Category: Movies/TV

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced a global 25th anniversary celebration for Harry Potter, marking 25 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first film in the iconic franchise.

The year-long celebration, scheduled for 2026, will feature cinema re-releases, global fan events, immersive experiences, special merchandise, and studio tour activations, reinforcing the franchise’s enduring cultural and commercial impact.

Released in 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduced audiences to the wizarding world and went on to launch one of the most successful film franchises of all time. Over eight films, the series grossed more than $7.7 billion worldwide, becoming a defining cultural moment for an entire generation.

According to Warner Bros. Discovery, the 25th anniversary celebration is designed to honour both long-time fans and a new generation discovering the films for the first time.

As part of the anniversary rollout, Warner Bros. Discovery has outlined several global activations:

• Butterbeer Season: A travelling Butterbeer experience will appear in select cities worldwide, offering themed drinks, merchandise, and fan activities.
• Harry Potter’s Birthday (July 31): Official celebrations tied to Harry’s birthday will take place across Harry Potter retail locations and partner venues.
• Back to Hogwarts Campaign: The annual fan celebration will be expanded in 2026 as part of the anniversary programme. These events are expected to run across North America, Europe, Asia, and other major markets.

One of the centre pieces of the celebration will be the global theatrical re-release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The film is scheduled to return to cinemas between August 27 and September 3, 2026, with screenings featuring previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage, offering fans a deeper look at how the original film was made.

In addition, selected locations will host “Shared Reality” immersive screenings, blending the movie with enhanced visual elements for a more interactive viewing experience.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will also mark the milestone with a special anniversary feature running from May to September 2026.

Visitors will be able to explore original sets, props, and costumes from the first film, with new exhibits highlighting the early creative decisions that shaped the franchise.

Warner Bros. Discovery will roll out 25th anniversary-branded merchandise throughout 2026, featuring a commemorative logo inspired by the magical imagery of the films.

Major global brands, including LEGO, Loungefly, Crocs, Hallmark, and others, are set to release special collections. Exclusive items will also be available at official Harry Potter stores in cities such as London, Tokyo, and across the United States.

Netflix has officially revised its high-profile acquisition offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), switching from a stock-and-cash proposal to an all-cash deal valued at $82.7 billion. The amended offer sets the price at $27.75 per share, covering WBD’s studios, HBO, Max, DC, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones libraries, among other key assets.

This move is seen as a strategic maneuver by Netflix to provide greater certainty to WBD shareholders while fending off a competing bid from Paramount.

Originally, Netflix’s bid included a mix of stock and cash. However, in high-stakes mergers, the uncertainty of stock-based offers can create hesitation among shareholders, especially when competing offers are on the table. By moving to a 100% cash offer, Netflix ensures that WBD shareholders receive a guaranteed payout, strengthening the appeal of their proposal.

“The amended cash offer provides certainty and maximizes value for Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders,” WBD’s board stated.

In comparison, Paramount’s rival bid, reportedly up to $30 per share, has intensified the competition, forcing Netflix to rethink its strategy to retain a competitive edge.

The assets included in the acquisition are a significant addition to Netflix’s content library:

• Warner Bros. Studios: Access to decades of film and television production.
• HBO & Max: Premium streaming content, including iconic series like Succession, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones.
• DC Universe: Superhero franchises including Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
• Harry Potter Franchise: The lucrative Wizarding World of movies and spin-offs.
• Game of Thrones Library: One of the most popular television franchises globally.

Netflix vs Paramount: The Streaming Rivalry

Paramount’s interest in WBD escalated the bidding war. While details of Paramount’s offer vary, reports indicate the company is also pursuing an all-cash deal, intensifying the race to acquire one of the most valuable media libraries in the world.

Paramount Skydance Launches Hostile $108 Billion Bid to Steal Warner Bros. Discovery from Netflix

Netflix’s cash-only strategy reduces uncertainty for WBD shareholders, giving it an advantage over offers that mix stock, which may fluctuate in value depending on market conditions.

