It appears that the filmmakers behind the upcoming "X-Men" movie have found the actress to play Emma Frost. Samara Weaving is set to play the role of the mutant, according to Deadline. Marvel has not yet commented on the matter. However, according to Deadline, director Jake Schreier and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige have reportedly made their decision.

Emma Frost has been a part of Marvel Comics for decades. Created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, the character made her debut in the "X-Men" comics back in 1980. The mutant possesses telepathic powers and can transform her body into an organic diamond form. Originally, Emma Frost – also known as the White Queen – was an antagonist of the X-Men. Over time, however, she switched sides and joined the superhero team. The character has already appeared on the big screen: In 2011, Frost was played by "Mad Men" actress January Jones in "X-Men: First Class."

Rumors about other stars

Samara Weaving is known, among other things, for her roles in the two "Ready or Not" films. She played the lead role in the horror-comedies. On TV, she has appeared as part of the ensemble cast of "Nine Perfect Strangers," among other roles. Before Weaving, there were rumors about another actress who was supposedly set to take on the role of Emma Frost. A few months ago, it was reported that Sydney Sweeney was allegedly in talks for the new "X-Men" movie. However, no confirmation was ever given. And as it now appears, Weaving has landed the role of Emma Frost.

In any case, there are many speculations surrounding the roles in the new "X-Men" movie. Most recently, there were rumors about Adam Driver ("Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker") as possible actor of Magneto, Patrick Wilson ("Aquaman") as possible actor of Professor X and Charles Melton was in talks to play the character Beast. Melton was most recently seen in the anthology series "Beef." A role in the "X-Men" reboot would certainly be a career boost for the 35-year-old.

Interpersonal drama

One thing is certain: The "X-Men" reboot will be directed by Jake Schreier – a filmmaker who has already directed a film for the Marvel Cinematic Universe: "Thunderbolts." Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo, who also worked on "Thunderbolts" alongside Schreier, have been hired as screenwriters. Regarding the new writers, Jake Schreier explained to Collider a few months ago:

"When you go back and read X-Men, there's ideology but also interpersonal drama, almost of a soap opera quality. Having writers who understand both how to drive ideology from personal stakes, if we get that right, that's what will feel most honest to what X-Men can be."

In that regard, Lee Sung Jin and Joanna Calo could turn out to be a stroke of luck. In addition to "Thunderbolts," the two writers have made a name for themselves primarily through their work on TV series that focus on interpersonal drama: Joanna Calo as co-showrunner of the highly acclaimed series "The Bear," and Lee Sung Jin as creator and showrunner of the equally acclaimed series "Beef." We're already excited to see their vision for "X-Men" and will keep you updated.

Good news about the "Elden Ring" movie! As IGN reports, filming for Alex Garland's highly anticipated A24 project has apparently wrapped up.

The update comes from a now-deleted Instagram post by prop maker Sean Schofield. The photo showed, among other things, an "Elden Ring" backpack, a keychain shaped like a clapperboard, and a personal thank-you card from the producers. In his caption, Schofield expressed great enthusiasm about working on the project.

Both director Alex Garland and the executives at A24 are keeping details about the story of "Elden Ring" under wraps. In recent months, however, leaks from the set have surfaced repeatedly, showing characters such as Queen Marika, the Dung Eater, and the wizard Rogier, among others.

At least the film's cast has already been finalized. It includes Kit Connor, known for "Heartstopper" and "Warfare", as well as "Alien: Romulus" star Cailee Spaeny and Ben Whishaw. The cast also includes comedy icon Nick Offerman and "Game of Thrones" actor Jonathan Pryce. "Elden Ring" hits theaters on March 3, 2028.

A24 and Elden Ring: The Perfect Match?

"Elden Ring" is arguably one of the greatest video games of all time. It was released in 2022 and is the culmination – so far – of the extremely popular "Souls" series from developer FromSoftware. One of the game's most striking features is its cinematic presentation: epic landscapes, colossal monsters, and an unparalleled atmosphere – exactly what you'd expect from a fantasy epic designed to transport us to a foreign world.

