Weird Mind News Room Episode 127: July 28th - Aug 3rd

 *Music for being on the beat*

Hello again to all of you wonderful people to the Weird Mind News Room Precinct, where we have on file of you obtaining some copious amounts of content in terms of Media Addiction that includes a heavy KG weight of New released content, violation in Trailer extortion and Presenting News without a license and we are not wrapping this up until you give up an alibi and reasons of what the contents entail and if you do, we my let you go, so don't waste my time and I won't waste yours and get to confessing on all of this media that you have for this week.

Woop Woop, thats the sound of the new release

Movies

The Naked Gun (2025)

The first of the new releases is with a return to a certain division, and the focus with a man who has a particular set of skills, and while he may be the best of the best and would also have a license to kill, it also comes in the elements of the License to be stupid (A license I have had since I was born) as we have the release of an all new legacy comedy sequel or reboot in the form of 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. Reception on this film like the original trilogy and tv series has seen some very strong praise, with particular praise acclaim to the performances (especially of Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson) and the comedy being laugh Out Loud Funny and seems like their is a case that comedy can still work and be highly praised in this day and age and well worth a legacy sequel and if you want to check it out for yourself then you can catch this case out now in cinemas.

The Legend of Ochi

As for the 2nd film for this week is with a project that was initially supposed to have been already released back in April of this year but just similar to a project released last week within a week or so out they suddenly dropped the release but now it is time for it to makes its presence known and a journey to be had with some tiny little adorable creature as we have the release of a new film from A24 in the form of the Legend of Ochi. The film will be set in a northern village on an island known as Carpathia and will focus on Yuri, a young Farm girl who had been taught all her life not to go outside after dark as to avoid the dangerous creatures known as the Ochi. But one day when she discovers a lost and injured Baby Ochi, she soon sets off on a journey to return it back to its family. Reception on the film has garnered some well recieved reception with praise to the performances, presentation and visual and practical effects and puppetry, though some of the critiques mainly taking aim at a bit of a predictable story, but if you want to check it out for yourself then you can catch this new film out now in cinemas.

War of the Worlds (2025)

As for the last of the films that we have for this week is with a project that up to this point did not even know was a thing until I saw another more established film reviewer bring this up and it seems we are getting a new take on a well known album and radio story in a new take for the modern age as we have the release of a new take on War of the Worlds. The film follows Will Radford (Ice Cube) a top Cyber security analyst for Homeland Security who tracks potential threats to natural security through a massive surveillance program, until one day an attack by an unknown entity leads him to question whether the government is hiding something from him... and from the rest of the world. Reception on this new take has been critically panned with mainly pointing to the lack of excitement, performances not being the best and it being told from a perspective of the original with the computer screen approach of great films like Searching and Missing but done poorly and may be a case of being one of the worst rated films of this year, but if you want to check it out for yourself then you can catch the new film out now on Amazon Prime.

Tv Shows

Twisted Metal Season 2

Now onto the tv shows for this week as the first of the 2 projects that we have in focus for this week, it is time to rev up the engines, have the weapons and strategy at the ready and prepare for all out carnage and destruction as some familiar faces in a world gone to hell are back to cause some more chaos as we have the release of the 2nd season of the video game adaptation of Twisted Metal. The season will see John and Quiet continue on their budding partnership across a post apocalyptic America where they will soon find themselves in this situation entering into the famous Twisted Metal Tournament hosted by a man known as Calypso, where contestants will find themselves in a demolition derby to the death where the last one standing or the winner of the tournament will have a chance to gain a wish of their choosing. Reception on this 2nd season so far seems to be very well recieved and a bigger improvement over the first season with this one giving more of the well known characters and more of the focus of the games are more done in ficus this time around and seems to have found its footing with this season and if you are looking for some destruction fun then you can catch the first 3 episodes of this season now on Paramount+ with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

Black Panther: Eyes of Wakanda

And for the 2nd of the shows for this week is taking us back into the realm of the superheroes and for one that has seen a jump around in terms of release date for this month before a sudden footage showing this week revealed it will now be coming out sooner then expected as we are heading back to the back to the age of the ancestors bestowed with the power of the ancient power as we have the release of the new limited Animated series focused on the land of Black Panther with Eyes of Wakanda. The series will follow the Hatut Zaraze, ancient Wakandian Warriors, who go on dangerous missions across the globe to retrieve and recover special Vibranium artifacts across the vast areas of History and keep them safe from falling into the wrong hands. Reception for the miniseries has been very well recieved with praise to its storytelling, animation and characters and for the continued worldbuilding of this history and lore, though some have brought critiques on it being limited for 4 episodes and hope for more in the future and if you want to check them out for yourself then you can catch all episodes now on Disney+ 

