Her role as Rogue in "X-Men" was recently announced – and now her next film has already been confirmed: Inde Navarrette will star in the new science-fiction thriller "The Waffle House Index." In addition, the "Obsession" star will serve as an executive producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Louis Paxton will direct "The Waffle House Index." The screenplay was written by Andrew Nunnelly.

Details about the plot have already been revealed. And one thing is already clear: the film promises to be quite a wild mix. The story centers on a Waffle House waitress having a bad day that doesn't seem likely to get any better. During her night shift, a stranger with a gun shows up. But that's just the beginning. It looks like she'll then have to deal with a mass flood, killer crocodiles, a nuclear explosion, and aliens. A magical bunker under the Waffle House also plays a role. At least on paper, that sounds like an incredibly outlandish plot.

The film's title refers to an unofficial scale for measuring the severity of a hurricane. The various levels of the "Waffle House Index" are based on the extent to which the Waffle House – a chain that's basically open 24/7 – can maintain operations in an affected area. The less able the Waffle House is to do so, the greater the danger posed by the hurricane is said to be.

Inde Navarette: Potential Oscar contender thanks to Obsession

With Inde Navarette, the sci-fi thriller "The Waffle House Index" boasts a star who is currently in high demand. Some viewers may still remember the actress from her roles in the series "13 Reasons Why" and "Superman & Lois." At the time, it was hard to imagine just how rapidly her career would take off shortly thereafter. The breakthrough came with her lead role in "Obsession." The horror film became a massive hit, filling movie theaters to capacity. "Obsession" has grossed $505 million worldwide to date and currently ranks 10th among the most successful films of the year so far – and that with a production budget reportedly totaling just $750,000.

But it's not just the box office results that are impressive. The film has also garnered rave reviews from critics. Navarette's performance played a major role in this success. "Obsession" tells the story of a young man whose wish is granted by a supernatural toy: His dream woman falls madly in love with him – with devastating consequences. In the eyes of many critics, Navarette embodies this dream woman so convincingly that she's even being touted as a potential Oscar contender.

Part of the X-Men as Rogue

Consequently, the actress has been in high demand since her role in "Obsession." And her next big part has already been confirmed. In the new "X-Men" movie, we'll see her alongside stars like Adam Driver and Samara Weaving as Rogue. The mutant, who can absorb the energy of others through touch, is hugely popular and is likely to give Navarette's acting career a significant boost, considering how much attention the Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbusters receive worldwide.

Just recently, there was speculation about a possible role for Navarette in "Heat 2." It was reported that she had allegedly turned down a role in the long-awaited sequel to Michael Mann's classic thriller in order to star in the "X-Men" film instead. However, as TheWrap later reported, she was never actually offered the role in "Heat 2." She did meet with director Michael Mann, but nothing came of it. In any case, with her part in the new sci-fi thriller "The Waffle House Index," Navarrette has secured another role in which she can showcase her talent. We're already excited to see how she'll fare in the face of killer crocodiles, aliens, and a nuclear explosion.

"Dungeons & Dragons" fans, take note! According to Deadline, a new series titled "Ravenloft" is in the works at Netflix – and none other than Alfonso Cuarón will serve as producer. "Ravenloft" was introduced by Tracy and Laura Hickman back in 1983 and has become an integral part of "Dungeons & Dragons" over the decades. It has also spawned numerous novels, video games, and fan projects.

Above all, its dark setting has captivated fans for years. The world blends fantasy elements with gothic horror and romance. At the center of it all is the vampire lord Strahd of Zarovich, whose story is one of the best-known narratives within the "Dungeons & Dragons" universe. Strahd is not simply a classic villain, but a tragic figure whose life is shaped by love, power, loss, and obsession.

Netflix has managed to secure a number of prominent names for the series. John August, known for "Charlie's Angels", among other works, is not only writing the screenplay but is also serving as an executive producer. He is joined by Alfonso Cuarón, who directed films such as "Gravity" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban".

