After more than a quarter-century of almost nonstop episodes, the ONE PIECE anime has reached the end of what many fans are calling “Season 1.” The long-running series concluded its current run with over 1,155 episodes and has officially closed its weekly broadcast era, ushering in a brand-new seasonal format set to begin in April 2026.
Launched in October 1999, ONE PIECE has been a Sunday staple for anime fans around the world. For 26 years, the show delivered fresh episodes nearly every week, becoming one of the most enduring and beloved anime series in history. This uninterrupted run spanning more than 1,000 episodes is now ending as the anime finishes the Egghead Island arc in late December 2025.
Toei Animation; the studio behind ONE PIECE has announced a major overhaul of the anime’s production schedule. Here’s what fans should expect:
Seasonal Format
Instead of year-round weekly episodes, ONE PIECE will adopt a seasonal release structure starting in April 2026. Under this new format:
The anime will air around 26 episodes per year.
Episodes will be split into two separate blocks (called “cours”) each year.
There will be planned breaks between seasons to allow for better pacing and animation quality.
The anime will go on a three-month break from January to March 2026 after the finale of the Egghead Arc. It will then return with fresh episodes beginning in April 2026.
Elbaph Arc Kicks Things Off
The first chapter of this new season will be the highly anticipated Elbaph Arc, starting on April 5, 2026. The Elbaph Arc follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they enter the land of giants, setting the stage for some of the most epic adventures yet.
This shift isn’t just a scheduling update; it’s a creative decision. For years, fans and critics have pointed out issues with ONE PIECE’s pacing, where extended storylines sometimes felt too slow compared to the original manga. The seasonal format is intended to give the production team more time for quality animation and tighter storytelling.
Kanye West, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and fashion icon, made a surprise appearance at comedian Deon Cole’s show at the Hollywood Improv in Los Angeles on December 27, 2025, leaving fans in awe. The unexpected moment quickly became the talk of social media as Ye joined Cole onstage mid-performance, sparking excitement in the crowd.
During the appearance, Kanye West took the opportunity to confirm that a new album is on the way, delighting fans who have been anticipating fresh music since his last projects in 2025. While Ye didn’t reveal a full tracklist or all details, the announcement marks one of the first public confirmations of his next studio effort.
The upcoming project, reportedly titled BULLY, has been discussed by Kanye throughout the year but faced multiple delays. Sources indicate that the album is now scheduled for a January 30, 2026 release, and fans can expect new singles or teasers in the coming weeks leading up to the drop.
This isn’t the first time Kanye has leveraged unexpected public appearances to make major announcements. His surprise presence at Cole’s show follows a pattern of high-profile, unconventional reveals that keep fans and the media engaged. Social media quickly reacted, with clips of the appearance trending and fans speculating about the album’s sound, collaborations, and themes.
Ye’s confirmation comes at a time when his influence on music, fashion, and pop culture remains significant. With multiple Grammy awards, fashion lines, and chart-topping hits to his name, each new project from Kanye West carries global attention. BULLY is expected to continue this trajectory, giving fans both the signature Ye sound and new creative directions.
As anticipation builds, fans are keeping a close eye on Kanye’s channels and social media for additional updates. Industry watchers predict that BULLY could be one of the biggest releases of early 2026, potentially dominating charts and streaming platforms worldwide.
When Avatar: Fire and Ash hit cinemas in December 2025, it didn’t just join a franchise, it sparked a moment the film world has been watching for years. On the surface, it’s about box office numbers and blockbuster milestones. But for James Cameron, this is another chapter in a career built on risk, innovation, and redefining what cinema can do.
In this article, we unpack how Fire and Ash could make Cameron the first director in history to have four consecutive films gross over $1 billion worldwide, and why that potential achievement rests on decades of creative and technological breakthroughs.
In its opening weekend, Avatar: Fire and Ash brought in approximately $345 million globally, with a strong international showing and $88 million in the U.S. and Canada. While this domestic figure trails behind Avatar: The Way of Water, the overall performance, especially overseas puts the film on track to possibly join its predecessors in the billion-dollar club.
In markets like India, Fire and Ash has already become one of the top Hollywood films of the year, ranking among the 11th highest-grossing Hollywood films ever in that territory.
If Fire and Ash ultimately crosses $1 billion worldwide, Cameron will achieve something no other director ever has: four consecutive films over $1 billion – following Titanic, Avatar (2009), and Avatar: The Way of Water.
