Before Robert Pattinson played the Dark Knight in "The Batman" and upheld law and order in Gotham, Ben Affleck was actually supposed to get his own solo project as Batman. As is well known, the DC film never materialized. In his new biography, "Bloodlines", Joe Manganiello has now revealed – according to Entertainment Weekly – what audiences would have originally seen. Manganiello, who played the villain Deathstroke in the DCEU at the time, was set to portray the central antagonist in Affleck's "Batman" film. Affleck himself not only wanted to play Bruce Wayne again, but also to write the screenplay, direct, and serve as a producer.

Deathstroke vs. Bruce Wayne

According to Manganiello's account, the film was intended to differ significantly from classic superhero adventures. Affleck reportedly described the project to him as a sort of superhero version of David Fincher's "The Game". The story would have centered on Deathstroke's personal vendetta against Batman. According to Manganiello, Slade Wilson would have been convinced that Batman was responsible for his son's death. As a result, Deathstroke would have sought not only to defeat the Dark Knight but also to systematically destroy Bruce Wayne's entire life.

Apparently, this would have affected even Batman's closest confidants. Commissioner Gordon, who was played by J. K. Simmons in the DC Universe at the time, was to be killed by Deathstroke. Alfred Pennyworth, once again portrayed by Jeremy Irons, would have fallen into the mercenary's hands as a hostage. Even the Batcave would have been affected.

Batgirl's Appearance

Batgirl would apparently have played a role in the story as well. About halfway through the film, a major battle was set to take place in which Deathstroke would nearly defeat both Batman and Batgirl. The two heroes would ultimately have managed to escape via an above-ground train. Leslie Grace was originally cast for a standalone "Batgirl" film in the former DC Extended Universe. Although the film was largely completed, Warner Bros. Discovery decided against releasing it.

Grand Finale Planned in Gotham

Affleck apparently had ambitious plans for the showdown. The finale was to take place on the streets of Gotham, pitting Batman and Deathstroke against each other once again. Among other things, a CGI fight sequence from the video game "Batman: Arkham Asylum" – in which director Tim Miller was involved – served as inspiration. Manganiello was enthusiastic about Affleck's plans. He said Affleck's work on films like "The Town" in particular had given him high hopes. The actor apparently even believed that Affleck's "Batman" would have had the potential to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. At the same time, Manganiello pointed out to Affleck just how daunting the task would have been.

Why the Film Never Happened

Affleck had made his debut as Bruce Wayne in 2016 in Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice". Even back then, there were plans for a standalone Batman film in which the actor was to both direct and star. However, the project turned into a real nightmare, which is why Affleck withdrew from production. In 2019, he explained in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel that he ultimately couldn't bring the project to life the way he had envisioned it.

Later, Affleck spoke openly about how his time as the Dark Knight coincided with personal struggles. In particular, his battle with alcohol ultimately led him to step away from the project. He reprised his role as Batman in "Zack Snyder's Justice League" in 2021, before bidding farewell to the character in 2023 with "The Flash". The cancellation of Affleck's original Batman film ultimately led to Matt Reeves taking over and directing "The Batman", a completely new interpretation of the Dark Knight that is independent of the DCEU. Robert Pattinson took on the role of Bruce Wayne for the first time.

Peter Jackson's next film has been confirmed: The director plans to shoot the sequel to the computer-animated movie "The Adventures of Tintin" (also known as "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn"). The filmmaker confirmed this at the Sitges Film Festival, as reported by ScreenRant. According to the website, Jackson stated:

"We've [...] already written the script for 'Tintin 2', the second Tintin film. That will be the next film I make."

Just a few months ago, Jackson said he was working on the screenplay together with Fran Walsh. The two had also collaborated on the screenplays for the "Lord of the Rings" films. He told IndieWire, however, that the draft would first be reviewed by Steven Spielberg. For the first "Tintin" film, Spielberg directed, while Jackson served as producer. For the sequel, the two filmmakers plan to switch roles. This makes "The Adventures of Tintin 2" the first feature film since 2014's "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" in which Jackson will once again serve as director.

