Tim Curry has died. The star of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 80, according to multiple media reports. No further details regarding the cause of death were provided, though according to his longtime manager, Marcia Hurwitz, he is said to have passed away peacefully at home. Curry suffered a severe stroke in 2012. He had been struggling with health issues ever since.

He gained particular fame for his role as Dr. Frank N. Furter in the "Rocky Horror Show." The 1970s musical paid homage to various B-movies in the science fiction and horror genres and became a cult classic, which was adapted into a film in 1975 under the title "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" by director Jim Sharman. Curry also starred as Dr. Frank N. Furter in the film – a character with whom he would be associated time and again from then on.

In 1975, he said the following about the role in a television interview in London:

"I was hesitant in that, if it worked, it might be a difficult image to shake off. But really, I've often thought that it wasn't worth doing unless you took a risk."

Unforgettable performance as Pennywise

Despite the significance of his role in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," Curry also has an impressive acting career spanning decades to his credit. Over time, he appeared in a wide variety of stage plays and also made a name for himself in film and television. Among other roles, he appeared in Ridley Scott's fantasy film "Legend" alongside Hollywood star Tom Cruise. As the diabolical antagonist, however, he was barely recognizable due to the devilish-looking mask he wore for the role.

The same is true of another role that likely gave more than a few viewers nightmares. In the TV adaptation of Stephen King's "It," Curry portrayed the horror clown Pennywise. Although he wasn't easily recognizable under the creepy makeup here either, hardly any role – aside from Dr. Frank N. Furter – is as closely associated with the actor as that of the legendary King villain. An eerie, unforgettable performance!

A heartfelt post

Things were much more lighthearted in the Muppets' version of "Treasure Island." In the pirate movie, Curry took on the role of Long John Silver – a role that many viewers will surely remember as well. Following Curry's death, a heartfelt post appeared on the Muppets' social media account paying tribute to the actor. Accompanying a photo of the actor in the role of Long John Silver, the post reads:

"Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry. As a performer he was unparalleled – witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny. We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver's crew. Thank you for everything, Tim."

Stars react with heartfelt words

Other colleagues and stars also reacted on social media with touching words. Rosie O'Donnell posted a photo of Curry. Along with it, the actress wrote:

"Sweetest man."

Luke Evans, who had recently played the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Show" on stage himself, shared a letter he had written to Curry three weeks ago. In it, he wrote, among other things:

"I just want to say thank you. For your fearless performance, for creating something so enduring, and for inspiring generations of actors to be a little braver than they thought they could be."

Actor Josh Gad said: "Another day, another legend. Goodbye Tim. Thank you for your immense gifts." Actress Selma Blair wrote on social media: "Rest in peace. Kind and wonderful you."

Ridley Scott is far from done: The Hollywood legend would like to make another film in his "Alien" saga! The 88-year-old revealed this in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. Specifically, Scott is still planning a third installment in his prequel series centered on Michael Fassbender's character, David.

David appeared in both the "Alien" prequel "Prometheus" and its sequel, "Alien: Covenant." The android was created by Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) to join him in the search for the creators of humanity. Over the course of the two films, however, David develops an increasingly unsettling will of his own.

Scott wants to continue David's story in the third prequel film. As the ending of "Alien: Covenant" already hinted, David now wants to create a "brave new world for himself."

Artificial intelligence has always fascinated Scott. He explored the topic as early as his first films, such as "Alien" and "Blade Runner." However, he doesn't want to use it in his films. He'd rather make movies about AI.

Ridley Scott's Next Project: Treasure Island

But a new "Alien" movie isn't the only thing Scott has in the works. The director has several other projects he'd like to bring to life. Next on the agenda is a new "Treasure Island" movie. Hugh Jackman will star as Long John Silver. Filming for the Robert Louis Stevenson adaptation is scheduled to begin in November 2026. The screenplay is by Jack Thorne, the creator of the Netflix hit series "Adolescence." A release date has not yet been announced.

