Author - Jerry Paxton

Halloween Horror Nights Announces The Weeknd Haunted Maze

2022/07/27

Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

For the first time ever, multi award-winning artist The Weeknd joins forces with Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights to inspire all-new, terrifying haunted houses based on his record-breaking “After Hours” album. Beginning September 2 at Universal Orlando Resort and on September 8 at Universal Studios Hollywood, guests will spiral into the twisted mind of this mysterious artist to experience “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare.”

Global phenomenon, The Weeknd, is renowned for his groundbreaking music that blends daring, provocative lyrics with innovative sounds and ominous undertones. “After Hours” is The Weeknd’s fourth consecutive number one album and has spawned multiple chart-topping hits, including “Too Late,” “Heartless,” “In Your Eyes” and the wildly popular single “Blinding Lights” – which is ranked as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time by Billboard. This fall, select tracks from the riveting album are being reimagined as a horror movie soundtrack for the outrageously haunting experience at Halloween Horror Nights.

The dark undercurrent behind The Weeknd’s enigmatic persona will permeate the all-new Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses on both coasts. With the eerie sounds of “After Hours” reverberating throughout the experience, guests will step into a surreal living nightmare filled with grotesque characters and themes inspired by The Weeknd’s music and short films. As they’re stalked by slashers, bandaged maniacs, gruesome toad-like creatures and other unfathomable horrors from the mind of the artist, guests will be challenged to survive the night while trapped within the terrifying, unexpected world of “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare” – a place that only exists in The Weeknd’s vivid imagination and from which one may never escape.

“I always wanted my own Halloween Horror Nights haunted house as Halloween has always been significant to my music, so this is a total dream come to life. I feel like my music videos have served as a launching pad for a collaboration like this, and I cannot wait for people to experience this madness!” said Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye.

“We are thrilled to take guests inside of the mind of The Weeknd, who is a Halloween Horror Nights fan himself,” said John Murdy, Executive Producer of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. “This is an unprecedented haunted house that is going to shatter the expectations of our guests and immerse them in an unforgettable experience that is equally unexpected and terrifying,” added Charles Gray, Senior Show Director for Entertainment Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort.

All tickets are on sale now for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, which begins Friday, September 2 – including online savings on single-night tickets and a variety of Frequent Fear Pass options that allow guests to experience the horror on multiple nights. Guests can also stay close to the screams with vacation packages that include hotel accommodations, one-night admission to the event, tickets to all three Universal Orlando theme parks, and benefits exclusive to Universal Orlando hotel guests, such as Early Park Admission to the theme parks during the day and access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate at night. Plus, guests can take their visit to the next level with upgrades such as the guided R.I.P. Tour, Express Pass, the daytime, lights-on Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour and Scareactor Dining – where guests can fuel up for the fear with a themed dinner buffet and special photo ops with scareactors on select nights. Annual passholder discounts on select products are also now available, and Florida residents can save on vacation packages when they stay two nights or longer. For more information on all offers and ticket products, click here.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood begins on Thursday, September 8, and all tickets to the terrifying event are now on sale. Tickets purchased online or at the Universal Studios Hollywood front gate provide guests with Early Event Admission to select houses, beginning at 6pm each night of Halloween Horror Nights (subject to change). Universal Studios Hollywood offers a variety of Halloween Horror Nights ticket options, including General Admission, Universal Express, After 2pm Day/Night, the premium R.I.P. Tour and popular passes, Frequent Fear and Ultimate Fear, which allow guests to experience the scares again and again. Click here for more information about each ticket type and for terms and conditions.

Both events will run select nights through Monday, October 31, and more details and haunted houses will be revealed soon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

MultiVersus Open Beta Available Now

2022/07/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Warner Bros. Games today announced the Open Beta for MultiVersus, the all-new free-to-play platform fighter videogame in development by Player First Games, is now available in the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Players in these regions can now download the game on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) and PlayStation®4 (PS4™) consoles, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, and PC, with full cross-play support and dedicated server-based rollback netcode for robust online competition.