Something like this definitely belongs on the big screen – and that's exactly what the film studio A24 thought. For many years now, this independent company has been winning over the hearts of movie lovers who want to see something different from the usual mainstream productions. "Ex Machina", "Hereditary", "The Lighthouse", "Everything Everywhere All at Once" – the titles speak for themselves. Hardly any A24 film fits into a conventional mold. The logo at the beginning of a film is practically a promise: Now things are about to get interesting!

We think it's a stroke of luck for the "Elden Ring" movie that this studio, of all places, is handling the adaptation. Because that virtually rules out one major risk: that the game's incomparable experience will be squeezed into a clichéd Hollywood mold.

The Story of Elden Ring

To understand why the story has such immense potential for the big screen, it's worth taking a look at the creators of this world. The story was penned by two absolute heavyweights of modern fantasy: Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind the development studio FromSoftware, and George R. R. Martin, the creator of "Game of Thrones". Martin laid out the entire history, the political intrigues, and the complex family tree of the ruling divine families in advance. Miyazaki took this detailed backstory and let it culminate in a massive, unstoppable catastrophe. The result is a world that feels like a historical epic. Every crumbling castle fortress, every cursed family, and every monstrous creature possesses a profound, often deeply tragic past.

The story takes place on a vast, isolated continent called "The Lands Between". The sky above this world is dominated by a gigantic, luminous tree – the Earth Tree. It serves as the ultimate symbol of the so-called Golden Order, the metaphysical law that holds nature and life in this world together. This is also where the film's title comes into play: The Elden Ring is no ordinary piece of gold jewelry that grants power. It is a cosmic web of magical runes that dictates the fundamental laws of reality. The absolute ruler of this vast realm is Queen Marika, the Eternal. She does not act as a classically good and flawless monarch, but rather as an extremely complex, calculating figure who does not shy away from drastic measures to preserve her vision.

The actual story of the game – and presumably also of the movie – begins in a world that is already in ruins. The Elden Ring has been shattered, a traumatic historical event. The fragments of this ring – the Great Runes – pass to Marika's direct descendants. These demigods are corrupted by the unimaginable power of the runes and plunge the Interrealms into a cruel, all-encompassing war.

The mythology features formidable figures such as General Radahn, a warrior of gigantic proportions who holds up the stars in the sky, or Malenia, an undefeated swordswoman who is nonetheless consumed by an inner, destructive rot. The War of the Demigods produces no victor, but instead ruins the entire world.

Into this utterly hostile and decaying world step the story's central protagonists: the Tarnished. They are fallen warriors who long ago fell from grace and were banished. Now, a mysterious, recurring grace calls these outcasts back from exile. Their nearly impossible task is to overthrow the demigods driven mad, gather the powerful runes, and ascend the orphaned throne as the new ruler.

The narrative does not depict a classic, heroic journey featuring radiant knights, but rather portrays a grimy, merciless struggle for survival. The Tarnished are the ultimate outsiders, fighting their way through a world dominated by fanatical cults and tragically fallen gods.

The Problem with the Elden Ring Movie

It all sounds very epic and is a massive experience in the game, easily spanning hundreds of hours of play. FromSoftware's games are famous for not simply laying out the world's history. It's hidden in countless cryptic clues that players must piece together themselves. You always get the feeling: There's more to it. It's a strange world whose true scope you can only guess at.

The problem: A movie doesn't have 100 hours to work with. It will be a huge challenge to bring the story of Elden Ring to the screen in its entirety. Either you try to fit everything into 2 to 3 hours in a way that makes sense – but then the whole thing ends up feeling more like a lecture than an adventure. Or you simplify the story – at the expense of its uniqueness.

Based on Alex Garland's previous films, however, we have a good idea of which path he'll take. Garland is a director who isn't afraid to leave questions unanswered. His film "Annihilation" is a good example of this: Here, too, he relies on fascinating imagery and enigmatic events that receive no obvious explanation – thereby leaving room for interpretation. This is exactly what makes "Elden Ring" so special – and a major reason why these worlds simply won't let us go.