Other Projects

In addition, Scott is planning a film adaptation of John Harris's novel "Covenant With Death." The story is set during World War I. Scott is also hoping to make a "Bee Gees" biopic. The filmmaker has additionally expressed interest in the Western and musical genres. As you can see, Ridley Scott is still fully passionate about his work—and isn't thinking about his legacy just yet:

"When you think of your legacy, you're too near the end. I'm not near the end."

Scott's latest film: The Dog Stars

Scott's latest film is titled "The Dog Stars." This survival drama is an adaptation of Peter Heller's novel of the same name. The official plot synopsis: Scott tells the story of Hig, a young pilot who, together with a military survivalist, Bangley, has carved out an efficient but isolated homestead in a brutal post-apocalyptic world until a mysterious radio transmission spurs Hig to venture into the unknown in search of the hope and humanity he still believes exists.

"Euphoria" star Jacob Elordi takes on the lead role as Hig. The cast also includes Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, and Allison Janney. "The Dog Stars" hits theaters on August 28. Click here to find out what the first reactions to Scott's new film are.

Ridley Scott's Alien

In 1979, Ridley Scott laid the foundation for one of the most famous science-fiction horror franchises in film history with "Alien." The film, starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, combines claustrophobic horror with futuristic production design and introduced the Xenomorph, one of cinema's most iconic monsters. Although Scott did not direct the subsequent "Alien" films himself, he returned to the universe he had created decades later.

Prometheus

With "Prometheus", Scott ventured back into the "Alien" universe for the first time in 2012. The film serves as a prequel to the original series and follows a group of researchers who discover clues to the origins of humanity on a distant planet. Rather than focusing on the Xenomorph itself, "Prometheus" explores questions of creation and artificial life.

Alien: Covenant

In 2017, Scott continued the story with "Alien: Covenant," returning to the series' classic horror roots. The crew of the colonization ship Covenant stumbles upon a seemingly paradisiacal planet, where David is now conducting his own dangerous experiment. The film builds on the themes from "Prometheus" and shows how David's fascination with creation and evolution increasingly turns into an obsession.

The Best Films by Ridley Scott

To mark the release of Scott's new film "The Dog Stars," we asked the KinoCheck community about their favorite Ridley Scott movie. At the same time, we also held a vote within the KinoCheck editorial team—with a slightly different result. Here you'll find the Ridley Scott rankings from the community and the editorial team.

The Flintstones are returning to the big screen: According to a report by the industry magazine Deadline, Warner Bros. is working on a new live-action film based on "The Flintstones". Behind the scenes, Hollywood star Ryan Gosling will serve as a producer.

Specific details about the plot are still under wraps. The only thing that seems certain is that the story will take a different approach. The story is said to center on the adult Bamm-Bamm Geröllheimer – son of Barney and Betty Geröllheimer. It is not yet known whether Fred Flintstone, Wilma, Barney, and the other familiar characters will make an appearance. A potential release date has also not yet been announced.

"The Flintstones" first aired in 1960. The animated series ran for a total of six seasons and became a fan favorite thanks to its unusual blend of a Stone Age setting and a family sitcom. In 1994, the first live-action film adaptation was released in theaters. At the time, John Goodman played the role of Fred Flintstone, while Rick Moranis portrayed Barney Rubble. Steven Spielberg also served as an executive producer. The film was quite successful at the box office, grossing approximately $340 million worldwide. Despite mixed reactions, another feature film was released a few years later: "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas".

The Cult Status of The Flintstones: Why the Flintstone Family Remains Unforgettable

Hardly any animated series has left such a lasting mark on pop culture as "The Flintstones". Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty have been delighting multiple generations since the 1960s. What initially seemed like a simple comedy series set in the Stone Age evolved into one of the most recognizable animated franchises of all time.

A Stone Age World with Modern Problems

What made "The Flintstones" special from the very beginning was its unusual blend of the Stone Age and modern family life. The series followed Fred Flintstone, his wife Wilma, and their friends Barney and Betty Rubble. Although the characters lived in a prehistoric world, they grappled with problems that viewers were familiar with in real life.

Fred had to work, wanted to spend time with his best friend after work, and regularly clashed with Wilma as a result. Household appliances, cars, and other technological achievements were simply replaced by Stone Age versions. Dinosaurs sometimes took on the roles of modern machines or pets. It was precisely this contrast that became the series' trademark.