Famous comic book source material

The first "Tintin" film was released in 2011 and tells the story of how the eponymous reporter Tintin, along with his dog Snowy and Captain Haddock, searches for the treasure of a ship named the Unicorn. The star-studded cast of the motion-capture film included Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, and Toby Jones. Steven Spielberg not only directed the film but also served as a producer alongside Peter Jackson and Kathleen Kennedy. Steven Moffat, Edgar Wright, and Joe Cornish wrote the screenplay.

The film was based on the world-famous "Tintin" comics by Belgian artist Hergé, which have been in existence since 1929 and are among the most famous comic series of the 20th century. Worldwide, the U.S. film adaptation "The Adventures of Tintin" grossed $373 million. The majority of that revenue ($296 million) was generated at the box office outside the U.S. – which can certainly be seen as proof of the material's international appeal.

Update on The Lord of the Rings

It remains to be seen when "Tintin 2," the next film adaptation, will hit theaters. In any case, Peter Jackson is currently still involved with the "Lord of the Rings" universe as a producer. For now, fans can look forward to "The Hunt for Gollum," which is set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. In addition, work is underway on another fantasy adventure set in Middle-earth titled "Shadow of the Past." At the Sitges Film Festival, Jackson provided a brief update on both films. According to ScreenRant, he said:

"We have 'The Shadow of the Past', which is in the scriptwriting stage. 'The Hunt for Gollum' is almost finished filming. I think there are about two weeks of shooting left."

Andy Serkis is directing "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." The filmmaker is also once again playing the role of Gollum. Alongside Serkis, several other stars from Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy are returning, including Elijah Wood as Frodo and Ian McKellen as Gandalf. However, Aragorn will not be played by Viggo Mortensen this time – Jamie Dornan has taken over the role. Leo Woodall had previously been considered as a replacement – but as we now know, the actor will instead portray Halvard. Also joining the cast are Kate Winslet, who will take on the role of Marigol, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren. In terms of plot, "The Hunt for Gollum" is intended to complement the events from Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" film "The Fellowship of the Ring." The first official set photos were released just recently, as KinoCheck reported.

"Shadow of the Past," in turn, is based on an idea by Stephen Colbert. The famous TV host drew inspiration from six chapters of the first "Lord of the Rings" book, "The Fellowship of the Ring." Fourteen years after Frodo's passing, Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure. Meanwhile, Sam's daughter Elanor discovers a long-kept secret. She tries to find out why the War of the Ring was nearly lost before it had even begun. It is not yet clear when "Shadow of the Past" will hit theaters.

Following the huge success of "True Detective: Night Country", preparations for the fifth season of the acclaimed HBO series are already in full swing. It has now been confirmed which stars will take center stage in the next criminal case: As HBO announced via Instagram, Nicolas Cage and Antonio Banderas will take on the lead roles. In previous seasons, big-name actors such as Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Mahershala Ali, and Jodie Foster have already been part of the series.

There had already been indications that Nicolas Cage might be part of the fifth season. During his appearance at New York Comic Con, the Oscar winner himself hinted that he would take on his next major TV role immediately after "Spider-Noir". Now HBO has officially confirmed his involvement. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cage is set to play Detective Henry Logan, while Antonio Banderas will portray his partner, Rai García.

New York Becomes the New Setting

Although there is still no significant information about the plot of Season 5, at least the setting has been confirmed. After "Night Country" took viewers to the icy isolation of Alaska, this time the series is set to move to the U.S. East Coast. The area around Jamaica Bay in New York is set to be the central setting. In this way, "True Detective" remains true to its formula: Each season tells a largely self-contained story with new characters and a different setting.

Night Country Creator Remains On Board

While a completely new investigative duo will take the lead on screen, HBO is banking on continuity behind the scenes. Issa López, who served as writer, director, and showrunner on "Night Country", will also take on these roles for Season 5.

The decision comes as little surprise given the success of the fourth season. "Night Country" drew more than 12.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched season of the entire "True Detective" series to date. The season also garnered numerous nominations and Emmy Awards. It is currently unknown when the as-yet-untitled new season will premiere on HBO Max. However, filming is set to begin as early as 2027.

