Fans of the acclaimed horror film "It Follows" have something to look forward to: After more than a decade, the long-awaited sequel "They Follow" is finally set to become a reality – and there are updates on the cast as well. As reported by Deadline magazine, "Blink Twice" star Naomie Ackie is in talks to join the cast of the sequel.

She will join Maika Monroe, who is set to reprise a central role in "They Follow." Director and screenwriter David Robert Mitchell, who helmed the first film, is once again at the helm of the project. According to initial reports, filming is set to begin this summer. However, specific details about the plot and a possible release date are still under wraps.

Why "It Follows" is still considered a milestone in modern horror cinema

When "It Follows" was released in 2014, the film felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre that was then dominated by jump scares, found-footage concepts, and numerous sequels. Director David Robert Mitchell succeeded in creating a horror film with relatively simple means that was equally unsettling, intelligent, and atmospheric. Instead of relying on constant shock moments, "It Follows" built up a subtle sense of menace that continued to haunt the audience long after they left the theater.

The film tells the story of young Jay, who, after a romantic encounter, is haunted by a mysterious supernatural presence. What makes it unique is that the threat moves slowly but inexorably toward its target. One can only escape it temporarily.

The ingenious idea behind the threat

One of the main reasons for the success of "It Follows" was its unique concept. The creature or force hunting the main character can take the form of any person. Sometimes it appears as a stranger, sometimes as a familiar face. This created a constant sense of uncertainty. Viewers had to constantly watch their surroundings and wonder whether the seemingly normal person at the end of the street was actually the danger.

Particularly effective was the rule that the threat never hurries. It doesn't run; it doesn't jump out of dark corners. It simply keeps walking. Slowly, steadily, and without pause. It was precisely this inevitability that made it so terrifying. The fear did not arise from surprises, but from the certainty that the horror would eventually arrive.

Atmosphere Instead of Cheap Jumps

While many horror films of its time relied on quick shocks, "It Follows" relied on atmosphere. Long camera shots, quiet scenes, and a deliberately slow narrative pace created an almost dreamlike mood. Viewers were forced to stay alert and take in every detail. Added to this was the unusual visual language.

The plot took place in a world that felt familiar but was difficult to place in time. Old cars stood alongside modern technology, and seasons seemed to blend together. This created a sense of disorientation that perfectly matched the film's theme.

The Soundtrack as the Secret Star

Another key factor in the success of "It Follows" was the music. The electronic soundtrack by composer Disasterpeace evoked classic horror films of the 1970s and 1980s, yet felt modern and distinctive at the same time. The pulsating synthesizer sounds greatly amplified the tension. Often, the music foreshadowed danger long before it became visible on screen. This created a constant sense of unease that permeated the film throughout its entire runtime.

More Than Just a Horror Film

Many viewers and critics saw "It Follows" as more than just a classic horror film. The story was frequently interpreted as a metaphor for the fears of growing up, responsibility, or the consequences of personal decisions. Director David Robert Mitchell deliberately left room for different interpretations without providing a clear-cut answer. It is precisely this complexity that has contributed to the film being discussed for years and remaining the subject of numerous analyses to this day.

A modern classic

Even more than ten years after its release, "It Follows" is considered one of the most influential horror films of its generation. The film proved that creative ideas, a strong atmosphere, and intelligent storytelling can often be more effective than big budgets or spectacular special effects.

With its unique blend of psychological horror, stylistic originality, and sustained suspense, "It Follows" has secured a permanent place in the history of modern horror cinem – and that is precisely why many fans are eagerly awaiting the sequel, "They Follow".

From film to series: Netflix is planning a series adaptation based on Richard Linklater's "Hit Man", according to Deadline. The film, starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, was released as recently as 2024 – and certainly won over many fans with its charm. What is already known about the Netflix project?

Both Powell and director Linklater are on board as producers. The two had co-written the screenplay for the film. This time, however, creative responsibility lies with someone else: Stephen Falk, series creator of the comedy "You're the Worst" and one of the writers of the long-running Showtime series "Weeds."

Here's what Hit Man is about

"Hit Man" stands out thanks to its unusual mix of romantic comedy and neo-noir crime thriller elements. The premise is as original as it is entertaining: Mild-mannered professor Gary Johnson works part-time with the New Orleans Police Department, assisting an undercover sting operation designed to catch people attempting to hire contract killers.

