Netflix Nabs Robert Langdon Series From Carlton Cuse, Author Dan Brown
Netflix is entering the world of Robert Langdon.
After a bidding war, the streamer has landed a series based on The Secret of Secrets, the latest Langdon novel from author Dan Brown. Carlton Cuse (Netflix's Pulse, Lost) is set as showrunner and will executive produce with Brown; the two will also be writers on the series. Emma Forman of Genre-Arts also exec produces.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Titan Submersible Implosion Examined in Trailer for Netflix Doc 'The OceanGate Disaster'
Topher Grace (Yes, Topher Grace) Is an Opium Kingpin in Netflix's 'The Waterfront' Trailer
Thomas Haden Church Is Here to Help the Shop - and Will's Erections - in 'Tires' Season 2 Trailer (Exclusive)
The Secret of Secrets is Brown's sixth novel in the Langdon series, which began with mega-bestseller The Da Vinci Code, is set to hit shelves in September.
In the novel, Langdon 'races against ancient forces and time to rescue a missing scientist and her groundbreaking manuscript whose discoveries have the power to forever change humanity's understanding of the mind,' per a logline. The currently untitled series 'will blend futuristic science with mystical lore.'
The Netflix series is the latest screen adaptation of Brown's novels featuring Langdon, a Harvard symbologist frequently drawn into international intrigue and shadowy conspiracies. Tom Hanks starred as Langdon in three movies — 2006's The Da Vinci Code, 2009's Angels & Demons and 2016's Inferno — directed by Ron Howard that made a combined $1.47 billion in worldwide box office. A series based on The Lost Symbol and starring Ashley Zukerman as Langdon streamed on Peacock in 2021 (after initially being developed for NBC); it was canceled after a single season.
Cuse is coming off Netflix's medical drama Pulse, where he served as co-showrunner with series creator Zoe Robyn. Along with Lost, his credits include Netflix's Locke and Key, Prime Video's Jack Ryan, and A&E's Bates Motel.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series
22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History
A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
28 minutes ago
- CNET
You Probably Hate This Masterpiece Sci-Fi Show. Here's Why You Need to Rewatch It in 2025
You may be thinking, "Really, Macy? You're going to the mat over a show that came out over 20 years ago?" Well, yes. Because it simply isn't given the respect it deserves. Like many Americans, my family and I loved our nights huddled around the TV to watch our favorite TV shows live. For us, that meant American Idol, Dexter and, of course, ABC's network hit, Lost. There's a good chance you watched Lost in the early 2000s, too. And there's an even better chance you think it got bad. Or you have some sort of perspective that it started strong but went off the rails after the first three seasons. Somewhere along the way -- maybe when the flash-sideways began, or when a smoke monster turned into a man, or when you realized there wasn't going to be a clear-cut answer to every mystery -- you bailed. Maybe you saw the finale and thought it ruined the whole show. (More on that later.) I watched Lost when I was a kid, but hadn't revisited it for close to a decade. Until it came to streaming services, first Hulu and now Netflix and Disney Plus. One day, I decided to replay the pilot episode and, well, it transformed me into the person writing this 1,500-word defense. I binged the show and then immediately turned around and binged it again. I'm truly mad at myself for wasting so much time thinking this show was a disappointment. In truth, it's a glorious, ambitious near-masterpiece. It's my favorite show. That's why I'm writing this. I'm here to ask you to do something radical: Rewatch Lost in 2025. Yes, all of it. And this time, go in with fresh eyes -- see it not as a weekly network drama, but as a serialized, character-driven odyssey that, along with The Sopranos and Mad Men, paved the way for the prestige genre TV we obsess over now. Because the truth is, Lost wasn't a failure. It was just ahead of its time. Here's why. It's time to go back to the island for a 2025 rewatch. ABC's Lost Looking for more streaming recommendations? You should also watch my favorite movie, a historical drama packed with modern themes, for free now. No, the ending is not what you think The last thing I want to do is spoil the ending of a show I'm trying to get you to rewatch. But I feel like I need to address this early since one of the main reasons audiences ultimately turned on the show was a misconception about the ending. I'll tell you right now, spoilers be damned. They. Were. Not. All. Dead. The. Whole. Time. The idea that the characters were really all dead the whole series and that the island was just a purgatory-like state is completely untrue. It's been debunked by the creators of the show, the actors who starred in the show and the dialogue in the series finale itself. A twist ending like that -- revealing they had all died in the plane crash right at the start -- would be a horrible one. It would retroactively reduce the entire plot of the show to meaningless, empty nothingness. So, thankfully, that's not how it actually ended. Now, you can just enjoy the show knowing that it all matters. The cinematography of Lost is some of the best ever put to television. ABC's Lost TV in 2004 didn't look like Lost When Lost premiered in 2004, there was nothing like it on network television. A lush, cinematic sci-fi mystery shot on 35mm film, with a