If completed, the deal would mark a historic consolidation in the media and streaming sector. Netflix would gain a massive library of films, series, and franchises, dramatically expanding its content offerings and subscriber appeal.

For WBD, the deal provides a cash exit for shareholders, allowing the company to settle its operations with certainty amid growing competition in streaming.

Netflix’s switch to an all-cash $82.7B deal for Warner Bros. Discovery highlights the streaming giant’s commitment to content dominance in an increasingly competitive market. With Paramount also in the race, the coming months are set to define the future of global streaming, possibly giving Netflix unprecedented control over some of the most valuable media franchises in history.

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has officially begun unveiling films selected for its 2026 competition lineup, marking the early stages of one of the world’s most influential film events.

The 76th edition of the Berlinale is scheduled to run from February 12 to February 22, 2026, with the festival once again turning Berlin into a global hub for filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles. As is tradition, the lineup is being revealed in stages, with additional titles expected to be announced in the coming days through live press briefings and official updates.

Initial announcements confirm a strong mix of international auteurs, emerging voices, and high-profile talent, reflecting the Berlinale’s long-standing commitment to artistic diversity and global storytelling.

Several films featuring notable names such as Isabelle Huppert and Ethan Hawke have already been confirmed across various festival sections, while the broader programme includes works spanning drama, genre cinema, and socially driven narratives .

The 2026 edition is also the second Berlinale under artistic director Tricia Tuttle, with expectations that this year’s competition slate will further shape the festival’s evolving creative direction .

While the Berlinale has confirmed that films selected for the Official Competition will contend for top honours including the Golden Bear, the full list of competition titles has not yet been finalized. Festival organisers have stated that announcements are being made incrementally, with live updates planned as selections are locked in .

In addition to the main competition, films have also been announced in other key sections such as Panorama, Generation, and Special Gala, reinforcing the festival’s reputation for showcasing both mainstream and boundary-pushing cinema .

More competition titles, jury details, and premiere information are expected to be revealed before the festival opens in February. Industry observers anticipate that the final lineup will include a balance of world premieres, politically conscious films, and prestige international productions, consistent with Berlinale’s identity as one of the “big three” European film festivals.

This article will be updated as new films are officially confirmed and added to the 2026 Berlinale competition slate.

As Landman wraps its intense second season on Paramount+, which saw dramatic twists, the neo-Western oil drama has already locked in a third season, much to the excitement of its global fanbase, myself number one. 

Landman; created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Billy Bob Thornton as oil-savvy Tommy Norris; has been one of Paramount+’s biggest hits. Season 2 not only drew in millions of viewers but also significantly outpaced the show’s first season in early viewership metrics, helping to justify a swift renewal decision early in the season’s run. 

Paramount+ officially confirmed the third season in December 2025, before Season 2 had even finished airing.

While there’s no official release date yet, patterns from previous seasons suggest that Season 3 could drop in the latter part of 2026, possibly in November or December. That pattern follows Season 1 and Season 2, both of which premiered in mid-November of their respective years. 

Production is expected to begin in spring 2026, giving the creative team time to craft the next chapter of Tommy Norris’s journey in the volatile world of oil and family politics. 

Season 2 ended with a major shake-up: Tommy Norris was fired by Cami Miller (played by Demi Moore) from the helm of M-Tex Oil; but rather than bow out, he launched a new company, CTT Oil Exploration and Cattle, bringing key allies and family members into his Park. 

That storyline sets the stage for a fresh narrative direction in Season 3, with Landman poised to explore:

• Tommy’s new business challenges and rivalries as he attempts to build CTT Oil from the ground up. 
• Shifting alliances and personal stakes as old relationships are tested in and out of the boardroom. 
• Family dynamics, especially with Tommy’s children; including his daughter Ainsley and son Cooper each facing their own trials and roles in the new company’s future. 

With Landman’s storytelling rooted in power, loyalty, betrayal, and the rough-edged world of West Texas oil, fans can reasonably expect a mix of personal drama and high-stakes industry conflict when Season 3 unfolds.

