Fans have had to wait a long time for "GTA 6", but the release of the highly anticipated open-world game is finally within reach. Until then, there's no better way to pass the remaining time than by watching a few fitting movies. After all, there are plenty of movies that feature spectacular bank heists, high-speed car chases, and shady gangsters—some of the very elements that make the "GTA" franchise so popular. Several of them also capture the setting and atmosphere of sunny Vice City particularly well. We've put together a list of 12 movies that will help fans get in the mood for "GTA 6".

Miami Vice (2006)

Michael Mann's "Miami Vice" is an excellent way to get in the mood for "GTA 6". Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx play two undercover agents who infiltrate Miami's drug scene to take down a powerful cartel. In the process, the two not only face dangerous gangsters but also find themselves drawn deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld. Among other things, the sun-drenched locations, fast cars, and neon lights at night are reminiscent of Vice City. Although Mann's "Miami Vice" received a rather mixed reception from audiences upon its release, it has since become a true cult classic.

Scarface (1983)

Of course, Brian De Palma's gangster classic "Scarface" can't be left off this list. Al Pacino plays Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant who arrives in Miami and quickly rises to become a powerful drug lord. But as his influence grows, so do his enemies and his personal self-destruction. The film offers plenty of gangster action and an uncompromising story about power, money, and megalomania. Furthermore, "Scarface" is closely tied to the Miami vibe that often characterizes "GTA" as well.

Bad Boys (1995–2024)

If "GTA" makes you think primarily of high-speed car chases, wild shootouts, and plenty of chaos, you should check out the "Bad Boys" franchise. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence star as the mismatched detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, who regularly take on drug lords and other criminals in Miami.

The four films in the series combine explosive action with a healthy dose of humor, while featuring plenty of spectacular car stunts. The first films were directed by "Transformers" director Michael Bay. The sunny Miami setting also makes the series a particularly fitting recommendation for anyone looking forward to "GTA 6".

Pain & Gain (2013)

In "Pain & Gain", viewers are also transported to Miami. Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie play three bodybuilders who hope to make a quick buck with a kidnapping plan that's as brazen as it is absurd. But as is so often the case in the world of crime, things don't go according to plan.

The film is based on a true story and combines dark humor with brutal action and plenty of megalomania. The mix of Florida vibes, crime, and increasingly outrageous situations should appeal to many "GTA" fans. Michael Bay, who also directed the "Bad Boys" movies, is behind the camera here as well.

Spring Breakers (2012)

If you're especially looking forward to the atmosphere of Vice City, you should also give "Spring Breakers" a chance. Harmony Korine's film tells the story of four college students who, during Spring Break in Florida, find themselves caught up in an increasingly dangerous world of drugs, guns, and crime. Along the way, they encounter the shady gangster Alien, played by James Franco. With its garish colors, neon lights, beach parties, and the dark side of American nightlife, the film captures an atmosphere that fits well with Rockstar's upcoming open-world adventure.

The Town (2010)

For anyone particularly interested in the world of gangsters and heists in "GTA 6", "The Town" is an excellent choice. Ben Affleck directed the thriller and also starred in the lead role. The story centers on a group of professional bank robbers from Boston. However, when one of the criminals falls in love with a woman he met during a heist, the entire operation is in danger of being exposed. For many, "The Town" is considered one of Ben Affleck's best works. The film has built up a loyal fan base over the years and remains very popular today.

Heat (1995)

With "Heat", master filmmaker Michael Mann delivers one of the greatest heist thrillers ever made. Robert De Niro stars as an experienced bank robber who pulls off numerous heists with his crew. However, persistent detective Vincent Hanna, played by Al Pacino, is hot on his trail. The movie is particularly famous for its meticulously staged shootout in the middle of Los Angeles, as well as the diner scene that brings two Hollywood legends, Pacino and De Niro, face to face. More generally, "Heat" has had an enormous influence on modern pop culture. The aesthetics and visual style of countless movies and video games have been inspired by Mann's masterpiece.

Drive (2011)

In "Drive", Ryan Gosling plays a quiet stunt driver who makes some extra money working as a getaway driver for criminals at night. But when a robbery goes wrong, he finds himself caught in an increasingly violent spiral. Nicolas Winding Refn's film focuses less on nonstop action and more on its atmospheric storytelling, stylish visuals, and intense suspense. The nighttime drives through the city should provide just the right mood for "GTA" fans.

