Weird Mind News Room Episode 87: Oct 21st - 27th

 *music for a fine last dance*

Hello again to all of you lovely wonderful people and travellers of the information superhighway to the 87th edition of Weird Mind News Room where this week we will have a fair few new releases, a small handful of trailers and a couple of mix match news stories, so without wasting too much of your time on introductions and lets get into all things media from this week

A host of new releases

Movies

Venom the Last Dance

We start off the wave of new releases for this week with delving into all thing symbiotic as the most unlikeliest of odd couples from earth and the cosmos from the pages of Marvel Comic as after a long journey, its take to take to the stage for one last time as we have recieved the final part of the trilogy with Venom the Last Dance. The film will follow on from the end of Let there be Carnage and No Way Home and will see Eddie and Venom are on the run as Outlaws from the law and high end military looking to capture them for specific research while also dealing with symbiote hunters from Venom's home world who may be the key to unleashing a powerful evil, all while they try and make it back to New York but could be the end of the line for this odd pairing. reception to the film has been hit with a mixed reception and on the more underwhelming reception as while there is praise for the performances of the main lead, action, visuals and 3rd act (as well as some decently executed heartfelt moments), the film is bogged down by a multitude of messy plots and storylines and underusing of certain characters and performances though its a film of turn your brain off for 2 hours and enjoy and if you are up for how this story will wrap up then you can catch this new film now in cinemas. 

Tv Shows

Like a Dragon: Yakuza (Episodes 1-3)

As for the only tv series for this week and one that many probably don't even realized had been released this week is taking us a new form of a video game adaptation based on a series that is as serious as it is over the top goofy that has some element of the real life syndicate as we have recieved the series of Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The series is taking elements of both Yakuza 0 and 1 and follow the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a former Yakuza member who after years in prison, returns to the underworld during a vast conspiracy involving his best friend Akira Nishikiyama and their former Dojima family. Reception to the series is seeing a mixed appeal that while the concept and attempt was made, it is missing the appeal of the game series and see as more of a gangster crime syndicate series rather then one based on Yakuza, but if you want to check it out for yourself, you can catch the first half of the series now on Amazon Prime with the 2nd half of episodes dropping next Friday.

Video Games

Sonic x Shadow Generations

Its time for a blast from the past while going really fast for the first of the new games for this week as we are getting a return to a beloved entry in the series of the Blue Blur, celebrating the past, present and even the future with some all new content featuring the much more edgier hog as we have the new remaster and addition of Sonic x Shadow Generations (if you look up that first half, make sure safe search is on). This title will be taking the classic anniversary game of Generations that will see you play as both Modern and Classic Sonic and restore their world from the time eater and while that is going on we get an all new campaign focused on Shadow following some of the highlights to the series we have seen with his own story and of his past with his creator and Maria. Reception to this new remaster has been very well recieved with praise to the updated classic, the massive new edition of the Shadow campaign and labelled as the best re-release of a Sonic game and if you are up for going fast then you can play it now on PS4/5, Xbox One/ Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Batman Arkham Shadows

The next game for this week is the only time where it is justified that you will become the knight as after a bit of a gap in time, it it now your time to don the cowl as we are returning to Gotham for the all new Game of Batman Arkham Shadows. The game will be set between Origins and Asylum and you will once again take control of Batman as you must prevent the new threat of The Rat King from executing public officials such as Harvey Dent and Commissioner Gordon and from unleashing his chaos in Gotham on the 4th of July as well as dealing with other members of the Rogues Gallery. reception to the game has also been very well recieved with praise to the story, gameplay and functionality with the use of the VR method that really puts you into the mind of the Dark Knight, though some critique the element of it being a VR exclusive title, but if you want to try it for yourself then it is available to purchase on the Meta Quest 3 (or is free if you buy the headset now).

Call of Duty Black Ops 6

The last of the video games is about to get heavy, loud and bombastic as it is that annual time of year once again where the men and women separate themselves from the boys and girls as its time to go undercover and let the bullets fly as the annual shooter is back again with the highly anticipated entry of Call of Duty Black Ops 6. This new entry will see the campaign be set in the early 90s and follow rogue operatives Troy Marshall and Frank Woods as they assemble a team of agents to hunt down pantheon, a clandestine force that has infiltrated the CIA and branded anyone that resist them as Traitors of the US. Reception to the game has been very well recieved with praise to the narrative, Multiplayer, Zombies mode and campaign and being a return to form to top tier Call of Duty after a few hiccups over the last year or 2 and if you are up for saving the world then you can play it now on PS4/5, Xbox One/ Series X/S and PC.

