From major casting rumours and long-awaited adaptations to new family favourites heading to the big screen, there’s plenty happening in entertainment this month. Sacha rounds it all up, including the latest on 'X-Men', 'The Legend of Zelda', 'Barbie', 'Magic: The Gathering' and more.
'Magic: The Gathering' Movie Moves Forward
Director Matt Johnson has confirmed the live-action 'Magic: The Gathering' movie is moving forward, with development now well underway. The filmmaker revealed that artists from the trading card game are currently creating storyboards for the adaptation. Johnson, a longtime fan and former aspiring competitive player, described the project as a personal dream. Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro are developing the film, with Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald writing the screenplay.
Sam Neill’s Final Role Revealed in 'The Legend of Zelda'
Sam Neill filmed a secret role in the live-action 'The Legend of Zelda' before his death, making it one of his final screen appearances. Dichen Lachman and Yvonne Strahovski have also joined the cast alongside Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Directed by Wes Ball, the film wrapped production in New Zealand earlier this year. 'The Legend of Zelda' is set for release on 30 April 2027.
Hollywood Sets Its Sights On an ‘Action Man’ Movie
Hasbro’s iconic 'Action Man' toy line is getting another shot at the big screen, with Working Title developing a new live-action film. Simon Hatt and 'X-Men '97' writer Anthony Sellitti are writing the screenplay, with 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' producer Jeremy Latcham producing. The project is expected to lean into the character’s British identity and espionage roots with a fast-paced action-comedy approach. A director, cast and release date have yet to be announced.
'X-Men' Hopeful Launches Campaign to Join Marvel Reboot
Actor Hunter Doohan is making a public push to join Marvel’s upcoming 'X-Men' reboot, campaigning for a role in the new generation of mutants. The 'Wednesday' star has shared his interest as Marvel continues assembling the cast for the film. The reboot is being directed by 'Thunderbolts' filmmaker Jake Schreier, with names including Kit Connor, Sadie Sink and Samara Weaving linked to key roles. The new 'X-Men' is expected to arrive after 'Avengers: Secret Wars' as Marvel begins its next major era.
Disney+ Developing 'Spaceship Earth' Series Based on EPCOT Ride
Disney+ has ordered a pilot for 'Spaceship Earth', a live-action series inspired by the iconic EPCOT attraction. The sci-fi story will follow a group of teenagers from Earth’s past and future who must work together after a mission to prevent a global catastrophe goes wrong. 'IT: Welcome to Derry' co-showrunner Jason Fuchs will write and showrun, with 'Loki' creator Michael Waldron among the executive producers. Casting is underway, but they hav yet to order the project to series
Dominic Minns to Direct Animated 'Doctor Who' Spin-Off
Dominic Minns has been appointed series director of the upcoming animated 'Doctor Who' spin-off for CBeebies. The preschool series is being produced by Blue Zoo Animation Studio and is currently in production. Minns plans to capture the scale and wonder of 'Doctor Who' while making the series funny and accessible for younger audiences. Two series of 26 11-minute episodes are planned to release in 2027.
'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' Is Almost Here
We’re looking forward to the release of 'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie', which takes the pups to a mysterious island packed with dinosaurs and plenty of new rescue adventures. The film brings together two things kids love, 'PAW Patrol' and dinosaurs, making it a great extension of the hugely popular franchise. The accompanying toy range is awesome too, with dino-themed vehicles, transforming playsets, plush and interactive toys bringing the movie’s adventures into playtime. The countdown is on, it hits NZ Cinemas 24 September.
'Barbie 2' at Risk as Sequel Talks Going Nowhere
Plans for 'Barbie 2' have stalled as Warner Bros. struggles to reach new deals with Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Noah Baumbach. The team is reportedly seeking significant pay increases following the first film’s $1.4 billion global success, with Gosling said to be asking $20 million to return as Ken. Gerwig and Baumbach already have an idea for the sequel but will not move forward until agreements are signed. Warner Bros. faces added pressure to get the film into active development before the rights could revert to Mattel.
That’s a wrap on this week's Play to Screen! With some huge franchises returning, exciting adaptations taking shape and plenty of familiar characters heading back to our screens, there’s lots to look forward to. We’ll be keeping an eye on what comes next and bringing you all the latest updates next week.