It is not yet known when "Ravenloft" will premiere or exactly which story the first season will adapt. By the way: In early 2025, it was announced that the streaming service is still working on a live-action adaptation of "The Forgotten Realms". Among others, "Deadpool & Wolverine" director Shawn Levy was slated to serve as executive producer for the project. However, the project has since been put on hold.

Baldur's Gate Is Also Becoming a Series

Fantasy fans are sure to get their fill in the coming years. In addition to "Dungeons & Dragons," the acclaimed game "Baldur's Gate" is also set to be adapted into a series. Craig Mazin, who was also behind "The Last of Us", will serve as creative director.

In terms of content, the series will pick up where "Baldur's Gate 3" left off and will be heavily based on the world, characters, and narrative structure of the game by Larian Studios. However, the earlier games won't be left out entirely. There are numerous narrative and thematic connections between the individual installments of the series that are closely tied to "Dungeons & Dragons" lore. Mazin intends to specifically draw on these shared elements.

In the process, both new characters will be introduced and familiar characters from the game will make their way to the screen. We can therefore hope that popular companions like Shadowheart or Astarion – two of the game's most iconic characters – will become part of the series' storyline. There is currently no official information regarding the cast. Neither the lead nor supporting roles have been cast yet, which suggests that the project is still in an early stage of development. The series will air on HBO Max.

What can we expect from the third season of the Netflix series "Avatar: The Last Airbender"? That's a question many fans are likely asking themselves now that the second season has ended. So far, the creators have kept things under wraps, but Netflix has now at least released a first-look photo as a little teaser.

The newly released image from the third season of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" features Daniel Dae Kim as Ozai (see above and in the social media post later in the article). The Fire Lord is the tyrannical ruler of the Fire Nation, which is likely to play a central role in the new episodes. According to Netflix, Aang and his friends will venture deeper into the Fire Nation in season 3. Since the third season will also be the last one of the fantasy series, viewers can probably expect a final showdown.

But when will Season 3 of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" premiere on Netflix? A specific release date hasn't been announced yet, but the streaming service has cited 2027 as the year of release. So we'll have to be patient just a little while longer before Aang returns to our screens.

Several new additions

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is a live-action adaptation of the animated series of the same name from the 2000s. The story takes place in a world threatened by the fearsome Fire Nation. The series' hero is 12-year-old Aang (Gordon Cormier). As the story unfolds, we follow the boy on his journey to master the four elements – fire, water, earth, and air – in order to restore balance to this world.

The live-action series was developed by Albert Kim. He also served as showrunner for the first season. After that, however, executive producers Christine Boylan and Jabbar Raisani took the helm. "Avatar: The Last Airbender" premiered on Netflix in February 2024. The series was subsequently renewed for two additional seasons, with the third season set to be the final one.

In addition to Gordon Cormier as Aang, the cast includes Dallas Liu, Elizabeth Yu, Momona Tamada, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Maria Zhang, and Daniel Dae Kim. Last year, Netflix had already announced the following new additions for the second and third seasons: Jon Jon Briones as Piandao, Tantoo Cardinal as Hama, Terry Chen as Jeong Jeong, Dolly De Leon as Lo and Li, Lily Gao as Ursa, Madison Hu as Fei, and Dichen Lachman as Yangchen. You can get a glimpse of the many new faces in the following social media post:

The new film takes place years after the original series

The "Avatar" franchise has enjoyed great popularity for years. The original animated series aired from 2005 to 2008 and consists of three seasons with a total of 61 episodes. This was followed by the animated series "The Legend of Korra," which ran from 2012 to 2014 and consisted of four seasons and a total of 52 episodes. In 2010, director and screenwriter M. Night Shyamalan directed the live-action film "The Last Airbender", which, however, was not well received.

