Author: Amy Davis

The British Film Institute (BFI) just kicked off its second film festival, with a very special screening. Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy introduced the first of two sold-out showings of a rare original 1977 print of “Star Wars.” This particular version is so rare because it has the original title card at the beginning, which does NOT have the “Episode VI: A New Hope” title. Also, the print does not contain any of the special edition additions, which creator George Lucas is adamant are the only “true” versions of his films. (The infamous Han Shot First debate stems from this.) “When…

Playwright and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Celine Song (“Past Lives”) has an exciting new project in development with HBO. Song is creating a new drama series called “Damage,” which will center around the world of esports. “Damage” will be written and executive produced by Song, and David Hinojosa will produce for 2AM. Hinojosa previously worked with the writer as a producer on “Past Lives” and her upcoming film, “Materialists.” Craig Mazin (“Mythic Quest,” “The Last of Us”) will executive produce under his Word Games banner, alongside Jacqueline Lesko and Cecil O’Connor.  A24, the studio that backed Song’s two prior films, will be behind…

John Carpenter (“Halloween”) and George A. Romero (“Night of The Living Dead”) are probably two of the most recognizable directors in the horror genre. Now Carpenter is paying tribute to his late friend and genre pioneer with the graphic novel “John Carpenter Presents George A. Romero’s The Amusement Park.” An adaptation of Romero’s recently uncovered and released PSA on age discrimination. The graphic novel version is published by Storm King Comics, which Carpenter is a partner in. It is an all-new artistic interpretation of Romero’s uniquely unnerving film. “The Amusement Park” “The Amusement Park” is a 1975 film that Romero…

The “Steven Universe”…universe…is about to get even bigger! It has been five long years since the miniseries “Steven Universe Future” wrapped. Amazon Prime Video has confirmed “Steven Universe: Lars of the Stars” is in the works! “Lars of the Stars” This sequel series will shift focus more to Lars Barriga, eternal teenager and space outlaw. “Lars of the Stars” will follow him and his pirate crew as they smuggle contraband, evade the authorities, and uncover the darkest secrets of the fallen Gem Empire. The project already has franchise creator Rebecca Sugar and supervising director Ian Jones-Quartey on board to executive…

Filmmaker Danny Boyle is on top of the world right now with the upcoming release of his long-gestating follow-up to “28 Days Later,” “28 Years Later.” During a recent interview, he dedicated some time to discussing another beloved film, “Sunshine.” He revealed that frequent collaborator Alex Garland outlined the movie to be a trilogy. “Sunshine” “Sunshine” takes place in 2057 and centers around a team of international astronauts who are sent on a dangerous mission to reignite the dying Sun with a nuclear fission bomb. The 2007 film was one of the main reasons that Boyle did not direct “28…

On July 26, 2024, SAG-AFTRA called a strike on several major video game companies. Like the 20203 strike against AMPTP, a major sticking point of this battle was over the ethical use of AI technology in the industry. Namely, AI’s uncanny ability to reproduce performers, alive or dead, with or without their consent. SAG-AFTRA and these companies have reached a tentative new Interactive Media Contract on the matter.  “It is expected the terms of a strike suspension agreement will be finalized with employers soon,” SAG-AFTRA wrote in a statement. “Until such agreement is reached, however, SAG-AFTRA members will remain on…

In January, craft retailer Joann filed for bankruptcy. By February, the company announced it was closing all of its 790 stores. Former retail rival Michaels has since acquired Joann’s intellectual property and private label brands, including the beloved Big Twist yarn lines. Michaels will assume over 600 products like fabric, sewing machines, and yarn, from new and existing brands. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to welcome JOANN customers into our creative community and are committed to delivering the selection, value, and inspiration they are looking for at Michaels,” David Boone, Chief Executive Officer at Michaels, said. “This acquisition allows…

Do you remember all the way back in 2022 when Warner Bros. and Discovery decided to merge into Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)? Well, now one of the largest media conglomerates in the country is splitting back into two companies. This is part of a larger plan to correct long-standing financial issues. (Financial issues that the merger and scorched earth approach to content were supposed to solve.) On June 9th, WBD announced they would split into two publicly traded companies. One company will be Streaming and Studios, consisting of Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and…

34 years after its launch, Muppet*Vision 3D closed its doors to the public on June 7th. This project was one of the last that Muppets creator Jim Henson worked on before he passed away in 1990. Disney’s Hollywood Studios arranged a fitting send-off with wall-to-wall fans of the ride and franchise.  Among these guests was Heather Henson, Jim Henson’s daughter, who was the last to walk through the attraction. She is also on the board of Directors of the Jim Henson Company and Jim Henson Foundation. Before she went through, Heather thanked fans for their years of dedication to the…

Over 20 years after the first “Call of Duty” game, Microsoft’s Activision is still breaking new ground for the franchise. During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, the company announced “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.” Considering “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6” was released last fall, this will be the first time two installments have released back to back. “Black Ops 7” is being developed by Treyarch and Raven Software. It is set in 2035, taking place four decades after the events in “Black Ops 6.” Milo Ventimiglia (“This is Us”), Kiernan Shipka (“Red One”), and “CoD” alumni Michael Rooker…