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BFI London Film Festival Disclaimer: This review contains mild spoilers for Blitz . With his fifth feature film (following Hunger , Shame , 12 Years a Slave and the underrated Widows ), McQueen brings us a functionally conventional war picture that whilst not reinventing the wheel, deftly challenges historical misconceptions whilst illuminating forgotten corners. It is the singularity of McQueen's vision (he directs, writes and produces here) that facilitates the kinds of subtle revelations which help this film to avoid falling into the traps of most of the genre. We find ourselves in the kind of tale which was once a cornerstone of children's literature and film (see CS Lewis Narnia , Enid Blyton, Goodnight Mister Tom ). It is wartime in 1940s London and single mum Rita (Saoirse Ronan), who lives with her father Gerald (a wonderfully tender Paul Weller) is forced to send her nine-year-old son George off to the British countryside to keep him safe from the Blitz - Nazi airraids of 1940-41 which reduced swathes of the capital to rubble. Rather than centring his film around George living in the countryside or his journey back to London, McQueen chooses to follow George's trials and misadventures as he navigates London itself (the decision to premiere Blitz at the London Film Festival was no accident - this is arguably the Londoner's most personal film to date). The excellent Ronan ( Lady Bird , Little Women ) delivers a typically assured performance as Rita, but it is newcomer Elliott Heffernan who most impresses as George. Heffernan, who did just about all of his own stunts (and believe me, this boy is put through his paces in this film), eschews melodrama in favour of a winningly stoic performance - reserved without falling into vacuousness. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for all performances in this film. Whilst Stephen Graham and Kathy Burke clearly have an immense deal of fun chewing scenery - their broadness threatens to break the impressive feat of social realsim which McQueen and team have wrought. Fortunately, this is only a momentarily blip - as for the vast majority of the film, we are treated to a series of what can almost be described as vignettes, which we see through George's eyes. Grime, chaos, greed, callousness - but also camaraderie, sacrifice and charity. The infamous 'Blitz spirit' is in full display here. However, it is not in the two-dimensional, masculine and whitewashed sense of wartime propaganda - but in quietly revolutionary reframings of that spirit. Starring a mixed-race child and centring the oft-forgotten role of women in the war effort (as ammunitions workers, not tea ladies), the sidelined volunteers such as Benjamin Clementine's tender Yourba warden Ife - all of this is done not as box-ticking or disingenous revisionism, but to more genuinely reflect the time as it was. Honesty is the watchword here - in performances, Yorick le Saux's cinematography and historical fidelity (Joshua Levine, author of The Secret History of the Blitz , advised on this film and Dunkirk ). At the LFF press conference, McQueen talked about how the key messages he wanted to drive home with Blitz  was his interest in how love can shine through in their very particular times - which, whilst part of a very particular period of history, continue to ring ever-true with ongoing conflicts in Palestine, the Ukraine and elsewhere. Some will be too quick to dismiss this film as 'too safe', lacking in bite or originality (although the 12A rating arguably contributes, it aids accessibility) - but it is McQueen's naturalistic and deft touch which makes this deserving to be considered a new staple of the wartime drama stable. Rating: 4/5 Blitz world premiered at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival. It plays in select cinemas on 1 November before streaming globally on Apple TV+ on 22 November.

The 'Friday Night Lights' Emmy winner will officially don the emerald ring as legendary Green Lantern Hal Jordan. We have learned that Kyle Chandler has been cast for the role of legendary Green Lantern Hal Jordan in DC Studios’ HBO series, Lanterns . This version of the character is described as a Lantern legend in his forties to fifties and will be a veteran member of the Corps. The series follows new recruit (John Stewart) and Lantern legend (Hal Jordan), two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. Chandler is best known for his role as Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights which landed him an Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Chandler also notably starred in the Monsterverse franchise and numerous other films such as Argo, The Wolf of Wall Street, Zero Dark Thirty, and Manchester by the Sea . Hal Jordan was created by John Broome and Gil Kane and debuted in DC’s Showcase #22 in 1959. Jordan’s Green Lantern was a reinvention of Martin Nodell and Bill Finger’s character Alan Scott, who first used the title of Green Lantern in All-American Comics #16 in 1940. Jordan is a former military pilot, following in the footsteps of his father. After his military service he becomes a test pilot for Ferris Aircraft, during which he’s chosen by a dying Abin Sur to become his successor as Green Lantern of Earth’s sector: 2814. Jordan, like all Lanterns, uses an advanced ring powered by his willpower to create hard-light constructs of whatever he can imagine. The character was previously portrayed in live-action in Legends of the Superheroes by Howard Murphy and in Green Lantern  by Ryan Reynolds. Lanterns  was first announced in January 2023 by DC Studios co-CEO, James Gunn. The series was later picked up by HBO for an 8-episode season in June 2024 with the announcement that Chris Mundy ( Ozark)  will be the series’ showrunner and Tom King ( Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow ) and Damon Lindelof ( Watchmen, Prometheus ) as executive producers. Lanterns will see two intergalactic cops (Hal Jordan and John Stewart) drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. Nathan Fillion is expected to reprise his role as Green Lantern Guy Gardner.  Chandler is represented by Gersh and Brillstein.  This story is developing.

