News

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 114: Mup Armada – Blood in the Water 2025 and Adepticon!

Mark is joined by Andrew to haul anchor and sail to Adepticon. Edited by Fred & Tam (Welcome Tam!!)

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please get in touch with us at manticuniversepodcast@gmail.

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 113: Mup Halo – The Package

Wiki Dave and James-005 become Brutes and dive into all the announcements of Wave 3, Rise of the Banished. We discuss everything that we found out, worked out and are looking forward to. Free first impressions of War Games inside. Dave is still waiting for his Wave 2 pre-order…

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 112: Mup Pannilore – Winter’s War

Mark and Wiki Dave freeze over Pannitor and dive deep into the lore of Winter’s War. They also talk about the recent Champions lore news, books and the future of Kings of War.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 106: Mup Lore – Warpath Edition – Planet Lore Adriana

Wiki Dave and Claudio are back. Can they pronounce the Planet name, this time around? Find out here Dear Listener. Edited y Wiki Dave

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 105: Mup Shorts – How to… do a Narrative Deadzone Campaign

Description:Claudio and Matthias talk about how easy and rewarding it is to start a Deadzone campaign and what tricks and ideas could help to flesh things out in a narrative way. Edited by Fred.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm!

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 104: Mup Lore Pannithor – Trident Realms

Wiki Dave and Mark chat with Winged Hussar Publishing chief editor Brandon Rospond about the upcoming Kings of War books and what we can expect. They also dive into some Trident Realm Lore and try to compare it to the United Kingdom. Edited by Wiki Dave.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 092: Mup Lore Warpath Edition – The Universe of Warpath

Claudio and Wiki Dave begin their exploration of the universe of Deadzone, Firefight, Dreadball and Star Saga. Also known as the Warpath Universe.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 091: Mup Armada: Blood in the Water w/ Mantic Games Blake Shrode

Mark, Andrew and Blake cast off with the first episode of Mup Armada.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please get in touch with us at manticuniversepodcast@gmail.

If one were to search for the country that constantly produces over the top movies of epic scale one would have to look no further than India. Ranjith Pandurangan‘s Tamil title “Thangalaan” is definitely within the category, although instead of complete mythology/fantasy (as in the case of “Baahubali” for example) his effort has its base in history. Screenwriters Azhagiyae Periyavan, Tamil Praba and Tamizh Prabha based their story in the Kolar Gold Fields during the British Rule in the late 1800s, coming up with a movie that can also be described as a historical drama.

Thangalaan is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam

The story begins with British officer Clement, whose insatiable hunger for gold leads him to the ancient mines of Tipu Sultan in Kolar, Karnataka. He believes the only way to extract it is by enlisting the Veppur tribals, traditionally skilled miners, promising them a share...

Quick LinksHumble Comedy Beginnings Gave A Foothold For A FilmWhat We Do In The Shadows Takes Over Festival BuzzWithout The Film, The Series Would Have Never Taken-off

It isn't out of the ordinary for large movies to spawn spinoff TV series in the same way a sequel movie would happen. The Avengers helped create Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Krypton was originally planned as a spinoff of Man of Steel, and more recently The Batman spawned the hit series The Penguin. Yet, one of the most popular TV series 2020s was created because of a hilarious indie film.

In 2014, a couple of Kiwi Directors made a truly funny film, which turned into the show people love today. What We Do In The Shadows has only recently ended with great fanfare and adulation from both its cast and creators as well as its adoring fans. Before this absolute...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 084: Mup Lore – The ups and downs of twentytwentyfourlore

Ups. Downs. Mark & Wiki Dave try not to kill each other. Edited by Fred

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please get in touch with us at manticuniversepodcast@gmail.com...

Thangalaan is a 2024 epic drama directed by Pa. Ranjith, featuring an ensemble cast led by Vikram as the titular character, with Parvathy Thiruvothu as his wife, Gangamma, Malavika Mohanan as Aarathi, and Daniel Caltagirone as the ruthless British Officer, Clement. Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule, the film chronicles Thangalaan, a courageous villager who rallies his people to resist the oppressive British forces intent on exploiting gold hidden within sacred mountain lands. The gold is under the stewardship of Aarathi, a descendant of the Nagas and the rightful queen of the mountain, whose lineage carries deep cultural and spiritual significance. Together, Thangalaan and Aarathi must unite to protect their heritage, their people, and the treasures of their land from the invaders.

Thangalaan (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis: Who is Thangalaan?

“Thangalaan” opens in the office of Clement, the British collector of Bengaluru. The king informs Clement about the tribals,...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 077: Mup Shorts – Halo with Mantic

Chris & Wiki Dave are joined by Dan from Mantic to talk all things Halo. Edited by Chris.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please get in touch with us at manticuniversepodcast@gmail.com...