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

A slightly older but no less compelling classic is "To Live and Die in L.A" from "The Exorcist" director William Friedkin. The story follows a Secret Service agent who sets out to bring down a ruthless counterfeiter. However, he is more than willing to resort to questionable methods himself. The thriller offers a gripping story involving crime, counterfeit money, morality, and corruption. One particular highlight is an incredible car chase that is still considered one of the best of its kind.

Baby Driver (2017)

Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver" should also appeal to plenty of fans of the "GTA" franchise. Ansel Elgort stars as a young getaway driver who regularly works for bank robbers thanks to his exceptional driving skills. When he tries to leave the criminal world behind, however, he gets pulled into one final big heist. The movie stands out above all for its exceptionally choreographed car chases, with the entire action perfectly synchronized to the soundtrack. If you're looking forward to high-speed drives and spectacular getaway sequences, this is the movie for you.

Ambulance (2022)

And here's another Michael Bay movie: In the action thriller "Ambulance", two brothers, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, plan a bank robbery that quickly spirals out of control. During their escape, they hijack an ambulance and find themselves caught up in a spectacular chase through Los Angeles. With explosions, shootouts, and driving stunts, the movie delivers virtually nonstop action – classic Michael Bay. Fans of the chaotic and action-packed moments in "GTA" should have a great time with this one.

Speed (1994)

If you're into spectacular car chases and plenty of thrills, you shouldn't miss "Speed" either. Keanu Reeves plays a police officer who must stop a bus rigged with a bomb. The explosive problem: as soon as the vehicle drops below 80 kilometers per hour, it threatens to blow up. Together with a courageous passenger, played by Sandra Bullock, he tries to prevent the disaster. This action classic by Jan de Bont offers gripping suspense, spectacular stunts, and high-speed driving maneuvers—just the thing for fans of the car chases in "GTA".

When is GTA VI coming out?

Whether it's spectacular bank heists, high-speed car chases, or life in a crime-ridden metropolis, these movies offer plenty of reasons to get even more excited about "GTA 6". Fortunately, the wait will soon be over: "GTA VI" is set to be released on November 19, 2026! By the way, players who have digitally pre-ordered the game can now preload it. You can, of course, still pre-order it as well. And if you're looking to get in the mood, you can watch the trailer again here:

Johnny Depp is making a comeback as the lead actor in a new movie. And now the first reactions are in. In "Ebenezer," Depp takes on the role of the bitter businessman Ebenezer Scrooge. The film is set in 19th-century London and is based on Charles Dickens's 1843 "A Christmas Carol." As in the famous story, Scrooge is haunted by three ghosts in the new film adaptation, forcing him to confront his past, present, and future.

As for Depp's performance, the opinions of critics who have already seen director Ti West's film are pretty clear-cut. It has been praised almost universally. We'll find out how the reviews for "Ebenezer" pan out across the board as soon as the detailed reviews are published. However, the initial reactions posted by critics on social media already give us a first impression of how the film is being received.

What the critics are saying about Ebenezer

One aspect that is repeatedly highlighted in the social media reviews is Johnny Depp's performance. Kevin Travers, for example, writes:

"Johnny Depp delivers an amazing performance in the #EbenezerMovie. The entire ensemble is outstanding helping to create the perfect atmosphere for a slightly darker tone of a holiday classic."

Andre Saint-Albin is also enthusiastic about the lead actor and speaks very highly of the film in general:

"#Ebenezer is a dark, magical, and deeply moving retelling that hits every emotion. Johnny Depp is outstanding as Ebenezer Scrooge! Deliciously unpleasant, heartbreaking, and completely captivating."

Ashley Carter's reaction is somewhat more reserved, though she, too, is impressed by Depp's performance:

"#Ebenezer is a pretty standard adaptation with the heart of Dickens' classic still intact. [...] The supporting cast is solid and Depp, who doesn't go too over-the-top, delivers a great performance."

Alex Kokke isn't particularly impressed by the film, but he, too, appreciates Depp's performance:

"#Ebenezer is a stylish gothic take on A Christmas Carol, but without anything new to say and it's just the same story all over again. [...] Johnny Depp is great, but didn't love it."

As far as Depp's performance goes, Nick Spake's verdict is an exception. For him, the actor is apparently the film's weak link:

"There's a fair deal that works in #EbenezerMovie, especially the makeup effects, Tyler Bates' score, and Ti West's direction leaning into the chilling aspects of this ghost story. There's one aspect that doesn't work, though, and unfortunately, it's Johnny Depp's performance."

