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Directed by Bobby Yan, Lifetime’s ‘Sugar Mama’ follows young college student Mike Sheppard, who decides to get a sugar mama to finance the lifestyle of him and his girlfriend, Gia. Browsing through an app, the couple finds a match with successful businesswoman Veronica King. While out on a date, Mike denies having a girlfriend and tells Veronica that he needs her support to finish her studies. The two engage in the relationship, but he soon discovers she is unlike any regular “sugar mama.”

While she presents him with luxuries, including a new car, the companionship that she expects from him is not sexual in nature. Veronica comes across literally as a mother,...

Back in the day, you were either a Street Fighter kid or a Mortal Kombat kid. Both had their pros and cons, but you had to choose one. I mean, your parents weren’t going to shell out good money for both, right? Well, parents who actually loved their kids did. Thanks for nothing, Dad. Since I had to choose, I went with Street Fighter. The moves seemed more straightforward to do, and my mom had less of a heart attack about the cartoony violence than the bloody gore that Mortal Kombat provided. The games after Street Fighter II were plentiful, even if the movies were not great. With a new film on the horizon,...

Ranking Denis Villeneuve’s Top 10 Movies From Worst to Best ( Photo Credit – IMDb )

Ah, hush your discourse, aficionados of cinema! Enter into this meticulous critique of Denis Villeneuve‘s cinematic oeuvre, arranged from the least to the most exquisite, as per their Rotten Tomatoes score. From gripping suspense dramas to contemplative science fiction masterpieces, Villeneuve’s collection is a journey through the spectrum of emotions and intellect.

Before we embark on this cinematic odyssey, remember one crucial detail: ranking films is as subjective as selecting your favorite delicacies. While Rotten Tomatoes score may extol the virtues of Arrival as Villeneuve’s masterpiece, you might find solace in Prisoners or Dune.

Glen Powell has spoken out about the idea of becoming the next James Bond, and he’s not holding back. According to a recent report, Powell was mentioned as a possible candidate for Bond 26, alongside names like Tom Holland and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Right now, there’s we know nothing about the movie, title, or actor for Bond 26. Daniel Craig’s final film as the superspy, No Time To Die, came out in 2021, and since then, there’s been constant talk about who will wear the tuxedo next, alongside a plethora of British actors, Glen Powell found himself on the list as well.

But Powell is quick to shut...

The search for the next James Bond is heating up, and Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren has shared her thoughts on who should take on the iconic role. Mirren, who spoke with Saga Magazine about her new movie The Thursday Murder Club, said that no matter what, James Bond should always be played by a man.

“I’m such a feminist. But you can’t have a woman. It just doesn’t work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else,” Mirren told Saga Magazine.

Pierce Brosnan, who starred as Bond in four films during the ’90s and early 2000s, agreed with Mirren. He said he is excited to see who will step into the role next.

“I wish them well. I’m so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. I...

This article contains spoilers for "Weapons."

Although the recent horror movie "Weapons" has already received a lot of comparisons to the 1999 thriller "Magnolia," it turns out there's another hard-hitting film director Zach Cregger took inspiration from. In a recent interview with Letterboxd, Cregger explained that it was the Hugh Jackman-led 2013 thriller "Prisoners" that drove him most of all.

"First of all, the cinematography of 'Prisoners' is so gorgeous," Cregger explained. "It's this washed-out, somber, cloudy, rainy movie. I really wanted to evoke everything visually that movie evoked, so my cinematographer and I watched 'Prisoners' and talked about it a lot when we were scouting. It's very lived-in, too—that movie feels very authentic. You know, the mess in the people's homes and all that stuff is great." In an interview with The Playlist, Cregger confirmed this connection yet again, saying, "'Prisoners' is all over this movie.

In a moment of the student becoming the master, Zach Cregger bests the great Denis Villeneuve himself as Weapons surpasses Prisoners at the box office. In the 2 weeks since its release, Weapons grossed $89 million against Prisoners‘ $61 million domestically, and $148.7 million against the Prisoners‘ $122.1 million in worldwide earnings [via Box Office Mojo].

In an interview with Letterboxd, Cregger revealed how his film drew from Villeneuve’s Prisoners, saying:

The cinematography of Prisoners is so gorgeous… the washed-out, somber, cloudy, rainy look… I really wanted to evoke everything visually that movie evoked.

Not only did Weapons succeed in doing that, but it also brought a sense of originality to the story. Now, Cregger’s film has exceeded the very movie that inspired it, in a rare feat at the box office.