James Cameron wasn’t born with a silver spoon, he built his reputation. Born in Ontario, Canada, in 1954, he didn’t start in film school but in physics and art. A viewing of Star Wars inspired him to pursue movies, a decision that would eventually reshape Hollywood blockbusters.
Before the box office megahits, Cameron’s early films included sci-fi cult classics like The Terminator and Aliens, films that showcased his knack for tension, technology, and world-building long before Pixar and Marvel dominated culture.
James Cameron
Historical Milestones
Cameron’s history with cinematic milestones is staggering:
Titanic (1997)
One of the first films ever to cross $1 billion worldwide.
Won 11 Academy Awards, tying the record for most wins in Oscar history.
Held the title of highest-grossing film for over a decade.
Avatar (2009)
Became the highest-grossing film in history, surpassing Titanic.
First film to exceed $2 billion at the global box office.
Broke new ground in 3D and motion-capture filmmaking.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Also crossed the $2 billion mark.
Pushed the boundaries of underwater performance capture, an insanely complex technical challenge.
Those three alone make Cameron one of the most commercially successful directors ever. Add Fire and Ash, and you could be looking at a record four-film billion-dollar streak, a feat unmatched by Spielberg, Nolan, or Jackson.
Cameron doesn’t just make movies, he invents tools to make them. Every one of his major films includes innovation:
Deep-sea robotics and documentary technology, inspired by his own passion for ocean exploration he has even made record-setting solo dives into the Mariana Trench.
Groundbreaking 3D and motion-capture in Avatar, techniques now widely used across Hollywood.
The Next Chapters: Avatar 4 & 5
Cameron has already hinted that Avatars 4 and 5 depend partly on how Fire and Ash performs. If this third film cements its commercial success, those future projects – years in planning are more likely to go forward.
Marvel fans in China are already counting down the days for Avengers: Doomsday, the next major installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to recent reports, the film has been ranked as China’s most-anticipated foreign film of 2026, outpacing other blockbuster releases set for next year, including Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey.
China has become a pivotal market for Hollywood blockbusters, consistently accounting for a significant portion of global box office revenue. A film topping anticipation charts in China often signals strong ticket sales potential internationally. Marvel’s continued dominance in the Chinese market reflects the brand’s global appeal and its ability to generate excitement across diverse audiences.
The ranking comes from tracking audience interest on platforms such as Douban, China’s leading film and media site. Fans have been actively searching for news, trailers, and promotional materials for Avengers: Doomsday, showing a clear appetite for the next chapter in the Avengers saga. The film’s promise of high-stakes action, returning fan-favorite characters, and the introduction of new heroes has generated widespread online discussion.
While other major foreign releases in 2026 have been generating buzz, none have matched the anticipation surrounding Avengers: Doomsday. The ranking highlights Marvel’s consistent ability to capture audience attention, even several years into its cinematic universe expansion. For context, films like Dune: Part Three, despite being critically acclaimed and highly anticipated by global audiences, ranked below Marvel’s offering in China.
Given China’s influence on worldwide box office numbers, topping the most-anticipated foreign film chart suggests that Avengers: Doomsday is poised to be a major international success. Industry analysts predict the film could break pre-sale records, with early marketing campaigns tailored to the Chinese audience helping fuel anticipation further.
Avengers: Doomsday is set for a December 2026 release, positioning it as a key contender for year-end box office dominance.
Pixar’s Toy Story 5 is already generating massive anticipation. According to Google search data, the film is the third most searched movie of 2026, with over 301,000 searches per month. Even before its release, fans worldwide are eager to learn about the new adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the gang.
Release Date and Key Details
Toy Story 5 is officially set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, making it one of the summer’s major animated releases. Directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton (known for Finding Nemo and Wall‑E) and co-directed by Kenna Harris, the film continues Pixar’s tradition of storytelling that blends heart, humor, and family-friendly themes.
Key cast members returning include:
Tom Hanks as Woody
Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear
Joan Cusack as Jessie
Tony Hale as Forky
New additions include:
Conan O’Brien as Smarty Pants, a new toy character
Greta Lee as the high-tech tablet toy Lilypad
This mix of returning favorites and new voices has already piqued interest among fans, contributing to the film’s high search volume.
While Pixar keeps plot details mostly under wraps, early reports suggest that Toy Story 5 will explore how traditional toys compete with modern technology. The story centers around Bonnie’s toys facing their most significant challenge yet: a high-tech tablet toy called Lilypad, designed to capture children’s attention like never before.
