Weird Mind News Room Episode 121: June 16th - 22nd

 *get the music to head to space to escape the rage*

Hello to all of you wonderful peoples that have made your way from this part of the Information Superhighway to the 121st edition of my weekly series of Weird Mind News Room where this week in probably a much shorter week of discussion will see a small bit of New Releases, a selection of some trailers and then a possible hodge podge of news stories. But lets not waste too long on intros and lets delve into the contents that released on this week.

A small Communiverse of new releases

Movies

Pixars Elio

On the first of the 2 new releases for this week is with the focus of looking to get away from it all, the feeling of not being who you should be on this planet and want to leave it all behind and wonder if there is anyone out there in the vast universe and when the universe calls out, someone picks up that that call but it is probably one you did not expect, as after initially being delayed for a bit of time and all discussion on how much it cost to make it, we return to one of my favourite studio for an all new original cosmic adventure with Pixar's newest film of Elio. The film will follow the titular Elio, an 11 year old with an obsession with aliens and a very active imagination. So, when he is beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio's all in for an epic undertaking where he is mistaken as the leader and ambassador of Earth, form new bonds with eccentric Alien Lifeforms and also navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions. Reception on this new Original has seen some very well recieved reception, with praise to the visuals, the narrative, characters and having some of its heart and humour in the right place and hopefully people will give it all the love and appreciation for more new originals from Pixar and if you want to check it out for yourself then you can catch this new film out now in cinemas.

28 Years Later

But taking us back down to earth and one that is more near to home is with a follow up of a film that started all the way over 2 decades ago where something horrific of a virus took shape and caused a downfall of society in a massive nation and while it could be seen that given time things may improve and return back to normal, but in this instance time didn't really heal anything and things only evolved as after 2 decades since the original and question of the canonicity of its first follow up, we have the release of the all new Danny Boyle and Alex Garland horror movie follow up of 28 Years Later. The plot will show the audience that it has been almost 3 decades since the rage virus escaped from the biological weapons lab and will see many who have been living in a ruthlessly enforced Quarantine have found ways to exist, live and thrive amid the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway, but when one of the group leaves the island on a dangerous mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well. Reception on this film has seen very strong praise from many critics with many praising the performances (with the standout being newcomer Alfie Williams), the evolved story and being a well established legacy sequel and good starting point of a trilogy with some issues stemming to the editing and even bits in the film such as the divisive ending tone change and it seems with some audiences are a bit more mixed to modest in terms of reception. Now I did see it (somehow survived not fainting from the gore) from a friend getting me a ticket to a special Gala screening with the director and even getting a photo with him as well and I think it was a solid film, may need to give the first 2 a rewatch to make a full decision for the review but I would say to check it out and make your own decision and if you want to do so you can catch this film out now in cinemas with the next part of this planned trilogy releasing in January next year.

Boots on the ground for the trailers

Naked Gun Reboot

On the first of the trailers for the week is one that may not be the brightest bulb in the box and may not be the most qualified, but being a part of this team of officiers was what he was born to do, like his daddy was before him as we are returning to the company of police Squad to tackle a new case with a new generation of a police legend as we have the release of the trailer for the all new take on The Naked Gun. Serving as a legacy sequel to the original trilogy the film follows Lt. Frank Drebin Jr (Liam Neeson) , the son of original Police Squad member Frank Drebin as he follows in the footsteps of his bumbling father and must solve a mysterious murder case to save the entirety of Police Squad from being shut down and will do so, no matter the method of stupidity it may cause. So the likes of this original trilogy of Naked Gun films have been well known as some of the most beloved comedies of all time and there was a lot of case that this one was going to lose that appeal of be seen as difficult to work in this modern day of film and comedy, but from what I have seen and shown from the trailer, I think it honestly looks like it could be a silly stupid fun time and a fair bit of the jokes in this trailer did give me a chuckle when I needed it most and I will probably give it a proper look in due time when the case gets underway into cinemas from August 1st.