Fred Flintstone Becomes a Cult Figure

Fred Flintstone himself played a major role in the show's success. His loud, impulsive, and sometimes clumsy nature made him an unmistakable cartoon character. At the same time, he wasn't a classic hero, but rather an ordinary family man with weaknesses and bad ideas.

His friendship with Barney Rubble is also one of the series' most important elements. The two find themselves in numerous situations together, with Fred's ambition and Barney's good-natured disposition repeatedly leading to humorous conflicts. The duo is rounded out by Wilma and Betty, as well as characters like Dino and Pebbles.

A Lasting Influence on Pop Culture

The cult status of "The Flintstones" is evident above all in the fact that the brand has never completely faded from the public consciousness. The characters have become popular motifs for merchandise, video games, specials, and other series. Hollywood, too, has attempted on several occasions to reinterpret this well-known world. The family's potential for entertaining film adaptations remains as strong as ever. The fact that the brand continues to generate interest even decades after the series first aired speaks to its extraordinary longevity. New projects also show that Hollywood continues to see potential in these well-known characters.

Perhaps the biggest reason for their cult status, however, lies in the timeless core concept: "The Flintstones" combine a fantastical Stone Age world with very ordinary human problems. It is precisely this blend that still works today – and makes "The Flintstones" a piece of animation history that has long outgrown its original era.

"Donnie Darko" director Richard Kelly will be continuing his 2001 cult classic – albeit in a rather surprising way at first. One thing is already certain: a book will be published later this year that will continue the story. But that's just the beginning. Next, Kelly wants the book to be adapted into an animated or motion-capture film. After that, he plans to expand the story further: as a live-action film, according to Variety.

But first things first. The original film was set in 1988 and told the story of the eponymous Donnie Darko (played by Jake Gyllenhaal). In this science-fiction film, the teenager narrowly escapes a mysterious accident and begins having visions of a strange figure in a rabbit costume who, unfortunately, doesn't have good news for him: supposedly, the world is going to end in 28 days. You can get a sense of "Donnie Darko" from the trailer:

The sequel to Donnie Darko is said to feature a major time jump

Richard Kelly's upcoming book, which is about 800 pages long, will be published in the fourth quarter of this year under the title "The Philosophy of Time Travel." In terms of content, it picks up where the film's story left off. The events describe what happened in the 14 months following the end of "Donnie Darko." Kelly wrote the book over the course of the last ten years, and it is intended to be just the first step toward new films.

As previously mentioned, the author and director is toying with the idea of turning the book into an animated or motion-capture film. And that's where things get especially exciting for fans of the original film. If everything goes according to plan, Kelly intends to make a live-action film set 28 years after the original events. Whether this will actually happen remains to be seen at this point. A possible return of the original cast is also still a long way off. However, Kelly emphasizes to Variety that he has "kept in touch with all the cast over the years." He adds:

"In theory, should it happen, there would be a gigantic time jump of 28 years or so, and where the actors, should they want to play their roles live and in the flesh, that would be wonderful, too. So we'll see what happens."

The story kept getting bigger

Kelly explains why he decided to write a novel first as a way to continue the "Donnie Darko" story as follows:

"I think what I realized as the story got bigger and bigger and bigger is that I needed to go back in time and away from the sequel, and tell the story of what happens in the 14 months [after the end of the original film], because there's so much essential information in that section of the sequel. And in my mind, I was like, why don't I actually put together a novel and just publish that part of the sequel as a novel, so that I can release it into the world, and that will set the ship on its voyage to wherever this goes. And so this, in my mind, is the final puzzle piece to launching this sequel and to see what becomes of it."

Things have been quiet around director Richard Kelly in recent years. "Donnie Darko" flopped at the box office upon its release, but word eventually spread and it became a celebrated cult film. With his subsequent films, "Southland Tales" and "The Box" – which, like "Donnie Darko", are anything but ordinary – Kelly still didn't have much luck at the box office. This makes the director's ambitious plans for "Donnie Darko" all the more exciting. With that film, he once created an unusual portrait of a teenager that captivated audiences with, among other things, its mysterious story, strong cast, and a fantastic soundtrack. The cover version of the Tears for Fears classic "Mad World" by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules remains unforgettable. In addition to lead actor Jake Gyllenhaal, the star-studded cast also included Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Katharine Ross, Patrick Swayze, and Noah Wyle.

