Tag: Editorial

Will Stephen Sommers Return for The Mummy 4? Why His Huge Absence May Matter More Than Reuniting The Cast

As The Mummy 4 rises from development sands, the return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz sparks hope. But whether Stephen Sommers returns may matter more than nostalgia, especially when tonal stewardship defines the franchise’s legacy.

The Mummy 4 PosterWith The Mummy 4 officially greenlit, there’s reason to celebrate. Rachel Weisz is confirmed to be reprising her role. And without Brendan Fraser, no continuation can take place. And for that, many fans are cheering, myself included. Also potentially on the roster is Oded Fehr. Although he is busy with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the hope is that he has interest in returning too. The release date of May 19, 2028!

But in what remains unclear is whether Stephen Sommers will be involved in any capacity. No further information has been made since the prior announcement. His two films were not just action spectacles, but also true pulp adventures. This director revived the spirit of the classics, and edged it towards classic Indiana Jones territory. They also had that sexiness and suave of those Doc Savage radio dramas. And in an era where Egypt was being discovered, danger can be hidden anywhere!

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Explosive: Whether Infinity Roar Matters Depends Entirely on Marvel’s Kaiju Endgame

Marvel’s Godzilla Infinity Roar wants to reset its kaiju corner of the universe, but Issue #1 feels more like brand engineering than myth-making. Compared to IDW’s continuity-first approach, this version of Godzilla risks becoming an asset to leverage, not a force of nature to fear.

Godzilla Infinity Roar #2 Cover

Upcoming Issue #2 Cover (Releasing March 11, 2026)

Marvel Comics has been busy building its own kaiju-sized lore since 2024, and with Godzilla at the forefront, Infinity Roar feels perfectly suited to act as a total universe reset. Whether it’s meant to be punny or serious depends entirely on how readers choose to accept it.

For readers late to the party, this isn’t the publisher’s first dance with the King of the Monsters. Throughout 2025, he systematically dismantled Earth’s mightiest in a series of one-shots, facing off against the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and Thor. I noticed them, sure, but never felt the pull to read them. While those titles aren’t essential to understanding what’s happening here, that’s largely because a recap is provided in this opening issue.

Ever since DC launched its own spectacle, now nearly finished with its second series, it was only a matter of time before the competition countered with Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe (late 2025). That event ended with the logical, if uninspired, choice to eject the monster into deep space. But don’t let the setting fool you, this version of “Space Godzilla” is a far cry from the crystal-shouldered clone of the late Heisei era. Personally, I’d wager Marvel is eyeing the toy potential of Symbiote Godzilla.

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Where are they now? 2026 Chinese Animation. Looking Back On Enlight’s and Lightchaser’s Schedule and What’s Ahead…

While some of China’s most hyped films from last year don’t have a huge international release, we have the latest observations regarding what’s in store for 2026 Chinese Animation. We’re looking at Ne Zha 2 and 3 along with White Snake Afloat and Curious Tales of a Temple (aka Strange Tales: Lan Ruo Temple)

Ne Zha 2 Poster - 2026 Chinese AnimationWhile looking for the latest word about when Ne Zha 2 will hit home video, and the next film, Ne Zha 3 will release, there are rumours suggesting it could arrive as early as this year. These expectations are far too optimistic. While the 2026 Chinese animation production schedule shows what’s being developed, not everything will be ready to screen until the following year, or much later.

What is confirmed regarding the former is the fact that the third film is actively in development. However, it’s moving forward on a timeline shaped more by precision than speed. Nailing the story and making it visually stunning is clearly the priority. As for the home video release of Ne Zha 2, I have been looking, and right now only bootlegs exist. I suspect it won’t appear until after its streaming run on HBO Max has ended. That, for now, is the definitive news.

As for the latter studio and what comes after Strange Tales, they have new films almost ready to release. The details of their take on Romance of the Three Kingdoms will be covered in a separate upcoming article.

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When Genre Television Learned to Think, and Why It’s Quickly Vanishing from the Dial

When Netflix will soon dump all of Star Trek, and traditional networks are broadcasting less genre television than ever, where do audiences go to get their fix?

genre television's fading gloryLooking back, the last century feels like the moment genre television quietly defined its contract with the audience. Most of those early experiments arrived in short waves, and like the tides, they came and went. Some returned decades later on specialty stations or streaming platforms. And these days, nearly everything is being tucked into quieter shores. Every so often, the tropes that once defined a series are reskinned for a new generation, which is simply how television writing evolves.

From that first wave, some re-dos leaned into long-form storytelling, while others stayed loyal to the standalone format.

The 70s offered a handful of tests, including Shazam! (1974–1976), Wonder Woman (1975–1979), and The Incredible Hulk (1977–1982). The latter proved that if you give audiences a hero they can empathize with, they will follow even an unresolved quest, like Bruce Banner’s search for a cure. Sadly, many genre series never reached a true conclusion. The Time Tunnel (1966–1967) is only one of several 60s science-fiction shows left without closure.

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Honouring Hanna-Barbera. On Why This Legacy Still Resonates.

Before cable and streaming divided our attention, Hanna-Barbera defined what weekend cartoons meant. From Huckleberry Hound to The Powerpuff Girls, their legacy shaped every generation of animators to follow — and it still ripples through today’s toons.

The Hanna-Barbera Treasury Hardcover
Available to purchase on Amazon USA

Before streaming and before cable carved up the weekend, one studio defined TV animation. As a lifelong fan, it’s bittersweet to see Hanna-Barbera living on mostly through MeTV than in the mainstream. Their influence on the toons we see today like Wylde Park and Oh My God… Yes! still colours everything we watch. The fact their name is not forgotten says it all.

While some of their vast catalogue of toons do not stand the test of time, others do. I tried watching The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan again recently and ouch. The same can be said with Hong Kong Phooey. They used stereoteypes that would not be tolerated today. That said, Top Cat is beloved and actually holds up. But as for others, it’s based on personal taste.

The Golden Age

When Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera launched their independent studio in 1957, they reshaped how animation could work on television. Their cost-saving “limited animation” approach made series economically viable without sacrificing character or charm. The Ruff and Reddy Show led the charge, but it was Huckleberry Hound and Quick Draw McGraw that cemented the formula. The true breakthrough arrived with The Flintstones—a primetime sitcom that proved cartoons weren’t just for kids. When it became a live-action movie, we all knew why it was done: to reignite interest among adults rather than make new fans.

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The Secret Storylines K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 Needs

It’s official: K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 is happening, but fans may wait years. If the sequel leans into folklore, side stories and stronger character arcs, it could become a rare animated follow-up that truly matures with its audience.

K-Pop Demon Hunters movie posterIt’s official—K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 is a go. Fans, however, will have to wait perhaps four years before it arrives. That’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone hoping to see Rumi, Mira, Su-Min, and the rest of the team back in action. What made the debut spectacular was its blend of folklore and modern Korean pop culture—especially Rumi’s reluctant connection to the demon world, which now puts her at a crossroads between fame, duty, and peace.

Although the wait will be long, hopefully it’ll all be worth it. Fans have expectations—especially in seeing what’s next for the lead, and whether her demon boyfriend will come back. That forbidden attraction is what drew me into the tale. The trope is a variation on the Legend of the White Snake, a classic story where a goddess falls for a mortal man. Here, the roles are reversed, giving the story a fresh emotional dynamic. The beliefs about what happens to the soul are also distinct from other cultural takes, which makes this story feel uniquely Korean.

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