I know what you did last summer

Now with summer arriving this week, this next trailer will bring us to the question that some things that we did in our past may come back to either haunt us or scar us in that regards and in the case with this group, an incident that occoured in the past for them has come back to take revenge and it seems to have been something that happened in a similar form a long time ago and may need some help to resolve this ordeal as we have recieved a 2nd and guess final trailer for the upcoming sequel or reboot to I know what you did last summer. The film will follow a similar story to the original of five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident and decide to cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it a secret between them instead of facing consequences. But a year later, their past comes back to haunt them as they learn someone does know what they did and now stalked by a mysterious killer, they seek out help of those that survived the original Southport massacre of 1997 to help them escape the torment. So its a case with this series that it has it fair share of fans and may appeal to some more then others. I know the likes of the films were well recieved and helped to revive the slasher genre of horror back in the 90s with the Scream franchise and in the case I can see where some will enjoy it but to me I can give or take the likes of this one, it was not really jumping out at me in terms of the appeal and the humour but then again, it could end up being like Final Destination and gets some very strong reception and be the best reviewed of the series but I guess we will see in due time as the film will be hitting cinemas on July 18th.

Springsteen Deliver me from Nowhere

Now the last of the film trailers for this week is taking us to the realm of some of what I will guess is going to be one aiming for a award season category as we have a look at a new take on a famous face getting their own personal biographical film and we've seen the likes of some big names so far in music get the treatment from Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Elvis and eventually when it comes out from shifting releases of Michael Jackson, but with this next one you may know him simply as the Boss and a legend in music as we have recieved the first trailer for the bio film based on famous musician of Bruce Springsteen with the new film of Springsteen deliver me from nowhere. The film is set in the early 80s and will follow in the creation of Springsteen's 1982 album of Nebraska when he was a young musician on the cusp on global superstardom, while struggling to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past. So in all case I know a little about Springsteen himself, mainly in the likes of some of his tracks and music overall and it seems to be a case that it will be interesting to see the portrayal of one part of his life, rather then the full career many have been shown before and are known for and I feel it makes the most sense in that form. The choice in Jeremy Allen White As Bruce I think is a really solid choice and I am sure if this appeals in the overall form, we will see a sense of a success and possible award season contender but I guess we will see in due time when the film is delivered from Nowhere to the big screen on October 25th.

Donkey Kong Bananza

As for the one game trailer that we have for this week, we are heading to the world of Nintendo for this next title as things are going to get crazy, bonkers and dare I say even a little bit Bananas as everyones favourite Tie Wearing Ape is back again and about time too and this time he has a new young companion going on a journey to go deep into the planets surface to find some special treasure as we have recieved a special direct and trailer for the all new title of Donkey Kong Bananza. The game will have you play as the iconic ape as travels to the Ingot islands to discover about the recently discovered Banandium gems amindst a gold rush. Soon he is swept up by a dangerous storm and sent to a place underground that is shown to have a form of hollow-earth like terrain. He soon ends up in conflict with a gang of villainous apes known as Void Co. who steal the Banandium gems and plan to reach the planets core in order to gain a special wish as the legends foretell and with the assistance of a young girl named Pauline, you will go on a big smashing adventure to stop them from stealing the magic and save the day. SO I remember this being teased at the end of the Switch 2 reveal and thought it was about time for a new DK focused title and after being quiet for a bit this direct came along and soon had me so much more invested in this then I already was cause this looks like it is taking elements of Mario Odyssey in size and scope, adding a mix of DK 64 and so much more and is making it look like this will be one of the must have titles for this year and I am even more excited to try out this game and we do not have too long to wait as the game will be smashing its way to Nintendo Switch 2 (and supposedly be able to play it as well on Switch 1) on July 17th.