After Ebenezer, Johnny Depp can be seen in Day Drinker

Ti West directed "Ebenezer." The screenplay was written by Nathaniel Halpern. Alongside lead actor Johnny Depp, the cast also includes Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, Tramell Tillman, and Ian McKellen. Soon, everyone will be able to see for themselves whether the film delivers on quality: "Ebenezer" hits theaters on November 13, 2026.

The movie has already sparked some conversation, as Depp's career has been somewhat quiet in recent years when it comes to new, major roles. Currently, the question is once again being raised as to whether we'll see him as the pirate Jack Sparrow again in the future. The Hollywood star recently commented on a possible comeback in "Pirates of the Caribbean 6," as you can read on KinoCheck. What's been clear for some time: In addition to "Ebenezer," there is another film with Depp that will be released soon. "Day Drinker" hits theaters on March 26, 2027. The trailer offers a sneak peek:

Update: Following the departure of James Gunn and Peter Safran from their leadership roles at DC Studios, there are now reports on how this came about and how production on the already-planned DC Universe films would have proceeded. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn and Safran were informed as early as Friday, November 6, that they would have to step down from their positions. According to unnamed sources, the two received a visit in their offices from Skydance CEOs David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz. Despite earlier assurances that Gunn and Safran would continue to lead DC Studios, they reportedly learned from Ellison and Kreiz that there had been a change of plans: This sealed the end of Gunn and Safran's tenure at the helm of DC Studios, and they were to be replaced by Jeremy Latcham.

As for the planned DC Universe films, sources at The Hollywood Reporter say that Gunn was already in the process of writing a third "Superman" movie (the second installment, "Man of Tomorrow," is still set to hit theaters in July 2027). His alleged plan for the trilogy: a new "Superman" movie would be released every two years, potentially leading up to "Justice League."

The latter aligns with what Ben Fritz of The Wall Street Journal wrote on social media. In his post, he also explains that Wonder Woman is reportedly set to make her debut in the DC Universe in "Man of Tomorrow," and that the DCU Batman was supposed to be introduced in 2028 in the film "The Brave and the Bold" (in a later post, he corrected himself and explained that "The Brave and the Bold" was not scheduled for 2028, but likely for 2029). The alleged plans have not been confirmed. However, if Gunn and Safran's plans did indeed look like that, it is now questionable what will remain of them following the leadership change at DC Studios.

We previously reported: Major DC Shake-Up: James Gunn and Peter Safran have announced that they are stepping down from their positions at the top of DC Studios! Under their leadership, the new DCU was created, which kicked off in 2025 with "Superman". Now, however, the Gunn and Safran era is over. In a statement, Gunn explained his decision. A successor has already been named, as Skydance CEO David Ellison, among others, announced.

Gunn & Safran's Departure from DC

Gunn and Safran spent roughly four years at the helm of DC. According to consistent media reports, Gunn and Safran made it clear in a joint statement that they remain proud of their work at DC:

"Four years ago, we set out to unite DC under one creative vision. [...] We're immensely proud of the team that turned that ambition into something real, including the actors, crews and executives we had the opportunity to collaborate with."

James Gunn Talks About His Reasons

Gunn also commented via Instagram, elaborating somewhat on the reasons for his departure from DC's leadership:

"What only the closest people to me have known over the past four years is my time at DC Studios has been trying, to say the least. I dislike the at-times corporate nature of the job (thanks to Peter for taking the brunt of that). I'm always a very hard worker, but as a filmmaker I would at least get to take short breaks to unwind, and I've stolen even that time from both myself and my loved ones over the past four years."

The filmmaker went on to explain his reasons:

"And the thing my ADHD hyperfocus has had the most difficulty with has been dividing my time between projects I'm incredibly passionate about and the ones I'm not so much and all the things I have to do as a studio head."

Gunn's Future at DC

According to reports, Gunn and Safran now want to refocus their attention on the creative aspects of the film business. Gunn will, for example, continue to work as a director and screenwriter on his second "Superman" film "Man of Tomorrow". Beyond that, Gunn also wants to continue working within the DC universe. In his Instagram statement, he mentioned that he's already working on a new DC project. However, Gunn didn't go into further detail.

