In the prestige TV streaming era, it's not uncommon for new seasons of the biggest shows to take upwards of two years to hit screens. And a new report has confirmed what we all knew deep down: lengthy delays between new TV seasons leads to massive drops in viewership.

The report comes from data analytics company Luminate (h/t DiscussingFilm), who crunched the numbers on several of the biggest streaming releases, including Stranger Things season 5 and Wednesday season 2. The report concludes that "long breaks between seasons usually leads to audience shrinkage for hit series." A long hiatus is defined by Luminate as anything over 18 months between seasons.

Among the hardest hit shows, according to Luminate, were The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, which saw a 57% dip in viewership when it landed two years after its debut season; Wednesday season 2, which saw a 59% drop upon releasing 2.75 years after the first season; and even Stranger Things season 5, which, despite being the final season, saw audience figures drop 23% when it finally arrived 3.5 years after season 4. In contrast, The Pitt season 2 saw viewership soar 132% when it released 12 months after its initial run, but that was a critically acclaimed breakout series.

The long breaks between seasons can sometimes be attributed to behind-the-scenes turmoil (which seems to have been the case with Severance season 2, though that turned out OK), but more often than not it's simply the reality of producing big-budget shows in the prestige TV era, with audiences now expecting movie-quality visuals that require movie-length production timelines. This is particularly acute for effects-heavy shows like The Rings of Power and Stranger Things.

The binge release model can also have a deleterious effect, as despite inflating first-week numbers, Luminate points out that "binge-release viewership tends to decay quickly, whereas a weekly-release hit can remain on the charts week after week." There is a silver lining in the long breaks between seasons for streamers, though. Luminate's numbers point to long delays "supercharging" catch-up viewing, as audiences capitalize on the extra time to watch (or re-watch) previous seasons, ahead of new episodes.

Following another 2-year break between seasons, The Rings of Power season 3 returns this November and is set to tackle one of Middle-earth's biggest moments: the forging of the One Ring. The Rings of Power season 4 is reportedly already in the works, perhaps in an effort to speed up production and reduce the the wait for new seasons.

For more, check out our guide to the best Netflix shows, or look ahead to the new TV shows hitting screens this year.

In the wake of Spider-Noir's cancelation, the showrunner has shared some insight into what a second season would have looked like. Oren Uziel says that while they hadn't started writing a follow-up for the Amazon MGM show, the ending of season 1 did give him some ideas.

"If I had my druthers, it would be probably another location," he told Variety. "There are so many L.A. noirs we could have dove into. There are European noirs we could have dove into. There are other places to go. You're starting in 1933. Where is that heading? It's heading toward just a most cataclysmic time – World War II. There was a lot of storytelling that could have happened there."

However, Uziel says he's pleased that they didn't leave Spider-Noir on a cliffhanger. "We made a very closed-ended show," he continued. "There's a reason we were honoring these old noirs. The story begins when the client comes into the private detective's office, and it ends when they solve the case. So, it was nicely buttoned up."

An official reason hasn't been given for the cancelation of the series, but reports from Deadline suggest that Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television were hoping for bigger streaming numbers. This was especially the case given the reported budget was about $400 million.

However, the release schedule for Spider-Noir was pretty unconventional. It aired on MGM Plus before arriving all at once on Prime Video, rather than the usual weekly release schedule.

Uziel isn't the only one who's reacted to the cancelation. Nicolas Cage also shared a very classy reaction to the news, sharing that "one season was perfect".

You can stream Spider-Noir on Prime Video now. For more of what to watch, check out our guide to the best Amazon shows of all time.

Stephen King has given his seal of approval to the upcoming Carrie adaptation from horror maestro Mike Flanagan. The show reimagines King's 1974 novel in a new contemporary setting.

Posting on Threads, he wrote: "Mike Flanagan's version of CARRIE is brilliant. What it has to say about social media is shocking and true." Starring breakout star Summer H. Howell, the eight-part horror series follows a teenage girl called Carrie White as she joins high school after living in isolation for most of her life.

Unaware of social norms as well as key understandings about puberty, she becomes the target of bullying. However, Carrie is far from powerless as her mysterious telekinetic powers emerge to violent ends.

A new trailer for the show has just been released, which teases Flanagan's more modern take on the story. As it hits key plot points like Carrie's horror at discovering her period, she's filmed and posted all over social media.

This is the first time that Carrie has been adapted for television, and it's certainly intriguing to imagine what this format gives this classic tale. Early reactions have been very positive too, with the first two episodes called "powerful" and "relevant".

Discussing Film's Tyler Taing said at the time: "It's a big departure for both the source material and Flanagan’s reputation as the keymaster of King’s stories. It's a true modernization focusing on teenage anxieties and the cycle of violence in our digital age."

Carrie arrives in full on Prime Video on October 9, just in time for the spooky month of Halloween. For more scares, here's our guide to all the upcoming horror movies you need to know about.

After six episodes and countless wild goose chases, Reacher season 4 has finally revealed what was hiding on the USB. But you may be wondering what it actually is.

Warning: the following contains spoilers for Reacher season 4 episode 7. Turn back now if you haven't caught up, but make sure to read our spoiler-free Reacher season 4 review first.

At the very start of the season, we learned that just before Anna Merrick had committed suicide, she handed a USB drive to Reacher, which everyone seemed to be after, including the CIA, the FBI, and the Hoths. But since then, we never really knew the contents of the drive. Reacher and co had found a picture of John Sampson and his military buddies in a lab on base in Indonesia, but they didn't know what it meant. Until now.

What is the chemical toxin in Reacher season 4?

After Jacob Merrick saved Reacher and Tamara from Leo Ahlquist’s hired goons, the trio makes their way back to the scientist's office to interrogate him further. Ahlquist reveals that the photo contains the formula for a deadly chemical weapon that they were working on during the war as a defensive mechanism. Following Tokyo's gas attacks, the US wanted to find a way to protect the nation from possible future chemical attacks, so the CIA tasked Ahlquist and DARPA with creating the weapon so that they could then find the antidote.

So why are Lila and Amisha involved? Well, the CIA didn't want the trials, known as Operation Mongoose, taking place in the US. So the nation made a deal with Indonesian General Putra. The agreement was that DARPA would be able to work on the chemical weapon in Indonesia in exchange for Delta Force training the Indonesian troops. Sampson was part of Delta, but he didn't know the whole story at the time. In the back of the picture, we can see Amisha, who was working in the lab.

The reason why everyone was so hell-bent on getting their hands on the USB is that when Anna stole the files after being threatened by the Hoths, it tipped off the Department of Defense. In turn, the CIA and Sampson's men wanted the information out of the public eye. Whereas Lila and Amisha want to recreate the toxin to sell to worldwide terrorist organizations. But there is definitely a personal element in there on Amisha's side.

So what actually is the toxin? Well, the poison is made from the seeds of a native Indonesian plant, which Lila keeps in her bracelet. From there, the Hoths used a bunch of scientists and tech experts to crack the code, use the formula in the picture, and recreate the toxin. Lila's minions then found a way to make it airborne and cover a wide area in the hopes of "killing thousands," as Lila states. Reacher catches wind of their plan and sets out to find an event in Philadelphia that the Hoths may be targeting, eventually landing on a huge orchestral concert playing movie scores (including Mission: Impossible).

However, Reacher's hunch was wrong. The Hoths were actually targeting Sampson's party, sending in Tomas Waberi, whose ID was flagged earlier in the season, on a suicide mission. This makes sense, as it is revealed that Sampson was the one who carried out the hit against General Putra, whom Amisha worshiped. But before the toxin could be released, Sampson tackled Waberi and pushed him into a nearby body of water, ultimately sacrificing himself. With Sampson now gone and their plan foiled, we don't doubt that Lila and Amisha will try to release the weapon again. Let's just hope Reacher can catch up.

The Reacher season 4 finale lands on Prime Video on Wednesday, September 16. See our Reacher season 4 release schedule for exact timings, and keep up with upcoming shows on the way in 2026 and beyond.

Reacher season 4 is almost over, with the penultimate episode setting the stage for what looks to be a fiery showdown between Alan Ritchson's bulky hero and his most vicious foes yet, Lila and Amisha Hoth. However, aside from sending Reacher, Tamara, and Jacob on a wild goose chase, this week's episode also contains a sneaky Tom Cruise reference that you may have missed.

Warning: the following contains spoilers for Reacher season 4 episode 7. Turn back now if you haven't caught up, but make sure to read our spoiler-free Reacher season 4 review first.

Now that Lila and Amisha have unveiled their aerosolised chemical toxin, the duo plan to use it by sending out one of their minions to release it in a public place. When Reacher gets wind of this, he tries to work out where the pair might target, eventually landing on an orchestra concert playing movie scores at a nearby arena. Reacher and co head to the event, where they hear the orchestra playing none other than the Mission: Impossible theme tune.

Now, the characters don't really react to the iconic theme song, but we all know why it has been included. The Mission: Impossible franchise is led by Tom Cruise, who also starred in two Reacher movies, Jack Reacher in 2012 and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back in 2016. However, the movies both landed less-than-impressive Rotten Tomatoes scores, with critics feeling that Cruise was never really right for the role.

The inclusion of the theme is also ironic, as although Reacher is currently on his own little mission while evading the police, he doesn't really possess the stealth that Cruise's M:I Agent Ethan Hunt does. Reacher much prefers to crash his way through any situation like a bull in a China shop. But we wouldn't want it any other way.

Alas, Reacher's plan fails as the Hoths were never targeting the event at all. They actually sent one of their minions on a suicide mission to release the poison at John Sampson's party. But when Reacher finds out, it's a little too late. Sampson himself ends up taking out the minion by pushing him into the water, ultimately sacrificing himself in the process. But the story isn't over yet. It seems like the Hoths will do anything to successfully release the poison in the name of revenge.

The Reacher season 4 finale lands on Prime Video on Wednesday, September 16. See our Reacher season 4 release schedule for exact timings, and keep up with upcoming shows on the way in 2026 and beyond.

After news broke that Spider-Noir has been cancelled after just one season, star Nicolas Cage has given the classiest possible response.

"For me, one season is perfect, having said what I wanted to say with this dangerous, innovative, pop-art Spider-Man," Cage said in a statement (via TheWrap). "Onwards, upwards, inwards."

Spider-Noir follows Ben Reilly (Cage), a private investigator in '30s New York City, who also happens to have web-slinging powers. The show was well received, with a 92% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89% audience score. It also collected 11 Emmy nominations, and it's Cage's first TV show.

Our own Spider-Noir review awarded the show 3.5 stars, with our verdict reading: "A delightfully camp, low-stakes romp through 1930s New York City that proves Nicolas Cage is still cooler than all of us. Though it doesn't feel as big as most Marvel shows, or even Spider-Verse, and suffers from predictable plot turns that even the characters don't seem fazed by... it wants to cure your superhero fatigue, and it's even better on the second watch."

While no official reason for the cancellation has been given, Deadline notes that Spider-Noir's viewership was good, but not massive. As Cage himself says, though, the first season functions perfectly well as a standalone, so the cancellation isn't too gutting.

You can stream Spider-Noir on Prime Video now. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse releases June 18, 2027. In the meantime, check out our guide to all the upcoming shows worth getting excited about.

Despite critical acclaim and a slew of Emmy nominations, Spider-Noir will not be returning for a second season at Prime Video.

Per Deadline, it seems like Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television expected bigger streaming numbers when making their decision. But given recent reports that the first season's budget was somewhere around $400 million, I can see why the studios might've needed the show to become a megahit in order to justify spending that money on a second season.

Amazon and Sony are still moving ahead with their multi-title deal to use IP from Sony's Universe of Marvel characters. You might remember that the first Spider-Man spin-off, Silk: Spider-Society, was ultimately canceled before entering production. Spider-Noir is now the second canceled project... and there's a third on the way. According to Deadline, there are still multiple projects on development, and one is "nearing a series order." Details are, of course, being kept under wraps.

Spider-Noir saw Nicolas Cage as a jaded, down-on-his-luck private detective version of Ben Reilly aka the Spider, who finds himself returning to superheroism and going up against classic Rogue Gallery villains like Sandman and Silvermane. The series has a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with our own Spider-Noir review praising the show's originality and Cage's excellent and equally odd acting choices.

Spider-Noir is streaming now in both black-and-white and in color on Prime Video. For more, check out our Spider-Noir review, or if you're still confused about how Spider-Noir is connected to the Spider-Verse movies, we've got the answer.

The Runner is not winning over critics as it sprints onto Prime Video. The new action thriller starring Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot debuted to just 9% on Rotten Tomatoes, becoming the actor's lowest-ranked movie.

Directed by Kevin Macdonald, the movie stars Gadot as an attorney who must race through London on the orders of a mysterious caller to save her abducted son. Damien Lewis also stars in the movie, which is now available to stream on Prime Video.

The Guardian gives it just two stars, adding: "Intelligence might not be what one would expect here, which is somewhat acceptable in B-movie territory such as this, but the lack of excitement is hard to forgive."

"The Runner's slick design and technical contributions do not transcend the outward packaging for a potboiler with scant substance beneath," writes Variety's Dennis Harvey as IGN's Scott Collura calls it "a mid-tier movie drop" that is ultimately "unsatisfying".

Meanwhile, Daniel Hart of Ready Steady Cut calls the film a "career low" for Gadot, writing that "The Runner is a flat, amateurish thriller that wastes a promising premise on cheap direction and zero suspense."

Not all the reviews are bad. Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter argues: "Movies such as these are all about suspension of disbelief, and The Runner keeps a fast enough pace that we don’t wind up asking too many questions."

On the press tour for the new film, Gadot has been making headlines about her Wonder Woman exit. The star, who played the superhero in the DCEU, says she wasn't told the full picture by James Gunn and Peter Safran when they took over as DC Studios CEOs.

However, as a new Wonder Woman is rumored to debut in Man of Tomorrow, she's sending her best wishes to her replacement.

The Runner is available to stream on Prime Video now. For more, check out our guides to the best Amazon movies of all time.

