Weird Mind News Room Episode 154 Feb 2nd - 8th

 *music to avoid strangers and find help*

Well Hello again to you fine ass people and who you want to be, my name is Sam and I welcome you once again to the Newest episode of weird Mind News Room where for another week we are delving into all of the focus to what is coming out in terms of New Releases, Trailers and News that you may have missed in the realm of entertainment media. So lets not waste too much time on waiting around for it all and lets to talking on all things media for another week.

Send New Releases

Movies

Send Help

We start off the new releases for this week with the first focus that shows we all have our issues and ideals of workplace problems and ideals where you feel you work hard for your career and prove your worth but then you get someone that is a bit of an ass that will call out the minor issues and see you as worthless or cause a major issue or blame you for certain things (I feel like I am trying to project here in some form) but what happens when you find yourself in an unforseen circumstance where the roles reverse and things are possibly about to get sinister, well that is what we are about to find out here as Sam Raimi is brining us his all new horror thriller title with Send Help. The film follows a woman named Linda (Rachel McAdams) who ends up stranded on an island with her overbearing boss (Dylan O'Brien) after a plane crash. They must soon overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but will ultimately become a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive. Reception on this new film has seen some very strong reception with praise on the lead performances of Rachal McAdams and Dylan O'Brien and from Sam Raimi's Direction as well as the unease and tension throughout the title and if you want to see the outcome of this castaway display then you can check this film out now in cinemas.

The Strangers Chapter 3

As for the 2nd and last film of this week is one that I feel is running its course where initially what started as an unsettling home invasion film from nearly 2 decades ago has run its concept and ideals deep into the ground but why not one more go around to bring this nightmare to a possible end as you may not know or expected it this soon but we have the release of the 3rd and final part of this horror trilogy with The Strangers Chapter 3. The film will see Maya, after dealing with an excessive nightmare of a few days will see her square off against the masked killers one last time in a brutal, full circle reckoning of survival and revenge. Now similar to the previous entries, the film has been hit with a critical Panning of reception with it seen as monotonous, overstretched and feeling the concept of these masked intruders and killers has lost all sense of fear and meaning from the original, but if you want to see how the story ends then you can catch this final chapter out now in cinemas.

TV Shows

The Muppets Show Special (2026)

Now its time to play the music, its time to Light the lights, its time to talk the next release on the Weird Mind News tonight, its time to make a mess now, you like then maybe subscribe, cause of course this next new release is the long awaited special for the Muppet Show tonight. This new special and backdoor pilot will see the return of the gang of Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and all the other Muppet cast as they make their triumphant return to their iconic studio to put on a new and modern take of their 50 year long show with some special guest like the executive Producer Seth Rogen, Comedic Audience member Maya Rudolph and the Star guest of the night with one Superstar Sabrina Carpenter (just don't say that around Piggy). Reception on this new special has been very highly praised with its modern take, humour, heart and nostalgia of seeing these iconic figure of pop culture make a return and hopefully a new series to come from it all. Now I have watched the special and I loved it, with most nitpicks being I wished it was slightly a longer special, some Muppets were missing and the voice of Kermit is still a little getting used to but I loved it and hope for more (and will give a quick review for this in due time) and if you want to check it out and help get the planned new series started then you can catch it now on Disney+

Video Games

Nioh 3

Now on the likes of the Games for this week, the first one is a return to a beloved recent new series that will see the way of the warrior become a form in 2 different ways and will see you take a stand to restore peace and harmony to a destroyed land you once called home, as after more then half a decade, we have the release of the all entry of the popular Ninja RPG with Nioh 3. Set in 1622 and serving as a continuation to the original title, you take the role of Tokugawa Takechiyo, the grandchild of Tokugawa Leyasu as you are prepared to be marked and ranked as a Shogun, but things turn to dire outcomes when his younger brother Tokugawa Kunimatsu becomes consumed by hatred and falls into darkness and empowered by a sinister force, leads a horde of Yokai in a fierce assault against Takechiyo, turning the era of peace into hell. In this uncertainty, you will hone your skills and powers and use the power to transcend time to change fate and save Japan through the mysterious power of their guardian Spirit, Kusanagi. Reception on this 3rd title has seen some very strong appeal with praise on its visuals, gameplay, narrative and characters and is seen already as one of this years best new titles and if you want to continue the journey of this series then you can play it now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Dragon Quest 8 Remastered

