AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH Trailer Has Dropped Online

zoe saldana in avatar: fire and ash trailer

The action-packed first trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third movie in James Cameron’s Avatar sci-fi franchise, has been released online. Disney officially published the trailer online, following the teaser being leaked after appearing exclusively in cinemas ahead of Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Avatar 3 returns viewers to Pandora and introduces two new Na’vi tribes, the Wind Traders and the Ash People. Per the official description of Fire and Ash: “Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.”

Cameron still plans for five Avatar films, and has said he intends to direct them all. Much of the footage, Cameron has previously stated, has already been shot. For the time being, Avatar 4 is set for December 21st, 2029, and Avatar 5 will arrive on December 19th, 2031.

Avatar: Fire and Ash cast members include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Britain Dalton, Jack Champion, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Edie Falco, Brendan Cowell, Matt Gerald, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Bailey Bass, Jemaine Clement, and David Thewlis. The film’s screenplay is by Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver.

Watch the trailer below. Avatar: Fire and Ash releases in cinemas on December 19th, 2025.

SIDEKICKS TV Series In Works From Paul Jenkins

sidekicks comic book by paul jenkins

Paul Jenkins, who saw one of his creations, The Sentry, break out in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* earlier this year, is now developing an adult animated comedy based on his superhero satire comic SideKicks.

The comic, which ran for five issues between 2006 and 2007, takes place in Metroville, a city in which superheroes are as common as their underpaid and underappreciated sidekicks.

The story centers on Eddie Edison, a pizza delivery boy by day, sidekick by night. Per the logline: “Tired of living paycheck to paycheck while shouldering the burden of saving lives, Eddie takes on a series of sidekick gigs for different heroes across the city’s increasingly absurd roster of vigilantes. But when a new threat emerges in the form of the maniacal Doctor Scurrilous, Eddie must juggle multiple alter-egos, morally questionable employers, and his dwindling social life — all while trying to save Metroville from destruction.”

“SideKicks is the comic book world turned on its head,” Jenkins said in a statement, via THR. “It’s about what happens behind the masks, in the alleyways between battles, where the rent’s due, your costume still smells like tacos, and you’re pretty sure your superhero boss just Venmo-ed you exposure. It’s fast, funny, heartfelt, and irreverent — everything I love about adult animation.”

Solipsist Films is developing the project with Jenkins, who will write the pilot and executive produce with Solipsist’s Stephen L’Heureux, best known for Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.

CALEXIT Comics To Be Adapted By JOHN WICK Filmmaker

calexit fight for san diego comic book illustration

Chad Stahelski, the filmmaker behind the John Wick films, is set to produce a feature adaptation of Calexit, the all-too-realistic comic from Black Mask Studios.

Alex Young and Jason Spitz from 87Eleven Entertainment will also produce, as well as Matteo Pizzolo, Brett Burewitz, and Brian Giberson of Black Mask. The project does not yet have a studio or streamer, reports THR. Pizzolo, who also co-created the comic, wrote the script on spec. Amancay Nahuelpan, who co-created the comic and drew the first volume, is co-producing.

Calexit is set in a near future where America’s president signed an executive order to deport all immigrants, with California responding by proclaiming itself a sanctuary state, triggering a military intervention by the federal government and plunging the state into chaos. As the citizens of the state struggle to seize power back from an autocratic federal government, the story centres on Jamil, a war zone courier and smuggler, and Zora, a young leader in the Mulholland Resistance, who attempt to escape Occupied Los Angeles, a city under martial law.

The comic debuted in 2017, predictably proving to be a hot seller during Trump’s first term. It also launched spinoffs Calexit: All Systems San Diego, Calexit: Our Last Night in America and, most recently, Calexit: The Battle of Universal City.

On top of directing and producing the Keanu Reeves-starring Wick films, Stahelski produced its recent spinoff, Ballerina, as well as the 2022 vampire thriller Day Shift. He is now prepping to direct Highlander for Amazon MGM Studios, which will star Henry Cavill.

LILO & STITCH Sequel Brings Back Co-Creator Chris Sanders To Write

lilo & stitch live-action film receives sequel

Chris Sanders, the Wild Robot filmmaker and co-creator, co-writer, and co-director of the 2002 classic Lilo & Stitch, is reportedly in final negotiations to return to the franchise and pen the sequel to Disney’s live-action remake.