Its always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17

As for the final trailer in focus for this week is with a focus on some tv entertainment as we are heading back to the states, to a little bar that is in control and ran by what some would say is the worst people you may know, but these idiots or owners are expected to get into some crazy crazy outcomes and hijinks as the gang of Paddy's Pub are back again as we have recieved a trailer for the upcoming 17th season of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The season will see the gang get up to some more misadventures in their state of Philadelphia including becoming EMTs, becoming contestants on the Bachelor and even doing some community service as some substitutes for a little school known as Abbott Elementary and I am sure things will go wrong but this is expected with this group of people. So it is to say that I remember first binging the series back 2 years ago and realized how I had not watched it sooner as I enjoyed it a whole lot then I expected and was some great chemistry and comedy with this group over the seasons and this one looks to still be keeping the energy and comedy going strong and I am sure it will be worth to see what cray hijinks these crazy folks will get up to in due time and thankfully it is not too far away as we will be seeing the gang again in 2 weeks time on Hulu in the US and I believe Netflix over here on July 9th.

The news of the outside world

A world of news from the comic pages

So on the first of some news stories with a Hodge Podge variety of discussions is with the focus in this one all having some connection with one another in the form of some news on the world of Superhero entertainment as we have about 3 or 4 stories currently in the pipeline to come from this week that focus on mainly Marvel but with one in the area of DC, but lets get into focus on what those stories are in general.

So the first of the stories that I will focus on with Marvel is the most recently announced and this is with an all new addition of someone else joining the next film in the Spider-Man series and it is already an established character that we have been introduced to in the MCU and that is with the announcement on Friday that the Punisher himself of Jon Berenthal has been confirmed to appear in Brand New Day. Currently it is unclear how big of a presence he will have in this film, but given the rumours that the film will also see the appearance of the Hulk in a sizable role in the project, alongside the casting of Sadie Sink in an unknown role (with the current front runner role being Gwen Stacy) it will be intriguing to see how they will lead into the big Avengers films in general. Now the likes of this announcement is a great one and I am all for it and interesting to see if the likes of this character will lead Peter Down a possible darker path but we will have to see in this and I do wonder if we will also see Matt Murdock make another appearance in this entry as Daredevil cause it makes me feel it will have something to do with possibly stopping Kingpin from this addition, but I will say for the moment we will have to wait and see what comes of this role and we will see when it comes about by the release in July next year.

But speaking of big releases, there is a discussion that we may have another new film coming out for the MCU post Secret wars as a new release date for a Marvel title has been dropped for December 15th 2028. Now this is not the only film confirmed for Marvel of this year as there is already a confirmed 3 MCU films dated for 2028 which include a release in February, May and November of that year and all of them have not been confirmed to be told what they consist of. Now we do know there is some films that are on the way that either have no date or are in development and I feel it could be the 3rd Black Panther with Denzel Washington set to appear, a possible sequel for the Fantastic 4 which may have already been confirmed in the works, it could be the long delayed Blade film with Mahershala Ali, the next entry of a Guardians sequel, a Shang Chi sequel, the 3rd Doctor Strange, the supposed 5th Thor movie or even the likes of the next team up with the proper introduction of the Mutants of the X-Men, but as of this moment it is unclear as to what ones will be taking those spots (and then again there was a lot of projects projected for Phase 6 but that is unclear right now) and could be the start of the next saga after the Multiverse wraps up with the 2 Avengers films but I guess we will see in due time and given that Marvel is not set for an appearance at this years Comic Con, I guess the wait is a little longer.

But speaking of the mutants themselves, we mentioned about a month ago that there was talks that Thunderbolts* director of Jake Schrier was in talks to direct the first X-Men film in the MCU and at the time it was just rumours, but it was finally confirmed this week that he will be handling this new team of characters for their shared universe debut and I think it is a really top choice to do so after showing the success with the ragtag group of Anti-heroes just recently. Now as I mentioned in the last little story segment we do not have a release date for this as of yet or much confirmed casting to the new versions of the popular mutants but I am sure we will get some idea in due time and I will provide some updates when they do come about.

And as for the one piece of news coming to us from DC, we have gotten an update to a project that we know is on the way and will be a part of the wider DCU instead of an elseworld project and that is with an update to the new film based on the character of Clayface as it was announced on Tuesday of this week that they have found their leading man for this and it is with Gentleman Star Tom Rhys Harries. Now I am happy in this choice cause it is a case it is someone that may not be a well known actor and something like this will really give them a big break and make his name be known with something as big a project and I am sure it will be worth seeing how well he will handle this character of changing forms and styles but I think so far it is a good choice. It will be worth seeing if any more new casting additions are brought in for this project but I am sure we will see by the start of filming and the release of this project in September of next year.