As for the last of the new releases and the last of the games will see us return to another iconic classic series and with a new fresh coat of paint and a sense of the spirit of adventure, it will be time to set sail once again with a timeless entry as we have the release of the all new reimagined entry of Dragon Quest VII. Now based on the original title from 2000, the game will see you take the role of the Hero as you and your friends set off on a journey to search across the mysterious islands surrounding their home of Estard, where through the passing of some ancient ruins, will see them transported to various and defeat the evil found in each of these locations. Reception on this new remake has seen some very positive reception with praise on its updated HD visuals, improved elements of the classic combat system and for being a faithful reimagining of the classic entry in the series and if you are ready to set sail for adventure then you can play it now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1/2 and PC.

Trailers for Strangers

The Devil Wears Prada 2

So the first of the trailers that we have for this week is bringing us a high sense of fashion, glamour, a bit of gossip and drama and the return of some icons in a cut throat world of the fashion industry and looking damn good while doing so as after 20 years since the original films release, we have recieved the official first trailer for the upcoming sequel of the Devil Wears Prada. Loosely based on the 2013 sequel novel, the film will see Andy (Anne Hathaway) returning to Runway as Miranda (Meryl Streep) navigates a new Media Landscape and Runway's position within it. They reconnect with another former assistant, Emily (Blunt), who is now the head of a luxury brand that possesses commercial Money that could mean Runway's survival. So I will say that the original film from 2006 is quite an entertaining watch, especially with the main trio of women and Stanley Tucci having such a presence and acting prowess in this film on fashion and gossip and what I have seen from this sequel so far seems like it has its appeal in general from the small bit of footage I have seen of this film so far seems decent. Now I am not sure how much of the 2 follow on novels this will be inspired from or they will take from this but I will be quite surprised if the likes of this films who costume department aspect is somewhat snubbed at the following years award shows but I guess we will have to see what comes of it and I will give this a look in due time as the film will be making its way to the runway of the cinemas from the 1st of May.

Michael

For the 2nd trailer of this week, we are delving into the biopic scene for this next focus as its time to see a new take on another iconic musician as we have seen the king of Rock and Roll, the Rocket Man, a poor man's portrayal of the Starman and of course the Queen himself, but its time we take a focus look to the King of pop for an all new look at his rising success as we have recieved a new trailer for the upcoming biopic known simply as Michael. The film will of course follow the life and career of Michael Jackson (Jackson's cousin Jaafar) as we follow the legacy of his career from his early days as a member of the Jackson Five all the way to pop superstardom in the 1980s and beyond. I will say with anything is that Jackson's discography and aura really has stood the test of time and it really seems like they are going all in with this new film and I have to say whoever has been editing these trailers has done a proper bang up job with them to give a splice of the family life and band, up to the solo career and their command by their father and I have to say with Jaafar Jackson portraying his late uncle is quite an iconic focus look to it all. Now I am not sure what the approach to this film will go in as I have heard before all this as well that this film is going beyond 3 hours of a runtime and then its possibly being split into a 2 part biopic with this focusing to his stardom to the early 90s and then the latter could be up to his untimely death and other legal means but it really is unclear of where this will be capping at but I am sure we will get an idea real soon and it is not too long away from release either as it will moonwalking its way into cinemas from the 24th of April.

Stranger Things Tales of 85

For the one animated focus trailer we have for this week, we are returning to a series that I feel the timing for this feels a little too rushed for a sense of comfort giving how divided many are from its original final season, but instead of going forward, we are going back slightly to the past for some unseen tales of mystery and horror abound in this strange town in Indiana that may have turned that world upside down once more, as we have the release of the trailer for the new animated spin off of Stranger Things Tales from 85. Set between the event of Seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, the series will take place during the winter of 1985 and will see the Kids and teens of Hawkins coming together to battle a new wave of threats and monsters and unravel a new paranormal conspiracy. So I have made some points clear with the original final season that I felt it was underwhelming and disappointing (and if you can hear the Voice notes of me and my friend having the absolute rants on why this final season feels so messy would be quite something) and I feel with this one that the timing of this release just feels a little off putting as the concept of what happened during this story is never mentioned in the 3rd season by the group and is going to add more layers of plot holes and issues that the final season already left unanswered. I think what this was also supposed to be was starting off as a Telltale game as that studio was initially making a game based on the series before the studio shut down and maybe was reworked into this series going off the animation style, and as one that is usually a fan of animation, the style feels a little off and weird when they could've went all in on the look and aesthetic of a classic 80s Saturday Morning Cartoon  with that modern flair mixed in but I guess it was more budgetary reasons. Now I will give this a watch and will see if this will have any sense of appeal but I don't have the highest of hopes with it but I guess we will see by the release of this series onto Netflix from the 23rd of April.

