Marvel Studios has officially confirmed the long-awaited arrival of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the release of the first trailer for Avengers: Doomsday.
The newly released footage confirms the return of Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier, Ian McKellen as Magneto, and James Marsden as Cyclops, marking the first time the iconic mutant characters appear in an MCU Avengers film.
The trailer features clear appearances of the X-Men characters, ending years of speculation about how and when Marvel would integrate mutants following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen reprise their roles as longtime rivals Professor X and Magneto, while James Marsden returns as Scott Summers / Cyclops, making his first on-screen appearance in the franchise since X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Their inclusion confirms that Avengers: Doomsday will serve as a major crossover event, bringing together legacy Marvel characters and current MCU heroes under one storyline.
Beyond the confirmed X-Men appearances, the Avengers: Doomsday trailer establishes a darker, large-scale conflict tied to the rise of Doctor Doom, who is positioned as the central threat of the film.
Release Information
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for theatrical release in December 18, 2026 and is expected to be followed by Avengers: Secret Wars, which will further explore the multiverse and its consequences.
Toyin Abraham has once again proven that she understands the Nigerian cinema audience better than most of her peers.
Her latest film, Oversabi Aunty, has officially crossed ₦711.5 million at the Nigerian box office after just 18 days in cinemas, marking one of the fastest-rising theatrical runs by a Nollywood title in recent years. The milestone places the comedy firmly among the highest-grossing Nigerian films of the year and further strengthens Abraham’s reputation as one of Nollywood’s most commercially reliable filmmakers.
Released during the competitive end-of-year cinema window, Oversabi Aunty opened strongly and maintained momentum week after week. Within its first two weekends, the film recorded impressive nationwide turnout, quickly moving from a strong debut into sustained box office dominance.
By the end of its third weekend, the film’s cumulative earnings had climbed to ₦711.5 million, an achievement that many Nollywood releases take months to reach.
What stands out most is not just the total figure, but the speed at which the film achieved it. In an industry where audience drop-off after opening weekend is common, Oversabi Aunty has benefited from steady word-of-mouth, repeat viewings, and wide appeal across multiple age groups.
At its core, Oversabi Aunty taps into a familiar Nigerian social archetype, the well-meaning but intrusive figure who always seems to know everyone’s business. The humour is rooted in everyday experiences, making the story instantly relatable to audiences across different regions.
Rather than relying solely on slapstick comedy, the film balances humour with social commentary, touching on family dynamics, personal boundaries, and community pressure. This mix has helped the movie resonate beyond its laughs, turning it into a shared conversation both online and offline.
Strong performances from the supporting cast also play a major role, giving the story depth and ensuring the comedy never feels one-dimensional.
Toyin Abraham’s Growing Box Office Influence
With Oversabi Aunty, Toyin Abraham continues a clear upward trajectory at the Nigerian box office. Over the past few years, her films have consistently drawn large cinema audiences, positioning her among a small group of Nollywood filmmakers whose names alone can drive ticket sales.
This latest record reinforces a growing trend in the industry: audiences trust Toyin Abraham’s storytelling instincts. Whether as an actress, producer, or creative lead, her projects tend to strike a balance between commercial appeal and cultural relevance.
With cinemas still showing the movie nationwide and no immediate slowdown in audience interest, Oversabi Aunty could push its total even further in the coming weeks.
After becoming one of the biggest television events in recent years, Shōgun is officially moving forward.
The historical drama series, which dominated the global TV conversation and went on to win a record-breaking 18 Emmy Awards, has begun production on Season 2, according to its creators. But rather than feeling comfortable after such massive success, the team behind the show says the pressure has only increased.
Speaking about the new season, the show’s writer and executive producer explained that the challenge now is living up to expectations created by Season 1’s critical and commercial triumph.
When Shōgun first premiered, it arrived with quiet confidence rather than blockbuster expectations. That changed quickly.
The series became an international hit, praised for its careful historical detail, layered performances, and cinematic scale. Its awards sweep, especially the unprecedented Emmy haul cemented it as one of the most successful TV dramas of the decade.
Now, as cameras roll on Season 2, the creative team is working under a very different spotlight.