Zach Cregger’s Weapons is Unstoppable as It Breaks a Rare Box-Office Record

As Weapons crosses over into its third week, the film rises as...

David Dastmalchian is the first actor in the Dexter franchise history to be killed by Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) twice, playing two different characters in the same season of Dexter Resurrection. This rare opportunity, as Dastmalchian himself puts it, is something no one has done before on the show. He plays the twin serial killer known as The Gemini Killer. Talking to Deadline, he shared,

I want to give a major thank you and share my gratitude [executive producers] Clyde [Phillips] and Scott [Reymonds], because I got to do with the Gareths is something that no one has done… Not only did I get to play two characters, but I had two performance to craft.

Already known for roles in The Dark Knight, The Suicide Squad, Prisoners, Oppenheimer, and One Piece, Dastmalchian brings another chilling villain to life in Showtime’s reboot. Dexter Resurrection Season 1 centers on a secret society of murderers...

Stars: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Amy Madigan, Benedict Wong, Cary Christopher, Austin Abrams | Written and Directed by Zach Cregger

Writer-director Zach Cregger returns with compelling horror mystery Weapons, a worthy follow-up to his acclaimed 2022 hit Barbarian. Impressively structured, terrifically tense and superbly acted, it’s one of the best films of the year.

Set in a small suburban town, the film begins with a child’s voiceover explaining that earlier that week, at exactly 2.17am, seventeen children from the same class all went missing simultaneously, running out of their homes in bizarre fashion, as if they were playing at being aeroplanes. With the community bewildered and angry, fingers are pointed at the children’s teacher, Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), but there’s also the unexplained mystery of why just one lonely young boy in her class, Alex (Cary Christopher), was spared.

The story is structured with six chapters,...

Like most films these days, if you’re thinking of waiting through the credits hoping for a bonus scene in Weapons, we’d recommend you not to. Because Zach Cregger‘s 2025 horror hit starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin does not include a post-credits scene.

Now playing in theaters, Weapons is already being praised as one of the best horror films of the year. Directed by the Barbarian mastermind, the film has earned an impressive 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has fans everywhere buzzing. With so much hype, it’s only natural to wonder if there’s one last twist hidden after the credits roll.

But, in the age where post-credit scenes often tease sequels or add fun extras, Weapons keeps things simple. Once the movie ends, it’s truly over. There’s no Marvel-style surprises or sneak peeks. So, don’t worry, heading out once the screen fades to black,...

Josh Brolin has recently crossed over into the horror territory with Zach Cregger’s new suburban nightmare, Weapons; however, the actor finds remnants of the works of the Coen Brothers in the film.

It is understandable why the veteran actor would find it seemingly difficult to shed his Western identity after working in the genre so extensively throughout his career, but in this case, Brolin may just have a point. Even at the outset, Weapons has a lot more to offer in the way of the wild chaos that comes with the spurs and cowboy genre than slashers and the Scream Queen culture. Let’s find it how.

Josh Brolin Compares Zach Cregger To the Coen Brothers, and He’s Not Wrong Josh Brolin and Julia Garner in Weapons (2025) [Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]

Much like how Jerry Lundegaard’s kidnapping plot goes uncontrollably out of hand, or Llewelyn Moss steals millions...

Weapons is poised to be the scariest horror movie of 2025, with director Zack Cregger drawing from a real-life personal tragedy and several iconic movies to cook a strange, disturbing, but engaging mystery surrounding the sudden disappearance of children in a small town.

With a 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is bound to surprise audiences. Reviews suggest Cregger has crafted a truly harrowing tale that is as emotionally charged as it is frightening. As you await the movie’s release later this week, here is a look at all the real-life inspirations Cregger drew from to make Weapons a truly unique experience.

Zach Cregger’s Weapons Was Born From A Personal Tragedy Weapons director Zach Cregger (Credit: Etalk | YouTube).

Director Zach Cregger made a name for himself with the 2022 horror movie Barbarian, which emerged as a critical and commercial success. However, when he was editing the movie, Cregger lost...

There Will Be Blood has widely been regarded as one of the greatest films of all time and has earned the third spot on the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century list (via The New York Times). But Quentin Tarantino has a bone to pick with it, and it specifically has to do with Paul Dano’s performance.

The Paul Thomas Anderson directorial stars the three-time Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview, and Dano plays dual roles, as Paul and Eli Sunday. Most would say that Dano was absolutely amazing in the film, but during a segment with Sky Movies, Tarantino expressed his disapproval (via James Whale Bake Sale).