The Drama

For the next trailer for the week is seeing us all cordially invited to a special occasion where we will see the united bond of two people in love for an eternal bond, but it may seem all fine and lovey dovey on the surface, but it looks like the cracks are starting to form from within this relationship for certain reasons as A24 brings us a new look and trailer for their upcoming new film known simply as The Drama. The plot of this film will the ideals that days before a planned wedding, a couple's (Robert Pattinson and Zendaya) relationship is shaken when one partner discovers unsettling truths about the other. So I have to give props to the trailer editors again for giving that sense of all the wholesome romance and love at the start and then takes a turn with an alluding to what may have caused this uncertain drama and unease for the wedding day concerns and seems to come from Zendaya's character and it will give some sense of guessing what it could be but maybe it is well worth keeping the mystery until the big day and I am intrigued to see the outcome of this project and thankfully its not too long away from release as you can RSVP your attendance when the big day goes ahead into cinemas from the 3rd of April.

Ready or Not 2 Here I come

For the next trailer in focus is bringing us to play a little game, that while it may have seemed calm and normal from the concept of the simple game that many of us have played as kids, this is taking things to a more sinister level and has now been doubly amplified when new additions and issues have been added to the mix as the games will begin again as we have recieved the 2nd trailer for the sequel with the great follow on tagline with Ready or Not Here I Come. The follow up once again follow Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving), the sole survivor of a brutal "Game" that resulted in the death of her Husband and in-laws, learns that her victory comes with a price: now the wealthiest and most influential families on Earth have to kill her in a new game - or risk losing their power and fortune. Initially refusing to participate, she's soon left with no choice when her younger sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton) is also marked for death and she will soon have to protect her and survive this new round of the deadly game. I do give a sense that a follow up on this could be seen as unnecessary but I feel if you have a concept and idea in mind for the continuation of a story then I feel it makes complete sense (and also the fact that they had the perfect use for a great subtitle for this film anyway) but hopefully in the likes of its outcome that it could be an entertaining follow up that wraps up this story in a complete package duology but I guess we can see about it in due time. I will probably give this a look when it does and it is not too long away as the games will begin when they are released into cinemas from the 20th of March.

Monarch Legacy of Monsters Season 2

For the final trailer of this week is returning us to a focus once again of a titan based scale as the secrets and creatures of the world and our history have begun to become part of our present and these titans are about to cross paths with something far more dangerous then they expected to as we have the release from what I assume is the final trailer for the 2nd season of Monarch Legacy of Monsters. This season will pick up with the fate of Monarch and the world hanging in the balance as this new season reveals buried secrets that reunite the heroes and villains on Kong's Skull Island and to a new mysterious village where a mythical Titan will rise from the sea. I know the likes of the Monsterverse has had its share of hits and misses and opinions on this franchise have become a mixed bag more so with more standalone titan based projects but I have seen the appeal that this series has brought in general (and granted I enjoy watching giant monsters fight as well) and I hope from what I have seen from this footage and all is that it will bring that acclaim the original first season provided and continue the momentum in a strong way but I guess we will see in due time and thankfully it is not too long away from release as the new season will be unleashed in about 3 weeks time on Apple TV+ from the 27th of February.

Its time to read the News out on the Weird Mind News tonight

Got the Secrets straight from my Dad: The latest of the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase

So it has been a few weeks since the last time we focused on this but it looks like we are back with the first story for this week being the first of the many variations of directs from the game studios as Nintendo has dropped the first full length direct of the year in the partner showcase that while not be the main big event of first party ones, I will take what I can get and we were given a selection of just over 30 titles with some new, some new looks at recent announcements and a few new ports coming to the 2 version of the Switch and while there is a debate of many saying it is terrible, I would be one that is more optimistic and enjoyed my time over the 30 minute run and I will be delving into all that was shown and when to expect them too.