The deal calls for Sanders, who voiced the animated character of Stitch in both versions of the film (animated and live-action), to write the screenplay but not direct, at least at this stage. Sanders is also currently working on developing a sequel film to his triple-Academy Award-nominated film Wild Robot for DreamWorks Animation.

Dean Fleischer Camp directed this year’s live-action movie, written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. Jonathan Eirich will return to produce the sequel.

It’s unclear where this live-action sequel will take Lilo and Stitch’s story. While the original movie was followed by two direct-to-video sequels, Stitch! The Movie and Stitch Has a Glitch (as well as a show titled Lilo & Stitch: The Series), the new live-action sequel will be a brand-new story.

Sanders co-wrote and co-directed the original animated movie with Dean DeBlois, which marked both filmmakers’ directorial debuts. The pair then went on to work together on the first How to Train Your Dragon, another animated classic to recently receive a live-action remake.

Cristin Milioti To Lead Horror Thriller BUDDY

cristin milioti as sofia falcone in the penguin

Hot off her Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Sofia Falcone in HBO’s The Penguin, Cristin Milioti has selected her next project, an independent horror thriller titled Buddy.

Casper Kelly, who co-created Adult Swim shows Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell and Too Many Cooks, is directing the feature, as well as co-writing the script alongside Jamie King. J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules are producing via their BoulderLight Pictures, the banner behind Companion, Friendship, and the upcoming horror movie Weapons. Tyler Davidson and Drew Sykes are producing for Low Spark Films, the production company that counts the Aubrey Plaza-starring Emily the Criminal and Take Shelter among its credits.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project is being mysteriously described as a “new experience in horror.” Coming from Kelly, this won’t sound surprising to anyone who has watched his work — which includes a fake commercial titled “Goblin Chedder” in STARBURST’s beloved horror movie, Mandy.

Aside from the numerous accolades she’s garnered for The Penguin, Cristin Milioti counts acclaimed 2020 time-loop romantic comedy Palm Springs, opposite Andy Samberg, as well as several episodes of Black Mirror and the long-running comedy How I Met Your Mother, among her acting credits.

Hex Studios’ Lawrie Brewster Helps Make-A-Wish Come True for a Young Horror Fan.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation, the charitable organisation that grants life-changing wishes for children and young people living with critical illnesses, recently reached out to filmmaker Lawrie Brewster with an unusual request, and he was happy to say yes!

Rebecca Hopkins, from Girvan, Scotland, is a courageous young girl living with a serious illness and a deep passion for horror films, particularly 1990s classics like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Her heartfelt wish was to appear in a real horror movie. With a little coordination and a lot of heart, Lawrie Brewster and his producing partner Sarah Daly, along with the entire team at Hex Studios, made that dream a reality.


The film in question, Mr Whispers, is a retro-inspired supernatural horror in the spirit of The Blair Witch Project. It follows a group of filmmaking students, led by Kathryn Hale (played by Megan Tremethick), who break into an abandoned cinema to investigate a sinister urban legend. The ghostly figure of Mr Whispers, a porcelain-faced spectre said to be responsible for the disappearances of local children, forms the terrifying heart of the story.

However, for Rebecca, none of that was too scary. Accompanied by her mum, she travelled to Hex Studios in Fife, home of the British Horror Studio project, for a full day of filming.

Lawrie Brewster and Sarah Daly founded the studio with the goal of reviving British horror through grassroots, community-driven filmmaking. Producer Jed Shepherd (Host) first alerted Brewster to the challenge the Foundation was facing. They needed a studio close to Rebecca’s home, able to accommodate her health needs safely and actively in production.

Lawrie said, “Since the heyday of Hammer and Amicus, there hasn’t been a dedicated British horror studio operating from permanent premises for over 40 years. We knew we were in a position to help.”

The entire cast and crew volunteered their time to support Rebecca’s wish. Megan Tremethick took charge of Rebecca’s make-up and costume, helping her transform into a ghostly character for a haunting scene filmed in the studio’s atmospheric stone chambers. Co-stars Dorian Ashbourne, Novarro Ramon, and Sam MacMillan were all on set, offering encouragement and creating memories Rebecca and her family will never forget.