The previous True Detective seasons and their investigators

Season 1: Rust Cohle and Marty Hart

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson kicked things off as Rustin "Rust" Cohle and Martin "Marty" Hart. The two Louisiana State Police detectives investigate a mysterious ritual murder that keeps them occupied for many years. Yet the two investigators could hardly be more different in personality: While Cohle repeatedly rubs people the wrong way with his pessimistic and philosophical worldview, Hart initially comes across as much more down-to-earth, though he struggles with significant problems in his personal life.

It was precisely the complicated relationship between Cohle and Hart that became one of the most important elements of the first season. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's performances played a major role in shaping the reputation that "True Detective" continues to enjoy today.

Season 2: A Much Larger Investigative Team

For Season 2, "True Detective" moved its story to California and, at the same time, featured a larger ensemble cast. Colin Farrell played Detective Ray Velcoro, Rachel McAdams portrayed Ani Bezzerides, and Taylor Kitsch played Highway Patrol officer and war veteran Paul Woodrugh. The paths of these three characters cross during the investigation of a murder case that takes on ever-greater proportions and reveals connections to corruption and organized crime. Vince Vaughn played another central role as businessman and former criminal Frank Semyon. Instead of focusing primarily on two investigators, as in the first season, Season 2 spread its story across several main characters.

Season 3: Wayne Hays and Roland West

In 2019, the series returned with its third season. This time, the spotlight was on Mahershala Ali as Wayne Hays and Stephen Dorff as Roland West. The two Arkansas State Police investigators are tasked with solving the mysterious disappearance of two children in the Ozarks.

The story spans several decades and shows how deeply the unsolved case shapes Hays's life in particular. With its shifting timelines, the narrative structure once again bore a stronger resemblance to the first season. At the same time, in addition to the actual investigation, the series brought themes such as memory, aging, and the question of the reliability of one's own perceptions to the forefront.

Season 4: Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro

With "True Detective: Night Country" in 2024, Issa López took over as creative director of the anthology series for the first time. The story centered on Jodie Foster as Police Chief Liz Danvers and Kali Reis as Evangeline Navarro. The setting was the fictional town of Ennis in northern Alaska. There, eight men from a research station suddenly vanish without a trace. Danvers and Navarro take over the investigation and uncover connections to an older, previously unsolved murder case. At the same time, both women must come to terms with their shared past and personal conflicts. Alaska's remote setting and the perpetual darkness of the polar night created a particularly gloomy atmosphere.

In the new episodes of the animated series "The Simpsons," Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is back with a new voice. Following criticism of the character, Apu had been seen but not heard for almost ten years. With the latest episode, "The Revengening," that's changing again. However, the character's former voice actor, Hank Azaria, will no longer be voicing the character. Instead, Sunil Malhotra will be taking over the role, as reported by Variety. In addition, Apu's wife, Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, will now be voiced by Janina Gavankar.

According to executive producer Matt Selman, Apu and his family will now be seen and heard more often again after having taken a back seat in recent years. Apu's comeback takes an unusual turn. The horror episode "The Revengening" centers on a mysterious figure seeking revenge. As it turns out, this figure is Apu, who reveals his identity to the assembled residents of Springfield during the episode.

Why hadn't Apu been heard from on The Simpsons for so long?

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has been part of the "Simpsons" ensemble since 1990. The character, who has Indian roots and runs the Kwik-E-Mart in Springfield, was voiced by Hank Azaria until 2017. However, there was criticism of Apu's portrayal, which gained momentum with the release of Hari Kondabolu's documentary "The Problem with Apu." The film criticizes the stereotypical portrayal of the character, who is of Indian descent, and sparked a corresponding debate surrounding the character. As a result, Hank Azaria announced that he would no longer be Apu's voice actor. He also apologized, saying in 2021 on Dax Shepard's podcast "Armchair Expert":

"Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize. And sometimes I do."

Who is Sunil Malhotra?

Sunil Malhotra, who was born in India and moved to the U.S. as a child, is now taking over as the voice actor. Over the course of his career, he has voiced numerous characters, including in "The Legend of Vox Machina" and "The Legend of Korra." He has also lent his voice to various hit video games such as "World of Warcraft," "League of Legends," and "Fallout 4." As a guest star, he has appeared in series such as "Grey's Anatomy" and "ER."