Dave Bautista has addressed his casting as Kratos in the upcoming God of War series. He's replacing Ryan Hurst in the lead role after the actor sustained a serious on-set injury.

Posting on Instagram, the Guardians of the Galaxy star shared his training for the role, set to the audio of "Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in." He captioned the video, "3rd week into weight training again. 2 more months to get to where I need to be. Like ridin' a bike! LFG!"

Bautista recently lost a lot of weight after bulking up for his role in Knock at the Cabin. However, it seems like he's pivoting once again to play Kratos in the upcoming Amazon adaptation of the beloved game.

The new update also confirms when filming is due to pick up again. There were initial reports that production would resume in mid-October, but it seems like this is actually closer to November based on Bautista's caption.

Based on the hugely popular PlayStation video game franchise, the Amazon God of War series is being adapted by Ronald D. Moore. The story follows Kratos and his son Atreus as they travel to the highest peak in the nine realms to spread the ashes of their wife and mother Faye.

As well as Bautista, the show stars Callum Vinson, Teresa Palmer, Max Parker, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Mandy Patinkin, and Ed Skrein. Kratos' video game actor Christopher Judge recently revealed that he also read to play the live-action version of the character, but says he had "no desire" to be the lead actor of a TV show again.

Currently, there's no release date for the God of War series. In the meantime, check out our picks of the best Amazon shows as well as our guide to all the upcoming video game adaptations you need to know about.

In addition to Prime Video's upcoming Carrie series, the streamer is adapting another Stephen King story into a TV show, but this time we're heading to London.

Amazon Prime Video has greenlit a six-part limited series based on Stephen King's 1980 short story 'Crouch End,' as per Variety. The story is named after the real North London district in which it’s set, meaning the show will be the first King adaptation to be made in the UK.

The story follows a young American movie star named Doris Freeman who walks into a London police station one day and claims that a strange phenomenon is behind the disappearance of her lawyer husband. However, the police inspector Ted Vetter must investigate whether she’s telling the truth, or if she is the murderer herself. Either way, something chilling is at play.

Crouch End is thought to be an homage to legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, and contains distinct references to his works. The upcoming Prime Video show won't be the first time the story has been brought to life, as Crouch End was featured as part of TNT's 2006 Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King special.

The new series is adapted by Bodies' Paul Tomalin, and directed by The Serpent's Tom Shankland. Tomalin told Variety, "After reading Crouch End some years back, Stephen King’s vivid prose has haunted my nightmares ever since… couldn’t be more excited to bring this thrilling tale to the screen." Variety reports that casting is already underway.

Although Crouch End has yet to land a release date, King fans will soon be treated to Mike Flanagan's Carrie series based on the popular 1974 novel of the same name. The show, which recently attracted positive first reactions, follows a troubled teen with telekinetic powers and stars Summer Howell in the titular role. Carrie hits Prime Video on October 7.

For more, check out our guide to the best Prime Video shows, and keep up with all the upcoming Stephen King movies and shows on the way.

Searching for something to stream this weekend? There's nothing worse than mindlessly scrolling through the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video and seeing your free time melt away as you decide what to watch. There's so much choice, and so few hours in the day.

That's where we come in. At GamesRadar+, we curate a new selection of fresh streaming delights every single week, just for you. Forget your tired old watchlist: these are the latest and greatest movies and shows coming to streaming this weekend, with everything from Robert De Niro-led thrillers to sci-fi and superhero series all accounted for.

So, read on down below for the new shows and movies streaming at the end of August on Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and more. If you're eager for more, we also have guides on the best Apple TV shows and best Apple TV movies to ensure you're making the most of your subscription.

The Whisper Man

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Netflix

Whisper it quietly, but Adam Scott has put together a string of great performances in unnerving projects as of late: Severance and Hokum are terror-inducing for very different reasons, and The Whisper Man could add to it.

Scott plays a widowed crime writer who enlists the help of retired detective Pete Willis (Robert De Niro) after his son is abducted. What could be an open-and-shut case soon spirals out into a larger connection linked to a serial killer known as The Whisper Man.

With the producing might of the Russos behind it, and a stacked cast that features the likes of Michelle Monaghan, Michael Keaton (!), and Hamish Linklater, this will likely shoot right to the top of your watchlist this weekend. It looks suitably unsettling and, as summer turns to fall, the perfect starting point for those who like to get into the Halloween mood a little earlier than most.

For more, check out the best Netflix movies to watch right now.

Dark Matter season 2

Available: Apple TV

Where to watch: US/UK

Apple TV's library is filled with sleeper hits – and Dark Matter is no exception. The mind-bending sci-fi series, starring Joel Edgerton, sees a physicist named Jason kidnapped and sent to an alternate world, one where he invented multiverse travel.

Multiverse shenanigans, inevitably, followed – including multiple versions of the same character, and some killer twists along the way. The second season picks up where the first left off, as Jason and his family settle into a new reality.

Of course, it doesn't stay settled for long. Now it's gone past the source material, creator Blake Crouch said it offered up the potential for more narrative freedom.

At SDCC, he told us, "Once we jumped over that initial hurdle, it was totally freeing because we weren't locked into things that the book demanded us to do. So we got to follow our fancy a little bit more and write a few episodes that would never have existed in season 1."

We also have an interview with Dark Matter season 2 producer Matt Tolmach on how the Apple show is handling the multiverse differently from Marvel.

Adults season 2

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus

Growing up now is a lot different to growing up in the sitcom heyday of the '90s. While Friends and Seinfeld are undoubtedly timeless comedies, they never quite scratch the itch of just how suffocating it can be simply existing as a twentysomething in today's world.

So, thank goodness for Adults returning for a second season. With last season's marriage mayhem, there are plenty of new horizons for our gang to tiptoe towards – and sticky situations for them to wriggle their way out of. Charlie Cox is also reprising his role as Mr. Teacher, in case you needed another reason to tune in.

Need some viewing inspiration? Here are the best Disney Plus movies.

The Last Sunrise

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: Prime Video

Need a good cry this weekend? The Last Sunrise has got you covered.

The romantic drama follows Ry (Maia Reficco), a student with a chronic illness who finds an escape in a Spanish trip. She soon falls for one of the locals, but her health and – according to the synopsis – long-hidden family secrets could put an end to her sun-kissed dreams.

Here are the best Prime Video shows to watch right now.

Lanterns episode 3

Available: US/UK

Where to watch: HBO Max

Lanterns is piling mysteries on top of mysteries. Already, Hal Jordan has bitten the bullet and lost his Power Ring in the 2026 timeline. Back in Rushville circa 2016, a Manhunter is on the loose – but no one can be quite sure who it is, thanks to their shape-shifting abilities.

The trailer for the third episode has already hinted that this is going to be a John Stewart-centric affair, potentially diving into his origins and how he found himself playing a reluctant second fiddle to Hal. But with the likes of Damon Lindelof as part of the creative team, don't expect a straightforward journey.

We also have a round-up of the best HBO Max shows, should you require it.

Need more? Check out our list of the best movies on Paramount Plus.

Another day, another James Bond rumor has been circulating. Jack Lowden, the star of Apple TV runaway hit Slow Horses is being closely linked to 007, according to GQ. And now the star's partner, Saorise Ronan has shared her desire to become a Bond villain.

"I want to go dark. I said that I wanted to be a Bond villain and I’m dead serious," she told Empire recently. "I think it would be really interesting, having a young female villain. Especially for girls and women, to see someone who can just take all that pent-up anger and direct it somewhere, there’s something interesting in that dramatically. So I would love to do more of that."

Ronan and Lowden previously shared the screen in the historical drama film Mary Queen of Scots where they played husband and wife. It would definitely be interesting to see the two stars appear opposite each other once again, especially in a more antagonistic scenario.

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie with Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight down to write the script. Amazon MGM Studios, who recently acquired the Bond rights, are currently holding auditions for the iconic role.

Lowden is just one of the names that has been touted recently with others like Callum Turner and Aaron Taylor-Johnson also in the running. We won't have too long to wait until we find out who's got the top job after producer Amy Pascal shared an update recently.

Speaking to Deadline, she teased: "I would say the end of the year is a good bet. We are being really, really methodical. Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it’s got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different."

For more on 007, here's our full list of the next James Bond contenders as well as our round-up of the best James Bond movies, ranked.

Dave Bautista has replaced Ryan Hurst as Kratos in Amazon's God of War series. Hurst had to leave the show due to a severe injury when filming, leading Guardians of the Galaxy star Bautista to enter talks before he confirmed the news with a post on his Instagram account.

However, it seems like the news was actually manifested four years ago. As one fan spotted, there's a reference to Bautista's Guardians of the Galaxy character being the "God of War" in the movie's Disney Plus Christmas special.

As can be seen in this clip posted to Reddit, Drax and Mantis pose with fans in front of a Christmas tree in Hollywood. "Okay amazing, thank you so much," the photographer says, "We got a picture with the God of War!" It's an easy to miss moment that pokes fun at how Drax and Kratos actually look pretty similar. If you squint…

Fans have rallied to see Bautista in the role for many years and so it's not surprising that this has made it into the pop culture-loaded Guardians of the Galaxy series. James Gunn, who penned the script for that, is well known for his tongue-in-cheek dialogue, but it's fun to see this referenced in light of the recent news.

With Bautista's casting confirmed, it's expected that the God of War production will resume in Vancouver soon. Amazon has given the show a two-season order, which is due to shoot back to back.

For more upcoming video game adaptations, check out our guides to The Legend of Zelda, The Last of Us season 3, and Sonic the Hedgehog 4.

Prime Video's God of War TV show has reportedly found its new Kratos in Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista.

Bautista had previously been in talks to play Kratos, but Variety now reports that the deal is done. The Odyssey star Ryan Hurst was previously cast as Kratos but was forced to leave the production due to a severe bicep injury onset. The original plan was to delay production and wait for Hurst to heal, but Amazon and Sony ultimately decided to recast. With Bautista on-board as Kratos, that puts things back on track to resume filming in the coming weeks, per Variety, but everything filmed with Hurst will obviously need to be reshot.

This is yet another hurdle cleared for the troubled adaptation, which took a lot of heat for a first-look image that was perceived as awkwardly framed and unfaithful to the source material.

Bautista is a retired professional wrestler and prolific actor best-known for his run as Drax the Destroyer in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy film series, two Avengers movies, and Thor: Love and Thunder. He's also no stranger to video game work, having appeared in dozens of WWE games since 2003, as well as the 2019 third-person shooter, Gears.

God of War's official cast includes Ed Skrein as Baldur, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Max Parker as Heimdall, Sonya Walger as Freya, and Alastair Duncan as Mimir. There's no release date yet.

For more, check out the new PS5 games on the horizon, plus all the new TV shows coming your way in 2026 and beyond.

If you're looking for the best new shows and movies to stream this weekend, you've come to the right place. It's a relatively quiet week for white-hot new releases, though new episodes of Lanterns and Reacher season 4 are still airing weekly. However, it is a great week for under-the-radar shows and movies that you may have missed earlier in the year finally coming to streaming.

From horror film Passenger, which went largely ignored amid the obsession with Obsession earlier this year, to A24's Mother Mary, which is destined to be the least-seen Anne Hathaway movie of the year despite featuring one of her best performances, now is the perfect time to catch up. There's also a fascinating new Disney doc, with contributions from some of the world's biggest filmmakers, including Kevin Feige and James Cameron.

So read on for our picks of the best new streaming releases to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney Plus and more. And if that wasn't enough, we've also got some guides to the best Apple TV shows and the best Apple TV movies to keep you entertained this summer.

Passenger

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus

This high-concept horror had the bad luck of releasing one week after Obsession, so not many caught it in theaters despite a buzzy trailer scaring the pants off people. So now's the perfect chance to catch up.

Directed by Trollhunter's André Øvredal, it's about a couple who stop at the scene of an accident on the road, only to later realize that they've picked up a demonic hitchhiker. Hate it when that happens!

In the mood for more? Check out our list of the best movies on Paramount Plus.

Mother Mary

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

After The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street, and The Devil Wears Prada 2, the year of Anne Hathaway continues with Mother Mary. The A24 movie is now streaming on HBO Max after a stint in cinemas earlier this year. But given it made a little over $3 million worldwide in theaters, chances are it will fare better on streaming.

More Black Swan than Vox Lux, Hathaway stars as the eponymous musical artist who reunites with her costume designer (Michaela Coel) ahead of a comeback tour, until the movie takes a hard left turn towards the supernatural. Reviews were divisive, but director David Lowery is the kind of filmmaker who's always worth checking out.

Once you've watched Mother Mary, here are the best movies on HBO Max.

Is God Is

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

Don't be fooled by the title; this isn't Angel Studios' latest faith-based movie. Rather, it's a pretty dark Southern Gothic horror-thriller about twin sisters who want revenge against their own father for disfiguring them as children.

Despite the very heavy premise, it's a movie with a streak of pitch-black comedy running through it, so it isn't a total mood-killer. And it has a striking sense of style, marking writer-director Aleshea Harris out as one to watch. Janelle Monáe, Vivica A. Fox and Sterling K. Brown co-star.

Keep movie night going with our list of the best movies on Prime Video.

The Audacity

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This dark comedy series about an increasingly unhinged tech CEO isn't brand new; it premiered on AMC+ in April. But now that it's made the jump to Netflix, it's opened an under-the-radar show up to a much wider audience.

Creator Jonathan Glatzer previously worked on the likes of Succession, Better Call Saul, and Bad Sisters, so top credentials. Billy Magnussen stars, with Zach Galifianakis and Barry's Sarah Goldberg among the impressive supporting cast. And the good news is, it's already been renewed for season 2.

Fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best shows on Netflix.

Disney Worldbuilders

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

This hour-long doc about Disney's theme parks may sound like an elaborate advert to make you hand over more money to the Disney Corporation. But there's a little more to it that makes it worth checking out, even if you wouldn't be caught dead at Disney World.

