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Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'Shogun' star just potentially revealed a major season 2 spoiler — here's what we know
We know some things about "Shogun" season 2: It takes place 10 years after season 1 and filming won't start until 2026. But we don't know who is starring alongside Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga and Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne. At least, not officially. Unofficially, though, one "Shogun" star might have just spilled the beans on their season 2 involvement. In an interview with MovieWeb, show star Takehiro Hira revealed that, shockingly, they're going to be in season 2. "It's going to be shot next year," Hira told MovieWeb's George Edelman. "And I am going to be in it, I think, as far as I know." That wasn't all Hira revealed, though. After dropping that surprise, unofficial casting announcement, he followed up with an absolute bombshell. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "And then, you know, my character, Ishido, loosely follows an actual historical figure," Hira continued. "So I know he's going to die, but, um, I guess the creators, show runners are doing something creative to shed some light on different aspect of that character later on." First of all, dropping a surprise casting announcement is a bit of a spoiler in its own right. Especially since I wasn't expecting Hira's Ishido to appear in season 2 at all (more on that in a bit). But then, casually mentioning you're going to die in season 2 is a shocking reveal, and one I'm truly stunned Hira made. The biggest reason I'm stunned? ... Ishido should already be dead. As Hira correctly points out, "Shogun" follows historical events, and his character is based on a real historical figure from the Sengoku period. But he's not the only character with a grounding in historical fact. Fan favorite Toda Marino (Anna Sawai) is also based on a historical figure, and her character's fate and the fate of Hira's Ishido should be closely intertwined. Mariko is based on Hosokawa Gracia, and like Gracia, she died rather than being used as a political hostage, and her death was a major setback for Ishida Mitsunari, the real-life figure Hira's Ishido is based on. In both the show and the movie, this event contributes to the defeat of Ishido/Ishida at the Battle of Sekigahara, which occurs mere months after Mariko/Gracia's death. In real life, that battle ends with Ishido/Ishida's death, but in the show, we only see the warlord defeated, leaving his execution implied rather than explicit. Leaving Ishido alive in general would be a surprising deviation from historical events, even for a work of historical fiction. Keeping him alive for a further 10 years would be genuinely shocking. Hira's comments indicate that showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks have a detailed plan for Ishido in season 2, which leads me to believe his comments about Ishido returning for season 2. I'm not convinced the appearances won't ultimately be as flashbacks, but it certainly seems like Ishido will make an appearance in some form in "Shogun" season 2. Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who are the Thunderbolts? Every member and their powers explained
As Marvel Studios pushes into its bold new era of storytelling, Thunderbolts is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Departing from the traditional superhero ensemble, this ragtag group of antiheroes and reformed villains brings a morally grey edge to the franchise, as reported by Movie Web. Also read: Thunderbolts movie review: A bunch of misfits nearly take you back to Marvel's glory days, but stop short of greatness But who exactly are the Thunderbolts, and what makes them such a compelling team? Here's a closer look at every known member and the powers they bring to the table. A fan-favourite since her MCU debut, Yelena Belova is the Black Widow successor and a highly trained assassin from the infamous Red Room. Blending charm with lethal skill, Yelena's combat abilities rival Natasha Romanoff's, with agility, hand-to-hand prowess, and a sharp tactical mind. She brings a sarcastic edge to the group but is driven by a deep emotional need for justice and identity beyond her past, as reported by Side Show. Once a feared HYDRA assassin, Bucky Barnes is now a man trying to outrun his bloody past. Enhanced by a variant of the Super Soldier Serum, Bucky possesses heightened strength, speed, stamina, and a vibranium arm that doubles as both shield and weapon. His experience, both as a soldier and a victim of manipulation, positions him as a reluctant leader in the Thunderbolts lineup—a man familiar with second chances. The Soviet Union's answer to Captain America, Red Guardian is strong, brash, and often comic relief, but don't let that fool you—Alexei Shostakov is a super-soldier in every sense. Though past his prime, he still retains impressive strength and endurance. With a complex