But what do you think of any of these upcoming projects based on heroes and is there any in particular you are most excited for and what films do you see releasing in the Marvel 2028 year? Let me know you opinions and choices down below in the comments.

New Projects coming with dates or will be coming eventually

Now on the 2nd wave of projects or stories will be consisting on projects that don't really have a set connect theme by genre but more in the basis of projects that have seen announcements or release dates in the works with the likes of returning films, new projects or ones that hope to be possibly made in the future but I am sure we can look deep into the information and get an idea on what we can expect.

So the first is taking us in some form of a Galaxy far Far Away, but in this instance, its not going in that direction as due to the likes of trademarks and copyrights it is not that version, but rather we are talking on the parody that came before it that is so meta for its time and this is of course with the sci-fi parody of Space balls. So if you may recall from a while ago, I made mention about the likes that a sequel to the original sci-fi comedy was in the works and that it had Josh Gad at the helm in some form of writing as well as possibly starring. Well it was announced last week that this long overdue sequel is on the way and it is coming out in 2027. The film has been possibly dubbed as Spaceballs the Schwartz awakens and besides the announcement that a sequel is on the way it is also announced that 3 of the original stars are comig back for it with Mel Brooks confirmed to be back, which will make him 100 when the film releases, Bill Pullman confirmed for release as well and also Rick Moranis has announced to be coming out of retirement for this long overdue sequel and will be joined by 3 newcomers with Josh Gad confirmed to play the new version of Barf that was played by the late John Candy, Nope and One of them Days star Keke Palmer and Thunderbolts* and Top Gun Maverick star Lewis Pullman also set to appear in the sequel. Now the likes of this does sound exciting and may be well worth a visit and hopefully with all the talent on board for this that it will be a smash success but for the moment all is being kept very hush hush but I am sure we will learn more about this new Space Odyssey in due time by its release in 2027.

Now the next on the list of some release date focused confirmation is with the new announcement release of a new adaptation in the realm of the video games and this one was first announced to be in the works since about 2022 and announced the same time as the Silent Hill 2 remake as we got the confrimation that the newest film of Silent hill, aptly titled returned to Silent Hill has been confirmed a release date for January 23rd, 2026 (at least for the US release but we will go off that date for the moment). Now on the one hand it does sound like it is in good hands from the filmmaker and all other stuff and it being an adaptation on the 2nd film is also a positive focus with the recent remake also being a hit, though the only concern I can see with this is that, knowing the likes of the film is releasing in January, it feels that they do not have so much hope in it, as January is usually seen as the months where movies are a bit of a mess in terms of box office or reception, but maybe this will be a case like the success of Bad Boys 4 Life or M3gan and be a success but I guess we will see how it comes about by the films release in January but we will see by then and will update on anything new that comes about.

So on the 3rd story with a similar vibe does connect to some video game adaptations and this relates to the ones that have seen some success as a limited series on some of the streaming services which we have seen over the last few years and it looks like a particular producer has garnered another license to make it that will see a lot of ass kicking but a lack of bubblegum. It was announced on Friday or Saturday of this week that Castlevania and Devil May Cry Netflix showrunner of Adi Shankar has obtained the license of another 90s or early 2000s gaming series and that is with the character IP of Duke Nukem and seems to be a case that an anime adaptation for Netflix seems to now be in the works. I have seen the case those previous shows were both hits and appealed in some form to the audiences and I am sure will be interesting to see how a character Like Duke will work in this day and age and if they will go all out in the cheesiness, but we will see the case of how well it will turn out in due time but if any more updates come along I will update in a later episode.

