https://screenrant.com All the latest movie news, movie trailers & reviews - and the same for TV, too. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:30:15 GMT en-US hourly 60 Count Dooku, the fallen Jedi and apprentice to Palpatine during the Clone Wars in Star Wars, had two different names meant to instill fear, but his real one was more effective than the other. As a Dark Lord of the Sith, he took the moniker Darth Tyranus. While this name was an obvious reference to his importance to the Separatists and the oppression he spread throughout the galaxy, the origin of his real name, Dooku, was a much more fitting title for such a villain.

]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:30:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-wars-count-dooku-name-origin/ A moment that happens just offscreen in Return of the Jedi demonstrates how heroic Luke Skywalker truly is. While Luke is only one of the Star Wars original trilogy’s heroes, his journey from farmer to rebel pilot to Jedi Knight makes him the trilogy’s main protagonist for many viewers. Given his importance to the Star Wars saga, it is crucial to get Luke Skywalker’s characterization right; while some tales are controversial, one short story in the current Star Wars canon undoubtedly portrays Luke correctly.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:50:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-wars-return-jedi-luke-skywalker-hero-change/ The DC Universe had a Christmas surprise for Batman fans, thanks to the diverse cast leading the animated holiday comedy Merry Little Batman. While the Caped Crusader usually has a reputation for questionable parenting in comic books, the Prime Video original is an interesting take on Bruce and Damian Wayne’s turbulent father-son relationship. Set in a crime-free Gotham, the story occurs one Christmas when Batman is unexpectedly called into action and Damian is left alone at Wayne Manor. Transforming into “Little Batman”, the movie offers a Home Alone-like moment for this cardboard mask-wearing youngster who aspires to be a superhero like his father.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:01:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/merry-little-batman-cast-guide/ Hailee Steinfeld has been in highly successful projects for film and television in the last few years, but there is something her career has been lacking ever since a 2018 flop. Steinfeld started her career as a child actor in 2007, starring in a handful of TV shows and short films. Her breakout role was playing Mattie Ross in 2010's True Grit. This performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 14, making her one of the youngest actors ever to be nominated for an Oscar.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/hailee-steinfeld-no-live-action-movies-after-bumblebee/ While Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has earned the studio a unique box office victory, the film reflects a wider problem with 2023 blockbuster releases. The success of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 comes at a difficult time for Disney. The studio giant has seen a disappointing Disney 100th anniversary amid a string of big-budget box office disappointments. From the legacy sequel Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny to the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, a lot of seemingly bankable IP failed to connect with audiences in 2023.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 22:40:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/disney-2023-box-office-guardians-galaxy-budget/ Zac Efron's performance in his new movie, The Iron Claw, might finally reverse the damage that a role from six years ago did to his career. A former teen actor, Efron's breakout role was playing Troy Bolton in the hugely successful High School Musical franchise. Since then, Efron's starred in many film roles. Some of Efron's best movies were critically acclaimed gems or box office hits, while some of his worst were critical or commercial flops. Between the beauties and the bombs, his career has evened out for the most part.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 22:20:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/zac-efron-iron-claw-baywatch-performance-role-reverse/ American History X has one of the most iconic downer endings in film history, and yet, had they gone with the original ending, it not only would have been darker, but it would have been the wrong choice. American History X follows a nonlinear story about the downfall and redemption of Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a neo-Nazi whose embrace of white supremacy ultimately lands him in prison. After his incarceration causes him to have a change of heart, he tries to prevent his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), who has joined the same gang Derek did, from going down the same path.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/american-history-x-original-ending-derek-worse-bleak/ Since one of the most epic moments in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer is the Trinity test scene, it may be hard not to wonder why there is no sound in its initial moments. Based on Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin's 2005 biography, American Prometheus, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer walks through everything from the titular figure's early years in Cambridge to the revocation of his security clearance. While it walks through all the major milestones from J. Robert Oppenheimer's life, it also subtly educates audiences about the inner workings, history, and development of nuclear weapons, along with ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding them.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:35:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/oppenheimer-movie-trinity-test-explosion-silent-science-reason/ When Gandalf returned from the dead in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, he claimed that he was Saruman—but why? Gandalf the Gray had fallen in Moria while fighting the Balrog but had been resurrected as Gandalf the White. When he was reunited with Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, he seemed not to remember, for a time, that his name was Gandalf and stated instead that he was Saruman "as he should have been." Since Gandalf's death and resurrection were only subtly explained in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the wizard's identity has become a topic of confusion.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:15:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/gandalf-two-towers-returns-saruman-why/ Coriolanus Snow's romance with Lucy Gray Baird fell apart rather quickly at the end of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, so did he ever really love her? It's difficult to tell in the movie since audiences don't have the benefit of Coriolanus' inner dialogue as they do in the book. The story starts out with it being in the Capitol boy's best interest to care for Lucy Gray, but he admits that his feelings extend much further than this by the end. We know from The Hunger Games that President Snow is a despicable dictator who seems entirely incapable of love, and the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes don't seem to completely negate this.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:05:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/ballads-songbirds-snakes-did-snow-love-lucy-gray/ Bruni is the cute little lizard from Frozen 2, but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to the tiny reptile. Frozen 2, the sequel to the original hit animated Frozen, returns to the kingdom of Arendelle and follows Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) as they travel to an enchanted forest to find the source of Elsa's powers. Like the first film, Frozen 2 was a hit, earning $1.45 billion at the box office. With both films raking in over $1 billion (Box Office Mojo), the Frozen franchise is an incredibly lucrative one with merchandise, park attractions, and a Disney on Ice show, among many tie-ins.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/bruni-lizard-from-frozen-2-explained/ Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny!