Not that the performance is bad, there’s nothing bad about it, it just does seem a compromise.

While Tarantino praised the movie overall, his dismissal of such a brilliant performer sparked debate. So, let’s look at how Dano nailed the role,...

By order of James f*ckin’ Bond…Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been the latest key addition to the next James Bond movie, signing on to pen the screenplay that will be directed by none other than Denis Villeneuve. And while he knows that there is a lot of pressure in the job, he is assuring fans they will be getting something explosive.

As Steven Knight told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, he thinks his passion for the James Bond series will be one of the major factors in a successful script. “It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started. I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better,...

Ahead of its theatrical release this August, New Line Cinema’s newest supernatural horror movie Weapons has received its first reactions, teasing another massive hit for the Barbarian director Zach Cregger. Just like the acclaimed 2022 movie, Cregger is also directing from a screenplay he wrote.

As seen on social media, the first reactions to Weapons have finally arrived online from early screenings, with most critics praising Cregger’s vision and direction. On X, FilmSpeak's Griff Schiller called the movie “a horror masterpiece and the best film of the year,” while also comparing it to Denis Villeneuve and Paul Thomas Anderson movies. “It's Prisoners by way of Magnolia with some of the Coen's absurdist humor. An absolutely Brilliant commentary on the attitudes and institutions during the fallout of a communal tragedy.” He adds, “a chilling masterclass in suspense and Pov storytelling that exposes a society with dwindling empathy that tolerates dehumanizing acts.

Netflix's Stranger Things is the ultimate homage to the 1980s. Chock full of nostalgia, the series is heavily inspired by iconic movies of the period, such as The Goonies, E.T., and so on. In fact, when creators Matt and Ross Duffer first pitched the project to Netflix, they put together a sizzle reel made up of clips from countless movies.

Stranger Things was originally titled Montauk, a reference to the real-life Montauk Project, which allegedly saw secret government experiments take place in New York during the '70s and '80s. The Montauk conspiracy was a big inspiration behind the show, but the title was eventually re-worked to become Stranger Things. It was also relocated to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.

The sizzle reel is definitely something to behold. Perfectly cut together, it captures the essence of what Stranger Things would eventually become. We're talking Spielberg-esque imagery,...

Though full reviews are still embargoed, the first social media reactions for Barbarian director Zach Cregger's highly-anticipated second feature, Weapons, have arrived, and they are universally positive.

Weapons is still shrouded in mystery, and although the trailers have given a few things away, the marketing has done a pretty good job of keeping the movie's biggest secrets under wraps.

While these reactions don't spoil anything outright, they do hint at certain things, so proceed with caution if you'd rather know as little as possible going in. Also, we advise not reading the comments beneath certain posts, which do contain major spoilers for the movie!

Here's what Cregger had to say about the (possible) meaning behind the movie's title during a recent interview with EW.

"My wife told me her friend called and was like, 'Do you know the etymology of that word means "small arms"?' Just think about that for a second.

Ahead of the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” the Duffer Brothers brought fans back to the very beginning as series co-creator Ross Duffer went on Instagram Wednesday to share a never-before-seen sizzle reel the brothers used to sell the show.

Like “Stranger Things,” the sizzle reel is dense with references to iconic films, many of them from the 1970s and ’80s. In his comment, Ross Duffer noted that the first person to name every film featured in the reel will get a mystery reward.

“We’ve never shown this before—this is the original sizzle reel Matt and I made to help sell the show. Putting synth over classic Spielbergian imagery got us so excited about what the show could be,” Ross Duffer said in the caption. “Most importantly, this is how we discovered our composers Kyle and Michael—we used their music for the final montage and immediately thought,...

When Zach Cregger unleashed Barbarian into the world in 2022, many hailed the director as a fresh voice in modern horror. He took a step back following its success to pen the animated sci-fi comedy Mars, and produce this year's sci-fi thriller, Companion. Now, he's back in the director’s chair with Weapons, the long-awaited follow-up to his groundbreaking horror hit, but is it just as good? Based on early reactions to the film, the answer is no, it's not as good – it's even better!

Following an early screening of Weapons ahead of its wide release on August 8, social media is buzzing with reactions to the film, which stars the likes of Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, and Austin Abrams. Critic Matthieu Côté called it "downright terrifying," and a film that "cements Zach Cregger as a strong voice in modern horror and a master of mystery." They added:

"I can't...