Ridley Scott is back with a new science fiction film. "The Dog Stars" opens in theaters on August 28 and is already generating initial reactions even before the official review embargo. The world premiere took place on August 20 in London. In recent days, numerous members of the press have also had the opportunity to see the film at screenings hosted by 20th Century Studios. Initial brief reactions on social media are already giving a sense of what moviegoers can expect.

Here's what The Dog Stars is about

The story centers on a young pilot named Hig (Jacob Elordi), who, together with military survival expert Bangley (Josh Brolin), has created a self-contained, efficient home for himself in a devastated world. When a mysterious radio transmission reaches him, Hig sets out on a dangerous journey into the unknown – in search of the hope and humanity he still believes in. Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce play other key roles. The ensemble cast also includes Allison Janney, Benedict Wong, and Alara Star Khan.

The acting and direction are impressive!

Early reactions frequently highlight the visual execution of "The Dog Stars". Scott once again seems to place great emphasis on creating a striking atmosphere. The cinematography and soundtrack are also receiving high praise. Some viewers see in it exactly the qualities one would expect from a new Ridley Scott film. The cast is also receiving positive feedback in many reviews. Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, in particular, seem to make for a compelling pairing.

The story divides audiences

The verdict on the screenplay is less clear-cut. Several critics point out that the film has little new to offer narratively and comes across as quite generic. Accordingly, viewers shouldn't expect any major surprises or radical plot twists. Some reactions go even further, describing the film as "soulless" in parts. Even before the end of the review embargo, a rather mixed picture is emerging. While some praise the direction and the acting, others feel it lacks a truly extraordinary story.

The first full reviews are expected starting August 26. By then, a clearer picture should emerge of how the film is being received by critics overall.

Ridley Scott: One of the Most Influential Directors in the Film Industry

Ridley Scott is one of those directors whose name alone is enough to raise high expectations among movie fans. For more than five decades, the British filmmaker has shaped cinema and influenced numerous genres. His body of work ranges from science fiction to historical films to war dramas. Even at an advanced age, Scott remains one of Hollywood's most active directors.

The Breakthrough with Alien

Ridley Scott made his international breakthrough in 1979 with "Alien". The science-fiction horror film combined claustrophobic horror with a futuristic production design and quickly became a classic. Above all, the creature designed by H. R. Giger and the intricately detailed spaceship made the film a stylistic landmark.

Just a few years later, another milestone followed with "Blade Runner". The 1982 film was not initially a major box-office success, but over the years it evolved into one of the most important science fiction films of all time. Scott's bleak vision of the future influenced countless later productions and shaped the portrayal of major cities and artificial intelligence in cinema.

Between Blockbusters and Art House Cinema

Scott has managed, like few other directors, to combine artistic ambition with major Hollywood cinema. In 2000, he achieved worldwide success with "Gladiator". The historical epic starring Russell Crowe won several Oscars, including Best Picture. Scott himself was nominated for Best Director. Even later in his career, he moved effortlessly between different genres. "Black Hawk Down" impressed with its intense portrayal of modern warfare, while "Kingdom of Heaven" showcased his passion for historical subjects. With "American Gangster" and "The Counselor", he subsequently returned to more contemporary stories.

A Director with an Unmistakable Style

What defines Ridley Scott's status to this day is, above all, his visual style. His films are often characterized by lavish sets, striking lighting, and an exceptionally detailed visual language. Yet Scott does not limit himself to any particular genre. With "The Martian", for example, he proved that even a comparatively optimistic science fiction film can be a huge box-office hit. The film, starring Matt Damon, grossed several hundred million dollars worldwide and received numerous awards and nominations.

At the same time, Scott repeatedly returned to his most famous universes. With "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant", he expanded the "Alien" mythology and showed that his earlier works still hold a special place in his heart.