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/indiana-jones-dial-destiny-siege-of-syracuse-explained/ Disney movies sometimes contain references to one another, and Tim Burton connects 1993's The Nightmare Before Christmas to an 86-year-old animated classic with one hidden cameo. The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a classic in its own right, and Jack Skellington's story is a staple of the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Burton's animated hit takes on a darker tone than most Disney films, but that just makes it more compelling. It's one of Burton's best movies (though it's directed by Henry Selick), but it's also a unique addition to Disney's animated lineup.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:45:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/nightmare-before-christmas-evil-queen-snow-white-easter-egg-cameo/ 2023's new Batman movie breaks one of the longest-running Batman trends in the history of DC movies: the use of a "Batman voice". While the world waits for Andy Muschietti's Batman: The Brave & The Bold to kick off the rebooted Batman timeline, Merry Little Batman offers something completely different. Whether the next Batman movie in the DCU will follow the usual Bat-Voice trend, the latest Batman movie bucks it completely.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:40:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/batman-voice-trend-broken-merry-little-batman/ Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan introduced Lieutenant Saavik, the first major female Starfleet Vulcan character in Star Trek. Saavik was originally played by Kirstie Alley, but Robin Curtis took over the role in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. In The Wrath of Khan, Saavik was assigned as the navigator on the USS Enterprise under the command of Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner). She had been mentored by Spock (Leonard Nimoy) while at Starfleet Academy and was a stickler for following Starfleet regulations. Like many Vulcans, Lt. Saavik sometimes struggled to understand the many quirks of human behavior.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:30:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-trek-saavik-kirstie-alley-robin-curtis-what-happened/ Given the massive popularity of the Jurassic Park franchise, it is constantly being looked at to see what's next, and Jurassic World 4 finds itself in a precarious position as its current status repeats history. The series has had an interesting record, with it seemingly being dead for 14 years and then being revitalized with the new stories and characters of Jurassic World in 2015. It remains one of the largest franchises of all time, with its name alone serving as a major draw for audiences.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:15:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/jurassic-world-4-jurassic-park-4-not-happen-future/ Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker revealed more about Luke Skywalker's Jedi Order, secretly revealing a major difference between his order and Yoda's in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Despite all the recent Star Wars content, Luke Skywalker's Jedi Order remains a mystery. There have been several glimpses of Luke's Jedi Temple, and Kylo Ren's fall to the dark side has been explored in some detail. But there are a lot of gaps in the earlier years of Luke's academy, and viewers know very little about Luke's students.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-wars-luke-skywalker-new-jedi-order-attachment-what-went-wrong/ Veteran actress Jamie Lee Curtis has one of Hollywood's most impressive resumés, and she credits Trading Places with forever changing her career trajectory. Released in 1983, Trading Places is a comedy directed by John Landis and inspired by Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper. In the movie, business executive Louis Winthorpe (Dan Aykroyd) and street con artist Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are forced to swap life circumstances because of a bet between two millionaires. Curtis plays Ophelia, a sex worker who helps Louis. Trading Places was lauded by critics, who praised the film's smart social satire, and was Murphy's breakout movie role.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/jamie-lee-curtis-trading-places-acting-career-success/ The director of The Legend of Zelda live-action movie has just provided a promising update, suggesting that the film may be the perfect adaptation. In November 2023, Nintendo announced they are developing a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, focusing on Link, the Hero of Hyrule. The first The Legend of Zelda game was released in 1986 and has since grown into a franchise of more than two dozen video games. Wes Ball is directing the adaptation, who is known for his work on the Maze Runner trilogy. Derek Connolly, best known for his work on the Jurassic World trilogy, is writing the script.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:40:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-legend-of-zelda-movie-live-action-hayao-miyazaki-perfect/ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to explore the world many years after Caesar's death, but if it is to effectively explore his legacy in ape society, then one character from the original trilogy needs to return. In the wake of Caesar's death, humanity has continued to devolve, while different ape civilizations are competing for power in the larger world. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' leap forward in time makes it unrealistic for most of Caesar's original tribe to still be alive. There is really only one character that makes sense for a return.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:35:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/kingdom-planet-apes-caesar-legacy-cornelius-return/ The ending of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire offers a thrilling twist, many questions, and a setup for the franchise's final two movies. One year after Katniss and Peeta narrowly survived the 74th Annual Hunger Games, the Capitol is more vulnerable than ever and a revolution is simmering. In order to impose control over the districts, President Snow prepares a shocking surprise for the special 75th Hunger Games: the tributes must be selected from previous winners. In no time, Katniss and Peeta find themselves once again on the way to the Arena for a competition that will change Panem forever.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/hunger-games-catching-fire-ending-explained/ Considering Dune has already proved to be a more successful film adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel than its predecessor, there are considerable expectations about Dune: Part Two fixing some problems from the 1984 movie. After a few failures in the past, Denis Villeneuve's vision has finally given this exceptional novel the adaptation it deserved. Dune’s first movie adaptation attempt was by Chilean director Alejandro Jodorowsky, who faced major problems during the pre-production and was never able to film the movie. In 1984, David Lynch's Dune, which was a box office disaster, received mixed responses.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/dune-2-fix-scene-original-movie-years-later/ Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have had a huge 2023, but their next film together must avoid two common prequel mistakes. Barbie became the highest-grossing movie of 2023 and while there were many contributing factors, the chemistry of Robbie and Gosling undoubtedly played a part. They managed to take pre-existing characters with little personality and make them memorable movie characters. Both actors went into the movie with big reputations, but after producing such a financial success, it will only boost their profile. Moreover, it is a great advertisement to studios that they can work well together, something that has already been recognized as the two are set to costar once again.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:30:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/oceans-prequel-ryan-gosling-margot-robbie-prequel-mistakes-avoid/ Movement has been slow on Bad Boys 4 news for many years — but now Mike and Marcus's return is coming closer. The original Bad Boys was released in 1995, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, followed by Bad Boys 2 in 2003. The third film in the franchise, Bad Boys for Life, came out on January 14, 2020, leaving the option for the storyline to continue in future installments. After three years of little news, development on Bad Boys 4 has now begun in earnest.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:30:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/bad-boys-4-release-date-story/ Leave the World Behind primarily takes place in one setting — the Sandford family's weekend vacation home, which becomes their safe haven from the impending cataclysm. However, the cast and crew of the 2023 Netflix sci-fi psychological thriller utilized more than one location to capture the events of Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel of the same name on which the film is based. They limited the production to one state, though.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:20:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/leave-the-world-behind-movie-filming-locations/ Fantasy movies and TV shows have struggled to make their big break in recent years, and they need one crucial element in order to be successful - and Marvel has always had it. The fantasy genre has had some periods in the spotlight, with series like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter making waves in the early 2000s. However, fantasy has seriously struggled to get a foothold in popular culture in the past few years, and the many failed fantasy films need to take a page from Marvel's playbook.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:10:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/fantasy-movies-tv-marvel-swagger-cool-missing/ The best Christmas movies on Peacock cover a wide variety of genres, including many popular Hallmark films as well as some Christmas classics and lesser-known indies. Peacock is the over-the-top streaming service for NBC that carries the network's film and TV content in addition to a library of original movies and series. In higher tiers of subscriptions, users can access NBC Sports, WWE, and the Hallmark Channel, which includes their impressive holiday film collection. This agreement between NBC and Hallmark came about in late 2022 (via People) and added that content library to an already substantial pool.