News

Today, »The Dog Stars« by prolific filmmaker Ridley Scott opens in cinemas. The British director, responsible for masterpieces such as »Alien«, »Blade Runner«, and »Gladiator«, shows no signs of retiring, even as he approaches the age of 89.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Heller. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world in the year 2035, after a deadly flu has wiped out the majority of humanity. Hig (Jacob Elordi), a mechanic, and Bangley (Josh Brolin), a former Marine, have made a home for themselves at an abandoned airfield in Colorado, where they must repeatedly defend the site against bandits. One day, Hig picks up a radio transmission. Accompanied by his dog Jasper, he takes his Cessna up to search for the signal's source, eventually encountering fellow survivors Cima (Margaret Qualley) and her father, Pops (Guy Pearce).

Early reviews of »The Dog Stars« have been quite favorable. However, audiences shouldn't expect an action-packed spectacle; on the contrary, the film unfolds at a rather elegiac, leisurely pace. The world-building and landscape cinematography have garnered particular praise. Incidentally, filming did not take place in Denver or the Rocky Mountains, but in Italy – specifically in the Dolomites and the Abruzzo region. The scenes depicting a ruined Denver were created in and around Rome, with various shots filmed at the famous Cinecittà Studios as well as at Pinewood Studios in England.

We don't expect Ridley Scott to match his greatest past successes here – those are likely unsurpassable. Nevertheless, the master's latest work is certainly worth a trip to the cinema, and we are also looking forward to the cast.

You can get a first glimpse of this dystopian world by watching the trailer:
https://youtu.be/-xSxaE1ClEE

And another icon has left this world: British actor, voice actor and singer Tim Curry died on August 25th in Los Angeles, also at the age of 80. The character performer, known to most as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in »The Rocky Horror Picture Show« and as the demonic clown Pennywise in »Stephen King's It«, had used a wheelchair since a 2012 stroke and struggled with a range of health problems from then on.

His career began in 1968 with the musical »Hair«, where he met Richard O'Brien – who would later write the stage musical »The Rocky Horror Show« and then it's screen adaptation »The Rocky Horror Picture Show«, in which Tim Curry took on the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. That the character became what it is today was Curry's doing: O'Brien had originally conceived the eccentric scientist as a German in a lab coat – it was Curry who turned that into a corset, fishnet stockings and an English upper-class accent. The gender-ambivalent creation made him world-famous overnight. Countless films followed, often with Curry as the villain: Mr. Hector in »Home Alone 2: Lost in New York«, Darkness in Ridley Scott's »Legend«, Cardinal Richelieu in »The Three Musketeers«, Bill Sikes in the 1982 television adaptation of »Oliver Twist«, and a magnificent turn as the wizard Trymon in »The Colour of Magic«, adapted from Terry Pratchett's novels »The Colour of Magic« and «The Light Fantastic«. Especially his appearance as Long John Silver in »Muppet Treasure Island« was legendary.

His epic and distinctive voice made him a beloved voice actor above all, for example in his Emmy-winning performance as Captain Hook in the series »Peter Pan & the Pirates«, or as Darth Sidious / Palpatine in »Star Wars: The Clone Wars«.

Tim Curry never married and had no children, but his legacy is enormous. His theatrical, at times almost cartoonishly outsized approach to acting made him an icon of pop culture and of horror in particular. Above that, he also championed social justice throughout his life.

Float on to your next adventure, dear Tim – and when we're up there with you, we'll float too!

Tomorrow, two great games celebrate their release. A prequel draws us even deeper into the »A Plague Tale« lore, while we must prove ourselves as strategists in the »Star Wars« universe.

RESONANCE: A PLAGUE TALE LEGACY
Following its two hit titles »A Plague Tale: Innocence« (2019) and »A Plague Tale: Requiem« (2022), developer Asobo Studio takes you about 15 years into the past with »Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy«. You step into the shoes of 22-year-old Sophia, whom many of you already know as the pirate captain from »Requiem«. Her journey begins in Venice and leads to the Greek Minotaur's Island. While Sophia uncovers the secrets of her past, she encounters the origins of the devastating Macula rat plague. Visually, the prequel is truly beautiful to look at, and there will be noticeably more action than in the previous installments. Furthermore, the development studio has designed »Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy« in a way that prior knowledge of its predecessors is not strictly necessary. The action-adventure game will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Here is the trailer for a great sneak peek:
https://youtu.be/8sHJhrFF4V0