When his colleague Jasper is unexpectedly sidelined, Gary is forced to step in and pose as a hitman himself. To his surprise, he discovers a remarkable talent for creating entirely different personas to fool potential clients. Things become far more complicated, however, when Gary – while posing as the mysterious hitman Ron – develops feelings for Madison, a woman seeking help to escape her abusive husband.

What can we expect from the series?

At this stage, it remains unclear how closely the Netflix series will follow the film's storyline. One possibility is that the show expands the procedural elements of the premise, with Gary taking on a new case every episode while adopting a different identity and disguise each time.

It will also be interesting to see which actors are cast for the two main characters. Much of the film's success was driven by the chemistry between Powell and Arjona, making casting one of the biggest challenges for the adaptation. It is not yet known when the Netflix series will premiere. If you want to catch up on the movie or plan to rewatch it in the meantime: You can of course stream the film on Netflix.

The True Story Behind Hit Man

Even though "Hit Man" seems like an absurd invention at times, the basic idea is actually based on a real person. The real Gary Johnson worked for the Houston Police Department for many years and assisted in investigations by posing as a hitman. His ability to take on a wide variety of roles and convict suspects made him an extraordinary figure in American criminal history. The film takes this unusual premise but, of course, takes some narrative liberties.

Glen Powell: From Supporting Actor to Hollywood Star

For Glen Powell, "Hit Man" marked another highlight of his career. The actor first became known to a wide audience through supporting roles in films such as "The Expendables 3" and "Hidden Figures." However, he truly made his breakthrough with the blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick" alongside Tom Cruise, in which he played the pilot Hangman.

This was followed by leading roles in the romantic comedy "Anyone But You" and the disaster film "Twisters." Most recently, he also appeared in the remake of "The Running Man." With his charisma and comedic talent, Powell is now one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

Adria Arjona Continues Her Hollywood Breakthrough

Adria Arjona has also established herself as a versatile actress in recent years. Television audiences may recognize her from the second season of "True Detective," "Good Omens," and the acclaimed "Star Wars" series "Andor," among others. On the film side, she has appeared in Michael Bay's action blockbuster "6 Underground," the crime thriller "Triple Frontier," the superhero film "Morbius," and "Blink Twice".

With "Hit Man," Arjona has particularly proven herself as a leading actress in major film productions. She will soon be seen alongside "Sinners" star Michael B. Jordan in the remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair."

Richard Linklater and his most famous films

Behind the film is also one of the most renowned directors in American independent cinema. Richard Linklater is best known for the "Before" trilogy starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, consisting of "Before Sunrise," "Before Sunset," and "Before Midnight." His other successes include the cult comedy "Dazed and Confused," the musical "School of Rock" starring Jack Black, and the award-winning coming-of-age drama "Boyhood," which was filmed over a period of several years. Most recently, Linklater directed "Blue Moon" starring Ethan Hawke. He has a reputation for bringing particularly authentic characters and interpersonal relationships to the screen.

It remains to be seen whether the planned Netflix series can capture the film's charm. However, with its exciting source material, the involvement of Richard Linklater and Glen Powell behind the scenes, and an experienced series creator at the helm, the project has a strong foundation for retelling the story to a new audience.

New addition to "The Last of Us"! Peter Sarsgaard is joining the cast for the third season of the post-apocalyptic HBO series. His role has already been confirmed. It is a recurring character who does not appear in the video game of the same name but was created specifically for the series. Sarsgaard plays Amon, a member of the Seraphites, as reported by Deadline.

The Seraphites are a brutal, religious cult. As for Sarsgaard's role within the group, all that is known is that he is set to portray one of the Seraphites' leaders. No further details about his character have been revealed yet. In any case, no details about the plot of the third season of "The Last of Us" have been unveiled yet. The series is set in a world where human civilization has collapsed due to a devastating epidemic. The protagonists of this post-apocalyptic scenario are Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). At the beginning of the first season, Joel is tasked with smuggling the young Ellie out of a quarantine zone – the start of a dangerous journey that turns into a brutal fight for survival for the two of them.

The Last of Us features an ensemble cast of top-tier actors

In addition to Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the series boasts a number of other top-tier actors, including Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Anna Torv, and Jeffrey Wright. In Season 3, Peter Sarsgaard – who was most recently seen in the horror romance "The Bride!" and the miniseries "DTF St. Louis" – is not the only new addition. It was previously announced that Jason Ritter and Patrick Wilson would also be joining the cast. Kaitlyn Dever plays a special role: Abby, the character she portrays, sets out to find Joel after the first season – because she has a score to settle with him that she intends to settle at any cost. Although the exact plot of the third season has not yet been revealed, she will likely play a central role in the new episodes.

