News

It is a packed week at the movies with one-night events, fresh festival favorites, concert cinema, and a giant animated blockbuster all landing between Monday and Saturday. Below you will find what opens each day along with helpful details on plots, creative teams, and cast so you can plan exactly what to see and when.

Dates below cover August 18 through August 23, 2025. Each entry includes who made it, who stars in it, what it is about, and other useful facts like source material or franchise connections so you have everything in one place.

‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974) Vortex

Texas Chain Saw Day brings Tobe Hooper’s classic back to the big screen on August 18, 2025 for a one day event running 1 hour 23 minutes. The film was directed by Tobe Hooper and co written by Hooper and Kim Henkel, with cinematography by Daniel Pearl. It stars Marilyn Burns as Sally Hardesty, Paul A. Partain as Franklin,...

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of his historical drama “Never Look Away,” Germany’s entry for the foreign-language film Oscar, is turning his sights to the small screen with a number of English-language series projects, including an adaptation of Belgian fantasy comic “Thorgal.”

The German director announced plans to adapt “Thorgal” two years ago but now tells Variety that it’s “high up on the priority list for the next project.” Created by Belgian writer Jean Van Hamme and Polish artist Grzegorz Rosiński, “Thorgal” follows the adventures of a mighty warrior who was raised by Vikings after crash-landing on Earth as an extraterrestrial infant.

“It’s something I’ve been passionate about for a long time,” Henckel von Donnersmarck says, adding that it took him a decade to land the rights. “Since it’s such a huge European property and such an exciting story,...

From The Lives of Others to a French Game of Thrones. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, the Oscar-winning director of The Lives of Others, is shifting gears for his new project: a live-action adaptation of the French-language fantasy comic Thorgal. Created by Belgian writer Jean Van Hamme and Polish graphic artist Grzegorz Rosinski in 1977, the comic is set in the Middle Ages and follows the adventures of a mysterious dark-haired child, Thorgal, found and adopted by a Viking chieftain. He grows to be a great warrior, using his skills to battle against powers greater than anything

read more...

Cinebook are a comics publisher that specialise in European fare. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a handful of their latest titles for review. The selection seems to cover pretty much every genre of boy’s own-style adventure you could think of, from space opera to World War II tales, via pirates and spies, stopping off at Viking and cowboys. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

I began with Sylvain Runberg and Serge Pellé’s Orbital 1. Scars. This is a sci-fi adventure, set in a future where humankind has recently been inducted into a pan-galactic Un-type organisation. Human Caleb and Mezoke of the Sandjarr race are paired together as part of the organisation’s spec-ops-cum-ambassadorial-peace-keeper branch (essentially like the Jedi in the Star Wars prequels), which is contentious due to the two species’ previous conflict. Pellé’s grimy and detailed artwork suggests a fully realised world and Runberg...

Indiewire's own Eric Kohn caught up with Roger Avary at the Locarno Film Festival for the Oscar-winning screenwriter and director's first interview since he was jailed for eight months for vehicular manslaughter. While talking to the "Pulp Fiction" writer, Kohn asked him to share some details about his current gig writing and executive producing "Xiii," a Franco-Canadian action series starring Stuart Townsend as an amnesiac secret agent, based on a Belgian comic book series by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance and currently airing in the Us on Reelz. I was asked by Ken Alpluz and Europa Corp, the TV division of the Luc Besson company, if I could take this series based on a French comic book in a somewhat different direction. One of my very favorite television shows growing up was "The Prisoner." "Xiii" is a spy show. I think the comic book is a little too similar to "The Bourne Identity.

TorontoFilm.Net reports that the ReelzChannel network has picked up the Toronto-lensed action thriller "Xiii" from Prodigy Pictures, co-produced by Luc Besson's French production company EuropaCorp Television.

Starring Stuart Townsend and Aisha Tyler, the Toronto-lensed feature follows Townsend as former secret operative, 'Xiii', who loses his memory as he is hunted by an anti-government organization, with Tyler as a government agent and Xiii's loyal ally.

Cast also includes Virginie Ledoyen, Caterina Murino, Greg Bryk, Stephen McHattie and Ted Atherton.

"Xiii" adapts the Franco-Belgian comic book series 'Xiii", created by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance.