The hype surrounding "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" shows no signs of slowing down, leading not only to sold-out screenings but also to countless discussions about possible connections to upcoming MCU projects. And sure enough, after the movie ends, there's a post-credit scene that's already sparking numerous theories about Peter Parker's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the following article, we'll reveal what the scene might really mean.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Ned's app plays a crucial role

Over the course of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", it's revealed that Peter's former best friend Ned has developed a "Spider-Man" app. It serves as a kind of community platform for fans of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, allowing them to share sightings and notify other users when Spider-Man appears somewhere in New York.

At first, this idea seems like a humorous side note to the main plot. But in the post-credit scene, there's an unexpected twist: The signal meant to locate Spider-Man suddenly stops moving within Earth and instead appears to pinpoint the hero right in the middle of space. Immediately afterward, the familiar Marvel logo appears: "Spider-Man will return".

Does this scene lead directly to Avengers: Secret War?

Given the announced return, a comeback in one of the upcoming "Avengers" movies would seem likely. "Avengers: Secret Wars" is the most likely candidate.

The background: the 2015 comic book series of the same name. In it, following the collapse of the multiverse, Doctor Doom creates a gigantic world called Battleworld. This world consists of the remnants of numerous destroyed realities that Doom has fused together.

A central element of this story is the so-called "incursions" – collisions between different universes. This very concept has already been introduced several times in past MCU films and is considered a key building block for the upcoming "Avengers" adventures.

However, according to Filmstarts, there is one point that contradicts this theory. At the end of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day", the MCU's main reality still exists. The multiverse has apparently not completely collapsed at this point, whereas in the comics, Battleworld is only created after its destruction. In the comic book storyline, Reed Richards and his allies manage to launch a spaceship shortly before the final incursion. Spider-Man is also on board.

Another rumor is currently causing a stir, especially among longtime comic book fans: Spider-Man could wear the legendary black symbiote suit for the first time in "Avengers: Secret Wars". This costume first gained fame in the 1980s comic series "Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars", which is also set in a version of Battleworld and in which Peter Parker first comes into contact with the alien symbiote. Insider MyTimeToShineHello posted a few months ago that the iconic suit is reportedly set to play a role in the upcoming "Secret Wars" movie as well. It's just a rumor, but if there's any truth to it, the post-credits scene may have laid the groundwork.

Can the app track realities?

Another theory that's been circulating since the scene's release – and was brought up by The Direct – is particularly interesting. According to this theory, the Spider-Man Tracker could track Peter Parker's location even across different dimensions. That would explain why the signal suddenly pinpoints space or even another reality. This approach is strongly reminiscent of the portals and dimensional jumps from the "Spider-Verse" movies. It could bridge the gap between the MCU and the various Spider-Man versions from other universes.

Miles Morales in the MCU?

And this is exactly where the theory gets particularly exciting. If Peter Parker can be tracked across reality boundaries via the app, it opens up the possibility of an encounter with Miles Morales and other Spider-variants. After all, we know that there are countless versions of the character in the "Spider-Verse" movies – including Miles. This would also align with a statement by Marvel boss Kevin Feige, who hinted in an interview that there are definitely plans for a live-action version of the character. Tom Holland also hinted in an interview with Empire magazine that he would be happy to help shape a potential transition within the "Spider-Man" universe.

Such a connection would not only facilitate a crossover with the Spider-Verse but also explain why Peter might be absent from the MCU's Earth for an extended period during the upcoming events surrounding the collapsing multiverse. Whether the post-credit scene is actually setting up a dimensional leap or is merely a clever red herring remains to be seen. Either way, the likable hero from New York will certainly continue to play a significant role in the future of the MCU. We can't wait to see what happens!

By the way: If you want to know our take on "Brand New Day", we recommend checking out our KinoCheck META movie review.

Good news for fans of Alicia Silverstone: The Hollywood star is returning as Cher Horowitz. She previously played the role over 30 years ago in the coming-of-age comedy "Clueless." Now Silverstone will make her comeback in a sequel series to the original film. Paramount+ has been confirmed as the streaming service where "Clueless" will air.

Originally, the sequel series – which is set to continue the plot of the original film – was in development at the streaming service Peacock. A few months ago, however, Peacock put the project on hold. At the same time, it was reported that "Clueless" would be offered to another platform. And now it's official: Paramount+ has snagged the series.

What happened to Cher Horowitz?