According to the executive producer, the biggest challenge isn’t topping awards or viewership numbers, but protecting the integrity of the story while expanding the world audiences have grown attached to.
“The success raises expectations—from fans, critics, and even ourselves,” the producer noted. “That makes every creative decision more complicated.”
One of the major hurdles facing Season 2 is narrative direction.
Season 1 closely followed its original source material, giving the writers a strong foundation. With that story now fully explored, the new season requires fresh storytelling that still feels authentic to the show’s historical roots.
For the creators, Season 2 is less about repeating what worked and more about evolving the series responsibly.
As Season 2 moves forward, the creators are fully aware they are no longer just making another season of television, they’re protecting a legacy already written into awards history.
Tyler Perry’s psychological drama Straw has emerged as Nigeria’s most-searched movie of 2025, according to Google’s official Year in Search data.
The film, which stars Taraji P. Henson, as a desperate single mother pushed to her limits, dominated movie related searches in Nigeria throughout the year, outperforming both major Hollywood releases and popular Nollywood titles.
The ranking highlights the strong connection Nigerian audiences had with the film’s emotional themes and central performance.
At the core of Straw is a story about economic pressure, motherhood, survival, and moral choices under extreme stress; themes that strongly resonate with viewers in Nigeria.
Taraji P. Henson’s intense performance sparked widespread online conversation, with many viewers searching for:
Plot explanations
Reviews and reactions
Character motivations
Tyler Perry’s creative choices
Perry’s focus on family struggles, economic hardship, and emotional resilience aligns closely with themes that often trend well among Nigerian audiences, especially on streaming platforms and social media.
Google Year in Search
Google’s Year in Search rankings are based on search growth, not total views or box office numbers. This means Straw recorded the highest spike in interest among Nigerian users compared to other films released in 2025.
The list reflects what Nigerians were most curious about, the movies that drove conversations, debates, and repeat searches throughout the year.
The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, held on January 4, 2026, delivered one of the clearest awards-season statements yet. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The ceremony honoured the best films and television series of 2025, with strong showings from Sinners, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, The Pitt, and Adolescence.
Below is a full breakdown of the major categories, winners, and nominees.
FILM CATEGORIES
Best Picture
Winner: One Battle After Another
Nominees:
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Jay Kelly
Marty Supreme
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Wicked: For Good
Best Director
Winner: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
Nominees:
Ryan Coogler — Sinners
Guillermo del Toro — Frankenstein
Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
Chloé Zhao — Hamnet
Best Actor
Winner: Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
Nominees:
Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
Joel Edgerton — Train Dreams
Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent
Best Actress
Winner: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
Nominees:
Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Chase Infiniti — One Battle After Another
Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
Amanda Seyfried — The Testament of Ann Lee
Emma Stone — Bugonia
Best Supporting Actor
Winner: Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
Nominees:
Benicio del Toro — One Battle After Another
Paul Mescal — Hamnet
Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
Adam Sandler — Jay Kelly
Stellan Skarsgård — Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actress
Winner: Amy Madigan — Weapons
Nominees:
Elle Fanning — Sentimental Value
Ariana Grande — Wicked: For Good
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas — Sentimental Value
Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
Teyana Taylor — One Battle After Another
Best Original Screenplay
Winner: Ryan Coogler — Sinners
Nominees:
Jay Kelly — Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer
Marty Supreme — Josh Safdie & Ronald Bronstein
Weapons — Zach Cregger
Sorry, Baby — Eva Victor
Sentimental Value — Eskil Vogt & Joachim Trier
Best Adapted Screenplay
Winner: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
Nominees:
Train Dreams — Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar
No Other Choice — Park Chan-wook et al.
Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro
Bugonia — Will Tracy
Hamnet — Chloé Zhao & Maggie O’Farrell
Best Young Actor / Actress
Winner: Miles Caton — Sinners
Nominees:
Everett Blunck — The Plague
Cary Christopher — Weapons
Shannon Mahina Gorman — Rental Family
Jacobi Jupe — Hamnet
Nina Ye — Left-Handed Girl
Best Animated Feature
Winner: KPop Demon Hunters
Nominees:
Flowervale Street
Inside Out 2
The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol
Orion and the Dark
TELEVISION CATEGORIES
Best Drama Series
Winner: The Pitt
Nominees:
The Diplomat
Severance
All Her Fault
Ghosts
Slow Horses
Best Comedy Series
Winner: The Studio
Nominees:
Nobody Wants This
A Man on the Inside
The Righteous Gemstones
Murderbot
St. Denis Medical
Best Limited Series
Winner: Adolescence
Nominees:
Death by Lightning
Hacks
The Sympathizer
Ripley
Acting Categories (Television)
Best Actor in a Drama Series; Noah Wyle — The Pitt
Nominees:
Kieran Culkin — All Her Fault
Pedro Pascal — The Diplomat
Adam Scott — Severance
Best Actress in a Comedy Series; Jean Smart — Hacks
Nominees:
Quinta Brunson — Abbott Elementary
Maya Rudolph — Loot
Natasha Lyonne — Poker Face
Other TV Winners
Best Animated Series: South Park
Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game
Best Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Comedy Special: SNL50: The Anniversary Special
One Battle After Another leaves the Critics Choice Awards as the clear film frontrunner of the season. On television, The Pitt and Adolescence solidified their status as prestige favourites heading into the remaining awards circuit.
The domestic box office had a competitive weekend as big-budget sequels, fresh originals, and revived franchises battled for audience attention. Here’s how the Top 5 films performed in their opening weekend, based on early box office estimates.
1. Avatar: Fire and Ash — $40M
James Cameron’s Avatar franchise continues its box office dominance. Fire and Ash opens comfortably at number one with $40 million, reaffirming the brand’s strong pull with premium formats and franchise-loyal audiences. While not an explosive debut by Avatar standards, the opening positions the film well for a steady theatrical run.
2. Zootopia 2 — $19M
Disney’s long-awaited sequel lands in second place with $19 million. Zootopia 2 benefits from family appeal and nostalgia from the original film, though its opening suggests a more gradual rollout rather than a front-loaded debut. Expect stronger weekday and long-term performance driven by younger audiences.
3. The Housemaid — $14.8M
The psychological thriller The Housemaid surprises with a solid $14.8 million opening. In a weekend dominated by franchises, its performance shows there’s still strong demand for mid-budget adult-oriented films when the marketing connects with viewers.
4. Marty Supreme — $12.5M
Marty Supreme debuts with $12.5 million, a respectable result that reflects moderate audience interest. While it doesn’t break out immediately, its placement in the Top 5 suggests potential for word-of-mouth growth depending on audience reception in the coming weeks.
5. Anaconda — $10M
Rounding out the list is Anaconda with $10 million. The reboot leans heavily on brand recognition, and while its opening isn’t massive, cracking the Top 5 indicates enough curiosity to give the film a chance at staying power if international numbers and secondary markets perform well.
Hugh Jackman is stepping into a role fans never expected: an older, battle-worn Robin Hood. But this isn’t the cheerful, dashing outlaw of the Sherwood Forest stories we all know. In A24’s upcoming thriller, The Death of Robin Hood, Jackman brings a gritty, emotional intensity to a legend that has been retold countless times.
From the first images released, it’s clear this version of Robin Hood will be raw, reflective, and morally complex, focusing less on heroic exploits and more on the consequences of a lifetime of violence and outlaw living.
Traditionally, Robin Hood has been portrayed as the charming archer who steals from the rich to give to the poor, with dashing sword fights and clever escapes. Jackman’s portrayal is anything but traditional. He’s older, scarred, and weighed down by the reality of his choices.
Director and writer Michael Sarnoski, known for the intimate drama Pig and horror-tinged A Quiet Place: Day One, is aiming to strip the legend down to its human core. Instead of the usual heroic adventure, the film focuses on legacy, morality, and what happens when a lifetime of outlaw actions catches up to you.
Cast
Joining Jackman is Jodie Comer, who plays a mysterious woman that becomes central to Robin Hood’s journey after he suffers a near-fatal injury. While her exact role remains under wraps, early reports hint that she is more than a caretaker.