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-on-peacock/ Edgar Wright’s next project is the adaptation of a Stephen King story, which was already adapted three decades ago, but Wright can now fix its mistakes. Although he’s best known for his work in the comedy genre thanks to the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Edgar Wright has also proven that he can bring his unique narrative and visual style to other genres. Aside from comedy, Wright has also explored the genres of action, horror, and sci-fi, though most of them with a nice touch of comedy.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/edgar-wright-running-man-stephen-king-movie-mistake/ Warning: Major spoilers for Godzilla Minus One below!Godzilla Minus One 2 would break an unusual recent trend for the Toho side of the franchise. It took Godzilla many decades to break into America, with the lukewarm response to the 1998 Roland Emmerich blockbuster setting the rampaging force of nature back another 16 years. 2014's Godzilla kicked off the MonsterVerse movies, which is headlined by the King of Monsters himself and King Kong. Godzilla's career in America is stronger than ever now, thanks to the spinoff series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which arrives in April 2024.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:45:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/godzilla-minus-one-2-toho-sequel-rule-break/ Whether Clint Eastwood is a better actor or a director has become a frequent debate over his legendary career, since he is one of the many actors who have developed into a prolific director. His acting career goes way over six decades, as his first breakthrough was in 1959 when he starred in Rawhide, an hour-long western TV series, which awarded him the opportunity to participate in his first of three collaborations with Italian director Sergio Leone. Eastwood gained worldwide fame through the Western genre and continued to get involved in action roles, such as Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry in 1971. That same year, Eastwood released his directorial debut Play Misty for Me, a new role that would change the course of his admirable career.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:35:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/clint-eastwood-better-actor-director-debate-oscars/ The Matrix's first installment showcases one of the coolest hidden messages of the entire sag, which foreshadows the film’s most important twist: Cypher’s betrayal. More than two decades have passed since The Matrix’s release and new details keep continue to pop up and become noticed with each rewatch. The Matrix became an iconic saga due to its premise, its aesthetic, and the complexity of its plot, with deeper layers of its story being uncovered through the analysis of dialogue, references, and elements of foreshadowing.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:35:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/matrix-cypher-wizard-oz-dorothy-line-foreshadow/ 2023's Wonka centers on a young version of the titular chocolate maker, yet is it a prequel to the original Gene Wilder film? Upon Wonka's announcement in 2016, many were left wondering whether another film based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was necessary. After all, there have been two prior iterations of the story on film thanks to the other Willy Wonka movies in 1971 and 2005. Gene Wilder played the titular character in 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory before Johnny Depp took on an entirely different portrayal in 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:15:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/is-wonka-a-prequel/ While Ian Fleming’s James Bond has been brought to life on-screen by six iconic actors, none of them look or act quite the way that the author described in his books. Since James Bond has famously been played by different actors, it is somewhat surprising to see that Fleming was consistent when it came to the particulars of the character’s appearance, demeanor, personality traits, and vices. However, Fleming’s Bond wasn’t the exact character who appeared in the franchise’s movie adaptations, as numerous screenwriters took creative liberties with 007 over the decades.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:10:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/james-bond-actors-changed-book-character-how/ With a predecessor so popular that it's a staple for many during the holiday period, How The Grinch Stole Christmas 2 could still work without Jim Carrey reprising the role, and one 2018 film proves it. Carrey's impressive performance of the Grinch was 23 years ago and is still a hit among fans. A literary sequel to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' source material was released in September 2023 and authorized by the Dr. Seuss estate. Titled How The Grinch Lost Christmas, this follow-up is set one year after the first book and follows the Grinch's attempts to win a 'best Christmas tree' contest in Whoville.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/grinch-2-movie-no-jim-carrey-still-happen/ Often remembered as one of the best comedies of the early 1980s, Trading Places helped put Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd on the map, but will there ever be a Trading Places 2? Released in 1983, the film stars Murphy as a streetwise hustler whose life is swapped with a snooty stockbroker (Aykroyd) all for the amusement of rich businessmen. Besides its raunchy humor, the movie is also a hilarious dissection of 1980s culture that has only gotten more relevant as time goes by.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:30:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/trading-places-2-eddie-murphy-updates/ Loki's MCU story is a pretty tragic one to begin with, but one Marvel theory has made it even more devastating while solving one Thor: Ragnarok pothole at the same time. From the first time Loki was introduced in Thor, Loki has attempted to prove himself to his father, Odin, before that need for validation would later manifest into both villainous and heroic arcs within the MCU. Despite his best efforts, however, Odin ultimately denounces Loki at the end of Thor, causing his adopted son to throw himself into a wormhole.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:30:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/marvel-theory-mcu-loki-story-thor-ragnarok/ While Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese have some shared history when it comes to the Oscars, the 2024 Academy Awards are likely to make this even more pronounced. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer looks like a potential frontrunner for the Oscar for Best Picture, though Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon could be an upset. Oppenheimer was a smash hit at the box office, whereas Killers of the Flower Moon underperformed given its large budget, but Scorsese’s movie earned widespread acclaim for its trio of stellar central performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:20:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/oscars-2024-christopher-nolan-martin-scorsese-history/ If Uncharted 2 gets made, recasting Mark Wahlberg's Victor Sullivan isn't crucial because one character can already replace him. The Uncharted game franchise is known for its satisfying gameplay and cinematic stories. With the Uncharted movie, Sony drew on some of the same thrills of its source material by replicating major action sequences, like when Nathan climbed cargo boxes while hanging out of a helicopter, and introduced some franchise favorites like Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali). Because the games are already so cinematic, the film took liberties with its adaptation by reworking story points into a new narrative more loosely.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:45:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/uncharted-2-recast-sully-mark-wahlberg-sam-drake/ The Bourne franchise will continue with a sixth film following the release of Jason Bourne in 2016, and the future movie has the chance to achieve a massive milestone for the series. Rumors surrounding the possibility of a sixth film have been alive and well since Matt Damon last played the titular character on the big screen. However, Universal Pictures confirmed that the project was officially in development in late 2023. So far, not much is known about the upcoming movie except that it will be directed by Edward Berger, who is most known for helming All Quiet on the Western Front.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:40:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/jason-bourne-6-matt-damon-franchise-2-billion-box-office/ The National Lampoon’s Vacation series is one of the most popular family franchises of all time, but it suffers from an important continuity error involving the actors, ages, and appearances of the Griswold children. The Vacation film series follows the Griswold family of Clark and Ellen and their two children Rusty and Audrey. Over a series of four original films, the Vacation movies depict the Griswolds’ misadventures surrounding vacations and holidays as Clark strenuously attempts to make the most out of every experience. While the Griswold family is at the center of each movie, the actors are not always the same.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/national-lampoons-vacation-griswold-rusty-audrey-change-why/ There's one John Wayne Western that director John Carpenter adores so much, he remade it twice himself. During a 2011 chat with Rotten Tomatoes, Carpenter namechecked several movies he called his "emotional favorites," meaning they were the films he fell in love with as a child and inspired his love of movies. Among this list was Forbidden Planet, X: The Unknown and The Thing from Another World; he eventually remade the latter as 1982's The Thing. He also states he got into the movie business to make Westerns as he "Loved Westerns… Loved them. I mean, huge love."