After narrowing it down to their top two choices, the DC Universe has found their John Stewart. We have learned that Aaron Pierre has been cast for the role of Green Lantern John Stewart in DC Studios’ HBO series, Lanterns . This version of the character is described as a Lantern rookie in his early thirties who will form a reluctant partnership with Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan. The series follows new recruit (John Stewart) and Lantern legend (Hal Jordan), two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. Pierre is best known for his roles as Caesar in The Underground Railroad , Malcolm X in Genius: MLK/X , and most recently as Terry Richmond in  Rebel Ridge which was the #1 title worldwide on Netflix . Additionally, Pierre will voice the titular role of Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King which is set to release this December. This will also be Pierre's second role as a DC character as he portrayed Kryptonian soldier Dev-Em in Krypton . John Stewart was created by Dennis O’Neil and Neal Adams in 1971 and debuted in Green Lantern  #87. Stewart is a Marine veteran who was working as an architect before being chosen to be a Green Lantern. Stewart was initially chosen as the back-up Lantern to Hal Jordan as the previous back-up, Guy Gardner, was injured and out of commission at the time. Stewart took up the mantle on and off for over a decade until 1984, where he became Earth’s primary Green Lantern after Hal Jordan quit. Stewart eventually became a Darkstar in the 1990s and served as a mentor to Kyle Rayner until Rayner gave him a new ring, leading him to take up the mantle once again. Lanterns  was first announced in January 2023 by DC Studios co-CEO, James Gunn. The series was later picked up by HBO for an 8-episode season in June 2024 with the announcement that Chris Mundy ( Ozark)  will be the series’ showrunner and Tom King ( Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow ) and Damon Lindelof ( Watchmen, Prometheus ) as executive producers. Lanterns will see two intergalactic cops (Hal Jordan and John Stewart) drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. Kyle Chandler is set to portray Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Nathan Fillion is expected to reprise his role as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, who will make his DCU debut in 2025’s Superman .  Nexus Point News exclusively reported that the series will begin shooting in January 2025 in Atlanta. Lanterns  is expected to be part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters of the DCU and will premiere on HBO. Aaron Pierre is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, Hamilton Holdell, Sloan Offer Weber & Dern and Narrative. This story is developing.

After the enormous and unexpected success of Joker, it was inevitable that a sequel would be in the works given the film's commercial and critical achievements. Indeed, the film received no fewer than 9 Oscar nominations, winning 2, and was, until recently, the highest-grossing R-rated movie in cinematic history before being surpassed by Deadpool & Wolverine. Joker: Folie à Deux is therefore a very risky gamble: not only is a sequel unnecessary, but it also has to live up to its predecessor. Led by Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) and Lady Gaga (Harley Quinn), Joker: Folie à Deux takes place two years after the events of the first film. Now confined at Arkham, Arthur Fleck falls in love with Harleen Quinzel after meeting her during a singing class. As the two experience musical madness through their shared insanity, Arthur's followers start a movement to free him. Much calmer and more subdued, Folie à Deux shows the cruel and repetitive daily life that Arthur endures at Arkham, a far cry from the frantic pace of the first film. Arthur seems to be at a low point in his life—he no longer smiles and no longer tells jokes, unlike before when he used to entertain the asylum guards. That is, until he meets his true love: Harleen Quinzel. She brings back his smile and helps him rediscover his sense of humor. They share a common passion that brings them closer: music. Already a key element in the first film, in Folie à Deux, music serves as a form of therapy to help him overcome and cope the traumas that have fractured him. No matter how much the studio tries to disguise it, the film is a musical. After all, Lady Gaga wasn’t chosen by accident. Blending pop and jazz, the film features numerous iconic songs from the 20th century. Aside from one truly remarkable sequence in terms of choreography, staging, set design, and singing, the movie is very disappointing as a musical. First, Lady Gaga tries to sing like a beginner to match Joaquin Phoenix’s level. But why cast her if not to fully showcase her talent? When you see what the actress is capable of in A Star is Born, it’s truly unfortunate that she wasn’t highlighted more. Since most of the dance and song scenes take place in Arthur's mind, they have no real impact on the film because we already know they are fictional. They are often poorly introduced, at the wrong time, with transitions that leave much to be desired. Aside from the biggest musical number in the film, I was also disappointed by the set design. For a film with a budget close to $200 million—almost four times that of the first movie—I expected something far more impressive and grand. The film doesn’t look cheap, but I honestly wonder where the budget went, if not into the actors’ pockets. If there’s one thing I can't criticize, it's Joaquin Phoenix's dedication to this role which once again shines on screen. Lady Gaga, for her part, is radiant with a simple yet impactful performance. The cinematography of the film is absolutely incredible. Lawrence Sher perfectly captures Gotham's grimy essence. I highly recommend watching the film in IMAX format. Hildur Guðnadóttir's score isn’t as memorable as in the first film, but it’s still effective enough to evoke the darkness & bleakness of the movie. As for the story, it's probably the film's biggest weakness significantly bringing it down despite the high quality of the rest. While it runs for almost two and a half hours, the plot is hanging by a thread. It doesn't have anything new to say. It even drags at times, especially with such questionable editing where the musical sequences often feel poorly placed in inappropriate moments. On the other hand, the courtroom scenes are excellent with tension and a remarkable level of directorial control, making them one of the film’s strongest points. The relationship between Joker and Harley feels unconvincing, largely due to Harley's character being treated too briefly and lacking depth. Nevertheless, her character serves to critique the toxic and irrational worshipping of "famous" people. Though subtle, the film also criticizes the constant sensationalism sought by the media. In the end, Joker: Folie à Deux is just as incredible as its predecessor from a technical standpoint with its cinematography, actors, sets, and music… but where the first film succeeded in evoking emotion and drawing the viewer into the frenzy of its main character, Foliee à Deux disappoints with its overly thin writing and timid musical sequences, as if the film didn't accept it was a musical. Rating: 3/5