Bill Skarsgård steps into the role of Little John, bringing his signature intensity and unpredictability. Supporting roles include Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe, promising a mix of experience, emotion, and youthful perspective. This ensemble suggests a story that balances the weight of history with human complexity, making it more than just an action film.
The film was shot in Northern Ireland on 35mm film, emphasizing a tactile, grounded visual style. The cinematography is expected to highlight rough landscapes, stormy skies, and the gritty textures of a world long past its golden age, reinforcing the tone of reflection and reckoning.
Instead of flashy CGI battles, audiences can expect intimate, intense combat scenes that feel real and consequential. Every scar, every dirt-streaked costume, and every weathered expression is part of a story about time, survival, and human fragility.
While action is still present, The Death of Robin Hood is more psychological thriller than swashbuckling adventure. The story emphasizes character development, tension, and the moral weight of choices over spectacle.
Early reactions to the first images and teasers describe Jackman as unrecognizable, almost feral, with a rugged beard, torn clothing, and scars. The imagery reinforces the idea that this Robin Hood is gritty, realistic, and far removed from the fairy-tale versions of the past.
The Death of Robin Hood marks a major departure from traditional interpretations, turning a well-known story into a dark, thoughtful, and thrilling experience. Hugh Jackman’s transformation into this aged, battle-scarred hero signals a film that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
For fans of classic tales reimagined with depth, and for anyone curious about Jackman in an entirely new light, this film promises to be unforgettable.
The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards is taking place tonight, marking the official start of the 2026 awards season. The star-studded ceremony is set to be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Comic host Chelsea Handler returns for her fourth consecutive year to guide the proceedings, blending humour with excitement as some of the biggest films and TV shows of 2025 compete for top honours.
The Critics Choice Awards, presented annually by the Critics Choice Association, honour the best achievements in film and television from the previous year. Known for its diverse voting body of critics, the event often foreshadows trends and potential winners in subsequent awards; including the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Leading Nominees This Year
Before tonight’s gala, several titles emerged as front-runners based on nominations:
Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s period horror drama, leads all films with 17 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and multiple acting categories.
One Battle After Another, the action epic by Paul Thomas Anderson, follows closely with 14 nominations, also in major categories like Best Picture and Best Actor.
Netflix’s limited series Adolescence is the most-nominated television project, highlighted in the show’s TV category lineup.
Other films in contention include Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value, among others, spanning genres from drama to fantasy and international cinema.
The ceremony is being broadcast live on E! and USA Network, with red carpet coverage and pre-show specials earlier in the evening. International viewers may also follow live streams on network apps and platforms supporting E! and USA Network feeds.
You can also get updates and follow the show via our Film social media handle on Facebook/X
Tonight’s show begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT (approximate local U.S. time), with the red carpet arriving hours earlier as celebrities showcase their fashion on the Barker Hangar carpet.
The global film industry had a spectacular year in 2025, grossing a record $33.5 billion at the box office; an impressive 10% increase from 2024. From blockbuster sequels to nostalgic reboots, audiences flocked back to theaters, proving that big-screen storytelling is far from dead.
But what made 2025 stand out? Was it the rise of animation, the dominance of franchises, or the power of international markets? Let’s break it down.
Top 10 Films of 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the highest-grossing films globally in 2025 and what made them resonate with audiences.
Ne Zha 2 — $2.15B (China)
China leads the way in animation. Ne Zha 2 topped the global box office with $2.15 billion, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in film. This sequel blended rich Chinese mythology with breathtaking visuals, appealing not just domestically but also internationally.
The film proves that China is no longer just a market for Hollywood, it’s a creative powerhouse, exporting stories with global appeal.
Zootopia 2 — $1.46B (USA/Disney)
Disney knows how to craft stories that hit home. Zootopia 2 combined humor, heart, and a clever social message, earning $1.46 billion worldwide. The sequel appealed to both children and adults, proving that animated films can carry meaning while still being wildly entertaining.
Lilo & Stitch — $1.03B (USA/Disney)
Nostalgia sells, and Disney tapped into it perfectly. The reboot of Lilo & Stitch earned over $1 billion, reminding audiences of the warmth of Hawaiian-themed adventures while introducing these characters to a new generation.