massive ensemble cast of mostly unknown actors and an evolving mythology? On ABC, of all places? In the era of CSI, Desperate Housewives, and the dozens of other cop shows and formulaic TV, Lost was a risk. Lost is a sci-fi show (I think a lot of people forget that) with horror and supernatural elements. It's serialized, meaning you must see each episode to understand the next one, unlike so many shows that were airing on network TV at the time. The show follows a group of drastically different people who have just survived a plane crash on a remote, tropical island that seems to harbor deep, dark mysteries. But each survivor has secrets of their own. And they must live together in order to survive. (I can vividly remember hearing protagonist Jack Shepard say, "If we don't learn to live together… we're gonna die alone.") These characters come together with their differences, their pasts (beautifully depicted in flashback scenes), their traumas, their hopes and their desires, to collectively navigate this horrible situation. What unfolds is six seasons of intense, heart-wrenching plot points that subvert expectations and are rich with themes of faith, spirituality, dualism, philosophy and the mystical. It's pretty normal for TV shows now to be cinematic. Shows like The Last of Us, Succession, Stranger Things and Severance all make use of big budgets, high-quality production, engrossing performances and teams of insanely talented writers. But Lost was doing that in 2004 on ABC, which means the showrunners were dealing with the many obstacles and restrictions of network television. For instance, the show's creators -- J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber and Damon Lindelof -- wanted Lost to only be three seasons, but ABC said no, and pushed them to do 10 seasons when they saw what a hit the show had become. They eventually negotiated down to the six seasons we have today. But that's twice the amount of runtime the original creators intended. Despite this, the writers crafted compelling story lines and introduced some of the most intriguing characters (Ben, Juliet, Jacob, Penny, Miles) into the later seasons. It's easy to forget that Lost was doing time jumps, shifting perspectives and emotional bottle episodes long before The Leftovers, Dark or Severance existed. It experimented with structure constantly: a flashback here, a flash-forward there, a time loop in season 5. Entire episodes would focus on side characters you hadn't seen in weeks. It was complicated, sure, but thrillingly so. The show trusted its audience to keep up, even when it was confusing. And yes, that led to frustration at the time, but trust me, it works much better now that Lost is on streaming services. It's a show that really should be binged, so that you can truly appreciate the nuance and hidden details of the writing. The things that made Lost so good at the time are why it hasn't been fully appreciated. It was simply ahead of its time. Small plot seeds would be introduced and then left unvisited for several episodes, making Lost a show that's perfect for binge-watching. ABC's Lost Lost indeed was a risk, but one that paid off in six seasons of wild, genre-bending storytelling and a gut-punch, emotional ending that will land as long as you give it another chance with an open mind. Read also: The 21 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows to Stream on Netflix It holds up in 2025 Part of what makes Lost such a rewarding rewatch in 2025 is that it doesn't feel dated. The series still looks and sounds incredible. Because it was filmed on 35mm, which can be upscaled and remastered. Plus, shot on-location in Hawaii, the series still looks gorgeous. Lost was shot on 35mm film, which means it can be upscaled and still look brand new 20 years later. ABC's Lost The performances of the 14 regularly recurring leads of the cast are absolutely brilliant, too. Even though this was a cast of mostly unknown actors at the time, they all, guest actors included, reached a caliber of performance that is still so rare to witness in a TV series. And the music is absolutely remarkable. Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, Up, Coco, Inside Out) created what I think is the best TV score of all time for Lost. I mean, he used debris from the crashed plane from the pilot episode to create the unique, bizarre sounds you hear each episode. The score is a perfect fit for a unique storyline. More than anything else, Lost is a show that will make you feel. Lost is a show that is full of emotionally poignant moments. ABC's Lost Is every plotline perfect? No. Do the final seasons get a bit complex? Absolutely. But on balance, Lost is one of the most ambitious, strange, beautiful things ever put on television, and it is emotionally satisfying from start to finish. Lost opened the door for serialized sci-fi and genre storytelling on TV, especially character-first narratives with weird, metaphysical themes. What I'm saying is that without Lost, it's hard to imagine Severance, Stranger Things or other TV sci-fi faves. So if you haven't watched it since 2010 -- or if you've never watched it at all -- now's the time. The entire series is available to stream on Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video for rent. Skip the Reddit threads. Forget the hot takes. Just hit play. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find that Lost didn't lose its way. We just didn't know how to watch it yet. For more, you can explore the 13 best sci-fi shows on Apple TV Plus and the 18 best sci-fi shows on Prime Video.