Most recently, a new animated film, "Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender," premiered on Paramount+ on July 25. The story takes place about ten years after the events of the original series. Accordingly, the heroes have aged as well. Aang learns of an ancient power – and, together with his friends, does everything in his power to find it. If it falls into the wrong hands, the hard-won peace would be in grave danger. You can get a glimpse of the film in the trailer:

Sandra Hüller's next leading role has been confirmed: As has now been officially announced, the actress is on board for the film adaptation of "Arbeit und Struktur" ("Work and Structure"). The film is based on the autobiographical book by German author Wolfgang Herrndorf, who passed away in 2013. Maria Schrader is directing and, along with Jan Schomburg, is also responsible for the screenplay. Hüller will play Wolfgang Herrndorf.

The book on which the upcoming film adaptation is based chronicles the final years of Herrndorf's life after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010. A press release describes the specific focus of the screen adaptation of "Arbeit und Struktur" as follows:

"'Arbeit und Struktur' is a film about life and death, told by someone who knows exactly how little time he has left: Amid hospital stays, manic creative phases, and tender moments with friends and his partner Carola, a portrait emerges of a man who is relentlessly marching toward certain death and yet writes that the time following his diagnosis was the best three years of his life. In addition to working on three different novels, he chronicles the shifts between panic and serenity, happiness and insomnia, euphoria and nihilism. In search of what truly matters, he turns his gaze radically inward – and from there, back out into the world."

Sandra Hüller: "A great honor and challenge"

Lead actress Sandra Hüller has drawn international attention for her outstanding performances. Among other things, she caused a stir about three years ago in Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest" and Justine Triet's "Anatomy of a Fall." She appears to be establishing herself more and more in Hollywood. Most recently, she enjoyed success in the sci-fi blockbuster "Project Hail Mary" alongside Hollywood star Ryan Gosling. With "Digger," she has landed her next prestigious project: In the film, we'll see her on the big screen alongside Tom Cruise starting October 2, 2026.

Regarding "Arbeit und Struktur," she is quoted in the press release as saying:

"Ever since my first encounter with Wolfgang Herrndorf's work, his writing has never let me go. His texts surprise, unsettle, and comfort all at once. To encounter him as a person in this film – at a moment when his life changed abruptly, threatened to fall apart, and he simultaneously discovered his voice as an author before it tragically fell silent – is a great honor and challenge for me."

Maria Schrader: "One of the most exciting challenges"

Maria Schrader, director of "Arbeit und Struktur", has not only worked behind the camera throughout her career but has also appeared in numerous roles as an actress. Among the films she has most recently directed are "She Said" and "I'm Your Man". The latter was Germany's entry for the 2022 Oscars in the "Best International Feature Film" category – though the sci-fi romance ultimately failed to make the cut among the five nominated films.

Schrader says of her new film:

"'Arbeit und Struktur' is a solitary and intimate account of what it means to be alive. A man fights his disappearance with words and, in the face of death, becomes more alive than ever before. Through his uncompromising honesty, intelligence, and irony, we follow Herrndorf into the bright, dark, and secret corners of the human condition. Bringing that to the screen is one of the most exciting challenges I can imagine."

Filming is set to begin in early 2027. "Arbeit und Struktur" is scheduled to be released in 2028. Movie fans who want to explore Wolfgang Herrndorf's work in advance can watch the film adaptation of his novel "Tschick." The following trailer (German-language) offers a glimpse of the movie of the same name by director Fatih Akin:

The new "Resident Evil" movie, directed and written by Zach Cregger, gives the horror franchise a fresh new look. But what do the critics have to say? Full reviews of the movie aren't available yet. However, the first 30 minutes of "Resident Evil" have now been shown to some members of the press – and they've taken to social media to share their thoughts on the film's opening.

The premise of "Resident Evil" has been known for some time. The synopsis reads: Courier Bryan (Austin Abrams) takes on a seemingly harmless job: delivering a biomedical package. What begins as an ordinary workday turns into hell on earth. One night, no way out – and a horror that devours everything.