Video Games

Tales of the Shire: A lord of the Rings game

As for the first of the games for this week, we are heading to the lands of the Middle Earth, to a places of homes made in the mountains and a place of people that will have a few one day become the saviours of the land, but in this case we are not going to see a massive action sprawling adventure to destroy some jewelry, but rather we are keeping it cozy and simple and enjoying a nice healthy serving of 2nd Breakfast as we have recieved the all new game of Tales of the Shire: A lord of the rings game. The title will be set in between the Hobbit and LOTR and will have you play and create your own little Hobbit character as you will create a comfy little life foraging and making a life for yourself in the Shire as well as crafting tasty meals and building new friendships and relationships in your cozy little village of Bywater. Reception on this title has seen a bit of a mixed reception, but also a bit of a critical response from Audiences with issues stemming from the lack of content, no option to make a Male character and performances or sense of scale for a game based in Middle earth being lacking, though I feel they are misinformed of what this title is supposed to be and I can see it being a decent little title overall and if you want something cozy to play then you can play it now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Grounded 2 (Early Access)

Now for the next of the games for this week is seeing an all new grand scale adventure but on the small side of things that you may be miniscule but this new adventure you will partake is much more grander and dangerous from this size as we have been shrunk down again and ready for a much bigger place to explore as we have recieved the early release of the sequel to Grounded. The game will have you play as a child that has been shrunken down to the size of an insect and find themselves in a vastly expanded environment this time moving from a large back garden to an even bigger park and on your own or with some friends, you will travel through a vast journey to survive a strange new location of secrets, danger and adventure. Reception of this early access title seems to be so far very well recieved with praise to the new mechanics, scope, gameplay and story, though some issues of performances and lack of content so far but it it early access so we can allow that all the same and if you want to play it for yourself, you can do so now on Xbox series X/S and PC with a full release sometime soon.

Ninja Gaiden Ragebound

The last of the new releases that we have for this week is with the focus of something going back to the series of the past, one that has brought a whole lot of challenge, fast paced movement, action and a fair amount of blood shed as we are returning to the ways of the Ninja with a new title of Ninja Gaiden with Ragebound. In this title you will take on the role of Kenji Mozu, an aspiring Ninja who must go on a vast journey to protect his home of Hayabusa Village against the forces of Demons and in the process will cross paths with another similar fighter of Kumori, a Kunoichi of the Black Spider Clan that will soon become part of a wider connection to the new warrior that will become a legend and protector of the village. Reception on this new title has seen some very well recieved reception with praise to its visual style, gameplay, story and continuing another solid entry in the popular series and if you want to play it for yourself then you can play it now on PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Troublesome Trailers

It Welcome to Derry

So the first of the many trailers that we have for this week is one that was initially a part of one considered for last week but this released a few hours after I had finished writing so in this case will be the start of the many trailers that we have for this week and it is one that is taking us back to the past and dealing with a creature that in may seem like it will tap into your most deepest fear and if they get you will have you floating too amongst the Deadlights as we have recieved a new Trailer for the upcoming prequel series of IT: Welcome to Derry. The film will serve as a prequel to the 2 recent adaptation of the novel and set 27 before the first in in 1962 and focus on a group of young kids who begin to sense the presence of an ancient evil, Specifically Pennywise, rising in the town and will explore more of the origins and deep history of the Town of Derry and the shapeshifting clown. Now it is always a case that there is plenty of different forms and variations of projects that are made based on the stories and tales of Stephen King but it would be a case that IT is probably the most well known of his catalogue (amongst the likes of Carrie, Shining, Cujo, Dark Tower, Strand and probably what you don't know Shawshank Redemption) that I feel building onto the lore and world that was alluded to in the novel and adaptations seems like the logical way to go with this. Now I do hope that it will have the appeal and focus that the first half of the recent adaptations had but I guess it will all come down to how everything comes about as so far it does look interesting and if you are excited to check it out, there is no official release date but series will be manifesting itself real soon when the series will be released on HBO Max in the US and Sky and Now in the UK and Ireland sometime this October.