Director Zach Cregger is back with yet another horror masterpiece, and this time, there are a bunch of kids gone missing. Starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin in leading roles, Weapons is looking like a great horror piece, and fans are excited.

The first reactions for Weapons have been made public, where audiences got an early release before its theatrical debut, and it seems that Zach Cregger has done it again. With plenty of horror, mystery, and an intriguing storyline that never loses its gravitas, the upcoming movie is every horror fan’s dream come true, and the first reactions say it all.

First Reactions of Weapons Is Every Horror Fan’s Dream

Starring Julia Garner who will also be portraying the role of Silver Surfer/Shalla-Bal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps) alongside Josh Brolin in leading roles, Weapons is a movie that follows the case of 17 missing students from the same classroom,...

Fans Call Zach Cregger’s Weapons “An Instant Classic” After First Screenings (Photo Credit – YouTube)

If you are a fan of the horror genre, chances are you’ve already seen Zach Cregger’s 2022 horror film Barbarian (his solo directorial debut). And in case you haven’t yet, it comes highly recommended for any horror enthusiast. If you enjoyed Barbarian, then we have a fantastic update for you.

Early reactions to his upcoming horror movie Weapons, which is set to hit theatres on August 8, 2025 (including India), have already started pouring in. And fans are calling it downright terrifying, and a horror masterpiece. Read on to find out what the film is about and what early viewers are saying about it.

Weapons – Early Reactions

With its theatrical release just around the corner, a few lucky movie buffs have already seen Zach Cregger’s Weapons, and here’s what some of the early...

Weapons is being called a "masterpiece" in its first reactions. Written and directed by Zach Cregger, who made his debut with Barbarian in 2022, the upcoming horror film follows the mysterious case of 17 kids from the same class who vanish simultaneously overnight, sparking fear and confusion in the community, with their teacher being the main suspect in their disappearance.

The Weapons cast includes Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (Milk), three-time Emmy nominee Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, Oscar nominee Amy Madigan (Twice in a Lifetime), June Diane Raphael, Whitmer Thomas, Toby Huss, and Luke Speakman.

Now, ahead of its theatrical release, the first reactions to Weapons have surfaced on social media. Overall, the horror film is being praised for its chilling mystery, ambitious structure, dark humor, powerful performances, and sharp social commentary. One critic calls it a "horror masterpiece and the best film of the year." Check...

It’s been three years since up-and-coming horror filmmaker Zach Cregger unleashed Barbarian on unsuspecting audiences. The mysterious film, starring Bill Skarsgård, Georgina Campbell, and Justin Long, generated early buzz thanks to its unpredictability, unconventional premise, and enthusiasm from die-hard horror buffs. On August 8, Cregger returns to theaters with Weapons, another frightfest with clever viral marketing, a cherry cast, and positive word of mouth fueling its release. The first reactions to Weapons are making the rounds online, with critics and moviegoers saying it’s another feather in Cregger’s cap, proving he’s a filmmaker to watch with a promising career ahead.

The first reactions to Weapons call Cregger’s film a horror masterpiece, saying it’s a brilliant commentary on the attitudes and institutions during the fallout of a communal tragedy. Sadly, efforts to quell violence in rural areas yield little to no results in the face of calamity,...

It’s another beautiful day for Hollywood enthusiasts, which means another day of solving a new set of daily puzzles from the Actorle universe. I don’t know about you, but my morning coffee doesn’t quite hit the same without that “Congrats! You solved it-” showing on my screen.

July 21’s puzzles felt like a journey through a cinematic history, like always. Whether you breezed through it or found yourself staring at a blank grid, I’m here to walk you through the solutions and share my take on July 21’s Actorle challenges.

Actorle Solution for Today The Actorle on July 21 featured a fan-favorite comic | Credit: Actorle/FandomWire

July 21’s Actorle featured a true classic comedy actor, who was fairly easier to guess than the mystery actors of the past few days. Mainly featuring in comedy sketches ever since 1987, the answer for July 21’s Actorle is none other than Chris Rock,...

David Dastmalchian is set to play yet another chilling role as the Gemini Killer in Showtime’s Dexter: Resurrection. Created by Clyde Phillips and marking Michael C. Hall’s return as Dexter Morgan, the series follows the former blood spatter analyst in New York City, looking after his son, Harrison, while continuing to follow his code.

Dastmalchian is one of the new cast members joining the series and has described his character as one of the most deranged characters he has ever played. “His serial killer moniker is the Gemini Killer,” he said in a recent appearance on Mashable’s Say More, adding, “I’m very proud to say that Gareth is the number one most wanted FBI murderer.”