STAR WARS ZERO COMPANY
Also launching tomorrow for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC is »Star Wars Zero Company« from Bit Reactor, in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Respawn Entertainment. This turn-based tactics game centers around the "Zero Company", a crew of mercenaries, outcasts, clone deserters, and former Separatists. You play their leader, Captain Hawks, who has fallen out of favor with the Republic, and you must stop a cult from spreading a mysterious biological threat called the shadow plague across the galaxy. For a strategy game, it is visually a true highlight, but unfortunately, you can only enjoy it in single-player mode. As the trailer shows, an exciting adventure awaits you in the familiar »Star Wars« universe:
https://youtu.be/Q-pQE8dUV_g

Not to be forgotten: Gamescom 2026 starts today in Cologne – the annual highlight for gamers in the German-speaking region! Will you be there in person or do you prefer to watch it all from the comfort of your own home?

Dolly Parton is dead. The wildly successful singer, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist died yesterday at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. With her, a truly singular figure has left us. She didn't just have an enormous impact on country and pop music – her song »Jolene« has been covered hundreds of times, and her own »I Will Always Love You« became Whitney Houston's biggest hit – she also shaped three generations of media and pop culture in the United States. Few people of our time have been as universally loved and respected as the rhinestone-studded "blonde bombshell". Her line "If I hadn't been a woman, I'd be a drag queen for sure" became a catchphrase in the LGBTQ+ community and her song »9 to 5« an anthem for working women, while her gospel number »He's Alive«, still plays across the evangelical South every Easter and the decidedly christian conservative movie »Coat of Many Colors« became one of TVs most viewed films. She could hold both because she refused to take sides: she turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom three times to avoid being claimed by either party, and whatever read as progressive she never justified politically, but through the faith she grew up with. In her later years she was known above all as a benefactor, using her fortune to give books to millions of children and do her part for literacy. President Donald Trump has ordered flags across the country to fly at half-staff for one week – somehow a clear symbol of her uncontroversial popularity.

Rest in peace, Dolly. We will always love you!

The new Kratos for the »God of War« series has been chosen! Due to a severe injury sustained by Ryan Hurst, Dave Bautista will now take on the lead role.

Following the failure of a planned film adaptation of the hit game franchise, a series adaptation was announced in 2022, produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios in collaboration with PlayStation Productions. The series is set to adapt the two games based on Norse mythology: 2018's »God of War« and 2022's »God of War Ragnarök«. Ryan Hurst, who voiced Thor in the latter game, had been confirmed for the role of Kratos in January of this year. Shortly thereafter, filming began on the two commissioned seasons, which were scheduled to be shot back-to-back.

However, after Hurst suffered a torn bicep during a stunt in late June and it became clear he could not continue, the rumor mill began to churn. Who would step in to play the Greek God of War? The names of many former WWE stars circulated online, with Braun Strowman and current WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H frequently mentioned. Ultimately, Amazon and Sony opted for a different ex-wrestler: Dave Bautista, who was known in the ring as "The Animal" or Batista, but who has recently been active primarily as an actor.

Production can now start again – the four episodes already shot will be reshot – and it remains to be seen whether unleashing Batista upon the gods was the right choice. Our own Tobi is somewhat skeptical about the recasting and would have preferred Triple H. Which actor do you think would make the ideal Kratos?

A few days ago, Netflix released the first teaser for the second season of »Blue Eye Samurai«, which is set to premiere in January 2027:
https://youtu.be/3oCx6HcYz9k

This news instantly made our day, as »Blue Eye Samurai« is currently one of the best animated series for adult audiences. Here are ten great reasons why the show is so magnificent and why we are incredibly excited for the second season:

Mizu and the Path of Vengeance
In Edo-period Japan – a time when the country had cut itself off from the outside world – four Europeans remained in the land, secretly conducting business with the Shogunate. They were involved in the trafficking of weapons, opium, and young women. One of the four raped Mizu's mother; Mizu is the child born of that rape. Her mixed heritage makes her an outcast. She hides her blue eyes behind tinted glasses and, disguised as a man, embarks on a path of vengeance. Mizu is a highly complex, morally ambiguous character. At the start of the story, she is a lone wolf, consumed by rage and self-loathing...

Character Depth and Development
We find depth and development not only in Mizu but also in all the key supporting characters, each of whom is wonderfully fleshed out. Ringo, the optimistic cook born without hands, becomes the story's moral compass. Taigen, initially an arrogant swordsman, is driven to restore the honor Mizu wounded, eventually becoming an ally. Princess Akemi begins as a nobleman's spoiled daughter and matures into a strong, responsible woman.