The original film was released in 1995 and was inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel "Emma" from 1815. Amy Heckerling directed and wrote the screenplay. The story follows Cher Horowitz. The popular high school student takes it upon herself to mentor a newcomer who initially seems awkward. But then this plan begins to unfold quite differently than she had expected. Alongside Alicia Silverstone, the cast included Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Jeremy Sisto, and Donald Faison, among others. A TV series adaptation followed in 1996, which ran for three seasons and comprised a total of 62 episodes. However, Cher Horowitz was no longer played by Silverstone; instead, Rachel Blanchard took over the role.

The now-planned "Clueless" series picks up where the original film left off. The story takes place 30 years later and shows what became of the original protagonist, who is once again portrayed by Alicia Silverstone. The premise description reads:

"Beloved Beverly Hills icon Cher Horowitz has figured out a lot: She's successful in business and has mastered motherhood – that is, until her daughter's high school years, and Cher finds that parenting a teenager makes her feel 'clueless' all over again."

Alicia Silverstone isn't just on board as the lead actress

The team behind the scenes of the sequel series is also already known. With Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, two creators who know their way around teen series are on board: Among other projects, the two worked on the series "The O.C." Together with Jordan Weiss, they are set to serve as writers and executive producers. Lead actress Alicia Silverstone, director Amy Heckerling, and producer Robert Lawrence – three key figures from the original film – are also on board as executive producers.

Paramount+ is reported to have ordered six episodes, according to Variety, citing unnamed sources. Whether and how the series will continue after that remains to be seen. The premiere date is also still to be announced. What has already been revealed, however, is that filming is set to begin in Los Angeles in 2027.

For fans of Alicia Silverstone, this is likely to be a welcome reunion with the actress, who was particularly prominent in the '90s. After gaining worldwide attention in "Clueless", she appeared two years later in "Batman & Robin" alongside George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Uma Thurman. In the comic book adaptation, she played Barbara Wilson, aka Batgirl. What was surely intended as another career boost, however, turned out to be a flop. The film underperformed at the box office and was panned by critics, which likely didn't do her career much good. But all that was a long time ago. Now we can look forward to her comeback in "Clueless."

This comes as a surprise: "Wonder Man" has been canceled. As a result, there won't be a second season of the Marvel series starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on Disney+, according to Variety.

What's strange is that as recently as March, there was an official announcement that "Wonder Man" would be renewed for a second season. According to Variety's sources, however, a writers' room was never opened for the new episodes. In addition, the writers have been released so they could focus on other projects.

What Wonder Man is about

The first season of "Wonder Man" was well-received and garnered positive reviews from critics. This likely has to do with its unusual premise, which stands out from the crowd of superhero adaptations and is described as follows:

"Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film 'Wonder Man.' These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry."

In addition to Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who plays the protagonist Simon Williams, the cast also includes Ben Kingsley, X Mayo, Zlatko Burić, Arian Moayed, Joe Pantoliano, Byron Bowers, and Josh Gad. The series was created by Andrew Guest and Destin Daniel Cretton. The latter previously directed the Marvel film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" and is currently drawing crowds to theaters with the blockbuster "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which he also directed.

Here's what Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has to say about the end of Wonder Man

Lead actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has spoken out about the cancellation of "Wonder Man." On social media, he commented on the surprising end with the following words:

"That's life, right? Everything will shake out. I wanted to say thank you to everybody who WATCHED the show, ENJOYED the show, and SHARED that they enjoyed the show in some way or other. The show worked. And that's my favorite thing about it. [...] I can see in the messages I get saying how the show reminded some of you not to give up, and I feel it in the genuine love shared when I bump into some of you all during the day. So, thinking of you all today. I'm glad we got to be a part of something cool. Thank you for watching… And uhh… See you at the EMMYS."

By mentioning the Emmys, he's referring to the fact that he was recently nominated for the prestigious award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in "Wonder Man." We'll find out if he wins at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026. Whether we'll see Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams again, however, remains to be seen. Despite the series' cancellation, it can't be completely ruled out. At least, according to Variety, a person familiar with the situation says there could be a reunion with the characters in other Marvel projects at some point. That's at least some small consolation for fans of the series.