Casting for the upcoming Children of Blood and Bone is still currently underway, but Nexus Point News has the latest update on one of the faces we could expect to see in live-action Orïsha. Nexus Point News has exclusively learned that Damson Idris is in talks for the role of Prince Inan in the upcoming Children of Blood and Bone film adaptation. In the book, Prince Inan is a protagonist and antagonist throughout the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy and a love interest for the main character, Zélie, in the first book. Idris is best known for his role as Franklin Saint in FX’s Snowfall  and will next be seen in Joseph Kosinski’s 2025 film F1 . Idris also starred in Amazon Prime Video’s Swarm and numerous other films such as Outside The Wire, Farming, The Commuter,  and Astral . The casting for the film was officially announced to be underway in July by author and scriptwriter Tomi Adeyemi on X , sharing that it was an open casting call looking for actors from Hollywood to Nigeria. The InSneider recently reported that South African actress Thuso Mbedu will be reunited with The Woman King director Gina Prince-Bythewood and has landed the lead role of Zélie Adebola in the upcoming film. He also reported that other  The Woman King  stars, John Boyega, who would likely be playing Zelie's older brother Tzain, and Lashana Lynch, who will likely play Princess Amari based on what he gathered, are being eyed for the film. Although Nexus Point News can verify that Lynch is being eyed for a role, it is not for Amari, but instead Mama Agba. We can also confirm that Boyega is not being considered for the role of Tzain as another actor is being eyed to play him. Children of Blood and Bone  by Tomi Adeyemi is a West African-inspired fantasy novel that follows Zélie Adebola, a young girl who embarks on a journey to restore magic to the land of Orïsha, after seeing her mother and people stripped of it by a menacing king at a young age. A key aspect of the story is the feud between Zélie and Prince Inan, the son of the oppressive king who outlawed magic. While Zélie fights to restore magic and seeks justice for her people, Inan is torn between his loyalty to his father and the kingdom and his growing realization that magic is part of his own identity. This creates an interesting conflict in the first book as the two characters, who stand on opposite ends on their beliefs in the role of magic in Orïsha, become intertwined in ways they do not expect. The movie adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone was originally acquired by Fox 2000 in 2017, before the book’s release. In February 2019, Rick Famuyiwa ( Dope, Brown Sugar ) was attached to direct the film. However, once Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, Fox 2000 was shuttered, and the film was transferred to Lucasfilm with Kay Oyegun ( This Is Us ) attached to write the script. Lucasfilm took too long to develop the film, letting the rights to the film lapse; Paramount Pictures then landed the rights to the film in 2022. Gina Prince-Bythewood ( The Old Guard, The Woman King ) is currently set to direct with author Tomi Adeyemi set to pen the script. Nexus Point News has also learned that Children of Blood and Bone will begin shooting early next year from February to June 2025.

Following the critical success of the first season of Marvel Animation’s hit series X-Men ‘97 , Nexus Point News can exclusively confirm that the second season of the Emmy-nominated series is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026. Earlier this year, creator and head writer Beau DeMayo was unexpectedly fired from Marvel Studios after completing work on the shows second season and consequently starting on the third season. We are told from sources that the show has been pushed to a 2026 premiere date due to changes being made to the story and scripts. Matthew Chauncey has been announced to write the scripts for the third season reworking the drafts Beau DeMayo had written for the show. Larry Houston, Eric and Julia Lewald who are the executive producers of the original X-Men: The Animated Series , will remain as consulting producers for the series as reported by The Hollywood Reporter . X-Men fans may have quite some time for the second season but if the delay is any indication of the quality, fans will be in for a treat.

Natasha Romanoff's journey ended in Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Scarlett Johansson 's journey with Marvel Studios isn't quite over yet. There were several confirmations for an untitled top-secret project Scarlett Johansson was working on in collaboration with Marvel Studios. These confirmations came from Marvel Studios' boss, Kevin Feige, and Scarlett Johannson herself. When ET interviewed Kevin Feige during THE MARVELS premiere, he has confirmed there was a project in the works with Scarlett Johansson: ET: "Yeah, it was like one of the things that was talked about at this retreat were Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr. possibly returning at some point." Feige: "We did not discuss that at the retreat is the truth. We're doing a project with Scarlett." Scarlett Johansson also commented on this top-secret project in an interview with ComicBook back in June 2023: It is still happening, [but] not currently because nothing is happening right now. We're all sort of in this holding pattern as we wait out the writers' strike and potentially our own guild strike, and so on and so forth. We haven't heard anything else about the top secret project for a long while. It was unknown whether it would be a live-action movie, or a TV series, or even an animated project. We are happy to be the first to share that this top-secret project is a TV series . Courtney Baker, a creative executive at Marvel Studios, has added this to her LinkedIn profile: Serve as an executive on the upcoming TV project Untitled Scarlett Johansson series for Disney+. While the plot of the project is still under the wraps, one could speculate this TV series might be about Black Widow corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This recent development concerning Scarlett Johansson's involvement in an untitled Marvel/Disney project comes in the wake of recent statements by Iger, in which he indicated that they intend to scale back Marvel's production output. Despite this scaling back, the fact that Johansson is still attached to this upcoming project implies a strong vote of confidence from Marvel and Disney. This could mean that they have high expectations for the project, likely viewing it as a significant addition to their lineup despite the overall reduction in output. What do you think this project could be about?