The Beauty of the World – "Every Frame a Painting"
This phrase applies perfectly to the series. The design of the Japanese landscape, the architecture of the villages and cities, and the interiors are incredibly rich in detail and texture, creating a tangible sense of the history and the era in which the story unfolds.

Meticulous Research
From the costumes and the characters' movements to the cuisine of the period, the meticulous research conveys a highly authentic atmosphere. Everything feels tangible and real. You become completely immersed in this world – an invitation to binge-watch that even we couldn't resist.

The Animation
The blend of 2D and 3D animation fuses into a cohesive artistic masterpiece. The editing and pacing are highly dynamic, with many scenes evoking the classic samurai films of Akira Kurosawa. The sword fights are brilliantly choreographed with the help of stunt performers.

Not for Children
This series is definitely not for children. It features deadly intrigues and addresses themes such as opium addiction and depravity. There is plenty of bloodshed, as well as nudity and sexual content. Yet, none of this is gratuitous; it always serves the story and character development.

Artful Flashbacks
The masterful and artistic use of flashbacks is also fantastic. In Episode 5, »The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride« (IMDb: 9.5!), a Bunraku puppet performance at the Shogun's court, Mizu's battle against an overwhelming force attacking the teahouse, and a tragic episode from Mizu's past are artfully interwoven – cinematic brilliance!

The Music
The series' score, composed by Amie Doherty, also deserves mention. It combines traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shakuhachi, shamisen, and taiko, with a modern orchestral film score sound. Many action scenes incorporate popular songs in a style reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino. The result is incredibly entertaining!

London Calling
At the end of the season, Mizu sets off for distant London. We are very curious to see how the city in the 17th-century will be portrayed in the series, how this other side of Mizu's heritage will affect her, and how her journey and further development will unfold.

Many Secrets Left
There are also secrets waiting to be revealed back in Japan. For instance, a character long thought dead is expected to reappear.

We are now eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story. Have you watched the first season? If not, you definitely should – you're going to love it! And if you've really developed a taste for it, we highly recommend the »Blue Eye Samurai« figures from Dark Horse:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Series/Blue-Eye-Samurai:::4682_5669.html

We sincerely hope that other manufacturers will also snap up a license for this fantastic series.

The anticipation for these new releases was bone-chilling. They already turned heads at the Four Horsemen booth during this year's San Diego Comic Con – and now, you can finally secure them for your collection: the Skeleton Warriors! The reboot of the 1994 Playmates Toys line, based on the animated series of the same name, combines barbaric fantasy with futuristic technology and awesome firepower.

Re-imagined by Four Horsemen Studios in collaboration with Lay Carnagey Entertainment, these newly sculpted 1:12 scale action figures – Dr. Cyborn, Aracula, Claw, and Bone-Zai – along with their accessories, impress with terrifying skeleton detailing, metalized body armor, and intricate craftsmanship. As part of the Infinite Legions line, individual components of these fantastic collectibles can be swapped and combined with one another, as well as with figures from the Mythic Legions and Cosmic Legions series. Remember, mortals: Skeleton Warriors aren't just dangerous... they're back to the bone!

Pre-order the figures from Wave 1 now – either individually or as a complete four-figure bundle:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Mehr/Skeleton-Warriors:::4687_5690.html

The sun is giving us no respite, so we are escaping into the next dark Soulslike game: Today marks the release of »Mortal Shell II«! It is launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. While the first installment by developer Cold Symmetry was still an insider indie tip, you can clearly see the sequel's beefed-up budget. Back then, the world was characterized by rather linear areas, but now players can expect an immersive open world that includes over 60 handcrafted dungeons, temples, forests, and citadels. The campaign's playtime clocks in at 20 to 30 hours, which is more than double that of its predecessor. Review scores so far have been highly positive. Visually, the title can definitely hold its own against other giants of the genre. Check out the launch trailer here:
https://youtu.be/MIEHUDi6DwU

Bizarre enemy designs and a twisted atmosphere define »Mortal Shell II«. The grim world is dominated by the divine Revered Mother, who lies dying and threatens to drag all of existence down with her. As a soulless Foundling, you must recover the lost ova of this Revered Mother so that a new divine cycle can begin. To be able to fight in the physical world, you inhabit the bodies of fallen warriors whose destinies are intertwined with that of the Revered Mother. However, grotesque monsters, false gods, and decayed creatures will stand in your way, seeking to exploit the ova for their own ends.