James Cameron, Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, Pete Docter, and Dave Filoni are among the contributors who discuss, yes, Disney theme parks. But more than that, it's about the creative spark that inspired them to become storytellers, so expect some compelling foundational stories.

Find plenty more to watch with our list of the best movies on Disney Plus.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

As we hit the midway point of August, there is still so much to enjoy on streaming. One of our most-anticipated shows of the year finally arrives this week, as Lanterns begins on HBO Max. The DCU show has a lot of buzz around it, and we can't wait to see the introduction of the classic comic book characters in James Gunn's universe.

That's not the only big show premiering this week either, with the hugely anticipated return of Reacher hitting Prime Video and the epic conclusion to X-Men '97. In terms of movies, there's plenty to pick from, with one of the best horrors of recent years arriving on Netflix as well as a special director's cut of The X-Files: I Want to Believe available too.

We're truly spoiled for choice with our picks of what to watch this weekend. Thankfully, our guide is here to help you navigate your streaming options and how to find them. Read on for our complete breakdown of the 5 best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, and more. And if that wasn't enough, we've also got some guides to the best Apple TV shows and the best Apple TV movies to keep you entertained this summer.

Lanterns

Available: US/UK
Where to Watch: HBO Max

After the mixed success of Supergirl, Lanterns is DC's newest shining hope as it hits HBO Max this weekend. Sitting in the prestigious Sunday night slot, the new weekly show follows the notorious intergalactic peacekeepers. Experienced Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) teams up with new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) to investigate a murder in Rushville, Nebraska.

Billed as a True Detective-style superhero story, the series is the next major project in the DCU. We've already met one Lantern in Guy Gardner, but the tone of this one will be much darker and more grounded. This is especially true given the talent behind the camera: Lost's Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King. It's well worth a watch when it begins on August 16, whether you're a comic book fan or not.

For more, check out our round-up of the best shows on HBO Max to watch now.

Reacher season 4

Available: US/UK
Where to Watch: Prime Video

The big man is back. Reacher season 4 has started on Prime Video with new episodes of the action thriller dropping weekly. Alan Ritchson is back as Jack Reacher, punching his way through a new mission. This time he gets embroiled in a CIA conspiracy after witnessing a young woman take her own life on the subway. Neagely is out of the picture ahead of her spin-off show, but a new local detective (played by Sydelle Noel) proves to be a standout in the eight-part show.

Our own Reacher season 4 review admits that while it's not the "strongest installment" of the show, the fight scenes continue to "pack a punch". The future of the Reacher universe is set too, with a season 5 already in the works, meaning we'll be seeing plenty more of Ritchson's imposing former military police officer soon. While you're here, check out our Reacher season 4 set visit report too for everything we learned about the TV show.

Check out our guide to the best Amazon Prime shows for more essential viewing.

X-Men '97 season 2 finale

Available: US/UK
Where to Watch: Disney Plus

It's all led to this. X-Men '97 season 2 has finally come to an end with an explosive finale. The final episode of the beloved animated series features some major cameos, heartbreaking losses, and big surprises. Entitled 'Survival of the Fittest', episode nine focuses on Rogue as she races against time to try and save Gambit.

While the MCU's TV shows have had some mixed quality in the last few years, X-Men '97 has proved to be a standout. Great writing, solid character choices, and a lot of fun, the series should be a blueprint for tackling mutants in Marvel in live-action too. Once you've seen the final episode, check out our breakdown of the X-Men '97 season 2 post-credits scene and the X-Men '97 season 2 ending explained for what it all means for season 3.

Our list of the best Disney Plus shows is stacked with quality entertainment.

Immaculate

Available: US
Where to watch: Netflix

Sydney Sweeney's twisty horror Immaculate is now streaming on Netflix and is the perfect choice if you're after something gripping this weekend. It stars Sweeney as an American nun who begins a new life at a remote convent in the Italian countryside. However, strange things soon start to happen and she finds herself inexplicably pregnant.

Is it an immaculate conception or is something horrifying happening at this seemingly beautiful religious sanctuary? Alongside Sweeney, Money Heist's Álvaro Morte also stars as a charming priest in Michael Mohan's 90-minute thriller. It first came out in 2024 but is now streaming for subscribers on Netflix.

See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Netflix.

The X-Files: I Want to Believe Vrach Frankenshteyn

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney+/Hulu

As well as The X-Files: I Want to Believe arriving on Disney Plus this week, the streamer has also dropped a director's cut of the 2008 movie. Never seen before, this is an R-rated version from Chris Carter, which restores some of the horror elements removed from the original film.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in the movie, which takes place years after they stepped away from the FBI. They're drawn back in when a federal agent disappears without a trace, leading them into a mystery featuring a former priest and an unforgiving winter landscape. A must-watch ahead of the announced Ryan Coogler reboot.

Here's our round-up of the best movies on Disney Plus.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

The first three episodes of Reacher season 4 are streaming now on Prime Video. Star Alan Ritchson bet his life in our presence that it would be the best season yet, but the Rotten Tomatoes results are in, and, sorry Alan, you're dead, as it's currently the show's lowest-rated season according to the review aggregator.

However, it's by no means disastrous news for Reacher fans, as season 4 is currently sitting on a very respectable 88% from 16 critics. Our own Reacher season 4 review awarded the new season 3.5/5* stars, with GR+'s Megan Garside noting the new season still "packs one hell of a punch" even if the "the pacing and jumbled dialogue fall short." So 'fresh', in our eyes.

That Rotten Tomatoes score is only a problem in context, as Reacher's first three seasons all earned well over 90%, with both seasons 2 and 3 achieving a near-perfect 98%, and season 1 on a solid 92%. The relatively low number of reviews is a key factor here, with Reacher season 4's two 'rotten' reviews knocking the overall score down a massive 12%. Previous seasons have had over three times as many reviews in some cases, significantly diluting the impact of any rotten ratings.

It's almost like the Rotten Tomatoes percentage is a broken metric that doesn't accurately represent a movie or show's quality. How else do you explain Spider-Man: Brand New Day being the lowest-rated Tom Holland Spider-Man movie?

And to be fair to Reacher, the vast majority of reviews are still positive, even if the final score is on the lower end for the show. "It’s not complex. It’s not Proust. But boy it is fun," said The Times (UK). "It all comes down to whether you like twisty action-thrillers that are cold-blooded with warm hearts, and high on charm," notes RogerEbert.com (luckily for us, we do).

On the more critical side, FandomWire proved tougher to please, saying "Reacher's fourth season is less bold, less brash, and less fun, but still as brutal as ever." The Playlist stuck the boot in, however, noting "The writing and acting are occasionally so bad that it can make a person almost embarrassed to watch." Yikes!

If you're willing to overlook the mixed reviews, then the season 4 is underway now, with three episodes currently available to stream on Prime Video, and new episodes airing weekly from this point. Be sure to bookmark our Reacher season 4 release schedule, so you never miss an episode. Big Reacher summer continues in September with the release of spin-off show Neagley.

Reacher season 4's first three episodes are streaming now. Wondering what to add to your watchlist next? Here's our list of the most exciting new TV shows heading your way.

The final episode of Reacher season 4 is, somehow, almost here. So far, Reacher has taken a whole lot of beatings, eaten a whole lot of cheesesteak sandwiches, and has perhaps formed his most iconic group of good guys yet (Sydelle Noel's Tamara is a personal favourite, but you can read more about her in our Reacher season 4 review). Now, the big guy only has one more episode to crack the case and take down the baddies.

The season may feel like it's flying by, but that is because the new installment premiered on Prime Video with the first three episodes in mid-August. Don't be too sad about it ending either; not only is Reacher season 5 currently filming, but a brand new Reacher-verse show is dropping in full on the same day as the Reacher season 4 finale. You can find out all about that in our Neagley release schedule.

But back to the mothership show. Below, we've compiled everything you need to know about the Reacher season 4 release schedule, including when, where, and how you can stream the season finale. If you need to do a little more digging beforehand, check out our Reacher season 3 ending explained. For more, dive into our list of the best shows on Prime Video, and see where Reacher places.

Reacher season 4, episode 8 release date: what time is on Prime Video?

Reacher season 4 episode 8 will be available to watch on Prime Video on Wednesday September 16 at 12am PT / 3am ET in the US, and on the same day at 8am BST in the UK.

For other regions, please use the time zone converter.

Reacher season 4 release schedule: when are new episodes out?

The first three episodes of Reacher season 4 arrive on Prime Video on August 12, followed by a new episode every week until September 16.

The Reacher season 4 release schedule is available below:

• Reacher season 4, episode 1: August 12, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 2: August 12, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 3: August 12, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 4: August 19, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 5: August 26, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 6: September 2, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 7: September 9, 2026 - out now!
• Reacher season 4, episode 8: September 16, 2026

Where to watch Reacher season 4 episode 8

Reacher season 4 is exclusively available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. You'll need a subscription to be able to watch it, and these vary between ad-supported costs and premium memberships. However, the show will be available for all tiers.

How many episodes are there in Reacher season 4?

There are 8 episodes in Reacher season 4. The series is staying consistent, as this is the same as seasons 1, 2, and 3.

The same day as the Reacher season 4 finale lands on Prime Video on September 16, the full first season of spin-off Neagley will hit the streamer ready for you to binge.

But the fun doesn't stop there, as Reacher has already been renewed for season 5. Amazon has yet to confirm any details, but it is thought that the fifth installment will adapt Lee Child's 20th Jack Reacher book titled 'Make Me.'

For more, check out our list of the best Prime Video shows, and keep up with upcoming shows still to come in 2026 and beyond.

Ex-God of War star Ryan Hurst, who departed the Amazon production after an injury, has shown off a fresh look at his Kratos – and it's way better than the show's first official look.

As posted on his Instagram Stories (and preserved on social media below), Hurst shared a picture of his depiction of the ashen Ghost of Sparta.

All told, this is a vast improvement on God of War's debut image released this past February. There, Hurst's Kratos and Callum Vinson's Atreus better resembled professional cosplayers on a photoshoot than anything close to a TV-level adaptation of the beloved PlayStation series.

Original God of War creator and director David Jaffe wasn't a fan, to put it mildly – nor was an expectant audience.

Before Hurst and company could claw back goodwill, disaster struck. An injury to Hurst forced Amazon to recast the role of Kratos and reshoot multiple episodes with a new actor.

Dave Bautista is in talks to replace Hurst as Kratos, with there also being – slightly more unsubstantiated – reports that Atreus would be recast after the first season.

Over on the games side of things, there's a lot less drama. God of War: Laufey, a new title starring Deborah Ann Woll's Giant, is set to release on February 16, 2027. At SDCC, it was confirmed that a new Kratos-led game is also in development and "directly connects to the events of the Laufey game."

The God of War TV show also stars Mandy Patinkin, Teresa Palmer, Max Parker, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and Ed Skrein.

For more, check out the other new TV shows currently in the works.

Fallout season 3 is currently filming, and candid snaps from the set may have revealed that a lesser-known subdivision of the Brotherhood of Steel is being introduced next season.

As spotted by eagle-eyed fans over on the Fallout subreddit, Fallout season 3 is currently filming on location at the Natural History Museum in LA; the familiar(ish) Brotherhood of Steel banners hanging around the stacks are something of a giveaway. However, look closely, and you might notice something a little different about those banners – a quill writing in a book. Check it out below.

This is a pretty clear hint that the Order of the Quill, a subdivision of the Brotherhood of Steel, is being introduced in Fallout season 3. Though it's never been a major part of the games, the Brotherhood of Steel is split into three subdivisions: the Order of the Sword (responsible for weapons development), the Order of the Shield (responsible for defensive research), and the Order of the Quill. The latter handles book/holotape retrieval and archival, and records the Brotherhood's history for posterity.

As we know from the Fallout season 2 post-credits scene, the Brotherhood has gotten its hands on the blueprints for Liberty Prime Alpha, a giant robotic suit of power armor that has recurred in the games, appearing in Fallout 3's Broken Steel DLC and in Fallout 4. In both games, Liberty Prime is eventually destroyed (along with a chapter of the Brotherhood, depending on the Sole Survivor's choices). Given the TV show is set some 9 years after Fallout 4 in 2296, the Order of the Quill may prove key to unearthing knowledge necessary to rebuild Liberty Alpha Prime.

"Makes me wonder if they're showing off a different Brotherhood chapter," theorizes one fan. "Max's chapter absolutely has a nerd division, but I would think they'd be heavily pushed to the side at this point in time to divert resources to Quintus's war aspirations."

"Honestly, it would be interesting if we see a BoS chapter focused on knowledge rather than warfare and technology," adds another fan. "Especially since season 2 showed most BoS chapters have devolved into pretty much raiders."

Fallout season 3 details are still few and far between, though Bethesda bigwig Todd Howard has said that the next season will include "new things" that have "never [been] seen before in the games." We also know that season 3 will be heading to a new location for Fallout, Colorado, where Cooper Howard's family is seemingly being held.

When GamesRadar+ arrives on the set of Reacher season 4, star Alan Ritchson is kicking a gun out of the hand of an oncoming thug in the doorframe of a dilapidated hallway. He does this about seven or eight times, and we watch each time as they yell cut, replace broken glass, sweep away kicked-up dust, and unruffle everyone's shirts. Director Sam Hill tells us that they've been filming this particular fight scene for a few weeks now, and that it'll last for all of 12 seconds on screen.

"We're right up against those final moments," Hill tells us, explaining that the fight scene takes place towards the end of the season. "Everybody's gonna get what they deserve. It's like the event. The closer to the end of the season you get... now things are on fire." Hill laughs before being pulled back into the madness, where they run the entire scene over again a few more times.

Reacher season 3 ended with Jack killing his nemesis Xavier Quinn with one swift stab to the chest before riding off into the sunset on his trusty motorbike… and we can't help but wonder how the journey took him to a rundown, asbestos-filled apartment building. The new season takes place in New York City, but we're standing on a studio lot in Toronto, Canada. Production designer Nazgol Goshtasbpour takes us up some rickety stairs and right into the three-floor apartment that serves as one of the central set pieces.