Business Upturn
an hour ago
- Business Upturn
How anime is shaping global pop culture: Top trends to watch in 2025
Anime is no longer confined to Japan or niche fandoms—it has become a significant driver of global pop culture. With its unique blend of artistic expression, storytelling, and emotional resonance, anime has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide. The last decade has seen exponential growth in anime's international appeal, powered by streaming giants like Netflix and Crunchyroll, increased accessibility, and a surge in global events celebrating anime culture. As we step into 2025, the trends indicate that anime will continue to weave itself deeper into the fabric of global culture. From influencing fashion runways in Paris to inspiring blockbuster Hollywood films, anime's footprint is undeniable. Not only does it impact entertainment, but it also shapes music, gaming, social media, and even lifestyle trends. These trends range from technological advances in animation, cross-cultural collaborations, and evolving storytelling styles to the rising prominence of virtual influencers and the blending of anime aesthetics into mainstream media. Understanding these trends provides a glimpse into the future of global entertainment and cultural exchange fueled by anime. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the medium, the year ahead promises exciting developments that will transform how anime is produced, consumed, and celebrated worldwide. Let's dive into the key trends shaping anime's global revolution in 2025. Streaming Platforms Are Powering Anime's Global Reach The rise of streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime has revolutionized anime's accessibility. No longer limited to physical media or regional broadcasts, anime is now instantly available to viewers worldwide. This democratization has led to a surge in international fanbases, which in turn fuels demand for more diverse and globally appealing anime content. In 2025, expect streaming services to continue investing heavily in anime, commissioning original productions and securing exclusive rights to popular series. Netflix's collaboration with iconic studios like Studio Ghibli and Kyoto Animation exemplifies this trend. Such partnerships not only boost production quality but also ensure anime stories resonate with a global audience. Moreover, simultaneous releases of new episodes worldwide—known as simulcasts—help reduce piracy and keep fans engaged in real-time discussions online, strengthening the global anime community. Cross-Cultural Collaborations and Global Storytelling Anime is increasingly becoming a collaborative platform where Japanese creators work with international talent. These partnerships broaden the creative horizon and diversify storylines, appealing to a wider demographic. A notable example is the increasing influence of Western writers, artists, and musicians contributing to anime projects. The fusion of Eastern and Western narrative styles results in fresh, genre-blending content. This trend reflects the global nature of modern storytelling, where cultural boundaries blur to produce universally compelling narratives. As we move into 2025, expect to see more projects born from cross-cultural cooperation, expanding anime's thematic and stylistic range. Anime Influences Fashion and Lifestyle Trends Worldwide Anime's visual style and characters have a profound impact on global fashion. From Harajuku streets in Tokyo to Paris fashion weeks, anime-inspired designs are becoming mainstream. Brands collaborate with anime franchises to release limited edition collections, merging streetwear with iconic anime aesthetics. In 2025, the influence of kawaii culture and anime-inspired fashion is expected to grow further. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplify these trends, where influencers showcase anime-themed looks and cosplay as lifestyle statements rather than mere fan activities. Moreover, anime cafes, themed pop-up stores, and merchandise collaborations in major cities fuel this lifestyle trend, making anime a cultural force beyond the screen. Technological Innovations in Anime Production Advances in technology are reshaping how anime is created. AI-assisted animation tools, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are pushing creative boundaries. AI helps streamline labor-intensive tasks, allowing animators to focus more on artistic storytelling. VR anime experiences, where viewers can immerse themselves in anime worlds, are gaining traction. These immersive narratives elevate audience engagement to new heights. In 2025, expect to see more anime integrating VR and AR, creating interactive experiences that blend traditional storytelling with cutting-edge tech. The Rise of Virtual Influencers and VTubers VTubers—virtual YouTubers—are an extension of anime's cultural influence into digital social spaces. These anime-style avatars, controlled by real people, have exploded in popularity, especially among younger audiences. They blur the lines between anime fandom, content creation, and digital celebrity culture. In 2025, VTubers will continue to grow, supported by improved motion capture technology and expanding into new platforms. Many major companies and studios are backing VTuber talent, signaling their importance in the future of digital entertainment. Diverse and Inclusive Storytelling Anime is embracing diversity more than ever. Stories