WARNING: This review contains spoilers for the first two episodes of Agatha All Along . Three years ago, WandaVision  breathed fresh life into the MCU, and it still stands out as one of the most unique and daring projects Marvel Studios had ever produced. Since then, Marvel has struggled to recapture that same magic on our screens—until now. Enter Agatha All Along , another bold, genre-bending creation from the visionary team behind WandaVision . The series picks up roughly three years after Wanda trapped Agatha in her Agnes persona. Agnes now finds herself living out a bizarre, self-constructed true-crime fantasy, with the entire town playing along. In her mind, she’s stuck in a stereotypical small-town murder mystery. At some point, she even breaks character, offering sly observations that poke fun at the predictable tropes of true-crime dramas—like when she confidently asserts that the solution to the crime must lie in her small town, as is often the case in such stories. We meet Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), and the chemistry between Rio and Agatha is out of this world. Their exchanges are full of tension, which is hinting that they have a complicated, and possibly romantic past. What really stands out is Rio’s clear intent to kill Agatha, only for Agatha to casually reveal that Rio isn’t allowed to do so. This line immediately raises some questions—who could possibly make such a rule, and why is Rio bound by it? Is it magic, some kind of supernatural contract, or an external power keeping Agatha alive? Rio tells Agatha that she can't kill her and even suggests Agatha takes her power. Why do these witches can't kill each other? What kind of magic or force does Rio possess that could be so dangerous, even to a powerful witch like Agatha? Agatha All Along definitely knows how to keep the audiences wondering, just like WandaVision . But that isn't the only mystery we are offered. Joe Locke's mysterious goth Teen seems to be the center of the show. He is the one who breaks Wanda's spell on Agatha, which raises some questions for Agatha because she doesn't seem to believe a random boy could just break a spell cast by the Scarlet Witch, one of the most powerful beings in the MCU. Locke's character also can't say his name, it is censored with some sort of sigil whenever he says it. And he is muted for Agatha when he wants to tell her about himself. The mystery aside, with his high energy and wits, Locke's "Teen" becomes the perfect scene partner for Kathryn Hahn's Agatha Harkness. Teen convinces Agatha to form a coven to enter The Witches' Road, a place where you can get your one true wish after passing several deadly trials. We meet Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), and Alice Wu (Ali Ahn). All these witches Agatha seeks are at rock bottom, which makes it easier for Agatha to convince them although her intentions are completely different. It's a breath of fresh air to witness Agatha embrace her inherently manipulative and power-hungry nature. Instead of using the Darkhold as a plot device to reframe her as a redemptive anti-hero, Agatha remains true to her character—unconcerned with others and driven solely by her own desires. While the focus isn't heavily on the primary antagonists, The Salem Seven, their brief introduction is enough to leave a lasting impression. The scenes featuring them are chilling and unsettling as their movements don't feel human at all. I am excited to see more of these vengeance seeker. Agatha All Along  masterfully revives the innovative spirit that made WandaVision  a standout success. By picking up the narrative thread three years after Wanda’s spell and immersing us in Agatha’s true-crime world, the series not only honors its predecessor, but also carves out its own unique space within the MCU. The show’s exploration of witches, coupled with Agatha’s unapologetically ambitious nature, makes for a compelling watch. Rating: 5/5

Disclaimer: This review contains mild spoilers for Speak No Evil (2024). Hollywood has been enamoured with ploughing the fertile ground of horror remakes ever since it smelt profit, but more often than not finds itself failing to live up to the expectations of the original.  With his version of Speak No Evil , director James Watkins ( Eden Lake , The Woman in Black ), whilst not reinventing the rulebook, delivers a consistently engrossing and suspenseful film that stands on its own two feet - all the more impressive considering this is a remake of a film released only two years’ prior. Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy play married couple Ben and Louise, marking a reunion following their time leading the exceptional and criminally under-watched Halt and Catch Fire .  When we meet them, they are on holiday in Italy with their daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler), who has extreme anxiety. The family recently moved to London for Ben’s new job, which immediately collapsed, leaving them detached from anyone they know.  There is also a hint that things are not quite sunshine and rainbows between the pair, with Ben feeling disconcerted by his daughter’s immaturity.  Whilst on holiday, the family encounter Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), along with their son Ant - who Paddy tells them is prevented from speaking due to his undersized tongue.  Agnes and Ant get on swimmingly - as do Ben and Paddy, with Ben longing for his easy confidence, charm and his validation.  When Paddy invites the family to their isolated farm in the West Country, England, Louise goes along with it. Once they reach the farm, Paddy’s charm gives way to something more overbearing and potentially insidious, whilst Ciara unsettles Louise with her insistent of parenting Agnes as if she is her daughter. Ant also attempts to communicate something to Agnes - but she does not know what. Most audiences will be talking about McAvoy’s top-billed performance as Paddy, a symbol of seething, barely-suppressed male rage - and the marketing team knows it.  However, make no mistake - this is an ensemble film at heart - packed with exceptional performances across its limited cast. This film drips with chemistry between just about every single character - and although it is ostensibly a horror film (and advertised as such), the gentle humour and camaraderie between the grouping struck me as remarkably tender.  Pretty swiftly, of course, this facade unravels - leaving the family in their thrall. Davis and McNairy;s pairing mark a reunion following their time leading the exceptional and criminally under-watched Halt and Catch Fire .  In lesser hands, their characters could remain mere cardboard cutouts - all-too-familiar archetypes that fail to register.  But in Davis and McNairy deliver something special.  Although our protagonists make decisions which can easily be deemed as illogical and in thrall to narrative contrivance, the performances of Davis and McNairy make this excusable.  Although some may consider the couple’s decisions which lead to their bind to be implausible - Watkins demonstrates man’s capacity to be seduced by the prospect of becoming a monster in service of being a ‘real man’. This is not delivered through hamfisted dialogue, but the trajectory of the overall narrative, along with the excellent performances. Watkins' adaptation of Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup's original script (much of which was already in English) The score, by composing duo Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, like the film as a whole, chooses understated dread over gonzo bombast.   Speaking of bombast, I find myself reminded of another 2024 film in the same wheeelhouse which attempted to hit most of the same beats yet to far less success - The Strangers: Chapter 1 . (which was, funnily enough, a remake of a 2008 film)  Speak No Evil succeeds where this fails.  A film that could so easily be broadly drawn and camp instead chooses subtly and nuance, rendering the somewhat mundane goings-on that make most of the film chillingly believable. Whilst the story may be nothing new - mysterious figure beguiles naive couple with calamitous results - this film represents an exceptional example that is elegantly directly. Everyone should eagerly await whatever Watkins has to bring us next. Rating: 3.5/5. Speak No Evil  (2024) is now playing in cinemas worldwide.