Next story is just a brief update to a story I talked on a little while ago and that was with the focus of the discussion that Disney was looking to bring back 2D animation to their films after jumping full 3d for the last decade with the last 2d focused film being Winnie the Pooh in 2011. Now it was brought up on Wednesday or Thursday of this week that the animation head of Jared Bush has emphasized that they are full steam ahead with the 2D animation side of things and it sounds like they are coming up with some unique and crazy ideas which gives me a sense we may see their own form of a Spider-verse mixed media form or something unique to change animation but at the moment it is unclear what it may entail or what these stories may be in particular. Now I believe the first hand drawn film is not from the main studio but rather from Pixar as the recently announced film of Gatto will be hitting the big screen first in 2027 that is reported to use a fair bit of hand drawn animation so we will see how well the success of this will entail and given the hunger for it with the modest success of the Day the Earth Blew Up this year ( I am still waiting for a release date on this so if anyone can release it into cinemas in the UK and Ireland that would be great) I am sure there will be some appeal for 2d animated projects but I am sure we will see in due time and once we get any word on the first project in this style, I will update in a later episode.

So on the next of the stories for this group of collection will be based on a discussion of some rumours for another entry in a long running film franchise and that has to do with the 26th outing of the popular series of James Bond 007. So it has been 4 years now since Daniel Craig's Last outing as Bond in No Time to Die and many have been speculating and wondering if we will ever see an all new edition of this series make a return at some point and many wondered besides who is the new bond as to who will be the choice to direct the next feature. Well in the case of the latter there has been a discussion as currently at the moment there is 5 names being floated for the director of this new entry. These 5 directors currently in the discussion are Dune and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve, Conclave director Edward Berger, Cornetto trilogy and Running Man remake director Edgar Wright, Fallout and Westworld showrunner Johnathon Nolan and Paddington and Wonka Director Paul King have all been in discussion about helming the next entry in the series. In all instance I can see any of them have a chance in making it and would each bring a sense of flair to the franchise with unique filming and some for their unique britishness of the character I would say. Now the surprising one to me is Christopher Nolan's Brother as an option as I would expect more of the Oppenheimer director to be itching to make a Bond film as he has wonated to and even talked on it being the next film after the Odyssey, but maybe it will be the 27th entry, who knows. As of right now, nothing has been set in stone and likely case we will eventually get a decision made on the director as well as who will wear the suit for the next batch of entries in the series, but I guess only time will tell.

This last one I would question the validity on but it seems to jump back and forth in terms of how this will come about but we are talking on an animated film that had a big name star as the main lead as well as be heavily involved in the production that became a part of heavy meme culture and in this case I am talking about the film of Bee Movie starring Jerry Seinfeld. Now the original film came out nearly 20 years ago which I am in disbelief that it has been that long and it seems like it was going to be a one and done. However it seems that Jerry may be more then interested in wanting to make a follow up to this film after all these years, which I would have to wonder how they would work in the story in some way, unless it becomes a form of a deep environmental message or something. Would I watch a sequel, eh probably, do I feel they will still try this form of a weird Romantic cross species of a woman and a Bee and the woman cucks her boyfriend with a bee who is the real victim here, I would say they probably will, Do I see them making it, I do not know. It is hard to tell if people would want a follow up or if this was a concept idea but maybe we can see if this becomes a thing but given the track record of some recent Dreamworks sequels that had a long delay in between, maybe it is best to leave it as a separate thing, but I guess we will see if this does happen and if I do hear anything of an announcement, I will update in a later episode.

But what do you make of these announcements, are you excited for a Spaceballs sequel and a new Silent Hill film, will you be checking out that new 2d Animated Disney films, will you watch a Duke Nukem series, Would you watch a Bee Movie Sequel and who is your top choice to play the new Bond and what director o you choose for the film? Let me know all your thoughts down below.

A selection of new cast additions for the projects in development

The last one will be a bit of a selection of some of the casting announcements that had coem out from this week with a focus selection of some for a few different projects that I have not already talked on in general, but lets get to talking on them as we have a bit to talk on announcements.