In a social media post, he celebrates the return of Apu and Manjula alongside Janina Gavankar. The posted image shows the two actors standing next to their animated alter egos. Sunil Malhotra writes:

"Bringing Apu back feels like a reclamation."

Before accepting the role, however, Malhotra held discussions with the producers of "The Simpsons" to ensure that the character would be handled with due care in the future. Variety quotes him as saying:

"It had been eight years since Apu had spoken on the show, and it got me thinking: Did the writers' room look different now? Could they bring him back in a way that acknowledged and apologized for past mistakes? Could I make the character my own, and reclaim him in some way? And could they achieve all of that in an unmistakably 'Simpsons' way that didn't disappoint fans?"

Apparently, his questions were answered convincingly: Malhotra accepted the role and will now be a permanent fixture in the "Simpsons" universe.

The Simpsons: New season, new movie

As for "The Simpsons" in general, it's a success story that shows no signs of ending. The series created by Matt Groening, centered on Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson, has been satirically examining the American way of life since 1989. The animated series is currently in its 38th season. In total, "The Simpsons" has aired 812 episodes to date. This makes it the longest-running animated series in the U.S., the longest-running U.S. sitcom, and the longest-running scripted primetime series in the U.S.

In 2007, Homer and company made the leap from the TV screen to the big screen. "The Simpsons Movie" marked the iconic family's first cinematic adventure. And the second one is now in the starting blocks. "The New Simpsons Movie" will be released in theaters on September 3, 2027. Find out everything you need to know about the new "Simpsons" movie in the following original video from KinoCheck:

The film adaptation of Rebecca Yarros' best-selling fantasy novel "Fourth Wing" continues to take shape. According to the industry magazine Variety, the two lead actors for the Prime Video series have now been cast. Esther McGregor and German actor Emilio Sakraya are set to star as Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson.

McGregor is likely best known to many viewers from the Amazon series "We Were Liars", in which she played Mirren Sinclair Sheffield. She has also appeared in the "Star Wars" series "Obi-Wan Kenobi". Emilio Sakraya, on the other hand, has increasingly made a name for himself internationally in recent years. His best-known projects include Fatih Akin's "Rheingold", the Netflix series "Tribes of Europa", and "Warrior Nun". He will also soon be appearing in the third season of "One Piece".

Here's what Fourth Wing is about

"Fourth Wing" centers on 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail. She was actually meant to lead a relatively quiet life. Instead of fighting on the battlefield, she was supposed to devote herself to books and her training as a scribe. But her mother, an influential general, forces Violet to take part in the selection process for the Dragon Riders.

To do so, she must prove herself at the notorious Basgiath War College. The training is extremely brutal and fatal for many of the candidates. Violet faces several challenges: She is considered physically much weaker than many of her competitors and must hold her own in an environment where every mistake can have deadly consequences. At the same time, she meets Xaden Riorson, a Dragon Rider who is as powerful as he is mysterious and who plays a decisive role in Violet's story.

Rebecca Yarros's book series became a massive hit. The first novel, "Fourth Wing", was published in 2023 and went viral in the BookTok community on TikTok. But that's not all: the fantasy novel topped the New York Times bestseller list, sold over two million copies within the first six months, and was translated into about 30 languages.

The success continued: Shortly thereafter, the second novel, "Iron Flame" was published. The third volume, "Onyx Storm" followed in 2025 – and sold over 2.7 million copies within the first week. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to more installments: According to author Rebecca Yarros, the "Empyrean" series is set to comprise five books in total. However, the titles and release dates of the remaining novels have not yet been announced.

The Team Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, superstar Michael B. Jordan will be involved through his production company, Outlier Society. Ideally, the plan is to produce multiple seasons, each based on a different novel from the "Empyrean" series. Jordan himself will serve as an executive producer. According to the Hollywood star, however, the first step was to assemble the right team before production could begin.