He also revealed that his character, Gareth, would serve as a uniquely formidable and unpredictable antagonist in the TV series so far, pushing Dexter in new and unexpected ways.

David...

Former James Bondproducer Barbara Broccoli breaks her silence on Denis Villeneuve's hiring for Bond 26. After decades under control of Eon and the Broccoli family, the hit espionage franchise officially fell entirely under Amazon's purview earlier this year.

The company has been quick to get the ball rolling on another movie after No Time To Die (2021) brought an end to the successful Daniel Craig era. Though Bond 26 story details remain unknown, it was officially announced last month that Villeneuve will shepherd the upcoming installment as director.

During a recent interview with Mark Kermode on his Kermode on Film podcast (via Deadline), Broccoli expresses enthusiasm about Bond 26's new director. The long-time franchise overseer doesn't go into too much detail regarding her thoughts on the next film, but she does call Villeneuve a "fantastic filmmaker." Check out her comment below:

“He’s a fantastic filmmaker, I’m thrilled he’s going to be doing it.

Actor Matthew Goode was once considered for the iconic role of James Bond, the British super spy who has dominated pop culture for decades. In an appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, Goode recalled pitching a darker version of the character to then-producer Barbara Broccoli.

We absolutely have to make this guy an alcoholic, a drug addict. He hates himself, he hates women. He hates a lot of people. He’s in deep pain. He’s brilliant at killing people.

Goode made the above statement regarding his pitch, which was turned down. However, director Denis Villeneuve, who will helm the upcoming 26th installment in the James Bond franchise, has already tackled a version of Goode’s pitch in Prisoners. Here is how Villeneuve essentially made a darker James Bond work and why he can revisit the idea for Bond 26.

Denis Villeneuve Has Already Touched Upon Matthew Goode’s Dark...

Amazon’s highly anticipated James Bond reboot has now found the perfect director in Dune’sDenis Villeneuve...but who will play 007? That burning question still remains, and while rumors abound, a new favorite has suddenly emerged. And he’s a real outlaw.

With Prisoners and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve now revealed as the director chosen to steer James Bond into his next chapter, the rumor and speculation regarding who will star as Bond himself is ramping up more than ever before. Now, a new favorite has appeared, with this lesser-known British actor seeing his odds vastly, and suddenly, improve and putting him among other favorites such as 28 Years Later’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson, The Gentlemen star Theo James, and Rebel Ridge’s Aaron Pierre.

The actor in question is Scott Rose-Marsh, who is best known for roles in the psychological drama series Chloe, the drama Yr Amgueddfa, and...

Dylan Minnette began his acting career as a child actor, most notably in Prison Break, where he played the younger version of Wentworth Miller's Michael Scofield. He went on to appear in several smaller television roles before landing a major role in Netflix's teen drama, 13 Reasons Why, as Clay Jensen. The actor is also known for his appearances in the horror and thriller genres on the big screen, including Let Me In, Don't Breathe, The Open House, and the fifth installment of the Scream franchise. From that point forward, Minnette has dedicated much of his time to being the co-lead singer for the indie rock band Wallows. With no new acting projects announced yet, the actor, 28, recently weighed in on whether he has completely left acting behind for good.

Over the past three years, Minnette has shifted his focus to his band Wallows, with the 2022 series The Dropout...

A major Dune star will play the key villain in the live-action Street Fighter movie. Based on the Capcom video games, Legendary's live-action adaptation was originally announced in April 2023 with Danny and Michael Philippou in talks to direct, though they eventually dropped out and were replaced by Kitao Sakurai in May 2025.

More recently, the Street Fighter movie has made several big splashes by casting Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, Roman Reigns, Orville Peck, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki, and Callina Liang as Chun-Li.

Now, according to Deadline, Dune star David Dastmalchian has been cast as the villainous M. Bison in the Street Fighter movie. Representatives for Legendary declined to comment, and the film's plot remains under wraps.

What This Means For The Street Fighter Movie Who Are David Dastmalchian & M. Bison?

Street Fighter will be Dastmalchian's biggest role to date, continuing over a decade of steady...

Legendary’s upcoming Street Fighter movie is building out a cast that’s as wild as a Shoryuken — and another demented name has joined the fun. David Dastmalchian to join the video game adaptation, which is quickly shaping up to be one of the most stacked and eccentric ensemble films of 2026. Coming off his acclaimed turn in last year's Last Night with the Devil, Dastmalchian has agreed a deal to play the movie’s main villain, M. Bison — the dictator-like overseer of the tournament and head of the criminal organization Shadaloo.