Now before I delve into the main direct, I do have to bring up one other title that I actually forgot to give a focus to last week as we have had 3 directs already with the Mario Galaxy at first on a Sunday and then one more last week which was of course the direct focused on the new Tomodachi Life Living the dream that gave us a focus on some new and returning modes like relationships, Mii creation, sexual orientation (including some LGBTQ inclusivity) and a whole lot more and its one I am excited for and we have not gotten an official release date of April 16th for the title and I will be aiming to get this day one when it does and all the friends I have will become part of the Island (as well as some other random ones) and of course I have to include the star of the entire direct (and also his other region based copy Boyfriend):

I do not care, Hugh Morris is an icon and will not hear otherwise (and needs his BF Bubbles too)

So actually starting on the new wave of games shown in the direct, we start off with a first of many specific style of category of the Anime games, as you either get a lot of anime games, farming games or both in some of these directs, but this first one looks solid with a new look at Orbitals which will be a new co-op based title as you play as 2 explorers of the cosmos and using some unique and powerful element weapons to save the day and I love the aesthetic and art style (its giving me classic 80-90s cartoons and anime and also reminds me of the animation to the Starlight Brigade music video) and I am now very interested in this title and will be well giving this a try when it comes out sometime this summer.

Then we have the focus of one with a sense of mystery as we have a new entry of the Paranormasight series with The Mermaids curse that will have you solving the cases of mysterious and strange deaths of the inhabitants of the local island and of these strange creatures appearing along the ocean surface that I am sure may have some appeal to it (and may give a look at the first title and this one) when this curse becomes unleashed from the 19th of February.

Then we got some high stakes action with some sports with a new entry of the Captain Tsubasa series with world fighters as you play an intense game of football and use some powerful moves to win the match that I am sure will have appeal to some when the title releases sometime this year.

Then initially I thought this was that code violet game that came out recently that was getting some poor reception but it was actually a new title of Tokyo Scramble where you will have to find your way out of some mysterious underground world under the streets of Tokyo that are full of prehistoric creatures as you sneak your away around them and even can have 4 players in gameshare or gamechat to play a single player experience and I like the tone and vibe the game is given and I am sure will be well worth a look by its release from February 11th.

Then we have a title that fits in the aethetic of the characters to the Norse age as we got a look at Valheim that will see you take on the role of ancient warrior and scavage and survive in a strange vast land and wilderness that has I will say an interesting graphical art style that I wonder is intentional or not fully processed but I am sure it may some decent fun with friends with this title launching sometime this year.

Then given the appeal and anticipation being worth it for its follow on expansion, we got a confirmation that the original game of Hollow Knight will be getting a new Switch 2 edition that will improve some frames and updated visuals and make the wonderfully challenging and beautiful game even more appeal with the title dropping the day of the event and if you already owned the Switch 1 version, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 edition for free, and that's a solid offer (and if you never owned it, for €15 you are getting a good deal either way).

Then we are back on the pitch for one more game in focus from this direct as they unveiled the newest entry in the former PES series with E-Football kick off that will bring Konami's take on the sport to the new audience of fans of the series or those wanting more football games to add to the collection of them you have but you can do so when the title releases in the Summer.

Then the next of the anime titles will see us get an all new look at the title of The Adventures of Elliot and the Millenium tales you will travel on to restore the land overrun with beasts using a special doorway hidden in some ruins that can manipulate the passage of time and I am sure it will have the appeal to many when it releases on June 18th this year.

Then the first of 2 collections that are confirmed from the direct is bringing us a classic with a collection of the popular Bomberman series with it getting some of the original entries of the series as well as some exclusive titles from Japan and it seems it will all for having a blast with the digital version available the day of the event with a physical version releasing sometime in August.

Now one announcement I was not really expecting to see this early of an unveiling given the first part only dropped like 2 weeks ago was the announcement of the port for the 2nd part of the Final Fantasy 7 remake with Rebirth being unveiled at the event and confirmed with a release date for the title as well with the 2nd part of the planned trilogy coming to us from the 3rd of June (or around the 1 year anniversary of the Switch 2 console launch).