Though no official cast list has been released yet, most of the core ensemble from Season 2 is expected to return. That includes:

• Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris
• Ali Larter as Angela Norris
• Michelle Randolph as Ainsley Norris
• Jacob Lofland as Cooper
• Colm Feore, Kayla Wallace, and others featured prominently in Season 2. 

Thornton himself has publicly dismissed rumors that he would leave the show after Season 2, calling those reports “AI-generated” stating that he plans to return for Season 3. 

Prime Video has officially expanded the world of Tomb Raider, unveiling a star-studded supporting cast alongside Sophie Turner, who leads the series as the iconic adventurer Lara Croft.

The live-action series marks a major reboot of the long-running franchise, shifting Lara Croft’s story into a serialized format that allows for deeper character development, high-stakes exploration, and globe-spanning action.

Sophie Turner Takes on Lara Croft

Turner, best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, steps into one of pop culture’s most recognizable roles. Prime Video recently released the first official image of Turner as Lara Croft, sparking strong reactions from fans and reigniting excitement around the franchise.

Full Supporting Cast Announced

Joining Turner in the series are several acclaimed actors:

• Sigourney Weaver as Evelyn Wallis, a mysterious new character created for the show
• Jason Isaacs as Atlas DeMornay, Lara Croft’s uncle
• Bill Paterson as Winston, the Croft family’s trusted butler
• Martin Bobb-Semple as Zip, Lara’s tech-savvy ally
• Celia Imrie as Francine, a senior British Museum official
• Jack Bannon as Gerry, Lara’s pilot and field support
• Paterson Joseph as Thomas Warner, a powerful authority figure
• John Heffernan as David, a government official drawn into Lara’s missions
• Juliette Motamed as Georgia, a British Museum curator
• Sasha Luss as Sasha, a rival adventurer
• August Wittgenstein as Lukas, an illegal raider with ties to Lara’s past

Creative Team and What to Expect

The series is spearheaded by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who serves as writer and executive producer, alongside Chad Hodge as co-showrunner. Direction is led by Jonathan Van Tulleken, signaling a grounded but cinematic approach to the reboot.

Unlike previous film adaptations, Prime Video’s Tomb Raider is expected to explore Lara Croft’s evolution over time, focusing on both her intellect and physical resilience while expanding the mythology around her world.

Release Details

Tomb Raider is currently in production and will stream exclusively on Prime Video. A release date has not yet been announced.

Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated God of War live-action adaptation is beginning to take clear shape, with two major casting confirmations now official.

The series has cast Ryan Hurst as the iconic Spartan warrior Kratos, while Teresa Palmer has been confirmed to portray Sif, the Norse goddess and wife of Thor.

The announcements mark a significant step forward for one of the most ambitious video game adaptations currently in development.

Confirmed Cast Members

Ryan Hurst as Kratos

Ryan Hurst (Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead) will take on the role of Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta.

Hurst is no stranger to the God of War universe, having previously voiced Thor in God of War Ragnarök. His casting suggests a deliberate effort by Amazon and Sony to preserve the emotional and tonal identity that defines the franchise.

In the series, Kratos is expected to be portrayed during his Norse era, a version of the character shaped by loss, restraint, and fatherhood rather than unchecked rage.

Teresa Palmer as Sif

Teresa Palmer has officially been cast as Sif, a prominent Norse goddess and the wife of Thor.

In Norse mythology and in the God of War games; Sif is associated with strength, dignity, and resilience. Her character plays a key role in the political and emotional dynamics of the Norse gods, particularly within Asgard.

Palmer’s casting signals that the series will meaningfully explore the Norse pantheon, rather than limiting its focus solely to Kratos and his immediate journey.

Amazon has confirmed that the live-action series will primarily adapt the storyline of God of War (2018), the critically acclaimed reboot that redefined the franchise.

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor

Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Northman, Lamb) has been cast as Thor, the god of thunder.

