Men  #13 © Marvel Meanwhile, the Outliers are on their own journey, with Deathdream (who’s quickly becoming a favorite character of mine) leading the group. He cryptically tells them that something is calling to them, guiding them down what he calls a “highway of pain” and a river of tears, all leading to a monument in the swamp. Unsurprisingly, the monument is shaped like an "X" and is called The Dark Artery , a sort of beacon that ties into the title of this arc. The narrative becomes more fragmented as three storylines unfold simultaneously. Gambit, alongside Sadurang, learns that the Left Eye of Agamotto is cursed, and its power could potentially turn him against his allies. Sadurang offers to take the eye from him, but as of now, we haven’t seen any indication that Gambit has acted out of character, which makes me question whether the dragon’s warning is truly accurate. Meanwhile, we learn more about Henrietta’s connection to Louisiana, and to the X-Men. It’s revealed that she must travel to Haven to lay her mother to rest, and, of course, that she is a mutant. Though this revelation wasn’t particularly shocking given the nature of X-Men  stories, it adds another layer of intrigue. The issue concludes with the Outliers having entered and navigating the Dark Artery, which increasingly resembles some sort of tomb. Ember is notably absent, perhaps the only one with the sense not to enter. But fear turns out to be the least of their worries (or the most), as Deathdream leads them to none other than the guardian of the Nexus of All Realities: The Man-Thing. This was a surprising twist, considering the swamp he inhabits is typically located in the Florida Everglades. Overall, Simone does a fantastic job weaving together three distinct narratives that tie back to the mysteries introduced in issue #1 , while also building a new mystery and injecting more suspense into the ongoing story. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of Uncanny X-Men  at the outset, it’s clearly evolving into a much more interesting and engaging tale. The Uncanny X-Men  #13 © Marvel About The Uncanny X-Men #13 Release Date:  April 09, 2025 Written by:  Gail Simone Art by: David Marquez Cover by: David Marquez & Matthew Wilson Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  "THE DARK ARTERY" Starts Here! In their most terrifying adventure yet, the four young OUTLIERS discover the true meaning of Haven House and a doorway that should never be opened. Meanwhile, an otherworldly presence has set its covetous eye on one of the four young mutants, in a story that tells a never-before-told slice of the history of mutantkind

  • REVIEW: 'Doctor Strange of Asgard #2' Meanders Mysteriously Between Realms

    Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for Doctor Strange of Asgard #2. When writer Derek Landy last left Doctor Stephen Strange, neither his Sorcerer Supreme shtick — usurped by Doctor Doom as a stepping stone towards cosmic domination — nor his renowned surgical skills were being put to good use. As the preview for the second issue of Doctor Strange of Asgard  notes, Strange has thus been “lying low since his humiliation.” However, when the Asgardian sorceress (and Strange’s potential new boss) Hulda turns up mysteriously murdered, Strange’s journey of redemption becomes even more complicated and dangerous. Making Sense of Loki(?!)’s “Confused Frenzy” On the surface, Hulda’s murder is an obvious attempt by Loki, “Asgard’s skald” (performer of poems detailing subjects’ heroic deeds) to promote themself, one which Strange himself witnessed, no less. Even so, “Loki claims to have no idea how the knife got into their hand, let alone why they stabbed Hulda,” nor can Strange dismember or even move Hulda’s body without arousing suspicion and/or further chaos.  Strange also takes it upon himself to keep Loki hidden in New York at the Sanctum Santorum, namely from King Thor, lest Loki’s alleged misdeed “snap[s] whatever is left of the bond between them,” potentially creating an “incalculable” and “irreparable rift” that “could shake the very cosmos” even more. Recent comic canon has established Loki across several timelines as more of an antihero than villain, much like their Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) counterpart. Thus, Strange’s hand is likely also stayed by legitimate doubt of Loki’s malicious machinations. © Marvel Comics The Sorcerer Supreme Currently Known as “Doctor Tiny Man” Fortunately, Strange manages to acquire some allies during his dubious quest, including his future employer, an Asgardian doctor whose own reputation has recently “taken … a knock” due to “scurrilous, malicious and false … accusations of malpractice” and who is thus “forced to entertain … taking on a mortal apprentice.” Strange’s bedside manner is deemed appropriate enough, and even helps him acquire the services of Aslak, a budding sorcerer and Hulda’s own “eternal apprentice,” though the information he provides leaves Strange with more questions than answers. Still, Strange’s affable adaptability and assertion that “Whether they be medical or mystical, mysteries are my thing” duly assure the reader that they will, in fact, be answered as his adventure in Asgard yet unfolds. “Corpse Disposal is a Tricky Business” Landy's storytelling is strengthened by positioning Strange as protagonist with business in both the realms of Midgard and Asgard. The worldbuilding is organically optimized through Strange’s interactions with various Asgardians, many of whose identities hearken back to their respective roots in Norse mythology and beyond. For instance, ‘Hulda’ means ‘secrecy’ in Old Norse, while ‘ Huldah ’ is the name of a Jewish prophetess described in the Biblical Old Testament. That ‘Huldah’ is likewise Hebrew for ‘weasel’ / ‘mole’ aligns (albeit yet mysteriously) with Aslak’s assertion to Doctor Strange that her “stern” comic counterpart’s “skills as a sorceress were almost beyond compare,” though she apparently “said not a kind word when a mean one would do” while nonetheless teaching Aslak exclusively “all I know” about their shared trade. Presumably, this will include future information about both the enchanted knife that ‘Loki’ allegedly used to kill Hulda, as well as the mysterious ax with which Strange is attacked in Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 .  Strange’s interactions help humanize Asgard, offering Marvel’s Midgardian readership surprisingly familiar insights into a realm populated by comparatively “larger” and “hardier” inhabitants who nonetheless “fret and … worry just like humans.” Strange’s networking thus serves as a means of moving Landy’s story along both figuratively and literally with artist Carlos Magno’s illustrations allowing Strange and company to travel to and fro with occasional pit stops for work and information gathering at an Asgardian tavern.  Overall, while Strange’s initial intentions around and about Asgard center on his “search … for redemption – or an escape,” his unwitting involvement in its latest murder mystery ensures that circumstances will not “keep [him] down forever.” Rating: ★★★★☆ Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 © Marvel About Doctor Strange of Asgard #2 Release Date:  April 9, 2025 Written by:  Derek Landy Art by: Carlos Magno Cover by: Geoffrey Shaw Page Count: 23 Synopsis :  Doctor Strange went to Asgard to become its Sorcerer Supreme. But now he's covering up a murder - one that Thor would be furious to hear about. And as if that isn't enough, it turns out Asgardian landlords also charge rent. Strange will have to find a killer - and a job - while gaining mastery over Asgardian magic, dodging Thor's mounting suspicions and evading mysterious assassins. Maybe moving to the Land of the Gods wasn't such a good idea…