"The Last of Us" premiered on HBO in 2023, ten years after the release of the video game of the same name on which the series is based. The TV adaptation was created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who serve as showrunners, executive producers, writers, and directors. Druckmann is also co-responsible for the original video game. However, he is no longer on board as showrunner for the third season; instead, Mazin now holds the lead role.

Season 3 may mark the conclusion of The Last of Us

"The Last of Us" is one of those rare cases where a video game adaptation is not only a hit with audiences but also wins over critics. The highly acclaimed series is also a welcome guest at award ceremonies. For example, "The Last of Us" received a total of 24 nominations at the 2024 Emmy Awards, including Best Drama Series. In the end, the series took home eight awards.

Given its success, a third season was a done deal early on. Even before the second season premiered in 2025, "The Last of Us" had already been renewed for a third season. Filming began in British Columbia, Canada, in March of this year. In addition to Mazin, Andrew Bernstein, Hiromi Kamata, Vincenzo Natali, and David Petrarca are set to direct. However, as Deadline reports, production has now been put on hold for a break that is expected to last about a month and coincides with the 2026 World Cup. Since Vancouver is not only a filming location for "The Last of Us" but also a host city for the tournament, filming during that time would likely be impacted by that. After the break, however, production is set to resume, so that Season 3 of "The Last of Us" may be able to premiere on HBO in 2027. It is currently assumed that the third season will also be the final one.

There's reason for hope for all "Mad Max" fans! Although the 2024 prequel "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" turned out to be a flop despite rave reviews, director George Miller is apparently already planning new projects set in the post-apocalyptic world.

As reported by several Hollywood insiders, including Jeff Sneider and Matt Belloni, Miller has reportedly been in Hollywood recently to pitch another "Mad Max" feature film to various studios. The idea of a TV series adaptation is also apparently on the table. The goal is to find new partners for the franchise before the rights are potentially sold to the highest bidder.

While "Mad Max: Fury Road" from 2015 is still considered one of the most significant action films of the past decades, the prequel "Furiosa" failed to build on that success. In particular, the disappointing box office results are said to have contributed to the fact that the previous partner studio, Warner Bros., is no longer interested in further productions. The situation appears to be quite different at Sony, Universal, and Amazon.

However, there is no concrete information yet regarding a potential sixth "Mad Max" film. It remains unclear, for example, whether Miller intends to bring his long-discussed project "Mad Max: The Wasteland" to life or if he is working on an entirely new story. The casting for the lead role also remains open. Whether Tom Hardy would return as Max Rockatansky or a new actor would step into his shoes is currently pure speculation.

A Look Back at the Mad Max Films: The Making of a Cult Series

The Mad Max series is one of the best-known and most influential film series in the action and science fiction genres. With these films, director George Miller created a bleak vision of a world marked by social decay, resource scarcity, and violence. At the center is former police officer Max Rockatansky, who fights for survival in an increasingly lawless world.

Mad Max (1979)

The first film is set in the near future, where social order is already beginning to crumble. Max Rockatansky works as a police officer on Australia's highways and tries to crack down on violent motorcycle gangs. After his family falls victim to one such gang, he embarks on a personal quest for revenge. "Mad Max" impressed audiences with its high-speed car chases and its unique atmosphere. Although the budget was very low, Mad Max became an international success and made lead actor Mel Gibson famous worldwide.

Mad Max 2 (1981)

"Mad Max 2" cemented the image of the post-apocalyptic world. Civilization has largely collapsed, and gasoline has become one of the most valuable resources. Max roams the desert as a loner and gets caught up in the conflict between a small settlement and a brutal band of robbers. For many fans, the film is considered the highlight of the series. The spectacular vehicle stunts, iconic costumes, and uncompromising action influenced numerous later films, video games, and series.