The future of "Star Trek" is uncertain. And now it seems we'll have to say goodbye to a potential spin-off that was proposed last year. Michael Sussman and Scott Bakula had come up with the idea for a project called "Star Trek: United," which was to tell the story of an aging Enterprise captain, Jonathan Archer. By now, he would have four grown children and would be the first president of the United Federation of Planets. The idea was developed by producer Sussman with input from Bakula, who once played Archer. But now there's been an update from Bakula indicating that the project isn't moving forward.

In an interview with TV Insider, the actor did explain that you should never say never. However, his words otherwise offer no reason to hope that we'll see Archer as president:

"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."

A time of transition

Bakula once portrayed Captain Archer in "Star Trek: Enterprise." The science fiction series ran from 2001 to 2005 and spanned four seasons with a total of 98 episodes. The story takes place before the events of the original series featuring Kirk and Spock. The focus is on the starship crew led by Captain Archer. Alongside Bakula, the main cast included John Billingsley, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery, Linda Park, and Connor Trinneer. Michael Sussman was one of the series' producers. After "Star Trek: Enterprise" ended, it took over twelve years for a new series, "Star Trek: Discovery," to launch, heralding a renaissance of the franchise that led to further spin-offs such as "Star Trek: Picard."

As Bakula hinted, the "Star Trek" franchise is now once again in a phase of upheaval. Currently, there are only two live-action series left for fans to look forward to: "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy." However, the end is already set for both of these series. "Strange New Worlds" will conclude with its fifth season. "Starfleet Academy" will be canceled after its second season. No further live-action series has been specifically planned for the time after that.

On the big screen

As for the big screen, a new "Star Trek" movie has been in development for some time. The directing duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley are set to helm the project. Among other things, the two directed the fantasy film "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." We'll have to wait for more details. However, there was a recent rumor about the story. According to Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, we might be in for a sort of "Training Day" set in space. The 2001 thriller starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke centers on a police officer's first day on the job. In the "Star Trek" version, the story could similarly center on a young protagonist who still has a lot to learn. As mentioned earlier, however, this alleged plot concept is just a rumor and should therefore be taken with a grain of salt. Just one thing is certain: the future of "Star Trek" is currently uncertain.

After years of uncertainty, it's now official: Edgar Rice Burroughs' legendary "John Carter" series is getting a new lease on life. As reported by The Wrap, an animated series titled "John Carter: Warlord of Mars" is in the works.

Mark Andrews, best known as the co-director of the Oscar-winning Pixar film "Brave", has been brought on board for the new project. He also worked as a storyboard artist on Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man". He is being supported by Michael Kogge, who has already been involved in several "Star Wars" comic book projects.

In an official statement, Andrews made it clear that the character John Carter has been a part of his life since childhood. According to him, he discovered the stories at the age of ten and has been deeply influenced by Burroughs' blend of fantasy and science fiction ever since.

Andrews is particularly convinced that animation is the ideal medium for bringing the source material to life. Modern technologies now make it possible to achieve precisely the visual grandeur and intensity that Burroughs' world requires. The fantastical landscapes of Mars, its exotic creatures, and the epic battles can be depicted much more freely and impressively through animation than in a traditional live-action film.

As early as 2012, John Carter was adapted into a live-action film. At the box office, however, "John Carter" fell well short of expectations, grossing a modest $284 million. A release date or more specific details about the new series have not yet been announced.

The World of John Carter: What the Novels Are About and Why the Series Still Has Cult Status Today

The "John Carter" novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs are among the most influential adventure and science fiction stories in literary history. Although many people know the series primarily from the 2012 Disney film adaptation, its history stretches back well over a century. The first novel was published as early as 1912 under the title "A Princess of Mars" and established the so-called Barsoom Cycle, which comprises a total of eleven novels. The books blend science fiction, fantasy, adventure, and romance into an epic narrative that has inspired generations of authors, filmmakers, and comic book creators.

What are the John Carter novels about?

At the center of the story is John Carter, a former officer from the American Civil War. After a mysterious event, he is transported from Earth to the planet Mars, which is called Barsoom in the series. There, Carter discovers a completely alien world inhabited by various peoples, warrior cultures, gigantic creatures, and ancient civilizations.