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:45:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/john-wayne-rio-bravo-john-carpenter-movie-remade/ Will Smith's absence in a popular sci-fi franchise's sequel seven years ago is all the more disappointing in the wake of his exciting return for I Am Legend 2. Smith's reprisal as Robert Neville for the forthcoming I Am Legend follow-up came as a pleasant yet truly shocking surprise, especially when considering the fate of his titular character in the debut film. As the only survivor of a mutant plague left in New York City, Neville searches for a cure to reverse the effects of the virus that has turned the population into Darkseekers, but he succumbs to death at the tail end of his mission.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:40:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/i-am-legend-2-will-smith-return-independence-day-sequel-worse/ With so many comic book movie adaptations over the last two decades, it's not surprising that Fox already covered some familiar ground with Scarlet Witch's story in the MCU a whole 17 years ago. Although Scarlet Witch was never a part of Fox's X-Men franchise due to Marvel owning the movie rights to the Avengers - of which Scarlet Witch is a core part - Wanda Maximoff and her brother Pietro have integral ties to the X-Men in the comics. Yet the X-Men have one hero in particular that draws a significant amount of parallels to the Scarlet Witch.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:40:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/mcu-scarlet-witch-xmen-jean-grey-story/ Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn book series is on its way to becoming a movie, but the first book's ambiguous ending means that the Mistborn adaptation has some serious challenges to overcome. Mistborn is a high fantasy book series that is part of Brandon Sanderson's larger Cosmere book universe. The series takes place in a dystopian kingdom where ash falls from the sky and the country is ruled by a mysterious dictator called the Lord Ruler. On top of that, this world is full of people called allomancers, who can use metals to heighten their senses or skills. A young allomancer named Vin joins a dangerous revolution against the Lord Ruler.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:10:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/mistborn-ending-presents-obstacle-movie/ Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Leave the World Behind.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 12:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/leave-the-world-behind-ending-explained/ Greta Gerwig's smash hit Barbie movie has inspired a wave of sequel speculation since its release in 2023, and now the director has seemingly hinted at a Ken spinoff. Based on the beloved Mattel toy brand, Barbie saw the eponymous doll leave the friendly confines of Barbie Land and journey to the real world where she learns what it truly means to be a person. Directed by Gerwig and co-written with Noah Baumbach, Barbie not only captured the fun essence of play but also offered plenty of hilarious meta-commentary about gender.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:00:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/barbie-ken-spinoff-movie-updates/ The prologue of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has a great nod to a Last Crusade sequel comic that never made it to the screen. Touted as Indy’s final on-screen adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny sees an older Dr. Jones going on one last excursion to keep Archimedes’ Dial, an ancient time-traveling device, out of the wrong hands. But before the primary MacGuffin of the Dial is introduced, a different MacGuffin is teased with a fun connection to a comic book that acted as a sequel to The Last Crusade.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 23:20:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/indiana-jones-dial-destiny-lance-longinus-last-crusade/ Marvel Studios may have waited too long to introduce The Fantastic Four. Set for release in 2025, Marvel's Fantastic Four will officially debut the team in the MCU. However, it can be argued that the movie has since gained an increased amount of pressure it wouldn't have had it been released earlier during the MCU's ongoing Multiverse Saga.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 23:00:24 GMT https://screenrant.com/fantastic-four-delay-marvel-cinematic-universe-debut/ Marvel Studios broke a major MCU trend with the 2023 release of The Marvels, which may benefit Captain Marvel's future in the ever-growing franchise. Brie Larson debuted as Carol Danvers, a.k.a. Captain Marvel, in 2019's self-titled 1995-set Captain Marvel, and made further appearances in Avengers: Endgame, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Ms. Marvel on Disney+ before returning in The Marvels. Despite a positive audience response to The Marvels, the Phase 5 project performed abysmally at the box office, marking a box office bomb for Marvel Studios, and throwing Brie Larson's future as Captain Marvel into jeopardy, but this may not be the end of the road.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 22:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/captain-marvel-mcu-future-the-marvels-trend-break/ Dr. Zefram Cochrane (James Cromwell) became the first human to achieve warp drive with his starship, the Phoenix, but what happened to this history-making ship after the events of Star Trek: First Contact? In First Contact, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the USS Enterprise-E travel back in time to stop the Borg from changing human history. They find themselves in Bozeman, Montana on April 5, 2063, just before the Vulcans would make First Contact with humanity as a result of Cochrane's historic warp flight.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 21:30:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-trek-first-contact-phoenix-what-happened/ The original Twilight director suggested Jenna Ortega could play Bella Swan in the upcoming reboot series, a casting choice that would solve a major issue with the original film. Twilight was the 2008 film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's book of the same name, the first in a four-book series. Twilight tells the story of a teenage girl named Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) who falls in love with an alluring vampire named Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). All four books in the Twilight series were adapted for the screen as part of The Twilight Saga. The last film, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, premiered in 2012.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 21:30:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/jenna-ortega-bella-swan-casting-fix-twilight-complaint/ Marvel actors are known to bulk up to impressive levels for MCU movies, but a medical expert explains that many of them don't achieve it 100% naturally. In order to portray Marvel's invincible superheroes and literal gods, actors are expected to embody their physical strength and athleticism. There have been dozens of MCU actors who have showcased their fit physique across Marvel's 40+ MCU movies and shows, and quite a lot of them have attained it in record time. Their impressive efficiency has raised doubts about the methods they use to accomplish it.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 21:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/marvel-actors-muscle-gain-drugs-medical-expert/ Out from under Barbie's hard-hitting theatrical run, the revival of a canceled but underrated 2006 TV comedy could emerge. The Barbie movie motivated nothing short of miracles after its release to theaters, breaking record upon record in the cinema sphere and inspiring a massive resurgence of interest in the Mattel toy line of fashion dolls. Not long after release, the movie had audience members hoping the reception of the film would engender some sort of franchise sequel or spinoff, but instead, the Barbie movie might be inclined to inspire something fans least expect.