It remains to be seen whether the entire film will be a hit. However, the first 30 minutes are already generating extremely positive reactions. Although this, of course, doesn't allow us to draw any conclusions about the final product yet, fans of the video game series will likely be pleased that the start of the new "Resident Evil" adaptation is being so well-received. Below, you'll find out what the initial reactions have been like, based on some specific reviews.

Here's what critics are saying about the first 30 minutes of Resident Evil

Among those expressing particular enthusiasm is Tyler Disney:

"Saw the first 30 mins of #ResidentEvilㅤ and I am so hooked. Zach Cregger puts you straight into the world. It's fresh and original and also surprisingly funny! Austin Abrams is the right choice as the lead role and the gore is fucking awesome!! Can't wait to see the rest!"

Jonathan Sim also singles out Austin Abrams' performance. He writes:

"A hilariously dark vision from Zach Cregger. Austin Abrams is AMAZING as this bumbling protagonist. Features one of the most genius jump scares of the year. Hysterical and so fucking twisted."

Christopher Gallardo also praises the lead actor and goes on to discuss the video game it's based on:

"Zach Cregger really keeps you on your toes with the scares and Austin Abrams' chaotic and clumsy energy perfectly fits the intense tone. It truly reflects that gaming experience every player has with survival horrors."

Josh Blumenkranz also highlights the gameplay aspect and is thrilled:

"The first 30 minutes of #ResidentEvil so freaking good! You follow Austin Abrams and feel like you are in the game! It's funny, violent and has scares! Can't wait to see the rest!"

It won't be long until the movie hits theaters

You won't have to wait much longer to see the rest of the movie. "Resident Evil" hits theaters on September 18, 2026. Alongside lead actor Austin Abrams, the cast includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser. It'll be interesting to see if Zach Cregger's film actually lives up to the expectations fueled by the initial reactions. Especially since the previous "Resident Evil" adaptations by director Paul W. S. Anderson, starring Milla Jovovich, have had a pretty rough time with film critics.

In any case, Zach Cregger is a director who caused quite a stir with his latest film "Weapons,". The movie became a horror hit that was celebrated by critics and even earned Amy Madigan the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress this year. Cregger had already worked with Austin Abrams on "Weapons." In addition to "Resident Evil," the actor is likely to make headlines soon with another film that's already generating a lot of buzz: In the thriller "Whalefall," he plays a diver fighting for survival – after being swallowed by a massive whale. But first, he'll get to show what he's made of in "Resident Evil." You can get a glimpse of the horror film in the trailer:

Two Hollywood icons are returning to the big screen together! As reported by Deadline magazine, Michael Keaton and Morgan Freeman are collaborating on the Western thriller "Rode to Ruin". Keaton will not only star in the film but also direct it.

"Rode to Ruin" centers on former U.S. Marshal Henry Tillman (Michael Keaton), who has spent four decades of his life tracking down his wife's killer. His search eventually leads him to Joseph Mulberry (Morgan Freeman), a notorious outlaw who is, however, no longer the feared criminal he once was. Mulberry suffers from memory loss and apparently can no longer recall crucial events from his past.

R. Dean McCreary, who worked on the horror film "The Pope's Exorcist", among other projects, is credited with the screenplay. No specific information on the start of filming has been released yet. A potential release date also remains under wraps.

The Greatest Western Classics in Film History

Hardly any film genre is as closely linked to American mythology as the Western. Vast landscapes, dusty small towns, lone gunslingers, and the eternal conflict between law and freedom continue to shape the image of the Wild West to this day. Over the decades, Hollywood has produced numerous Westerns, but a few films have permanently changed the genre and have long been regarded as timeless classics.