Who among you will claim their new Shell in »Mortal Shell II« and set out on the quest?

When the term "animated film" comes up, most people immediately think of the big players: Pixar, DreamWorks, and, foremost among them, of course, Disney. There is no question that these studios have given us wonderful and unforgettable films over the years. However, the sheer volume of movies that the latter studio especially churns out – take a look at our news regarding the D23 event held last weekend – including countless sequels (not to mention the live-action remakes), leaves many longing for original, handcrafted films. That is precisely what you get from the stop-motion studio Laika; while no longer an obscure insider tip among animation fans, the name likely doesn't ring a bell for a lot of the general public. Laika's debut and most famous work, 2009's »Coraline«, has since become something of a cult classic. Today, that very studio released the first official trailer for its long-awaited sixth feature film:
https://youtu.be/dtr5JL1zkiM

»Wildwood« is based on the book of the same name by Colin Meloy and tells the story of young Prue. Together with her classmate Curtis, she must venture into a magical forest to search for her little brother, who has been abducted by a flock of crows. As the trailer reveals, an epic, dark adventure awaits, featuring a host of fascinating characters. On top of that, the highly emotional clip is accompanied by a beautiful cover of Avicii's »Wake Me Up«. The immense hype surrounding the project was already evident with the teaser trailer, which racked up over 80 million (!) views in a very short time a few months ago. Let's hope that success translates to the box office starting October 23rd! By the way, the film was directed by Travis Knight, the studio's current CEO, who already sat in the director's chair for Laika's »Kubo and the Two Strings« as well as this year's live-action »Masters of the Universe«.

Apart from how impressive this art form is (it is well worth checking out the making-of and behind-the-scenes videos on the official LAIKA Studios YouTube channel!), stop-motion films such as »Mary & Max«, »My Life as a Courgette«, »Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio«, and Laika's »Coraline« have repeatedly demonstrated over the last few years that animation is not a genre but a medium capable of telling serious, adult stories. »Wildwood« also appears to strike a darker tone – we are very excited to see it!

Since late July, the summer blockbuster »Spider-Man: Brand New Day« has been thrilling Marvel fans on the big screen and smashing box-office records. The hype was already massive weeks and months in advance! So, for us, it was a no-brainer that the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man should grace our August postcard. 🕷️🕸️

It's a good thing Stefan managed to snap a shot of Spidey right at the break of a brand-new day, fresh and ready for his next mission! On our August postcard, he's still sporting the Classic Suit from »Marvel's Spider-Man«. However, by the time Stefan was ready to showcase the card, Hot Toys' latest version of the superhero – from »Brand New Day« – had already arrived. Perfect timing! 😄

You'll get a free copy of this card as a bonus in every package you receive from us this month. And if you want to admire more awesome toy photography featuring various 1/6 scale figures, be sure to check out Stefan's Instagram account!

📸 by @lesgrohl

Every two years, Disney hosts D23 – a massive event where fans can discover all the exciting news and new releases from the world of the House of Mouse via panels and exhibition booths. Naturally, this includes Marvel and Star Wars, as well as other popular franchises from studios Disney has acquired over the years. The event returned this past weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. We've summarized the most interesting announcements and, of course, new collectibles for you here.

In the animation sector, a handful of sequels were announced. Over the coming years, Disney will launch third installments of both »Zootopia« and »Frozen«. From Pixar, we can look forward to »Coco 2« and »The Incredibles 3«, while 20th Century Animation is bringing us »The New Simpsons Movie«.

During a major panel, Marvel boss Kevin Feige unveiled exciting news from the world of superheroes. Among other things, the cast was revealed for the upcoming X-Men film directed by Jake Schreier (»Thunderbolts«), which is slated for a May 2028 theatrical release. In addition to Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, who already recently appeared in »Spider-Man: Brand New Day«, the lineup includes, among others, Kit Connor (Cyclops), Samara Weaving (Emma Frost), and Inde Navarrette (Rogue).
Marvel also had something in store regarding »Avengers: Doomsday« (theatrical release: December 16). An epic Special Look offered a deeper insight into the story of the titular antagonist, Dr. Doom (Robert Downey Jr.):
https://youtu.be/X1aFkAkFASk
And a first official trailer was released for the series »VisionQuest«, which is set to premiere on Disney+ on October 14:
https://youtu.be/oSVTAUKyrL8

For »Star Wars« fans, a first teaser trailer for the second season of »Ahsoka« was shown. The preview really builds excitement for the new episodes, which will air on Disney+ starting January 20, 2027:
https://youtu.be/Fdar7gTQnog
Attendees also got a first look at new footage from »Star Wars: Starfighter« – hitting the big screen on May 26, 2027 – presented by Ryan Gosling himself. However, this footage is not yet officially available online.