More active than almost any other director

Scott's enormous productivity is also remarkable. While many directors of his generation have long since scaled back, he continues to bring new projects to life on a regular basis. Films like "The Last Duel", "House of Gucci", and "Napoleon" show that Scott continues to experiment with different genres and work with international stars.

His status in the film industry is therefore unique. Ridley Scott has long been more than just a successful Hollywood director: he is regarded as one of the filmmakers who have had a lasting impact on modern cinema. Even films that receive mixed reviews from critics are usually visually unmistakably Scott's. With classics like "Alien", "Blade Runner", and "Gladiator", he has secured a permanent place in film history – and clearly has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

The lead actor for the new "RoboCop" series has been cast. Dan Stevens will take on the role of Alex Murphy, aka RoboCop, according to Deadline.

About a month ago, Prime Video officially commissioned the new series adaptation of the famous sci-fi action story. It was also revealed that "RoboCop" will initially consist of eight episodes. It remains to be seen whether additional episodes or even more seasons will follow. Initial details about the premise of the "RoboCop" reboot are already available. As in the original 1987 film, the story once again centers on a law enforcement officer who is half-human, half-machine. An official description of the story reads:

"A giant tech conglomerate convinces the city to place a powerful robot on its police force – a robot implanted with the consciousness of a beloved, fallen officer."

Dan Stevens to play the new RoboCop

With Dan Stevens, the series has now secured an actor who already has numerous film and television roles under his belt. Among his best-known films is the live-action adaptation of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." The film became a massive box office hit, grossing $1.2 billion at the global box office, which undoubtedly gave Stevens' career another boost – after all, he didn't just play any role in it, but that of the titular Beast. TV series fans will likely remember him best as the lead actor in "Legion." He appeared in three seasons of the comic book adaptation centered on the eponymous Marvel character from 2017 to 2019. "Legion" was highly acclaimed by critics and also helped Stevens establish himself as a star in the eyes of a global audience.

With his role in "RoboCop," he is now following in the footsteps of Peter Weller, who played the protagonist Alex Murphy – aka RoboCop – in Paul Verhoeven's original film. The movie remains hugely popular to this day and once served as the starting point for an entire franchise that has continued over the years in the form of additional films, TV series, and comics. Twelve years ago, a remake of the same name directed by José Padilha was also released in theaters.

The creators of the RoboCop series

The creative minds behind the "RoboCop" series reboot have already been announced. Peter Ocko is on board as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. He has previously worked on series such as "Pushing Daisies" and "The Leftovers," among others. James Wan, director of several box-office hits such as "Saw," "Insidious," and "Aquaman," is also on board. On "RoboCop," he serves as an executive producer alongside Ocko, Michael Clear, Rob Hackett, Michael Miner, and Ed Neumeier. Miner and Neumeier are particularly familiar with the material: the two of them once wrote the screenplay for Verhoeven's first "RoboCop" film.

James Wan recently commented on some central themes of the "RoboCop" franchise. He was quoted by Variety as saying:

"I've been a massive fan of 'Robocop' forever, so getting to help bring this world to television is a dream. What Paul Verhoeven created in 1987 was decades ahead of its time, and its questions about technology, identity, and who corporations really serve have only grown more urgent. [...] We're working to honor what made the original iconic and highlight its relevancy in this modern, tech-driven world, while building something unmistakably new for a global audience."

Will the creators of the new "RoboCop" series succeed in doing this? We'll see. In any case, we're excited to see how Dan Stevens will fare in the role of Alex Murphy.

You won't be getting rid of this romantic comedy anytime soon: "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is set to get a sequel. The original, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, came out over 23 years ago. Hudson is set to come on board as a producer for the planned sequel, according to Variety.

However, it's not yet clear whether she'll be in front of the camera again for the film. The same goes for McConaughey. That said, those in charge are reportedly interested in having both Hudson and McConaughey return. At this point, the project is still in its early stages, so the cast and various creative roles still need to be filled, according to a source close to the project cited by Variety. They are currently looking for a screenwriter. Accordingly, no details about the sequel's story are available yet.