Avatar Fire and Ash

For the 2nd trailer for this week is one that was initially first only available to be seen in front of a recent Superhero affair (similar to a new Greek Epic in front of a film about Dinosaurs) that was finally given the reveal to everyone at the start of the week with a focus in a return to a strange new land that started well over 15 years ago and had a bit of a delay in the release between the original and sequels but it is time to return to the world of Pandora and come into contact with a new form of these species as we have recieved the first trailer for the visual effect spectacle of Avatar with Fire and Ash. Set a year after the events of the Way of Water and settling into the group of the Metkayina Clan, Jake Sully and Neytiri's family are grappling with grief after the death of Neteyam. Eventually they encounter a new, aggressive Na'vi known as the Ash people, led by the Fiery tribe people, Varang, who has allied with Jake's enemy Quaritch, as the conflict of Pandora escalates to devastating consequences. So it is to say that I can see the impressiveness of this series of projects as I can tell with Cameron that he really goes above and beyond with the visuals and worldbuilding that he crafts. I will say I am impressed but also a little at the same time a little conflicted in the likes of the narratives often being overlooked or being not as focused, but maybe it was a little with the extensive runtime of the last film and from what I have heard it is the same length for this one, but I will not write it off just yet and in all case I will give it a chance and if you are ready to return to the world of Pandora then you can do so when the film is released into cinemas from December 19th.

Zootopia 2

Now from a world of tall Blue alien people, to a world that is inhabited by a different species of different animals and species types, as we are returning to a world here predator and prey can live in harmony and in this case it is time for another case to take center stage as everyone's favourite Bunny and Fox duo are back once again as we have recieved the first full trailer at the upcoming sequel to Zootopia. The new film will be set about a week or 2 after the events of the original and will see Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde finding themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile (Key Huy Quan) who has arrived in Zootopia and turns the mammal Metropolis upside down in the process. To crack the case, Judy and Nick will have to go undercover and test the limit of their partnership to solve this mystery across the vast lands of this city and beyond before everything falls into chaos. So it is always an appeal with the likes that I feel if there was anything with this project, I think this is the film series that has the most potential and appeal to me over a singing ice queen and talking Snowman as I feel there is so many stories and potential with this concept and from what I can see from this small glimpse of things, it is really giving some appeal in the concept and focus and the likes of some of the new additions are already getting me interested as I did from the original film too and I will say that I am very excited for this follow up and I am sure it will be well worth a watch when the new film will be released into cinemas from November 27th.

Goat (Sony Animation)

Now the next of the trailers and the last in focus on some animated films is in the realm of a studio that has been showing themselves of initally having a bit of a rough patch at first with some hits but some noticeable misses that has recently been seen as a focus in the area of some unique blending of animation in the realm of something that would not be my most interest of topic but with the style of animation being shown, I may give it the exception as we have the focus of a sports based film here and its all in the basis of what some would call some sporting stars, but in this case, they mean it literally and figuratively, as we have the release of a new trailer for the Sony Animated film of Goat. This film will focus on an all animal based world and society and will follow Will (Caleb McLaughlin), a small goat with big dreams who gets a once in a lifetime shot to join the pros and play Roarball - a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. His new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball". Now this was the project I remember seeing for a bit of time when it was first announced a couple of weeks ago as being the reason why Spider-verse was being delayed for a bit of time but I understand that aspect as some of the animation style seems to be going for that approach with the basis of the world and framerate having that comic-esque style of those films or even with Mutant Mayhem but I feel it helps it appeal more. Now while not the biggest of fans of most sports, this may be one I will give the most case an exception to as it does seem like it could have some potential but I guess we will see how it all comes about when the game kicks off into cinemas from February 13th next year.