Production on HBO’s latest entry to their Game of Thrones/World of Ice and Fire universe is still underway, filming however, has now concluded, and we’re here to give you a rundown on all the information you need about the new series.   This page will be continuously updated as new filming information is released. Title and Synopsis So far, HBO has toyed with a variety of similar names for the series. At first, the show was titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight , and then The Hedge Knight , which transformed into Dunk and Egg , and now holds the title A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms . The official synopsis of the series is as follows: “A century before the events of Game of Thrones , two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.” Crew Showrunner — Ira Parker Writers — George R.R. Martin — Ira Parker — Steve Conrad — Hiram R. Martinez — Annie Julia Wyman — Aziza Barnes — Ti Mikkel Executive Producers: — George R.R. Martin — Steve Conrad — Vince Geradis — Ira Parker — Ryan J. Condal — Owen Harris — Sarah Bradshaw Production Manager: — Sarah Bradshaw Directors — Owen Harris — Harry Bradbeer Production Design: —Tom McCullagh Costume Design: — Lorna Marie Mugan (Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street, The Pope's Exorcist) Cast Peter Claffey will star as Duncan the Tall (Dunk). Ser Duncan the Tall, otherwise famously known as “Dunk” in the Tales of Dunk and Egg , is a towering and strong man from the slums of Flea Bottom. He was raised and trained by a hedge knight named Ser Arlan of Pennytree. After Ser Arlan's death, Dunk adopts the title of Ser Duncan the Tall and becomes a hedge knight, embodying the chivalric ideals of honor, bravery, and kindness. Peter is a former rugby player turned actor who is 6'5 tall. His audition readings were said to be " terrific ." Dexter Sol Ansell will star as Aegon V Targaryen (Egg). Aegon V Targaryen, otherwise famously known as “Egg” in the Tales of Dunk and Egg, is a young prince who disguises his identity by shaving his head to travel as the squire of Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight. Egg is intelligent, curious, and compassionate, displaying humility and a strong sense of justice. As the fourth son of King Maekar I Targaryen, Aegon was in line for the succession of the Iron Throne. Dexter is a child acting veteran who recently starred as a child Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes . We have been told that Dexter's audition readings were great as well and that he cannot wait to shave his head . Dexter has shaved his head for filming. Finn Bennett will star as Aerion "Brightflame" Targaryen. Prince Aerion Targaryen, otherwise known as Aerion Brightflame, was the second son of King Maekar I Targaryen and the older brother of Prince Aegon Targaryen (Egg). Aerion was known for being arrogant, hot-tempered, and having a cruel streak. He considered himself a dragon and consistently acted with a sense of entitlement due to his Targaryen lineage. Finn Bennett is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, True Detective , The Mouse , or Top Boy . Sam Spruell will star as Maekar I Targaryen. King Maekar I Targaryen, known as Maekar the Anvil, was the fourteenth king of the Targaryen dynasty to sit on the Iron Throne of Westeros. Maekar was known for his stern and serious nature. He had a strong sense of duty and was often considered blunt and uncompromising. Despite his harsh demeanor, he was fiercely loyal to his family and realm. Maekar is the father of Prince Aegon (Egg), and the younger brother of Baelor Breakspear, whom he grew in the shadow of. Sam Spruell is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Snow White and the Huntsman , Taken 3 , or Legend . Bertie Carvel will star as Baelor "Breakspear" Targaryen. Prince Baelor Targaryen, otherwise known as Baelor Breakspear, was the eldest son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell, the older brother to Maekar I Targaryen and uncle to Prince Aegon (Egg). Baelor inherited the dark hair and eyes of his mother, Myriah Martell, rather than the silver hair and violet eyes of his Valyrian ancestors and father. Baelor was known for his valour, chivalry, and sense of justice. He was a skilled warrior and a beloved leader, admired for his honour and integrity. His charisma and bravery earned him the moniker "Breakspear." Bertie Carvel is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Dalgliesh , The Tragedy of Macbeth , or Doctor Foster . Tanzyn Crawford will star as Tanselle "Too-Tall." Tanselle, or Tanselle Too-Tall, was a Dornish puppeteer with black hair and olive skin. As part of a traveling group of puppeteers, she earned her living by entertaining people across the Seven Kingdoms with her puppet shows and artistic talents. Tanselle was notably tall for a woman, which earned her the nickname "Too-Tall." She was kind-hearted, and creative. "Tanselle Too-Tall was her name, but she was not too tall for me," said Duncan the Tall. Tanzyn Crawford is a veteran actress who has starred in some projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize her from, Servant , or Alexander . Daniel Ings will star as Lyonel "the Laughing Storm" Baratheon. Lyonel Baratheon had black hair and blue eyes, traits inherited from his Baratheon ancestors. He was tall and powerfully built, described as a "swaggering giant of a man," and nearly as tall as Duncan the Tall, who measured 6'11". In tourneys, Lyonel wore a cloth-of-gold surcoat bearing the crowned stag of his house and an antlered helm. He had a habit of laughing loudly at his opponents and in general, which earned him the nickname "the Laughing Storm." Renowned for his prowess in battle, Lyonel was considered one of the finest fighters of his day. Daniel Ings is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, The Gentlemen , I Hate Suzie , or The Crown . Henry Ashton will star as Daeron "the Drunken" Targaryen. Prince Daeron Targaryen, commonly known as Daeron the Drunken, was the firstborn son of King Maekar Targaryen and his wife, Lady Dyanna Dayne. Although