Here's what the original is about

In the 2003 original, Kate Hudson plays columnist Andie Anderson, who wants to get to the bottom of the eponymous question for a relationship article: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Matthew McConaughey plays advertising executive Benjamin Barry. He's convinced he can make any woman fall in love with him – something he's determined to prove to his boss. As rom-com coincidence would have it, Andie and Benjamin soon become a couple. However, they hide their true intentions from each other.

In addition to Hudson and McConaughey, the cast of the original film includes Adam Goldberg, Bebe Neuwirth, Michael Michele, Shalom Harlow, Robert Klein, and Kathryn Hahn. The film was directed by Donald Petrie. The screenplay for "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" was written by Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, and Burr Steers, based on the book of the same name by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long. The film performed well at the box office. "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is said to have had a production budget of $50 million and grossed $177 million worldwide.

McConaughey and Hudson: Compelling stars

For Matthew McConaughey, the box office hit proved to be both a blessing and a curse. The role of Benjamin Barry further propelled his career. However, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" also contributed to him being somewhat identified as the romantic hero in the 2000s. Yet he had already proven that he could shine in more than just romantic comedies, as seen, for example, in the 1996 legal thriller "A Time to Kill." Nevertheless, it wasn't until the 2010s that he managed to shake off that image. At the latest with his role in the drama "Dallas Buyers Club," which earned him the 2014 Oscar for Best Actor, he was no longer primarily associated with the role of the romantic hero. Most recently, McConaughey appeared in the survival drama "The Lost Bus." You can get a glimpse of the film in the trailer:

In recent years, Kate Hudson has demonstrated her talent in movies across a wide range of genres. Among other roles, she appeared in the crime film "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" alongside numerous other stars such as Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, and Dave Bautista. In the horror film "Shell," she played the lead role alongside Elisabeth Moss. She recently garnered significant attention for the musical drama "Song Sung Blue," in which Hugh Jackman also plays a leading role. Hudson's performance not only earned her widespread praise but also a nomination for Best Actress at this year's Academy Awards. You can watch the trailer for "Song Sung Blue" here:

News from the "Harry Potter" series: According to Deadline magazine, "Game of Thrones" star Kit Harington has been cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season. Nicholas Hoult was originally slated to play the vain wizard. However, due to scheduling conflicts, he had to leave the project.

Harington is already very familiar with the role. Late last year, he lent his voice to Lockhart in the all-star-voiced audiobook series "Harry Potter: Full-Cast Audio Editions." Even back then, Harington spoke about how meaningful the "Harry Potter" books are to him. Quote:

"I read it, and like so many generations, I was entranced, and then I was a huge fan all through my teenage years. I think there's a little bit of Gilderoy in all of us."

Gilderoy Lockhart is one of the most important characters in the second novel, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets", and is brought to Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The wizard is best known for his penchant for self-promotion. In the 2002 film adaptation, he was portrayed by Kenneth Branagh. Work on the second season is set to begin this fall. The first season of the reboot, meanwhile, is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max this December.

The Cast of the New Harry Potter Series

The cast is made up of both familiar and new faces. We can look forward to the new trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The roles have been cast with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The three were selected from a staggering 32,000 applicants.

There was much discussion surrounding the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. The Slytherin House teacher is an absolute fan favorite, both in the books and in the films. For many, the character is inextricably linked to Alan Rickman's portrayal. Meanwhile, Janet McTeer will take on the role of Minerva McGonagall. The Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts and Head of Gryffindor House was played in the films by acting icon Maggie Smith.

Most of the Weasley family has also already been announced. The twins Fred and George will be played by Tristan and Gabriel Harland. Ruari Spooner will take on the role of Percy Weasley, while Gracie Cochrane will portray the youngest sister, Ginny. In the second season, however, a different actress takes on the role of the youngest Weasley. Their mother, Molly, will be portrayed by Katherine Parkinson.

The new faces of the Malfoys and Dursleys have also been announced. Lox Pratt takes on the role of young Draco Malfoy, while Johnny Flynn will play his father, Lucius. Among the Dursleys, Bel Powley will play the role of Harry's Aunt Petunia. Daniel Rigby plays Uncle Vernon, and Amos Kitson will be seen as Harry's spoiled cousin Dudley.