Then a title that was announced to be getting a port to this console at the game awards, we were given a little look at some gameplay and combat for the upcoming title of Pragmata as you taking control of a Space Marine and with the assistance of a small android that looks like a little girl and will use her powers to help you uncover the mysteries of this massive space station on a moon and help get back home in one piece and while some say the visual look downgraded, I think it still look pretty solid on the console and will be well worth a try when it releases from the 24th of April .

Now for a series that has been somewhat dormant for a bit of time but we are returning to a title that first made its presence back in the era of the N64 with the game of Turok Origins that will have you play as a fierce warrior and go on a journey on your own or with some friends and battle some very powerful creatures and I am for certain will be a very entertaining journey and does look very visually appealing and be well worth a play across these mysterious lands when the game is unleashed sometime in the fall.

Next on the roster of Anime titles unveiled at the direct was a look at a new title known as Kyoto Xanadu that will see you explore a detailed Kyoto that has become the capital of Japan and will see you protect these lands from portals and tears into another world opening up and causing a bit of uncertain chaos being unleashed with monsters coming through the portal or citizens and players being trapped in that side of the portal and will have you do battle with these powerful adversaries that doesn't look too bad and could have their appeal in the action and tone and all and may be well worth a try when the game releases sometime in the summer.

Then we had a focus of another title getting a port to the console with the recently released Digimon Story time of Time Stranger getting a confirmed release for the console that will have you being blasted back a couple decades into the past to save your present and their future in the process and I have heard a lot of strong appeal of this title so it may be well worth giving it a try with this title releasing on both Switch consoles on July 10th.

Then we have the next entry of the popular JRPG series of Granblue fantasy, with I assume is a 3rd title known as Relink Endless Ragnarok that will have you create a party of adventurers that you can choose from a selection of 20 characters and do battle against powerful adversaries above the surface as you stop the end of days in ancient lore and I am sure will appeal to many to continue this adventure with the game launching on the consoles from July 9th.

If you are up for some giant Monster fun then you are in luck as we are much more closer to the newest edition of the popular Monster Hunter Stories sries with the 3rd entry of Twisted reflection on the horizon that will have you explore the frozen lands by land sea and air with many different forms of Monsti's to defeat and use as mounts and it all seems like it could appeal to the fans of this massive series with the title set to release in about a month on March 13th.

Then we had an unveiling of some classic titles coming to the Arcade and Console Archives which include the titles of Rave Racer, Doraemon, sonic wings, cool boarders and Ninja Gaiden 2 all getting releases over the archive vaults with the racer dropping February 26th, and the other titles dropping the same day as the event.

Now we had the montage of other titles getting brief glimpses, meaning some are releasing very close to the event, which started with an all new look at the arcade beat-em - up sequel to Scott Pilgrim with EX as you battle across Canada and defeat powerful adversaries as Scott or Ramona and if its like the original game from 2010 then I am all for trying this with the game set to launch on the 3rd of March.

Then we were given a brief glimpse at the title of Another Eden Begins that will have you in a turned based rpg and save the world from deadly threats and monsters with this title set to launch on the Summer of this year.

Then really the 1st of the only 2 horror titles shown off in this direct was given another scary brief glimpse with a new look at Tarsier Studio's Reanimal as you play as small mysterious children that must journey across a strange and mysterious group of Islands full of unsettling and unspeakable horrors as you try to rescue your trapped friends and I am very excited to be terrified with this game dropping for us next Friday the 13th of February.

Then its time to bring the pain and play the game as the next new port of the WWE series with 2K26 was shown off with more new iconic wrestlers, modes and matches ready to be at your disposal and will be well worth giving a try and see how this port holds up when it launches on March 13th.

Then we are heading to space for the final frontier as we have an all new title in the ever expanding world of Star Trek that will see us create and organize our own starfleet and travel across the cosmos and avoid enemy threats that I am sure will have appeal to the fans of the series and newcomers with this title dropping shortly on February 18th.

Then we are taking a trip to a land full of magic and colourful characters as we have the confirmation of the Switch 2 edition of Disney Dreamlight Valley and will see you create the Disneyland of your dreams and desires and will be provided in all of the new updates and all bells and whistles with this edition releasing on Switch 2 on March 25th.