MultiVersus brings together a variety of beloved heroes and personalities to team up with or compete against in epic battles, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Harley Quinn (DC); Shaggy and Velma (Scooby-Doo); Bugs Bunny and Tasmanian Devil a.k.a. Taz (Looney Tunes); Arya Stark (Game of Thrones); Tom & Jerry (Tom and Jerry); Jake the Dog and Finn the Human (Adventure Time); Steven Universe and Garnet (Steven Universe); Iron Giant (The Iron Giant); LeBron James (Space Jam: A New Legacy); Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (Rick and Morty); an extraordinary original creature named Reindog; and many more to come.

Featuring matches with a strong focus on cooperative gameplay, every fighter is outfitted with a deep set of combat mechanics that distinguish the game’s fresh take on 2 vs. 2 gameplay. This allows combatants to boast customizable movesets that combine dynamically with other characters as they battle for supremacy. From Wonder Woman and her Lasso of Truth attack unexpectedly paired with Shaggy and his sandwich projectile, to Arya Stark’s face-swapping ability complementing Superman’s laser vision, the impossible can become possible through surprising team combinations and matchups.

Players have a number of ways to experience MultiVersus, including the 2 vs. 2 team-based cooperative mode, 1 vs. 1 matches, 4-player free-for-all, co-op vs. A.I. matches, custom online lobbies, The Lab (practice mode), tutorials, and local play matches supporting up to four competitors. The game’s fun filled multiplayer bouts can be set against the backdrop of various reimagined environments from awe-inspiring worlds, such as the Batcave (DC), Tree Fort (Adventure Time), Scooby’s Haunted Mansion (Scooby-Doo), Sky Arena (Steven Universe), and other recognizable locales.

MultiVersus Founder’s Packs are currently available for purchase via the Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Editions including different levels of in-game content. For more information, visit MultiVersus.com/Founders-Pack. Additionally, a Preseason Battle Pass is currently available allowing players to complete challenges and unlock in-game rewards. There is a free option open for all players and a premium option requiring an in-game purchase to participate. The Preseason Battle Pass is live now through Aug. 8, followed by a full Season 1 Battle Pass beginning Aug. 9. All player progression and rewards unlocked will be retained through the life of the game.

For additional information about MultiVersus, visit MultiVersus.com or join the community conversation on Twitter (@MultiVersus), YouTube (MultiVersus), Instagram (MultiVersusGame), Facebook (MultiVersus), and Discord (MultiVersus).

1971: Indian Naval Front Gets Q3 2022 Release

2022/07/27

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Windows PC News

1971: Indian Naval Front, the game which allows you to learn history by experiencing the clash in Indian subcontinent waters between India and Pakistan will be launching on Steam during Q3 of 2022.

1971: Indian Naval Front is a Third-person Naval Combat Shooter which will enable you to experience pretty much all the naval operations executed during the 1971 war. The naval conflict of 1971 is considered to be the biggest since WWII.

Some of the real-world missions include Operation Trident and Python, taking down PNS Ghazi, air-strikes on East Pakistan airfields, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIOs) and many more.

1971: Indian Naval Front features iconic ships of the Indian Navy. Over 40 authentic naval units including jets and helicopters are player-controllable. Some of the missions in the single-player campaign include a mini-game for solving morse coded messages and progressing through the levels.

You can play in the Campaign Mode (Single player) from the perspective of the Indian Navy, where the player engages in different combat missions and the Multiplayer version which will come out as a free update later this year, comprising 4 fast paced Game modes like Defend the Port, traditional Team Deathmatch etc with battle styles like; air-to-air, air-to-sea, and sea-to-sea.

ROCCAT Unveils Kone XP Air Wireless Gaming Mouse

2022/07/26

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Peripherals News, Trailers / Videos

ROCCAT, Turtle Beach Corporation’s (Nasdaq: HEAR) award-winning PC gaming peripherals brand, today revealed the all-new Kone XP Air Wireless RGB Customizable Gaming Mouse with Rapid Charge Dock. The Kone XP Air is the Stellar Wireless version of the recently released Kone XP – the culmination of 15 years of research and development to produce an industry-leading multi-purpose gaming mouse. With strong reviews and multiple Editor’s Choice awards from key gaming and tech publications, including a 4.5/5 from Tom’s Hardware and being named Best Premium Gaming Mouse with a 4.5/5 by PCMag.com, the wired Kone XP features meticulously perfected ergonomics, multiple buttons, and 29 assignable functions to make it one of the most customizable wireless PC gaming mice on the market. Adding a stylish AIMO-enabled RGB Rapid Charge Dock, ROCCAT’s Stellar Wireless technology, and Bluetooth® connectivity make the wireless Kone XP Air even more versatile. The Kone XP Air comes in Black or Arctic White, and gamers can pre-order today for a $169.99 MSRP at www.roccat.com and participating retailers worldwide. The Kone XP Air launches August 22, 2022.