Thangalaan, directed by Pa Ranjith, is a story about a tribal people, set in 1850, and their quest to make their lives better and fight against the oppressive caste system. I felt that Thangalaan was a lost opportunity, and I felt really bad for the actors who put so much effort into their performances. I have to say here that no matter what you think of the rest of the film, Vikram, who plays the titular character, is beyond exceptional. But, no matter how strong the performance is, it needed a strong screenplay to back it up, something that was totally missing in Ranjith’s venture. So, let’s find out what happened in the film and if Thangalaan was able to achieve what he set out to do.

Spoiler Alert

What was the folklore surrounding Aarathi?

At the beginning of the film, Thangalaan narrates the story of the hidden golden treasure to his kids.

What We Do In The Shadows, the half-hour comedy mockumentary created by Jemaine Clement, is ending with its sixth season. The show is based on the film of the same name by Clement and Taika Waititi which follows a trio of vampires as they fumble into shenanigans and half-heartedly attempt to take over the United States.

Waititi, who co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in the original movie, sat down with Entertainment Weekly to speak about the end of the beloved show. Acknowledging he is proud of the success it has become, Waititi, who serves as an executive producer for the TV series, feels that the show has had its time, as he's now putting his focus into other projects.

Related What We Do in the Shadows Star Reveals BTS Reaction to Surprising True Blood Cameo

What We Do in the Shadows star and fan-favorite Hollywood icon Doug Jones opens up about...

Taika Waititi really seems to be on a streak of losing shows and films. The filmmaker adapted the acclaimed Terry Gilliam film Time Bandits as a show for Apple TV+ but the series was canceled after its very first season. The adventure comedy series featured Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi, and Waititi himself.

The series was co-created with Jemaine Clement and Iain Morris. While the show achieved critical acclaim, it did not seem to get the required viewership for a historic fiction sci-fi adventure series as big as that and hence was reportedly canceled. However, interest still remains within a small circle of fans.

Time Bandits Will Not Return For A Season 2 A still from Time Bandits | Credits: Apple TV+

Taika Waititi’s hot streak of getting his shows canceled this year is going strong. The filmmaker and actor’s latest series to get canceled after the beloved pirate comedy Our Flag Means Death,...

Taika Waititi, the film director known for projects like Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Love and Thunder, says that the TV show What We Do in the Shadows has gone on "for far too long," but also says he's proud of the show he played a huge role in creating. And all we can say to that is: Make up your mind, Taika!

In celebration of the show's sixth and final season, Waititi spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the show's unique world and characters. And while some have argued that the series' premise has grown a bit tired, it still managed to stay fresh enough with man fans, thanks to its original narratives, extensive cameo list, and some of the best special effects on television.

"This went on for far too long, but I'm proud of it," Waititi joked. "I thought that the movie, when we were making the movie, I...

“I am practicing so much containment right now. I can’t put into words all of the emotions that are going through my body, but the biggest one is just gratitude. I am so grateful,” Zoe Saldaña told Gold Derby after she received her very first Golden Globe nomination on Dec. 9. She’s up for Best Film Supporting Actress for her performance in “Emilia Pérez.” Find out here how more than 50 other contenders reacted to their noms and see the complete list of Golden Globe nominees here. “It’s the beginning of something that could be really special,” Saldaña added. “Obviously there are always personal dreams, but when you’re part of something that is so special and continues to be impactful your desires take second place for the greater good of what this film represents to so many people, so I’m so happy.” The actress plays an underappreciated...

Selena Gomez is racking up the nominations.

The 32-year-old actress and singer was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for Emilia Pérez, and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy for Only Murders in the Building.

“Congratulations to my Emilia family!!! Mama @zoesaldana yes!!!” she wrote in one post on her Instagram Story.

In the next slide, she shared a video of herself holding her hands over her mouth and declaring “Oh my god” in disbelief as she watched the nominees being read aloud on Monday (December 9).

“I don’t even know what to write. I’m so proud of @zoesaldana and I am so grateful and honored @goldenglobes,” she captioned the video, shouting out her costar and fellow nominee Zoe Saldaña.

Keep reading to find out more…

In another post on her Instagram Stories,...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 076: Mup Shorts – Herd Lore: Herd is the Word

Mark & Wiki Dave are livin’ on a Brayer, and talking about the Herd. Edited by Fred.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please get in touch with us at manticuniversepodcast@gmail.

What We Do in the Shadows star Doug Jones opens up about early plans for his character's lethal exit from the series.

Speaking to ScreenRant, Jones discussed not only the unexpected longevity of What We Do in the Shadows as a series, but of his character Baron Afanas specifically. "I will say that my time on this show has gone longer than we ever thought it would," Jones noted. "I was never meant to be on the show this long. At the beginning, I was hired for the pilot episode in Season 1, to do that grand entrance in the attic... It kind of sets up that I had sent them to North America to conquer the New World, and they haven't done it yet. So, that was kind of the setup, that then they were going to find a way to get rid of me in the next episode."