  • REVIEW: Thor and Sif Go on a Poetic Odyssey in ‘Ultimates #11’

    The stakes are high for Lady Sif and Thor Odinson in the latest issue of Ultimates . Aided by the time-traveling Maker, Loki has seized power over the Nine Realms. His rule is one of hardship, not only for the people of Asgard, but the other Realms within Yggdrasil. It is up to Thor and Sif to once again save Asgard from Loki’s clutches.  Disclaimer: This review contains spoilers for issue #11 of ‘Ultimates’.  Thor and Sif’s journey is told through rhyme, much like the Poetic Eddas from which their characters emerged. With almost no dialogue, the narration lilts and flows along their perilous journey. They begin in Nidavellir, world of the Dwarves who are makers of all of Asgard’s treasures. Instead of the artistic craftsmanship for which they have been long-renowned, Loki has turned them into assembly-line workers. Stripped of their dignity and their art, the Dwarves of Nidavellir are quick to turn on the Liesmith. In a deft nod to the source mythology, Sif promises that she will deliver not only Loki’s head, but would “throw in his neck for free”.  Loki’s head upon his neck is no longer as quick-witted as it once was as he gluts himself on mead and the immortality-granting apples of Idunn. Not only has he chained the maiden to his throne, but has hoarded the apples to himself, leaving the rest of Asgard aged and weak. The Loki of Ultimates  is certainly not the anti-heroic skald of 616 canon. Lazy, indolent, and cruel, this Loki lounges on his throne and makes decrees that do nothing but elevate his own position while beating down the rest of the Realms. He has even enlisted Hela, Goddess of Death, to provide him with an undead army with which he creates suffering. Loki on his throne. © Marvel Alfheim suffers similarly to Nidavellir. Their artists are now “content-creators”, something the narration tritely points out is now one and the same. They sit chained to their tables as faceless censors loom over them. Now efficient and soulless, creativity exists solely to enrich the god on the throne.  Only Vanaheim remains unchanged and untouched. Loki has given Asgard’s sister-realm freedom, and therefore they refuse to fight. They are not the ones who are suffering, and the ones who are suffering remain out of sight and out of mind. Thor and Sif’s pleas fall upon deaf, indifferent ears.  Loki’s machinations are a stark reflection of real life and the commodification of the arts. Instead of allowing the Dwarves and Elves to continue their crafts unimpeded, Loki has forced them into being rank and file workers. As in the Immortal Thor  title, Thor is directly fighting against the evils of the late-stage capitalist hellscape Loki has warped the Realms into. The issue’s narrative style cleverly twists the ideas of art as content and craft as profit with a light rhyme scheme. This is not a sonnet, nor any carefully formatted epic poem. This is a tale told through feeling, conceptually complex as so many stories told about Asgard and its inhabitants are.   Thor’s willingness to sacrifice everything for the good of not only Asgard but all of the Realms is par for the course. Thor will always be willing to do what needs to be done, regardless of timeline. What will become of the deal he has made remains to be seen, but as the issue closes out on some of the only dialogue in all of its pages, it is clear there are layers upon layers of deceit that Thor and his teammates will need to yet unravel.  Rating: ★★★★★ Ultimates #11 © Marvel About The Ultimates #11 Release Date:  April 9, 2025 Written by:  Deniz Camp Art by: Juan Frigeri Cover by: Dike Ruan Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  THE WAR FOR ASGARD! A NEW HERO APPROACHES! Time to topple another of the Maker's dominoes: removing LOKI from his seat of power in Asgard! Thor, Sif and She-Hulk journey into mystery for blood, for glory and for rebellion, and discover a surprising new ally!