With a plot inspired by author Robert Ludlum's best-seller "The Bourne Identity", "Xiii" debuted in 1984, followed by TV adaptations and video games.

In the original comic book series :

"...the first female Us President, 'Sally Sheridan' is shot dead by a sniper during her 'Veterans Day' speech. Her assassin...

ReelzChannel has acquired spy thriller action series Xiii, starring Stuart Townsend and Aisha Tyler. Named for the Roman numeral tattooed on his neck, Xiii (Townsend) is a former secret operative who has been stripped of his memory. Hunted by a dark anti-government organization, Xiii searches for clues that will uncover the secret that makes him so valuable—and so potentially dangerous. Jones (Tyler) is a government agent and Xiii’s most loyal ally. Xiii will premiere in June, following the season finale of ReelzChannel’s first acquired original series, True Justice, starring Steven Seagal. Xiii was developed and produced by Jay Firestone’s Prodigy Pictures and Luc Besson’s French production company EuropaCorp Television based on Jean Van Hamme’s adrenaline-fueled graphic novels.

Sneak Peek an exclusive first look @ the graphic novel adaptation "Xiii.2", filming a police riot sequence, in Toronto, February 28, 2012.

"Xiii.2", filming until July 2012, is based on the Franco-Belgina comic book series 'Xiii", created by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance, following an amnesiac searching for a concealed past.

With a plot inspired by author Robert Ludlum's best-seller "The Bourne Identity", "Xiii" debuted in 1984, followed by TV adaptations and video games.

In the original comic book series :

"...the first female Us President, 'Sally Sheridan' is shot dead by a sniper during her 'Veterans Day' speech. Her assassin narrowly escapes the scene with his life. Three months later, an elderly couple discover the body of a wounded man in a tree, wearing a parachute. He cannot remember the slightest thing about his own identity. The only clue is a tattoo on his neck, "Xiii".

"In Washington, government intelligence continues...

Thanks to TorontoFilm.Net, Sneak Peek an exclusive first look @ the graphic novel adaptation "Xiii.2", shooting an Occupy protestor-type police riot sequence, in a park between Front and Wellington Streets, Toronto, February 28, 2012.

The new TV series, shooting thorough to July 2012 in Toronto, is based on 'Xiii", the Franco-Belgian comics series written and illustrated by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance, following an amnesiac searching for a concealed past.

With a plot inspired by author Robert Ludlum's book "The Bourne Identity", "Xiii" was first serialized in 1984, then adapted into video games and TV mini-series.

In the original comic book series :

"...the first female Us President, 'Sally Sheridan' is shot dead by a sniper during her 'Veterans Day' speech. Her assassin narrowly escapes the scene with his life. Three months later, an elderly couple discover the body of a wounded man in a tree, wearing a parachute. He cannot...

DVD Release Date: March 27, 2012

Price: DVD $29.95

Studio: Music Box

Tomer Sisley prepares for high adventure as Largo Winch.

The 2008 action-thriller movie The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch is the first big-screen adaptation of the wildly popular Belgian series of Largo Winch graphic novels by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme.

The Heir Apparent follows the exploits of the dashing, twenty-something titular heir Largo Winch (Tomer Sisley, Sleepless Night), the heretofore unknown adopted son of the murdered billionaire founder of an international corporation. Poised to take over the business, the ever-resourceful Largo must first overcome an onslaught of drug traffickers, assassins, corporate raiders and double-dealing insiders.

Oh, he’s also hungry to enact the revenge on his father’s murderers. Bouncing across the globe, Largo uses his wits and intelligence — along with his fists, feet and a phalanx of motorcycles, helicopters and speedboats — to get the job done and get back in...

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Following the car chases, punch-ups, financial intrigue, and multiple language fun of 2008’s Largo Winch, Tomer Sisley returns as the eponymous hero in Largo Winch: the Burma Conspiracy with even more corporate shenanigans, double-crosses, high-octane action, discoveries about Largo’s deceased father Nerio, and clues about his own adopted past. It doesn’t particularly mess with the first film’s blueprint; an oddly satisfying mix of knowing Bondesque mechanics and business titans, but that’s all to the good. It’s just as fun, even with the addition of the hot-button country of disdain, Burma, and the diversion of Sharon Stone playing a cougar International Criminal Court investigator.