Then I believe the last of the sports titles from this direct will be seeing us hitting the fairways as we have the latest entry of the PGA Tour titles which will see you play some of the most iconic names in the league and playing across many of the most well known locations around the world and I am sure it will be worth a bit of golf to play with this title hitting the fairways a day later on the 6th of February.

We then got a look at a new title known as Culdcept Begins which looks like an strategy RPG mixed with the battles based on some Card based battles which does have some interesting aesthetic approach and may be an interesting take on this project to try with the game releasing from the 16th of July.

Then we head to the focus of a simple indie simulator becoming a juggernaut series as we have the release of a Switch 2 edition of Goat Simulator 3 coming it way for you to cause chaos, destruction and so much more across this vast snadbox at your disposal with this title set for release on April 1st.

Then we have a bit of the way of the Ninja with the new title of Shadow tactics Blades of the Shogun that will see you survive against an armada and unforseen enemies in the backdrop of feudal Japan and seems like it could have some interesting potential with the game for release on the 18th of March.

The last of the titles in the montage was with a focus to the follow up to Tales of Arise with Beyond the Dawn getting a port to the Switch 2 that will see you use some powerful magic and weapons and teams up with some colourful and powerful adversaries against the forces of evil with this port set for release on the console from the 22nd of May.

One of the last big unveilings of the event was giving us another all new look at the newest entry of the highly anticipated 9th entry of the Resident Evil series that will see the difference between our 2 lead characters of Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy with Grace having the tone of Resident Evil 2 and 7 with more a horror approach and Leon's going more of the Action tones of Resident Evil 4 all coming together to bring some all high action and moves (even with the person playing the game in this trailer avoiding the shots to keep the video family friendly) and I am very excited (as is a fair few I know about) with this game set for release on February 27th. Besides that we also got the unveiling and confirmation of the Switch 2 Pro controller and Gold editions of Resident Evil 7 and 8 releasing on the same day as 9 and the confirmed official first look at the Amiibo's for this game of the 2 main leads with both of those releasing sometime in the summer (and will be buying both of them).

And the last of the titles unveiled was a triple whammy from a surprise appearance from Todd Howard who gave us a confirmation that Fallout 4, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and the Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion Remaster are all making their way to the Switch 2 this year with Fallout 4 being an anniversary edition dropping on February 24th (It may be April for the physical possibly, but even then for a code in the box is really dumb), Indiana Jones going on his next big adventure with its release on May 12th (and being an actual Game card, not a code or Key Card) and the Oblivion remaster set for release sometime this summer and will have you on some unique journeys across these different lands and I would not be surprised if within another few months they announce that Starfield will be on the console by the fall or something but I guess we will see.

But with all of that this was the first of the full Nintendo Directs of the year and while many have complained about this event, it was expected that not a lot of big titles would be unveiled at this event and would be saved for a proper 1st party one that I can see either dropping at the end of the month or sometime in March or April but I guess we will see, but I enjoyed this direct and there was a lot that I am interested in giving a try and I give props to the game developers making an effort to have their games shown and be coming to many platforms and I would be honored to have a game shown at this event (especially one that I would love to see get some console ports) and I know I will be giving some of these games a proper try when they do release for this console. Sure I had hopes for 2 titles getting shown, with one being a proper release date for the new Professor Layton and Rhythm Heaven game and the other was wishful thinking in an announcement of the rumoured port of Red Dead Redemption 2 thats on the way for current consoles and Switch, but maybe in a 1st Party direct we can have that chance but I guess we will see by then and just hope and pray they do make an appearance.

But what do you think of this direct, was their any games here that you are looking forward to playing and what did you hope to see get unveiled at this event? Let me know your thoughts and choices down below in the comments.

Bringing the finest Hodge Podge this side of the Emerald Isles

Now after that long first story, this one is mainly consisting of some more smaller updates and announcements as it is time once again for a hodge podge collection for the last stories for this week with a focus of some new owners, project and item announcements and some new casting or release date news in focus but we can delve into what projects we are talking about specifically so lets see what we have for this week.