Author Rebecca Yarros is also set to be part of this team. Meredith Averill will serve as showrunner. Additionally, Lisa Joy has been brought on board for the planned series: The co-creator of the science fiction series "Westworld" is set to direct the first episode of "Fourth Wing". She will also serve as an executive producer alongside Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Jonathan Nolan, Athena Wickham, Liz Pelletier, and Sherryl Clark. Unfortunately, it's not yet clear when the Prime Video series will premiere.

Production on "The Batman: Part 2" can resume! Steven Soderbergh will wrap up filming on the sequel in consultation with director Matt Reeves. Reeves has had to step back due to personal family matters, which is why production on the film was recently put on hold.

According to DC Studios, Reeves will now receive support from Soderbergh. The two will remain in contact and work together to complete filming. In an official statement, DC Studios describes the current situation:

"As Matt Reeves continues to attend to an ongoing family matter, Steven Soderbergh, as an admirer of Matt's work, approached Matt and will step in, with the full support of DC Studios, to help the writer-director complete the final weeks of principal photography on 'The Batman Part 2'. Matt and Steven will work closely together with the actors and crew to fulfill Matt's vision of the film."

Steven Soderbergh on his role

Soderbergh is highly regarded in the film industry and known for his efficiency and versatility. The Oscar winner issued a statement, making it clear that he intends to complete filming in full alignment with Reeves' vision and in close consultation with him.

"I thought Matt Reeves' work on 'The Batman' was stunning; it was intentional, specific, and rigorously coherent. The goal here is to work with Matt and his team to generate footage that will integrate seamlessly with what's already been shot so Matt can properly finish his film."

The director of the "Ocean's" trilogy has a wealth of experience in the director's chair—including when it comes to supporting other filmmakers. Soderbergh had previously helped out during the filming of "The Hunger Games" when director Gary Ross asked him for assistance.

Matt Reeves Speaks Out

Matt Reeves himself has also already spoken out via social media. The director makes it clear that he will remain involved.

"Just to be clear, I am not leaving 'The Batman Part II'. I am profoundly grateful to Steven for coming to my aid during this challenging time to help me finish principal photography. Thank you to all for your concern and well wishes."

The Batman 2: The Release Date for the Sequel

The release date for "The Batman 2" has already been announced. After several delays, the film is set to hit theaters on February 18, 2028. So far, only a short teaser has been released. It remains to be seen whether the release date can be met given the brief hiatus in filming.

What is Steven Soderbergh best known for?

Among Steven Soderbergh's best-known works is the "Ocean's" trilogy starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon, consisting of "Ocean's Eleven" and its sequels, "Ocean's Twelve" and "Ocean's Thirteen." In 2001, Soderbergh won the Oscar for Best Director for his drama "Traffic." That same year, he was also nominated in this category for "Erin Brockovich."

His other well-known directorial works include the thrillers "Contagion" and "Side Effects," as well as the heist drama "Logan Lucky." Most recently, he directed, among other projects, the spy thriller "Black Bag" starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. Soderbergh is considered a particularly versatile and prolific filmmaker who often works with relatively streamlined production processes—an experience that could serve him well as he helps Matt Reeves on the set of "The Batman 2."

The Cast of The Batman 2

Robert Pattinson will, of course, return as Bruce Wayne in "The Batman: Part 2." In addition, fans can look forward to several cast members returning from the first film. Returning are Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell in the role of the Penguin, aka Oswald "Oz" Cobb. Colin Farrell was most recently seen in his own HBO show, "The Penguin."

The cast also features several new faces—including some big names. The casting of Scarlett Johansson, in particular, has drawn a lot of attention. However, it has not yet been confirmed which character the Marvel star will portray. Also new to the cast are Johansson's MCU co-star Sebastian Stan, German actor Sebastian Koch, "Game of Thrones" star Charles Dance, and "Atlanta" actor Brian Tyree Henry.

Haven't seen Matt Reeves' first "The Batman" movie yet? You can currently catch up on the film on HBO Max.

Finally! The title of "The Mummy 4", starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, has been announced. The new installment in the popular adventure series will be called "Book of the Dead". The title is sure to immediately evoke nostalgic memories for longtime fans. The legendary book already played a crucial role in the first "The Mummy" movie. With its help, the high priest Imhotep was accidentally brought back to life, unleashing the film's central threat.