  • REVIEW: ‘Phoenix #10’ - Empathy and Power Fight for Reality

    When I began reading Phoenix #10 , it took me a moment to settle into the story. The first few pages revisit much of what many fans (myself included) already know about Jean Grey. However, I had to remind myself that for some readers, this might be their first introduction to Jean and the events that have shaped her journey. This creates a challenging balancing act for writer Phillips: merging decades of established knowledge with the task of building a new narrative for a fresh status quo. It’s no easy feat, and one I certainly wouldn’t envy. Fortunately, Phillips manages to nail this balance, diving into the core of this 10-issue arc with finesse. At the heart of the story is Jean Grey, a young woman who lost her childhood in an instant when her best friend died, experiencing that moment of death in her mind. Similarly, Adani's childhood was abruptly interrupted by the death of her father, and having power she didn’t understand thrust upon her at multiple turns. Jean's vow to “fight like hell” to prevent Adani from experiencing the same loss of person and innocence brings their story full circle in a powerful and satisfying way. The Dark Gods who’ve used Adani for their own needs view Phoenix’s empathy as a weakness, something they believe will distract her long enough to leave the Nexus of All Realities and spread their evil across the multiverse. These particular scenes stand out, as Miracolo’s art perfectly conveys the chaotic, surreal nature of the Nexus, with creepy death fairies, odd tentacles with eyes, and windows leading to countless alternate realities. None of this daunts Phoenix, who boldly warns she will take the fight across the Multiverse if necessary to stop her enemies. Phoenix #10 - © Marvel The ensuing battle is as chaotic as it is captivating, with Miracolo using the entities of the Nexus as panel borders and obstacles, allowing the characters to interact with them in dynamic ways. Jean, however, effortlessly dispatches most of the Dark Gods, blending her formidable psychic powers with the raw might of the Phoenix. Notably, we also see more of Jean’s inner dialogue here, which had been conspicuously absent in earlier issues. Through her narration, we come to understand that her empathy is not a weakness, but a strength. Jean will always choose to save lives, but as the Phoenix, she also knows when to burn. In the end, while Jean stays behind to save Adani, the Phoenix’s power is used to scorch away the spreading shadows of the Dark Gods, obliterating both the villains and their influence through the multiverse. What remains is a resolution between Jean and Adani, the latter absolved of her past sins, and her heart lightened after being consumed by power and rage, much like Jean once was. The conclusion to the Phoenix storyline introduced in issue #1 is neatly wrapped up, but I couldn’t help but feel that the resolution was a bit anticlimactic. The battle in the Nexus of All Realities, while visually engaging, didn’t quite pose a real challenge for Phoenix. It left me wondering, much like Nova: "What can’t  the Phoenix do?" It raises the question of how Jean Grey can be meaningfully challenged in the future, beyond her ongoing struggles with the Phoenix identity, which has been explored extensively by now. For Jean and the Phoenix story to continue to succeed, both she and Phillips will need to face fresh and exciting challenges that push the boundaries of their narrative. With a new artistic team comprised of interior artist Roi Mercado and cover artist Lucas Werneck starting in issue #11, I look forward to seeing the Phoenix story grow and soar to new heights. Phoenix #10 - © Marvel About Phoenix #10 Release Date:  April 09, 2025 Written by:  Stephanie Phillips Art by: Alessandro Miracolo Cover by: Yasmine Putri Page Count: 26 Synopsis : THE FINAL BATTLE! JEAN GREY has ascended to her most powerful form ever, but she’s going to need every ounce of her strength to defeat ADANI, whose connection to the PHOENIX FORCE — and to Jean’s psyche! — makes this battle exceptionally dangerous! As Jean herself struggles to hold on to her humanity, Adani and the DARK GODS seek to end her time in this galaxy — for good!