he held the title of knight, Daeron was far better known for his alcoholism and reckless lifestyle than for any martial prowess. Often seen in a disheveled and unkempt state, Daeron's appearance reflected his lack of discipline. Despite his many shortcomings, he possessed a unique charisma and sense of humor that endeared him to those who looked beyond his inebriated façade. Notably, Prince Daeron was also one of the rare Dragon Dreamers in his family, experiencing cryptic dreams of future events that would eventually come to pass. Henry Ashton is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Shaun Thomas will star as Raymun Fossoway. Raymun Fossoway was a knight of House Fossoway of Cider Hall, having established its cadet branch, House Fossoway of New Barrel. Originating from the Reach—a region celebrated for its rich, fertile lands under House Tyrell’s reign—Raymun was characterized by his stocky build, square face, and pug nose. His short, woolly hair and engaging smile further defined his appearance. In contrast to more disreputable figures, such as his cousin Ser Steffon Fossoway, Raymun exemplified the traditional virtues of knighthood. Shaun Thomas is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Edward Ashley will star as Steffon Fossoway. Steffon Fossoway was a knight of House Fossoway of Cider Hall, from the Reach—a region famed for its rich, fertile lands under House Tyrell’s rule. A quick and muscular young knight, Steffon’s approach to knighthood starkly contrasted with that of his cousin, Raymun Fossoway. Embracing a more disreputable side of the Fossoway lineage, Steffon’s self-serving and opportunistic demeanor often put him at odds with those who upheld honor and duty. Edward Ashley is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor will star as Plummer. Plummer served as the steward of Ashford during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. He had the typical appearance of an older man, with a narrow, pinched face and thin grey hair. As the master of the games for the tourney at Ashford Meadow, Plummer initially refused to admit Ser Duncan the Tall, citing his lack of recognized identity. However, Prince Baelor Targaryen intervened, vouching for Duncan and ensuring his participation in the tournament. Tom Vaughan-Lawlor is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Youssef Kerkour will star as Steely Pate. Steely Pate was a blacksmith from the Reach during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. Standing no more than five feet tall, he was a short man with enormous hands. His thick chest and arms were covered in coarse black hair, and he sported a full black beard. Proud of his work, Pate's steel, though plain in appearance, was known for its strength. He was not modest about his craftsmanship. Steely Pate wore a short leather cloak, and his wagon was emblazoned with a painted sword and anvil. At the tourney at Ashford Meadow, he sold Ser Duncan the Tall a new suit of armor. Youssef Kerkour is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Danny Webb will star as Arlan of Pennytree. Arlan of Pennytree was a hedge knight and the mentor of Dunk, who would later become known as Ser Duncan the Tall. A small and slim man, Arlan was known for his kindness and generosity in giving praise. He first met Dunk in the slums of Flea Bottom in King's Landing and took him on as his squire. Arlan's weaponry included a longsword, an eight-foot ash war lance, and a dagger. His coat of arms featured a winged chalice, silver on a brown field. His armor consisted of a chain-mail hauberk, a dented iron halfhelm, and greaves and gorget. His battered oak shield bore the same winged chalice sigil as his coat of arms. Danny Webb is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Daniel Monks will star as Manfred Dondarrion. Manfred Dondarrion was a knight of House Dondarrion and the son and heir of Lord Dondarrion during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen. Ser Manfred was a slender man with a wild mane of red-gold hair. In 206 AC, Ser Manfred fought alongside his father’s host and Lord Pearse Caron, helping to defeat the Vulture King. At the tourney at Ashford Meadow in 209 AC, Duncan the Tall hoped Manfred could vouch for his knighthood to the master of games, given their shared experience against the Vulture King. However, Manfred did not recall Duncan. Daniel Monks is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, Unconfirmed Roles Rowan Robinson will star as a character named ‘Rowan’ (possibly a code name). Rowan Robinson is a veteran actress who has starred in some projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize her from, A Haunting in Venice , Gym , or Am I Who . Steven Calvert will star as a ‘Stormland Knight.’ Steven Calvert is a veteran actor who has starred in several projects over the years. Most notably you may recognize him from, The School for Good and Evil , Hope Street , or Bloodlands . Abigail O’Regan will star in a currently unknown role. Abigail O'Regan is a veteran actress. Most notably you may recognize her from, Spellbound . Abigail O’Regan, Steven Calvert, and Rowan Robinson have joined the cast of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ; however, their roles are either unconfirmed or cannot be placed. A future casting update will be announced once their roles in the series are confirmed. These unconfirmed castings were first reported by Redanian Intelligence . Filming locations The series will be filmed in the United Kingdom; Belfast, Ireland. Filming locations in Northern Ireland include: — Titanic Studios — Myra Castle — Glenarm Castle Estate — Tollymore Forest Park Location information provided by Redanian Intelligence . Filming Filming has now wrapped according to Redanian Intelligence . Release Date HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is currently slated for a 2025 premiere and is expected to take annual turns with Game of Thrones successor, House of the Dragon . Follow @ westerosies and @ NexusPointNews on X/Twitter to keep updated on the latest news for the Game of Thrones Universe.