Sarah Daly liaised closely with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, coordinating long-distance transport to ensure Rebecca could travel safely to the studio. She ensured Rebecca was comfortable and well cared for throughout the day, arranging meals, rest breaks, and a quiet area for Rebecca and her mum to relax. While the excitement happened in front of the camera, it was Sarah who made the day possible behind the scenes through thoughtful organisation and tireless support.

Even the fearsome Mr Whispers himself made an appearance. While initially a little unnerved by his cracked porcelain mask, Rebecca soon found him more amusing than scary. They filmed an entire scene with Rebecca at the centre. Not only will she appear in the final film, but she will also receive an official acting credit and IMDb listing – her first steps into the world of horror cinema.

After filming, the crew celebrated with a feast of pizza, Rebecca’s favourite, generously provided by Domino’s and supported by local businesses and charities, including Fife Creative Studios, who waived their fees and took part in the celebration.

Sarah Daly also ensured Rebecca left with a bundle of gifts, including plush toys of Hex Studios’ infamous Owlman, clothing, books, and other treats for her and her sisters.

“It’s never cheap to activate a film set,” said Brewster. “But it was worth every penny. Rebecca’s joy and talent brought something really special to the production. It was an honour to help make her dream come true.”

Both Brewster and Daly praised the Make-A-Wish Foundation, noting that their liaison officer felt like part of the family by the end of the day.

Mr Whispers is now fully filmed and will soon launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for post-production. While pledging is not yet open, supporters can already follow the campaign on Kickstarter and be among the first to back it when it goes live.

Aardman and POKÉMON Team Up For New Series

Pokémon Tales The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu _ Teaser screenshot

Aardman Animations, the British studio behind beloved characters Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, are teaming up with The Pokémon Company for a brand-new animated series titled The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu, it has been announced today.

Due to debut in 2027, the series will follow the chaotic journeys of the two titular characters – one a duck-like creature who uses a leek as a sword, the other a baby Pikachu. Set in the British-inspired Galar region of the Pokémon world, it seems to offer a distinctly Aardman take on the fantasy setting.

Aardman creative director Peter Lord said: “We’ll be putting some very special Pokémon front and centre, as the heroes of our show, and it will be set in a region that is very close to our hearts. It will give a unique look at the Pokémon world, told from the perspective of Pokémon with the signature sense of Aardman character and comedy and craft.”

Taito Okiura, VP of marketing and media at The Pokémon Company International, added: “This is a dream partnership for Pokémon. Aardman are masters of their craft, and we have been blown away by their talent and creativity. What we have been working on together ensures our global Pokémon fans are in for a treat!”

Set in a world in which humans co-exist with cute monsters, and of course train them to fight each other, Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise that has existed across video games, anime series, and more since 1996. Its last big foray into western-produced media was the odd 2019 film Detective Pikachu.

Aardman, meanwhile, are flying high after the success of recent Oscar-nominated release Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and are also currently working on a new Shaun the Sheep feature, The Beast of Mossy Bottom, due in 2026.

Check out the charming teaser trailer for Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu below.

MCU STAR TO MAKE WEST END DEBUT

Joe Locke, the rising star of stage and screen, most recently seen in the MCU’s Agatha All Along with Kathryn Hahn, is to make his West End debut in September 2025.

Locke will team up with fellow recent MCU recruit, Ruaridh Mollica in the UK premiere of Clarkston, a play by Samuel D Hunter. 

The production will open in previews on 17th September, and will run until 22nd November, at The Trafalgar Theatre on Whitehall, in London’s West End.

This is not however Locke’s first foray onto the stage. He appeared in the role of Noah in the near-future dystopian climate-fiction play The Trials at The Donmar Warehouse in London’s Covent Garden in 2023, a performance for which he won the WhatsOnStage Best Professional Debut Award. In January 2024 he made his Broadway debut in the camp-horror Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 

As well as his breakthrough role as Wiccan/Billy Maximoff/William Kaplan in the highly discussed and critically acclaimed Agatha All Along, the 21 year old Manx actor shot to public attention thanks to his leading role as Charlie Spring in Netflix’s chart-topping and Emmy Award nominated LGBTQ+ teen drama series, Heartstopper. Having appeared in three seasons of the show, Locke is currently filming a concluding movie, for future release on the streaming platform. 