"Shaun of the Dead" star Nick Frost plays Hagrid. The gamekeeper at Hogwarts is one of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's closest confidants. Meanwhile, the first actor confirmed for the role was John Lithgow. The "Dexter" actor revealed in advance interviews that he would be playing the powerful headmaster of Hogwarts.

Also joining the cast is Rory Wilmot as the shy but loyal Neville Longbottom. Meanwhile, the famous wandmaker Ollivander is played by "Game of Thrones" actor Anton Lesser. The role of Quirinus Quirrell is taken on by newcomer Luke Thallon. Also joining the cast are Paul Whitehouse as caretaker Argus Filch, Bertie Carvel as Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, and "Sherlock" actress Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch.

There's also a little surprise in the cast: one of the film's original actors is actually returning to his familiar role! That actor is Warwick Davis, who will once again be seen as Professor Flitwick. The casting for Lord Voldemort remains unknown.

Now it's official: The series starring Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen has officially been greenlit by HBO Max. Eight episodes have been ordered under the title "The People v. Gorilla Grodd," as reported by Variety. The series is a spin-off of James Gunn's 2025 "Superman" film.

As in the big-screen adventure, Gisondo will once again play the role of Jimmy Olsen. Prior to "Superman," the actor appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson's coming-of-age drama "Licorice Pizza," among other projects. Jimmy Tatro is set to portray the titular Gorilla Grodd. Previously, he was part of the cast of Kevin Williamson's horror film "Scream 7," among other projects. Olsen works at the Metropolis newspaper, the Daily Planet, making him a colleague of Lois Lane and Clark Kent, aka Superman. In the original DC Comics, Grodd is a highly intelligent gorilla who has already appeared as an antagonist to various superheroes such as The Flash, Batman, and Superman.

The new DC series is a mockumentary

"The People v. Gorilla Grodd" is a mockumentary. The first details about the plot have already been released. According to Variety, the story is described as follows:

"A superintelligent ape is convicted of murdering his father, the King of Gorilla City. In an eight-part 'true' crime docuseries, the Daily Planet's Jimmy Olsen reopens the case, investigating whether Gorilla Grodd was wrongly convicted in one of Metropolis' most famous murder trials."

In addition to Gisondo and Tatro, other cast members have already been announced, including Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, Wendell Pierce, Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Arian Moayed, Andrew Leeds, and Tim Baltz. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault serve as showrunners and writers for the series. They are also on board as executive producers alongside James Gunn and Peter Safran. Yacenda and Perrault are well-versed in the mockumentary format. With "American Vandal," the duo has already created a series for Netflix that is intended as a parody of true-crime documentaries. According to Variety, they say with a wink about their new series:

"We hope it'll appeal to fans of the comics, comedy and true crime. And while we can't speak for audiences here yet, we already know it's a huge hit in Metropolis. They love this series."

Not all DC series have been given the green light

Just recently, another series from the DC Universe, "Lanterns," premiered. It centers on Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). The two are members of the Green Lanterns, an interstellar force that has been a staple of DC Comics for decades. Leading up to its release, "Lanterns" was compared to the dark crime series "True Detective." You can get a sense of it in the trailer:

The fact that "The People v. Gorilla Grodd" has now been greenlit is likely to come as a relief to some DC fans. After all, several other planned DC series were apparently put on hold just recently. Among those affected are "Booster Gold," the "Amanda Waller" series starring Viola Davis, and the Wonder Woman prequel "Paradise Lost."

We'll see the Man of Tomorrow on the big screen

As for the cinematic future of the DC Universe, Craig Gillespie's "Supergirl" has been a setback in recent months due to its disappointing box office performance. Even the opening weekend fell far short of the expectations one would have for a film of this magnitude. On its opening weekend, the new DC blockbuster – starring Milly Alcock as Superman's cousin – grossed just $62 million at the global box office. In the end, it grossed a mere $126 million – not even enough to recoup the production budget. To find out whether the film is good regardless of its commercial performance, check out our META review of "Supergirl."