Thor’s inclusion confirms that the series will portray key Norse mythological figures and major conflicts from the God of War universe. Ólafsson brings gravitas and experience to the role, promising a compelling live-action portrayal of the legendary god.

Production & Creative Team

The God of War series is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios in partnership with Sony Pictures Television.

The project is overseen by Ronald D. Moore, the acclaimed writer and producer behind Battlestar Galactica and Outlander. The show has already received a two-season order, reflecting Amazon’s confidence in the adaptation.

Filming is expected to take place in Vancouver, though a specific production start date has not yet been publicly confirmed.

Amazon has confirmed that the series will adapt the 2018 God of War storyline, which follows Kratos and his son Atreus in the Norse realms.

The series is expected to explore:

• Kratos’ father-son dynamic with Atreus
• Themes of redemption, legacy, and restraint
• Conflicts between gods, giants, and mortals

As of now, no actor has been officially confirmed as Atreus, though announcements are expected in the future.

What Remains Unconfirmed

To avoid misinformation, here’s what has not yet been officially announced:

• Casting for Atreus
• Additional Norse gods beyond Sif
• An official release date or trailer

HBO is once again looking beyond Westeros.

According to a recent reports, a new Game of Thrones sequel series is currently being explored, with early creative discussions still ongoing. While no final decision has been made about the story or characters, sources say Arya Stark is one of the possible focal points being considered.

At this stage, the project remains firmly in development, meaning there is no official series order, no script, and no production timeline.

Arya Stark’s ending in Game of Thrones season eight left one of the franchise’s most open-ended storylines. Instead of settling into Westerosi politics, she chose to sail west of the known world; a narrative thread that has never been explored on screen.

That unresolved journey is reportedly what makes Arya an attractive option for HBO as it continues expanding the Game of Thrones universe. Unlike prequel projects such as House of the Dragon, an Arya-led sequel would move the franchise forward in time, offering new locations, cultures, and stories beyond the Seven Kingdoms.

It’s important to stress that this is not a confirmed series.

It’s key to note that the story is still being shaped, and HBO has not committed to any specific character, plot direction, or creative team. The network has a history of developing multiple Game of Thrones ideas simultaneously, many of which never make it past the concept stage.

This also follows the quiet shelving of the previously discussed Jon Snow sequel, suggesting HBO is being cautious about how  and whether it revisits characters from the original series.

With House of the Dragon proving that audiences are still invested in George R. R. Martin’s world, HBO appears open to both prequels and sequels, provided the story feels fresh and justified.

HBO is exploring its options, the story is undecided, and nothing has been officially announced. But the fact that discussions are happening at all signals that the world of Game of Thrones may not be done with its most fearless Stark just yet.

CoComelon has recorded another historic milestone on YouTube, as its animated children’s classic “Wheels on the Bus” emerged as one of the most-watched music videos worldwide in 2025, pulling in an estimated two billion views within the year across global audiences.

The achievement reinforces CoComelon’s dominance in digital children’s entertainment and highlights the continued power of nursery rhymes in the streaming era.

Produced by Moonbug Entertainment, CoComelon has long been a heavyweight on YouTube, consistently ranking among the platform’s most-subscribed and most-viewed channels. “Wheels on the Bus” is one of its flagship videos, enjoyed by toddlers and families across multiple regions and languages.

While YouTube does not release official annual rankings that isolate children’s content from general music videos, industry trackers and viewership estimates indicate that “Wheels on the Bus” recorded extraordinary engagement in 2025, with view counts reportedly crossing the two-billion-view mark within the calendar year.

Unlike mainstream pop releases, CoComelon’s success exists in a unique category where children’s music often rivals and sometimes surpasses global chart hits in raw view numbers. Over time, “Wheels on the Bus” has accumulated billions of lifetime views, placing it among YouTube’s most-watched videos of all time.

Its 2025 performance further cements children’s digital programming as one of the most powerful segments in online video consumption.

