VIOLENT NIGHT 2 Sees Tommy Wirkola Return To Direct

david harbour to return as santa claus in violent night 2

Tommy Wirkola is returning to helm the sleigh for Violent Night 2, the sequel to his 2022 killer-Santa action movie starring David Harbour.

In the first film, Harbour begins his story as a bitter, drunk, stab-happy Santa Claus ready to turn his back on Christmas for good, until a little girl convinces him otherwise. Whether Violent Night 2 will pick up where we left off, or whether something will have happened to make Santa murderous again, is anyone’s guess.

Kelly McCormick and David Leitch of 87North are back as producers, as are screenwriters Pat Casey and Josh Miller.

In 2022, the filmmaker said in an interview that he and the writers were already speaking about a sequel that could incorporate ideas they couldn’t fit into the first movie. “We don’t see the North Pole, we don’t see Mrs. Claus and we don’t see the elves,” Wirkola said. “There were also a few ideas that we loved in the script, but we had to cut them because we couldn’t afford to shoot them.” Screenwriter Miller also expressed that the sequel would have “western influence” and that Miracle on 34th Street would be an inspiration for the film.

Universal Pictures has dated the sequel to release on December 4th, 2026. Production is due to begin in September of this year.

Lewis Pullman In Talks To Star In SPACEBALLS Sequel

lewis pullman and dad bill pullman reunite in spaceballs sequel

Hollywood’s latest man of the moment, Lewis Pullman, is in talks to star opposite dad Bill Pullman in the upcoming Spaceballs sequel.

Having recently appeared in blockbuster features like Top Gun: Maverick and Marvel’s Thunderbolts*, he would reunite with Pullman Sr. for the first time since the former made his acting debut in The Ballad of Lefty Brown.

Bill Pullman starred as the Han Solo-like character Lone Starr in the 1987 film. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Lewis Pullman would play a character named Starburst, the son of Queen Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) and Lone Starr. As reported earlier this week, original writer-director-star Mel Brooks is also returning to his role as Yogurt.

Josh Greenbaum is helming the sequel from a script by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez and Josh Gad, the latter of whom is also said to star.

Plot details for the sequel have not yet been revealed. Originally released in 1987, Spaceballs starred Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga, as well as Joan Rivers in a voice role as C-3PO in a wig. In Spaceballs, “heroic mercenary Lone Starr (Pullman) and his alien sidekick Barf (Candy) rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) of Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix (Rivers), from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob (Brooks), who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain Druidia’s air for their own planet. However, the heroes get stranded on a desert moon, where they encounter the wise Yogurt (also Brooks), who teaches Starr about the metaphysical power known as “the Schwartz”. Meanwhile, Spaceball commanders Dark Helmet (Moranis) and Colonel Sandurz (Wyner) lead the search for them but are hindered by their own incompetence.”

Though primarily a parody of George Lucas’ franchise, Spaceballs also takes jabs at other popular films and franchises like Star Trek, Alien, The Wizard of Oz, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet of the Apes, and even Transformers.

Josh Gad previously teased his work on the project in a cryptic Instagram post, in which all relevant details were blacked out. “Just handed in a film script that I think may be the funniest and best thing I’ve ever worked on and I am so freaking excited,” Gad captioned.

SUPERMAN Does Important Stuff In Final Trailer

david corenswet in superman final trailer

Superman is doing “important stuff” in the final trailer for writer-director James Gunn‘s DC film. Previously titled Superman: Legacy, the Warner Bros. feature stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

The new film focuses on the titular superhero, who made his way to Earth from the planet Krypton and grapples with his powers while blending in as Daily Planet journalist Clark Kent. The story follows his journey trying to reconcile his alien heritage with his human upbringing.

“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned,” Peter Safran stated previously.

The film co-stars Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Terence Rosemore as Otis, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion looking goofy in a blonde wig as Guy Gardner, and María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer. And of course, there’s Krypto the dog!

This is the first film in Gunn and Safran’s rebooted DC Universe.

Watch the final trailer for Superman below, ahead of its release in cinemas on July 11th:

Mel Brooks Will Return In SPACEBALLS 2

Mel Brooks as Yogurt in Spaceballs

Hollywood legend Mel Brooks, who is turning 99 in a few weeks, is officially confirmed to appear in the as-yet-untitled Spaceballs sequel.