Marvel's upcoming WandaVision spin-off Agatha All Along (formerly known as House of Harkness , Coven of Chaos and Darkhold Diaries ) is a dream come true for fans who love the magic corner of the MCU. When Agatha All Along first got announced in November 2021, so many were surprised that Agatha Harkness would have her own show. I believe it was inevitable as WandaVision was Marvel Studios' most critically acclaimed project to date. The series garnered 23 Emmy nominations and even secured a Grammy nomination. Although there isn't an official release date for Agatha All Along yet, I have previously uncovered the tentative release date for the series alongside a synopsis and cast list. According to U.S. Copyright Office, the current release date for Agatha is September 19. It is not a surprise that Marvel/Disney want to release this witchy series with horror elements during Halloween season. Update: First two episodes of Agatha All Along will premiere on September 18 on Disney+ The synopsis of the series in the same listing reads as: In the first episode we see Agatha finally break out of a spell she has been trapped in. She can’t wait to go back to her old murderous ways only to find that she is powerless. The only way forward for her is to embark on a perilous quest to get her powers back with the help of an unlikely friend or two. This comes off as a surprise to those who have thought Agatha would get a redemption arc, or she was simply evil because of the Darkhold , the book of the damned. We will see that is hardly the case in Agatha . THE CAST OF AGATHA ALL ALONG Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness / Agnes A powerless Agatha who is ready to whatever it takes to get her powers back will be the center of the series while getting chased by some rightfully angry enemies, The Salem Seven. She will not be alone in her journey to get her powers back. She will be accompanied by Joe Locke's Teen and some other witches. Joe Locke as Teen Heartstopper star Joe Locke is a the co-lead of the series. Both promotional materials and Copyright Office records list the character as Teen. It is likely that the creators are taking the Agnes route with this character with a reveal at some point in the series. Several rumors are already circulating around Teen being Agatha's familiar, or Wanda Maximoff's son Billy. We should find out the truth soon enough. Aubrey Plaza as Rio Vidal Aubrey Plaza is set to play a witch named Rio in Agatha All Along . Several sources have mentioned Rio as a green witch, and she has a connection with Earth and life itself. Rio is expected to have an antagonistic presence in the series, however she is not the main villain. Patti LuPone as Lilia Calderu The Broadway legend is also portraying a witch in Agatha . LuPone is set to portrayed Lilia Calderu in the series. In the featurette released in WandaVision Steelbook , Lilia is seemingly running a psychic shop. LuPone herself also revealed a lot about her character on The View : It’s a coven of witches, and I play Lilia Calderu, who apparently is in the Marvel world. I researched her, she’s hot, she’s really hot, she’s got a great body and hair. I didn’t know there were witches, I didn’t know anything about the Marvel world. There are witches in the Marvel world. So, we are a coven of witches and the witches are: Kathryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, and [a] Familiar — if anybody knows Heartstopper — is Joe Locke. a 450-year-old Sicilian witch whose power is divination and whose trial is tarot. I believe LuPone referred to Locke's character as a "Familiar" to keep the actual role a secret. Tarot cards are also going to be a big part of the series, tarot designs were even used on crew merch. We can expect the official merch to feature tarot designs as well. Sasheer Zamata as Jennifer Kale / Jen Zamata is set to portray the fan-favorite comic book character Jennifer Kale. Jen is one of the witches joining Agatha in her journey in The Witches' Road , a dangerous dimension where you can reportedly enter with a coven by singing a song. Jen is also rumored to run a skincare shop in the series. Ali Ahn as Alice Wu Ahn is playing a witch named Alice in the series. Alice is seemingly a security guard at a mall according to set pictures released a while ago. Since Lilia's specilization is divination and she is running a psychic shop, it would be safe to assume Alice's specilization could be protection related. Debra Jo Rupp as Sharon Davis / Mrs. Hart WandaVision regular Sharon Davis seems to be joining the coven in their journey through The Witches' Road . I heard the character is comic-relief and is not in the series for too long. It is also rumored that she is not actually a witch in Agatha All Along , I can say I heard similar things about the character. Miles Guiterrez-Riley as Eddie Miles Guiterrez-Riley is reportedly portraying Teen's boyfriend Eddie in Agatha All Along . I heard Eddie doesn't have much screentime, however it is very clear they are actually in a relationship and they clearly love each other very much. He should appear in around two episodes. Paul Adelstein and Maria Dizzia as Jeff and Rebecca Kaplan The Illuminerdi previously revealed that Maria Dizzia would be portraying Teen's mother Rebecca. I also revealed that I heard Paul Adelstein was portraying Teen's father Jeff in Agatha All Along . Both characters have limited screentime, similar to Eddie's screentime. They are as supportive as their comic book counterparts. Emma Caulfield-Ford as Dottie Jones/Sarah Proctor When WandaVision was airing, the fans were expecting Dottie to be a witch, however it turned out to bea red herring. With Agatha All Along announcement, those theories resurfaced again, but it seems like Dottie/Sarah will not be anything more than a Westview citizen here as well. Evan Peters as Ralph