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

In the third film, Max reaches the desert town of Bartertown, which is controlled by the power-hungry leader Tina Turner. There, he becomes entangled in political power struggles and must ultimately compete in the famous "Thunder Dome," an arena for brutal duels. "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome" significantly expands the series' universe and, for the first time, depicts larger communities and social structures. At the same time, it relies more heavily on adventure and fantasy elements than its predecessors. Reactions were mixed, yet this installment also became an important part of the film series.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

After a thirty-year hiatus, the series made an impressive return with "Mad Max: Fury Road". This time, Tom Hardy took on the role of Max. At his side is the warrior Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron. The plot follows an escape through the desert from the tyrannical ruler Immortan Joe. The film impressed with its nearly non-stop action, practical stunts, and visual design. Critics and audiences alike praised it. "Fury Road" won several awards and is now considered one of the best action films of the 21st century.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

With "Furiosa", the beloved character from Fury Road gets her own prequel. This time, the young Furiosa is played by Anya Taylor-Joy. The film chronicles her journey from being kidnapped from her homeland to rising as one of the most important figures in the wasteland. The focus is on power struggles between rival rulers as well as Furiosa's development into a determined fighter. The film expands the backstory of the Mad Max universe and delves deeper into the story of one of its most beloved characters.

Conclusion

The Mad Max series has reinvented itself time and again over several decades. From the comparatively down-to-earth revenge thriller of the first film, it evolved into a unique post-apocalyptic saga full of spectacular action, unusual characters, and striking imagery. In particular, the films "Mad Max 2" and "Mad Max: Fury Road" are considered milestones of the genre and have had a lasting impact on the cinematic portrayal of the post-apocalyptic world. To this day, the series remains an important point of reference for action and science fiction films around the world.

Forget rapid-fire cuts and over-the-top CGI: this movie really packs a punch! "The Furious" is another martial arts film from Hong Kong that has already turned heads at prestigious film festivals like Sitges and Toronto. But what does this action flick actually have to offer, and what do international critics have to say about it? We'll reveal all that in our KinoCheck META review.

The Story

Let's not kid ourselves: you're not tuning in to this movie for deep dialogue or Oscar-worthy plot twists. Anyone looking for a complex, twist-filled story is definitely in the wrong movie. This opinion is also reflected in the vast majority of international reviews. Or, to put it in the words of William Bibbani from The Wrap:

"The plot is simplicity, and thank goodness, because no one goes to a fight movie for the plot."

Just this much: "The Furious" tells the story of Wang Mei (Xie Miao), whose daughter is abducted by a child trafficking ring. He then teams up with journalist Navon (Joe Taslim) to fight his way through the Hong Kong underworld. For Jake Cole of Slant, however, the thin plot carries significantly more weight. He also had issues with the dialogue.

"At times, the threadbare plot threatens to weigh down the rare moments where things slow down to reset, with dialogue that occasionally sounds like it went through several rounds of translation and emerged awkwardly cadenced and blunt."

Brutal fights in the style of The Raid

For most critics, one thing is clear: as soon as the fights begin, "The Furious" reveals its true strength. The action is brutal, masterfully filmed, and incredibly well choreographed. Every punch, kick, or blow with a weapon lands perfectly and delivers the occasional "Ouch" moment. The whole thing is then accompanied by a thumping soundtrack that builds plenty of tension. The film takes itself 100 percent seriously. There's no room here for meta-jokes or self-deprecating moments.

Creative set pieces and compelling performances

The creative set pieces, which provide visual variety, are also particularly noteworthy. In our opinion, two sequences stand out in particular: First, an atmospherically dense and uncompromising fight in a cold storage room, where the environment is skillfully integrated into the choreography. Second, a spectacularly staged confrontation in an MMA ring, where a hammer takes down hordes of opponents.

Don't expect Oscar-worthy acting. Nevertheless, the actors are generally quite convincing and handle the enormous physical strain well. Joe Taslim, in particular, impressed us – many of you probably know him from "The Raid", "The Night Comes for Us", or the "Mortal Kombat" films. Giovanni Lago from Next Best Pictures, on the other hand, was thrilled by actor Brian Lee, who plays a particularly tenacious adversary who makes life hell for our heroes.

"In particular, Brian Lee's bald, bulldozing henchman is the personification of this, turning into what is essentially the live-action Tasmanian Devil. He's a muscly tornado of vehemence."

Weaknesses in believability

But where there is light, there is unfortunately also shadow. As fun as the fights are, a certain repetitiveness creeps in over the course of the film, which is also due to its 113-minute runtime. Less would have been more here. At some point, you've simply had your fill of the action, and the fights start to feel drawn-out, especially toward the end. Consistency and believability also increasingly fall by the wayside. When characters go down countless times, take massive hits, and yet keep getting back up, the sense of a real threat is lost. At times, the characters seem more like they're from a video game.