Brooks will reprise the role of Yogurt in the follow-up to the 1987 comedy classic. Mel Brooks had directed and co-written the original film, and played dual roles (the other was President Skrood).

Josh Greenbaum is helming the sequel from a script by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez and Josh Gad, the latter of whom is also rumoured to star.

Plot details for the sequel have not yet been revealed. Originally released in 1987, Spaceballs starred Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga, as well as Joan Rivers in a voice role as C-3PO in a wig. In Spaceballs, “heroic mercenary Lone Starr (Pullman) and his alien sidekick Barf (Candy) rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) of Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix (Rivers), from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob (Brooks), who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain Druidia’s air for their own planet. However, the heroes get stranded on a desert moon, where they encounter the wise Yogurt (also Brooks), who teaches Starr about the metaphysical power known as “the Schwartz”. Meanwhile, Spaceball commanders Dark Helmet (Moranis) and Colonel Sandurz (Wyner) lead the search for them but are hindered by their own incompetence.”

Though primarily a parody of George Lucas’ franchise, Spaceballs also takes jabs at other popular films and franchises like Star Trek, Alien, The Wizard of Oz, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet of the Apes, and even Transformers.

Josh Gad previously teased his work on the project in a cryptic Instagram post, in which all relevant details were blacked out. “Just handed in a film script that I think may be the funniest and best thing I’ve ever worked on and I am so freaking excited,” Gad captioned.

INCREDIBLES 3 Finds Its Director

peter sohn to direct the incredibles 3

Incredibles 3 has found its director in Peter Sohn! The Hollywood Reporter breaks that the Elemental and The Good Dinosaur filmmaker will direct the third entry in the beloved Pixar animated series.

Brad Bird wrote the screenplays for, and directed the first two films in the franchise. Bird is currently in the process of writing the screenplay for this third film, which he will also produce alongside Dana Murray.

The series follows Bob and Helen Parr, who live in the quiet suburbs with their three children (Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack) after being forced to hide their superpowers by a new government mandate. The first The Incredibles was released in 2004 and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature; Incredibles 2 followed 14 years later. Disney announced a third film was being developed at their 2024 D23 Expo event.

There’s no indication yet of what the plot for The Incredibles 3 might entail, but stay tuned for more information as we hear it! Likewise, we don’t yet have a release date but again, stay tuned.

Sohn and Bird have a long history of working together, with Sohn having worked on every single animated Bird film, so we know this feature is in good hands.

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Exclusive: Check Out the Teaser for BEFORE YOU SET OUT

Before You Set Out poster

If you could rewrite your past to save the future, would you risk everything?

From writer-director Andrew Griffin (Annalium 8: Sssss) comes a high-stakes time-travel thriller that follows Nikki, a renegade from a fractured future, as she races to reset the timeline before ruthless government agents track her down.

Starring Francesca Louise White (King of Crime, Walking Against the Rain) as Nikki, Jacob Anderton (Curfew, Lore) as Frank, and Gloria Adereti (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, The Witcher) as Maya. This electrifying teaser was shot on location in Towcester and Northampton this January.

It showcases the extraordinary talent both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, including DOP Dan Read (Annalium 8: Sssss, Hippo), a frequent collaborator with Andrew Griffin whose cinematography elevates even the leanest budgets; editor Samuel J. Taylor (Zombie Resurrection, Science for Evil Geniuses), who edits with flair and seamlessly conjures time portals from raw footage; Neil Monaghan (Election Night, Follow Me), the VFX and 3D modelling wizard behind the film’s essential time machine; and Reanna Roach (Viable), whose makeup artistry brought a bold futuristic look to life — even in -7°C conditions.

Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi fan – likely from a STARBURST reader – or an investor seeking the next breakout film, now’s the time to get involved.

For more information, head over to the official website: www.bysofilm.co.uk

THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH Casts Mikey Madison

the masque of the red death casts anora star mikey madison

Mikey Madison has (finally!) set one of her first roles since winning the Academy Award for her performance in last year’s Anora. Madison is reportedly in talks to star in The Masque of the Red Death, an A24 and Picturestart re-imagining of the 1842 Edgar Allan Poe short story from filmmaker Charlie Polinger.