One of the most exciting revelations surrounding "The Mummy 4" concerns the series' continuity. That's because the third installment, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor", released in 2008, will simply be ignored in this sequel. Aside from the third installment being omitted from the canon, there is still no information available about the plot of "The Mummy 4". However, some of the filming is taking place on the streets of London .

The Cast: A Reunion with Old Friends

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are by no means the only returning cast members from the original films. John Hannah, another essential part of the series, is back on board. He's reprising his role as the chaotic and charming Jonathan Carnahan, who provided plenty of laughs in the first films. But that's not all: Oded Fehr is also returning as Ardeth Bay. His character always lent the series a mystical depth and delivered outstanding action scenes.

However, it's a completely different casting decision that's causing a huge stir among fans: Kevin J. O'Connor is also set to return as Beni Gabor. Anyone who remembers the first film from 1999 knows that Beni was ambushed by flesh-eating scarabs back then and met a tragic end. How his character will be brought back is currently still under wraps. The obvious assumption, of course, is that he has magically become one of the living dead. Fans know, of course: Death is only the beginning.

In addition to the returning cast members, there are, of course, some new faces. Among them is "Obsession" star Michael Johnston in a role that has yet to be revealed. A little speculation on our part: His age today would roughly match that of Rick and Evelyn's son – at any rate, much better than it did in "The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor": Back then, the role was played by 27-year-old Luke Ford. As a reminder: Seven years earlier, their son was just 8 years old.

We're curious to see how the balance between old and new cast members will ultimately play out: Based on the currently known cast, however, the film will primarily revolve around the characters from Parts 1 and 2. Incidentally, Arnold Vosloo's return has not yet been confirmed, even though there's a lot of speculation about it. John Hannah had hinted in interviews that there were talks with the actor who plays Imhotep. However, the actor has in the past expressed a rather negative view of a possible involvement.

A Directorial Duo: Meet the Filmmakers

Two people are taking the director's chair: the proven duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, also known as Radio Silence. Their previous films include "Ready or Not", "Abigail", and the successful sequels "Scream 5" and "Scream 6". The screenplay is by David Coggeshall, who has previously worked on the "Scream" series and "Orphan: First Kill".

The theatrical release of The Mummy 4

Filming is already in full swing, and there's fantastic news regarding the theatrical release as well. Universal Pictures has significantly moved up the original schedule. The film was originally set for release in May 2028. But the studio swapped release dates with the action project "Miami Vice '85".

For you, this means: "The Mummy 4" is hitting theaters about seven months earlier than expected! The official theatrical release is now scheduled for October 15, 2027. This decision clearly demonstrates the studio's confidence in the production. Work is progressing rapidly, and fall 2027 is shaping up to be all about big-budget adventure films.

Zendaya has found her next film project: As reported by the industry magazine Variety, the "Dune" actress will star in Alex Garland's new science fiction project. The as-yet-untitled film is being produced by A24 and is scheduled to begin shooting in 2027. No specific details about the story or a release date have been announced yet. All that is known is that Alex Garland will both write the screenplay and direct the film.

For Zendaya, the project marks another collaboration with A24. Her name is particularly closely associated with the HBO series "Euphoria", in which A24 served as a production studio. Zendaya also recently starred alongside Robert Pattinson in the dark tragicomedy "The Drama", which grossed over $135 million at the box office.

For Alex Garland, too, working with A24 is anything but new. The filmmaker has brought numerous projects to life in collaboration with the indie studio in recent years. These include, among others, "Ex Machina", "Men", "Civil War", and the war film "Warfare". Next up is the film adaptation of the acclaimed video game "Elden Ring" – A24's most expensive production to date. The film is scheduled for release on March 3, 2028.

From Euphoria to Dune: Zendaya's Most Famous Projects

Zendaya has long been one of the biggest stars of her generation. She made her breakthrough as a teenager on the Disney Channel, and now she regularly collaborates with some of Hollywood's most renowned directors. This year in particular has been an extraordinary one for the actress, with "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day".