Taking a leaf out of Quantum of Solace’s opening we’re thrown straight into Largo’s latest international transaction via a high-speed car chase with machine gun toting baddies in tow, after he crosses the grotesque...

Jean Van Hamme and Philippe Francq's graphic novels return to the big screen with the follow on from Largo Winch – Deadly Revenge. The Director of the first installment and The Tourist reunites with the original writer to bring us The Burma Conspiracy.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Belgium comic books, there's a helpful recap of the discovery of Largo's existence three years earlier. A TV news bulletin tells us Largo promises to be the most powerful man on the planet if he steps up to the job as CEO of the W Group to successfully run his inherited business empire. Now that his powerful billionaire father, Nerio, is deceased and Largo's identity as his adopted son has been legitimatised, Largo must protect the honour of his family name and his business interests when accused of being involved in a Burmese massacre 20 miles from the Thai border that his father...

★★☆☆☆ Apparently, philanthropy will get you killed. This is the problem facing Largo Winch (Tomer Sisley), the heir to a massive global corporation in Jérôme Salle's The Burma Conspiracy (2011), the follow-up to 2008's Largo Winch - Deadly Revenge, based on a Belgian comic book series by Jean Van Hamme and Phillipe Francq. The first movie's light touch and Bourne-esque conspiracy-thriller style was both engaging and fun. Sadly, the sequel does not live up to its predecessor.

Read more »...

To mark the release of The Burma Conspiracy on DVD 23rd January, Studio Canal have given us three copies of the movie to give away. The film is directed by Jérôme Salle and stars Tomer Sisley and Sharon Stone.

Following the murder of his adoptive father Nerio, Largo Winch (Tomer Sisley) is now CEO of the vast W Group. But the compromises money and power require don’t suit Largo. He announces the sale of the Group and the creation of a humanitarian foundation, to be led by his father’s oldest friend.

The very day the agreement is signed Largo is accused of complicity in crimes against humanity. International prosecutor Diane Franken (Sharon Stone) suspects him of having paid off – four years previously, for his father’s benefit – notorious Burmese General Kyaw Min, after the displacement of a mineral-rich native village on behalf of the W Group turned into a massacre.

The press notes for the original Belgian comics upon which the big-screen adaptation Largo Winch is based sounds like the stuff of thrilling high pulp: "What if," creator Jean Van Hamme asks, "the son of the richest man in the world had to fend off all manner of kidnappers, murderers, and blackmailers, while also confronting the mysteries of his own concealed childhood?" I'm summarizing here, but that sounds like the recipe for globe-trotting, two-fisted adventures--Batman without the mask avenging the death of his adoptive father from corporate raiders. I've never read the source material, but it seems like my kind of thing. The flaw of director Jérôme Salle's film adaptation is that it layers on the gloss and applies the new Bond-style aesthetics and attitudes...

Americans have realised the global box-office potential of comic-book adaptations. So why are the creators themselves – the French and Belgians – failing to cash in on the comic strip?

Comic-book fans love an alternate universe, so let's build one for them: how about a world in which cinema isn't clogged up with comic-book adaptations full of superheroes with tedious identity issues? In which audiences are flocking to see a different kind of crisply pencilled protagonist leap off the page: girl adventurers, boy reporters, reluctant CEOs, indomitable Gauls and lysergic cowboys.

Guess what? This alternate universe could be about to invade ours, if the little blue men have their way. A blow was struck for the Franco-Belgian comic-book tradition over the last three weekends, as Sony's Smurfs adaptation knocked Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 off its overseas box-office perch. Having taken $329m worldwide to date, it's already the year's 11th biggest film,...

Canal+, a French premium cable network, released the first stills and the official trailer of Xiii: The Series. This TV series, which is a co-production between Canada and France, will also premiere on Showcase, a Canadian cable network, on April 20 at 10 Pm.

The story is based on a Belgian comic book penned by Jean Van Hamme and drawn by William Vance. It's the follow-up of Xiii: The Conspiracy, a two-part TV film. After the assassination of the first American female president, the federal government believes it has the suspect in the form of Xiii (Stuart Townsend). In fact, he's in a secret prison of the CIA.