Related...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 075: Mup Monthly – Chaotic Neutral

Chris, Clem and Gerry talk all things Mantic. We even have Warpath things to say this Month! Hold my beer! Edited by Fred.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please get in touch with us at manticuniversepodcast@gmail.

What We Do in the Shadows star Doug Jones discusses his reaction to meeting True Blood's Alexander Skarsgård on set.

Speaking to ScreenRant, Jones opened up about the experience of meeting Alexander Skarsgård — who played the vampire Eric Northman on True Blood — on set for a surprise appearance in an episode of the final season of What We Do in the Shadows. Jones noted that he was "tickled pink that we were going to get a pretty stormy vampire to show up in our goofy comedy show." Jones continued, "And when he walked onto the set, he was, like, 6'5", he's a little taller than me, and strappingly handsome, and everybody's going like, ‘[In awe] Oh.’ But he pulled the funny out in a way that we did not expect, I didn't expect. So, getting to banter back and forth with him was delicious for me."

Related What We Do in the Shadows...

Spoiler Alert: The following reveals a major plot point from tonight’s episode of FX’s What We Do In The Shadows.

FX’s What We Do In The Shadows featured Alexander Skarsgard in tonight’s episode “Come Out and Play.” He was dressed in all black and wore vampire fangs, much like his True Blood character Eric Northman did across the HBO show’s 7 seasons.

Of his appearance, Skarsgaard shared, “I’m afraid I have no recollection of shooting this episode as Dr. Laszlo Cravensworth [Matt Barry] apparently hypnotized me at the wrap party. But I did wake up with an intense physical attraction to Dr. Cravensworth and found his extraordinary wit, charm and intelligence absolutely disarming. I have since started a YouTube fan page for him. It’s called ‘Because you’re Cravens-worth it’ Please like, follow and subscribe.”

Alexander Skarsgård in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’

Albeit a brief appearance,...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 074: Mup Shorts – Command Dice Rerolled

After Danny accused Chris of moral cowardice, in not including Danny’s take on the Command Dice. Chris sits down with Danny to get the other side of the coin, and looks through the other end of the Telescope. Edited by Fred.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm!

Colman Domingo's The Madness trades sharp dramatic tension for lukewarm dramatizations of hot-button topics. The Madness arrives months after Domingo's Oscar-buzzy prison drama Sing Sing amidst a swell of new A-lister-led thriller series like Michael Fassbender's The Agency and Eddie Redmayne's The Day of the Jackal. Domingo is best known for his inspired work in films like Rustin and his Emmy-winning performance in Euphoria. His lead role as Victor Strand in the dystopian sci-fi series Fear the Walking Dead offered an initial glimpse of his less-utilized skills as a physical actor, which are also put on display in The Madness.

Muncie Daniels is a political consultant-turned-tv pundit who may have lost his way in life. While on a work sabbatical in the Poconos to write the great American novel, Muncie finds himself the only witness to the murder of a well-known white supremacist, and now he's being framed for the crime.

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 62: Mup Faction Focus – Kingdoms of Men

Chris is joined by Steve and new guest Florence to talk about Kingdoms of Men. The most average of factions but the most special guests.

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast, please...

Here’s the latest episode of the Mantic Universe Podcast, part of the ever-growing podcast roster here on Nerdly. Listen to long-time Nerdly writer Chris and his co-hosts Clem, Mark, Walt and Fred share their passion for Mantic Tabletop games. Deadzone, Kings of War, Firefight and more!. Battle reports, hobby talk, growing the community and more.

Mantic Universe Podcast – Episode 61: Mup Indie Showcase – Argatoria by Spellcrow -10mm Ranks & Flanks & Chris

Chris & Clem are joined by Martin Hawk, to talk about the Indie 10mm game Argatoria by Spellcrow.Think He-Man, Conan and ranks & flanks

Please remember to give us a review, and tell your friends! Thanks to Mantic Games. Our Podcast is 100 per cent unofficial. Please tell your friends, give us a 5-star review, where you are listening to this and apparently writing a written review helps with the almighty algorithm! Thanks for downloading and listening to the Mantic Universe Podcast,...

Director Jeremy Saulnier’s gritty action thriller Rebel Ridge brilliantly balances the intensity of its grounded spectacle with an intimate, emotionally charged undertone, and part of the credit for this perfect assimilation goes to the compelling performance by the cast and memorable characterization. Not only the lead roles played by veteran actors who are ever reliable in their craft, but even the minor characters played by relatively new performers with minimal screen time made a lasting impact in the movie despite having mostly conventional parts, which goes on to prove not only the deftness of script but also proper casting as well.

Aaron Pierre Plays Terry Richmond

British stage actor Aaron Pierre takes on the lead role in Rebel Ridge as former Marine martial arts instructor Terry Richmond, who arrives in the small town of Shelby Springs to post his cousin Mike’s bail money but unwittingly gets entangled in the filthy,...