Albums

Starbomb Boom Rise of Lyrics

This last one is more of a me appeal in the form of I never thought I would see this come out with how they pushed the last one as a supposed finale but after 5 and a half years since their last album, the trio of Arin, Danny and Brian have returned for some more tasty ass jams with the 4th Album of Starbomb Boom Rise of Lyrics. This new album will be full of different array of tracks from question which Pokémon will you smash or Pass (which feels very awkward timing after a story from last week), getting the insight from the big studio of Nintendo games coming cause my dad works there, a Song about dating the sentient Pot from Elden Ring, Sonic's Wedding, a upbeat sing along about the plot of the dark horror of Silent Hill and many more in this new bumper album. Now I do not know the form of reception to this album but from my own opinion that even if I am not in the best mindset mentally for reasons I will not delve into, I enjoyed a lot of these tracks with their unique lyrics and some that have some really catchy backing music (Like the Elden Ring one has a very jazzy vibe and the Nintendo Online format done in ASMR tone is an interesting approach) but if you want to give them a listen, then you can do so now on Spoofy, YouTube, Apple Music or even get a physical Album now on their website or wherever albums are sold (if only shops here would do so).

Symbiotic Trailer roundup

Creature Commandos

On the first of the trailers for this week, we are delving into the one other trailer from last week that was released after I had finished writing and recording the episode but we are delving into the realm of the weird and wacky of the slowly building creation of the DCU for a team up that is quite odd as we have recieved a trailer for the upcoming release of the new series of creature Commandos. The series will see Rick Flagg Sr be assigned by task force leader of Amanda Waller to lead a new team of monsters who will be tasked on high stakes missions that most humans will not survive and they may not like each other at first but they will soon have to learn to work together. So the likes of this concept being a more supernatural Suicide Squad and following on from Gunn's film with some weird creatures and a interesting spin on the series in general is something that has my attention and it will be worth to check it out how all of this comes together as the series will be releasing on Max in the US on December 5th with an unknown release from where I am from.

Love Hurts

The next trailer is giving us a focus on the realm that no matter what area or position of career you get into, sometimes you can't always escape your past and will come back to haunt you in any way possible as we have the all new action film entitled Love Hurts. The film follows Marvin (Key Huy Quan) a realtor who receives a crimson envelope from Rose (Ariana Debose), a former partner in crime whom he left for dead. But soon he will find himself thrust back into a world of ruthless hit men and double-crosses that will turn his open houses into deadly war zones. So the basis of this was that I was thinking it was a simple comedy but then the likes of learning it is more of an action film that will give Key an action film starring role that he deserves and made by those that did Violent Night and Nobody and it had got me invested and it does look like it could be a very decent watch and it is not too far away from release as it will be hitting the big screen from February 7th next year.

September 5

The final trailer for this week is one that I feel may be a little topical and possibly controversial but I guess if its being based on an event from many years ago it was going to happen (probably just bad timing) as we have recieved a trailer for the new film of September 5. The film will be telling the true story of the hostage event that happened during the 1972 Munich Olympics that saw masked figures hold the Islam Olympics team hostage and told from the perspective of the news team that covered the footage around the clock in showing the terror to the world but also may put the lives of those in the building at stake. So the basis of why it may be proven controversial as it was attackers from Palestine holding the Islamic team hostage with all that is going on in the present day that I am not going to delve into but the film does look like it shot well and given a clear form of the whole ordeal and it has even been tapped as an awards contender and will probably be worth a watch when the film releases into cinemas on January 24th next year here and November 29th in the US.

Sonic Speed News

Nolans New cast Hit and Thor possible new Disney fix

On the start of the new stories for this week is starting to notice a bit of a similar pattern of new releases, announcements and updates and to the basis of this story is with some new casting announcements or rumours as we have 2 announcements in the pipeline with one set for a massive production film and the other is a new film from a giant studio but from a well regarded director and I will be giving the quick rundown here.

We start with the big production as about 2 weeks ago we talked about the project from the oscar winning director of Christopher Nolan. Most we had known from that time was the basis of his next film was coming out on July 18th 2026 and that it will also be starring Matt Damon in a main lead role and that was all the info that we had recieved for the project until just this week where it was announced of the next cast member joining the film and it was none other then Spider-man himself of Tom Holland making a big leap to a huge film project that for the moment is not based on any continued franchise. Alongside this news was the discussion of some possible rumours and speculation about what the project will be about as at the moment there is 2 strong rumours that the first is a period piece about Vampires and the other was a thriller that will focus on some Helicopter pilots but nothing as of now has been confirmed. Most likely this will not be the last of the massive cast list that Nolan is gathering for this film and I am sure as more big names join the cast, the plot to the film will also make its presence known to the public real soon and I will update possibly in the future when anything else comes along.