Bohner Yes, Evan Peters is returning as Ralph Bohner. No, they are not retconning anything about his character in Agatha All Along . I know many people were disappointed with the reveal of Peters as Ralph Bohner and they wanted him to be Quicksilver desperately, however it seems like Marvel is sticking to their plan to keep him as Ralph. His appearance is also very short. Kate Forbes as Evanora Harkness Kate Forbes returns as Agatha's mother Evanora in the series. Since we have seen Agatha kill her in WandaVision , this must be a flashback, or they might find another way to bring her into the narrative. Only time will tell... The Salem Seven A while back I exclusively shared the rest of The Salem Seven actresses and the animals their characters would turn into. While Okwui Okpokwasili's addition to the cast was revealed, her character was unknown. She will be portraying Vertigo, the head of The Salem Seven . Vertigo and her coven are reportedly the daughters of the witches Agatha killed in WandaVision . They are rightfully seeking revenge against Agatha. This coven of witches can also turn into animals: Okwui Okpokwasili : Cicada Bethany Curry: Crow Athena Perample: Fox Marina Mazepa: Snake Britta Grant: Rat Chau Naumova: Coyote Alicia Vela-Bailey: Owl Some more witches? Holly Bonney portrays a tavern witch. However, I heard there was not a tavern scene in Agatha All Along . It is likely that she could show up in the secret special episode. Nadia Robertson portrays a witch with a coven either in the series or in the special. Chloe Camp is another addition. She will likely play younger version of a witch or Billy's friend. First one is more likely, in my opinion. Westview Citizens Some Westview citizens return briefly in Agatha All Along : Ali Asif as Abilash Tandon, David Lengel as Harold Proctor, David Payton as John Collins, Amos Glick as Dennis and Brian Brightman as Sheriff Miller. When to expect a teaser/announcement We could possibly get a teaser, or a poster, or a release date on May 14 at Disney Upfronts. While it is not guaranteed, it is an event Marvel has previously shared first looks and dates at. I believe Marvel/Disney will wait until D23 in August to release a full length trailer, but this is just a speculation on my part. I heard teaser has been ready for a while and it included Detective Agnes, which is the main focus on the first episode and is inspired by Mare of Easttown . My source also told me the the footage with Detective Agnes had film noir vibes. Time will tell whether it is true or not, hopefully we find it out this Tuesday at Disney Upfronts. I am hearing the first trailer is on July 8. Agatha All Along will premiere on Disney+ on September 18.

The Rings of Power  season two marches on with episode five, Halls of Stone . This episode perfectly exemplifies what this season understands so well: focus. While the overall narrative taking place this season is epic and expansive, individual episodes understand when to contract the story and hone in on a few key story threads. This episode spends the majority of its runtime covering three main plots: the impact the Rings of Power for the Dwarf-Lords are having, Sauron (Charlie Vickers) posing as Annatar on his mission to have rings for men forged, and the continued schism forming in Númenor. The episode opens on the Rings of Power gifted to the Dwarves, showcasing how, seemingly instantly, all their plights are solved with the help of the Ring. King Durin III (Peter Mullan) becomes increasingly protective of the Ring, developing a penchant for greed and an even shorter temper than usual. Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur) begins to suspect something is terribly wrong with the Ring. Every sequence here carries a heavy sense of foreboding, with dread just underneath the surface, a drop and then a wave of paranoia, and the feeling that catastrophe might be avoided if a different path is taken. The doubt that Prince Durin carries about the Rings intersects with arguably the main focus of the episode - Sauron manipulating Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) into helping forge the nine Rings for men. This is far and away the show at its peak. Sauron feels like a genuine force of nature, living up to his title as the Deceiver. His manipulation of Celebrimbor and the other Elves of Eregion is a masterclass in cunning, half-truths, implied understandings, and turning trust against someone. The show's earlier emphasis on Sauron needing genuine trust to fully deceive someone makes his schemes in Eregion even more heartbreaking. On the other side of the Middle-Earth map, Númenor continues to fracture under shifting political allegiances. Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) maintains a firm grip on much of the populace, removing supporters of Queen Regent Miriel, including Elendil (Lloyd Owen). Númenor hasn't broken into a full-scale civil war yet, but a population can't sustain rising tides of unrest forever. While Númenor offers engaging characters and jaw-dropping locales, it does feel somewhat disconnected from the rest of the series, though its importance to the bigger picture is clear. The stacked cast continues to deliver top-notch performances, complemented by stunning cinematography, impeccable set, and costume designs, and a score that routinely elevates the story. Motifs creep into prominence at perfect moments, delivering eerie or hopeful feelings precisely when needed. The Rings of Power  handles the challenge of pacing a sprawling tale across distant locations excellently. By maintaining focus on a particular set of characters in each episode, storylines feel like they make substantial progress. Though there's a lot to love across the board, it's clear this is the Sauron show, and the dread and tragedy he brings is impossible to look away from. Rating: 4/5