The Conjuring Last Rites

For the last of the film trailers for this week is in the focus of the elements of getting a little bit spooky and a lot of scary elements that we have seen many attempts of being a sense of otherworldly scares, but in the case of this focus, this one may be more based in the real and possibly true (with some speculation if true or not) as we are returning one last time to the investigation cases of Ed and Lorraine Warren to learn of the case that made them quit their career and their final case as we have recieved a 2nd and presumably final trailer for the last of the mainline films in this series with the Conjuring Last Rites. With every entry of the series it is based on a true case that they have investigated with this taking place back in 1986 and following their infamous Smurl Case, which saw a family being tormented and other forms of threats and danger from a demon that was a presence in their home for more then a decade. It is a case that it has shown its worth that in the course of the last 12 years since the first film in 2013 that the series has proven that you can make some modern horror actually work with a creative visionary that can really make the sense of dread stick and the case that if worked out well and have a story that even could be possibly real would really get people more enticed to check it out and I for one am looking forward to it and hopefully will be a solid send off to the series and maybe a bit more of a horror centric appeal compared to the last film (not saying Devil Made me do it was bad, just a little underwhelming and felt a little too outlandish in a series about demonic possession) but I am sure we can see how it will all come together when the film is unleashed into cinemas in about a months time from September 5th. 

Reanimal

Now for a focus of 2 game trailers (2 that are not connected to one of the news stories for this week) with the focus on this next project being a title that was announced just about a year ago that is taking some inspiration from another series of games that have a small character in a setting much larger then you think, but the horrors that may persist will be something that will truly disturb so many, as the studio of Tarsier, the developers behind the Little Nightmares series have returned with a new look at the title that is inspired by the series with an all new trailer for the upcoming game of ReAnimal. This game will see you play as a Brother and sister duo who will try and find a way to escape a hellish version of their old home and must find a way to escape from the town as well as explore in a non linear way in order to rescue their friends and get out alive and survive against twisted humans and demonic animal based creatures that lurk around every corner and under every surface. So it is a case that I love those Little Nightmares games and I think from the looks of this that it has that vibe, errieness and unsettling scares that those 2 titles brought (and hopefully the 3rd entry will as well) that it really is giving something that will be an unsettling endeavor and will help appease my hunger for more like this after LN3 later this year. Now we have no official release date on this project but we do have a window of when we may see it as the horrors of this title will be released sometime in the 1st Quarter of next year for PS5, Series X/S, Switch 2 and PC.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide

As for one last trailer that we have in focus for this week is asking yourself the question, Are ya ready Kids, oooooooooooo, as it seems we are heading back into the depth of the ocean to see a familiar looking sponge, but in this case it looks like 2 well known oceans legends have gone to battle against one another and only one sponge and a starfish can resolve this conflict as we have the trailer for the announcement of an all new undersea adventure with SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide. Seen as a spiritual sequel to Cosmic Shake, the game will see the clashing of the oceans 2 biggest egos as King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman have started to clash and fight against one another causing an unleashing of Ghostly Mayhem all across Bikini Bottom. It will soon be up to SpongeBob and Patrick to gather all of their skills, bravery and -- dare I say -- Wit, in order to resolve the conflict and return life back to Bikini Bottom for what passes as normal in their undersea Home. So it can be said that the likes of the SpongeBob can be a mixed bag of variety as you can have some bangers like Battle for Bikini Bottom and the Movie game and then you can end up with a wave of half baked shovelware but I can say the most recent titles have shown their efforts and focus are in a good place and intentional (even if the Patrick Game was a little lacking and very light in content) but from the looks of this, it could be another hit on their hands and I am sure it will be well worth a play through when it does and you can help solve this conflict when the adventure begins on November 18th for PS5, Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

News from the crime scene

What does some of the partners have to share with Nintendo

Now on the first of the stories that we have for this week, we start with the focus that a collection of many directs and showcases have been seen over the last little bit and this one has made the appearance after a bit of a delay from the usual time it would happen as we have gotten a Nintendo Direct, but instead of it being a standard direct, it is more in the focus of a Partner Showcase that while it was a bit underwhelming, I think it still worked out overall in the basis of some announcements and in this case I will rundown a quick fire focus on what was unveiled with about 25 titles in focus and will give a rundown on what has been announced, got some updates and everything in between, so lets get into what was in announcement.

The direct started off with a return to a popular series on the system and that was with a new tale and adventure in the world of Monster Hunter with the 3rd Stories series game with Twisted Reflections that will continue the stories and appeal of the franchise with an engaging story and vast new worlds and creatures to obtain and will be well worth a try for many and am sure will be worth playing when the game releases sometime next year.

Then the first of the handful of games that actually was exciting to see get an announcement was with a return of a series of a small little prince rolling up everything in their way as we have an all new title in the Katamari series with Once Upon a Katamari, that will be a time hopping adventure to restore the universe for your father of the King of the Cosmos and include some new customization features and I always enjoy the titles like this for the simple fun aesthetic that they provide and I am sure will be something fun to play when the game launches later this year on October 24th.