Fans can expect Woody, Buzz, and Jessie to adapt to this new world while navigating humor, loyalty, and friendship themes. This “classic toys vs. tech toys” narrative makes the film relatable to families raising children in today’s digital era.
The fact that Toy Story 5 ranks as the third most searched film of 2026, behind only major franchises like Marvel and Spider-Man, is significant. High search volume can also predict box office success, as films with early online buzz often translate into high opening weekend ticket sales.
What the Trailer Reveals
The teaser trailer released earlier this year gives fans a glimpse of Woody and Buzz navigating a tech-dominated world. Lilypad’s introduction adds tension and humor, and the dynamics among classic toys highlight Pixar’s signature balance of heartfelt storytelling and comedy.
In a remarkable feat for Nigerian digital content creators, Pastor Jerry Eze’s YouTube channel, New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), has become the third most-watched YouTube channel worldwide in 2025. With over 102 million watch hours accumulated this year, NSPPD has emerged as a global hub for faith-based content, highlighting the growing international appetite for spiritual programming.
NSPPD began as a digital extension of Pastor Jerry Eze’s ministry, offering daily prayers, prophetic declarations, and spiritual guidance. What started as a way to connect with church members during the COVID-19 pandemic has now transformed into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
The channel’s rapid rise is particularly notable because it competes not with traditional entertainment or gaming content but with other top-tier global YouTube channels. In 2025, NSPPD ranks only behind some of the world’s most-watched entertainment creators, making it a rare achievement for faith-based digital media.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Engagement
According to reports, NSPPD amassed over 102 million watch hours, making it the third-highest channel globally by total watch time. The channel regularly draws hundreds of thousands of live participants during prayer sessions, creating a highly engaged community that is active not just in watching content but interacting in real time.
This level of engagement has positioned NSPPD as a powerhouse in digital ministry, demonstrating that niche content with high authenticity and community engagement can compete with mainstream global media.
Pastor Jerry Eze
Revenue Milestone: ₦11.8 Billion in 2025
NSPPD’s global viewership has also translated into substantial earnings, with reports estimating ₦11.8 billion in revenue for 2025. This revenue comes from a combination of YouTube ad monetization, Super Chats, memberships, and sponsorships, reflecting the financial potential of faith-based digital media when executed at scale.
For perspective, this places NSPPD among the highest-earning non-gaming channels globally, and it underscores the economic potential of African content creators in the global digital ecosystem.
The Global Impact of NSPPD
The channel’s success is more than just numbers. It reflects a broader shift in global media consumption, where viewers increasingly turn to live digital experiences for connection, guidance, and inspiration. Pastor Jerry Eze’s approach combines spiritual messaging with highly accessible digital formats, allowing him to reach audiences across cultures and continents.
This milestone also demonstrates that African creators can lead globally, with content that resonates beyond regional or cultural boundaries. NSPPD has effectively turned digital ministry into a world-class platform, setting a benchmark for other faith-based creators.
As 2025 comes to a close, NSPPD’s achievement signals a new era for online religious content. Channels like NSPPD are not only shaping digital media trends but are also redefining what it means to build a global community around shared values and beliefs.
The Nigerian film industry has been shaken by the sudden death of Nollywood actress, director, and producer Allwell Ademola on Saturday, December 27, 2025. She was 43 years old at the time of her passing.
Reports say Ademola collapsed at her Lagos residence and was rushed to Ancilla Hospital in Agege, where she was later confirmed dead. Unofficial sources indicate she may have suffered a sudden heart attack before her collapse, although official medical confirmation is yet to be released.
Allwell Ademola was more than a screen presence; she was a creative force in Yoruba Nollywood, known for her versatility as an actress, director, and producer. Over her career, she featured in and helped shape numerous films, blending traditional storytelling with modern cinematic vision.
Among her notable works, she produced and starred in False Flag (2017), a film that underscored her talent behind and in front of the camera.
News of Ademola’s passing spread quickly across social media and entertainment platforms. Colleagues and fans shared messages of disbelief and grief, describing her death as a devastating loss for Nollywood.
Veteran actress Faithia Williams took to Instagram with an emotional tribute, while Bidemi Kosoko expressed shock and sorrow, stating:
“No way… I refuse to accept this one.”
Personal and Family Background
Allwell Ademola also came from a distinguished lineage. She was a granddaughter of Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, one of Nigeria’s respected jurists and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Despite her public career, she maintained a relatively private personal life. There is no widely confirmed information about a spouse or children in the immediate context of her death.
As the year winds down, most people enter the same cycle: “Next year will be different.” We say it every December, but rarely sit down to ask the most important question; what needs to change, and why?