Her Breakthrough with Euphoria

She made her big breakthrough in Hollywood in 2019 with the acclaimed HBO series "Euphoria". As the drug-addicted Rue Bennett, Zendaya showcased a much more dramatic side of herself and was honored with multiple Emmy Awards, among other accolades, for her performance. She also quickly established herself in film. In addition to the musical "The Greatest Showman", her role as MJ in the "Spider-Man" universe likely contributed most to her global fame. She has appeared on screen alongside Tom Holland since 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming".

Dune Makes Zendaya a Sci-Fi Star

Another important milestone in her career is Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" series. Zendaya appeared as Chani in the first film, even though her role was relatively small at first. In "Dune 2", the character finally took center stage. As a Fremen warrior and Paul Atreides' partner, Chani became one of the story's central figures. In December, Zendaya will return to this role in "Dune 3".

Two Massive Box Office Hits in 2026

The year 2026 was particularly impressive for Zendaya at the box office. In Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey", she took on the role of the goddess Athena. The fantasy adventure, based on Homer's epic, became a massive hit and has grossed approximately $1.78 billion worldwide to date.

Shortly thereafter, the next blockbuster followed: "Spider-Man: Brand New Day". In it, Zendaya returned as MJ and once again starred alongside Tom Holland. The fourth "Spider-Man" film starring Holland proved to be an even bigger box office hit: it has since grossed more than $2.5 billion worldwide. This makes the film the most successful theatrical release of 2026 to date. With "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", Zendaya was featured in two of the year's biggest cinematic events within just a few weeks. The fact that both films together contributed significantly to a record-breaking summer at the box office further underscores her current standing in Hollywood.

Just this summer, Jason Statham released a new movie, "Mutiny," in theaters—but the action star apparently has no plans to take a break. "The Beekeeper 2" is coming soon! What awaits Adam Clay in the sequel? The first trailer now offers a glimpse of what's to come...

The trailer quickly makes the film's premise clear: Jason Statham is once again taking on everyone! As expected, we see the actor right where he belongs – in the middle of the action. But see for yourself! You can watch the trailer here:

The Cast

Alongside Jason Statham, acting icon Jeremy Irons is back as Wallace Westwyld. Emmy Raver-Lampman also returns as FBI Agent Verona Parker for the sequel. Another returning cast member is her partner, Agent Matt Wiley, played by Bobby Naderi. Another familiar face is Jemma Redgrave as U.S. President Jessica Danforth.

New additions to the cast include Pom Klementieff, known for her roles in the MCU and the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. Also on board is Yara Shahidi, who appeared in the film adaptation of the novel "The Sun Is Also a Star," among other projects. And wrestler and actor Adam Copeland is also part of the cast.

A New Director

There's a change in the director's chair for the sequel. While David Ayer directed the first installment, Timo Tjahjanto is now taking the helm. The Indonesian filmmaker made a name for himself primarily with his uncompromising action film "The Night Comes for Us." Most recently, he directed "Nobody 2" starring Bob Odenkirk. Tjahjanto therefore brings plenty of experience in the action genre to the sequel.

The release date for The Beekeeper 2

Jason Statham seems to still enjoy the action movies he's known for—and is following up one after another without much of a break. As recently as 2026, he brought two classic Statham films to theaters: "Shelter" and "Mutiny." Now, "The Beekeeper 2" is set to follow in early 2027. The action sequel will hit the big screen on January 15.

The Beekeeper: What Happens in the First Movie

"The Beekeeper," directed by David Ayer, was released in theaters in 2024. In it, Jason Statham took on the role of the reclusive Adam Clay for the first time. His peaceful life as a beekeeper comes to an abrupt end when a devious phone scam drives someone close to him to their death. Determined to bring those responsible to justice, Clay takes on a far-reaching criminal network—using his extraordinary skills as a former agent of a secret organization. What begins as a personal vendetta evolves into a relentless campaign against powerful adversaries. You can watch the trailer for the first movie here:

Action Hero Jason Statham

Jason Statham has been one of the defining faces of modern action cinema for years. The British actor made his big breakthrough in the genre with "The Transporter," followed later by the "Crank" films, "The Expendables," and the "Fast & Furious" franchise, among others. He also starred in "The Italian Job" and "The Meg." His more recent action films include "The Beekeeper", "A Working Man," and Guy Ritchie's "Operation Fortune." Statham had previously worked with Ritchie early in his career. "Snatch" and "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels" were the actor's first roles.