Then of course it is time to do some dancing as we have gotten the focus of the annual game of Just Dance that will of course consist of more and more new songs and moves to shake and groove to and I am sure it will be a decent success like always and be well worth a play with friends and will be all set for a dance when the title drops from the 14th of October.

Then they unveiled a new port of a game already released for a bit of time and that was with the release of the most recent Dragon Ball title with Sparkling Zero that will let you play as any of the iconic characters from the anime manga and will let you battle it out and change the narrative in how you see fit and I am sure will be well fittting for the console and I am sure will be well worth a try with this title port being unleashed from November 14th.

Then for an all out battle and challenge of the classics have been unveiled as it was announced with the focus that a full remastered HD version of the Original Plants vs Zombies has been announced as replanted that will see you unleash your unique species of Flora to fight back and defend the garden from the undead and I am sure will be fun to see the original with a fresh coat of paint with the title rising up again for release on the 23rd of October.

Then of course the usual affair and the only titles I feel that EA will provide these consoles is the annual affair of the Football title of EA FC 26 that will be the usual affair and will see if they actually gave a bit of an effort with this one or if it will be another form of copy paste job, but I guess that we will see with the release of the game on September 26th.

Then if you felt so odd from the sudden change of the yellow sphere in recent memory then this new remae of a classic 3d platformer may appeal to you as it was unveiled with a new release of a remaster or remake of Pac Man World 2 that it will have you on a journey across the land to reclaim the Golden Fruit and restore the land from those mischievous ghosts and their King of Spooky and it looks like it will be a well worth and fun adventure and you can head on this journey with the release of the new title on September 26th.

they then gave a brief new look again at the upcoming new remake of the classic title of Final Fantasy Tactics with the Ivalice Chronicles that will have you play the classic in the new updates tactical strategy game with the option of the original and updated visuals and will be well worth a try when it releases on September 30th.

Then another one of the surprise welcome announcements was with the focus of a release of the recent reloaded remaster remake of Persona 3 coming to the new console that will have you as the new transfer stundent that will end up on a deep new quest learning and discovering the secrets and unlocking your power of the mysterious Dark Hour and save the day and I am sure will be delving deeper into this series when I can do so (I mean I was just talking to my friend about this in possibly waiting for a Switch port of this title) and will be well worth a play when it releases on October 23rd.

We then were given an all new gameplay and narrative trailer for the upcoming new entry in the Hyrule Warriors series with Age of Imprisonment that will tell of the story leading to the events of Tears of the Kingdom that led to the journey of Zelda getting back to the present with Link and how they helped in the Imprisoning war of Ganon and it looks like it has the appeal of the classic entries in this one against an army series and will be well worth a play when the game releases sometime this winter.

It was not the only Sports title from EA getting a focus as it was being shown off of the release of the next entry of the Madden series that will see you take on some of your favourite teams and play to be the best in americas favourite past time and will be well worth a play for many when it releases in 2 weeks on August 14th.

Then the biggest and most challenging game of the event will have you solving your toughest challenge yet: keeping a fire going in many different location with the title of Chillin by the fire that will have you keeping a fire going on your own or with friends online that will see across vast lands that I am sure will be worth the play and for the chats and you can play the title now as it released the same day as the event.

They then shown off another new Battle Royale joining the system with Apex Legends getting themselves a Switch 2 edition coming to the service on August 5th to tie into the event of the new season starting and I am sure it will be all worth playing a new season and proving you and your team are the best of the best.

Then they unveiled something that looks like a really wholesome adventure in a title known as Hela that has you playing as a Mouse going through a massive adventure to help the friendly witch by gathering ingredients and create some potions to help get them back to strength and it looks like it is a fun adventure of a small mouse in a giant forest and will be something I will play and even with a co-op adventure with the release of the title sometime in 2026.

They then gave a bit of a new look at the recently released Star Wars Outlaws title that will be on the way to the console, showing some of the content of the gameplay a bit of a breakdown of the narrative and seems to be a case that it may come with the DLC for the title with the focus of an appearance by one Lando Calrissian and if you wanted to play this galaxy hopping adventure then you can try it out when it releases on the console from September 4th.