Financially, things went much better for "Superman" a year earlier: The blockbuster ultimately grossed $618 million. Consequently, the pressure on next year's sequel, "Man of Tomorrow," is immense. After the "Supergirl" flop, a hit is expected more than ever. The sequel will see the return of David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, among others. Lars Eidinger will take on the role of the villain Brainiac. "Man of Tomorrow" hits theaters on July 9, 2027. Find out what to expect from the sequel in our video preview:

"Sonic" fans, take note! Although Paramount Pictures has so far remained tight-lipped about the plot of "Sonic the Hedgehog 4", an exciting rumor is now making the rounds that's sure to turn heads. According to a new report by insider Daniel Richtman, the plot is said to draw on elements from the game "Sonic and the Black Knight". So the sequel could focus either on time travel or on a journey through different universes.

Released in 2009 for the Nintendo Wii, the game transported the blue hedgehog to the age of King Arthur. Of all people, the sorceress Merlina is responsible for this and asks Sonic for help. In the game, several well-known characters from the "Sonic" universe are cast in roles from the Arthurian legend. Shadow, for example, takes on the identity of Sir Lancelot and fights with a sword. Knuckles, on the other hand, appears as Sir Gawain, while Blaze the Cat appears as Percival.

However, it remains to be seen how much of this will actually make it into the finished film. So far, there has been no official confirmation from Paramount or the series' producers. Filming, however, has already wrapped. "Sonic 4" hits theaters on March 19, 2027.

New Characters in Sonic 4: Amy Rose and Metal Sonic

The appearances of Metal Sonic and Amy Rose, two iconic figures from the Sonic universe, are particularly highly anticipated. The two characters were already teased in the mid-credit scene of "Sonic 3" and generated excitement among fans.

Amy Rose: Sonic's Biggest Fan

Amy Rose is a cheerful, energetic hedgehog girl who has been a staple of the games for years – and will soon be part of the movie series as well. Fans have been waiting a long time for her to appear, and now the moment has finally arrived.

Amy is known for her unwavering love for Sonic, even though those feelings aren't greally reciprocated. Nevertheless, she confidently refers to herself as his steady girlfriend. But she's far more than just a loving sidekick: With her legendary Piko Piko Hammer, she can easily take on powerful opponents. The hammer grows to an impressive size when needed, making Amy a serious fighter.

Kristen Bell will lend her voice to Amy Rose. Bell is experienced in voice acting – among other roles, she voiced Anna in Disney's animated hit "Frozen". Her casting suggests that Amy will play a significant role in the new movie.

Metal Sonic: Sonic's Most Dangerous Nemesis

Metal Sonic poses a genuine threat. This highly advanced robot was originally created by Dr. Eggman to artificially replicate Sonic's abilities – with one clear goal: to surpass him and ultimately destroy him. In the games, Metal Sonic is considered one of the blue hedgehog's most dangerous adversaries. His speed, precision, and lack of emotion make him a merciless opponent. What's particularly exciting is that at the end of "Sonic 3", not just a single Metal Sonic appears, but an entire army: the so-called Metal Sonic Troopers.

The Metal Sonic Troopers: An Army of Data

The Troopers originated in the comics. There, they were created from the data of the original Metal Sonic – not by Eggman himself, but by, Sonic's uncle Dr. Charles "Chuck" Hedgehog, among others. Originally, they were meant to serve as protectors, but were misused instead.

For the fourth film, the question now arises: Who controls this army? Who is behind the order to eliminate Sonic? Since Eggman seemingly met his end in the last film, the story needs a new antagonist – or at least a new power behind the scenes. It's conceivable that the film will first explore the origin story of the Troopers before the big showdown. This approach would help the audience to better understand the motivation and threat posed by the new adversaries.

The creative team behind the camera

The previous films were directed by Jeff Fowler, and he will therefore also serve as creative director for the new film. His knack for striking a balance between humor, action, and fan service has been a major factor in the series' success. The screenwriting team will also remain the same. Paramount seems to be sticking to its tried-and-true formula for success – a smart move given the impressive numbers: To date, the franchise has grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, with "Sonic 3" alone bringing in nearly $500 million.