As for the other story it is coming to us from the massive studio of Disney with all of their animated into live action films and it seems we are getting a film based on a new perspective as it is in discussion of a film based on Prince Charming (the one from Cinderella in particular) that is being made by director Paul King, who you may know as the Director of both the first 2 Paddington films and last years Wonka film (all of them I need to actually do a review on). Now in the basis of the casting of the film is that it is looking at the likes that they may have found their Charming in the form of Marvel star and Australian Actor of Chris Hemsworth, which in all sense is not a bad shout for that at all and I think I am interested to see if King can make a well liked Live Action Adaptation for this (though if they could ever top the best scene for this character that came from Cinderella 3 a Twist in time (unless they recreate it)) but I will give a look into it (and add to a later part of my eventual Rewatchathon). I initially thought it was that long forgotten shelved film about a prince falling in love with another prince but knowing Disney with the queer baiting, I doubt that was ever going to happen.

But what do you think of these casting news, do you see Holland working well for a Nolan project and do you see Hemsworth be a fine Prince charming? Let me know what your thoughts are below.

Marvel got some dates, a pair of webs but missing a hunter

Onto the 2nd story for this week and as I alluded to in that first story, we are giving a little discussion on the realms of the superheroes and more specifically the heroes of Marvel and the MCU as we have some new concerning dates, announcements, a first look at a project in development and an update to another project that has been quiet for a fair bit and I will be delving into them here.

Now we will first circle back around to the new casting in that last story as I mentioned we have our current Spider-Man joining Nolan for his new film, but it looks like now is that Tom is about to have a very busy summer box office as just announced on Friday, we have officially got the release date for the 4th Spider-Man film for Holland and it will be dropping from July 24th 2026 and being directed by Shang Chi Director of Destin Daniel Cretton. Now as things stand it is unclear of what direction it will go in as some speculate it could be a street level film that leads to the massive event of Secret Wars in 2027 or it could be a bit of a massive Multiverse film again and include the other Spider-Men in it but I feel they should wait for that until the Secret Wars film to really get that scope more. It could be leaning to the latter but more on the realm of the symbiote suit as from what I have heard a rumoured subtitle for this was "King in Black" which could connect to the character of Knull in the new Venom film but I guess we will find out. Honestly I am hoping for more of a street level hero type film that connect to the overarching story with Kingpin and then lead to the multiversal threat after in Secret Wars but I guess we will see as production begins on that film in 2025. But speaking of Spider-Men from a multiverse.

We have a little update to another project that is in the works and that is in the basis of the live action Tv series based on the character of Spider-Man Noir that has been in development for the past couple of weeks as while there were initially photos of Nic Cage on set out of the spider-suit, it has only just been unveiled as of Friday that someone snagged a photo of them filming the series and got the first proper look at the noir suit in live action and let me tell you, this suit looks so god damn beautiful, like I had a worry it would not be as appealing but they damn made it look comic accurate and can appreciate Lord and Miller with making it close to comic accuracy and it has me invested for the context of the scene they are filming (which seems like a car chase) and how it will all come together but I wanted to give a little looksie at the outfit for our wall crawling detective.

but for the only other story of news that we have an update to with the MCU is one that was kind of expected but it is still disappointing to hear and that is to do with the new take on the character of Blade. Now it has been over 5 years since it was announced that a new film based on Blade was in the works with Mahershala Ali cast in the role of the daywalker himself and it has seen a fair few shifts in release and changes in filmmakers and writers and pushbacks for a fair bit of time and it seems it has caught up to them again as it was announced earlier in the week that the film has now been delayed indefinetly and has been taken off the release calendar due to all of these development issues. It is a shame as it seemed like it was prime time for a new take on Blade but I guess it can be difficult to make it right and I can get it would be an injustice if it was a failure but I hope it will have a chance in the future. Now there is 2 methods as to how I see them make a reappearance with the first being the other news of 3 new dates for the MCU slated for 2028 in Feb, May and November of that year, so maybe they could release it by then, or there is the 2nd option that could build to the overall narrative set for the next phase of the MCU which would be the case to introduce the character in the likes of a 2nd season to Moon Knight or even Daredevil as a character with a bit of a presence and then it can lead to the beginning of the next phase that he could start as I have heard rumours that the next phase after the multiverse is more in the supernatural realm and would fit the tone well for his character and then one of the big flagship films for that first phase in the saga could build to a midnight suns series or film to properly give him a proper presence and make up for the constant delays. Now do I feel that they will release it eventually, I believe I do, it will probably be a time and getting the right crew together but I have hope that this hunter will rise again real soon.