But what's next for Statham after "The Beekeeper 2"? The action star is planning the film "John Doe" with David Ayer. You can find out more about it here. And next up with Guy Ritchie is the film "Viva La Madness," which you can read about here. Both movies are currently expected to be released in 2028. Statham fans can therefore rest assured: There is plenty more action on the way!

Following "Carrie", director Mike Flanagan is already turning his attention to his next Stephen King adaptation. A live-action series based on the popular fantasy series "The Dark Tower" is in the works – and now the first details have emerged. In an interview with The Process Unlocked, Flanagan revealed how he plans to structure the extensive novel series for Prime Video. His main focus is on one thing: staying as close to the source material as possible. The series will actually adapt the first book, "The Gunslinger". After that, he plans to continue following the order set by King and unfold the story step by step.

Flanagan sees this as one of the source material's greatest strengths. At the beginning, the story is still relatively straightforward. The focus is on the Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, and the mysterious Man in Black. The plot initially takes viewers through a barren and mysterious world without immediately explaining all the rules and connections to the audience. Only as the story progresses does King open up his narrative, transforming Roland's journey into a vast epic that spans different worlds, time periods, and numerous connections to the author's other works. For Flanagan, it is precisely this slow build-up that is crucial. Instead of immediately confronting viewers with the entire mythology, he wants to expand the universe just as carefully as the books do.

It is not yet clear whether each novel will actually get its own season. After all, the main series comprises seven novels. The scripts for Season 1 have already been written. Stephen King himself also appears to be very satisfied. However, it could still be some time before "The Dark Tower" actually appears on screens.

The 2017 movie failed to impress

The 2017 movie already demonstrated that adapting "The Dark Tower" is anything but easy. At the time, Idris Elba took on the role of Roland Deschain, while Matthew McConaughey played Walter Padick, also known as the Man in Black.

Instead of adapting the novels faithfully, the film took a much freer approach to the source material. The result failed to win over either fans or critics. Financially, too, the film fell short of expectations: With a budget of $60 million, "The Dark Tower" grossed approximately $113 million worldwide. Consequently, the planned sequel never materialized.

Mike Flanagan and Stephen King: His Adaptations to Date

Flanagan is by no means a stranger when it comes to adapting Stephen King's stories for the screen. The director and screenwriter has already tackled the horror master's works on several occasions. In doing so, he has demonstrated, above all, a keen sense of how to preserve the essence of the source material while simultaneously bringing his own distinctive style to the table.

Gerald's Game: The Beginning of a Successful Collaboration

Flanagan delivered his first King adaptation in 2017 with "Geralds' Game". The Netflix film is based on the 1992 novel of the same name and tells the story of Jessie Burlingame, played by Carla Gugino. During a stay together in a remote house, her husband suddenly dies while Jessie is handcuffed to the bed. From this premise, Flanagan develops an intense psychological thriller in which reality, memories, and hallucinations increasingly blur. Precisely because King's novel was long considered difficult to adapt for the screen, the director was able to demonstrate with his adaptation just how well he can handle the author's more unconventional material.

Doctor Sleep: Between King and Kubrick

In 2019, "Doctor Sleep" followed – Flanagan's largest King project to date. In it, Ewan McGregor plays the adult Danny Torrance, who, decades after the events at the Overlook Hotel, is still haunted by his past. The particular challenge lay in combining two very different source materials. Flanagan adapted King's novel "Doctor Sleep", while at the same time drawing on Stanley Kubrick's legendary film "The Shining" both visually and narratively. The result is a sequel that takes into account both King's story and Kubrick's interpretation.

The Life of Chuck Strikes a Different Note

Flanagan subsequently demonstrated that Stephen King has far more to offer than just classic horror with "The Life of Chuck". The adaptation of the novella of the same name from the collection "Bloody News" premiered in 2024 and was released in theaters in 2025. Starring Tom Hiddleston in the lead role, the film tells an unusually structured and emotional story about life, death, and transience. The star-studded ensemble also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, and Mark Hamill.