After his escape from that prison, Xiii accepts a mission from Irina (Virginie Ledoyen), a mercenary with mysterious employers. Who has he worked for? Where does he come from?With the help of people he comes across, especially Maj. Jones (Aisha Tyler), Xiii...

It might be lucky number Xiii for Stuart Townsend. The Irish actor plays the title role in Xiii: The Series, a new Franco-Canadian conspiracy action-thriller. Based on the French Belgian comic book series by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance and originally published in 1984, Xiii was first adapted in 2008 in a miniseries called Xiii: The Conspiracy starring Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff in the title role. Van Hamme was reportedly inspired by Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity when he wrote Xiii. Hit the jump to see the images. Xiii: The Series also stars Aisha Tyler and Virginie Ledoyen. Click over to Allociné for more images. Here's the synopsis for Xiii: The Series: What if America’s Public Enemy #1 became Homeland Security’s #1 secret weapon? Xiii is the story of a man’s quest to uncover the truth about his identity. Named for the Roman numeral tattooed on his neck,...

Sneak Peek the new poster supporting the upcoming comic book adaptation, "Largo Winch II", a France-produced feature directed by Jerome Salle, starring Tomer Sisley as 'Largo Winch', Olivier Barthelemy as 'Simon Ovronnaz', Mamee Napakpapha Nakprasitte as 'Maluna', and Sharon Stone as 'Diane Francken' :

"...Propelled to the head of 'Group W' after the death of his adoptive father, 'Largo Winch' decides to everyone's surprise, to put the company up for sale to create an ambitious humanitarian foundation.

"But on the day of signing, Winch finds himself accused of crimes against humanity by a mysterious witness. To prove his innocence, Largo will return to his past life, in the heart of the Burmese jungle..."

"Largo Winch" the Belgian comic book series was created by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme, published by Dupuis. The principal character is 'Largo Winch' (aka 'Largo Winczlav'). Other important characters...

Yesterday in Toronto, production began on the first season of the upcoming Canadian TV series Xiii. This series based on a comic book created by Jean Van Hamme and William Vance will take place after the events in the two-parts TV film Xiii: The Conspiracy. Moreover, Xiii: The Series will be aired in 2011 on Showcase and CanalPlus, which are two cable networks respectively from Canada and France.

In the two-parts TV film, the first U.S. female president (Mimi Kuzyk) had been assassinated by a sniper during her Veterans Day speech. While the USA's secret services is hot on his heels, the assassin manages to escape. A few weeks after these events, an elderly couple discover the body of an amnesic man wearing a parachute. This man has the number "Xiii" tatooed on his neck. Since he has been designated as the prime suspect in the assassination of the president,...

Chris Morris is often described as a media terrorist and if you’ve seen any of his work you will know why. He is unafraid to point his sharp wit at any – and all – unsuspecting targets without fear. He mocks celebrities, politicians, pop culture and entire genres.

The laughs in Four Lions are almost all derived from ridiculous conversations and absurd situations and now and again some real shock factor.

The problematic juxtaposition of serious content and absurd humor mentioned before does continue to cause a problem. It’s hard to relax into the comedy while it’s being punctuated by such serious issues.

Rating: ★★★½☆

DVD Extras include: Deleted scenes, background material, behind the scenes and cast interview

Largo Winch – Deadly Revenge was released back in 2008 in France and gets a belated release on DVD. Based on a famous comic series by Phillipe Lafranq and Jean Van Hamme, the name...

Stuart Townsend will topline a conspiracy thriller series called "Xiii" for Canada's Prodigy Pictures and France's Cipango. The series is set to air in France on Canal Plus in 2011 and on Showcase in Canada in spring 2011.

The hourlong drama is based on Jean Van Hamme's eponymous graphic novel, which has sold 13 million copies worldwide since the first volume was published 25 years ago.

Townsend will play "Xiii," a former secret agent who cannot remember his past and thus sets out to uncover his true identity. Hunted by an anti-government organization, Xiii quickly realizes that the closer he gets to the truth, the more deadly the mission becomes.