  • REVIEW: ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2025-) #1 - Joe Kelly's Grand Start To A New Era Of Spidey

    After four years, Zeb Wells's time on The Amazing Spider-Man has come to an end, and Joe Kelly has taken over to provide a new era for the webhead. Just like with the start of any writer's time on a character after someone else has spent time, there are questions that we have to think to ourselves when reading. Does this new writer respect and honor what came before? Is there a new status quo for the character, or is the story picking up from where we left off? The Amazing Spider-Man #1 is able to answer some of these questions straight out of the hat. Joe Kelly is no stranger to writing Spider-Man and has done so in the past before, but he also recently just wrote the "8 Deaths of Spider-Man" storyline, which eased him back into taking over for Zeb Wells. As someone who hadn't been reading Well's The Amazing Spider-Man run since "Gang War," I thought that there would be a lot of missing context when starting this new run, but thankfully, Kelly is able to ensure that even new readers will be able to follow along with this new storyline that he's crafting. Peter Parker is trying to get a new job and back on his feet, which is not anything new from the character, but it's always fun seeing that the balance between being Spider-Man and Peter Parker is something that he will never nail down. These interviews only go on for a few pages, but Kelly allows for some humorous writing within them, with Pepe Larraz's art bringing them to life. Pepe Larraz is currently on the art before John Romita Jr. returns to take over fully, but as for now, he's at the back of the issue with the B storyline. Larraz's art brings a special touch to The Amazing Spider-Man comic that feels like it was missing, which we unfortunately don't get with JRJR's artwork, which can make reading some issues an annoyance. The Amazing Spider-Man #1 © Marvel As close as Peter may be to getting a job, he showcases the responsibility that he holds to protect New York and quickly has to deal with the Rhino, who has gone on a rampage. If you haven't been keeping up with The Amazing Spider-Man comics, then you should know that Spider-Man and the Rhino have a solidified relationship, and this attack feels out of the norm, and even Spider-Man can notice that. While Peter tries to investigate what's going on with the Rhino and the shocking aftermath of their battle that has taken place, Kelly ensures to keep his readers in the know of what villains might possibly be behind the Rhino's rampage. The issue has a surprising ending that, without a doubt, will make you want to pick up the next issue to understand what's going on and if any of what we've just witnessed is real because if it is, Spider-Man is already in deep trouble. Peter Parker trying to get a job? Check! Peter facing old foes? Check! A familiar face pulling the strings to mess with Spider-Man? Check! Peter Parker is still single? Well, Joe Kelly seems to provide some changes in this department. Although he's not with Mary Jane (get over it), he seems to be dating Shay Marken, which is a relationship that's carried over from the previous run. They're not exclusive just yet, but from the lovely date we get to see them on, things only look like they can go in the right direction for the two. Personally, it's refreshing to see Peter Parker with someone new, and I can only hope it'll be a semi-permanent change to his character. There are a few pages with John Romita Jr. on the art that follows Norman Osborne as we see him at a press conference, but compared to the story we just got, it unfortunately doesn't compare, and currently there isn't much interest to see where Norman's story is supposed to lead to or even with how it may connect to the main storyline taking place. It feels like we've been dealing with Norman facing his sins, and while he does have a lot, there's only so much you can do when using it as the forefront of his stories. It has become his whole character and at times it can lead to him being quite bland and boring, especially in comparison to everything else going in. There are even some greater teases for what's to come at the very end, but overall The Amazing Spider-Man #1 is a great start to Joe Kelly's new run on the wallcrawler, and it seems like he has something shocking in store for Spider-Man and his readers as he faces the ultimate challenge. The Amazing Spider-Man #1 © Marvel About The Amazing Spider-Man #1 Release Date:  April 9, 2025 Written by:  Joe Kelly Art by: Pepe Larraz, John Romita Jr. Cover by: Pepe Larraz Page Count: 36 Synopsis :  ALIVE & THWIPPING! The next era of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN has arrived! Peter is, shockingly, without a job and looking for gainful employment, but his job search is interrupted by a RAMPAGING RHINO who is but the tip of a sinister iceberg. What major Spider-Villain is working behind the scenes weaponizing other Spider-Villains including one we haven't seen in OVER SEVEN YEARS?! Also, what is that Goblin-free Norman Osborn up to anyway?