“The Kone XP Air strikes the perfect mix of style, performance, and utility,” said René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and General Manager for PC Peripherals at Turtle Beach. “The reception to the wired Kone XP has been amazing, with fans immediately asking for a wireless version, so we’re excited to let everyone know the Kone XP Air is on its way and will be available less than a month from now.”

Like its wired predecessor, the Kone XP Air is the perfect blend of design and technology. Coming from a long line of iconic gaming mice, the Kone XP Air offers stunning 3D RGB lighting, as well as ROCCAT’s precise Owl-Eye 19K DPI optical sensor and ridiculously fast Titan Optical Switches. Expertly crafted ergonomics deliver supreme comfort for extended hours of play, while multiple buttons plus the Kone XP Air’s 4D Wheel expand the mouse’s capabilities to 29 programmable functions thanks to ROCCAT’s Easy-Shift [+] technology. The Kone XP Air’s translucent shell not only offers a view of its vibrant RGB lighting zones, but also allows the wireless mouse to achieve a weight of just 99g.

In addition to the reimagined AIMO RGB lighting, the Kone XP Air boasts ROCCAT’s incredibly reliable 2.4GHz Stellar Wireless technology, as well as Bluetooth connectivity allowing the mouse to be paired with multiple devices. At the heart of the Kone XP Air is ROCCAT’s smooth and precise Owl-Eye 19K DPI optical sensor that perfectly tracks every movement, and at all speeds, for gamers who always want to have the upper hand over their competitors. Additionally, outstanding heat-treated PTFE feet make for a smooth glide across desktops. Inside the Kone XP Air PC gamers will find none other than some of the fastest switches available – ROCCAT’s Titan Optical Switches. The ridiculously fast Titan Optical Switches deliver unprecedented response speed and incredible durability, with a 100 million click life cycle.

The Kone XP Air comes complete with a stylish AIMO-enabled RGB charging dock. The Kone XP Air is part of the AIMO eco-system allowing the mouse and its charging dock to display up to 16.8 million colors and to communicate with other AIMO-enabled products, such as the Vulcan TKL mechanical RGB gaming keyboard to guarantee a unique lighting experience across gamers’ set-ups. The Kone XP Air’s Rapid Charge Dock provides up to five hours of playtime with just 10 minutes of charge. Fully charged, the Kone XP Air provides up to 100 hours of gameplay. As a backup for gamers who might have forgotten to recharge their mouse, the Kone XP Air also comes with ROCCAT’s PhantomFlex™ USB-C cable.

For more information on the latest ROCCAT PC gaming products and accessories, visit ROCCAT.org and be sure to follow ROCCAT on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Corsair Announces VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 Memory

2022/07/26

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

CORSAIR® (NASDAQ: CRSR), a world leader in enthusiast components for gamers, creators, and PC builders, today announced VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 memory, equipping the celebrated VENGEANCE RGB, a top choice for performance enthusiasts, with DDR5 technology. Optimized for the latest gaming PCs and workstations, and available in black or white color options, these modules deliver sensational DDR5 performance with stunning RGB style.

Launching initially in speeds up to 6,400MT/s and capacities up to 32GB (2x16GB), with frequencies up to 6,600MT/s and 2x32GB kits available soon, VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 lights up your system with a modern new design illuminated by brilliant RGB, while delivering the higher frequencies, greater capacities, and faster performance of DDR5.

VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 boasts dynamic, individually addressable ten-zone RGB lighting, encased in a panoramic light bar that wraps around the top of each module. The result is a seamless light array – highly visible from a wide range of angles – illuminating your system with vivid lighting effects. Powerful CORSAIR iCUE software enables customizable RGB lighting control for detailed, synchronized lighting with the rest of your iCUE-compatible setup – or unlocking even greater immersion with real-time RGB lighting integration when playing select games.

iCUE also saves custom Intel® XMP 3.0 profiles* to control your memory’s performance by app or task for maximizing efficiency, as well as controlling onboard voltage regulation to achieve more finely-tuned, stable overclocking than previous generations which relied on only motherboard BIOS control. With these software features at your command, you can take your system to unprecedented levels of performance on 12th Generation Intel Core™ processors and select Z690 motherboards.