The New DC Boss: Jeremy Latcham

Meanwhile, Jeremy Latcham has been announced as his successor. He is very familiar with the superhero genre: Latcham is a true Marvel veteran and also contributed to the development of the MCU under the leadership of Kevin Feige. David Ellison welcomed Latcham to his new role via X:

"We're thrilled to welcome Jeremy to DC Studios! As part of the founding team behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he helped define the modern superhero movie and powered some of the biggest, most beloved comic book adaptations of our time. We can't wait to see the stories he'll bring to life, and how he'll help build the future of DC for fans everywhere."

Ellison also thanked Gunn and Safran for their work. The duo expressed their support for Latcham, saying they were "eager to see the perspective he brings to DC's next chapter."

The Gunn & Safran Era

The joint era of James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm of DC began in 2022. It was marked above all by a comprehensive reboot of the DC Universe. The new DCU made its official debut with "Superman". David Corenswet took on the role of the famous title character, ushering in a new era for DC superheroes. The film was received mostly positively by audiences and critics alike. In 2026, two more feature films — "Supergirl" and "Clayface"— followed, further expanding the still-young cinematic universe. "Supergirl", however, proved to be a financial failure.

Under the duo's leadership, there were also several major projects in the TV series sector. These include the previously launched series "The Penguin", the second season of "Peacemaker" and the new production "Lanterns". "The Penguin" and "Lanterns", in particular, enjoyed great popularity among fans and critics alike. It remains to be seen how the DCU will continue to develop under the new leadership. For now, DC fans can look forward to "Man of Tomorrow" in theaters. The "Superman" sequel will hit the big screen on July 9, 2027. You can find all the details in our comprehensive movie preview:

Good news for fans of "Heated Rivalry": Seasons 2 and 3 of the series starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie are reportedly already in the works, according to Deadline. And that's not all: a movie is also said to be in the works. So far, the only thing that has been officially confirmed is that the second season will premiere in the spring of 2027, likely in April. However, according to unnamed sources cited by Deadline, the creators are currently filming both the second and third seasons. Each season is expected to consist of six episodes.

The "Heated Rivalry" movie is reportedly set to begin filming as early as December, with a theatrical release planned for December 2027. The film is described as a Christmas special. The two protagonists, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) , are not expected to appear in it. Instead, another couple from the first season – Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Christopher "Kip" Grady (Robbie G.K.) – could take center stage. We can likely expect to see other characters from the series as well.

Since "Heated Rivalry" is based on Rachel Reid's "Game Changers" novel series, it's possible that the potential Christmas movie is an adaptation of Reid's short story"Merry Christmas, Scott and Kip!" In the story, Scott Hunter and Kip Grady spend Christmas together.

Secret romantic relationship

The first season of "Heated Rivalry" was a huge surprise hit. The series enjoys great popularity worldwide and has also been well-received by critics. The story centers on two professional hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. The two athletes play for rival teams but are also in a secret romantic relationship.

The cast includes Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Christina Chang, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, Dylan Walsh, Robbie G.K., Nadine Bhabha, Matt Gordon, and Sophie Nélisse, among others. Based on the novel by Rachel Reid, the series adaptation was created by Jacob Tierney. He served as both director and screenwriter for the six episodes of the first season.

Connor Storrie in talks for major movie role

One of the actors from "Heated Rivalry" may also appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future. That's because Connor Storrie is in talks for the role of the villain in the new "Ghost Rider" movie starring Ryan Gosling, as KinoCheck recently reported. However, it's not yet known which antagonist he's set to play in the new superhero blockbuster. One possible adversary would be Mephisto, who already played a central role in the earlier "Ghost Rider" film adaptation starring Nicolas Cage. Back then, Peter Fonda took on the role of the villain with whom the hero strikes a devilish pact.

We're already excited and will keep you posted. We'll know more by July 28, 2028, at the latest: that's when "Ghost Rider" hits theaters.

The planned sequel to the horror film "1408" is taking shape. As KinoCheck previously reported, there had already been talk of a return by the original leads, John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. Now, two more actors are set to join the cast. According to Variety, "Lord of the Rings" star Elijah Wood and "Stranger Things" actress Natalia Dyer are set to appear in the "1408" sequel.

The roles they are set to play are currently being kept under wraps. However, Dyer is expected to star in the film, while Wood is said to have a supporting role. Cusack and Jackson are currently negotiating their return to the roles they played in the first film. According to a source at Variety, however, the two are expected to play only secondary characters this time around.