  • REVIEW: ‘Storm #7’ - A Clash of Storm Gods! The 50th Anniversary

    One of the things I love most about Storm —aside from the consistently stunning chapter pages—is the seamless back-and-forth between Ororo Munroe's grounded adventures on Earth and the expansive cosmic narrative unfolding beyond. The first few pages of Storm #7  serve as a chilling reminder of the vast powers and complex machinations that exist far beyond the concerns of Earth’s heroes. Before we even catch up with Ororo herself, Murewa re-establishes the hierarchy of cosmic beings in the Marvel Universe, emphasizing that in such a boundless cosmos, there’s always a bigger fish. As we shift to Brazil, we are reminded once again of Storm’s unique position in the world. She's a mutant, an Avenger, and yet, when Tony Stark calls upon her, it’s not for any of these roles. What he needs is a Storm God. While one might immediately think of Thor, the All-Father's departure from the Avengers in The Avengers #18  left the role of the God of Thunder open, with Ororo stepping into that mantle. Now, we find her in the jungles of Brazil, where she and Maggott are hunting a super-soldier-powered serpent amidst a strange weather anomaly. Vecchio’s art shines throughout this issue, especially in his portrayal of Ororo with sharp cheekbones, full lips, and her thick, flowing hair. But it’s in the depiction of the battle that follows that the artist truly dazzles. The arrival of thunder gods, Mamaragan, Sango, Susanoo, and Chaac, may cause some unfamiliarity, but it’s quickly clear that these are formidable storm gods, powerful enough to challenge even Ororo herself. This confrontation is particularly intriguing, as many may argue that Ororo isn’t a goddess by traditional definitions, but Chaac addresses her as one here, which adds a layer of complexity to her identity. Despite her formidable power, Storm finds herself nearly defeated by her adversaries. It’s only by tapping into the strength of her ancestors, powerful magic users and Sorcerer Supremes, that she is able to escape, though not before delivering a chilling threat that would make any villain pause. This moment underscores an interesting shift in Storm’s narrative, as writer Ayodele continues to explore her vulnerability. While her defeat here doesn’t feel as devastating as the loss in issue #4 , where she faced death, it still stings, especially considering she’s up against forces of nature she’s deeply connected to. Storm #7 - Marvel This situation brings up an interesting debate surrounding Omega-level mutants. If there is no upper limit to their power, can they not defeat even a god of the same domain? Could she hold her own had she faced just one god? Another fascinating aspect is that we don’t see the appearance of Eternal Storm in this encounter—where, in the past, Eternity would temporarily possess Ororo’s form whenever she faced death or defeat, even to the point of clashing with her friends. Perhaps this instance wasn’t a guaranteed defeat, or maybe the reasoning will be revealed later. In the end, Storm #7  wraps up with the arrival of Thor, who I’m sure will shed light on the gathering of storm gods and their apparent conflict with Ororo. This issue once again blends beautiful artwork with Ayodele’s trademark anime and manga-inspired style, weaving together cosmic and mystical elements in a way only Storm  can. While the X-Manhunt  tie-in may have detoured from our true destination a bit, Storm #7  has certainly brought the story back on track in spectacular fashion for her 50th Anniversary issue. Storm #7 - Marvel About Storm #7 Release Date:  April 09, 2025 Written by:  Murewa Ayodele Art by: Luciano Vecchio Cover by: Mateus Manhanini Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  SERPENTS, SALAMANDERS AND STORM GODS - 50TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! Fifty years ago, ORORO MUNROE - the iconic STORM - made her debut in GIANT-SIZE X-MEN #1 - thundering her way into our hearts! On this day, in her very own solo series, she will host a mix of debuts, reinventions and guest appearances of FIVE legendary thunder gods: THOR, CHAAC, SANGO, MAMARAGAN and SUSANOO! But first, a mission to BRAZIL goes horribly wrong. How much more can our hero endure?

  • REVIEW: 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 1 Episode 8: Shots Fired