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 20:50:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/ugly-betty-revival-america-ferrera-barbie-success-blueprint/ Leave the World Behind is a thrilling piece of work that strikes the right balance of apocalyptic tension and realism, and part of the reason why it was able to accomplish this was because of Barack Obama's contributions. The psychological thriller is based on Rumaan Alam's 2020 novel of the same name, which achieved critical acclaim. It follows the story of two families whose lives become intertwined after a blackout becomes a major crisis. The film adaptation of Leave the World Behind boasts an incredible and star-studded cast who strongly contributes to the way the twists and turns of the book expertly come to life on screen.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 20:20:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/leave-the-world-behind-movie-barack-michelle-obama-roles-explained/ Since it isn't the first collaboration between director Todd Haynes and actor Julianne Moore, May December is poised to repeat Oscars history 22 years after the pair's first team-up. In May December, Natalie Portman plays Elizabeth Berry, an actor who travels to Savannah, Georgia to meet the controversial Gracie Atherton-Yoo (Julianne Moore). Tasked with portraying a film version of Gracie — a predator inspired by the real-life story of Mary Kay Letourneau — Elizabeth becomes enmeshed in the Atherton-Yoo family. Infamously, Gracie has been in a 23-year-long relationship with her now-husband Joe (Charles Melton), who was a minor when Gracie preyed on him.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 20:05:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/may-december-julianne-moore-todd-haynes-oscar-repeat/ Tusk is a blend of horror and comedy with a bizarre concept and a very intriguing cast, as the Tusk movie cast Johnny Depp in an uncredited role. Directed by Kevin Smith, the horror movie tells the story of a podcaster who finds himself in the hands of a deranged seafarer intent on transforming him into a walrus. This peculiar and unsettling premise is a testament to Smith's distinctive storytelling style, as the movie combines elements of Kevin Smith's dark humor and surreal horror. Tusk was born from Smith's own podcast, where he and his co-host whimsically discussed a fake ad that inspired the film's twisted narrative (via Smodcast).

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 20:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/tusk-movie-cast-johnny-depp-character-why-uncredited/ Elf draws from a little-known source of inspiration that helps to prove why the Will Ferrell-fronted film has become a beloved Christmas classic. Year after year, the 2003 comedy adventure remains a seasonal favorite, with fans tuning in to watch (or rewatch) Ferrell play Buddy the Elf as he roams through wintry New York. Like clockwork, fans took to streaming for the quintessential holiday film this year, which led to Elf trending on Max mere days after Halloween.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 19:30:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/elf-movie-inspiration-christmas-classic-explained/ A movie adaptation of It Ends with Us is coming soon, but fans are already unhappy with it due to the casting of the film's main character. The upcoming movie is based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 book of the same name and will feature an objectively impressive cast that includes a handful of big names. However, one aspect of the actress who is set to play the female lead has disappointed those who read and loved Hoover's romance novel.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 19:10:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/it-ends-with-us-blake-lively-casting-fans-controversy/ During one memorable sequence, John Wick 4 features a "stealth remake" of a 44-year-old, cult-classic action movie — one that still can't be beat even four decades after its debut. Like its beloved predecessors, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a neo-noir action thriller that stars Keanu Reeves in the titular role. In the first film, Wick, who's grieving the recent loss of his wife, is drawn back into the criminal underworld when mobsters murder his dog. In subsequent John Wick chapters, the revenge-driven hitman fulfills blood oaths and goes on the run after a steep bounty is placed on his head.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:50:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/john-wick-4-the-warriors-action-movie-remake-worse/ Disney's live-action prequel Mufasa: The Lion King will release 30 years after the beloved original, reinforcing exactly what is wrong with Disney's currently desperate movie strategy. While specific details have not been released yet, it will supposedly focus on Mufasa's backstory, including how his relationship with Scar evolved over time. The prequel's new 2024 release date places it in the holiday season, which represents a departure from The Lion King's billion-dollar summer release. Even with a potentially more profitable release date, Mufasa: The Lion King is still proof of where Disney has gone wrong over the last few years.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:45:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/mufasa-30-years-after-lion-ling-disney-wrong/ Marvel Studios may introduce a powerful multiversal villain into the MCU for Thor 5 who could create strong connections to Loki season 2 and the MCU's upcoming Fantastic Four reboot. After the disappointing performance of 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder, which saw Chris Hemsworth return for his fourth solo project as the Asgardian God of Thunder, major changes are expected for the MCU's Thor franchise. Among these changes, the comedic tones introduced by director Taika Waititi are expected to be replaced by a darker storyline, and there has been talk of a new villain being introduced who is even more powerful than Thor: Ragnarok's Hela, the Goddess of Death.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:40:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/marvel-theory-villain-thor-5-loki-season-2/ Even Steven Spielberg underestimated the success of Star Wars when he was first shown the movie. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg are two of the most famous film directors of all time, and for good reason. Movies like Star Wars and Jaws are not only era-defining, but profoundly shaped what blockbuster movies are as a concept. After meeting as young filmmakers, the two would often collaborate or offer advice on each other's projects, and this includes Star Wars.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:30:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-wars-steven-spielberg-underestimate-success/ Rachel Zegler's star power is clear as day in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023), but her ability to captivate audiences was already evident in her feature film debut in 2021, even though the movie flopped. Adapted for the screen from Suzanne Collins' novel of the same name, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is the fifth installment in The Hunger Games film franchise. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes serves as a prequel to the events of the first four The Hunger Games movies, which were released between 2012-2015.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:15:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-ballad-songbirds-snakes-rachel-zegler-west-side-story/ Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Five Nights at Freddy's!