The we have another one that has some interest that gives me a bit of a Dead Space vibe with the horror title of Cronos the New Dawn that will use the manipulation of time to witness the cataclysm of the Change from the past and the effects of the creatures in the future in order to find a way to salvage everything and restore it all back to something living if possible and it has some unique concepts and I am sure will be well worth a try when it comes out on the console from the 5th of September.

Then another showing some technical use of power is with the unveiling of 2 entries in the Yakuza series with Yakuza Kiwami 2 being first unveiled with all the madcap action, humour and story that the series is known for and then at the end was unveiled that a HD remaster of the original game was also announced and both of these titles will be ones I will give a play of in due time and will try it out when the game releases from the 13th of November.

It was then time for the only montage of the event which unveiled a look at 6 titles with the first being goodnight Universe that has you play as a toddler with supernatural powers that could be some interesting or sad story hidden in the narrative which will be found out by the release on the 11th of November.

We got the announcement of one last Sports title with a Basketball game in the form of NBA bounce that has you play as famous players, mascots or your own quirky player and play in some fast paced playoffs that may appeal to some fans and that having a release date of September 26th.

The the title of Hello Kitty Island Adventure is back with a look at some new DLC in the form of Wheatflour Wonderland that is giving a sense of a new cozy vibe and will be released for the base game sometime in the Fall of this year.

There there was a focus of the Switch 2 edition of the RPG classic of Romancing Saga 2 that will have you return to the classic RPG from 1993 in all new fully remade approach and in that case you do not have to wait as the title is now available for the console.

Then we got a new look at the other big title release that has a focus lead of a Ninja as we have a new look at Shinobi Art of vengeance that will be more of the hack and slash fast paced metroidvania that many have enjoyed and loved over the years and this will be slashing its way onto the console later this month on August 29th.

The last of the titles in focus from the small little montage was a brief new look at the next entry of the Borderlands series with the 4th mainline title that has the colourful world wasteland mixed with the glitz and glamour of the cartoon style and bloody mayhem involved and all of this will be making its way onto the console from the 3rd of October.

The last of the game unveiled were both from the company of Square Enix with the first being the announcement of an all new fantasy title of the Adventures of Elliot the millennium tales that will have you and a fairy named Faie that will have you on a journey to protect the kingdom and its inhabitants be exploring and learning the secrets of some ancient ruins that will span an adventure over a thousand years which may seem like an interesting concept and appeal in a HD-2D that seems to be a new take on the genre and will be worth a look to many adventurers with the release of the game sometime next year (but there is a demo for you to play available now).

Lastly on the titles announced was the release of an all new entry in the now popular Octopath Traveler series with a prequel of Octopath Traveler 0 that will be a bit of a prequel to the series that tell some of the origins of some of the tales shown in the 2 previous entries and will be well worth a focus and try when the title will now release on the consoles from the 4th of December this year.

And with that title that brought the end of the Partner showcase that was a little bit underwhelming but still a decent watch. I think I was expecting a few other big titles that really shown off the hardware well like the Switch 2 direct did with a few titles and hoped for some release dates or looks at the likes of Silksong, the new Professor Layton (can't tell with that one if 1st or 3rd party) and other announcements like the unveiling of like Assassins Creed Shadows, Death Stranding or even the rumoured Red Dead Redemption 2 port I heard about but I am sure they may save it for a proper 1st Party direct as well (which I have heard is not too far out as well in that regards) but I think overall, it was an alright direct that I hoped for more of with the announcements, though some decent announcements in there too.

But what do you think of this direct, was there any in here you are the most excited for and what games were you hoping to have been announced at the event? Let me know what you think down below in the comments.

A police Line up of new additions to projects or returning faces for follow ups

Now the next 2 stories will be a bit more of a shorter outcome as we will be in focus on discussing the likes of some in the realm of updates to project already known on the way that will consist of updates in the realm of casting or new additions to the projects in mind, so let us delve into seeing what was announced from this week.