Once Upon a Time in the West

When it comes to the greatest Westerns of all time, Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West" is a must-see. Released in 1968, the film tells the story of a mysterious gunslinger who must face off against a brutal killer. Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, and Claudia Cardinale star in this epic masterpiece. Ennio Morricone's iconic score is particularly famous. Leone took his time with long takes and intense duels. As a result, "Once Upon a Time in the West" became a milestone in the so-called Italo-Western genre.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Also directed by Sergio Leone is the 1966 film "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly". Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef play three men searching for a gold treasure during the American Civil War. The film combines dark humor, violence, and sweeping imagery with an unusual cast of characters. The legendary finale, featuring a three-way duel, ranks among the most famous scenes in Western history. Together with "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More", the film forms Leone's so-called "Dollar Trilogy".

Unforgiven

Clint Eastwood left his mark on the Western genre not only as an actor but also as a director. The 1992 film "Unforgiven" is considered one of his greatest achievements behind the camera. Eastwood plays the former gunslinger William Munny, who actually wants to lead a quiet life. The film deconstructs many classic Western myths. Heroes and villains are not clearly distinguishable from one another, while violence always exacts a high price. "Unforgiven" won four Oscars and is now considered one of the most significant Westerns in modern film history.

Dances with Wolves

Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" took a somewhat different approach in 1990. The story centers on soldier John Dunbar, who is stationed at a remote outpost during the American Civil War and gradually establishes contact with the Lakota. The film impressed audiences with its landscape shots and its comparatively nuanced portrayal of Indigenous cultures. At the Academy Awards, the epic won awards for Best Picture and Best Director, among others.

High Noon

The older Western classics have also had a decisive influence on the genre. "High Noon" from 1952, starring Gary Cooper, is a prime example. Marshal Will Kane is waiting for a feared criminal who is returning to town. Although danger looms, no one seems willing to help Kane. The film thus not only tells a classic Western story but also explores themes of courage, responsibility, and moral courage. The plot, told almost in real time, made "High Noon" a timeless classic.

The Searchers

John Ford's 1956 film "The Searchers" is also considered a seminal work of the genre. John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards, who has been searching for his kidnapped niece for years. His quest takes him through the monumental landscapes of the American West. Today, the film is also viewed critically, particularly because of its portrayal of Indigenous people. It is precisely this ambivalence that makes it an important work in film history.

The Magnificent Seven

In 1960, another Western classic was released: "The Magnificent Seven". Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and Charles Bronson are part of a group of gunslingers who defend a Mexican village against bandits. The film itself became a classic and inspired numerous later Westerns. Its famous score is also among the genre's best-known soundtracks.

A Genre That Will Never Disappear

From classic Hollywood Westerns to Sergio Leone's Italian Westerns to modern reinterpretations like "Unforgiven", the history of the genre spans many decades. The best Westerns have long been about more than just cowboys and gunfights. They deal with freedom, guilt, revenge, morality, and the end of an era.

That is precisely why films like "Once Upon a Time in the West", "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", and "Unforgiven" have retained their special status. They show that while the Wild West is long gone, its stories have never truly disappeared from the silver screen.

Fans can look forward to a new "Transformers" adventure. The 12-minute animated short film "Optimus Prime: Awakening" is set to hit the big screen soon – following the 1986 animated classic "The Transformers: The Movie," which is returning to theaters for its 40th anniversary. So viewers should definitely stay in their seats after the credits roll on "The Transformers: The Movie."

In "The Transformers: The Movie," the Autobots face off not only against the Decepticons but also against Unicron – a being of colossal proportions that devours planets. The animated adventure became a cult classic that enjoys a truly legendary reputation among "Transformers" fans. "Optimus Prime: Awakening" will likely tie into the events of the 1980s film and focus on the title character, Optimus Prime. On September 17, 2026, "The Transformers: The Movie," including the short film, will be released – though only for a short time and only in select theaters. You can get a glimpse of "The Transformers: The Movie" in the trailer:

Hear Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime one last time

What makes "Optimus Prime: Awakening" special: In the short film, Peter Cullen can be heard one last time in the role of Optimus Prime, as reported by the website ScreenRant. Cullen, who passed away just recently at the age of 85, had lent his voice to the Transformers hero time and again over the course of decades. He first voiced Optimus Prime in the 1980s animated series. And in the later feature films about the alien robots – mostly directed by Michael Bay – Cullen also provided the voice for the beloved character.