The original film was released in 2007 and is based on the eponymous short story "1408" by bestselling author Stephen King. The story centered on Mike Enslin, played by John Cusack. The author explores places that are rumored to be haunted. Enslin himself is skeptical of supposed paranormal phenomena. When he receives a warning not to enter Room 1408 at New York's The Dolphin Hotel, he chooses that very room – and experiences a series of strange, terrifying events. In addition to John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, the film's cast also included Mary McCormack and Tony Shalhoub. Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander, and Larry Karaszewski wrote the screenplay. Directed by Mikael Håfström, the film grossed $132 million worldwide at the box office on a budget of $25 million.

It remains to be seen what the planned sequel will be about. Production is currently scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Håfström returns to direct the second installment as well. He also co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Verheiden.

Elijah Wood returns as Frodo

Elijah Wood and Natalia Dyer have each made a name for themselves in major franchises. Most viewers probably know Wood best as Frodo from Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" films. Something that should particularly delight his fans: Next year, he'll be back on the big screen in that role. On December 17, 2027, "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," another fantasy adventure set in Middle-earth, will hit theaters. In terms of plot, the film is intended to complement the events from the "Lord of the Rings" movie "The Fellowship of the Ring." Andy Serkis is directing the film. The filmmaker is not only directing but will once again play the role of Gollum. Alongside Serkis and Wood, another star from Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is returning: Ian McKellen as Gandalf.

In addition, Wood has also made a name for himself in recent years through the series "Yellowjackets," where he plays a small but not entirely insignificant role. The final, fourth season of the mysterious series about a high school girls' soccer team that crashes in the wilderness in 1996 and must fight for survival from then on premieres on November 20, 2026, on Paramount+.

Natalia Dyer: Best known for Stranger Things

Natalia Dyer gained worldwide fame primarily through the series "Stranger Things." The mix of horror and coming-of-age drama about a group of teenage friends facing supernatural threats aired on Netflix from 2016 to 2025 and spanned five seasons with a total of 42 episodes. Dyer was part of the hit series from the very beginning, playing the role of Nancy Wheeler alongside Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, and Maya Hawke.

Just recently, a new live-action spin-off series titled "Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure" was announced, set to premiere on Netflix in 2028, as reported by KinoCheck. However, a return by Dyer is unlikely. That's because the new series is set in the 1950s – decades before the events of the original series, which took place in the 1980s. Along with the announcement, a first teaser for "Other Worlds: A Stranger Things Adventure" was also released. While the short clip doesn't reveal too much, it certainly helps pique curiosity about the new series. You can watch the teaser here:

What a cast! Robert Pattinson, Denzel Washington, and Daisy Edgar-Jones will star in the upcoming heist thriller "The Take" on Netflix. The film is directed by Fernando Meirelles, best known for "City of God." Entertainment Weekly recently spoke with the filmmaker and the lead actors. At the same time, Netflix also unveiled the first images from the movie.

First Look at Washington, Pattinson & Co.

But what is "The Take" actually about? Netflix has already released a plot synopsis that leaves you wanting more:

"Fresh out of the Army, former captain Noah (Pattinson) is trying to find his footing in civilian life when charismatic master thief Christian Carter (Washington) recruits him to join his crew for the score of a lifetime: robbing the richest bank in Manhattan. The otherwise meticulous plan has just one hitch: Noah's girlfriend, Rose (Edgar-Jones), works at the bank as a teller. With time and love on the line, Noah must figure out who he can trust if he's going to make it out of the heist alive."

For Meirelles, "The Take" is not just a heist thriller, but a film that blends several genres. He also sees the film as a "psychological drama with a love story at its center." Netflix describes the film as an "unconventional heist movie about a bank guard, a teller, and a master thief in a deadly game of cons and double crosses."

In the interview with EW, the lead actors highlight director Meirelles, among others. Edgar-Johnson emphasizes her fondness for Meirelles' best-known film, "City of God." And Denzel Washington, too, clearly has the project close to his heart.

"At this point in my life, I'm focused on doing the best work with the best filmmakers. So, what I do from this point forward and who I do it with is very important to me, both spiritually and artistically."

For Robert Pattinson, the decision to join the project was an easy one: "Getting to do a heist movie set in New York with Denzel Washington and Daisy Edgar-Jones, what else is there to say?"

In preparation for "The Take", Meirelles watched quite a few heist classics that are sure to delight any film fan. Specifically, the filmmaker mentions Michael Mann's "Heat", Kathryn Bigelow's "Point Break", Sidney Lumet's "Dog Day Afternoon" and Stanley Kubrick's "The Killing".