    The penultimate episode of Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again , “Isle of Joy,” does the heavy lifting to set up the season finale after many of the prior episodes were occupied with detours around the central conflict. With the return of a major villain and new light shed on past events, the story is gaining the momentum it needs, although it’s still holding back some of its key elements. Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1. In Daredevil: Born Again Episode 8, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) is dealing with some fallout from his showdown with Muse in last week's episode. Although he arrived — suited up as Daredevil — in time to rescue his girlfriend Heather (Margarita Levieva), she doesn’t know about Matt’s dual identity and still sees vigilante activity in New York City as a problem. Much like Matt’s nemesis Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), Heather won’t draw a line between Daredevil and Muse.  While the narrative doesn’t ask the audience to take a side between Matt and Heather, it’s clear that his nerves are fraying due to his awareness of dangers that she can’t see. Heather’s own secret is that she’s the counselor for Fisk and his wife Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer), both of whom only become more dangerous as their relationship with each other improves.  Dodge This The murder of Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) in the series premiere has been resonating throughout the season, while details about the circumstances have remained muddled. His killer, Benjamin Poindexter/Bullseye (Wilson Bethel) has been out of sight serving a life sentence, but now he’s back. Bethel’s performance as the cold-blooded Bullseye, whose deadly aim with any kind of projectile strains belief but looks awfully cool, is always a rush and it’s exciting to have him back on the playing field.  © Marvel After initially dismissing Poindexter’s request to talk to him, Matt spends most of the episode putting together pieces about Foggy’s death. Eventually, this leads him to attend the Fisks’ fancy gala event as Heather’s guest, intent on questioning Vanessa but unaware that Bullseye has escaped from prison and is seeking revenge on someone at the same party.  Red, White, and a Dash of Blue This episode makes the most of its visuals, using the gala setting to showcase the cast in formal outfits. The color-coding of certain characters is never an accident: Wilson Fisk wears an immaculate white suit, and although red is usually understood to be the signature color of Daredevil himself, this time it’s Vanessa in a scarlet dress, set off against Wilson like the spray of blood on their treasured white painting. Blue has now been added as another theme color, reserved for Bullseye’s scenes.  © Marvel In between Matt’s struggles, a handful of supporting characters get some attention, including Ben Urich’s niece BB (Genneya Walton) and Chief Gallo (Michael Gaston). It looks like the whole gang is inadvertently coming together, though right now it’s not clear how each of them will be relevant.  To really build anticipation for the finale, we end on a cliffhanger, with Matt taking a bullet for Wilson Fisk of all people. This episode walks a fine line, being mostly set-up for the next, but still leaving a lot to be addressed. It can’t stand alone enough to feel satisfying, but it’s got the right amount of tension to ignite the end of the season. Rating: ★★★★☆ © MARVEL 2025 About Daredevil: Born Again Premiere Date:  March 4, 2025. Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Dario Scardapane Writers: Dario Scardapane, Brad Winderbaum Directors: Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Michael Cuesta, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, David Boyd Production:  Marvel Television, Disney Distribution:  Disney Cast:   Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, with Ayelet Zurer and Jon Bernthal Synopsis: In Marvel Television’s “Daredevil: Born Again,” Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a blind lawyer with heightened abilities is fighting for justice through his bustling law firm, while former mob boss Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) pursues his own political endeavors in New York. When their past identities begin to emerge, both men find themselves on an inevitable collision course.

  • REVIEW: 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 1 Episode 7: Losing Steam

    Daredevil: Born Again delivered its best episode yet last week with "With Interest", and followed it up with a mostly solid episode in "Excessive Force". However, once again, for every step forward this season it takes another back. Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again Season 1. Episode 7, "Art for Art's Sake", picks up right where last week's second episode (of the two-part drop) left off. The city and the titular character (and Wilson Fisk) are reeling from the return of Daredevil and the mayhem of Muse. Matt Murdock(Charlie Cox) is visibly shellshocked and distraught that he has slipped back into his old habits, no matter how much he tries to justify his actions. Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onforio) is similarly shaken by the revelation that Daredevil has returned to his vigilante ways. The episode continuously shows the significance of Daredevil's return and the weight it puts on its main character's shoulders. The gravity of how unhealthy Daredevil is for Matt is one of the highlights of this season, and it's the main focus on this episode. It puts a strain on his relationship with Heather, his work-life balance, and his overall mental health. The audience wants to see Daredevil back on the streets, dishing out vigilante justice, but it is simply not good for Matt. RELATED: ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Episode Titles Muse is... fine © MARVEL 2025 A few weeks ago the Muse teases felt out of place. Since then we've had much more screen time with the character and it's delivered mixed results. The show feels like it wants to be making a larger point with him, but it just doesn't really get there. He's troubled, he had a rough childhood, and he wanted to be an artist, but the show doesn't do the work to dive into that substantially. He hardly moves beyond just being a mass serial killer (60 victims is a frankly absurd number, even for a comic book property) for Daredevil to chase down and thwart. This episode also has a loose focus on the subplot of Fisk still losing control of the underworld, Vanessa's motivations being altogether unclear, and Fisk's new task force is tasked with taking down Muse all rolled into one. It sort of works. It's a lot that's not given that much compelling screen time. The Vanessa scenes feel very obvious and the task force is similarly basic. The most interesting part of Fisk in this episode is his reaction to Daredevil returning. He reacts with outward disgust, but it's hard not to think he might be a little excited at the return of an old nemesis. RELATED: REVIEW: 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 1 Episode 3: A Trial of Masks © MARVEL 2025 This episode is serviceable. It's not bad by any means, but it's far from the top of the season. Muse is broadly interesting but lacks any genuine depth. Fisk's side of the story feels a bit all over the place. Matt and his relationship with Heather are clear highlights, but they can't take up the entire runtime. It's disappointing to see how incredible this show can be with outings like "With Interest" and then how simply average it immediately falls back to. It's uneven, to say the least. Rating: ★★★☆☆ © MARVEL 2025 About Daredevil: Born Again Premiere Date:  March 4, 2025. Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Dario Scardapane Writers: Dario Scardapane, Brad Winderbaum Directors: Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead, Michael Cuesta, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, David Boyd Production:  Marvel Television, Disney Distribution:  Disney Cast:   Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Margarita Levieva, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Zabryna Guevara, Nikki James, Genneya Walton, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Michael Gandolfini, with Ayelet Zurer and Jon Bernthal Synopsis: In Marvel Television’s “Daredevil: Born Again,” Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a blind lawyer with heightened abilities is fighting for justice through his bustling law firm, while former mob boss Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) pursues his own political endeavors in New York. When their past identities begin to emerge, both men find themselves on an inevitable collision course.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Robert Pattinson Is Set to Portray ‘Scytale’ in 'Dune 3'