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:05:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/five-nights-at-freddys-villain-plan-no-sense/ Ursula is played by Melissa McCarthy in the live-action The Little Mermaid, but does she also do her own singing? Premiering in May 2023, The Little Mermaid is in a long line of Disney live-action remakes. The film follows the story of the original 1989 animated film about Ariel (Halle Bailey), a mermaid princess who dreams of being able to go to the world above the waves. Despite the heavy cost of production, The Little Mermaid ended up earning an impressive $569 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo) and is a welcome return to the underwater world.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/ursula-melissa-mccarthy-really-singing-little-mermaid/ New sequels to Frozen are on the way, and Frozen 3 should pay off a four-year-old franchise joke with one obvious way to do it. Frozen debuted in 2013, and it was a major Disney hit. It was naturally given a sequel, which debuted six years later in 2019, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. With not just one, but two confirmed Frozen sequels, there are many ways to continue the franchise, and honoring one of its most random jokes is one of them.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/frozen-3-pay-off-franchise-joke-obvious-way/ Bill Murray's film credits are impressive, to say the least, and two of his best movies — Scrooged and Groundhog Day — revolve around two separate holidays (Christmas and Groundhog Day). While both are entertaining in their own right and are quite different from one another, one film ultimately reigns supreme over the other. The two movies are considered classics and must-watches during their respective holidays in December and February. But only one can take the crown as the best (holiday-centric) Bill Murray project.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:50:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/scrooged-groundhog-day-bill-murray-movie-better/ Kevin Smith's beloved stoner duo Jay & Silent Bob will be returning in another cinematic adventure with Smith once again penning the hilarious script. Making their debut in the indie sensation Clerks in 1994, Jay & Silent Bob quickly became one of the most popular parts of Kevin Smith's View Askew universe, and only a handful of the director's films don't feature an appearance by the loudmouthed Jay and his quite buddy. Though they typically play supporting roles, Jay & Silent Bob have also starred in two solo movies of their own, further solidifying their place in pop culture.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/jay-silent-bob-universe-movie-new-updates/ Ryan Gosling let his musical skills shine in Barbie, but he nearly had the perfect follow-up with another anticipated 2023 movie. The song and dance skills of Ryan Gosling have become more frequently utilized in his movie roles over the years. After his time on the Mickey Mouse Club as a kid, the majority of Gosling's acting career has been spent starring in all types of movies to establish himself as one of Hollywood's most well-rounded stars. La La Land was the first movie to fully incorporate the actor's singing abilities after some prior Ryan Gosling movies had him sing briefly, and Barbie let those talents shine again.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:15:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/wonka-ryan-gosling-almost-cast-barbie/ Star Wars has reintroduced a classic monster from Knights of the Old Republic, and it could explain an 18-year-old mystery from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. One of the most iconic sequences in Revenge of the Sith sees Yoda lead a battalion of clone troopers and Wookiees in battle on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. The Jedi Council sent Yoda on this mission because, in his own words, he had "good relations with the Wookiees."

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-wars-kotor-terentatek-yoda-mystery/ Fast & Furious is a blockbuster franchise, yet its titles could've sent a better message about what the movies were about. The saga spreads over 11 movies, a spin-off, two short films, and a television series, with more to come in the future. Although it has a combined gross of over $7 billion globally, the Fast & Furious franchise doesn’t follow any consistent structure or format for its titles. The titling of every Fast & Furious movie has become so nonsensical and confusing that the franchise has become the source of various jokes pertaining to franchise titling.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 17:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/fast-furious-movies-titles-rename/ Jingle All the Way had to be rewritten on account of a Pixar movie that was released while the Arnold Schwarzenegger film was still in development. Initially, the movie was set to focus on the general concept of holiday toy crazes like Cabbage Patch Kids and Power Rangers. During production, the movie shifted focus slightly and drew inspiration from a more recent trend.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:40:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/jingle-all-the-way-inspired-toy-story-buzz-lightyear-action-figures/ Avatar 3 must continue a dark Neytiri story from Avatar: The Way of Water to avoid damaging the story of impending sequels. Despite the 13-year gap between Avatar and The Way of Water, upcoming Avatar sequels will be released much quicker. This is due to the production of each sequel essentially being scheduled back-to-back with the exclusion of Avatar 5. As such, the next sequel will be James Cameron's Avatar 3 which is currently scheduled for release on December 19, 2025.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 15:45:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/avatar-3-neytiri-spider-story-not-drop-james-cameron-sequels/ A major figure in Immortan Joe’s backstory may show up in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga if a trailer tease is to be believed. There’s plenty to get excited about when it comes to the upcoming Furiosa. The Mad Max: Fury Road prequel follows a younger version of Charlize Theron’s Furiosa from the 2015 film and is likely to offer context to the fascinating, lore-rich world glimpsed in George Miller’s masterful legacy sequel. Not only will the film see the iconic Furiosa and warlord Immortan Joe return, but one of Mad Max: Fury Road’s most engaging henchman characters will likely appear as well.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 15:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/furiosa-bullet-farmer-setting-immortan-joe-fury-road-backstory/ One lingering afterlife mystery from the 1988 original movie may finally be answered in Beetlejuice 2, thanks to the clarification of one actor’s new role in the sequel. The off-kilter afterlife of Beetlejuice is one of the movie’s greatest charms. Director Tim Burton brought his distinctive visual sense to the bureaucratic dreamscape laid out in Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren’s screenplay, creating a truly unique cinematic vision. Yet the film’s creative “Neitherworld” invites numerous questions which Beetlejuice 2 is called upon to answer.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:10:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/beetlejuice-2-willem-dafoe-police-officer-afterlife-mystery-michael-keaton/ Warning: This post contains mild spoilers for Oppenheimer