It took a minute for me, an avid reader of Lee Child's Jack Reacher book series, to realize where we were, but a computer system setup and a few empty cots tipped me off. Season 4 adapts the novel Gone Tomorrow, which sees Reacher witness a suicide attempt on a subway that sends him into a whirlwind of terrorists, corrupt politicians, and the 1980 Soviet-Afghan war. We're standing in one of the decrepit buildings that Reacher discovers in the South Side of Philadelphia (though it's located on 58th Street in Manhattan in the novel), belonging to main antagonists Lila and Amisha Hoth (played by Agnez Mo and Anggun, respectively).

It's an almost-reproduction of an abandoned building that they shot on location in Philly, right down to the working 1920s-era elevator they built for scenes that take place between floors. Goshtasbpour goes into the meticulousness of each detail, right down to carefully placing each piece of debris and using hot glue to make light-catching cobwebs. Lila and her criminal crew even have their own little kitchen and fireplace, though the toilet is broken and both the wiring and plumbing are exposed.

"And a lot of times with Reacher… I make this joke on set. I say, 'We're not making a feature. We're making Reacher.' Because I think it's just much more complicated," she says. "Our sets are more elaborate than a feature film." We're inclined to agree: a wall of photos offers a glimpse of another fully built (and now-destroyed) set, including a custom-built bridge with a fake road underneath. Elsewhere in Canada, they turned a piece of land into an Indonesian village, complete with an army base. Everything is practical, except for the taller palm trees and helicopters, which will be added in post. Careful not to spoil anything, Goshtasbpour explains that this is for a flashback sequence (likely for Lila and Amisha).

Fight or Flight

When we meet back up with director Sam Hill, filming is done for the day. It's mid-November, and they're still months away from being fully wrapped, as ADR and post-production tend to take a while. He takes a seat in front of the wall of set photos, one of which features the decaying hideout we just toured, prompting the group to ask about the level of danger Reacher faces from Lila and Amisha Hoth.

"What's new and exciting about every season isn't necessarily like, 'Oh, this person's a bigger, badder person to fight,' or, 'This is a bigger, harder challenge.' It's this whole new group of people reacting to a Reacher perspective on the world," Hill says. "Certainly for me, that's one of the most attractive things about this project in general, is the Reacher figure himself doesn't really arc over any given novel or over any given season, but it's all the people around him in that orbit who do."

Hill goes on to praise showrunner Nick Santora for his ability to "take this character that Lee Child created" and "weigh him against all these new people and environments." It's a non-spoilery way of saying that Reacher is definitely in over his head this season, as the Hoths are nothing like season 1's KJ Kliner or Beck and Quinn of season 3.

Without giving too much away, the Hoths are criminals with unimaginably violent pasts, and they're so skilled in the art of manipulation that even Reacher falls victim to it for a second (at least in the novel). Mo and Anggun, who play mother-and-daughter duo Amisha and Lila, are Indonesian superstars known primarily for their music. Both actors tell us during a brief chat later that day that they play strong women who have lived through a lot of atrocities and are in America with the intention of finding Lila's birth father... though that's not all they're there for.

When asked about the decision to change the book's New York City setting to Philadelphia, Hill explains that it's really just because season 2 already took place in New York and its surrounding areas. As for the Philadelphia landmarks that show up during the new season: "I'm pretty certain that Reacher as a character would not be interested in the Rocky statue at all."

For the final question, someone points out that many of the novels are from the first-person perspective of Jack Reacher, while the show itself is absent of monologues and inner dialogue. "And yet the show still communicates the interiority of Reacher. How?"

"The first is you cast a guy named Alan Ritchson as Reacher. That is step number one," Hill replies. "Step number two is put a camera as close to him as you can and let him do his thing."

Reach for the stars

"This is the worst day for you guys to be here. I'm so embarrassed," Alan Ritchson says when he sits down for our long-awaited group interview. We'd all excitedly told him that we watched him kick a gun upwards of 20 times. He immediately wished we would've come by on a more exciting shoot day. "That is mortifying. Of all the days. The most mundane, difficult. It's like a Price Is Right game."

But there's plenty more gun-kicking where that came from: "I think in the first three weeks we shot more fights than all the other seasons combined." Ritchson thinks the fight count for the entire season is around 30, and mentions that they're always running out of fake blood. As far as book-accuracy goes, this tracks: Reacher takes on multiple baddies from all angles in Gone Tomorrow. Of course, this all leads up to him fighting Lila and Amisha in a three-against-one.

"We're not in Margrave," he says, referring to the show's first season, which feels rather tame in comparison. "And it's fun. It's always funny, sorta seeing Reacher in these new situations with these new women and how he handles it… I'm always wondering what he's gonna do in these moments. I'm also waiting to see what feels right in the moment.

"And I think [Lila's] secrets and her presence and her pursuit really turned it into something really interesting," he continues. "Because he doesn't see it coming at all, and it does put him on his heels in a way that we haven't really seen, where he's like, 'What do I do with this?'"

He tells us about a set piece that we didn't get to see: a bowling alley where an all-out brawl takes place. "It's kind of a hilarious set piece for something like this, for something gory to take place, but it is probably one of the most epic fights I have ever shot in my career. We even have these great angles where it's like the old Indiana Jones moments." This is not in the book, so color me intrigued.

Ritchson has a flight to catch, but wants to make sure we don't have a doubt in our minds about Reacher season 4: "I would bet my life that this is going to be, by whatever metric you [you use], better than anything we've done."

Reacher season 4 releases on Prime Video on August 12, with the first three episodes. For more, check out our list of the best new TV shows coming in 2026 and beyond.

The hunt for the next James Bond continues, and new series co-producer Amy Pascal has said we could know who Daniel Craig's successor as 007 is by the end of this year.

Speaking to Deadline about the box office success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which just beat Avengers: Endgame's opening weekend record, Pascal offered an update on the long-awaited, Denis Villeneuve-directed Bond movie, including when we can expect a new 007 to be cast. "I would say the end of the year is a good bet," Pascal said. Back in May, we learned that Game of Thrones casting director Nina Gold was leading the search for the next British super spy, with auditions set to take place over the summer.

It's been almost six years since Daniel Craig's final outing as Bond in No Time to Die, and it seems that Villeneuve, Pascal, fellow producer David Heyman and studio Amazon MGM aren't going to rush into a decision. "We are being really, really methodical," Pascal continued. "Having worked with Barbara Broccoli at the studio, I mean, Daniel Craig is a hard act to follow. And it's got to be something really different that is stirring and exciting and different."

At Amazon's CinemaCon presentation back in April, the studio's head of film, Courtenay Valenti, addressed the Bond question, claiming that the search is taking so long because of the "care and deep respect" for the process of casting a new 007. Plenty of actors are rumored to be in contention, from Callum Turner to Jacob Elordi. One person who definitely won't be playing Bond, however, is Henry Cavill, who famously auditioned to play Bond 20 years ago, but now thinks he'd be better suited to play a Bond villain.

All we know for sure is that Dune's Denis Villeneuve will direct the first Amazon MGM Bond movie, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight currently penning the script. But even if the new Bond is announced this side of Christmas, it could still be several years until we see the next installment, as Villeneuve is still busy with Dune: Part 3.

While we wait for the next Bond to be announced, check out our list of the best James Bond movies to watch now.

Warhammer 40K fans are eating well this week. Hot on the heels of the news that a new Deathwatch animated series is in the works, Henry Cavill has confirmed that he's still set to star in the live-action Warhammer 40K series on Prime Video.

In a state-of-the-nation post on Instagram, Cavill confirmed recent reports that Mike Flanagan has been brought on to write the Warhammer 40K live-action series, with the former Man of Steel and Warhammer mega-fan noting that they have already made "considerable advances in the story" since Flanagan's involvement.

On the recently announced Deathwatch animated show, Cavill revealed that he and producer Natalie Viscuso are "working closely" with series lead Dave Wilson to ensure "things line up with the overall universe plan." A hint, perhaps, that both shows will be more closely connected than you might expect.

And most important of all, despite initial reports that Cavill would star in a Warhammer series breaking way back in December 2022, the star (re)confirmed that he will indeed lead the live-action Warhammer show. "Rest assured, I most certainly will!" Cavill said, stopping short of offering even a morsel of further information. "Who that character is, however, shall remain a secret for now!"

Cavill's post arrives in the wake of an annual report from Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree, in which the minifig bigwig dropped a motherlode of Warhammer news, apparently ahead of schedule, including the involvement of Flanagan in the live-action show and the existence of the Deathwatch animated series. "Some news got ahead of us last week, but we wanted to wait a quick beat for the dust to settle, some deals to finalise and, if nothing else now [to] confirm some rumours!" Cavill said.

Beyond the Warhammer 40K setting, little is known about the live-action show. But Cavill is a lifelong fan, and is evidently taking all the time needed to get it right: "I have loved Warhammer since I was a boy, making this moment truly special for me," Cavill said back in 2022. "The opportunity to shepherd this cinematic universe from its inception is quite the honor and the responsibility."

While we wait for Warhammer to hit the screens, check out our guides to upcoming video game movies and our selection of the best Amazon Prime Video shows to stream now.

Dave Bautista, the prolific actor known for playing Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is reportedly in talks to play Kratos in Prime Video's God of War TV show.

Per Variety, Amazon is eyeing Bautista for the lead role in its God of War TV series after The Odyssey star Ryan Hurst, who had previously been cast as Kratos, left the production due to a torn bicep suffered on the set of the series. The plan was reportedly to delay a return to production until next year, but Amazon and Sony ultimately decided to recast the part and pick back up in the fall.

The God of War series hasn't had the easiest time since it was confirmed back in 2022, with reactions to the first-look image from February being overwhelmingly negative. And with Hurst now seemingly out, that'll probably remain the one and only official shot of the actor playing Kratos.

Meanwhile, it's also been reported that the actor playing Atreus in season 1, Callum Vinson, is being recast for season 2, suggesting a big time gap between the two seasons. Narratively, there are three years between 2018's God of War and 2022's God of War Ragnarok, which the TV series is adapting.

The God of War TV show's confirmed cast includes Ed Skrein as Baldur, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Max Parker as Heimdall, Sonya Walger as Freya, and Alastair Duncan as Mimir, a role he's reprising from the games. The series does not yet have a release date.

For more, check out the new PS5 games on the horizon, plus all the new TV shows coming your way in 2026 and beyond.

A Warhammer 40,000 animated show is in the works at Prime Video, with nerd king Henry Cavill on board to produce. The animated show will exist alongside the long-gestating live-action series, which Cavill is set to star in.

The new animated show will be spun off from the Warhammer 40,000 episode of Amazon's 2024 video game-themed anthology show Secret Level, per Variety, which had its own standalone Warhammer installment. That episode's director, Dave Wilson, co-created the Warhammer 40,000 animated series alongside Band of Brothers' John Orloff. Cavill will executive produce with Tim Miller, who, as well as directing Deadpool and the ill-fated Terminator: Dark Fate, is the co-founder of visual effects/animation house Blur Studios.

It's unknown how close the links to the Secret Level episode, 'And They Will Know No Fear' will be, but the show is said to center on The Deathwatch – a decentralized group of specialist marines who hunt aliens. "Secret Level’ wasn’t conceived simply as an anthology. It was designed as a launchpad for larger stories," said Wilson in a statement. "This series gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation and tell a much larger story."

As for Prime Video's other Warhammer show, despite the involvement of super-fan Cavill, there's been little forward momentum over the years. However, only last week we learned a lot from Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree in the company's latest earnings report (sexy).

As well as first revealing the existence of this animated show, Rountree shared that master of horror Mike Flanagan has joined the live-action project as a writer. He also confirmed that there will be another Warhammer-themed episode in Secret Level season 2, this one set in the Age of Sigmar universe.

The existence of the Cavill-led Warhammer 40k show was first revealed way back in December 2022, but it took two years for Cavill to confirm his involvement. "My incredible team and I, alongside the brilliant minds at Games Workshop, have been working away in concept rooms, breaking down approaches to the enormity and magnificence of the Warhammer world." It could be years still until the show hits screens. Let's hope this new animated series is more than a stopgap while we wait.

For more, check out our guides to upcoming video game movies and our selection of the best Amazon Prime Video shows to stream now.

Prime Video's troubled God of War TV show looks set to recast a couple of key roles for season 2, but it may have been the plan all along.

According to casting descriptions seen by MP1ST (h/t Polygon), the young actors playing Kratos' son, Atreus, and Thor's daughter, Thrud, will be replaced by teenage stars for season 2. If you've played God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok, this makes a certain amount of sense given that some 3-4 years pass between the two games, and Atreus visibly ages up between the two titles.

Callum Vinson (Chucky) is set to play Atreus in season 1, while Island Austin (Insidious: Out of the Further) has been cast as a young Thrud. Both actors are pre-teens, but season 2's casting descriptions, if correct, call for actors between 14 and 17 years old to play the aged-up pair – suggesting a significant time jump between seasons.

Last month, it was revealed that series lead Ryan Hurst is being replaced as Kratos after a serious bicep injury prevented The Odyssey star from completing production. According to reports, four episodes of the show had already been completed at the time of Hurst's injury, and will now be scrapped and re-shot with a new actor wielding the Leviathan Axe. It's unclear if seasons 1 and 2 will film back-to-back, as originally planned.

Prime Video's God of War TV show is set to adapt Sony Santa Monica's acclaimed God of War duology, set in the era of Norse myth. Alongside Vinson's Atreus, the show's cast includes Mandy Patinkin as Odin, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Max Parker as Heimdall, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Ed Skrein as Baldur, Sonya Walger as Freya, and Alastair Duncan, who's set to reprise his Mimir from the games. The search for a new Kratos continues.

God of War on Prime Video is currently undated. For more, check out the new PS5 games on the horizon, plus all the new TV shows coming your way in 2026 and beyond.

In the event that you haven’t been caught up in the heroic hubbub of a certain avenging arachnid’s return in Spider-Man: Brand New Day this week, then don’t worry. Contrary to what the internet might tell you, there are other things to watch and some of them from the comfort of your own home.