Prodigy's Jay Firestone is executive producing along with Cipango's Edouard De Vesinne and Thomas Anargyros. Gil Grant ("NCIS: Los Angeles," "24") wrote the pilot episode and will serve as the series' showrunner and executive producer. Peter Mohan will co-executive produce the project.

Duane Clark...

Guess what? Hollywood doesn't own the monopoly for cinematographic adaptations of comic books. In fact, Largo Winch, a French film adapted from a comic book penned by Jean Van Hamme and drawn by Philippe Francq, came out in France in 2008. Now, depending of where you live in Canada (preferably in Quebec?), the film will hit theatres on January 15, 2010.

Synopsis:

Nerio Winch (Miki Manojlovic), a billionaire, is found drowned. His death seems suspect given that he's the founder and the majority shareholder of the W Group, an economic empire. Although the other shareholders haven't got wind of any inheritors designated by Nerio, he has a secret: he has a son, Largo (Tomer Sisley), who was taken from an Eastern European orphanage. However, despite being innocent, Largo is thrown in a jail located in the Amazonian jungle for drug trafficking. Therefore comes this question: do the assassination of Nerio Winch and the...

Thorgal: Volume One: Child Of The Stars: Aaricia by Jean van Hamme and illustrated by Grzegorz Rosinski (Cinebook, tpb, 96 pp, $14.99)

Found by the Viking chief Leif Haraldson and given the name Thorgal Aegirsson, the orphaned infant grows to young adulthood in Europe’s far north. There, he consorts with dwarves, gods and jealous, petty, evil men. He also finds adventure, love and his past—a past that has its beginning amongst the stars.

Remember Robert E. Howard’s “The Tower of the Elephant”?—that seamless blend of sword-and-sorcery and science fiction? Writer Jean van Hamme duplicates that feat in Cinebook’s double volume Thorgal: Volume One: Child Of The Stars: Aaricia. Thorgal’s origin mines the same territory as Superman—a star child raised on Earth—but with more realistic results. Thorgal is no superhero. He’s intelligent, impetuous, brave and loyal, but except for when the gods intervene, his...

This is a total must watch trailer out now. It is based on the Belgian comic series Largo Winch. It has been on the rumor for a good time now. The film stars a really international cast.

The film was developed by Phillippe Franck and Jean Van Hamme. The story revolves around a young man, adopted by a hugely wealthy family as a child. When his adoptive father is murdered the adopted boy; Largo now a grown man seeks to take vengeance. He must takes action to discover his father’s killers and protect his estate. As envisioned by director Jerome Salle this is slick and stylish action adventure stuff, hyper stylized action on the same international scale as the Bond films but with rough edges of the current incarnation buffed off. The film also stars...

(more...)...

I’ve been hearing rumblings about the upcoming film adaptation of Belgian comic series Largo Winch for a good while now, those in the know all convinced that this could be one of the big titles of the coming year. And based on the freshly released trailer I must say that I’m inclined to agree.

Based on the comics by Phillippe Franck and Jean Van Hamme the story revolves around a young man, adopted by a hugely wealthy businessman as a child. When his adoptive father is murdered the adopted boy - Largo, now a grown man - must take action to discover his father’s killers and protect his estate. As envisioned by director Jerome Salle this is slick and stylish action-adventure stuff, hyper stylized action on the same international scale as the Bond films but with the rough edges of the current incarnation buffed off. And did I say international?...

Cannes -- After a British invasion on stateside small screens, the Union Jack is being replaced by the French tricolore as Gallic TV programs become increasingly a la mode in the U.S.

The miniseries "Xiii" proved to be a lucky number for French pay TV network Canal Plus, with the English-language drama giving the channel its highest ratings yet for a homegrown fiction series.

The $20 million, four-hour production attracted 1.1 million viewers for each of the two-part episodes, which aired Oct. 6 and Oct. 13. NBC will broadcast "Xiii" in the winter, and Canal Plus is planning a sequel, depending on NBC's ratings.

The adaptation of Jean Van Hamme and William Vance's popular comic book, produced by Cipango, stars Val Kilmer and Stephen Dorff. M6 and Canal Plus put up 2 million euros ($2.7 million) each for the political thriller and Canada's Power TV and prodigy funded the remaining budget for the European majority co-production.