Conclusion

Critics have given the film mostly positive reviews – mainly due to the well-executed fight sequences. We agree: "The Furious" is a spectacular action film with impressive fights. Unfortunately, the lack of consistency in the fight scenes and the runtime detract from the overall impression. For us, it's not the best action movie of the year, but it's definitely worth watching. Want to form your own opinion? "The Furious" hits theaters on June 12, 2026.

The planned film adaptation of the popular video game "Helldivers" is facing a setback. According to Deadline magazine, Jason Momoa has left the production. The search for a new lead actor is now in full swing. Justin Lin, who is best known for the "Fast & Furious" series, remains on board as the film's director. Specific details about the plot are currently being kept under wraps, but as things stand, "Helldivers" is scheduled to hit theaters on November 10, 2027.

The game's plot is set in a bleak vision of the future, in which humanity is united under the authoritarian regime of the so-called Super Earth. Players take on the role of the Helldivers, an elite military unit tasked with enforcing the interests of Super Earth throughout the galaxy. In doing so, they fight for valuable resources, secure new territories, and face various alien threats in large-scale battles.

What sets "Helldivers" apart from many military shooters is its satirical undertone. The propaganda-laced language, patriotic slogans, and melodrama are deliberately reminiscent of science fiction satires like "Starship Troopers".

Movie Recommendations for Helldivers Fans

The success of "Helldivers" is based on a unique blend of fast-paced action, satirical humor, exaggerated militarism, and massive battles against alien threats. Players fight side by side for "Super Earth" as they battle through hordes of insects, robots, and other enemies. In doing so, the game lovingly pokes fun at classic sci-fi war movies. If you're looking for movies that evoke a similar vibe, you'll find what you're looking for in the following recommendations.

Starship Troopers: The Most Important Inspiration

If there's one movie every Helldivers fan should have seen, it's "Starship Troopers". The film tells the story of young soldiers fighting giant insect creatures in an interstellar war. The satirical portrayal of propaganda and militarism, in particular, is strongly reminiscent of the world of "Helldivers". The overly patriotic commercials and recruitment videos could have come straight from the game. At the same time, the film offers spectacular battles and plenty of sci-fi action.

Edge of Tomorrow: Failure Is Part of Success

"Edge of Tomorrow" combines an alien invasion, military action, and a clever time-loop concept. An inexperienced soldier must relive the same day of battle over and over again and learn from his mistakes. This principle is reminiscent of many "Helldivers" missions, in which teams initially fail, adjust their strategy, and ultimately succeed. The film offers thrilling action, humor, and a strong dynamic between the main characters.

Aliens: Battle Against the Perfect Enemy

For fans of intense combat, "Aliens" is a must-see. A unit of Space Marines is sent to a distant planet to investigate the disappearance of a colony. There, they encounter a deadly alien species. The atmosphere of teamwork, firepower, and ever-growing danger resembles many "Helldivers" missions. In particular, the portrayal of a military unit under extreme pressure makes the film timeless.

The Tomorrow War: Humanity Against Extinction

In "The Tomorrow War", people from the present are sent into the future to fight an overwhelming alien species. The giant monsters, the desperate battles, and the feeling of a hopeless war are strongly reminiscent of the battles against the Terminids in "Helldivers". If you love modern special effects and large-scale action, you'll get your money's worth here.

Battle: Los Angeles: War on the Streets

"Battle: Los Angeles" depicts an alien invasion from the perspective of a Marine unit. Instead of spectacular space battles, the film focuses on ground combat in a devastated metropolis. The camera work and the portrayal of the unit's cohesion create a similar feeling to a difficult "Helldivers" mission, where every decision determines success or defeat.

Conclusion

"Helldivers" is far more than just another co-op shooter. The game combines spectacular sci-fi battles with satire, team spirit, and a healthy dose of chaos. Movies like "Starship Troopers", "Aliens", or "Edge of Tomorrow" pick up on exactly these elements and offer fans similar experiences on the big screen. Anyone who hasn't had enough of alien wars after their next mission for democracy will find the perfect entertainment in these films.

Just like in the first film, Colin Farrell will also appear as the Penguin in "The Batman 2." Until now, it was unclear how significant his role would be in the sequel directed and written by Matt Reeves. But now Farrell has spoken out – and revealed that we won't be seeing him in the film for very long. In an interview with ScreenRant, the actor explains:

"I'm only in two scenes, which is great because it means I can enjoy the rest of the film."