Yes, as is GamesRadar+’s weekly duty, we’ve piled together a nice batch of entertainment to keep you busy and, more importantly, entertained. We guarantee there’s something for everyone, whether you feel a spider tingle or not.

We’ve honestly got it all this week. Wince-inducing, star-studded dramedies? We’ve got just the thing with The Drama, which has made its way to HBO Max in a wonderfully cringeworthy manner. Then there’s the eye-watering animation in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which has popped up from a pipe and landed on Peacock. Then we’ve got the return of the Dark Knight in a very cool and ridiculously talented fashion with Batman: Caped Crusader, which is descending on Prime Video. Take that, Spider-Man.

The Drama

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

She might be having her day saved in the new Spider-Man movie, but Zendaya is wrecking one of her own making opposite Robert Pattinson in The Drama. Directed and written by Kristoffer Borgli, the film follows the very happy couple Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Pattinson), whose wedding prep takes a nosedive when a pretty shocking bit of history comes back to haunt this impending union.

A great team-up for the future stars of Dune: Messiah, Pattinson and Zendaya are in incredible form in a story that reveals a darkly hilarious side of marriage. Also, if you’ve made it this far without knowing their secret, we’d advise not to search for it. Watching it all unfold in real time really is the most painfully rewarding thing about it all, and what’s worse, it’ll spark an obvious conversation — what would you do in this situation? Give this a watch and see if it’s anything like your answer. We won’t judge.

Check out our guide to the best HBO Max movies for more essential viewing.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney+

For decades, the world has watched and waited to sit through another cinematic grilling from Miranda Priestley. Now, The Devil Wears Prada 2 finally arrived this year, and it’s catwalked over to Disney+ for you to enjoy. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the world of fashion journalism in the second chapter directed by David Frankel.

Perhaps the biggest surprise about this legacyquel is that underneath the camera flashes and overly expensive outfits, the film carries a strong and scary statement about the future of journalism. Getting the Runway team back together is all well and good, but what’s scary is how times have changed and the movie isn’t afraid to show it. Come for the laughs and the fashion icons, stay for the eye-opening decline of journalism as a whole. You’ll enjoy it, we promise.

Take a look at the 30 best movies on Disney Plus to watch right now

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Available: US
Where to watch: Peacock

The sequel to the most successful video game adaptation of all time has now arrived on Peacock in all its candy-colored, mushroom-molded splendor, and all we can do is warn you the kids might have this on loop for the next few weeks. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie reunites us with the heroic pair of plumbers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), who this time have to take to the stars when Bowser Junior (Benny Safdie) appears to retrieve his imprisoned dad, Bowser (Jack Black).

Marking the debut of Yoshi (Donald Glover) and transforming fan-favorite levels into stunning landscapes, this is a treasure trove for any video game lover and one worth pressing start on if you’ve ever eaten a mushroom and increased in size, or thrown a fireball at a turtle.

Check out our list of the best video game movies here.

Batman: Caped Crusader season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

After the impeccable and imaginative introduction to a different kind of Dark Knight, season 2 of Batman: Caped Crusader meets precisely the same standard as the original, with some genius character alterations to boot. Bruce Timm is on as showrunner once again, bringing Batman back to the crime-riddled streets of Gotham City with heavy crime-noir themes, and the storytelling feels just as strong as when Kevin Conroy voiced the hero. Hamish Linklater is back in the booth, bringing a different Bat to life, who is facing down more of DC’s legendary villains who are giving some brilliant alterations.

From a ruthless Riddler who doesn’t have a clue to a Joker that isn’t in the laughing mood, this version of Batman stands on its own and wonderfully so. In fact, some of the best episodes of this season are when Bruce Wayne’s vigilante is barely present, with the show instead shining a light on some of Gotham’s more overlooked characters. Give this a watch immediately and see how good your Batman voice is by the end of it all when it arrives on Prime Video on July 31.

Lioness season 3

Taylor Sheridan’s streaming supremacy continues this week with the return of his hard-edged and pulse-pounding military drama series, Lioness. Continuing to feel like Sicario: The Series, and is solid proof as to why Sheridan was the right choice to pen the Call of Duty movie. The new season sees Zoe Saldaña back in action as leader of the Lioness pack, Joe McNamara, once again getting close to the enemy and perhaps going too far this time around. With danger at her door, and operations going sideways on a regular basis, tensions are mounting higher than ever, all while Nicole Kidman’s CIA supervisor Kaitlyn Meade and Morgan Freeman’s Edwin Mullins send orders from the top.

Honestly, it looks like a preview of the highly anticipated video game adaptation, and the third season of Lioness doesn’t look to be holding back, packing an immense punch. Who will save the day? Who will survive? How many times will Joe complain to someone for getting up in her face? We’ll have to find out when the show arrives on August 2.

The Bombing of Pan AM 103

The big red N has another star-studded drama to add to your watchlist this week in the form of The Bombing of Pan AM 103. Created by showrunner and writer Jonathan Lee, the show chronicles the worst terrorist attack on Great Britain, which saw the explosion of Flight 103 in 1988. Sex Education’s Connor Swindells plays Scottish Detective Sergeant McCusker, aided by FBI Special Agent Dick Marquise, played by Suits star Patrick J. Adams. Primetime Emmy winner Merritt Wever also stars as Kathryn Turman, a special assistant to a Pennsylvania senator who helps those impacted by this tragedy.

Initially released in 2025 on BBC One, The Bombing of Pan AM 103 is a heartfelt and often harrowing watch. It’s also essential viewing, and with only six episodes, it makes a perfect choice for a weekend binge.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power showrunner says we won't be seeing much of the Harfoots in season 3 of the hit Prime Video show.

"It was time for them to take a little bit more of a backseat," co-showrunner J.D. Payne said in the issue of Empire. "But I will also say: never count a Halfling out."

We last saw the Harfoots in The Rings of Power season 2 episode 8, when Nori and Poppy were rescued by the Stranger... who, in a surprise twist, turned out to be none other than Gandalf.

The new season, however, jumps forward five years and takes us straight into the War of the Elves while Sauron, now the Dark Lord, works on crafting the One Ring. Per the official synopsis: "Now, all the free peoples of Middle-earth – Dwarves, Elves, Men, and Wizards alike – must find a way to come together, in a race against time to prevent Sauron from achieving his goal of utter domination of all life…"

It's also worth noting that the Harfoots have received some pretty mixed reviews from fans, with some saying that their overly jolly, cartoonish vibe is tonally different from the rest of the show. With how high the stakes are in season 3, however, it's easy to see why we wouldn't have time for another big Harfoot storyline (especially now that Gandalf has officially been introduced into the series).

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 is set to hit Prime Video on November 11, 2026, kicking off with four episodes. For more, check out our guide to the best Amazon Prime shows to watch right now.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 will cover several huge events in the canon, including focusing more on the "civil war brewing" in Numenor. As part of this storyline, the showrunners have confirmed that a major character will make an appearance: Elros.

Speaking to Empire magazine, Patrick McKay revealed that Elrond's brother Elros will appear in a flashback scene. He'll be played by Elrond star Robert Aramayo as well and it will reveal more about the founding of Numenor.

A half Elf, Elros was the first King of Numenor after choosing to live as a mortal after being given the choice by the Valor about which Kin he would rather belong to. He lived for 500 years, ruling Numenor for 410 of them, and founding the important Middle-earth kingdom.

Fun fact too, Elros' bloodline leads to Aragorn eventually, making him a hugely important part of the Lord of the Rings canon. The showrunners didn't reveal anything more about how Elros will be brought into the story, but Numenor's future is a hugely important storyline in the era that the Rings of Power is covering. We won't spoil anything here, but we expect it to play a big part in season 3 and the upcoming season 4 as well.

Aramayo's other role as Elrond will also be in a different place when the new season starts. He told Empire: "This season is an interesting one. Elrond's got his own little gaff now. He's got his own little place in Rivendell. I was really excited that the show was going to bring it in."

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 begins on November 11, 2026, kicking off with four episodes. For more, check out our guide to the best Amazon Prime shows to watch right now.

Good news Stephen King fans, it looks like we can put doubts over horror master Mike Flanagan's upcoming Carrie adaptation firmly to bed, as the show has earned extremely positive reviews from a select number of critics who were able to see the series premiere over two months early.

"I saw the first two episodes of Carrie today, and any doubts I might’ve had vanished just a few minutes in," said Slash Film's Bill Bria. "Mike Flanagan is working his adaptation magic once again. Summer H. Howell is heartbreakingly great as Carrie. Relevant, reverent, & surprising. Can’t wait for the rest!,"

Due to King's 1974 novel being on the shorter side, fans were concerned there wasn't enough material to stretch over eight episodes. However, it sounds as though Flanagan has it gold again. Mama's Geeky critic Tessa Smith added, "All I can say is WOW! This is not at all what you are expecting. It is absolutely incredible, and I am dying for the rest of the episodes. Summer H. Howell is phenomenal. Such a relevant exploration of this story."

Then, when the trailer arrived at SDCC 2026, many viewers didn't know what to make if the modern setting. But, Discussing Film's Tyler Taing stated that the modernization of the story works in its favour. "It’s a big departure for both the source material and Flanagan’s reputation as the keymaster of King’s stories. It’s a true modernization focusing on teenage anxieties and the cycle of violence in our digital age."

"Flanagan is aware many people hold this story near and dear to their hearts," added Taing. "But I find his motivation to peer at today’s issues through the lens of these characters really compelling even if these choices might be controversial. I’m definitely seated for the rest!"

The upcoming series is the fourth Carrie adaptation, following the original 1976 movie, and the 2002 and 2013 movies. The show is created, written, and showrun by Flanagan, with King himself on board as executive producer.

Alongside Summer Howell as Carrie, the show also stars Samantha Sloyan, Siena Agudong, Alison Thornton, Joel Oulette, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard.

Carrie hits Prime Video on October 7. For more, check out our guide to all the upcoming Stephen King movies and shows for everything else that's on the way.

Warhammer 40K's small-screen expansion got some big updates in the new annual report from Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree. First up, the upcoming Warhammer 40K TV series has enlisted the help of horror maestro Mike Flanagan, who was behind Netflix's Haunting of Hill House and the script for the upcoming Clayface.

Rountree confirmed he has completed "initial outlines" and "should soon be moving on to script". Henry Cavill and Vertigo are still involved, but the CEO makes clear that this will not be a quick process. "This is a long-term partnership with Amazon – and these adaptations will take years to bring successfully to market," he added, referring to "films and television series" that they're working on.

Another detail revealed in the annual report is that there is a Warhammer 40K animated series on the way. This will feature Space Marines – Deathwatch and is being written by Masters of the Air screenwriter John Orloff. No more revealed on that but it seems the Warhammer universe is taking its expansion onto the small screen seriously.

They will also have an episode in Amazon's Secret Level season 2, which will feature a story set in the Age of Signmar universe.

It's all quite a lot of information to take in from Games Workshop but it's reassuring to hear things are moving on the live-action series and beyond.

Cavill first announced the partnership with the company more than three years ago. "Together, we've been sifting through the plethora of incredible characters and poring over old tomes and texts," Cavill wrote on Instagram at the time. "Our combined efforts have led us to a fantastic place to start our Universe, which has been agreed upon by those up on high at both Amazon and Games Workshop. That starting place shall, for now, remain a secret."

For more, check out our guides to upcoming video game movies and our selection of the best Amazon Prime Video shows to stream now.

Even though most viewers going into the new adaptation will already know how Stephen King's Carrie goes, the first trailer for the upcoming Prime TV show gives a little too much away. However, one fan thinks they know why that may be.

"What if this is a 'Scott Pilgrim Takes Off' kind of adaptation where the entire plot of Carrie happens in episode one, and then it becomes about the aftermath?" said the fan on Twitter.

The first trailer, which you can see below, dropped this weekend at SDCC 2026, introducing fans to the modern version of the 1974 novel, with smartphones and all. However, to say this is the first trailer for a show that is set to release later this fall, it sure does show a lot, from the pivotal bathroom scene to Carrie's bloody prom dress.

The fan's theory does make sense. When the show was first announced, many King fans thought the story wouldn't be enough for a series, as the novel is on the shorter side by the author's standards, and fits feature length just fine. It also doesn't make sense for showrunner Mike Flanagan, best known for his horror shows The Haunting of Hill House, Bly Manor, and more, to let the cat out of the bag so early.

However, Flanagan may use the eight-episode series to explore Carrie's mental state, and the full effect that both bullying and living with an overbearing mother can have on a teen. As per Prime Video, "the series expands King’s cultural landmark — deepening its characters and tensions, and following the small, everyday choices that build toward a single, shattering night, in a gripping, deeply human story about kindness versus cruelty, and whether we’re witnessing the making of a hero, a monster, or something far more complicated."

We already know that the series will stray from the original tale in some ways, including when it is set. Unlike the novel or the original Carrie movie, Flanagan's Carrie White will have to deal with the pressures of social media on top of everything else. Nevertheless, horror fans should worry not, as King himself is on board as producer.

The show stars Summer Howell as Carrie, alongside Samantha Sloyan, Siena Agudong, Alison Thornton, Joel Oulette, Josie Totah, Arthur Conti, Thalia Dudek, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard.

Carrie hits Prime Video on October 7. For more, check out our guide to all the upcoming Stephen King movies and shows for everything else that's on the way.

According to Prime Video, Alan Ritchson's Jack Reacher is back and bigger than ever in Reacher season 4, which is just as well, as the first trailer shown at San Diego Comic-Con gives us a glimpse at his most dangerous mission yet.

The trailer, which you can watch above, opens with Alan Ritchson's ex-soldier sitting inside a subway car when he witnesses a woman end her own life. The police pick up Reacher for the crime, but soon after escaping their clutches, Reacher sets out to solve the death, which he thinks was suspicious. Reacher meets up with the woman's brother (Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette), who is adamant she didn't kill herself. From then on, the two are pulled into a dangerous web of criminal activity.