featuring underrepresented voices, complex female protagonists, and LGBTQ+ characters are gaining prominence. This inclusivity reflects global social progress and broadens anime's appeal. Titles like Given , Yuri!!! on Ice , and Wonder Egg Priority paved the way for more nuanced portrayals of identity and relationships. In 2025, expect this trend to deepen, with studios taking bold creative risks that mirror contemporary social realities. Music and Anime: A Symbiotic Relationship Anime and music industries are intertwined, with anime soundtracks and theme songs often becoming chart-topping hits. J-Pop, Vocaloid, and rock bands frequently collaborate with anime productions. The year 2025 will see further innovations such as live virtual concerts featuring anime characters or VTubers, blending music performance with anime fandom. Collaborations with global pop stars incorporating anime aesthetics are also on the rise, expanding the genre's reach. Anime's Influence on Video Games and Esports Video games inspired by popular anime have a huge international following. The integration of anime art styles and narratives into games creates immersive experiences for fans. Esports tournaments often feature anime-themed games, drawing massive audiences. The crossover between gaming and anime fandom continues to deepen, creating dynamic communities and expanding the cultural influence of anime. In 2025, expect tighter collaborations between game developers and anime studios, creating seamless cross-media storytelling. Conclusion: Anime's Expanding Cultural Footprint Anime's journey from a Japanese subculture to a global pop culture powerhouse is a remarkable story of creative evolution and cultural exchange. In 2025, anime's influence will only grow stronger across entertainment, fashion, technology, and lifestyle. The blending of global talent, technological innovation, and diverse storytelling promises exciting new directions for anime. As fans worldwide engage with anime on more platforms and through innovative formats, the medium will continue to inspire and shape global culture. For anyone looking to understand the future of entertainment and pop culture, watching how anime evolves and spreads its influence is essential. The coming year will be a fascinating chapter in anime's ongoing global revolution.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The best streaming deals for the week: Find out how to save on YouTube TV, ESPN+ and more
With so many streaming services out there, it can be overwhelming from both a content perspective (so many original shows to binge! And why do the biggest ones always seem to drop at once?) and a budgetary one (so many monthly fees!). If you're trying to find ways to make your monthly bills a little less painful though, you've got a few options. There are all kinds of streaming bundles available right now, so whether you're interested in the best deals on live sports, the best way to watch all your favorite shows, or some combination of both, we can help. (And help save you money in the process.) This week, there are tons of great deals to choose from. From discounts on YouTube TV to sports subscriptions like ESPN+, DAZN, there's something for everyone, and it's all on sale. Oh, and if you think there are no discounts for Netflix, we've got the scoop on how to subscribe to them for less, too. We've narrowed down a list of the best streaming bundles and deals in one place so you can decide which one works best for your viewing habits. Among the best streaming deals this week, you can subscribe to Starz for just $3 per month, get a deal on YouTube TV, or snag a great discount on DIRECTV. If you're a student (and aren't already on a family streaming plan), a few services offer great limited-time discounts, including Max, which offers 50% off their ad-supported plan (so you'll pay $4.99, though the offer is only good for one 12-month period), and Peacock, which costs students $2.99/month. (And note that you can often find a similar deal on Peacock around Black Friday even if you're not a student.) But the best streaming offer for students might just be Hulu's: They offer students a rate of just $1.99/month for as long as you offer proof of enrollment. Some of the best discounts around aren't through special sales, they're through your cell phone provider. T-Mobile offers discounts or free subscriptions to Apple TV+, Hulu, and Netflix (Standard with Ads), Verizon offers discounted $10 subscriptions to the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle, a Netflix/Max bundle, and YouTube Premium, and select Cricket Wireless plans get Max (with Ads) for free. If you have or want to switch to Xfinity for your internet or cable provider, you can add a $15 streaming bundle into the mix, the Xfinity Streamsaver bundle, which includes three streamers putting out some of the best original content around: Apple TV+, Netflix (Standard with ads) and Peacock. Xfinity internet plans start at $30/month, bringing your total for the Streamsaver bundle to $45/month (that's $10 of savings vs. subscribing to all those services individually). If you're a Spectrum customer, there's a similar cable and streaming bundle available as well and it won't even cost you anything: If you subscribe to Spectrum and opt for a TV Select cable plan or higher, you'll receive free ad-supported subscriptions to Disney+, ViX, Paramount+, as well as Max, which was just recently added to their offerings.