As with all CORSAIR DDR5 memory, VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 modules are built with only hand-sorted, tightly-screened memory chips to ensure consistently high frequencies, atop performance PCBs for excellent signal quality and stability. Cooling these chips is a stylish solid aluminum heatspreader that efficiently conducts heat away from your memory, while complementing your system’s modern aesthetic. A limited lifetime warranty grants you peace of mind that your new memory will last throughout your PC’s lifespan and future upgrades.

When it comes to cutting-edge memory performance and mesmerizing RGB to match, CORSAIR lights the way with VENGEANCE RGB DDR5.

*Custom Intel® XMP 3.0 profiles will be available later this year.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 Memory is available immediately from the CORSAIR webstore and the CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors. For up-to-date availability information, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 Memory is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, alongside the CORSAIR worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 Memory, please refer to the CORSAIR website or contact your local CORSAIR sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

To learn more about CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 Memory, please visit:

https://www.corsair.com/vengeance-rgb-ddr5

To find the right CORSAIR memory compatible with your system, visit the CORSAIR Memory Finder:

https://www.corsair.com/memoryfinder

For a complete list of all CORSAIR memory, please visit:

https://corsair.com/memory

Join the discussion on the CORSAIR Forums at https://forum.corsair.com/

SolForge: Fusion Overview Trailer

2022/07/26

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos

After reaching its funding goal in less than 26 minutes and exceeding the overall initial campaign goal by more than 1,200%, Stone Blade Entertainment is proud to announce that SolForge: Fusion, the sequel to the massively popular digital trading card game SolForge, created by legendary game designers Richard Garfield (Magic the Gathering) and Justin Gary (Ascension Deckbuilding Game), is set to officially release on September 22, 2022 in gaming and hobby stores nationwide.

A first of its kind hybrid deck building game for the digital age, SolForge: Fusion has been meticulously designed as both a physical game that can be played in person, or a digital game to be played remotely through the digital program Tabletop Simulator. Thanks to the unique algorithmically generated card printing process, no two SolForge: Fusion decks are the same, completely upending decades of trading card game tropes where players would often copy whatever “netdeck” was winning that month.

“SolForge Fusion represents the culmination of over a decade of development from Richard [Garfield] and I to create a great game unlike any other,” exclaimed Justin Gary. “Players can customize truly one of a kind decks to create a unique and compelling experience every time they play, whether in person or online.”

In a hybrid deck game, players are able to fuse unique half decks to create a full deck. Each unique deck can be scanned into the game’s online database so players can participate in head-to-head battles and tournaments in person OR online at solforgefusion.com. Since every card that’s played levels up and becomes available in future turns, players get the experience of not only playing their deck, but also continually building it during the game.

“Combining two procedurally generated half-decks gives an easy way to customize your deck, and wildly expands the possibilities of a collection.” said Richard Garfield. “And creating cards by fusing two halves together gives over 15K possible cards in the first set alone, more than were created in the first 20+ years of Magic: The Gathering!”

The game’s easy to use online systems allows for local hobby game stores to run officially-sanctioned events in person or online, ensuring each store has the capability to customize the support their community needs most – something practically unheard of in this space. With ongoing tournament support, tournament organizers can create their own events that are automatically added to the game’s event finders for easy discovery and participation. Additionally, players are able to level up their cards each time they play through the game’s digital platform, and track a deck’s performance (along with player performance) via the game’s online leaderboard. Outside of your local game and hobby store, tournaments are being hosted at events and conventions such as Gen Con, PAX Unplugged, and more. Players will be able to influence the story and the cards by participating in tournaments and making choices for their Forgeborn that will be reflected in future printings.

In anticipation of the nationwide release, Stone Blade Entertainment is holding in-person tutorials and tournaments throughout GenCon 2022 (August 4 – 7), which includes:

SolForge Fusion Learn to Play: Learn to play this hybrid game from Stone Blade’s knowledge team! They give you your own fully playable deck and playmat to keep.
SolForge Fusion Sealed Tournament: Open a Booster Kit, shuffle two of four decks together and play! The most fast and fun way to play!
SolForge Fusion Storyline & Gen Con Release Championship: Battle to determine the future. Bring your deck or purchase one when you arrive. Bonus “Blind Play” prize given to the best performing player who received a random deck from Stone Blade.