At one point, Reacher is told to walk away. But, of course, our favourite lucky hero does no such thing, as he is prepared to beat down as many bad guys as it takes to get to the bottom of the murder. However, it looks like season 4's villain has connections in high places, as Reacher's dedication to cracking the case quickly makes him a wanted man. Plus, it wouldn't be a season of Reacher without a romantic subplot thrown in, and it looks like Reacher will hook up with a young journalist played by AGNEZ MO.

The action series' fourth outing adapts author Lee Child's thirteenth Jack Reacher book, Home Tomorrow. The official synopsis from Prime Video reads, "When a chance encounter with a distraught stranger on a subway goes horribly wrong, Jack Reacher is drawn into a complex and deadly game that pits him against ruthless foes from the highest echelons of power."

Also at Comic Con, the Reacher and Neagley panel revealed the first trailer for the upcoming Frances Neagley spin-off. The trailer, which has since been shared by Prime Video on YouTube, gives us a glimpse of Reacher's once right-hand woman as she and her PI squad take down criminals connected to the death of her beloved friend.

Reacher season 4 starts streaming on Prime Video from August 12, and Neagley season 1 premieres right after on September 16. Stay up to date with this year's San Diego Comic-Con with our SDCC 2026 live blog and our SDCC 2026 schedule.

The Rings of Power season 3 will be jumping ahead five years when the Lord of the Rings show returns to Prime Video. According to co-showrunner Patrick McKay, this is actually an "advantage" for them and gives the show "a jolt of adrenaline".

Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, McKay said: "I mean, it's pure advantage. We love the idea that even if you've maybe never seen the first two seasons, season 3 is a great place to jump in because the stories are starting in a brand new spot. You know, if you're a fan who loved the first two seasons, that's wonderful, and now you can see where everybody has gone in five years."

He added at the roundtable attended by GamesRadar+: "This character is now friends with this character, and they've moved over here, and oh my gosh, the war seems to have been gone for a while here. An entire realm got built in Rivendell, an entire tower got built in Barad-dûr, in Mordor. So it's an opportunity to just kind of give your storytelling a jolt of adrenaline. Hit the ground running from the first minute of season 3 and hopefully never let up."

The Rings of Power season 3 trailer was released at San Diego Comic-Con and showed Sauron heading to Mordor to create the One Ring. It also introduced a whole new host of characters, including Jamie Campbell Bower's Celeborn, Galadriel's long-lost husband.

The new season begins on Prime Video on November 11 with a four-episode drop. Two episodes will then air weekly until the finale, which marks a very different approach to the show's previous release schedule. However, it does mean that it will be wrapped up by the time that Blade Runner 2099 begins on Prime Video on November 25.

For more from SDCC, check out our San Diego Comic-Con 2026 live coverage as well as our breakdown of the SDCC 2026 schedule.

Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell Bower is playing a notorious Lord of the Rings character in The Rings of Power season 3 as he steps into Celeborn's shoes. The Elven warrior is Galadriel's husband, but he has been absent from the story so far.

It's now been confirmed that this will be addressed in the new season through an "epic" flashback. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con, co-showrunner Patrick McKay shared the insight, explaining how we'll see a new side to Galadriel in the upcoming third season.

"You've gotten to know Galadriel as one character over multiple seasons, but whenever there's anyone who's really important in your life, that person brings out other qualities in you, and you see different things when someone is with someone that they really love," he tells GamesRadar+ and other press at a roundtable. "So bringing in Celeborn, you start to see this whole other part of Galadriel."

McKay added: "We're going to go back to the First Age when they first met in this really romantic, beautiful, epic scene. And then we're going to understand what has happened to her and why she has had this descent that she has had in the time since he's been gone. And then getting to see him come back again, you'll see again a totally different part of her begin to come out and flourish."

We do see a glimpse of this scene in The Rings of Power season 3 trailer, as Galadriel and Celeborn dance in a forest, surrounded by golden lights. The pair have been separated for hundreds of years when he returns in season 3 and he must join the fight quickly against the rising darkness.

For more on what's been revealed at SDCC, check out our San Diego Comic-Con 2026 live coverage and our SDCC 2026 schedule.

One of the biggest ongoing mysteries in The Rings of Power will be answered early on in season 3. The identity of Ciarán Hinds' Dark Wizard will be revealed in the new season, showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay have confirmed.

When asked by GamesRadar+ at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 whether we'll be finding out his identity, Payne promised: "We are! That's all we can say." Then his co-showrunner McKay gave an even more intriguing tease: "You'll find out, and you might find out sooner than you think."

It seems like we won't be waiting too long then into The Rings of Power season 3 to finally have some answers. While they didn't reveal the exact timings, the first four episodes will be released at once on November 11 so we're guessing there may be some big reveals in there.

There has been a lot of speculation about who the Dark Wizard really is, with some even wondering if he was Gandalf before the Stranger's big reveal. However, we know who he definitely isn't: Lord of the Rings character Saruman. .

"Well, I wonder if we can make news on this one. We can say definitively he is not Saruman. Definitively, 100% he is not," McKay told GamesRadar+ after season 2, while Payne teased: "I think we can say we do know who he is."

Elsewhere during our conversation at SDCC, the showrunners also teased their plans for season 3 – and where it stands in their timeline. "We always thought of this as one, five-season story that aspires to the epic, or even the mega-epic," McKay explained at a roundtable attended by GamesRadar+. "And when you watch any story or read any book at first you're not sure who's who. Is that a bad guy is that a good guy, what's their agenda, what's that person's real identity sometimes? That's always how things unfold."

He continued: "As we thought about the first two seasons, we thought about them as the first act of a huge three-act story, and sometimes in the first act you don't know who everybody is yet. But now the joy of a third season is actually, everybody's out in the open. The masks are off. We have full metal, evil dark lord Sauron. We have Gandalf appearing much more similar to his iconic, third age, novelistic appearance. And those are just the gifts that keep on giving as storytellers."

For more, check out the new The Rings of Power season 3 trailer. You can also follow along with out San Diego Comic Con 2026 live coverage and our SDCC 2026 schedule to not miss a moment.

Blade Runner 2099 is almost here, and thanks to a bunch of recent news that just dropped during San Diego Comic-Con, excitement for the next outing in the sci-fi series is at an all-time high.

While Blade Runner started with Ridley Scott's 1982 movie, the upcoming show is a sequel to the second flick in the franchise, Denis Villeneuve's Blade Runner 2049. That movie came out all the way back in 2017, so yeah, it has been a good long bit of waiting for the follow-up for all of us Relpicant fans. Blade Runner 2099 was also announced all the way back in 2021, so seeing a bunch of recent updates arrive as part of the SDCC 2026 schedule was a welcome surprise, and I've gathered all the new details and information you need to know right here.

From the Blade Runner 2099 release date, plot details, casting news, and more, here is a complete breakdown on everything that you need to know about Amazon Prime's upcoming Blade Runner 2099 TV show.

Blade Runner 2099 release date speculation

Blade Runner 2099 will be released on Prime Video on November 25, 2026.

The news was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. During the panel, Amazon also mentioned Rings of Power season 3 (which also releases in November 2026), so it seems like the streamer was keen to highlight a big fall schedule.

Blade Runner 2099 plot

The official plot has been released for Blade Runner 2099, which is set 50 years after the previous movie. "Welcome to a future we no longer control," reads the tagline which teases how much the world has changed since that film. A war has taken place between the humans and the replicants, and the humans have lost.

Now the replicants are in charge and the humans are the second-class citizens. Hunter Schafer plays Cora, a human, opposite Michelle Yeoh's replicant Blade Runner named Olwen. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner confirmed that Cora and Olwen will be working together in the new show.

"Hunter is playing a human who is a fugitive and has spent her life running from Blade Runners," Silka Luisa said. "And now has to pretend to be one. In this struggle to survive and just trying to live day-to-day, she’s actually lost her humanity. So she’s a human who has lost her humanity. And the question for the series is: Once you’ve lost her humanity, can you regain it?"

Olwen and Cora will be working together and investigating the missing rogue replicants — and this being Blade Runner, don’t expect any of the answers they find to be simple or expected.

I'll keep you posted as soon as more news breaks, but for now you can check out our list of the best sci-fi movies to watch in the meantime.

Is there a Blade Runner 2099 trailer

The trailer for Blade Runner 2099 came our way during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, during the Prime Video panel. You can watch it for yourself above.

In the clip, we get our first look at futuristic LA as well as Schafer and Yeoh in action. So far, it looks stunning. It shows a grim post-war world where the humans are at the mercy of the replicants. I'm excited to see even more teasers in the future. Hopefully, we get more story details in the next trailer, but for now, the sci-fi vibe has been perfectly captured here.

Blade Runner 2099 cast

Currently, there have been quite a few Blade Runner 2099 casting announcements, the two biggest being Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer as the two leading roles. However, many character details and names are undisclosed right now. I'm still waiting to see if we get any familiar characters being recast or mentioned, so watch this space.

Here is the confirmed Blade Runner 2099 cast list so far:

• Michelle Yeoh as Olwen
• Hunter Schafer as Cora
• Dimitri Abold
• Lewis Gribben
• Katelyn Rose Downey
• Daniel Rigby
• Johnny Harris
• Amy Lennox
• Sheila Atim
• Matthew Needham
• Tom Burke
• Maurizio Lombardi
• Hugo Hamlet

Is Blade Runner 2099 connected to the Blade Runner movies?

Good news: Blade Runner 2099 is indeed connected to the two Blade Runner movies, taking place in the same universe and 50 years after the events of the 2017 movie, Blade Runner 2017.

This means that the Blade Runner 2049 ending is canon for the series, so I'd highly recommend giving that a rewatch before you dive in. I won't get into spoilers here, but that film does set up a lot of context around the state of humanity as well as how Replicants are treated. I'm sure that the series will give newcomers who haven't seen the films some kind of context, but for the full picture, watching the movies for yourself is likely going to be the best route.

Also, Ridley Scott is an executive producer on the series, so we can rest easy knowing that he'll likely make sure canon is followed.

Additionally, according to producer Andrew Kosove, the new series will have "connective tissue and character and storylines that relate to the first two movies," but you won't need to know them to enjoy it.

Speaking at SDCC, showrunner Silka Luisa also teased the difference between the previous movies and Blade Runner 2099. "2019 was dark and rainy. 2049 was snowy and cold," she said. "Our show is a rebirth. It's the rebirth of a city, it's a rebirth of all of our characters, and so to me that felt like it should be hot and sticky and chaotic, and that's where we got the idea for the 'sunshine noir,' and so you're you're seeing Blade Runner, Ridley's Blade Runner, but through the lens of hard sunlight and deep shadow where you still have neons, and hopefully that feels like it's both familiar but completely different."

While we wait for more Blade Runner news, you can head over to our list of the best shows on Amazon Prime to stream right now. Or, look ahead with our round-up of the best new TV shows on the way.

Simon Pegg's Balrog will be "an intelligent, strategic, dangerous adversary" in The Rings of Power season 3.

Balrog, voiced by Pegg, was teased at the tail-end of The Rings of Power's second season, where the Mines of Moria – and King Durin's madness – uncovered the fiery creature lying in wait.

But whereas most Tolkien and Lord of the Rings fans may know him as the one who fought Gandalf in an epic duel, The Rings of Power's latest season will seemingly show a new side to the fearsome foe.

"So, creatures in Tolkien talk, full stop. And the Balrog is not just a monster; it's not a mindless beastie. This is an intelligent, strategic, dangerous adversary, and we think of him as a character," co-showrunner Patrick McKay teases at The Rings of Power's Hall H panel at SDCC 2026 – with GamesRadar+ in attendance.

"And every season, we want to show a different side of him, a different facet of him that you've never seen before. And we are crazy, stupid, or wild enough to imagine that this season he should have a scene with Sauron."

Perhaps teasing a spark that would soon become Sauron's meddling in Mount Doom, McKay adds. "I don't want to give away the game, but you know Balrogs know how to live in fire and be on fire and live. And if Sauron goes into a volcano to forge a ring, that might be a kind of dark magic that he would need to understand. He essentially goes to the Balrog to try to learn this power, and it also found a really cool opportunity to show another side of Sauron's character. Because Sauron is a Maiar, he's constantly interacting with people who are, in some ways, just a different class of being than him. The Balrog is the same class of being, so it's Maiar versus Maiar in this, and it's something that Sauron generally has to respect."

The Rings of Power season 3 premieres on Prime Video on November 11. Stay up to date with this year's San Diego Comic-Con with our SDCC 2026 live blog and our SDCC 2026 schedule.

The first trailer for The Rings of Power season 3 is finally here, and it's sees Sauron crafting the One Ring to rule them all.

Beginning with Mount Doom, the trailer promises the most dramatic season yet as we see the Dark Lord begin the task, stating, "Now is the mightly hour come." Much of the first focuses on Sauron's journey to creating the One Ring as Middle-earth tries to battle the rising darkness. Elsewhere, we see Celeborn and Galadiel reunite, Gandalf warning about death to come, and epic battles on the way. "The shadow rises in Middle-earth, how would you like to rise with it?" Sauron asks.

The trailer dropped during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, and it wasn't the only thing revealed in the Lord of the Rings show's panel.

Excitingly, some major casting news also dropped. Eddie Marsan will play King Durin IV's older brother Thrain, Andrew Richardson will play Elendil's son and Isildur's brother Anarion, while Adam Young is Marnûkh, billed intriguingly as "a mysterious Orc who may not be what he seems."

Most excitingly of all, however, is the reveal that the Balrog will return, and it'll speak for the first time. And, it'll be voiced by none other than Simon Pegg.

The official synopsis for season 3 reads: "Middle-earth is at war. Five years have passed since the fall of Eregion. Sauron's armies have marched across the whole of the world, conquering all in their path. Only a few isolated pockets stand between the Dark Lord and total victory – Khazad-dûm, where the Dwarves are now sealed deep within their mountain halls, and the elven realms of Lindon and Rivendell, which are protected by their Three Rings. But deep in the land of Mordor, in his newly completed tower of Barad-dûr, the Dark Lord toils day and night, obsessed with harnessing a power that will bring the last of his enemies to their knees: One Ring to rule them all...