Due to Mars's lower gravity, John Carter possesses extraordinary physical abilities. He can make huge leaps and has tremendous strength, which quickly makes him an impressive fighter. He soon becomes embroiled in the political and military conflicts between the various Martian peoples and meets Princess Dejah Thoris, with whom he falls in love.

From this point on, the series evolves into a blend of heroic epic, love story, and large-scale science fiction adventure. John Carter battles tyrannical rulers, saves kingdoms, forges alliances with alien species, and explores the mysterious landscapes of the Red Planet.

A World Full of Fantasy

What makes the novels so special is, above all, their extraordinary world-building. With Barsoom, Burroughs created one of the earliest and most detailed fictional planets in literature. Mars is not a barren desert planet, but a complex world with diverse nations, religions, technologies, and social structures.

Particularly well-known are the so-called Green Martians – warrior beings several meters tall with four arms who live in nomadic tribes. In addition, there are the Red Martians, various animal species, flying ships, and highly advanced yet mysterious technologies. This blend of futuristic elements and classic fantasy motifs gives the series its unmistakable character.

Why the Series Is So Special

A key reason for its enduring cult status lies in its enormous influence on later works. Many motifs that are taken for granted today appeared in Burroughs's work decades earlier. Heroes who become legendary warriors on alien worlds, exotic planets with their own cultures, or romantic adventures set against science-fiction backdrops – all of this can already be found in the John Carter novels.

Authors such as Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and numerous comic book and fantasy creators have cited Burroughs as an inspiration. Even elements from "Star Wars", "Flash Gordon", "Avatar", and various superhero stories are reminiscent of the Barsoom Cycle in their basic concepts.

Adventure Over Science

Unlike many modern science fiction novels, John Carter focuses less on scientific plausibility and more on a sense of boundless adventure. Burroughs did not write technically accurate visions of the future, but rather stories full of pace, exotic settings, spectacular battles, and charismatic characters.

It is precisely this blend that makes the series fascinating to this day. The novels convey the feeling of entering an unknown world alongside their hero, where a new mystery awaits behind every ruin, every desert, and every city.

More than a hundred years after their publication, the John Carter books have therefore lost none of their significance. They rank among the great classics of adventure and science fiction literature and impressively demonstrate how powerfully an imaginative world can shape entire generations of stories.

Tom Holland once again dons the iconic red-and-blue suit to uphold law and order in New York. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" promises to be the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man's most serious adventure yet. But does the film live up to the high expectations – and what do other critics have to say? We'll tell you all about it in our KinoCheck META review.

What's it about?

Four years after the world-changing events of "No Way Home" and the spell that erased his existence, Peter Parker lives in complete isolation. He now protects New York City as an anonymous, full-time Spider-Man, while his former friends MJ and Ned continue their lives at MIT. When a mysterious new threat emerges and Peter's superpowers suddenly undergo a dangerous, aggressive transformation, his fragile world is finally thrown into chaos.

Too Much All at Once

All in all, the film has been received quite positively by the press. Opinions differ on some aspects, however. It starts with the title: "Brand New Day" promises a radical fresh start (as far as one can say that in the Marvel universe). But even here, opinions are divided. While some critics welcome the changed status quo, others are rather disappointed. We, too, had hoped for more from the anticipated fresh start – though we aren't quite as harsh on the film as David Ehrlich of IndieWire:

"Restless throughout, I didn't get really mad at 'Brand New Day' until near the end, when it comes into focus just how little this sequel has moved the ball down the field in regard to Peter Parker's story."

What we find particularly problematic: The story tries to do too much at once. "Brand New Day" often feels unbalanced, trying to be humorous, dark, dramatic, and calm all at the same time. The film would have benefited from focusing on one or two story elements instead of opening up too many plot threads at once. Especially since, in terms of content, there isn't actually as much at stake in the end as the title suggests. With a runtime of nearly two and a half hours, the whole thing therefore drags noticeably.