So the first one in this aspect we have in mind to discuss is with the case about the upcoming project sequel that was honestly not expected but we have some news in relation to the Social Network sequel. Now since the announcement a few weeks ago that we are getting a sequel, things have been a little quiet on this end and it was only this week that we have gotten some follow ups in the realm of some casting news as there has been a discussion of 3 names in the running for roles and one bit of news that may be a bit of a question is true or not. Now according to some sources, it seems that 3 names currently being eyed for some roles in the follow up is Bear Star Jeremy Allen White, Oscar winner Mikey Madison and Apprentice and Succession star Jeremy Strong with the 2 male leads reportedly being a possible frontrunner to play the role of Zuckerberg. Now the reason I say this as it has been reported that Jesse Eisenberg is possibly not returning as the role with it possibly being with some pay negotiations and was possibly lowballed or something but at the moment it is unclear. Now while I see both of the actors as strong performer and Madison also being one, I am not sure if I can see either really embodying Zuckerberg like Eissenberg (especially even still to his look now) that I would honestly see them as being some other people involved with the focus on this film being about the more spreading of misinformation and other elements over the last decade since the film but I am sure we will see how it all comes about. Now nothing has been confirmed as of yet and all is just some rumours right now but if I do hear anything I will update in a later episode.

Now for a little bit of an update to some Superhero news as it has been reported of some updates in relation everyones favourite Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man as we have some confirmations on some casting additions to the next project and things are getting much bigger as it was announced on Friday that after some rumours, it was confirmed that Mark Ruffalo will be back as the Hulk in this upcoming project. This was not mainly confirmed by the actor but the filming of the project has started over in Glasgow and some have spotted some Universal Studio production sets there which confirms the big Green machine is returning (and just side note, Universal still owns the rights to the Hulk in this regards and is the reason why there has not been any solo Hulk film since the one they distributed back in 2008 (and I believe is the same reason for Namor not having a solo project yet, even with the rumours). But speaking of some rumoured and possibly confirmed additions, we may have an idea of at least 2 villains that are confirmed for this 4th entry with one that has been seemingly properly confirmed is with Michael Mando coming back from his brief appearance in Homecoming to finally portray the villain of Scorpion which I feel is a good direction to give that character a bit of payoff. Now the other that has not been confirmed as of yet but by some possible set photos is that another villain possibly in the film is the character of Mr Negative, going off a decal that has appeared on some Armoured cars used for the filming right now, which could explain the case of why Hulk and Punisher are in the project and why it is seemingly confirmed that the 3 will fight each other in the film and honestly sound like some appealing villains for the project. Now it is unclear if it will be just those 2 against the other heroes and anti-hero in this project, but it is still a case that some other villains may appear in this project as there has been rumoured speculation on the appearance of other rogues gallery characters such as Tombstone, Ramrod, Boomerang and Arachnid but things on that like the villains already mentioned are speculation or possibly confirmed. Right now it is early days on the filming of that project but I am sure if we see anything I will update in a later episode.

Now from the focus of casting, to more of people behind the camera working on the production as we have some news in relation to the upcoming 26th entry of the long running series of 007. Now as you may be aware, a couple of weeks ago we got the confirmation that Dune, Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival Director Denis Villeneuve will be helming this project and was initially my speculation was going to be writing the project, but that has now been confirmed not to be the case as it was announced on Wednesday or Thursday of this week that the writing on this film will be done by Steven Knight, the writer and creator of the acclaimed series of Peaky Blinders which I feel is an excellent choice to get for the writing as he is well infused in the elements of UK based elements from his projects and shows that it will give it that British cheek and charm for this new entry and think is solid overall. Now it is still unknown in the area as to who will be portraying the new version of Bond and when we will actually see this project, but I am sure if anything does come about on that aspect, I will update in a later episode with any announcement.

 

And the last of the projects with confirmation and people involved is with a series that is not the biggest and loudest, but rather uses the focus of silence in order to survive, as after a lot of wondering and waiting for any word, it was announced on Friday of this week that we have the official release date for Part 3 of the popular Horror series of A Quiet Place with a now confirmed release date of July 9th 2027. That is not the only news that is confirmed as it was also revealed that John Krasinski will be back to write, produce and Direct the 3rd film after doing so for the first 2 films and taking a break on the spinoff of Day one to work on his family film of IF and I feel it will be well worth to have the trilogy capped off by the same person behind the camera. Hopefully it will be another entertaining outing last the 3 films before hand and whoever else will be in the film with the returning cast from Part 2 but I am sure we will learn more before its release in 2 years time.

Now what do you make of these stories, who do you see appearing in that social Network sequel, are you excited for the Hulk in the New Spider-Man and what villains do you think will appear, Do you think Steven Knight is a solid choice for the new Bond and are you excited for another Quiet Place film? Let me know what you think of all of them down below.