First we will start with a focus to some new project rights obtainment news as it looks like another popular franchise from the past will be making its presence known again and if the likes of this project may have a better chance in this process as it was announced on Monday that popular studio A24 has gained the rights to the popular 70s Horror franchise of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the first approach being a new series in the works with the series director being helmed by The Long Walk writer JT Mollner and will be executive produced by Hollywood star Glen Powell, though any reports of him starring in the series is unclear, and then following this series will also see this franchise get another film adaption being made that will see the return of Leatherface and his deranged family of cannibal killers. Now it will be interesting to see if they can properly do the justice of this franchise and character as the last time we had anything with this franchise in focus, we got that attempted reboot back in 2022 that was a really disasterous outcome both on the critic and audience side of things with it trying to give the legacy sequel tone and not really landing that maybe it could have more of a chance with a studio who's horror output is usually a lot more stronger and may bring some life into this 50 year old series but I guess we can see as more word on this series and film gets underway. At the moment as of writing nothing else has been confirmed but if I hear anything new with this franchise I will provide it in a later episode.

Then from one franchise revival to an adaption announcement, we are heading over to the world of video games into movies and shows and there is quite a fair amount of project that are known in the works or in development from new takes like God of War and Tomb raider, sequels for Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario and Mortal Kombat and even follow on seasons for Fallout, Twisted Metal and the Last of Us that I am sure the case that one more adaption could not hurt to be added to this list and it seems its another big award winning title getting this treatment and from someone that has already dealt their hand into the gaming adaptions as it was announced on Thursday of this week that HBO will be making a series based on the acclaimed title of Baldur's Gate with the series set to be a follow on of the story after the events of 3 and will be helmed by Chernobyl and Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin which I feel seems like some solid choice for adapting something like this. Now for those uninitiated, Baldur's Gate is a bit of a fantasy based title that is based on Dungeons and Dragons and will see a group going on a massive quest to cure a curse plaguing some of the characters in the party and all sorts of humour, debauchery and everything else happens. Now the idea of a series on this game can work and seems like it makes sense to do so, but there is a concern to this as it seems the studio behind the games of Larian Studios seems to not be involved with the project and it comes with the concern that adaptions that have little to do with the studios that create them or even a creative that defined the series makes it a bit of a concern but I am sure we will see this be changed quickly and have some studio creatives involved and make it the best they can do so. Currently as things stand this was only just announced and no concept of when we will see this or who else will be involved, but if anything new is provided down the line I will provide it in a later episode.

Moving from Adaptions to new takes on some franchises, we are heading over to Sony as to ask if there is a sense of something strange or something weird and you don't know what, its to wonder who are you gonna call? as it seems we are heading back to the popular 80s franchise but going in a more different direction as it was announced on Thursday or Friday of this week that a new animated film based on the Ghostbusters is in the works at Sony Animation and to be released onto Netflix, making it seem likely that it will be skipping a cinema release and being a streaming exclusive. Now there is a case I can see it as being both a reasonable approach in that capacity that animated projects from Sony such as K-Pop Demon Hunters have shown massive success on the streamer (given it is the most watched original currently on the platform) and could have an approach of getting a limited release and see if it does happen to this as well, but maybe the case they want to keep it to streaming as the franchise as of late has not been the box office juggernaut that they had hoped it would be. Granted the series was not a multi billion dollar success in general and has fluxuated in terms of box office success and reception so maybe giving it back to the animated aesthetic may bring some new life into the franchise about the supernatural and could see some nice appealing new animation art style for this film that the studio has been experimenting with. Now as things stand as well we have no idea of when we can expect this project and also the case if it will be connected to the main films and have some of the og cast back to voice the characters or some of the newer editions but I am sure they are planning it out as it is and once I hear anything new I will be letting you know when I can.

But speaking on animations and popular brands, it seems we are once again staying with Sony but also talking on a new collab for something that has been a presence now as part of the news for the last few weeks as there has been a tease earlier this week that the ever popular and award winning K-Pop Demon Hunters will be getting a new form with the announcement that they are getting LEGO sets based on their film with the first one teased for release this year and set to be a large build version of the popular feline of Derpy and the bird of Sussie going off of the teaser they released earlier in the week which I can uncerstand the approach of starting with that and leading to more established sets. This is not the only sets in mind as it is confirmed that a range of sets based on the film (and I will say the eventual sequel) are also in the works with them stating to roll out either by the end of this year or 2027 at the earliest  and in all sense of things I am interested to see what they make of the sets and will be interested to pick them up when I do. Now the one thing that is unclear of is if the main trio will be in the form of buildable figures, normal minigigure form or if they will go in the approach that they did for the LEGO Friends and Wicked range (and also for one of the characters in the LEGO Movie 2 range) of being the more doll like shape but I guess we will find out down the line when the sets are revealed and if anything new is unveiled I will provide it in a later episode.