history tied to the Russian espionage world, Red Guardian offers a cynical but loyal presence in the team dynamic. A former Captain America stripped of his title, John Walker remains a volatile presence. After receiving a dose of the Super Soldier Serum, he operates with enhanced physical abilities but is governed by his own strict (and sometimes misguided) sense of justice. His aggressive approach and short temper make him unpredictable, but his loyalty—once earned—is unwavering. One of the most unique members of the team, Ava Starr suffers from molecular instability that grants her the ability to phase through objects and become nearly invisible. While these abilities make her a powerful asset in stealth and combat situations, they are also a source of constant pain and emotional isolation. Ava's tragic backstory and complicated relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D. make her one of the most layered characters in the group. With photographic reflexes that allow her to mimic any physical action she witnesses, Antonia Dreykov is the ultimate mimic. Once weaponised by her father, General Dreykov, Antonia was stripped of her free will and forced to serve as the Red Room's deadliest assassin. Now, free from his control, she seeks a new path—one not defined by other people's expectations or tactics. Perhaps the most powerful character ever introduced in the MCU, Bob Reynolds is a ticking time bomb. As the Sentry, he wields the power of 'a million exploding suns,' which grants him near-limitless strength, flight, invulnerability, and light-speed reflexes. However, his greatest threat lies within: an unstable alter ego known as the Void. The inclusion of Sentry suggests that Thunderbolts will not shy away from darker, more psychological territory. Operating behind the scenes is Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, a shadowy government figure who has been quietly assembling this team since The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. A master manipulator with ties to global intelligence agencies, Valentina is less interested in morality and more focused on control. Whether she sees the Thunderbolts as pawns, weapons, or something else entirely remains to be seen. Unlike the Avengers, who were bound by ideals, or the Guardians, who found family in chaos, the Thunderbolts are united by necessity—and secrets. Each member is haunted by their past, but together, they may forge a future. With their debut film scheduled to dive into espionage, redemption, and inner conflict, Thunderbolts is poised to challenge what audiences expect from superhero cinema. Also read: Marvel Thunderbolts movie cast: Meet the full lineup of actors and actresses The team's presence hints at a broader shift in Marvel's tone: one that embraces moral ambiguity, government control, and the lingering consequences of power. For fans craving depth, drama, and explosive action, this might be the most grounded—and most dangerous—team the MCU has ever assembled.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Netflix is saving Hollywood, says CEO Ted Sarandos
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos claims streaming is revitalizing Hollywood, not harming it, despite ongoing debate within the film industry. Speaking at the TIME100 Summit, according to Deadline, Sarandos rejected the notion that platforms like Netflix are to blame for the decline of traditional cinema. 'No, we're saving Hollywood,' he said, emphasizing that streaming meets modern consumer expectations. Sarandos argued that streaming success lies in its adaptability. 'We're a very consumer-focused company. We deliver the program to you in a way you want to watch it,' he explained. While acknowledging that some viewers still enjoy theaters, he described cinemas as 'an outmoded idea—for most people, not for everybody.' He pointed to steadily declining box office revenues as evidence that audiences increasingly prefer home viewing. 'What is the consumer trying to tell us? That they'd like to watch movies at home,' he said. Streaming platforms have reshaped the entertainment industry, offering new models for content creation and distribution. As noted by MovieWeb, Netflix and similar services have sparked a revival in serialized television and provided opportunities for lesser-known filmmakers. Streaming has also become a home for director-led passion projects that might struggle in traditional box office environments. However, the model has not been without criticism. Netflix, in particular, has faced scrutiny over the inconsistent quality of its content. While titles like Adolescence have been well received, others—such as The Electric State, Damsel, and The Witcher—have disappointed some audiences, despite large budgets and high expectations. As debate continues over the future of Hollywood, Sarandos stands by his view that streaming is the industry's evolution—reflecting a shift toward accessibility, diverse storytelling, and audience-driven viewing habits.