Last but not least, we certainly don't want to keep our collectible highlights from D23 from you! NECA had already showcased some fantastic new Muppet action figures at SDCC. Now, this past weekend, figures from the »Muppet Babies« show were unveiled for the first time – adorable baby versions of iconic characters like Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and more. Also on display at the NECA booth was a Simpsons statue by manufacturer Kidrobot, depicting the family from Springfield in a humorous nod to Michelangelo's »The Creation of Adam«. You can see both of these items, along with other collectibles from the NECA booth, in this booth tour:
https://youtu.be/kpwwZnkwfnQ

Iron Studios presented new statues for »Avengers: Doomsday« at their booth. Thor, Beast, Gambit, Nightcrawler, and Cyclops were showcased as 1/10 BDS Art Scale Statues. 1/4 Legacy Replica Statues of Cyclops were also on display, as well as new reveals from their Disney Classics line, including the enchanting 1/10 Scale Mickey, Minnie and Pluto's Day at the Park Deluxe Art Scale Statue and a truly wonderful 1/4 Scale Walt Disney & Mickey Mouse Legacy Replica Statue. All these new announcements are already available for pre-order in our shop:
https://www.space-figuren.de/products_pre.php?filter_id%5B0%5D=314
However, one item we unfortunately won't be getting is the beautiful D23 Exclusive 1/10 Scale Walt Disney Deluxe Art Scale Statue, which depicts Disney in a small diorama of his office. The statue features amazing details such as an aerial view of Disneyland, plush toys and figures of his most famous characters, books, and much more. Fans could only secure this exclusive collectible at the booth – and it sold out within 3 days!
Finally, a really exciting teaser featuring concept art for the manufacturer's new »Pirates of the Caribbean« license was dropped on Instagram: It looks like a 1/10 Deluxe Art Scale Statue of Captain Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones is in the works – we can't wait!

Did you follow D23? What was your highlight?

Tomorrow marks exactly 40 years since »The Fly« hit US theaters. That is certainly a great reason to revisit David Cronenberg's masterpiece. »The Fly« is currently available for streaming on Disney+.

In 1957, the underlying short story by author George Langelaan was published in Playboy magazine. Just one year later, »The Fly« was adapted for the screen under the direction of Kurt Neumann. The scientist André Delambre has invented a teleportation machine. During a self-experiment, he overlooks a fly inside the device, and the machine crosses the two with each other: Delambre now has a gigantic fly head and a fly arm, while the fly has a human head and arm. Delambre hides his monstrous head under a cloth and is unable to speak. The revelation of his appearance forms the dramatic climax of the film.

When first watching the Cronenberg film, many viewers surely still had the original in mind, and the movie poster also laid a matching false trail. On the poster, you see the scientist – named Seth Brundle here – inside his teleportation machine. The center of the image is overexposed, so his head cannot be seen. You only see a human arm reaching out and a fly leg stretching forth.

When Brundle then teleports himself in his self-experiment – surprise! –, he emerges from the machine completely unharmed. At first, he feels truly great: stronger, more alert, and convinced that the transportation process has a purifying effect. But he slowly begins to change, and a computer analysis of the transporter log uncovers the horrifying truth: his DNA has fused with the DNA of a housefly.

His gradual transformation is body horror at its absolute finest. Lead actor Jeff Goldblum excellently embodies the eccentric scientist and his metamorphosis – with all the physical and psychological changes, right down to the loss of his humanity.

Major praise also goes to makeup artists Chris Walas and Stephan Dupuis, who were awarded the Oscar in 1987 in the »Best Makeup« category for the drastic body horror effects.

For us, »The Fly« is simply THE ultimate body horror film. It has earned an honorary place in cinema history and, of course, in every horror movie collection.

It's going to be hot again today. So, it makes sense to escape into a pleasantly air-conditioned movie theater. This Thursday, however, it’s more than just the AC that’s drawing us to a screening. We have two films on our list that we believe are definitely worth a trip to the movies – completely regardless of the weather.