In Clarkston, Locke plays the role of Jake, working the night-shift in a branch of wholesaler Costco, alongside Chris, played by Mollica. Rounding out the cast is Sophie Melville.

Mollica is himself about to join the MCU, having recently completed filming on the project known either as Vision, or VisionQuest. As ever with MCU projects, Marvel is keeping tight-lipped about exactly who Mollica is portraying, with the official word being that he has been cast in the role of Tucker. Fans have speculated that he may be playing Tommy Maximoff, aka Speed. If this is the case, then the producers of Clarkston will have managed to achieve something of a coup, casting both Maximoff brothers in a West End stage production. 

The play itself is a modern western. Jake has traveled from the east coast of the United States, on a journey to try to discover who he is. Circumstances revealed during the play have forced him to stop short of his intended destination at the Pacific Ocean, and he is keeping himself afloat financially stacking shelves in the eponymous town’s branch of the multi-national wholesaler. 

Both Jake and Chris are hiding. As their friendship develops, so does their sense of adventure. Can they allow themselves to embody the dream of a new life, in the manner of American Frontier explorers who came before them, including Lewis and Clark, the latter of whom the location of Clarkston is named for?

Clarkston will be having an extremely limited run of a little over nine weeks at the Trafalgar Theatre. Tickets go on sale from 10am on Tuesday 22nd September, with ticket prices currently listed as ranging from £25 to £150, plus booking fees, depending upon the day and time of the show being booked. Joe Locke will not appear in the performance on Saturday 1st November.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://trafalgartheatre.com/shows/clarkston/

Original BASIC INSTINCT Writer Returns To Reboot

sharon stone in basic instinct

Joe Eszterhas, who wrote the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, will return to pen the screenplay for Amazon MGM Studios‘ planned reboot.

United Artists and Scott Stuber have recently acquired the rights to the franchise relaunch, which, for now, remains untitled. Producers include Stuber and Nick Nesbitt for UA and Craig Baumgarten for Vault Entertainment. Vault’s Adam Griffin serves as executive producer. 

Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone starred in director Paul Verhoeven‘s original. The film follows the detective Nick Curran (Douglas) as he investigates the murder of a wealthy rock star in San Francisco. He begins an intense relationship with Catherine Tramell (Stone), an enigmatic writer, the musician’s former girlfriend, and the prime suspect for his murder.

A sequel, Basic Instinct 2, was released in 2006. The film stars Stone, but was made without the involvement of Verhoeven or Douglas. It was broadly panned.

“To those who question what an 80-year-old man is doing writing a sexy, erotic thriller: the rumours of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist,” Eszterhas said in a statement to TheWrap, who broke the news of Amazon MGM’s reboot. “I call my writing partner the TWISTED LITTLE MAN and he lives somewhere deep inside me. He was born 29 and he will die 29 and he tells me he is ‘sky high up’ to write this piece and provide viewers with a wild and orgasmic ride. That makes me very happy.”

Beyond his work on Basic Instinct, Eszterhas has worked on Jagged Edge, Showgirls, Flashdance, and Betrayed.

JUDGE DREDD Adaptation In The Works From Taika Waititi

judge dredd comic book character illustration

Taika Waititi may not have had any luck with his Akira project, but THR reports the New Zealand filmmaker now has a hot new package hitting the Hollywood marketplace: Judge Dredd.

Waititi, best known for Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, is attached to direct a new feature film take on Dredd, the popular comic book character. Drew Pearce, the writer behind big action blockbusters like Fall Guy and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, is on board to pen the screenplay.

Producers include Dredd rights holders Chris Kingsley, Jason Kingsley, and Ben Smith of Rebellion Developments, as well as Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment, Jeremy Platt, Natalie Viscuso, and Pearce.

Created in the late 1970s by writer John Wagner and artist Carlos Ezquerra, Judge Dredd debuted in the weekly British anthology 2000 AD. He is a police officer in the bleak, future metropolis of Mega-City One, part of a law enforcement corps that empowers officers to be judge, jury, and executioner.

The character appeared on the big screen in 1995, in an adaptation that starred Sylvester Stallone. That film was critically panned. In 2012, Karl Urban portrayed the titular character in Dredd, from a script by Civil War and 28 Years Later writer Alex Garland.