Given the release of the first stills, it's safe to assume the trailer won't be far behind. As soon as it's available, you'll of course find it in the KinoCheck app or on our YouTube channel.

The Cast

In addition to Pattinson, Washington, and Edgar-Jones, the rest of the film's cast has already been announced. Also on board are Danai Gurira ("The Walking Dead", "Black Panther"), Sean Harris ("Mission: Impossible"), Moisés Arias ("Fallout") and Justin Kirk ("Succession"). The screenplay was written by Simon Kinberg, who has also penned the scripts for "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes", among others.

When does The Take premiere?

A first poster for "The Take" has already been released. It reveals that the film will not only be available on Netflix but will also receive a limited theatrical release. "The Take" will be available on the streaming service starting January 15, 2027.

A Cast of Hollywood Stars

"The Take" is likely to pique the interest of many movie fans. The main reason: The heist thriller simply features several of Hollywood's most popular stars. Among them, of course, is Robert Pattinson, who is currently making headlines for his audition as James Bond.

Pattinson made his international breakthrough with his role as Edward Cullen in the "Twilight" franchise. Since then, the British actor has established himself as a versatile character actor. His best-known films include "The Batman", "Tenet", "Good Time" and "The Lighthouse". 2026, in particular, has been—and continues to be—an extremely successful year for Pattinson. Among other projects, the actor appeared in Christopher's "The Odyssey"—and is also part of the cast of "Dune 3".

Denzel Washington, meanwhile, has been one of Hollywood's best-known and most beloved actors for decades. He has received numerous awards for his performances, including two Oscars. His greatest films include "Training Day", "Malcolm X", "Man on Fire", "American Gangster", "The Equalizer" and "Flight"—to name just a few.

Daisy Edgar-Jones, on the other hand, first gained international attention for her leading role in the miniseries "Normal People". Since then, the British actress has also made a strong impression on the big screen. Her best-known projects include the films "Where the Crawdads Sing" and "Twisters". She can currently be seen in theaters in the Jane Austen adaptation "Sense and Sensibility".

Director Fernando Meirelles is also likely to catch the attention of many film fans. The Brazilian director made his international breakthrough with the multi-award-winning gangster drama "City of God." Other well-known works include "The Constant Gardener", "The Two Popes" and the tv shows "Sugar" and "The Sympathizer".

A strong start for "Godzilla Minus Zero": The Japanese monster blockbuster has broken a record at the North American box office. According to Variety, it grossed $31.6 million on opening weekend. With this, "Godzilla Minus Zero" not only jumped to No. 1 on the current box office charts but also achieved the most successful opening for a foreign live-action film in a non-English language in North America.

If we expand the scope beyond live-action films, the Japanese animated film "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" still holds the top spot: The film opened in 2025 with $70.6 million. The previous live-action record holder was the 2002 Chinese martial arts film "Hero." At the time, "Hero" opened with $17.8 million, a figure that has now been significantly surpassed by "Godzilla Minus Zero." Worldwide, the Japanese blockbuster has already grossed $63 million.

Godzilla Minus Zero: A hit with critics

"Godzilla Minus Zero" is the sequel to "Godzilla Minus One," which was released in 2023 and won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The plot of this monster sequel is set in 1949, two years after the events of the previous film, and picks up where the Godzilla story left off, as the synopsis explains:

"Two years have passed since then, and the country has faced agonizing struggles to achieve recovery and finally reclaim its daily life. Just as humanity managed to cling to a hard-won peace, a new threat strikes, crushing hope in an instant."

In addition to its successful theatrical release, "Godzilla Minus Zero" has also received positive reviews. On Metacritic, the film currently has a score of 74 (out of 100), a rating based on 44 mostly positive reviews. Takashi Yamazaki directed and wrote the screenplay for "Godzilla Minus Zero." The cast includes Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Min Tanaka, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Masami Nagasawa, Yuki Yamada, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Jun Kunimura, Sakura Ando, and Miou Tanaka.

Successful documentary: You Can See Everything

As for the rest of the North American box office charts, "The Cat in the Hat" secured the No. 2 spot behind "Godzilla Minus Zero." The animated film grossed $20.5 million. In third place is the historical drama "Drummer Boy" with $9.3 million. The documentary "You Can See Everything" is in fourth place with $8.8 million, and rounding out the current top five is the Indian epic "Ramayana: Rise of a Legend" with $8.65 million.