    As Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel to Dune: Part Two  gears up for production this Summer, its first new cast member has joined the film. Nexus Point News can exclusively report that Robert Pattinson is set to portray Scytale, in Dune 3. This news follows Deadline’s initial report that Pattinson was in talks to join the cast of the film in an undisclosed role. Nexus Point News has been tracking this casting for weeks now and can report that a deal is already closed or close to closing although Deadline reported an offer has not been made. Pattinson will be portraying Scytale, a character first introduced in Frank Herbert’s 1969 novel, Dune Messiah . Scytale is a face dancer and a member of the Bene Tleilax, a mysterious society known for their interest in genetic manipulation. They are responsible for the creation of the first Duncan Idaho ghola, a role that Jason Momoa will return to portray in this upcoming film. Scytale is being described as the film’s primary antagonist and in the novel is known for conspiring with the Guild Navigator Edric, Reverend Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling), and Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) to overthrow the emperor, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet). NPN has also learned in addition to Scytale’s involvement in the film, other major characters set to appear in the film are the revolutionary Farok and Paul and Chani’s (Zendaya) children, Leto and Ghanima. Casting is currently underway for these characters. With the inclusion of the twins, the film is set to include a major time jump as they will be in their teens. Dune 3  is slated to begin shooting in July and continue through the end of the year. Writer and director of the first two films, Denis Villeneuve, returns to write and direct the third installment of the series. With Pattinson’s involvement in the project, this would prevent him from donning the cape and cowl in The Batman - Part II until early 2026 at the earliest. Legendary’s Dune 3 is currently rumored to release on December 16, 2026.

  • 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance' Film Gets A Disappointing Update

    Four years ago, it all sounded incredibly promising. But since then, the once-hyped adaptation of this beloved RPG has gone eerily quiet. There’s no doubt about it: Grand Theft Auto VI  is the game everyone’s waiting for. Yet earlier this year, gamers across the world had their attention snapped away by something else entirely: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II . Warhorse Studios’ historical RPG didn’t just make waves; it proved that realism, strong storytelling, and a hefty dose of medieval grime can be absolutely irresistible. © Warhorse Studios A Film Adaptation Shelved Since 2020 Back in 2020, Variety  reported that a Kingdom Come: Deliverance  film was in the works. A collaboration between Warhorse Studios and Erik Barmack, former Netflix executive and now the force behind production company Wild Sheep Content, was supposed to bring the gritty Bohemian saga to the big screen. Talks with writers and directors were already underway. Everything seemed set. Then COVID-19 happened, and the project was shelved. According to Warhorse PR manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, the original deal is now “gone.” In an interview with The Nerd Shepherd , he explained: “ Well, so so. The deal as it was prepared in the past is already gone as covid got in the way, but there is still chance that something new could come up in the future. However, at this point we are just focusing on the game, patches and DLCs. ”  In other words: the idea isn’t dead, just buried under more pressing priorities. The project had everything going for it—and still does Stolz-Zwilling emphasized how well the game has been received: “ We're absolutely thrilled with the response to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. While we believed in what we were making, the level of enthusiasm from the community has been beyond our expectations .” You’d think that would be enough to get Hollywood knocking again, especially now that other video game adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie , Fallout , The Last of Us , Arcane , and The Minecraft Movie  are racking up success after success. Audiences clearly want video game adaptations. And Kingdom Come  is one of the few titles with a grounded historical setting, layered characters, and a sober tone that’s made for the screen, no flashy magic, no CGI chaos, just gripping medieval drama with a realistic edge. So what can we expect? For now, all we can do is wait. The production remains on hold. No official team is attached. And both Warhorse and Wild Sheep Content are tight-lipped about any new developments. But hope isn’t lost, far from it. With the success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II , the chances of this long-dormant project being revived are better than ever. And honestly, if Hollywood is truly looking for rich storytelling, raw authenticity, and a medieval drama that can rival Game of Thrones  in subtlety and believability… they only need to look in one direction: Kingdom Come . Let’s just hope this adaptation doesn’t stay a fairytale.