Throughout his long career, Cullen provided the voices for numerous characters in various films and series. Among other roles, he provided the sounds for King Kong in the 1976 remake and was responsible for the eerie clicking noises coming from the monster's mouth in the 1987 film "Predator." Most recently, he took on a recurring role as the voice of the character Thaedus in the superhero animated series "Invincible." However, Cullen was associated with no role quite as much as he was with that of Optimus Prime. It's all the more wonderful, then, that he was also involved in "Optimus Prime: Awakening," as the poster for the short film makes clear, with his name appearing in the credits:

Heartfelt words

Alongside Cullen's name is that of Frank Welker, who returns as the voice of Megatron and Soundwave. He told ScreenRant:

"Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other. After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama. Peter's portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs; honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing. This made it easy to be friends. Returning as Megatron and Soundwave for one final story opposite Peter's Optimus in 'Optimus Prime: Awakening' was a real gift."

Many "Transformers" fans are likely to view the new short film about Optimus Prime as a gift as well. Who knows – maybe over time it will achieve a cult status similar to that of the animated classic "The Transformers: The Movie."

Exciting news about the new "Star Trek" movie: In an interview with Inverse magazine, "Dungeons and Dragons" directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein revealed that the upcoming film will differ significantly from previous installments in the science fiction franchise.

Apparently, we shouldn't expect a classic space adventure in the style of the Kirk and Spock films. Instead, this time the focus is on Starfleet itself and the conflicts within the organization. The portrayal of Starfleet so far has often been highly idealized. While the new film does not intend to fundamentally destroy this positive vision, it aims to supplement it with a more realistic perspective. In addition, the story is set to unfold almost in real time.

Thefilms "Crimson Tide" and "Training Day" (starring Denzel Washington) serve as models. Both films are characterized by intense conflicts within closed institutions and focus on moral decisions and power structures. This is also in line with the statements made by Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, who described the film in June of this year as a sort of "'Training Day' in space".

We'll also have to get used to a completely new cast. The actors from the Abrams films – such as Chris Pine, Zoe Saldaña, and Zachary Quinto – won't be taking center stage this time around. Despite the unusual concept, however, Daley and Goldstein apparently don't want to stray from the franchise's core values. Rather, their goal is to tell a fresh story within the familiar universe and appeal to both hardcore fans and new viewers alike.

However, patience is still required. The new "Star Trek" movie is still in the early stages of development and does not yet have an official release date. Details about the cast are also pending. But we'll keep you updated, of course!

New Star Trek Series in the Works

There's also a lot going on in the world of TV series. Jane Wiseman, EVP & Head of Originals for Paramount+, spoke about the current state of "Star Trek" in an interview with Deadline. The U.S. industry portal asked her about the approaching end of the last two remaining live-action series, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy". She then hinted that new projects are already being considered behind the scenes – and that they've reached out to writers.

Overall, "Star Trek" is currently in a phase of transition. In 2017, the launch of "Star Trek: Discovery" heralded a renaissance of the franchise, which led to further live-action series such as "Star Trek: Picard", "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds", and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" over the following years. Of these, only the latter two remain – though their end dates have already been set. "Strange New Worlds" will conclude with its fifth season. "Starfleet Academy" will be canceled after its second season. A new live-action series to follow has not yet been in the works.

Idea for an Archer comeback

Last year, a proposal emerged that toyed with the idea of bringing back a former Enterprise captain. Producer Michael Sussman and actor Scott Bakula had the idea for a project called "Star Trek: United," which was to tell the story of an aging Jonathan Archer. He would now have four adult children and be the first president of the United Federation of Planets. However, the whole thing ultimately seems destined to remain nothing more than an intriguing thought experiment. Especially since, a few weeks ago, Bakula – who once played Archer – shared an update indicating that the project isn't moving forward. In an interview with TV Insider, he said:

"I'm not actively involved. A lot of fans would like to see more 'Star Trek' and perhaps see Archer be involved. But there are new people in charge of the franchise, new owners of the studio. The franchise benefitted from a rest after 'Enterprise'. There had been some fatigue with the number of shows and movies, and that may be what's happening. Nothing is on my radar right now."