"You Can See Everything" is particularly noteworthy. After about three weeks in North American theaters, the film by directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim has grossed a total of about $80 million. This is quite an achievement for a documentary: Aside from music documentaries, only the documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" (2004) has grossed more at the North American box office (119 million).

"Journey into the abyss"

"You Can See Everything" centers on Elizabeth Holmes. At just 19 years old, she founded the blood-testing startup Theranos in 2003. It all seemed to be shaping up to be a success story, but years later came the steep fall. Theranos was supposed to revolutionize blood testing, but the company was found to have falsified data. In 2022, Holmes was convicted of fraud, and in 2023, she began serving her prison sentence.

And that's where the documentary comes in. Thirty-four days before she was due to begin her sentence, Holmes invited a film crew to document her every move. The official synopsis for the film reads: "What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic felon becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss." Check out the trailer to get a first glimpse of "You Can See Everything":

The news surrounding the new James Bond actor is coming thick and fast once again. Most recently, Callum Turner was touted as a top contender for the role, but now another Hollywood star is said to have auditioned for 007: none other than Robert Pattinson!

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the screen tests reportedly took place over the weekend of October 24. Previously, there had been talk of three or possibly four actors who still had hopes of landing the role. Among them were Callum Turner, "Slow Horses" actor Jack Lowden, and Josh O'Connor. In addition to Pattinson, "Superman" star Nicholas Hoult is also said to have thrown his hat into the ring.

Good Prospects for Robert Pattinson

Given his career to date, it's not particularly surprising that Pattinson could be a viable candidate for a role like James Bond. The actor has appeared in a variety of productions this year, including "The Drama", "Primetime", and Christopher Nolan's blockbuster "The Odyssey". Added to this is his collaboration with Denis Villeneuve. The Canadian director is not only helming the upcoming Bond film but has also cast Pattinson in "Dune 3". Whether this connection could actually influence the casting, however, remains unknown. He will also reprise the role of Bruce Wayne in "The Batman 2" in 2028.

However, a potential casting as Bond is also likely to have serious implications for Pattinson's career. After all, we're not just talking about a single movie, but about embodying a character that could span many years. Daniel Craig, for example, took on the role in 2006 with "Casino Royale" and bid farewell in 2021 after a total of five films with "No Time to Die".

Denis Villeneuve and Steven Knight are taking over the next Bond film

While the casting of the new 007 is still up in the air, some key behind-the-scenes decisions have already been made. Denis Villeneuve, a top-tier director known for films such as "Dune", "Blade Runner 2049", and "Sicario", has been brought on board. Steven Knight, best known as the creator of the hit series "Peaky Blinders", will write the screenplay.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman are on board as producers. The search for a new lead actor began in earnest in the spring of 2026, when casting director Nina Gold was hired for the project. After initial meetings with numerous actors, the casting process moved into the next round in the summer. In September, offers for the decisive screen tests were finally prepared. In addition to Amazon and MGM, the producers and Villeneuve himself are also involved in the final decision.

The new casting also marks the beginning of a comprehensive reorientation of the franchise. Now that Amazon has taken creative control of the James Bond series from MGM Studios, a new era for the secret agent is set to begin. Exactly how the decision-makers plan to develop the character following the end of the Daniel Craig era, however, remains a closely guarded secret.

Before filming can begin, the story for the upcoming film must first be further developed. A specific release date has therefore not yet been set. However, an official announcement of the new Bond actor is still expected by the end of 2026. It therefore remains to be seen whether Robert Pattinson will actually receive a license to kill or if one of his competitors will ultimately win the race.

"Twilight" fans have reason to celebrate: A new animated series titled "Midnight Sun" is in the works at Netflix. And apparently, the streaming giant has great confidence in the return of the vampire franchise, as it has ordered two seasons outright. According to the website What's on Netflix, Lionsgate seems to have high expectations for the series. They view it as an opportunity to continue the existing "Twilight" universe while also expanding it with new perspectives.

Midnight Sun Tells the Twilight Story from Edward's Perspective

Fans should, however, be prepared for a slight change. Unlike the movies, "Midnight Sun" is set to retell the familiar story of "Twilight" from Edward Cullen's perspective. While the original book series primarily focuses on Bella's experiences, "Midnight Sun" will give fans insight into Edward's inner world and reveal more about how the vampire experiences his encounter with the young student.