The Cast as the Absolute Highlight

What most critics can agree on is the cast's acting prowess. Leading the way is Tom Holland, who delivers his best and most mature Spider-Man performance yet. And, of course, there's Sadie Sink as the mysterious antagonist (about whom we don't want to give anything away here). Just this much: She's a real asset and takes up a huge amount of screen time, especially in the second half of the film. This sometimes makes Spider-Man feel like a supporting character at times. Another strength: the quiet moments. The story really shines with emotional depth, especially when the characters are simply talking to each other. It's particularly in the scenes between MJ and Peter that "Brand New Day" reaches its full potential.

Visual touches evoke nostalgia

Fans of classic Spidey action will also get their money's worth. Director Destin Daniel Cretton, who has previously worked on "Shang-Chi" and "Wonder Man" in the MCU, puts his own visual stamp on the film and delivers some of the most creatively shot scenes in the entire series. When Peter swings through New York's urban canyons in a first-person perspective or takes down his opponents in slow motion, it feels a bit like the latest "Spider-Man" video games and the old Tobey Maguire movies. While the CGI varies in quality, it doesn't stand out in a particularly negative way either. YouTuber Chris Stuckmann draws parallels here to "The Amazing Spider-Man 2":

"The swinging scenes are wonderful. They're probably some of the best I've seen since 'Amazing Spider-Man 2'."

Lots of Cameos and the Problem with the Punisher

However, we find the numerous guest appearances less successful. "Brand New Day" once again relies heavily on cameos, but only a few of them actually add value to the plot. Many of them come across more as classic fan service. Some critics see it differently, including Charlie Ridgely from Collider. For him, the cameos fit very organically into the plot:

"They sound like strange fits, but 'Brand New Day' makes their appearances feel natural, much like characters popping up for a few pages in a comic book."

In our opinion, however, the Punisher's appearance is a particularly double-edged sword. Frank Castle certainly provides fun and cool one-liners, but compared to his latest solo adventure, "One Last Kill", he comes across more like a PG-13 version of himself. For Nick Schlager of The Daily Beast, however, the dynamic between Spider-Man and the Punisher was a highlight:

"Fresh off 'The Odyssey', Holland and Bernthal are a well-matched pair. [...] Their bickering is one of many highlights in the film."

Our Verdict

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has received mostly positive reviews, though opinions differ widely on some aspects. Spider-Man fans will definitely be well entertained here. However, anyone expecting a true fresh start for Peter Parker is likely to leave the theater with mixed feelings. Ultimately, "Brand New Day" remains a solid, well-executed MCU entry – no more, no less. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will be released in theaters on July 31, 2026.

Alan Ritchson puts an end to the speculation: The "Reacher" star will not be playing Batman. Rumors to that effect have surfaced time and again. That's why the actor addressed the matter during the "Reacher" panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, as seen in a social media clip from the website Cinemablend. He told the fans in attendance:

"I feel like I have to address this, because it comes up all the time. I don't ever want to lead somebody on to feel like maybe – look, I've had a lot of conversations with DC about what to do, because we'd like to work together. Never say never, maybe Batman is in the future, but I don't think it is, because we're having conversations about another character."

His last statement caused a murmur among the audience. Ritchson didn't reveal which character he was referring to. But: Fans can still hope to see the actor in the DC Universe. One of the attendees immediately had an idea and jokingly suggested Wonder Woman – which drew loud laughter from both the audience and Ritchson.

Batman will return

As for Batman, fans can still look forward to another movie. In "The Batman 2," Robert Pattinson will once again play the titular superhero. However, this version of the Dark Knight exists independently of the DC Universe, which was established on the big screen last year with James Gunn's "Superman" adaptation. Exactly what the sequel by director and screenwriter Matt Reeves will be about is not yet known. The first teaser, which was released recently, didn't shed any light on that either. The atmospheric clip merely gives us a brief glimpse of Batman. At least Reeves has already hinted that the sequel will focus more on the character of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne. The film was originally scheduled to be released next year. However, the theatrical release of "The Batman 2" has since been postponed: it is now set for February 18, 2028.

Reacher and Runner: Alan Ritchson stays on the action track

As for Alan Ritchson, some fans may be disappointed that they won't get to see him as Batman. But the actor will continue to embody the signature role that gave his career a major boost for quite some time to come: Jack Reacher. New episodes of the action series are coming soon. The fourth season of "Reacher" premieres on August 12, 2026, on Prime Video. This time, the title character is set to face ruthless adversaries from the highest echelons of power. And one thing is already certain: the series will continue after that. The fifth season of the popular series has also already been greenlit.