Self-reflection is uncomfortable, but it is also the doorway to clarity, improvement, and better decisions. And one of the easiest ways to spark that reflection is through movies that challenge how we think about life, identity, and purpose.
This list is not about the biggest blockbusters or the most expensive sets. Instead, it’s about films that help you pause, breathe, and see yourself from the outside. Movies that leave you asking:
Where am I, really? What am I doing with my time? What story am I writing with my life?
Here are the top 5 self-reflection movies to watch ahead of the New Year, each selected for lessons spcially fot you. Just clarity, inspiration, and direction.
1. Soul (2020)
“Purpose” can be said to be one of the most misunderstood words. We often think it has to be grand, loud and world-shaking. But Soul slows everything down and asks a deeper question: What if purpose is not a destination, but a way of living?
Soul follows Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher and passionate jazz pianist, who dreams of performing on a professional stage. After a sudden accident separates his soul from his body, he journeys through the “You Seminar” a place where souls discover their purpose before entering the living world. Along the way, Joe learns that life’s true meaning isn’t only about big achievements, but also about appreciating everyday moments, joy, and connection. The film is a thoughtful exploration of purpose, passion, and what truly makes life worth living.
2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
This is the movie for people who say, “I want to do more, but I don’t know how to start.” Walter Mitty lives safely, quietly, and almost invisibly until life forces him onto a journey that turns daydreams into reality.
It’s not about becoming someone else; it’s about finally meeting the version of yourself you have always imagined.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty follows Walter, a quiet and daydreaming magazine photo editor, who escapes his routine life through vivid fantasies of adventure and heroism. When a crucial photo goes missing, Walter embarks on a real-life journey across the world, facing challenges and discovering courage, purpose, and confidence he never knew he had. The film is a story about stepping out of comfort zones and turning dreams into action.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
This film is a reminder that your circumstances are not your identity. It’s emotional, but not hopeless. It teaches that every setback holds the possibility of a comeback. Progress may be slow. Results may be invisible at first. But effort still counts.
The Pursuit of Happyness tells the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a struggling salesman who faces homelessness and major setbacks while trying to build a better life for himself and his young son. Despite the challenges, he pushes through an unpaid internship at a stock brokerage firm with determination and hard work. In the end, his resilience pays off when he earns a full-time job, proving that progress can start small and persistence can change your future.
4. Inside Out (2015)
This movie is for anyone who enters the new year with emotional weight, confusion, or pressure to “be okay instantly.” It explores why humans feel the way we do, and why sadness, fear, and confusion are not failures, they are signals.
Inside Out follows a young girl named Riley as she moves to a new city and struggles with major life changes. Inside her mind, her emotions; Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – work together to guide her through the transition. When Joy and Sadness accidentally get pulled away from the control center of her mind, Riley’s emotions fall out of balance. The journey to restore them shows that every feeling, even sadness, has value and helps us grow. In the end, Riley learns that understanding her emotions is the first step toward healing and moving forward.
5. Dead Poets Society (1989)
This film is about identity, self-expression, and breaking away from expectations that don’t belong to you. It asks a hard question:
Are you living your life or someone else’s script?
It doesn’t romanticize rebellion. Instead, it focuses on authenticity; learning to think, speak, and choose for yourself.
Dead Poets Society is about an English teacher, John Keating, who inspires his students at a strict all-boys school to think independently, embrace creativity, and pursue their own passions. Through his unconventional teaching methods, the boys form the “Dead Poets Society,” a secret group where they read poetry and express themselves freely. The story explores themes of identity, courage, and the pressure of expectations, showing the impact of finding your own voice even in a restrictive environment.
The New Year is not just a date change; it is a mindset shift. Watching these films before January creates:
More clarity
More emotional awareness
More intentional goals
Less pressure, more direction
This is how you avoid entering the new year with the same habits that held you back.
You don’t have to change everything overnight. You just need to start thinking differently. If you watch these films with intention, you won’t just close the year – you’ll open the next one on purpose.
The Lagos State Government has confirmed enhanced transportation support for Wizkid’s upcoming “G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time Experience” concert, scheduled to hold on Sunday, 28 December 2025 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. According to an official press release, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will operate a special service to manage mobility demands and ease movement for attendees.
The temporary upgrade will see the Blue Line boost its normal Sunday schedule from 22 trips to 54, with trains running at 30-minute intervals between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. This adjustment is designed to accommodate the increased traffic expected around the concert venue and nearby Marina axis.