But what are your thoughts on all of this Marvel news, are you looking forward to the next Spidey film, what are your thoughts on the Noir outfit and do you see Blade releasing in the future? Let me know what you think down below.

The God of War has found the answers quite quickly

This 3rd story is just going to be a little update to the mixed array of stories from last week and that was with a quick follow up some some news relating to the video game adaptations. So the story that I brought up last week in amongst some release dates for other titles was with the element of a new series based on the game franchise of God of War where that news was with the announcement that the showrunners and writers that were initially involved with the project had left, despite some of the scripts drafts were made and they were all well praised by the studios at Sony and Amazon and the uncertainty of the series was then throw into uncertainty about how everything will work itself out but thankfully that worry has been resolved for the time being as they have found a new showrunner for this series. On Tuesday of this week, it was announced that the series has a new Showrunner, writer and executive produced in the form of Ronald D. Moore who is known for his credits on the series of Outlander and For All Mankind as well as working on Battlestar Galactica, so the likes of the real of sci-fi or fantasy seems to be in his wheelhouse and the series themselves have all garnered some form of acclaim and fanbases over the years and many forms of franchising so I feel they may have a good concept in their hands with this pick. It will be down to see how this development goes along now with all of this going into the adaptation as well as finding the right casting for Kratos himself but I am sure we will learn more as time goes on and hopefully will be a smooth process into a proper development and be a smash hit success.

But what do you think of this new showrunner for this series and who would you cast for the role of Kratos and if based on the Norse era of game, who would you cast as Atreus? Let me know your opinions and choices below. 

The Fox of the past century still has a howl in them

The final story for this week is giving up a whole array of new announces and projects and updates to the likes of many different franchises that are under the banner of the 20th Century Fox banner as at a recent event of discussion they gave some insight into all of the project that were being pitched and developed for future release and some updates for other projects but I guess we will find out as they come along in development so lets delve into the projects being discussed.

So we will start off with a the news of a franchise that will have the first of some new releases is with the franchise of the ultimate hunter in the form of the Predator. Now the character has seen a few films in the last few years with a mixed appeal but the most recent title of Prey was a commercial success and well acclaimed as one of the best films in the franchise since the original or the sequel and many had wondered if there was more coming from this franchise. Well thankfully you are in luck as it was announced that the director of that film will be releasing a new Predator film in a years time as it was announced that the film of Predator Badlands will be releasing in the now vacated Nov 7th 2025 release slot. Not much on this one is known other then it is set in the future at some point in time and will also be starring Dakota Fanning in the lead role so we can look forward to that. It was not the only form of news or even the only Predator film coming out in 2025 as there is a secret film coming out either around the same time as that film or before that in the earlier parts of the year and it is rumoured to be a animated anthology film but it is worth to see if those rumors are true but it sounds intriguing. And for those that were hoping for a follow up to Prey going off how the credits hint at a sequel set in that time period then you are in luck as a new film sequel based on that film with the lead actress from said title will be on the way real soon, it looks like the ultimate hunter still has a lot of people on his list to take out but will be worth a check out when they come along.

But going from the greatest hunter to the most dangerous life form, we have to talk on the opposite that is often connected to that franchise and that is with the Alien films. Now we saw the case that Alien Romulus came out just a few short weeks ago and proved to be a critical and commercial success with the film being the highest grossing horror movie of 2024 and the 2nd best performing in the franchise in box office just behind Prometheus and it looks like they are not just leaving that story unresolved with how the film ended as it was also announced this week that we will be getting a sequel to this years Romulus being in the works with Cailee Spaney and David Jonsson both set to return in this new film. Now it will be worth to see if this will be set nearer to the sequel film of Aliens or even one of the 2 games on Isolation but I guess we will have to see how it comes along and I will look forward to checking out that film when it does. But it is not the only possible Alien News as while I mentioned how it is always connected with the other creature, there has been a rumbling that we will also see a possible new take on an Alien vs Predator film in the near future and given how well both franchises are doing with a return to form and appeal, I will feel that it is likely we will see them soon and may be worth seeing when it does come along (also want to bring up that for a unique gimmick in this day and age is that they are releasing the Romulus film on VHS which is quite a unique form and love that era release).