"Now, all the free peoples of Middle-earth – Dwarves, Elves, Men, and Wizards alike – must find a way to come together, in a race against time to prevent Sauron from achieving his goal of utter domination of all life…"

The Rings of Power season 3 arrives on Prime Video this November 11 with four episodes dropping at once. Then, episodes 5 and 6 arrive on November 18, and finally the remaining two episodes land on November 25.

While you wait, check out our guides to the most exciting upcoming shows and upcoming movies, as well as our SDCC 2026 schedule, SDCC 2026 live-blog, and SDCC 2026 predictions to make sure you don't miss a second of the action in San Diego.

Blade Runner 2099 didn't just get a first trailer and a release date at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, the showrunner also gave us an interesting tease about where it stands in relation to the rest of the franchise.

"2019 was dark and rainy. 2049 was snowy and cold," showrunner Silka Luisa said at the panel, attended by GamesRadar+. "Our show is a rebirth. It's the rebirth of a city, it's a rebirth of all of our characters, and so to me that felt like it should be hot and sticky and chaotic, and that's where we got the idea for the 'sunshine noir,' and so you're you're seeing Blade Runner, Ridley's Blade Runner, but through the lens of hard sunlight and deep shadow where you still have neons, and hopefully that feels like it's both familiar but completely different."

The new Prime Video takes place 50 years after Blade Runner 2049 where a war has happened "and the humans have lost". The official synopsis reads, "Our worst fears imagined. The replicants are now the power brokers of the city. And humans are the second-class citizens."

Producer Andrew Kosove also promised that you can come in fresh to this series, without needing to have seen what's come before. "They will see connective tissue and character and storylines that relate to the first two movies," he added. "At the same time, this was designed in a way such that if you're not deeply ingrained in the first two pictures, you can pick this up very easily and connect to it. It's not. This is not meant to be inside baseball. This is indeed meant to bring in a whole new generation of fans."

Michelle Yeoh, Hunter Schafer, Tom Burke, and Dimitri Abold, who were all at the panel. The official synopsis reads, "And between 2049 and 2099, that's happened. So the war has happened and the humans have lost. Our worst fears imagined. The replicants are now the power brokers of the city. And humans are the second-class citizens."

Blade Runner 2099 comes out on November 25, 2026.

To make sure you don't miss anything else from SDCC, read our SDCC schedule 2026 and our San Diego Comic-Con 2026 live coverage.

As we head closer to the end of July, plenty more movies and shows are being added to your favorite streaming services. However, it can be a bit of an intimidating task working out what's new and what's worth watching. That's where we come in. We've trawled all the new releases to bring you a list of the best things to watch this weekend.

In our list below, we'll take you through six new movies and shows that will keep you hooked, covering every genre from action to comedy. Starting off strong, two recent movie releases are heading to streaming, just a few months after they arrived in theaters. Masters of the Universe, the new He-Man movie, is heading to Prime Video. Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 2 is arriving on HBO Max, lining you up for a fantasy franchise heavy weekend of viewing. Elsewhere, Apple TV have released The Dink, a new sports comedy.

If you're looking for a series to binge instead then Paramount Plus has released a new season of crime thriller The Crow Girl that has been landing rave reviews. Netflix also has a second season of its beloved Western Ransom Canyon to enjoy. Finally, MCU star Tom Hiddleston is also fronting a new show for Disney Plus all about the history of Pompeii.

Read on for our complete guide to the best new shows and movies streaming this week.

The Dink

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV+

A tennis comedy from the creators of Dodgeball? Sign us up. Apple TV has a new movie starring New Girl star Jake Johnson as a washed-up tennis player. Forced to try and save his dad's local club, he ends up having to learn the sport of pickleball, much to his consternation.

The movie also stars Ben Stiller (who is on board as a producer), Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, and Chloe Fineman. The comedy chops don't stop there as the movie boasts Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar director Josh Greenbaum behind the camera too. Full of heart and laughs, The Dink is perfect escapism and is available to stream now.

See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Apple TV Plus.

Mortal Kombat 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

It doesn't feel like long ago that Mortal Kombat 2 was out in theaters but it's already heading to HBO Max. The sequel to the much-maligned first Mortal Kombat movie won over critics with its fresh take on the story. This time around, new characters joined (including Karl Urban's Johnny Cage and Adeline Rudolph as Kitana) as we finally headed to the arena for some real fights.

Our Mortal Kombat 2 review gave it 3 stars, praising its bloodthirsty action. As our reviewer writes, "Karl Urban adds irreverent energy as a post-Deadpool Johnny Cage, while the all-important fights mostly deliver the goods." You can stream it on HBO Max now.

Check out our guide to the best HBO Max movies for more essential viewing.

Masters of the Universe

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Prime Video

Another new release is hitting streaming platforms this week too as Masters of the Universe arrives on Prime Video. Starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, the movie follows him as he returns to his home planet to take on his destiny as He-Man. However, he'll first have to fight the evil forces of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto.

Masters of the Universe is a ton of fun if you're looking for laughs and escapism this weekend. Galitzine really gives his all as the beloved hero and Leto brings an unexpected energy to legendary villain Skeletor. If that wasn't enough to convince you, our Masters of the Universe review praised how it "never takes itself seriously" and feels true to its source material. You can stream it now on Prime Video.

Our list of the best Prime Video movies is stacked with quality entertainment.

Ransom Canyon season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Netflix's Western romance Ransom Canyon is back with new episodes this weekend. Following Staten (played by Josh Duhamel) and Quinn (Minka Kelly), the drama picks up with the pair chasing new ventures to try and bring some life back to Ransom Canyon's dwindling ranches.

The second outing has slightly fewer episodes but all eight are available to stream now. The first season had a mixed response from critics who compared it to the juggernaut Western Yellowstone, but it has developed a cult following of fans who adore the romance and the drama it brings to the screen. If you're looking for a perfect excuse to get lost in a diverting story, then look no further.

See what else we recommend with our guide to the best movies on Netflix.

Pompeii: Out of Time

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

It's always a treat to see Tom Hiddleston back on our screens. Fresh of the Loki star having a brief cameo in the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, he's fronting a new Disney Plus history series. Called Pompeii: Out of Time, the three part show sees Hiddleston team up with scholars to dissect what really happened during the eruption of Vesuvius.

Reviews have been very positive, praising the documentary filmmaking as thrilling and witty. The Guardian even called it "a low-key tearjerker" as it takes viewers through the heroism of ordinary people on that fateful day. You can stream all episodes now.

Here's our round-up of the best shows on Disney Plus.

The Crow Girl season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Paramount Plus

Based on the book series by Erik Axl Sund, the Paramount Plus drama The Crow Girl is back for a second season. Starring Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly as DCI Jeanette Kilburn and Dr Sophia Craven, the second outing follows the pair as they're drawn into another investigation.

Reviews have been praising this dark serial killer drama, which is perfect for fans of noir thrillers. Myles and Kelly are also fantastic as the central duo who's relationship evolves in unexpected ways. The entire season is available to stream now, perfect for a weekend binge.

For what else is coming out this year, check out our guide to all the upcoming movies you need to know about.

The Rings of Power season 3 is releasing later this year and will showcase one of the most pivotal moments for Middle-earth. The showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne confirmed that the forging of the One Ring will play a big part in the upcoming episodes.

Speaking to Empire Magazine, McKay explained: "This is the season where Sauron makes the One Ring in the volcano." Adding that filming it was "the single most ambitious, technically challenging sequence we’ve ever done on the show. Charlie’s performance is absolutely staggering. We never could have prepared for it."

Now that is some statement for a show that last year staged a multi-episode battle that took weeks to film. We're expecting big things then from the moment Sauron turns full villain this year – and actor Charlie Vickers also told the publication how excited he is for it.

He added: "The first day I walked onto that set, I cried. "What an amazing privilege and honor to be able to tell that story."

We're still several months away from the third season, but news is starting to come in thick and fast ahead of the San Diego Comic-Con panel (check out our SDCC 2026 schedule for when that is).

We recently got our first look at Gandalf in his hat too in an unexpected way. There's also been news that a fourth season is already in the works, reportedly, and filming could begin pretty soon.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 begins on November 11. For more, check out our list of the new TV shows arriving in 2026 and our selection of the best shows on Prime Video right now.

After two years of 'is he, isn't he', The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 will go full Gandalf after season 2 finally confirmed that Daniel Weyman's Stranger was, in fact, the grey wizard all along. And now we have our first glimpse of Weyman in full Istar garb… thanks to an ad on the side of a San Diego Comic-Con tram.

As snapped by SD_Comic_Con over on Twitter, the image features Weyman sporting a familiar-looking hat and holding Gandalf's instantly recognizable gnarled staff. The beard, of course, is still intact. Check it out below.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 is set for a full reveal at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, with Weyman, Sauron star Charlie Vickers and showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne among those set to appear during Saturday's panel. Prime Video is pairing the Rings of Power panel with a first look at their sci-fi sequel series Blade Runner 2099, making it one of the convention's hottest tickets. We'll be reporting live from the ground. Head over to our constantly updating San Diego Comic-Con 2026 schedule to make sure you don't miss a minute.

The Rings of Power returns to screens this November. A first look at season 3 was released in May, featuring Vickers' Sauron wearing Morgoth's Iron Crown, seemingly Annatar no more. Exact plot details are currently thin on the ground, but we do know season 3 is set to feature a time jump following the events of season 2, and will take place at the height of the War of the Elves and Sauron.

The Rings of Power season 2 ended with the Stranger finally learning his true identity after much soul-searching across Middle-earth, and Sauron securing all nine rings for himself after defeating Galadriel. There are also some interesting newcomers joining the cast this season, including Deadpool 2's Eddie Marsan, Andrew Richardson and Stranger Things star Jamie Campbell-Bower. We don't know who they're playing yet, but Campbell-Bower has been teasing fans about his mystery character.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 begins on November 11. San Diego Comic-Con 2026 kicks off on July 23. Check out our list of all the new TV shows arriving in 2026 and beyond, as well as our round-up of the best shows on Prime Video right now.

Shock news from Svartalfheim: actor Ryan Hurst will no longer play Kratos in Prime Video's God of War TV show after suffering a significant injury during production on the live-action video game adaptation.

Hurst, who can currently be seen on-screen as Mentor in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, reportedly tore a bicep in late June. Due to the lengthy recovery time involved with such an injury (typically 6 months), the physicality required to play a god-killer like Kratos, and the show's production schedule, the decision has been made to recast the lead role and reshoot the four episodes filmed so far.

It's another blow for the God of War show, which was faced with widespread scepticism following the release of a first-look still in February, now likely to be our only glimpse of Hurst in full Kratos garb, alongside Callum Vinson as his bow-wielding son, Atreus.

Vinson is just 12 years old, and in order to avoid the kind of on-screen growth spurts that have plagued the likes of Stranger Things and Avatar: The Last Airbender, the God of War show was set to film seasons one and two back-to-back. Reshooting the four episodes banked so far is considered a necessity to avoid a visible difference between footage of Vinson captured earlier this year and new material.

There's currently no news on who will step into the hulking boots of Kratos, but filming is on track to resume in mid-October, making it likely that the show won't release till 2028 or late 2027 at the earliest.

An adaptation of the acclaimed Santa Monica Studio's duology – God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok – the show will seemingly mix up the timeline somewhat as it's set to feature the likes of Odin (Mandy Patinkin), Thor (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), Heimdall (Max Parker) and Sif (Teresa Palmer), who don't fully feature until Ragnarok, alongside first-game figures including Baldur (Ed Skrein), Mimir (Alastair Duncan), and Freya (Sonya Walger). No word yet if Daredevil's Deborah Ann Woll will reprise her Faye from the games alongside her starring role in God of War: Laufey.

God of War on Prime Video is currently undated. For more, check out the new PS5 games on the horizon, plus all the new TV shows coming your way in 2026 and beyond.

The Fallout TV show may have a fair few fans as one of Prime Video's most popular shows, but one game writer wishes the scripts were a little tighter. Fallout 2 and Fallout: New Vegas writer and Obsidian co-founder Chris Avellone recently shared his take on the video game adaptation, admitting that he feels "embarrassed" by some of the dialogue.

"I kind of wish the game writing for TV shows like that where they're mimicking a game, would kind of elevate a bit," he told Insider Gaming. "[Cyberpunk] Edgerunners was really cool, no problems there but sometimes I just wish the script quality on the Fallout TV show was a little higher. I guess I feel embarrassed when I see some of the lines being done but it's a fun show."

Avellone, who has also worked on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, was pushed on why he thinks the script isn't quite there. "I don't mean to put all Hollywood writers in this category but I think some of them still struggle with, 'Okay, well I'm writing a game franchise and obviously those game writers didn't really know what they were doing because I'm a respected Hollywood writer and I know how these things are supposed to look,'" he added.

"So I think for some of them it's really easy to dismiss that work and go in their own direction which they think is more solid but the problem is when they do that they don't have any real sense of, they probably haven't played Fallout 3 or Fallout 4 or New Vegas, so a lot of the context has gone and so have opportunities."

The video game writer and designer does love the cast of the series though, saying seeing Walton Goggins as The Ghoul was "amazing" as "he added a lot of legitimacy to the show". Equally, he feels that Lucy star Ella Purnell "has the right features and cast and delivery for being a naive Vault dweller with a little bit of steel in there".

Filming recently kicked off on Fallout season 3. Goggins confirmed the news with a picture of him back in the make-up chair, and some fans have spotted the crew filming in Colorado. There's no confirmed release date yet, but we'll keep you updated on the show's return.

In the meantime, check out our guides to the best Prime Video shows and the best Prime Video movies to watch right now.

The Ghost in the Shell director Toma Kimura, professionally known as Mokochan, says he prayed to an imaginary version of original manga creator Masamune Shirow while developing the new adaptation.