Concert Timeline
The “G.O.A.T Experience” concert, headlined by Wizkid, will run from: 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 28 December 2025 to 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 29 December 2025.
With thousands of fans expected to attend, the additional rail support is intended to reduce road congestion, improve safety, and provide a more coordinated travel experience into central Lagos. The Blue Line service will return to its regular weekday schedule of 90 train trips daily starting Monday, 29 December 2025.
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) stated that the arrangement aims to keep Lagos moving efficiently during festive activities while ensuring concertgoers have a reliable alternative to road traffic.
Wizkid’s “G.O.A.T Experience” concert is already shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of 2025, and the Lagos State Government’s approval of a 54-trip Blue Line railway service signals a significant commitment to event logistics and public convenience. With extended operating hours and a scaled-up route schedule, concertgoers are expected to benefit from a safer and more organized movement system throughout the event.
In a significant shake-up for the global music industry, YouTube has announced it will stop providing its streaming data to Billboard’s U.S. music charts starting January 16, 2026. This decision ends a decade-long partnership that helped measure song popularity and influence chart positions for artists around the world.
The move arose from a dispute over how Billboard weights different types of streams, raising questions about digital consumption, fairness, and how chart success should be defined in the streaming era. Here’s a breakdown of what this change means for artists, fans, and the music business at large.
Why YouTube Pulled Back Its Data
At the heart of the split is a disagreement over Billboard’s chart methodology specifically, how it assigns different values to paid versus ad-supported streams:
Billboard currently gives more weight to paid or subscription streams (like Spotify Premium or Apple Music) than to free, ad-supported plays.
YouTube argues this system undervalues listening behaviour on its platform, where billions of users stream music for free with ads.
In response, Billboard updated its formula for 2026 to make ad-supported streams count more than they did before (reducing the number of streams needed to count toward the charts). However, paid streams still count significantly more than free streams, and YouTube says this doesn’t reflect how modern fans actually engage with music.
YouTube’s global head of music, Lyor Cohen, called Billboard’s formula “outdated” and insisted that all streams paid or free should be counted equally for chart calculations. Because Billboard would not adopt this approach, YouTube announced it will stop submitting its data for all Billboard charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200.
Lyor Cohen
A Brief History of YouTube & Billboard Charts
YouTube began contributing data to Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2013, recognizing that video streams were a growing part of how people consume music. Later, its data was added to album charts like the Billboard 200.
Because YouTube reaches billions of listeners worldwide; especially in regions where paid subscriptions are less common, its inclusion historically helped songs chart higher based on popularity across video and music formats.
Now, with the partnership ending after January 16, 2026, YouTube streams will no longer factor into these official U.S. rankings unless the two organizations find a new agreement.
How Billboard’s New Chart Rules Work
For charts dated January 17, 2026 (tracking data from January 2-8), Billboard will adjust its streaming values:
1,000 paid/subscription on-demand streams = one album unit
2,500 ad-supported on-demand streams = one album unit
This narrows the difference between paid and free streams compared with previous years, but paid streams still count more per stream than ad-supported ones.
Under this system, a song must be streamed more times on a free tier to count the same as fewer paid streams, a key reason YouTube disagrees with the approach.
What this could mean for Artists
Chart Visibility Changes: Songs that used to climb based on huge YouTube view counts alone may now chart lower or not at all on Billboard charts.
Strategy Shifts: Labels may push artists toward platforms where plays still count fully for Billboard, such as Spotify, Apple Music, or other paid services.
Video Release Planning: Big-budget music videos might become less central to chart strategies, though they’ll still matter for engagement and reach.
Artists with strong YouTube performance particularly in genres like K-pop, hip-hop, Latin pop, and Afrobeats, may feel the biggest impact, as many of their fans use YouTube as a primary means of listening.
For Fans
Streaming Choices Matter More: Streaming on paid platforms may have more chart impact than listening on YouTube alone.
Billboard Chart Dynamics Change: Fans who boosted songs to the charts via YouTube views might see different results going forward.
What This Doesn’t Change
Music Industry Certifications: YouTube streams will still count toward certifications like RIAA Gold and Platinum, which have their own criteria separate from Billboard charts.
Luminate Reporting: YouTube continues to submit data to Luminate (a major industry analytics provider), so labels and artists will still see full YouTube consumption metrics.
YouTube’s move isn’t just a technical shift in how charts are calculated, it’s a cultural statement about what matters most in music consumption today. Whether this leads to new chart models or renewed negotiation between platforms and publishers remains to be seen.