For studios, this shows that smart reboots done with care and creativity can be both commercially successful and culturally resonant.
Minecraft — $958M (USA/WB)
Video games on the big screen continue to thrive. Minecraft, based on the world-famous game, earned $958 million, highlighting the power of interactive IPs in cinemas.
The movie’s visuals were a spectacle, translating the game’s iconic blocky universe into a cinematic experience that fans and newcomers could enjoy alike.
Jurassic World — $869M (USA/NBC)
Dinosaurs never go out of style. The latest Jurassic World installment delivered familiar thrills with modern CGI, earning $869 million worldwide. The film proved that franchises with proven formulas sci-fi, adventure, and awe-inspiring creatures can still dominate the box office.
Avatar — $851M (USA/Disney)
James Cameron’s Avatar remains a powerhouse. Despite being more than a decade old, the franchise continues to impress with cutting-edge visuals and immersive storytelling, grossing $851 million.
Cameron’s dedication to technological innovation ensures that Avatar isn’t just a film; it’s an experience, and audiences are clearly willing to pay for it.
Demon Slayer — $795M (Japan/Sony)
Anime is officially global. Demon Slayer earned $795 million, proving that Japanese animation isn’t niche; it’s mainstream.
Its success is a combination of beautiful visuals, compelling storytelling, and a loyal fanbase. For the global market, it signals that cultural export through animation is a major growth area.
How to Train Your Dragon (HTTYD) — $636M (USA/NBC)
DreamWorks ended the year on a high note. The How to Train Your Dragon finale earned $636 million, delivering heartfelt storytelling and jaw-dropping animation.
Franchise longevity is key here; HTTYD proves that even after multiple installments, emotional resonance and world-building keep fans returning to theaters.
F1 Movie — $632M (USA/Apple)
Apple’s foray into cinema paid off. The F1 Movie brought the thrill of racing to the big screen, earning $632 million. Beyond adrenaline-pumping action, the film tapped into global motorsport fandom, showing that films based on sports and real-life events can be highly lucrative.
Superman — $617M (USA/WB)
The superhero genre isn’t slowing down. Superman grossed $617 million, blending nostalgia with modern storytelling. Even after decades, iconic characters remain a safe bet for studios, proving that familiarity and fan loyalty are major box office drivers.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
With $33.5 billion in global revenue, 2025 confirms that cinema is far from dying. Audiences are clearly hungry for cinematic experiences that feel bigger than life, whether that’s dragons, superheroes, or mythical heroes like Ne Zha.
The upcoming year will likely continue these trends, with more sequels, ambitious animations, and international collaborations shaping the box office landscape. For moviegoers and industry watchers alike, 2026 promises to be just as exciting.
If you’ve been waiting to binge the Johnson family all in one place, your wait is almost over. Disney’s hit sitcom Black‑ish, created by Kenya Barris, is coming to Netflix US for the first time, starting Saturday, January 31, 2026. Fans can finally stream all eight seasons, totaling 176 episodes, without switching between multiple platforms.
The series, which aired from 2014 to 2022, follows Andre “Dre” Johnson and his family as they navigate life, identity, and culture with humor and heart. Praised for its clever writing and socially conscious storylines, Black‑ish has earned Emmy nominations and a devoted fanbase.
Previously, US viewers had to rely on Hulu or Disney+ to watch the series. Bringing Black‑ish to Netflix makes it more accessible to millions of new viewers, while giving longtime fans a convenient way to binge their favorite episodes. It’s a prime example of streaming platforms expanding their libraries with proven hits to attract audiences.
Created by Kenya Barris, Black‑ish stars Anthony Anderson as Dre and Tracee Ellis Ross as his wife, Rainbow. Together, they raise four children while juggling careers, family dynamics, and cultural identity. The show blends humor with social commentary, addressing issues like race, privilege, and generational differences.
Its influence has been significant, inspiring spin-offs like Grown‑ish and Mixed‑ish, and establishing itself as a culturally important sitcom that resonates with viewers across generations.
Starting January 31, 2026, all eight seasons of Black‑ish will be available to stream on Netflix US.