On the one hand, it's naturally a shame that the Penguin will only appear for a relatively short time. On the other hand, this leaves more time for other characters – especially since Colin Farrell's character was already explored in depth in the miniseries "The Penguin." Over the course of eight episodes, Farrell took center stage as Oswald "Oz" Cobb, aka The Penguin.

Colin Farrell is absolutely thrilled with the script for The Batman 2

Speaking to ScreenRant, Farrell also touches on the script for the new "Batman" film. According to his enthusiastic comments, we can look forward to an outstanding sequel. Regarding the script, he says:

"I got to read from the first to last page and it's really magnificent. I just think Matt Reeves is brilliant and he wrote, not only tonally, a really kind of dark and at times terrifying piece, and not only psychologically weighty and nuanced, but really feeling. [...] I just think he wrote kind of a contemporary genre masterpiece, really."

The Batman 2: Greater focus on Bruce Wayne

Sounds promising! But we'll have to wait a while longer before we can see for ourselves just how good the sequel actually is. "The Batman: Part II" hits theaters on October 1, 2027. Then we'll also know exactly what the plot will be about. So far, not much is known about the story. It will likely be a while longer before the first trailer for "The Batman 2" arrives and provides a bit more clarity. At least director Reeves has hinted that the sequel will focus more on the character of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne.

The filmmaker also released the first images from the production. Under the hashtag #SnowTires, he posted two photos on social media of the Batmobile on the road while it appears to be snowing. A homage to "Batman Returns" by director Tim Burton? After all, the former sequel to Burton's first "Batman" film was set in winter and thus also featured a wintry backdrop.

Robert Pattinson is joined by a few newcomers

As for the cast, things are clearer. In addition to Colin Farrell, there are several other returning cast members. Robert Pattinson once again plays the titular superhero. We'll also see Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth again. This time, Sebastian Stan will also be part of the ensemble. It is considered fairly certain that he will play Harvey Dent, who becomes one of the most famous supervillains in the "Batman" comics: Two-Face. Also new to the cast is Scarlett Johansson, who is expected to take on the role of Harvey's wife, Gilda Dent. "Game of Thrones" actor Charles Dance is set to portray Harvey Dent's violent father. Just recently, director Matt Reeves announced two more newcomers via social media: Brian Tyree Henry and German actor Sebastian Koch. It remains to be seen, however, who the two actors will play in "The Batman 2."

We're already excited to see this star-studded cast in action. Expectations are certainly very high. After all, the first film was a huge success – both with critics and at the box office. Matt Reeves' first "Batman" film grossed $772 million worldwide. It remains to be seen whether "The Batman 2" can build on this success.

Denzel Washington as the legendary general Hannibal! That's what we can expect from Netflix's large-scale historical epic. However, the project has now hit a significant roadblock: production has been put on hold, as reported by the industry magazine Deadline. What happens next?

The reason appears to be unresolved budget issues. Filming hadn't started yet; pre-production was still underway. Reportedly, the team had met with some actors and scouted locations in Italy. Filming was originally scheduled to begin later this year – but that remains uncertain for now. The next step: Netflix and the film's producers are set to meet to clarify the project's future. The hope is that the film can still be produced for the streaming service.

Big names in front of and behind the camera

In any case, the film is not lacking in big names: Director Antoine Fuqua has a long-standing creative partnership with Washington. The two have worked together on films such as "Training Day" and the "Equalizer" series. Most recently, Fuqua delivered one of the biggest box office hits of the year so far with the music biopic "Michael."

Screenwriter John Logan is penning the script. The multiple Academy Award winner is well-versed in adapting historical material. Logan previously wrote the screenplay for Ridley Scott's "Gladiator."

The Historical Background

The Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca is one of the most famous military strategists of antiquity. He is particularly known for his spectacular crossing of the Alps with his troops, including elephants. During the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, Hannibal repeatedly caused the Romans great difficulties. It remains to be seen when – and if – we'll see Hannibal's story on Netflix. We'll keep you updated!

Denzel Washington: One of Hollywood's biggest stars

Regardless of how the "Hannibal" project unfolds, Denzel Washington has been one of Hollywood's most influential actors for decades. The two-time Academy Award winner has impressed audiences in dramas, action films, and historical epics alike. Among his most famous roles is the corrupt police officer Alonzo Harris in "Training Day." Before that, he had already achieved major success with films such as "Philadelphia" alongside Tom Hanks and the Civil War drama "Glory."