View the full SolForge GenCon schedule of events HERE. Additionally, Stone Blade Entertainment is holding a special preview event at Good Games Indianapolis on August 3. Visit goodgamesna.com for more information.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum Delayed

2022/07/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 News, PlayStation 5 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News, Xbox Series X News

Daedalic Entertainment and NACON would like to thank all players for their patience and support so far. During the past several years, the team has been working hard to share our vision of a remarkable story, set in a breathtaking world, filled with magic and wonder. We are dedicated to meeting our community’s expectations and uncovering the untold story of Gollum in a way that honors the vision of J.R.R. Tolkien.

That being said, in order to deliver the best possible experience, we have decided to push the release of The Lord of the Rings: Gollum™ by a few months. We’ll update with an exact timing in the near future.

Daedalic and NACON are grateful for their passionate community and will be happy to share this unique adventure with them soon.

The Lord of the Ring: Gollum will be released on PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.

AMC Unveils Rick Grimes and Michonne Spin-Off Series

2022/07/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News

AMC Networks today announced that Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira will reunite for a new series in the expanding universe around The Walking Dead. The series will continue the journey and love story of the Rick Grimes and Michonne characters. Lincoln and Gurira, who have been actively involved in conceiving the creative and the continuation of their characters’ story, made the surprise announcement while appearing onstage as part of the final panel for The Walking Dead at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Scott M. Gimple, Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe, will serve as showrunner on the series, which will begin with six episodes in 2023. Lincoln and Gurira are both executive producers.

“This is a moment fans of The Walking Dead have been waiting for since Rick disappeared in the helicopter early in season nine, and Michonne journeyed away on a quest to find him the following season,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “What a great surprise for the fans at this final Comic-Con for the series that launched this universe and made television history. We couldn’t be more excited for a truly epic series finale later this year and to see Andy and Danai return in a new series they helped create, one of three new series coming in 2023 that continue the stories of so many iconic and fan-favorite TWD characters.”

“Rick and Michonne are two of my favorite people and Danai and Andy are two of my favorite people,” Gimple said. “Working with all of them continues to be a dream come true. The three of us, along with a terrific team of TWD all stars and incredible new voices, are crafting an insane love epic worth the long, long wait.”

“This has been the most extraordinary journey playing Rick Grimes for the best part of a decade. The friendships I’ve made along the way are deep and lasting, so it’s fitting that I finally get to complete the story with Danai and Scott and the rest of the TWD family. I’m so excited to be returning to the screen as Rick, reuniting with Danai as Michonne, and bringing the fans an epic love story to add to the Walking Dead Universe.”

Said Gurira: “Michonne and this TWD family has meant so much to me, and to continue the journey of these beloved characters, alongside Scott and Andy, both creatively and in front of the camera, and bringing The Walking Dead fans something truly special is just glorious. I can’t wait to pick up the katana again.”

This series presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead… And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they’ve ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive — or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?

Lincoln is repped by CAA, Range Media Partners and Geoffry Oblath at Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein.

Gurira is repped by Suskin/Karshan Management, UTA, Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein, and The Initiative Group.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Hall H Highlights

2022/07/25

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

Today, San Diego transformed into Middle-earth, as Prime Video showcased its highly anticipated and epic upcoming series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, for a dazzled Hall H audience at San Diego Comic-Con. The series’ creators and ensemble cast assembled on the prestigious Hall H stage, thrilling 6,500 fans who packed the convention center hall after camping overnight on the streets of San Diego in hopes of witnessing the history-making event. Their efforts to be part of the series’ Comic-Con debut were rewarded with the unveiling of an exclusive trailer, and a sneak peek at several scenes from the series, as well as many other only-in-Hall-H surprises!