A selection of evidence of new projects in the works

As for the last of the stories for this week is in the focus of discussing the elements of some of the projects that have been announced to be in development with some updates on a project and some elements of ones in the works from success that I have some opinions on for some elements but lets delve into what those are in focus.

So first I will start with some news that we have on some insight of what to expect on an upcoming confirmed project and that is with the adaptation on the popular Sony series of God of War as this week we got a bit of an insight into what we may expect for this project. Now according to the sources of what to expect, the series will be skipping the entire Greek Saga and jumping straight to the more Narrative cinematic series of the recent Norse Saga but will still be a case of having Kratos as the Main Lead but his son of Atreus will still play a large role in the narrative. The other elements is that the games director of Cory Balrog will be directly involved with the series, the first season will consist of 10 episodes with 2 seasons already confirmed in the works for it and in the case that filming will be starting in 2026 at the earliest, but not exactly known when next year. Now I feel a little mixed on the aspect of skipping straight ton the Norse saga over the Greek as I am sure they could do some great stories and elements with those games narratives into the tv series cause I feel some elements of the weapons likes the Blades of Chaos or some gods like Zeus and all will be confusing to some casual viewers as to why this god is pissed at this guy without the context but I am sure if it does well they can implement the original games later. Besides that I am interested to see how this will all come about and in all case I am interested in who they will cast as the 2 leads and if I hear anything else about this project I will update in a later episode.

Next we have gotten a confirmation that was initially rumoured for a while that was connected to another project but it has been properly confirmed now that another spin off is in the worlds from the world of Shrek with this case a spin off has been confirmed to finally happen for the lovable talking Donkey as it was confirmed that the spin off for the character will be starting development once the upcoming 5th film has finished development. Now I am not sure what they would focus a story on with Donkey as the most case I can see it being how it ended up as the character as there is a lot of history for the character we get alluded to in the films and he has had some connection with Pinocchio which could be a case we see him being turned into the donkey after being taken by honest John to pleasure island or something like that, it is hard to say right now. Now the other question that will be in discussion is if the film will be in a new distinct style of going for the look that was shown in the recent teaser for 5 that people were really unnerved by and don't like too much change, or if it will keep a similar look to the original films (as seen by the models that they use for the opening Dreamworks Logo as seen as recently with the recent release of The Bad Guys 2) or could be a case like Puss in Boots the last wish and gets a special blend of animation styles mixed in but right now we have no idea on much about the project besides its in the works and Eddie Murphy is onboard to voice the character once again and if a case I hear anything else I will of course provide it in a later episode.

Now the last of the focus in discussions with projects is with some continuing story of a film that released recently (and one I forgot to mention released) ad has taken the internet by storm with the focus of hyperfixation (and one I need to watch myself) but we are talking on the popular Netflix animated film of K-Pop Demon Hunters. Now the film was a smash success and it has been a case that Netflix has seen its success as well as there has been discussions as of this week that they are looking to make the film into a trilogy which is possibly confirming that 2 more films of this focus are on the way which I think is a great idea and will be all for more animation in the future (and finally at least Netflxi acknowledging good animation, if only they could do it to revive Inside Job as well). However there is a bit of a caveat to it as well as there has been a bit of a discussion that for some reason they had to screw up the idea of it and consider also making the original into a Live action film, which I think is a new record for the announcement of a Live Action take on an animated film, I mean even Disney is not that quick to announce one. The likes of the sequels I am all for, but the case of the Live action form will not work as the animation is the reason why the original worked and making it Live action will take a lot of the charm and life out of it, also the case of Netflix's track record of Live Action Anime takes has not been the best with the only exception right now was One Piece, but hopefully they will abandon the live action and stick to the animated. At the moment as well there is now word or confirmation as to when or if these projects are in the works but if there is any confirmation about it I will update in a later episode.

But what do you think of these project announcements or updates, do you see the God of War series doing a good move to go straight to the Norse saga or should they start with the Greek, are you excited for a Donkey spin off and what will it entail and what animation style will it go for and would you be down for a k-pop demon hunter trilogy and do you see a live action film as a good or bad thing? Let me know your thoughts on them down below and we can chat about them there

And with all of that now, this bring the end of the 127th edition of Weird Mind News Room and I hope you enjoyed the ramblings for that length of time that I have no clue on. Let me know your thoughts on everything down below and as always I 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 :)