Dastmalchian is probably best known for his multitude of roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe, with parts in all three Ant-Man movies, as well as James Gunn's The Suicide Squad. He's also appeared in films as varied as The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049, Dune, Oppenheimer and Prisoners.

Raúl Juliá memorably played the role in...

This week’s big news is that, after endless speculation, Amazon/MGM have finally chosen a new director to helm the first James Bond movie that will be produced under their banner – and it’s Quebec-born Denis Villeneuve. Easily the highest profile Bond director ever, Villeneuve has directed some of the most acclaimed movies in recent years, including Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Prisoners, and Dune Part I & II. It’s certainly a signal that the studio aims to keep 007 on the big screen, and one can expect Villeneuve to craft an epic film.

However, the next big decision to come will be who is going to slip into 007’s tux and wield the iconic Walther Ppk. Guys like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill are considered the favourites, but it was recently revealed that the studio is aiming for a much younger Bond, preferably an actor under thirty, which seems to shut them out.

Steven Spielberg once applied for the job — and didn’t get it. Same with Christopher Nolan. And Quentin Tarantino. And Peter Jackson.

Over the decades, James Bond has left behind a smoldering trail of blown-up villain lairs and wrecked Aston Martins — but also a hefty pile of heartbroken A-list directors. Ever since Terence Young shot the first 007 feature, 1962’s Dr. No, the franchise has been one of cinema’s most coveted behind-the-camera gigs. Alfonso Cuarón, Joe Wright, Matthew Vaughn, Guy Ritchie — at one time or another, they all dreamed of directing a Bond movie. And they all, for one reason or another, never got the chance.

All of which is to say: congratulations, Denis Villeneuve! You’ve just landed the hardest-to-get directing job in Hollywood. The 58-year-old French-Canadian auteur will be helming the 26th Bond film — the first since longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold the...

With one noteworthy exception (which didn’t work out too well in my opinion), no movie in the James Bond series has ever been directed by a marquee-name, rock-star filmmaker. And when you think about it, that’s quite a startling statement. Because…why not? Quentin Tarantino? Christopher Nolan? Who on earth would want to see a Bond film directed by one of those losers?

The directors of the Bond films have mostly been veteran craftsmen (like Terence Young or Guy Hamilton), or journeymen (like John Glen), and a few have had a prestige aura (like Michael Apted or Lee Tamahori). But it was only when Sam Mendes was tapped to direct “Skyfall” that one felt the series was suddenly aiming higher than it had been. I was excited to see a filmmaker as gifted as Mendes take the reins, but suffice to say: While much of the world loves “Skyfall,...

The director of the now Amazon-controlled 007 franchise can do action spectacle with art and integrity – the question now is who will he want to wear the tux …

At last. Something. Something has emerged from the vast opaque corporate entity that is Amazon MGM, which swallowed up the James Bond brand from Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – the latter being reportedly discontented (though presumably very much richer).

White smoke has emerged from the funnel marked “director” – though still nothing from the funnel marked “star” – and it’s a really big hitter. Denis Villeneuve is the Canadian film-maker who gave us the excellent science-fiction movies Arrival, Blade Runner 2049 and Dune Parts One and Two, and has demonstrated a real flair for big-budget action thrillers in Sicario and Prisoners, with plenty of the ambient sexiness in hardware and spectacle.

As Amazon MGM officially introduces Denis Villeneuve as the director of Bond 26, a look at how the filmmaker’s style might change 007:

History is filled with the names of famous directors who almost got to make a James Bond movie but didn’t: Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, Danny Boyle all immediately spring to mind. The announcement that Denis Villeneuve will direct James Bond 26, then, is a significant moment for a franchise that has traditionally been made by solid, safe-pair-of-hands filmmakers rather than noted auteurs.

In the past, the Bond films were carefully – even jealously – shepherded by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. They oversaw everything from the choice of Bond actors to scripts to directors to locations, and it was a level of control that clearly didn’t sit right with some filmmakers; Danny Boyle’s Bond project came to an end when the producers “lost confidence” in his concept,...

Wow. Nearly four years after Daniel Craig's tenure as James Bond came to a definitive end in "No Time to Die," we finally have a director for the next 007 film, and somehow, the filmmaker on deck is one of Hollywood's boldest visionaries. Academy Award-nominated director Denis Villeneuve is officially at the helm of "James Bond 26," and to think he's already boasting a filmography that includes beloved intellectual properties such as "Blade Runner" and "Dune." To add Bond to his resume truly is the ultimate flex.

Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed the news to Variety, with Denis Villeneuve himself sharing his official statement, now that he is set to define the next generation of 007, which will likely be expanded upon beyond the big screen motion picture events and into the world of streaming:

"Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father,...

Amazon MGM Studios announced today that Denis Villeneuve has signed on as director of the next James Bond film. Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe.

As previously announced, Amy Pascal (best known for her work on the Spider-Man franchise) and David Heyman (who produced all eight Harry Potter films) will serve as producers of the new movie.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery,” said Denis Villeneuve. “I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”

The filmmaker continued, “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled...

The Dune, Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 director – and ‘die-hard Bond fan’ – will helm next movie in the spy franchise with Amazon MGM Studios

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced.

The Oscar-nominated Canadian film-maker most recently directed the hugely successful blockbusters Dune and Dune: Part Two, as well as Arrival, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049 and Prisoners.

Amazon has found its first James Bond director. Little has previously been known about what the long-running franchise's future at Amazon would look like. While Daniel Craig played 007 from 2006's Casino Royale to 2021's No Time to Die, the franchise is about to enter a new era through the creative control of Amazon MGM Studios.

Now, as revealed by Amazon, Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond movie. Villeneuve will executive produce with his partner Tanya Lapointe, who also worked with him on Dune and Dune: Part Two. Villenueve spoke about his longtime enthusiasm for the franchise and how he is honored to now be working on it. Check out his comments below:

Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory.

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has revealed, with Tanya Lapointe signing on as an executive producer. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

“Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said. “I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, added, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter.

Blurring the line between truth and madness, Mia is described as a gripping psychological thriller reminiscent of Prisoners and Gone Girl.

At the heart of the story is Aaron, a mentally troubled drifter who’s convinced that Emma, a sheltered 17-year-old, is his long-lost daughter, Mia. The problem? Emma insists she’s never seen him before, sending Aaron spiraling between certainty and delusion.

Who is telling the truth? And who is truly in danger? Find out when the film hits VOD on July 8 via Breaking Glass Pictures.

Luis Ferrer, whose past scripts have been optioned by Netflix and Spike Lee, writes and directs.

Emiliana Jasper, Shah Motia, and Julie Lucido star.

“Mia is a film designed to make you feel uneasy from the very first frame,” says Ferrer. “I wanted to explore the terror of uncertainty—of not knowing what’s real or who to trust.”

“Mia is an unforgettable...

Directed by Michael Pearce (Beast), Echo Valley (2025) is a brooding psychological thriller that unfolds in the eerie quiet of rural Pennsylvania. At its heart is Julianne Moore as Kate Garretson — a grieving widow clinging to her crumbling horse farm and haunted by the emotional wreckage of her past. When her estranged daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney) arrives with a suspicious tale of accidental murder, Kate is drawn into a spiral of deception, violence, and maternal desperation. With standout performances from Domhnall Gleeson and Fiona Shaw, the film explores themes of grief, addiction, motherhood, and moral compromise. It’s a slow-burn thriller where trauma simmers beneath every scene, culminating in a suspenseful finale that raises questions about forgiveness and letting go.

If you’re looking for movies like Echo Valley — stories steeped in maternal turmoil, isolation, and morally grey decision-making — here are 7 powerful films that echo (pun intended) its dark emotional landscape.

On Wednesday, Alcon Media Group won a bid for $417.5 million to acquire the Village Roadshow film library, which includes 108 titles and the rights to some major franchise films, including “The Matrix,” “Wonka,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the “Ocean’s” films, the “Sherlock Holmes” series, “Joker,” “Ready Player One,” and more.

All those films and others were the product of a reliable and lucrative co-production and co-financing deal Village Roadshow had with Warner Bros. Pictures dating back to 1997, all before Village Roadshow’s bankruptcy and an ugly legal fight that continues over the decision to put “The Matrix Resurrections” onto HBO Max day-and-date with theaters back in 2021.

Perhaps inexplicably, Warner Bros. didn’t win the rights to that library themselves, putting the studio in the unfortunate position to need to partner with a new company moving forward. So what happens to those franchises now?

Alcon is behind several Denis Villeneuve films...