Zootopia 2 has officially been crowned Best Animated Movie at the 27th Annual Golden Tomato Awards, presented by Rotten Tomatoes. The honor places the Disney Animation sequel at the top of the year’s most critically acclaimed animated releases, based on aggregated critic reviews.

The Golden Tomato Awards recognize films and television shows with the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores across multiple categories, factoring in both quality and consistency of critical reception throughout the year.

Released nearly a decade after the original Zootopia (2016), Zootopia 2 faced intense expectations and has largely exceeded them. Critics praised the sequel for expanding the original film’s world while tackling timely social themes with humor, emotional depth, and polished animation.

Full List of 2025 Golden Tomato Award Winners

Below is the complete list of categories and winners from the 2025 Golden Tomato Awards:

Top Overall Winners

• Best Movie: Sinners
• Best Limited Release Movie: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
• Best TV Series: Andor (Season 2)
• Best New Series: Pluribus (Season 1)
• Best Returning Series: Andor (Season 2)
• Best Anthology / Limited Series: Adolescence

Movie Genre Winners

• Best Action & Adventure Movie: One Battle After Another
• Best Animated Movie: Zootopia 2
• Best Comedy Movie: The Naked Gun
• Best Documentary Movie: The Perfect Neighbor
• Best Drama Movie: Sentimental Value
• Best Horror Movie: Sinners
• Best International Movie: Sentimental Value
• Best Mystery & Thriller Movie: Black Bag
• Best Romance Movie: Pillion
• Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Movie: Companion
• Best Music Movie: KPop Demon Hunters

TV Category Winners

• Best Comedy Series: The Studio (Season 1)
• Best Drama Series: Adolescence
• Best Horror Series: Alien: Earth (Season 1)
• Best Historical Series: Wolf Hall (Season 2)
• Best Mystery & Thriller Series: Task (Season 1)
• Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Series: Andor (Season 2)

Fan Favorite Awards

• Fan Favorite Movie: Sinners
• Fan Favorite Action Movie: Superman
• Fan Favorite Animated Movie: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle
• Fan Favorite Concert Movie: ATEEZ World Tour: Towards the Light – Will to Power
• Fan Favorite Drama Movie: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
• Fan Favorite Family Movie: How to Train Your Dragon

Stephen Graham has confirmed that plans for a second season of Netflix’s Adolescence are officially in motion, following the show’s major night at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.

The British actor and co-creator revealed the update backstage at the Globes, where Adolescence emerged as one of the ceremony’s biggest winners. While the series was originally presented as a limited drama, Graham’s comments suggest the story may not be over just yet.

Speaking after his Golden Globe win, Graham confirmed that he and co-creator Jack Thorne are actively discussing ideas for a follow-up season. However, he stressed that the process is still at a very early stage.

According to Graham, any continuation of Adolescence would require careful thought, especially given the emotional weight and cultural impact of the first season. He hinted that if a second season happens, it may not be a direct continuation of the original storyline, suggesting an anthology-style approach instead.

Netflix has not yet officially greenlit Season 2, and no timeline, cast details, or storyline have been confirmed.

Adolescence had a dominant showing at the 2026 Golden Globes, further fueling conversations about the show’s future. The series won:

• Best Limited or Anthology Series
• Best Actor in a Limited Series – Stephen Graham
• Best Supporting Actor – Owen Cooper
• Best Supporting Actress – Erin Doherty

The wins capped off an already impressive awards season for the show, which has been widely praised for its performances, writing, and unflinching portrayal of modern youth and social pressures.

Since its release, Adolescence has sparked widespread discussion online and beyond, with viewers praising its realism and emotional depth. Graham acknowledged the impact during awards season, noting that audiences have shared personal stories about how the series resonated with them and opened difficult conversations.

That cultural response, combined with its awards success, appears to be a key reason why the creators are now open to exploring what comes next.

For now, Adolescence Season 2 remains unconfirmed but possible. If a second season does move forward, it is expected to take several years and could introduce a new story rather than revisiting the original characters.