THE CONJURING: LAST RITES Releases Final Trailer

the conjuring last rites trailer

The final trailer has been released for The Conjuring: Last Rites, which will see the Warrens face a demon in their very last case. The fourth and final film in the Conjuring series follows Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) as they take on the Smurl case, which involves a family tormented by a demon for more than a decade. It is, as always, inspired (however loosely) by a true story.

“There’s something in the attic. Ed, there’s an evil here. Something I’ve felt before,” Lorraine says in the trailer footage. “This thing in your house is a demon. It’s the first one that we’ve ever encountered,” Lorraine says to the family before later saying to Ed, “We were young. We were scared. We ran away. And after all these years, it wasn’t done with our family.”

Last Rites is the sequel to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and marks the ninth entry in The Conjuring Universe. 

Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Steve Coulter, Elliot Cowan, Rebecca Calder, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon, Shannon Kook, and John Brotherton also star. Michael Chaves returns to direct the film, as do James Wan and Peter Safran as producers. Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick wrote the script.

The Conjuring: Last Rites releases in cinemas on September 5th. Watch the trailer below:

Steven Knight Tapped For JAMES BOND 26

james bond barrel sequence - james bond 26 to be written by steven knight

Steven Knight is the latest scribe to tackle James Bond. The prolific writer will pen the script for filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, who is directing the next 007 film for Amazon MGM Studios. Knight also joins producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman.

It’s the end of an era for the Bond franchise, where writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade had been working with the franchise beginning with 1999’s The World Is Not Enough, and ending with 2021’s No Time To Die. They contributed to the screenplays of seven Bond films over more than two decades.

Steven Knight is known for co-creating the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, as well as BBC’s Peaky Blinders and SAS: Rogue Heroes. In terms of feature films, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for 2004’s Dirty Pretty Things, and wrote for The Girl In The Spider’s Web, Allied, and Burnt. He also worked with Pablo Larraín on both Spencer and Maria. He also wrote and directed Locke, Serenity, and Hummingbird.

Just like Villeneuve has other projects coming up before work on Bond can begin, so too does Knight. His next project is The Immortal Man, a continuation of Peaky Blinders that will see Cillian Murphy, Stephen Graham, and more return to the screen for Netflix.

Who will play James Bond in this new era for the franchise is still a hotly speculated-upon topic, on which there have been no further updates.

Marvel Artist Unveils Poster for Trieste Science+Fiction Festival

Italy’s premier sci-fi event celebrates its 25th anniversary from October 28th to November 2nd, 2025, with a vibrant program of cinema, literature, exhibitions, video games, and emerging technologies – all curated in its hallmark fusion of science and science fiction.

To mark this milestone edition, the Festival has unveiled its official 25th edition poster, an exclusive artwork by acclaimed Marvel artist Sara Pichelli, co-creator of Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man and star of the Oscar®-winning animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Pichelli’s illustration is a powerful visual statement: at its centre, a female figure exudes both fury and vulnerability, holding a flower – an emblem of resistance and fragility. The artwork speaks to the ongoing tension between authenticity and artificiality in an era of AI and fluid identity.

“I knew I would represent a human figure,” Pichelli explains. “What emerged was a woman who is frightened, furious, and trapped – yet ready to reclaim herself. Now more than ever, we must validate the effort to remain authentic, true to ourselves, and therefore human.”

This year’s festival will unfold across key venues, including Politeama Rossetti and Teatro Miela, with the spectacular Sci-Fi Dome returning to Piazza della Borsa as the hub for extra events and immersive experiences.

Highlights include Mondofuturo, a science and science fiction outreach series featuring prominent communicators and visionaries; IVIPRO DAYS, exploring how video games can promote local heritage and cultural identity; the Fantastic Film Forum, industry-focused sessions for professionals in film and audio visual production; and the Mondofuturo Literary Prize, now in its second edition, recognising the best original science fiction book published in Italy in 2024.

 “There’s something magical about gathering to discover what could become the next great science fiction masterpiece,” says Artistic Director Alan Jones. “For 25 years, we’ve built a home for genre lovers and visionary creators alike. This year promises the most unexpected, thrilling, and unforgettable edition yet. Blockbusters, quirky indies, mind-expanding docs, cult classics, and high-profile guests – we’ve got it all. And yes, you’ll have to wait and see how we top last year’s alien sing-a-long!”

For more information head to sciencefictionfestival.org

Eddie Murphy Confirms Donkey-Centred SHREK Spinoff

michael myers as shrek and eddie murphy as donkey

Eddie Murphy revealed some major Shrek news during a recent interview, promising that a Donkey spinoff feature was in the works.

While promoting his upcoming film The Pickup in an interview with Screenrant, the comedy actor was asked about his upcoming role in Shrek 5 as fan-favourite Donkey. He explained that he’s still recording the DreamWorks animation, and will soon begin recording for a Shrek spinoff.

“We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek,” Murphy told Screenrant. “We start in September on Donkey — we’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll [be released] three years from now. But we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September.”

He continued to state: “Donkey‘s going to be like how Puss in Boots had his own movie, Donkey’s going to have his own movie — [his] own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys. They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”

Eddie Murphy has teased a Donkey-centred film in the past, but these have been his most concrete comments yet. DreamWorks, however, had no comment.

Shrek 5 is due to release in cinemas on December 18th, 2026.

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.