It's also interesting to note that the new series is described as an animated project for adults. Although "Twilight" originally appealed to a young audience, the new project is likely to target fans who grew up with the movies as well. Author Stephenie Meyer will be involved as an executive producer. The project is being produced by Lionsgate Television and Meyer's production company, Fickle Fish Films.

It is not yet known who will voice the characters in the original English version. This makes the question of who will voice Edward Cullen and Bella Swan in the animated series particularly exciting. However, a return by Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart seems rather unrealistic.

Is there a release date?

Netflix has not yet announced a specific premiere date. According to current information, work on the series is set to begin in August of this year and is expected to continue through May 2027. Los Angeles is slated to be the production location, where, among other things, the voice recordings will take place. A release in late 2027 would therefore be quite realistic.

Twilight: From Book Phenomenon to Global Box Office Hit

Netflix's decision to revive the vampire franchise is likely due in no small part to the enormous success of the original "Twilight" saga. When Stephenie Meyer published the first novel in 2005, the love story between the human Bella Swan and the vampire Edward Cullen quickly became an international bestseller. In total, the book series comprises four main novels, which were also adapted for the big screen between 2008 and 2012. With Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in the lead roles, the film series became a global phenomenon.

The five films, which include the two-part adaptation of the final book, "Breaking Dawn", grossed several billion dollars worldwide and turned their lead actors into international stars. In addition to the unusual love story, it was primarily the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and the werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) that sparked enthusiasm and numerous discussions among fans.

Although the last film was released in theaters back in 2012, interest in the saga has not completely faded to this day. The release of "Midnight Sun" in 2020 proved that Stephenie Meyer's vampire world continues to reach a large audience. The new Netflix series could now inspire a new generation to fall in love with the saga while also offering longtime fans a previously unknown perspective on the events.

New co-star for Denzel Washington: Marvel star Teyonah Parris is reportedly set to join the cast of a yet-to-be-titled film in which Washington will play the lead role. Deadline reports on Parris's casting. The specific role she will play has not been disclosed. What was already confirmed: "Mission: Impossible" director Christopher McQuarrie will direct the thriller and serve as a producer. Scott Barkan and Gregg Zehentner are writing the screenplay. The film will also be produced by Heather McQuarrie, Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, Joseph Restaino, Reza Moheet, Norman Aladjem, Katia Washington, and Tommy Harper.

Details about the story are also already known: The thriller centers on a former police officer serving a life sentence who is diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. Faced with a life expectancy of only six months, he is granted early release. What does he do with the little time he has left? He returns to his daughter, whom he had left behind, and discovers that he now has a grandson. His goal: to make amends. But it's clearly not easy for him to leave his dark past behind. In addition to the premise, the release date has also been announced: The new film starring Denzel Washington will hit theaters on October 1, 2027.

Known from the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Teyonah Parris's career is likely to gain even more momentum with Christopher McQuarrie's new thriller. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are already familiar with the actress from her role as Monica Rambeau. She first portrayed the character in 2021 in the acclaimed series "WandaVision," alongside Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Debra Jo Rupp, Fred Melamed, Kathryn Hahn, Randall Park, Kat Dennings, and Evan Peters. In 2023, she reprised the role, this time on the big screen: In the film "The Marvels," she starred alongside Brie Larson as Carol Danvers (aka Captain Marvel) and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan (aka Ms. Marvel).

With a box office haul of $206 million worldwide – a modest figure by Marvel standards – the film was a flop. Nevertheless, "The Marvels" certainly helped to significantly raise Parris's international profile. In 2026, she appeared in the action comedy "Matchbox: The Movie" alongside John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, and Arturo Castro. Next up for Parris is the film "Running," directed by Gavin O'Connor. In this upcoming sports drama, she is part of a cast that includes Spike Fearn, Brian Tyree Henry, Rhea Seehorn, and Andrew Schulz.

Hannibal and Conan

As for Denzel Washington: Originally, the Hollywood star was set to appear next in a historical epic about Hannibal directed by Antoine Fuqua. However, there's a problem with the Netflix adaptation about the famous ancient general: Filming was supposed to begin this year in Italy – but then production had to be put on hold. The reason is reportedly unresolved budget issues.

Christopher McQuarrie, meanwhile, is set to serve as screenwriter and director of a new Conan film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In "King Conan," Schwarzenegger is set to reprise the role of the fantasy hero more than 40 years after his first appearance in "Conan the Barbarian." The planned film is set to depict the legendary warrior as an aging ruler whose best years are behind him.