Now on the next film as we talk about Monke as we have some news concerning another new film that came out earlier this year and that was with the Planet of the Apes series. Now we had gotten the newest entry of Kingdom earlier this year that followed on from the excellent trilogy and actually turned out really well both critically and commercially and it seemed like a start of a new trilogy and now we have an update to that with a confirmation that a sequel to Kingdom is in the works and is eyeing for a release in 2027. Now at the moment we have no clue if the likes of the director of Wes Ball will be involved with the project as he may be busy with another series in the form of the Legend of Zelda movie for Sony but I am sure we will learn more overtime if he will return or if it will be a different director this time around but if its as good as this and goes to a more higher level similar to the last trilogy then I am all for more of this series.

As for the 2nd last update I can provide from the studio is one that I did not see come along but I mean in an era of legacy sequels and revivals it was probably going to happen as one of the films that was discussed was the possibility of a 3rd Speed film. So the likes of which I have to wonder would be what would the mode of transportation be for this one as the original was a city bus and the follow up was a boat, so unless its the likes of a plane, train or some future based car or something is anyone's guess or if the likes of keanu Reeves or Sandra Bullock will be making a return for this one or if its an all new cast but I guess we will learn more if this does come together in the future but will have to keep an eye out till then.

and the last update is one that is a call back to an episode from a good while ago that has gotten a bit of a disappointing update and that is with the over the top spy film series of the Kingsman franchise. So it has been known for a bit of time that we were getting a 3rd film in the main series with the focus of Harry and Eggsy's story wrapping up in a trilogy as well as a sequel to the Kings Man prequel given how the film ended with a tease for a sequel with a certain dictator but it looks like the franchise is in a bit of a limbo right now and have no plans for release of entries in the series anytime soon for the moment. It is a shame as there was all talks for it to start filming around this time with the 3rd film having a title currently of The Blue Blood but it may be the elements of getting Taron Egerton and Colin Firth back with schedules and other projects they are working on (as well as other members and cast for the film) and maybe also to do with the mixed appeal and disappointing box office of his most recent spy film of Argylle earlier this year and want to wait for the moment, but hopefully it will make a turn around real soon and we can return to this franchise again and get some more over the top set pieces like the first films Church scene or the opening car chase from Golden Circle but lets hope its sooner then later (and maybe even that Statemen spin off could get up and running as well but who knows).

But with all of that, what are your thoughts on the content of the Fox film announcement and which of these are you looking forward to the most? Let me know what you think down below.

Special Segment: Starlight's wonderful new model creation

So for this week, I felt it was time for a little special segment that will focus on giving a bit of an appraisal and appreciation to the work of one individual (a very important person to me) and show off their new piece of fantastical creation and give it all the praise it deserves to be seen (and a case of something nice for her as she has had a bit of a very stressful week and want to make her feel better in any way I can). I have mentioned it a few times before in the past about the creation of the 3d models that this very important person to me (or by the name of Starlight) has done in the past and they are some of the very best creations of work and design that I have ever seen and every time they share with me their work in progress or finished models I am always just mesmerized and blown away by all of their beautiful creations and I want to just always want to share them and show just how amazingly talented she is and love that about her. Her newest model is in the form of a place entitled as Dalmoak castle which is found in the region of Dunbartonshire, Scotland and I think they really got it looking very close and accurate to the design (and will one day take a visit with them to see it in the flesh) and maybe even better but I want to share it with everyone cause I felt it was a wonderful piece, they are so amazing and amazingly talented too and if you want to help out and purchase a model for yourself then you can do so online here and show the support and even support her other fantastic model designs as well and give a purchase and support for it all cause she deserves all the praise and recognition and will always be proud of and support all the creations and may show more of them in the near future.

And with all of that, this brings us to the end of the 87th edition of Weird Mind News Room and I hope you enjoyed this episode that was a little all over the place while I was a little all out of sorts myself (but will not get into it at all) but I hope you enjoyed all the same. Let me know your thoughts on everything down below of all that was discussed and as always I hope you all stay being wonderful people and have a great day everyday doing many great things (like the person that was in the special segment especially deserves all the great things) and I shall see you all in the next part.

Take care, keep being you, signing off

Sam H :)