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Madison would play twin sisters in a story that sees a mad prince take in the noble class into his castle while a plague devastates the peasantry. The story sees a long-lost twin, hidden among the lower class, enter the castle and into a decadent world of orgies, opium, power schemes, revenge and decapitations.

Madison replaces Sydney Sweeney in the role, as the latter had to drop out of the project due to scheduling issues. The tone of the film is reportedly “quintessential A24”, a black-comedy adaptation.

Polinger wrote the screenplay, which was featured on the 2023 Black List. He also made his feature directorial debut this year with The Plague, a psychological horror film about a socially awkward tween who endures the ruthless hierarchy at a water polo camp.

The Masque of the Red Death is due to begin production at the end of this year, or beginning of next year.

ABRAHAM’S BOYS: A DRACULA STORY Trailer Releases

still image of trailer for abraham's boys: a dracula story

Joe Hill’s short story is adapted to the big screen in Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story, from director Natasha Kermani. Abraham’s Boys reimagines vampire lore through the eyes of Van Helsing’s sons, as they unravel their father’s complicated legacy. The story blends gothic horror with a modern exploration of generational trauma, set in the world of Bram Stoker’s horror classic.

In the upcoming film, “Max and Rudy Van Helsing have spent their lives under the strict and overprotective rule of their father, Abraham. Unaware of his dark past, they struggle to understand his paranoia and increasingly erratic behaviour. But when they begin to uncover the violent truths behind their father’s history with Dracula, their world unravels, forcing them to confront the terrifying legacy they were never meant to inherit.”

The film stars veteran actor Titus Welliver, Jocelin Donahue, Aurora Perrineau, Judah Mackey, and Brady Hepner.

Hill’s short story originally appeared in the 2004 anthology The Many Faces of Van Helsing, before being published the next year in the author’s short story collection, 20th Century Ghosts.

Abraham’s Boys: A Dracula Story is set to release in cinemas on July 11th, 2025, courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. Watch the trailer below:

Mia Goth Joins STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER

maxxxine star mia goth to board cast of the odyssey

A new face has joined the galaxy far, far away, as Mia Goth has signed up to appear alongside Ryan Gosling in Star Wars: Starfighter.

Goth, known among horror fans for the likes of MaXXXine and Infinity Pool, takes on a role that Anora‘s Mikey Madison reportedly passed on earlier this year after a pay dispute. She will (according to THR) play one of a group of villains pursuing Gosling’s ace pilot and his young charge across the galaxy.

Yes, it sounds like it’s another of the ever-popular DILF-and-kid team-ups; with Baby Yoda been and done, place your bets now – Baby Ki-Adi-Mundi? Baby Oppo Rancisis? The merchandising opportunities will come at hyperspeed.

Star Wars: Starfighter is a standalone story set approximately five years after the last big-screen instalment, The Rise of Skywalker. It’s currently set for a release on 28 May 2027. Deadpool and Wolverine‘s Shawn Levy directs, with a script by Jonathan Tropper.

Before that, Mia Goth can next be seen in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.

Another Familiar Face Returning to DOCTOR WHO?

Billie Piper in Doctor Who

After the surprising ending of the Doctor Who Season 2 (or is it Series 15?) finale The Reality War, in which Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper, fans have been left wondering what comes next. And with no further series yet commissioned – due reportedly to Disney’s reticence to hand over any more funding until after they have Season 2’s (or Season 41’s?) viewing figures – there seems to be no clear answer.

One possibility has emerged, thanks to an unnamed source speaking to The Sun and The Mirror (don’t be too sus about that – the tabloids’ sources have been correct in the past). Apparently, the Who producers are considering a special episode to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show’s return in 2005, which would reunite Billie Piper – who originally played Rose Tyler, now seemingly the Sixteenth Doctor – with David Tennant – who originally played the Tenth Doctor, followed by the Fourteenth. Isn’t Doctor Who continuity a delight?

Bringing Tennant back would mark his third return to the show after he originally left it in 2010, and would seem soon after his last return in 2023 for the 60th anniversary specials (in fact, the frequency with which he shows up was the subject of a joke near the end of The Reality War). But he does remain one of the more popular Doctors with fans and the wider viewing public, associated with a time when the show was at the height of its phenomenon.

Whatever happens next with Doctor Who, we know for sure that we have its latest spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to look forward to. Focusing on UNIT as they deal with a Sea Devil uprising, this five-part miniseries is expected to air later in 2025.