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:05:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/oppenheimer-isidor-rabi-what-happened-after/ Christopher Nolan's declaration that he will not be directing Bond 26 is a good thing both for the filmmaker and for the James Bond franchise. Nolan's knack for tension-based action and drama, interest in espionage plots, and collaborations with No Time to Die composer Hans Zimmer are just a few of the things that make him a strong candidate to direct a James Bond movie. Nolan even shared his conditions for directing Bond 26 while discussing the franchise's influence on his work, which suggested he was positioned to helm the next installment.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:50:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/bond-26-christopher-nolan-not-direct-good/ A theory on the identity of the killer in The Little Things puts forward that it's the corrupt police officer, Deacon, who is responsible. In The Little Things ending, Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington) and Jim Baxter (Rami Malek) have no answers to the murder mystery with which they are unhealthily obsessed, leading to rather sinister events. Instead of solving his case, Baxter ends up murdering the prime suspect Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). Instead of turning Baxter in, Deacon is there conveniently to help him cover it up, just as Deacon's colleagues helped him cover up an accidental murder of his own years earlier.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:40:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/little-things-deacon-denzel-washington-real-killer-boots/ Deadpool 3 is looking at retconning some major moments from the Fox X-Men movies via the MCU, including an underwhelming character death from the franchise’s very first installment. While the first Deadpool was released at a time when Fox properties were still separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, times have changed, with the story of Deadpool 3 finding a spot within the MCU’s Phase 5. Not much is known about the plot other than the highly publicized reveal of Hugh Jackman returning to the role of the adamantium-clawed mutant Wolverine after having last played the character in 2017’s Logan. But Wolverine isn’t the only comic book character to unexpectedly debut in the MCU.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:40:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/deadpool-3-toad-death-xmen-movie-justice/ It has been two years since a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie last raked in $1 billion, which means it's high time for an upcoming MCU movie release to break that drought. The record-breaking underperformance of The Marvels at the global box office has no doubt left Marvel Studios reeling after what has been a real mixed bag of a year. The solid performance and reception for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been sandwiched between the lukewarm and downright disastrous performances of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantummania and The Marvels, while Disney+ offered one dud and one mega-hit in short order with Secret Invasion and Loki, respectively.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/mcu-billion-dollar-box-office-streak-break/ 27 years ago, wrestler-turned-actor Hulk Hogan proved his transition to movie stardom wasn’t a guaranteed success when the WWE superstar headlined one of the worst Christmas movies ever made. The 1996 comedy in question put Hogan in the role of a callous, unpleasant playboy millionaire who made his fortune from bodybuilding supplements. After he took a nasty fall while being pursued through a mall by the police, he suffered amnesia. Waking up in a Santa suit that he donned to evade the cops, Hogan's character assumed that he was the real Santa Claus and began to live accordingly.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/hulk-hogan-worst-christmas-movie-santa-with-muscles/ 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse could be the first movie in over a decade to receive a specific nomination at the 96th Academy Awards. The film’s predecessor, 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, was a critically acclaimed animated superhero film, managing to be not only a love letter to decades of Spider-Man comic history - and a heartfelt cinematic debut for the Miles Morales version of the web-slinger - but also a groundbreaking film that truly brought the visual language of comic books to the realm of animation. Into the Spider-Verse won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, but Across the Spider-Verse could win a different accolade at the Academy Awards.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:20:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-oscars-streak/ Ridley Scott’s latest movie threatens to raise the challenge for his hotly anticipated next film, Gladiator 2. The Gladiator sequel certainly has its work cut out for it; not only is the follow-up expected to live up to one of the most popular action movies of all time, but it will also have to do so without the first film’s iconic protagonist and antagonist, both of whom died at the end of 2000’s Gladiator. What’s more, the upcoming Gladiator 2 has another point of comparison threatening to undermine it: Ridley Scott’s Napoleon.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/napoleon-ridley-scott-gladiator-2-action-scene-challenge/ Kung Fu Panda 4 is on the way and there are already exciting updates about the newest Dreamworks hit. Originally debuting in 2008, the Kung Fu Panda series follows a clumsy panda named Po (Jack Black) who learns to harness his potential as a martial arts master. Noted for its slapstick humor, playful art style, and boisterous action, the Kung Fu Panda franchise has proven to be one of Dreamworks' biggest success stories.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 22:00:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/kung-fu-panda-4-news-updates-release-date-story/ Wonka has racked up an admirable score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it pales in comparison to its director's earlier franchise. Directed by Paul King, Wonka is a prequel movie starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular chocolatier. The film explores the origin story of Willy Wonka, the eccentric character from Roald Dahl's children's novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Though the divisive trailer created doubts about the Willy Wonka prequel, Wonka has received a positive response from critics ahead of its release on December 15.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 21:35:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/wonka-movie-rotten-tomatoes-score-disappointing-paddington-comparison/ One of the greater revelations of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the origin of "The Hanging Tree Song" that Katniss sang in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—but what do the lyrics really mean? Of course, the answer to this question is subjective since every person is bound to interpret Lucy Gray's words in their own way. In the Hunger Games and the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes books, we see the song broken down from the perspective of two characters—Katniss Everdeen and Coriolanus Snow. As two drastically different people, their thoughts on the rebellious "Hanging Tree" differed significantly.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 21:20:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/songbirds-snakes-hanging-tree-lines-hunger-games-comparison/ The Dark Knight trilogy lives up to its name with its darker themes, but there was one lost scene in The Dark Knight Rises that sparked a particularly visceral reaction in director Christopher Nolan. Nolan's celebrated pre-DCU movie franchise is a far cry from its flamboyant predecessors, replete with grim motifs that have helped to redefine the Batman movies that have come since, with Matt Reeves now carrying the torch with The Batman trilogy. Neither iteration of Batman shies away from the violence inherent in the character whose M.O. is to maul but not kill DC's prolific roster of villains - but there is a limit.