In a surprise and delight moment, The Late Show host—and Tolkien superfan—Stephen Colbert was revealed as the panel’s moderator. He joined series Showrunners J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay, Executive Producer Lindsey Weber, and 21 members of the ensemble cast for a panel that was among the largest for a single-series in San Diego Comic-Con history.
During the epic 90-minute event, the cast and creators interacted with fans in person for the very first time, discussing their love of J.R.R. Tolkien’s incredible legendarium and the gratifying process of bringing the beloved author’s fabled Second Age to life—from the series’ new and legendary characters, to the incredible realms of Middle-earth, including the island of Númenor, which has never before been seen on screen.
A plethora of exclusive sneak peeks and surprises were shared with Hall H fans, including the premiere of an all-new San Diego Comic-Con trailer, which was introduced by Showrunners Payne & McKay. The thrilling trailer focuses on the long-feared reemergence of evil in Middle-earth and gives a first look at some of the spine-tingling characters that the series’ heroes will be battling.
In a special Hall H-first moment, Emmy® award-winning composer Bear McCreary, who created the series’ episodic score, took to the stage with a 25-piece orchestra and 16-person choir to treat the audience to an exclusive live performance of highlights of the never-before-heard series soundtrack.
Additional highlights from the panel include:
- The exclusive reveal of five scenes from the series.
- Over 22 pieces of special character art.
The participating cast members were: Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani.

The eagerly awaited The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world in multiple languages on Friday, September 2, with new episodes available weekly.

Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and one of the greatest villains that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The series is led by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, J.A. Bayona, Belén Atienza, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Bruce Richmond, and Sharon Tal Yguado, and producers Ron Ames and Christopher Newman. Wayne Che Yip is co-executive producer and directs, along with Bayona and Charlotte Brändström.

Marvel Studios Animation Comic-Con Panel Unveils Five New Shows

2022/07/24

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, SDCC, Trailers / Videos

Yesterday at Comic-Con in San Diego, enthusiastic fans got a look at what’s coming up from Marvel Studios’ Animation.

Moderator Paul F. Tompkins introduced panelists Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming television and animation; Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development; Bryan Andrews, director of “What If…?” and executive producer of “Marvel Zombies”; AC Bradley, writer and executive producer of “What If…?”; Beau DeMayo, writer and executive producer of “X-Men ’97”; Kirsten Lepore, writer, director and executive producer of “I Am Groot”; and Jeff Trammell, writer and executive producer of “Spider-Man: Freshman Year.”

The following projects were featured in the discussion:

“I AM GROOT”

“I Am Groot” writer/director/executive producer Kirsten Lepore answered questions about the upcoming series and treated the audience to the trailer and new key art. A surprise screening of one of the shorts, “Groot Takes a Bath,” delighted everyone, and applause greeted the announcement of a second collection of shorts.

There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler! So get ready as Baby Groot takes center stage in his very own collection of shorts, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. “I Am Groot,” five original shorts featuring several new and unusual characters, stars everyone’s favorite little tree, Baby Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, who voices Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.

The executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum and James Gunn.

“I Am Groot” launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing.

“SPIDER-MAN: FRESHMAN YEAR”

Jeff Trammell teased the show with the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding showed off the new Spider-Man suit designed for the series. A fun reveal was that moderator Paul F. Tompkins will be playing a character in the series. A second season was also announced, aptly titled “Spider-Man: Sophomore Year.”

“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” is an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.

“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” comes exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.

“WHAT IF…?”

Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley talked about the Emmy-nominated series and showed the trailer for Season Two. The audience went wild when, at the end of the presentation, a surprise screening of one episode of the highly anticipated next season was shown, and a third season was announced.

“What If…?” Season 2 continues the journey with The Watcher as our guide through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The animated series questions, revisits, and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley as head writer.

Season two of “What If…?” launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023.

“MARVEL ZOMBIES”

Bryan Andrews offered background on the series and its origins spawning from an episode of “What If…?” Season 1, as well as concept art.

The animated series “Marvel Zombies” from Marvel Studios reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews and written by executive producer Zeb Wells.

“Marvel Zombies” will stream exclusively on Disney+.

“X-MEN ’97

Cheers erupted when Brad Winderbaum spoke fondly of the legacy of “X-Men: The Animated Series” and presented a sizzle reel featuring cast and creatives from the popular ‘90s animated show. “X-Men ‘97” writer and executive producer Beau DeMayo then spoke about the new series, shared artwork, and presented an animatic AV piece. DeMayo also mentioned that the show will use the original “X-Men” theme music. A second season was also announced.

“X-MEN ’97” is an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ’90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.

“X-Men ’97”” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ Fall 2023.