Though there's no confirmation on The Waterfront'srenewal just yet, the writer behind the series has a future for it in mind. The Waterfront premiered on Netflix on June 19 and has already become an instant streaming hit, reaching #1 on the platform's charts. Despite the series' 67% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, it's immediately proven to be popular with audiences. Stars Jake Weary (Animal Kingdom), Melissa Benoist (Supergirl), Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), and Maria Bello (Prisoners) lead the cast. Showrunner Kevin Williamson is known for his work on the Scream franchise, Dawson's Creek, The Vampire Diaries, and more.

During an interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan for The Waterfront, creator Kevin Williamson revealed that he already has a whole second and third season planned out. Williamson is evidently passionate about the series, and after his experience writing season 1, has a feel for the actors and their characters, guiding where he can take them going forward.

“The Waterfront,” the first Netflix original from “Vampire Diaries” and “Scream” producer Kevin Williamson, follows the efforts of the Buckley family to preserve their business legacy in a small beach town of North Carolina, which involves diving head-first into the drug smuggling business. As the family grapples with stepping into criminal activity, the tension also incentivizes complicated dynamics, from father and son to siblings and romantic entanglements.

The show relies on its cast to convey all the nuances at play between the Buckleys and the people around them. Thankfully, Williamson enlisted a collection of TV favorites to embody the show’s complicated subjects.

Here are the characters you need to know in “The Waterfront,” as well as the actors who play them and where you might have seen them before.

The Waterfront. Holt McCallany as Harlan Buckley in episode 102 of The Waterfront. Cr. Dana Hawley/Netflix © 2025 Holt McCallany as Harlan...

Okay, so Kojima’s at it again, and this time, he’s reviving Death Stranding, but not as another game, nor even a live-action movie (although that’s on the way too). Nope. We’re getting an anime. And you know what? He didn’t just hire some random screenwriter off the street. Kojima has tapped Aaron Guzikowski, the guy who wrote Prisoners and the super underrated sci-fi series Raised by Wolves.

That’s right. This anime’s gonna be trippy, emotional, existential, and just the right kind of disturbing. But the best part? It’s not a straight adaptation of the game. No walking simulator remake. This is a new story, one that takes place in the grim, supernatural universe of Death Stranding. So expect invisible ghost monsters, weird time rain, and probably someone crying while hiking across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Classic Kojima.

Welcome to the weird, beautiful world...

Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding universe is growing by the minute. Days after casually mentioning that an anime series spinning out of the fan-favorite video game franchise is in development, a new adult animated movie has also been announced. The animated movie has found its writer in Raised by Wolves' scribe, Aaron Guzikowski, Animation Magazine reports.

Death Stranding is continuously expanding its world, and now with Guzikowski’s addition, the wheels should roll faster on the adult animation film. Guzikowski is fascinated by the Death Stranding world and deems the writing job a dream come true. “Drawing and animation have always been near and dear to my heart, so to finally get to play in this space is a dream come true.”

Guzikowski, the scribe behind Raised by Wolves, Prisoners, and The Red Road among others, is well known for his deeply philosophical themes wrapped in thrilling action, which makes...

Alcon Media Group’s $417.5m offer has won out in bidding for the Village Roadshow Entertainment Group (Vreg) library, making Alcon the owner of what it says is one of the biggest independent film libraries in the world.

The deal includes Village Roadshow’s entire library of intellectual properties, distribution rights and cash flows.

The library contains 108 features, including rights and royalties to the films Village Roadshow co-produced and co-financed with Warner Brothers Pictures since 1997, among them Mad Max: Fury Road, the Ocean’s Eleven series, The Matrix trilogy, Joker, Ready Player One and Wonka. The library is said to generate an estimated $50m annually.

Blade Runner 2049 producer Alcon Media Group has bought Village Roadshow Entertainment Group’s film library for $417.5 million.

The deal includes Village Roadshow’s collection of 108 feature films — including stakes in The Matrix and Ocean’s franchises, Mad Max: Fury Road and Joker. The library generates $50 million annually, according to court documents.

Earlier this year, Village Roadshow — once one of the most prolific behind-the-scenes financiers in Hollywood — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It pointed to a costly endeavor aimed at creating content in-house and the souring of its longtime partnership with Warner Bros.

After the filing, an auction was held to maximize the value of Village Roadshow’s assets. Alcon Entertainment outbid Content Partners, which offered $365 million. Among the outstanding questions is whether a breakup fee will have to be paid.

The purchase positions Alcon as the owner of one of the largest independent feature film libraries. Their collection includes Blade Runner 2049,...