  • REVIEW: ‘Moonrise’ Raises Questions, Without Many Answers

    It’s Labor Day in the not-too-distant future, and the super-AI Sapientia is unveiling the newest Orbital Elevator. This miracle of technology allows easy and quick travel between Earth and a settlement on the Moon. The celebration is short-lived; an explosion destroys the Orbital Elevator, and a declaration is made: Freedom for the people of the Moon.  Moonrise  is the long-anticipated Japanese animated series from Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiramu Arakawa and author Tow Ubukata and it mostly lives up to the hype. Moonrise combines striking visuals, a complex plot, engaging characters, and an intense emotional core to tell the story of Jacob “Jack” Shadow and his companions.  The tragedy that opens the series serves as a call to action for Jack, who not only loses his adoptive parents but is accused of being an accomplice in the bombing. He joins the forces of Earth to fight against the Moon rebels, led by a man called the Moon Devil.  The Moon Devil © Netflix The Meaning of Names Why the leader of the freedom fighters is called the Moon Devil is a mystery never explained, though in many cultures, moon deities are depicted with crescent crowns that resemble horns . Throughout the series, there are other nods to religion and mythology. Sapientia is a Latin word meaning ”wisdom, memory, or the skilled practice of science”. It is certainly a prescient name for an advanced Artificial Intelligence. The Moon’s capital city, Copernicus, is named after the Polish scientist who originally discovered that the Earth revolves around the Sun. The character Inanna is named after a Sumarian goddess who was given the gift of civilization , much like Sapientia gives the “gift” of civilization on the moon.  Moonrise  is symbolic, yet contemporary, take on the mecha genre of anime, with parallels to both modern and classic science fiction. The current use of AI in the real world in terms of making life-or-death decisions in the case of healthcare claims and employment hangs over the plot, making Sapientia a suspicious entity from the very beginning. The characters do not doubt the AI the way the audience does.  Jack Shadow © Netflix Who is Who? There is a co-dependent dystopia on display in Moonrise . The truth of Jack’s past and future reside within this world, his memories of the Moon at odds with the reality of the attack upon Earth and the actions of Sapientia to bring order. Jack’s ultimate struggle is to come to terms with who he was versus who he is, and what he truly believes in. The series begins strong, though with limited worldbuilding that leads to many questions, the least of which being the origin of the “Moon Devil” moniker. We are briefly introduced to the Shadow family, but do not get a chance to know them. Sapientia’s existence is taken for granted. We are told this is in the not-too-distant future, but there is little explanation as to how the world got the way it was.  While the worldbuilding is unimpressive, the animation is a feast for the eyes. From the gorgeous soaring Orbital Elevators to the lovely character designs, WIT Studios keeps even the least engaging episodes interesting to watch. While the plot drags halfway through, the artwork keeps the show afloat.  Orbital Elevator © Netflix Moonrise  is an uneven series with a strong beginning and finish sandwiching a forgettable middle. The characters are engaging, though the Moon’s freedom fighting cadre comes across as unnecessary comic relief. The artwork and animation is breathtaking and manages to pull the production together. Ultimately, Moonrise  is a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following the status quo, and what can go wrong when nothing is questioned.  Rating: ★★★☆☆ About Moonrise Premiere Date:  April 10, 2025 Episode Count:  18 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Tow Ubukata Director: Masashi Koizuka Production:   Wit Studio Distribution:  Netflix Cast:   Chiaki Kobayashi, Yuto Uemura, AiNA THE END, Misaki Yamada, Katsunori Okai, Yu Kobayashi, Kosuke Takaguchi, Arisa Kori, Yuka Terasaki, Satoshi Yamaguchi, Masaki Aizawa, Takehito Koyasu, Mie Sonozaki, Arisa Sekine, Shin Aomori Synopsis: In a not-too-distant future, humanity has established a loosely organized world government with everything managed by an international AI network called Sapientia. People live peaceful lives by loyally obeying its rational decisions. However, Sapientia’s lunar development project, which sends criminals and pollutants to the Moon to maintain Earth’s peace, creates disparity and poverty on the Moon, sparking a catalyst for war. Jacob "Jack" Shadow gets caught up in this conflict after losing his family to a terrorist bombing by the Moon's rebel army. Vowing revenge, Jack joins the Earth army as a scout on the Moon, only to discover an unexpected leader among the resistance forces.

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