Sacha has rounded up all the latest news from the world of toys, games, movies and television in this week's 'Play to Screen Report'! From exciting new adaptations and superhero updates to returning favourites and behind-the-scenes revelations, there's plenty happening in the entertainment world. Here's everything you need to know!
Henry Cavill joins star-studded 'Squadron 42' video game
The former 'Superman' star has officially been confirmed for the upcoming sci-fi adventure, joining an impressive cast that includes Mark Hamill, Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson, Andy Serkis and Jonathan Bailey. A brand-new cinematic trailer has also been released, giving fans a glimpse of the action-packed space adventure set in the year 2945. Players will take on the role of a rookie naval recruit as a galactic war unfolds, with gameplay combining space combat, exploration, puzzles and interactive storytelling. Originally scheduled for late 2026, the highly anticipated 'Star Citizen' spin-off is now expected to arrive on PC in the second quarter of 2027.
'Something Is Killing the Children' movie lands director
The bestselling horror comic series 'Something Is Killing the Children' is moving towards a big-screen adaptation, with Craig Zobel attached to direct for Blumhouse. Created by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Edera, the story follows Erica Slaughter, a mysterious monster hunter who arrives in a town where children have been disappearing. The project will bring the dark supernatural world of the popular BOOM! Studios comics to cinemas, although casting and a release date have yet to be announced.
Ben Affleck slams 'Justice League' production and defends Zack Snyder
The former Batman star has opened up about his difficult experience making the 2017 superhero film, calling the reshoots the lowest point of his career. Speaking on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, Affleck criticised the studio's interference and the treatment of director Zack Snyder, who stepped away following the tragic death of his daughter. He also expressed his happiness that Snyder eventually got to release his own version of the movie in 2021. Meanwhile, reports suggest the pair could reunite for an adaptation of Frank Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns', although nothing has been officially confirmed.
'God of War' faces another casting shake-up!
Amazon's live-action adaptation of the popular video game franchise is reportedly recasting two more characters, Atreus and Thrud, originally played by Callum Vinson and Island Austin. Dave Bautista is also said to be replacing Ryan Hurst as Kratos, following Hurst's reported departure due to an on-set injury. It's unclear what's behind the latest changes, although speculation suggests a possible time jump between seasons. Filming is expected to resume in Vancouver this month, with the first two seasons planned to shoot back to back. No official premiere date has been announced.
'The Last of Us' season three puts Abby in the spotlight
Kaitlyn Dever is set to take centre stage in the next chapter of HBO's hit post-apocalyptic drama, as the story shifts from Ellie's perspective to explore Abby's journey. The upcoming season will revisit events from a different point of view, following the structure of the video game 'The Last of Us Part II'. Bella Ramsey is also expected to return as Ellie, with both characters remaining important to the story. The change promises to give audiences a deeper understanding of one of the franchise's most controversial characters.
'Stargate' revival could be a miniseries
New rumours suggest Amazon's upcoming sci-fi revival, led by 'WandaVision' creator Jac Schaeffer, won't be a complete reboot after all. According to industry sources, the project is being developed as a standalone story that fits within the existing universe, allowing longtime fans and newcomers to enjoy it. There's also speculation that the production could take the form of a short miniseries rather than a full television season, with one commentator suggesting as few as three episodes. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but a writers' room is expected to open soon, which could finally reveal more about the direction of the franchise.
'Street Fighter 2' is already in the works!
The highly anticipated video game adaptation hasn't even hit cinemas yet, but director Kitao Sakurai has revealed that writing is already underway on a potential follow-up. While the team has plenty of ideas, he stressed that nothing is guaranteed and the future of the franchise will depend on how audiences respond to the first film. Starring Andrew Koji as Ryu, Noah Centineo as Ken and Jason Momoa as Blanka, the action-packed adventure arrives in New Zealand cinemas on 15 October.
First footage of 'Absolute Batman' series revealed
DC Studios has given fans their first glimpse of the upcoming adult animated adaptation at New York Comic Con, showcasing an early test scene featuring a fight between the Dark Knight and the Party Animals from the comic's first issue. Creators Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta were on hand to reveal that the show will use 2D animation with 3D elements, following a recent change in creative direction. The series is still in the early stages of development and will explore Bruce Wayne's friendships in greater depth than the original comics. Concept art for several characters, including Alfred, was also unveiled, with comic colourist Frank Martin helping bring the designs to life.
Xbox looks to expand its biggest games into film and television
Microsoft is looking to bring more of its popular gaming franchises to screens, building on the success of adaptations such as 'A Minecraft Movie' and exploring opportunities for properties including 'Call of Duty' and 'Halo'. The company is working to strengthen the connection between gaming and entertainment, with a focus on stories that can reach audiences beyond existing players. It's another sign of Hollywood's growing interest in video game adaptations.
'Cyberpunk 2077' is heading to the big screen
Paramount Pictures is developing a live-action movie based on the hugely popular video game from CD Projekt Red, with producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura attached to the project. Set in the futuristic Night City, the original game features Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand and follows a mercenary named V on a dangerous quest involving an implant that could unlock immortality. The franchise has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide and has already inspired the Netflix animated series 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners'. There's no word yet on casting or a release date, but fans could soon see the neon-lit dystopian world brought to cinemas.
James Bond gets a new comic book adventure
The world's most famous secret agent is heading back to the page, with acclaimed writer Grant Morrison taking on 007 for a brand-new series from IDW Publishing and Ian Fleming Publications. Best known for their work on 'Batman', 'All-Star Superman' and 'Doom Patrol', Morrison will launch the project with a six-part story titled 'Sunbreaker'. Fans can expect new gadgets, cars and villains, with the British spy facing unfamiliar enemies in a world filled with intrigue, deception and danger. An artist and release date have yet to be announced, but the publishers are promising a fresh take on the iconic character while staying true to everything fans love about him.
'Dragon Ball Super: Beerus' crashes streaming services!
The highly anticipated return of the popular anime franchise proved so popular that streaming services struggled to keep up with demand when the first episode premiered on 11 October. Fans reported outages and loading problems as huge numbers of viewers rushed to watch the remastered and re-edited version of the original series. The new 19-episode adaptation revisits Goku's encounter with the God of Destruction, bringing refreshed visuals and an updated presentation to the beloved storyline. The series is available to stream in New Zealand on Crunchyroll, with new episodes arriving weekly.
Batman's presence looms over new 'Clayface' movie
Director James Watkins has revealed fresh details about the upcoming DC horror film, explaining how Gotham City will play a major role in shaping its dark and unsettling atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from 1980s and 1990s New York street photography, the filmmaker wanted to create a gritty, corrupt city filled with decay and danger. Although the Caped Crusader won't appear in the story, Watkins says his influence will still be felt throughout the setting. Starring Tom Rhys Harries as the shapeshifting villain Matt Hagen, the film arrives in New Zealand cinemas on 22 October.
'CookieRun' is getting its own animated movie!
The hugely popular South Korean mobile gaming franchise is heading to cinemas, with Brian Robbins' Big Shot Pictures teaming up with developer Devsisters to bring the colourful world of living cookies to life. Inspired by the classic tale of 'The Gingerbread Man', the games follow a group of cookies who escape a witch's oven and embark on adventures of their own. With more than 300 million downloads worldwide, the franchise has grown into a global phenomenon spanning games, merchandise and trading cards. The film is targeting a 2029 release to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original game, 'OvenBreak'.
That's a wrap on another week of 'Play to Screen'! With so many exciting projects in the works, there's plenty to look forward to. Which movie or TV show are you most excited about? Let us know, and check back next week for more of the latest entertainment news!