Washington also made a name for himself as an action star. In "Man on Fire," he plays John Creasy on a merciless quest for revenge. This was followed by the "Equalizer" series, one of his most successful film franchises. He plays Robert McCall, who uses his special skills to help the vulnerable.

Historical films are also part of Washington's repertoire. Among other roles, he played civil rights activist Malcolm X in Spike Lee's film of the same name. Most recently, Washington appeared in Ridley Scott's historical epic "Gladiator II." With the role of Hannibal, another famous historical figure could now be added to his impressive filmography – provided the Netflix project gets the green light.

Long-standing creative partnerships

Antoine Fuqua, however, is not the only filmmaker with whom Washington has successfully collaborated over many years. Equally significant have been his creative partnerships with Tony Scott and Spike Lee. Washington made a total of five films with Tony Scott. In addition to the aforementioned "Man on Fire," these include the submarine film "Crimson Tide," the sci-fi thriller "Déjà Vu," "The Taking of Pelham 123," and "Unstoppable."

Washington maintains a similar connection with Spike Lee, with whom he made, for example, the sports drama "He Got Game." They also made the crime thriller "Inside Man," which ranks among the most successful films of Lee's career. Most recently, Washington and Lee collaborated on "Highest 2 Lowest."

These long-standing collaborations demonstrate the standing Washington enjoys in Hollywood. For decades, some of the industry's most renowned directors have relied on his talent – and with the planned "Hannibal" film, the next chapter of his extraordinary career could now follow.

The "Jump Street" universe is expanding with a new film: "24 Jump Street." The action-comedy sequel is currently in the works, according to Variety. Fans of the film series featuring undercover cops Morton Schmidt and Greg Jenko have something to look forward to: the two lead actors, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, are in talks to return. The same goes for Ice Cube, who played their superior, Captain Dickson, in the previous installments.

The film series is a reimagining of the TV series "21 Jump Street," in which young police officers conduct undercover investigations at high schools, among other places. What seems a bit odd at first is the title of the sequel. After all, the new film is the third installment in the series. But the two predecessors are titled "21 Jump Street" and "22 Jump Street." So where on earth did "23 Jump Street" go?

Why the new film is called 24 Jump Street

Basically, it's likely a self-deprecating joke. Just how much the film series likes to poke fun at itself is evident, for example, at the end of "22 Jump Street." During the credits, a series of short scenes show the two protagonists, Morton Schmidt and Greg Jenko, taking on a string of additional undercover missions that grow increasingly absurd and serve as the premise for potential sequels like "27 Jump Street: Culinary School" or "42 Jump Street: Beauty School."

Just how much fun the creators are having with naming the sequel "24 Jump Street" is evident in a social media post by producer Neal H. Moritz. We're shown the film's script, which reads:

"24 Jump Street: It took so long to make we had to skip one."

Crossover between Jump Street and Men in Black

What is primarily meant tongue-in-cheek likely also refers to a previously planned sequel of a somewhat different kind that ultimately never came to fruition. Under the title "MIB 23," there was supposed to be a crossover between the "Jump Street" universe and the alien-populated world of the sci-fi comedy "Men in Black." That may sound far-fetched, but it was confirmed by Channing Tatum. About two years ago, the actor spoke to ComicBook about it and emphasized:

"It's still the best script that I've ever read for a third movie."

It's all the more unfortunate that the crossover has apparently been put on hold. But now fans can look forward to "24 Jump Street." We can only hope that the sequel continues the series in an original way, even without aliens. After the heroes ended up in high school in "21 Jump Street" and in college in "22 Jump Street," we can look forward to seeing where they'll be investigating this time. And just how successful the new film will be. After all, the first installment grossed $201 million at the global box office. The second installment even reached $331 million. "24 Jump Street" will have to match that first.

One thing is certain: Jonah Hill is credited as screenwriter alongside Meghan Malloy and Rodney Rothman. The latter is set to direct. Rothman previously served as co-director on "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." With Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the directors of the first two "Jump Street" films are also on board for "24 Jump Street." This time, however, as producers. Other producers include Neal H. Moritz, Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Jonah Hill, and Matt Dines.

21 Jump Street: TV series starring Johnny Depp

The TV series on which the films are based ran from 1987 to 1991. "21 Jump Street" spans 5 seasons with a total of 103 episodes. For Hollywood star Johnny Depp, the role of the protagonist, Officer Tom Hanson, served as a career booster. Other main cast members included Holly Robinson as Sergeant Judy Hoffs, Peter DeLuise as Officer Doug Penhall, Dustin Nguyen as Sergeant Harry Truman "H.T." Ioki, and Steven Williams as Captain Adam Fuller.