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:20:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/dark-knight-rises-foley-deleted-scene-nolan-reaction/ When it comes to the cinema of India, Tollywood vs. Bollywood can be a bit confusing to newcomers, but it's a fascinating dichotomy. Hollywood may be the center of movie-making in the world, but other countries are not far behind. From Germany with their horror and expressionism to French New Wave to Academy Award-winning films coming out of South Korea, cinema is not only an American-owned product, despite how much the industry produces. And India has a massive filmmaking market that is rapidly gaining mainstream attention in North America.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/tollywood-vs-bollywood-difference-meaning-explained/ A new Spider-Man series could lead to a moment of redemption for Nicolas Cage following his long-lost Superman film. Nicolas Cage was set to star as Superman in Tim Burton's Superman Lives before the project was scrapped in 1998. While Cage did voice Superman in Teens Titans Go! To the Movies and had a CGI cameo as the character in The Flash, many wonder what could have been. The Dream Scenario star finally got to play a big-brand superhero in film thanks to Marvel when he voiced Spider-Man Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:50:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/spider-man-noir-show-nicolas-cage-superman-lives-fix/ Godzilla Minus One is a box office success, and the live-action Toho movie has made a ton of money compared to its budget. The Japanese Godzilla movie was released in the United States in December 2023 to relatively moderate expectations for how it would perform. However, Godzilla Minus One's reviews and Rotten Tomatoes score helped garner more interest in the movie. Praise for the movie's emotional human story, great VFX, and terrifying portrayal of the King of the Monsters helped turn a movie that could have had little impact on the box office into one of the last surprise hits of 2023.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/godzilla-minus-one-box-office-budget/ Although Thor 5 is yet to be confirmed, the Thor: Love & Thunder sequel could take the shape of Thor's biggest (yet smallest) MCU challenge yet. Thor: Love & Thunder left Thor acting as father to Gorr's daughter, Love, as they tag-team heroics across the universe while New Asgard remains in the capable hands of King Valkyrie. The climax was pretty open-ended, leaving Thor in a similar place to where he was at the start, only with a daughter in tow in lieu of the Guardians of the Galaxy. At least, that was until the post-credits scene moments later, which set up the arrival of Hercules.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:50:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/thor-5-personal-smaller-threat-villain/ Ash (Ian Holm) turns out to be a killer android in Ridley Scott's Alien, but there were clues that teased his non-human twist long before the reveal. The crew of the Nostromo was never supposed to know that Ash was a synthetic person, much less one who did not have an inhibitor when it came to inflicting violence against humans. After the crew lands on LV-426 and comes in contact with the ship carrying the face-hugger eggs, Ash's protocols dictate that he preserve the organisms for study, even if they've already killed members of the crew through the gestation process of creating a xenormoph.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:45:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/alien-ash-not-human-clue-before-android-reveal/ Beauty and the Beast, an enchanting story that has captivated audiences for centuries, found even more fans with the 2017 live-action adaptation, but Luke Evans' Gaston spinoff's future is uncertain. Disney's live-action remake received widespread acclaim, as the film's visual splendor, coupled with its faithful yet fresh narrative approach, resonated with audiences of all ages. It wasn't just a retelling; it was a reimagining that brought new depth to a beloved story. This success was mirrored in its box office performance, with the film grossing $1.26 billion worldwide (via Box Office Mojo), a testament to its universal appeal and the enduring love for this timeless tale.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/luke-evans-gaston-beauty-beast-spinoff-show-updates/ One of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's many trailers suggests that the two darkest theories about the upcoming DC movie are true. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to effectively end the DCEU ahead of James Gunn's DCU reboot that will begin in 2024. As such, the film has the unwanted task of ending Arthur Curry's story in only the character's second solo outing. In doing so, the story of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may include a greater sense of finality than first thought.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/aquaman-lost-kingdom-trailer-baby-dad-death-theories-true/ Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny continued a franchise tradition when it introduced Toby Jones' Basil Shaw. Raiders of the Lost Ark was based on the old adventure serials that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas grew up on, with the character of Indiana Jones being created with sequel potential in mind. While the cinematic side of the saga appeared to close out with 1989's The Last Crusade, Indy cracked his whip in everything from a TV show to spinoff novels, video games and comics.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:15:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/indiana-jones-dial-destiny-basil-shaw-sidekick-tradition/ Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker changed Palpatine's Force lightning to act more like an old Clone Wars superweapon. There have been several Force abilities that have evolved in Star Wars over the years. After the final installment of the sequel trilogy, one of the most identifiable Sith Force abilities has been added to that list. Force lightning is perhaps the most well-known Force ability that is solely associated with the Sith, besides the Force choke - and the end of The Rise of Skywalker has made this ability even more horrifying.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/star-wars-rise-skywalker-force-lightning-clone-wars-ion-cannon-comparison/ John Ford made history at the Academy Awards 71 years ago by the filmmaker holding a certain record, one that will likely not be eclipsed in the near future. Since 1929, the Academy Awards - more commonly known as Oscars - have been the barometer for success in the film industry. Oftentimes during Oscar season, studios build up a release slate consisting of movies that should get nominated for Oscars. This will be no different for the 96th Academy Awards and the hopeful nominees of the 2024 Oscars.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:35:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/oscars-john-ford-best-director-most-wins-record/ While Die Hard’s second sequel was a solid follow-up, dropping the Christmas setting of the first two movies still ended up being the creative choice that tanked the franchise as a whole. The Die Hard series, like its hero John McClane, was stuck in an unenviable position after the success of the first sequel. Die Hard 2 was a huge hit like its predecessor, but the movie’s decision to land John McClane in another life-or-death scenario on Christmas Eve wasn’t lost on critics or fans. Die Hard 2 got away with some hilariously cheeky self-referential one-liners about how unlikely these events were, but the franchise couldn’t pull this off again.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:15:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/die-hard-franchise-drop-christmas-setting-mistake/