In addition, Ritchson will soon be appearing on the big screen in a new action movie. In "Runner," he plays former elite soldier Hank Malone. He now makes a living as a courier for particularly sensitive cargo. His latest assignment: to transport a vital organ for a terminally ill seven-year-old girl. At his side is medical courier Ben, played by Owen Wilson. The problem: A ruthless gangster has his sights set on the cargo. What follows is a merciless fight for survival. "Runner" hits theaters on September 11, 2026. To get in the mood, you can watch the trailer here:

Update: The trailer is here!

Following the box office hit "Sinners," Michael B. Jordan's next major film project is already waiting in the wings. In "The Thomas Crown Affair," the superstar plays the titular master thief. The first poster has now been released on social media—and the first trailer is coming out today!

The poster bears the tagline "Revenge is a work of art" and features Jordan in a white suit with a black bow tie. Given the ongoing IMAX boom, the tagline "Filmed for IMAX" is likely to be of interest to some moviegoers. You can check out the poster here:

A Reimagining of a Classic

"The Thomas Crown Affair" has already been adapted for the screen twice: first in 1968 with Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway and again in 1999 with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. Both films tell the story of a wealthy, charismatic art lover and master thief who engages in a sophisticated game of cat-and-mouse with an investigator.

For the new film, Michael B. Jordan will not only play the lead role—the superstar will also direct. Jordan has already emphasized that he sees his version not as a classic reboot, but as a modern reimagination of the story.

A Star-Studded Cast

Alongside Jordan, Adria Arjona will take on the film's second lead role. Arjona is known, among other things, for the acclaimed "Star Wars" series "Andor" and Richard Linklater's "Hit Man." Also on board is Academy Award winner Lily Gladstone ("Killers of the Flower Moon"). Other roles are played by acting veteran Kenneth Branagh, Pilou Asbæk ("Game of Thrones"), and Jordan's "Black Panther" co-star Danai Gurira.

For Michael B. Jordan, "The Thomas Crown Affair" marks his first role since his major Oscar triumph in 2026 (aside from the animated film "Swapped"). He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the brothers Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler's "Sinners."

The film world is now eagerly awaiting "The Thomas Crown Affair." The film's release date has already been announced: The heist thriller hits theaters on March 5, 2027. As soon as the trailer is released, you'll find it here in this article, in the KinoCheck app, and, of course, on our YouTube channel.

Michael B. Jordan on His Passion Project

For Michael B. Jordan, the film is a true passion project, as he emphasized in an interview with industry magazine Variety, among other places:

"I loved the 1999 version as a kid — Pierce Brosnan, the slickness, the art. I didn't grow up going to museums, so that film showed me a different side of New York. [...] Later, I saw the 1968 Steve McQueen version — the split screens, the style. After 'Creed,' MGM asked what I wanted to do next. I said, 'Thomas Crown Affair.' I need that."

In the interview, Jordan also talked about what audiences can expect from his modern interpretation:

"I didn't want a reboot. I wanted a reimagination. The first two films were about rich white guys stealing for fun. That doesn't land today. Ours is more personal. The stakes are higher. Still got the fashion, romance."

Superstar Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan has been one of the most successful Hollywood actors of his generation for years. After landing his first roles in the acclaimed series "The Wire" and "Friday Night Lights," he achieved his international breakthrough with the drama "Fruitvale Station" (2013). He cemented his status as a superstar as Adonis Creed in the "Creed" movies, in which he carries on the legacy of the legendary "Rocky" films. With "Creed III," in which he not only starred but also directed, Jordan also established himself as a filmmaker.

Another career highlight was his role as Erik Killmonger in Marvel's "Black Panther" (2018). The multifaceted antagonist is still considered one of the most popular villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and earned Jordan additional recognition worldwide. Most recently, he celebrated a major success with Ryan Coogler's vampire horror film "Sinners." The film was a hit with both critics and at the box office, once again underscoring Jordan's status as one of the most influential stars of modern Hollywood cinema.