Int'l Business Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Int'l Business Times
Billy Ray Cyrus' Surprising New Relationship Has Liz Hurley's Friends Shaking Their Heads: 'Must Be A Joke or Madness'
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley are making headlines with their unexpected new romance — and not all of them are glowing. The 59-year-old British actress and model cemented the romance with the 63-year-old country star on Easter Sunday, uploading pictures of the pair snuggled up in casual denim at his Nashville abode. The couple may have looked smitten. However, others close to Hurley are not so convinced it's a great idea, say sources. "She's been waiting a long time for romance. I think she likes the whole cowboy thing," a close friend of Hurley told Page Six, revealing that she flew out to spend Easter with Cyrus at his estate. But others — including Elton John, who has been friends with the star for decades — were less than impressed. "Liz's friends think it must be a joke or madness, but they aren't saying it to her," one insider said. "Elton may not understand this relationship, and is a bit bemused by it. But for all his faults, Elton is really loyal to Liz." John is famously close to Hurley and was there for her during a pivotal moment in her life, offering his home as a recovery space following the birth of her son, Damian. He's also the teen's godfather. The pair met on the set of the 2022 holiday movie "Christmas in Paradise." However, Hurley previously had stated that she took the role because it offered her "the opportunity to work with Billy Ray, whom I've long been a fan of," MovieWeb reported after critics poorly received the show. Romance or Red Flag? Although some fans were blindsided, some of Hurley's friends say that the relationship is the real deal. "This is not a hoax. Liz is not a hoaxy person; she's very sincere, very bright and I think she likes him," a friend told Page Six. "Just look at the photo of them together — she looks happy! People are so quick to be mean." The worry, however, is not just that of disapproving friends. Cyrus has had a tumultuous relationship with several of his kids over the last few years. Originally published on Music Times
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'Stranger Things' Reveals Upcoming Netflix Animated Series
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The scary, exciting world the Duffer brothers created in "Stranger Things" is about to get a lot more animated, literally. As reported by MovieWeb, Netflix has revealed the name of its previously announced "Stranger Things" animated series, and it may hold a clue to the nature of the show: "Stranger Things: Tales From '85". Read More: Jenna Ortega Returns to Most Beloved Role in 'Wednesday' Season 2 Trailer The title was announced at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. There's no firm release date yet, but MovieWeb points out that just about everything Netflix has announced at the festival is releasing near the end of 2025. Matt and Ross Duffer are EPs with Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen through 21 Laps. From left to right: Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and Caleb McLaughlin in "Stranger Things." From left to right: Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, and Caleb McLaughlin in "Stranger Things." Netflix Eric Robles's Flying Bark Productions is doing the animation, and the Duffers previously said of the production, "We've always dreamed of an animated 'Stranger Things' in the vein of the Saturday morning cartoons that we grew up loving, and to see this dream realized has been absolutely thrilling [...] We couldn't be more blown away by what Eric Robles and his team have come up with –– the scripts and artwork are incredible, and we can't wait to share more with you! The adventure continues..." As for the live-action series, "Stranger Things" will come to a conclusion this year as its fifth and final season streams. Premiering in 2016, the series was a runaway hit and was largely responsible for catapulting many of its actors' careers. One of those actors, Finn Wolfhard, recently admitted that he's a little bit confused about how his character's story ends. "I was so happy with his ending, and I don't know, I was satisfied, but I was also very confused and sad, but also very happy," Wolfhard said. "I felt like I was in a dream or something. None of it felt real. I don't know, it felt perfect." "Stranger Things" Season 5 will premiere in the second half of this year. The first six episodes of the final season are scheduled to stream on October 10. The two final episodes stream on November 27. Joining Finn Wolfhard in the final season are Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Priah Ferguson, Charlie Heaton, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Joe Keery, Amybeth McNulty, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Carla Buono, Brett Gelman, and Jamie Campbell Bower. More TV: 'Malcolm in the Middle' Revival Reveals First Look at Family Reunion 'Dexter: Resurrection' First Look Shows Star-Studded Cast In New York City