So on the first of the projects with a new casting announcement is the return of a team up of 2 well known actors collabing together again in the focus of making an all new take on a project with a more high fantasy medieval setting as it was announced on Friday that an all new casting has been added to the reboot of Highlander that was starring Henry Cavill and that new addition was the casting of Russell Crowe. Now the 2 actors have worked together before in the past as the 2 of them have worked together as father and son in the 2013 title of Man of Steel film so seeing them working together on another project will be interesting to see how this will play about. Now at the moment it is unclear as to who Crowe will be playing in this, any more new additions to the project or when we can expect this project, but I am sure we will see it develop more in due time and once I hear anything on this project I will update in a later episode.

The 2nd Casting for this week is bringing some heavy hitting action to a new casting and in this case may even help fix an issue this follow up has at the moment as it was announced earlier this week and rumoured to be a case that Dave Bautista has been offered a role in the upcoming sequel of Road that will have him play a main role in the follow up. Now honestly the likes of this choice is solid as I like Bautista as an actor and he has shown his range from action, serious roles and even comical so I am all for his role in this if he gets it offered to him and accepts and I do hope that if it is, this will help with a big issue that this film has that besides to wonder if this 2nd follow up is necessary, that the other case is that it be a point of recasting the role that was played by Connor McGreggor as he has been having a lot of legal issues of being a convicted sexual abuser and just a lot of other issues that replacing him with Bautista is a much better choice overall. Now at the moment it has not been confirmed of his casting as of yet but once I do hear anything about this follow up I will provide some confirmation in a later episode.

Speaking of projects that have started Bautista in it, we have gotten a bit of a casting update to the next entry in a series of films based on an acclaimed series of books as we have the confirmation on some casting for the next entry of the Dune films with Dune Messiah. So currently on the basis of what we know about this project is that we will see Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya return with Villenueve set to direct this one at least and then we have some other confirmed additions with Florence Pugh set to appear in this and a return of Jason Mamoa too as well as one new casting with Robert Pattinson set to appear in this too and that was with the focus for the momentbuntil just this week where we got the idea of the castings of the next generation to take on the roles after the reign of Artredis. It was announced earlier this week that they have casted the children of Paul and Chani with them being Silo star Ida Brooke playing Ghanima and Mamoa own son of Nakoa-Wolf Mamoa playing Leto II in the upcoming film. So the likely case of this project will be they will be introduced at the end of this 3rd film and then likely will lead into a proper focus leading of a film adaptation of the Children of Dune storyline but we'll focus on that in due time. Now how much of a presence they'll have in this follow up as of now is unclear but we'll probably see as the film enters production in a few weeks and we get this release in December next year.

Now this next one may be a bit of some possibly unconfirmed news but some speculation and rumours have indicated that merry crew may be coming back as according to producer Jerry Buckenheimer, it seems to be a case that a 6th Pirates of the Caribbean film may be on the way and a possible return of the original trio of Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and Johnny Depp himself may be all returning which I feel is what many have been wanting for a while with the last 2 being mainly Depp centric and many wanting all 3 to return back for one more adventure. At the moment like most of these castings, this is all just some possible rumours and speculation and whether this one will happen is unclear right now but I am certain that if anything has been announced and once I do hear anything I will update in a later episode.

The Last of the castings that I have in discussion for this week is with a basis of a game that may be another possible video game adaptation and this is another one coming to us from Netflix and seeing a big name star taking a focus on this quest to save the fair maiden from a dangerous location as it was announced that Ryan Reynolds has been cast in and will produce a film adaptation of the game of Dragon's Lair and will be released on Netflix. Now I am aware of the game as there was a classic Animated FMV based game from Don Bluth that also is in the same form as Space Ace and I feel it will be interesting to see if it will be a faithful take on the title or if it will be something that is expanded upon but its unclear right now. As of the moment there is no official release date confirmation on this project but once as I hear anything for this new version I will update in a later episode.

But what do you think of all of these casting news stories, are you excited for any of these projects in particular and are the choices for them good or who would you choose instead? Let me know what you think about them all down below.

And with all of that, this brings us to the end of the 121st Episode of Weird Min News Room and I do hope that you have enjoyed the ramblings for another week. Let me know your thoughts on everything discussed down below and as always I will hope you all stay being wonderful people and have a great day everyday and I will see you all in the next episode :)

Take care, keep being you, signing off

Sam H :)