On the only bit of casting news that we have for focus of this week, we are heading to the realm of some more biographical stories and this is one that I am surprised has not had much of a take on their life yet but it seems they are planning to put the pedal to the metal as they seem to be developing a new film biopic on former world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and they seem to be eying Oscar nominated actor Austin Butler for the title role. Now for those uninitiated, Armstrong was a multi tour de France winner before his titles were stripped from him after it was discovered he was using performance enhancing supplements, and his career and appeal has not really improved that heavily over the years since he revealed them on I believe it was Oprah's show or something but I am sure it may be given a focus of everything and I feel it will be interesting in the approach they go with this project. Now I have no idea of when we will be expecting this one as things stand Butler is also set to be playing the lead of a supposed remake of American Psycho but I have no idea anymore if that is still a real thing or not but I guess we will see and will be releasing in a few years time but I will provide any updates if anything new comes about.

And the last of the focused stories for this week is giving us a little bit of a release update for another project that while has already been given an initial release date has not gotten it shifted around as it was announced this week that the planned film based on the DC villain of Clayface has been delayed, but only by a short bit of time as it will move from its September 11th release of this year and moved to October 23rd instead. Personally I really don't have an issue with this release change as I think this will be a properly good move on their part to release it around Halloween as this character film is making it out to be a sort of body horror and I feel will fit perfectly with having a horror movie releasing in the Spooky month and a week out from the spooky day makes the most sense overall and I feel it will benefit better for them by doing so. Now I am most intrigued at the moment to see some footage of the actual film itself that I am sure we will get in the next little bit or so but I am hoping this will appeal and be some interesting approach to the overall DCU and I look forward to see this come October.

But what do you make of these stories, do you think A24 will bring new life to Texas Chainsaw, Will you watch this Baldur's Gate adaption, will the animated Ghostbusters film be a success or is this franchise run its course, will you be buying the LEGO K-Pop demon hunters sets and what other properties from Sony or similar would you want getting LEGO sets, do you think Butler is a solid choice for Armstrong and is the date change for Clayface a good thing and are you excited for this project? Let me know what you think down below and we can discuss about them there. 

Special Segment: Cal Maloney's Walten Files fan film

So I thought for just this week we will add in one more little segment but I have not done one of these for a while but lets give a little bit of a special segment and this is a case of one that I have seen floating about from another fellow Irish creator that I wanted to talk about and help support their work. Now how many are familiar with the concept of Analog horror? It been a case that they have popped up a lot over the last few years with stuff like The Backrooms, The Mandela Catalogue's, Local 58 and Liminal Land and even some more established franchise like the FNAF VHS tapes or even ones based on Batman and other superheroes, but in the case with this one we are talking on a franchise that's inspired by the ever popular FNAF series as we are talking about a series known as The Walten files that sees a story about a mysterious Restaurant, a selection of animatronics known as the Showstoppers and a sinister secrets and tragedy of the past that is looking to be buried and it seems like it has a lot of fans and built upon lore since its inception about 5-6 years ago. Now the reason that I bring up this series itself is to do with this special segment as a fellow Irish creator by the name of Cal Maloney who has for the last few months or so has been making his own Fan Film known as Stells that may not be fully canon to the Walten files but what I have seen from the work he has done on the production that I have seen him post online over the last little while has been impressive and I have to give him props for his work. Now the likes of when this is coming out but he seems he is pushing for this to appear at a few film festivals around the country and it seems he is trying for a bit with getting it shown in a few local cinemas chains around the place and I do hope that it has some sense of success from the effort put into it and hopefully it will be a success for them overall to get seen by a large majority and I would pay some funds into checking it out myself if it does or anywhere but will give the support when it does and I hope when it does release that you can give them some support in the project as well too, but I will say best of Luck Cal and wish you all the success with the project and I look forward to seeing it.

And with all of that now, this brings us to the end of a very long rambly episode of Weird Mind News Room and I hope you enjoyed what I had to talk on here. Let me know your thoughts on all that was discussed 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 :)