Bakula played Captain Archer in "Star Trek: Enterprise". The series ran from 2001 to 2005 and spanned four seasons with a total of 98 episodes. The story was set before the original series featuring Kirk and Spock and chronicled the adventures of Captain Archer's starship crew. As appealing as a return of the space hero might be, it might actually be good for the franchise to develop entirely new characters – ones that rely less on nostalgia and more on the unknown. After all, "Star Trek" has always been about looking toward the future.

Exciting new addition to "Avengers: Secret Wars"! Noah Jupe is set to take on a role in the new Marvel blockbuster. The identity of the character has been kept under wraps so far. However, Jupe's role is said to be central to the film's story, as reported by Deadline. The website claims to have learned of the casting news from unnamed sources. Marvel has not yet commented on the matter.

Noah Jupe already has an impressive filmography. Among other roles, the 21-year-old made a name for himself as a teenager in the family drama "Wonder" alongside Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson. Shortly thereafter, he appeared in the highly acclaimed horror hit "A Quiet Place" alongside Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. Over the following years, he starred in numerous other films, including the racing drama "Ford v Ferrari," in which he once again starred alongside top-tier Hollywood stars like Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Most recently, he appeared in the Shakespeare biopic "Hamnet" alongside Oscar winner Jessie Buckley, as well as in the drama "The Death of Robin Hood," in which he stars alongside Hugh Jackman.

Rumors of a Hawkeye comeback

It will be interesting to see what role he's slated for in "Avengers: Secret Wars." However, Jupe's casting likely won't be the only surprise. There might also be a comeback or two from other actors. Just recently, a rumor surfaced that Jeremy Renner is set to return as Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, in "Avengers: Secret Wars." At least that's what insider Daniel Richtman claimed. As of now, however, the popular archer's return has not been confirmed, so this news should be taken with a grain of salt. That said, Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner has helped fuel rumors of a possible return to the big screen. In an Instagram Story, the actor posted a photo of the Marvel hero's costume – which, of course, has sparked speculation.

Over the years, Renner has appeared in various films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including several "Avengers" installments. He also portrayed Hawkeye about five years ago in the Disney+ series "Hawkeye." A second season never materialized. Fans would likely be all the more thrilled about a big-screen comeback. If it does indeed happen, however, we'll have to be patient for a while before we see Hawkeye back on the big screen. "Avengers: Secret Wars" hits theaters on December 17, 2027.

Massive star-studded cast in Doomsday

Before that, however, fans can look forward to "Avengers: Doomsday" – and with it, a massive star-studded cast. The cast of the Marvel blockbuster includes: Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, Channing Tatum, Robert Downey Jr., and Chris Evans.

Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely wrote the screenplay. The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who will also direct "Secret Wars" – and who were responsible for the previous "Avengers" films. With great success: "Infinity War" grossed $2 billion at the global box office in 2018. "Endgame" even surpassed that in 2019 with $2.7 billion. We'll find out soon how the next "Avengers" movie will fare. "Avengers: Doomsday" hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

Kiefer Sutherland and Jason Momoa have found their next project! As reported by the industry magazine Deadline, the two actors will star alongside Miles Teller in the conspiracy thriller "Copperhead". They'll also be joined by "Andor" star Adria Arjona and Tenoch Huerta. Details about the characters, however, are still under wraps.

"Copperhead" centers on a young federal agent who, together with an experienced detective, becomes entangled in an extremely dangerous case. The story begins with an undercover drug deal that escalates and turns violent. In the process, the two investigators discover that not everything within the police department seems to be above board.

John Swab is directing the film. The filmmaker made a name for himself particularly with his thriller "King Ivory" and received an award at the Venice International Film Festival in 2024. A release date has not yet been announced.