"I would pray to this imaginary version of Shirow that emerged from my reading of the manga," Mokochan told WIRED Japan. "Then, after about three days, the answer would just quietly appear. At that point, it no longer mattered whether the answer came from my own inner thoughts or from my interpretation of the source material. That’s what I mean by spiritual communion."

Masamune penned the Ghost in the Shell manga, which debuted in 1989. The 1995 anime movie adaptation, directed by Mamoru Oshii, is widely considered one of the best anime movies of all time... so I absolutely understand praying to an imaginary Masamune for guidance. The Western live-action adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson, however, wasn't the most well-received (but we don't need to talk about that).

Per the official synopsis from Prime Video, the new Ghost in the Shell is set in a near-future "where information networks envelop the world and advanced cyborg technology has enabled the creation of a cyberbrain" and tells "the story of the full-body cyborg Motoko Kusanagi and the combat unit she leads in the fight against cybercrime."

Ghost in the Shell is airing now on Prime Video. Keep up to date with our Ghost in the Shell release schedule. For more on what to watch, check out our guide to the best anime to watch this year and keep up with new anime.

Ghost in the Shell lends itself to remakes more perhaps than any other manga to date.

The original story, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, is set in a world where identity and consciousness are no longer defined by the physical. Technology in this cyberpunk future has developed to the point where people now possess cyberbrains that allow them to interface with various networks and therefore inhabit different artificial forms, remoulding themselves each time.

The same is true of Mamoru Oshii's 1995 movie adaptation which arrived in theaters five years after the manga ended. Considered a box-office failure upon release, the film has since been heralded as a sci-fi classic, even though it deviated wildly in tone from the story that inspired it.

While Shirow's original work was funny and even goofy at points, this energy was redirected into a quieter, philosophical meditation on the meaning of life itself in the film. Subsequent adaptations largely stuck to this tone, including Oshii's more ponderous sequel, although Kenji Kamiyama's Stand Alone Complex dived further into political intrigue. The less said about Netflix's poorly-conceived SAC 2045, the better.

Fluidity is as integral to this franchise as wires and circuitry are to its dystopian future, yet even within this constant state of evolution, it took hitting a hard factory reset to now give us what might be the best version of Ghost in the Shell yet.

A new approach

Like previous adaptations, the vast sci-fi world of Science Saru's new Ghost in the Shell is centred by Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg who leads the elite tactical unit Public Security Section 9 in their fight against cybercrime and terrorism. With help from a fellow cyborg named Batou, Kusanagi eventually comes into conflict with a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master who can control the cybernetic minds of others from afar for his own nefarious gains.

This fundamental wiring connects every version of Ghost in the Shell, no matter where their thematic emphasis might lean, but the most radical take on Kusanagi yet is the one that ends up being most faithful to the original story.

Leaning into the manga's spiritual roots, Science Saru draws heavily from the humor and lighthearted tone that initially defined this world in their new adaptation, giving us a new take on Ghost in the Shell that's never been seen on screen before.

The weighty existentialism that's become the default for this franchise has now taken a back seat in favor of jokes and even some slapstick comedy. While that might sound like an affront to what Ghost in the Shell has become known for, watching Kusanagi and her team bicker mid-firefight actually grounds this series with a newfound humanity which speaks to themes around identity in a very different, yet no less relevant way.

Key to this is how the remake rewires Kusanagi herself, transforming our introspective, incredibly serious lead into someone far more spunky in her approach to crimefighting.

This version of Kusanagi isn't afraid to tell you what she thinks, quick to crack jokes or blow up when things aren't going her way. "This is why I hate letting insensitive jerk wads into my brain," she says at one point, teasing her bestie Batou. Play your cards wrong and Kusanagi might even hack your ghost to make you punch yourself in the face.

But there's a lot of love there for her team still, and episode two even throws some physical loving her way, sexualising Kusanagi in ways that give her agency rather than just ogle at her body from afar (as has so often been the case in previous adaptations).

Although some areas of the fandom might be less than willing to embrace such change, this is far from a betrayal. Science Saru were in constant contact with the creator of Ghost in the Shell, regularly asking Shirow questions to ensure that the story was in line with his original vision.

That's also true of the animation, which harkens back to the manga with exaggerated features and retro vibes that feel like they've been lifted directly from the pages of Young Magazine Zōkan: Kaizokuban (where Ghost in the Shell first appeared circa 1989).

Human nature

The character work is more expressive, matching the new energy this remake brings, and the colors are far more vibrant too. Early on in episode one, there's a scene where bright red robotic devices shine under the sun that streams through branches of cherry blossom trees as they shed their petals overhead, creating a gorgeous vista that's miles removed from the cold tech-noir cityscapes this franchise is usually known for. Those still exist though, of course. It's just that the remake brings more variety and intriguing use of light to its palette.

And it's not like the serious undertones of Kusanagi's mission are absent entirely. Those bursts of color sometimes come with bursts of pixelated blood in a series where violence remains intrinsic to said mission. The members of Public Security Section 9 regularly fight for their lives in explosive gunfights where death, be it the death of a human or the destruction of their cybernetic shell, is commonplace throughout.

This again brings into question what it means to be a human, how technology can lead us further from our essence, or our "ghosts", if you will. Such concerns are threaded into wider, even more timely issues around corruption, human experimentation and the abuse of AI, which, while always present in the franchise, are accentuated further here. So this is very much a Ghost in the Shell story still, perhaps more so than any other adaptation so far given Science Saru's dogmatic faithfulness to the original text.

Such an approach doesn't automatically guarantee success though. Where the remake succeeds most is in how it balances all this so well, finding humor within dystopia without sacrificing the tension and extreme violence that's inherent to this property. Like they've done so effectively in Dandadan, Science Saru brings seemingly disparate tones together with what feels like ease, enhanced of course by the world-class visuals and voice-acting you'd expect from a studio of such repute.

Who knew that a humorous take on Ghost in the Shell would turn out to be one of this year's biggest and best surprises? And even more surprisingly, who knew that this would turn out to be one of the rare remakes that justifies its existence by being more faithful to the original, not less? Ghost in the Shell continues to subvert expectations even now, 37 years after Shirow first put pen to paper, but that's incredibly fitting for a franchise long defined by change.

Ghost in the Shell episode 1 is out now on Prime Video. Make sure you don't miss a moment with our The Ghost in the Shell release schedule. We've also got a list of the best shows on Prime Video to keep you busy too.

The Boys season 5 didn't snag any Emmy nominations in the acting department this year, despite submitting a whopping 28 of its actors.

Per Gold Derby, the hit Prime Video show submitted lead actors Antony Starr, Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, and Karen Fukuhara, as well as supporting actors Laz Alonso, Tomer Capone, Chace Crawford, Jessie T. Usher, Nathan Mitchell, Daveed Diggs, Jensen Ackles, Susan Heyward, Colby Minifie, and Valorie Curry.

But that's not all: guest stars Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Elisabeth Shue, Paul Reiser, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Seth Rogen, Kumail Nanjiani, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Will Forte, John Noble, Cameron Crovetti, Giancarlo Esposito, and Samuel L. Jackson (who provided the voice for a shark named Xander) were submitted as well.

The show did, however, earn five Emmy nominations overall:Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for Oh Father's song 'Raise Him Up,' Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi costumes, Outstanding Sound Editing, Outstanding Music Supervision, and Outstanding Stunt Coordination. The Boys season 5 joins non-satirical superhero shows Peacemaker season 2 and Spider-Noir in the Outstanding Stunts category.

Though this may be the end for the main cast of The Boys, we still have two spin-offs on the way: The Boys: Mexico and Vought Rising.

The Boys season 5 is now streaming in full on Prime Video. For more, check out our The Boys season 5 episode 8 finale recap, our take on the episode in our The Boys season 5 finale review, and all the details about what's next in Vought Rising.

If you're looking for the best new shows and movies to stream this weekend, then you've come to the right place. We've got recommendations from across the spectrum of streaming services, meaning whatever you subscribe to, we've got you covered.

Highlights this week include the return of animated series X-Men '97 on Disney Plus, the third film in the Enola Holmes franchise on Netflix, and horror-comedy sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (though we're still mad it wasn't called Ready or Not: Here I Come).

It's a corking July 4 weekend for the best streaming services around, with more than enough to fill a long weekend's viewing, between trips to the BBQ. So read on for our streaming picks of the week, and where to find them.

X-Men '97 season 2

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Disney Plus

Marvel's nostalgic animated revival continues with X-Men '97 season 2. The first three episodes dropped this week, perfect for immersing yourself back in a world of mutant mayhem, with further episodes set to release weekly on Wednesdays. Be sure to bookmark our X-Men '97 season 2 release schedule, so you never miss an episode.

Picking up moments after that jaw-dropping season 1 cliffhanger, season 2 sees the X-Men spread across time in the battle against original mutant Apocalypse. It's been two years since season 1, so if you're feeling a little lost, be sure to check out our X-Men '97 season 1 recap, or check out our spoiler-free X-Men '97 season 2 review for our verdict on the first four episodes (spoiler: we liked it a lot).

For more on what to watch, here's our guide to the best shows on Disney Plus.

Silo season 3

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Apple TV

Apple's post-apocalyptic mystery show is back for its third, and penultimate, season. After venturing outside the silo in season 2 and discovering that they were not alone, Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) now faces a different struggle – ol' memory loss.

OK, so a bit of a cliched start for Silo season 3, but after two seasons of questions, the show is finally set to provide answers, with a dual timeline flashing back to the creation of the silos themselves. The best news is that a fourth and final season has already been shot, so there's no risk of being left hanging.

For what else to watch, here's our pick of the best Apple TV shows.

Enola Holmes 3

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

Enola Holmes is back! Sherlock's younger sister, played by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, is about to wed Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) in Malta when her crime-solving big brother – once again played by Henry Cavill – disappears. So it's up to Enola to solve the case of the missing Holmes, and expose the shadowy conspirators pulling the strings.

Enola Holmes has proven one of Netflix's more successful ongoing film franchises. This latest entry is once again written by prolific screenwriter Jack Thorne, who has enlisted his acclaimed Adolescence collaborator Phlip Barantini as director, so impressive credentials behind the camera. Here's to many more cases!

Fill out your watchlist with our guide to the best Netflix movies

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney Plus

The sequel to 2019 horror-comedy Ready or Not is another fun, frantic spin on the most dangerous game, as returning survivor Grace (Samara Weaving) again finds herself being hunted for ritualistic sport by the council of elite families. The twist this time: Grace's estranged sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton) is also part of the chase.

Arriving seven years after the first entry (directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett helmed Screams 5 and 6, and vampire flick Abigail in the intervening years), Ready or Not 2 has been a long time coming, but is another blood-soaked blast. For an even more outrageous spin on a similar premise, check out They Will Kill You, which hit HBO Max last month.

For more, dive into our list of best movies on Disney Plus

Lee Cronin's The Mummy

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: HBO Max

Warner Bros' full-on Mummy reboot faced a mixed response when it released earlier this year, with critics knocking the fact that it's more of an exorcist movie than a Mummy movie, and pointing to its somewhat indulgent 135-minute runtime (and that meaningless title) as signs that it was a movie in need of a few more studio notes. But everyone can agree, it's pretty gnarly.

The story of a modern-day family whose daughter is kidnapped, only to mysteriously return 8 years later, having been found in a sarcophagus, wrapped in bandages (never a good sign), it's a movie that brings the Mummy myth into the home. Midsommar's Jack Reynor and Moon Knight's May Calamawy star.

For more, here are the best movies on HBO Max

Human Vapor

Available: US/UK
Where to watch: Netflix

This South Korean sci-fi thriller show is actually a reimagining of a 1960 Toho movie, hence the charmingly retro premise: a man gains the ability to transform into a gaseous state and uses his powers for bank robberies. Only here, of course, instead of robbing banks, murder is involved.

We're not going to lie: there was clearly a limited VFX budget, so some of the gas effects are a little ropey, but Human Vapor has been admirably updated for the prestige TV era; this gripping 8-episode limited series will keep you hooked till the very end.

For more from the biggest streaming service around, check out our list of the best shows on Netflix.

If nothing on our list seems right for you, have a read of our guides to the best Prime Video shows, and the best Apple TV movies you can watch right now.

As other anime studios lean into the use of AI, the director of Science Saru's upcoming The Ghost in the Shell anime series promises the remake will stay clear of GenAI.

Toma Kimura (otherwise known as Mokochan) took to the stage at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Festival and gave fans an insight into how the team achieved the finer details of the upcoming anime remake. "We wanted every street sign to be specifically designed, but it became too much of a burden,” he said. “Instead, we used this worm-like lettering that looks like kanji but is actually gibberish."

This led Kimura to the topic of AI. "We decided on this before generative AI became prevalent, so please know that zero GenAI was used on the project." Complex reports that after that statement, the crowd "erupted" into applause.

The Ghost in the Shell's "zero GenAI stance" is a breath of fresh air for anime fans. AI has slowly crept into the genre over the past few years, starting with subtitles, but it has now spread to generating art and animation too.

Earlier this year, Wit Studio, best known for producing the first three seasons of Attack on Titan and the hit show Spy x Family, admitted to using AI to generate backgrounds in the opening sequence of Ascendance of a Bookworm season 4. Once outed, the studio quickly apologised, stating it is still committed to hand-drawn animation, and removed the AI-generated images.

But Science Saru won't make that mistake. At Annecy, producer Kohei Sakita added, "The feeling of something drawn by a person is the whole appeal of animation to me."

Based on the hit manga of the same name by Masamune Shirow, The Ghost in the Shell is set in a near-future "where information networks envelop the world and advanced cyborg technology has enabled the creation of a cyberbrain," as per Amazon. The upcoming cyberpunk show follows "the story of the full-body cyborg Motoko Kusanagi and the combat unit she leads in the fight against cybercrime."

Ghost in the Shell arrives on Prime Video on July 7. For more on what to watch, check out our guide to the best anime to watch this year and keep up with new anime.