Star Trek" Universe Continues to Expand: 'Strange New Worlds' Renewed for Season 4, 'Lower Decks' to Conclude with Season 5

Netflix Geeked Week 2024 delivered major announcements for fans, including Arcane Season 2, which drops in November with a new clip. Mia Cech was cast as Toph in Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series, while Devil May Cry's animated series is set for an April 2025 release. Squid Game Season 2 premieres on December 26, and Black Mirror Season 7's cast was revealed, including Awkwafina and Issa Rae. Other highlights include trailers for Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch, and a new Rebel Moon video game coming in 2025.

21 Sep 202458s

The 76th Emmy Awards honored television's finest, with "Shogun" making history by winning a record 18 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, and acting awards for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. "The Bear" secured 11 wins, with Jeremy Allen White winning Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and co-stars Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colón-Zayas taking supporting actor honors, although it missed out on Best Comedy Series to "Hacks". "Baby Reindeer" also stood out, winning Best Limited or Anthology Series, with Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning receiving acting accolades. Other notable winners included Jean Smart for "Hacks" and Elizabeth Debicki for "The Crown", highlighting a night of standout performances and significant achievements in television.

16 Sep 202443s

The latest trailer for Venom: The Last Dance surprised fans with the appearance of Knull, the god of darkness who created the alien symbiotes. While Knull’s introduction has Marvel fans excited, it also reignited a long-standing debate in the comic book industry: Should comic creators be compensated when their characters make the leap to the big screen? Knull’s creators, Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, were just as surprised as the fans when the trailer dropped. Stegman, who drew Venom Vol. 4 #3, where Knull made his first official appearance, took to X (formerly Twitter) with humor but also raised eyebrows when he said, “Yes, I did co-create Knull. No, I didn’t know until today that he was gonna be in Venom: The Last Dance... Yes, I do expect to finally be able to afford that lazy river moat around my house." Cates, who wrote the comic series, also chimed in with a joke, tweeting an image that simply said “MONEY” with the caption “lol.” While their reactions were lighthearted, it raises a serious question: Should comic creators be financially rewarded when their creations are adapted into massive Hollywood blockbusters? The issue of compensating comic creators is not new, but it’s become more pressing as comic book movies dominate the global box office. While films like Avengers: Endgame rake in billions, the creators behind the characters often see little to no financial benefit from their work being adapted. Marvel’s track record on compensating creators has been mixed. Jim Starlin, who created Thanos, had a very public battle with Marvel over the use of his character in the Avengers films. Starlin eventually received a payout, but only after the issue went public. The fact that Stegman and Cates were unaware of Knull’s inclusion in the film until the trailer’s release suggests that comic creators still aren’t always in the loop when their characters make the jump from page to screen. In contrast, Marvel legend Stan Lee, who co-created many of the company’s most iconic heroes, was a notable exception. Thanks to his legendary status and executive role, he received ample recognition (and compensation) for his contributions to the Marvel Universe. Unfortunately, this level of compensation is far from the norm for most creators. At the heart of the issue is whether comic creators should receive royalties when their characters or stories are adapted into films, TV shows, or merchandise. In many cases, the contracts signed between creators and publishers like Marvel or DC give ownership of the characters to the company, leaving creators with little say or financial stake in their future adaptations. However, some argue that without the writers and artists who bring these characters to life, there would be no billion-dollar film franchises. It’s not just about money—it’s about recognition and respect for the creative minds that fuel these stories. The fact that Cates and Stegman didn’t even know about Knull’s inclusion in the new Venom film highlights how detached creators can be from the process once Hollywood gets involved. One question lingering around Venom: The Last Dance is whether Sony, the studio behind the Venom films, will handle compensation any differently from Marvel. Since Sony owns the film rights to Venom, the situation could be more complex than the typical Marvel Studios release. If Sony chooses to compensate Cates and Stegman fairly for their creation of Knull, it could set a positive precedent for other creators.

13 Sep 20241min

Sony has officially announced the PlayStation 5 Pro, set to launch on November 7, 2024, for $699.99. The console features a 67% stronger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling for sharper visuals. It will ship without a disc drive, though an optional one is sold separately. The PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD and a DualSense controller. Games optimized for the Pro, labeled "PS5 Pro Enhanced," include popular titles like Alan Wake 2 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. All PS5 games remain compatible with the PS5 Pro.

10 Sep 202437s

James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his commanding voice as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93 in his home in Dutchess County, New York. Jones had a career spanning over seven decades, earning EGOT status for his achievements in theater, film, and television. Overcoming a severe childhood stutter, his voice became one of the most recognizable in entertainment history. Jones’ notable roles included performances in The Great White Hope, Field of Dreams, and Coming to America. While the cause of his death has not been revealed, his legacy as a trailblazer and an unforgettable performer endures​.

9 Sep 202439s

Warner Bros. has asked Ian McKellen to reprise his role as Gandalf in the upcoming 2026 film The Hunt for Gollum, though his return is not yet confirmed since the script is still being written. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film aims to expand the Middle-earth universe further. This project follows other Lord of the Rings-related content, including Amazon's The Rings of Power and the animated The War of the Rohirrim, set for release in December 2024.

5 Sep 202446s

The California Senate has passed AB 1836, a groundbreaking law requiring explicit consent from the estates of deceased performers before their likenesses can be used in AI-generated digital replicas. Backed by SAG-AFTRA, this legislation aims to protect the legacies of late actors and entertainers, ensuring that their digital representations are handled with respect and ethical consideration. This move highlights the importance of maintaining control over how deceased figures are portrayed in an industry increasingly influenced by AI technology.

3 Sep 202433s

This September, both streaming services and theaters are packed with exciting new releases. Hulu brings back fan-favorites with the premieres of Bob’s Burgers Season 15, Krapopolis Season 2, and The Simpsons Season 36. HBO’s The Penguin delves into Gotham’s dark underworld, while Disney+ premieres the Marvel series Agatha All Along. In theaters, get ready for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the much-anticipated sequel to the classic, Transformers One, an animated prequel set on Cybertron, and The Wild Robot, a heartwarming family adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, drama, or thrilling action, September 2024 has something for everyone.

2 Sep 202459s