Police Corruption: Six Films About Corrupt Cops and Dirty Power Games

Police officers are supposed to uphold law and order, but what happens when the very people who are supposed to protect the law become its greatest enemies? Corruption within the police force is a popular theme in cinema and provides material for gritty crime films, dark thrillers, and socially critical dramas. These stories often revolve around the abuse of power, loyalty, and the question of how far an individual can go when an entire system is working against them.

If you're looking for movies about corrupt cops and moral gray areas, you'll find some outstanding examples. These six films show, in very different ways, just how dangerous a police force can become when personal interests, money, and power take precedence over justice.

L.A. Confidential: Corruption in 1950s Hollywood

Curtis Hanson's "L.A. Confidential" is one of the great modern classics of the police film genre. Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kevin Spacey play three detectives who could hardly be more different. While investigating a brutal murder case, they uncover a web of corruption, police brutality, and political connections.

What makes the film particularly compelling is that it doesn't simply draw a line between good and bad cops. Instead, it depicts a police force in which many characters operate by their own rules. Behind the glamorous facade of 1950s Los Angeles lies a world full of intrigue.

Training Day: When the Cop Himself Becomes a Criminal

One of the most famous films about police corruption is "Training Day" by Antoine Fuqua. Denzel Washington plays the experienced Detective Alonzo Harris, who guides the young police officer Jake Hoyt – played by Ethan Hawke – through a seemingly normal workday. It quickly becomes clear that Harris abuses his position and has established his own rules. Drugs, bribery, and violence are part of his everyday life. The film thus also serves as a moral descent: Jake must decide whether to submit to his partner's system or stand up against it.

Serpico: One Man Against the System

Sidney Lumet's "Serpico" tells a much more realistic story. Al Pacino plays New York City police officer Frank Serpico, who refuses to accept bribes and corrupt practices within his department. The harder Serpico tries to expose the corruption, the more he becomes an outsider himself. The film powerfully illustrates the consequences that can arise when a single individual takes on a firmly established system. "Serpico" is based on true events and ranks among Pacino's most significant roles.

The Departed: Betrayal on Both Sides

Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" expands on the theme of corruption by adding a cat-and-mouse game. Leonardo DiCaprio works as an undercover cop within the Irish mob, while Matt Damon's character, Colin Sullivan, infiltrates the opposing side as a mole. As a result, the lines between the police and organized crime become increasingly blurred. No one knows who to trust. This star-studded thriller combines police corruption with betrayal, a loss of identity, and brutal violence.

Bad Lieutenant: The Moral Downfall

If you're into particularly dark fare, you should check out Abel Ferrara's "Bad Lieutenant". Harvey Keitel plays an unnamed New York City police officer who is himself deeply embroiled in crime, drugs, and gambling. The film is less a classic crime thriller than a relentless character study. It centers on the complete moral collapse of a man who repeatedly abuses his position of power for personal gain.

End of Watch: Corruption as Part of a Dangerous World

David Ayer's "End of Watch" focuses on two Los Angeles police officers, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña. While the film doesn't deal exclusively with police corruption, it delves deeply into the difficult boundaries between law enforcement, crime, and personal loyalty. Through its documentary-style direction, "End of Watch" conveys a particularly immediate impression of the two cops' everyday lives. At the same time, it becomes clear just how dangerous things can get when organized crime and police work collide.

Movies That Question an Entire System

Whether it's a classic noir thriller, a character-driven drama, or a modern cop movie: stories about corrupt police officers work so well because they pose a fundamental question. What happens when the people who are supposed to enforce the law decide for themselves that they are above the law?

Movies like "Training Day", "Serpico", or "L.A. Confidential" showcase completely different facets of the same problem. Some tell the story of an individual's struggle against a corrupt system, while others explore how easily power can change a person. It is precisely these moral gray areas that continue to make police films about corruption a particularly gripping genre to this day.