"What if you found out that we're not alone?" This question is at the heart of "Disclosure Day" – the thriller that marks Steven Spielberg's return to the science fiction genre. Find out what the legendary director brings to this familiar premise and what we and others think of his latest film in KinoCheck's META movie review.

Here's what it's about

A whistleblower (Josh O'Connor) and his girlfriend (Eve Hewson) steal classified documents from a mysterious cybersecurity firm. A weather reporter (Emily Blunt) suddenly starts making completely strange noises on live TV. And a corporate executive (Colin Firth) tries everything to cover up the truth. The main characters in "Disclosure Day" are drawn into one of the greatest mysteries in human history. But who has the right to know about extraterrestrial life? We don't want to give away any more of the plot at this point. You can get a sense of it here with the trailer:

Spielberg Returns to Science Fiction

One thing was clear from the start: "Disclosure Day" is a classic Spielberg film in terms of theme. It is his fifth film to deal with extraterrestrial life. Previously, he directed "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "War of the Worlds," and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

For this project, he assembled a familiar team. The screenplay was written by his longtime creative partner David Koepp ("Jurassic Park"). The score was composed by the now 94-year-old (!) John Williams.

What can you expect from Disclosure Day?

But what kind of movie is it? You should prepare yourself for a true sci-fi thriller. Film critic David Ehrlich from IndieWire sums it up aptly: The film has more in common with "Minority Report" than with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." "Disclosure Day" is less like "E.T." and more like a classic paranoia thriller. A large-scale conspiracy, protagonists on the run from a powerful corporation, and the attempt to bring a big secret to the public. These are all ingredients of a typical conspiracy thriller.

Steven Spielberg!

"Disclosure Day" pulls off the blend of sci-fi and thriller quite well. The chase sequences play a major role in the plot and deliver some standout moments. No one should doubt that Spielberg, even at 79 years old, remains capable of crafting thrilling action and suspense. Dynamic camera work and expertly staged set pieces keep the momentum high throughout. At the same time, Spielberg establishes a captivating atmosphere from the very beginning, drawing viewers into the mystery and never letting go.

One performance takes center stage

The cast is strong across the board, but one performance has received particular praise from critics: Emily Blunt. Blunt has a demanding role to master. Blunt is tasked with carrying some of the film's most demanding material, balancing emotional depth with moments of humor – and she pulls it off. YouTuber Jeremy Jahns also has many words of praise for the actress.

"Emily Blunt, the absolute star in this film. [...] We know she's great, but when I was watching I was like: Yeah, there's a reason why she's a star."

The Dream Team: Williams and Spielberg

Another strength of the film is John Williams' fantastic score. The Hollywood legend finds exactly the right tone for Spielberg's story. That should come as no surprise, considering the two have been working together for more than five decades. The music in "Disclosure Day" isn't as omnipresent or catchy as some of his most popular scores, such as those for "Indiana Jones" or "Jurassic Park." Instead, it leans into the film's sense of mystery while still delivering emotional power when the story demands it.

What Critics Are Saying

In terms of the film's substance, there are both positive and negative critical responses. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com is enthusiastic about Spielberg's vision:

"A movie that reminds viewers that blockbusters can be morally and thematically complex while they're entertaining the hell out of you."

But Spielberg hasn't won everyone over. Ed Potton of The Times writes:

"It's just Spielberg badly rehashed, poorly reheated, lukewarm and with extra treacle."

We view "Disclosure Day" much more positively, but we also acknowledge that it is not without its flaws. You definitely have to engage with the premise and accept it. The alien theme isn't always as interesting (or new) as it might have been. In doing so, Spielberg perhaps draws a bit too heavily on popular conspiracy myths. But ultimately, the film is less interested in the alien theme. Rather, it attempts to explore how people act and react – and that is the more compelling focus.

Conclusion

Overall, "Disclosure Day" has received a predominantly positive reception from the press. At the time of writing, the film holds a score of 74/100 on Metacritic and an 84% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And we, too, are impressed by Spielberg's new film!

Our verdict: "Disclosure Day" is an atmospheric and thrillingly staged sci-fi thriller with a compelling performance by Emily Blunt and plenty of suspenseful set pieces. Its strengths outweigh its narrative shortcomings and make for a thoroughly engaging experience.

But see for yourself: "Disclosure Day" opens in theaters on June 12. We hope you enjoy it!