»The End of Oak Street« is the latest work by David Robert Mitchell, who already knew how to thrill us with his previous two films, »It Follows« and »Under the Silver Lake«. The plot centers on the Platt family, who discover that an inexplicable cosmic event has displaced their entire neighborhood on Oak Street to an unknown location, and perhaps even a different time. In this otherworldly realm, dinosaurs roam free, and the family – mother Denise (Anne Hathaway), father Greg (Ewan McGregor), and their two children Brian and Audrey – must fight for survival. We were hooked right after watching the trailer and can't wait to find out more:
https://youtu.be/3oB9AxspVow

The Japanese film »Exit 8« is based on the short indie game of the same name that went viral online. Director Genki Kawamura sends a young man into a subway corridor that constantly repeats itself in a seemingly endless loop. To escape, he must find “Exit 8”. The rules are simple: If you spot an anomaly, turn back immediately. If not, keep walking. Finally, leave the corridor through Exit 8. However, a single moment of carelessness throws the protagonist right back to the beginning. Will he ever reach his goal and escape this infinite hallway?

The endless corridors in the film's trailer instantly exude a certain »Backrooms« vibe:
https://youtu.be/4fIaG1RjWMU
That alone makes the film a total must-see for us. What about you?

South Korean films regularly command our attention. Alongside Japan, South Korea is one of the Asian film nations with arguably the most fascinating output of remarkable works – frequently within genre cinema such as horror, sci-fi, and thrillers. Renowned directors have already gifted us many thrilling hours in theaters and on our couches at home. The list of must-watch films is long. To name just a few: Park Chan-wook (»Oldboy«, »Lady Vengeance«, »The Handmaiden«, »Decision to Leave«, »No Other Choice«), Bong Joon-ho (»Parasite«, »Memories of Murder«, »Snowpiercer«), Kim Jee-woon (»I Saw the Devil«, »A Tale of Two Sisters«), Yeon Sang-ho (»Train to Busan«), and Na Hong-jin (»The Wailing«, »The Chaser«, »The Yellow Sea«).

From the latter comes »Hope«, which is set to hit German theaters on October 8th.

In the abandoned village of Hope Harbor, Police Chief Bum-seok and Officer Sung-ae are called to investigate incidents surrounding a mysterious creature that is causing chaos in the community. But things are not as they seem, and perceptions can be deceiving.

Packed with chaos, massive destruction, and dynamic camera movements, the trailer exerts a powerful pull and definitely leaves you wanting more:
https://youtu.be/0d7lZ9ZXFlc

Another great manufacturer snaps up the license to a gaming hit: Hot Toys is taking over the »Fortnite« universe! Anytime soon, the first 1/6th scale release will be dropped for pre-order, marking the first time ever that this game is getting true premium-level figures.

»Fortnite« is globally recognized as one of the most successful battle royale games, currently boasting around 110 million monthly active players. Over time, collaborations with countless major franchises have transformed it into a massive crossover platform. Marvel, Star Wars, Tomb Raider, numerous anime characters, and many more are all represented. This gives players the chance to jump into battle as characters like Anakin Skywalker, Lara Croft, Gojo, Wolverine, Catwoman, Kratos, Jinx, Ezio Auditore, Naruto, Avatar Korra, or Son Goku – and that is not even scratching the surface of the entire spectrum available to anyone with the spare change for in-game purchases.

It remains to be seen to what extent Hot Toys will rely on popular original characters or crossover skins for the initial reveals. We are excited to find out!

As you know, our Mick is a huge 1:6 scale enthusiast. So naturally, while browsing through the San Diego Comic Con coverage, he focused on his favorite scale. For the Action Figure District he has now rounded up all the key new releases from Asmus Toys, Factory Entertainment, Hot Toys, InArt, Jazzinc Dioramas, Kaustic Plastik, and Sideshow. Here's the link to his article:
https://action-figure-district.de/san-diego-comic-con-2026/

We'd like to present you two very different horror films that are hitting theaters today:

NIGHTBORN
»Nightborn« is the new film by Hanna Bergholm, who made a name for herself in 2022 with her debut, »Hatching«.

In the forests of Finland, Saga (Seidi Haarla) and her husband Jon (Rupert Grint) begin a new chapter of their lives as first-time parents. However, Saga's joy is overshadowed by a disturbing suspicion regarding her newborn – a secret she keeps from Jon, driving a wedge between them as she grapples alone with the unsettling truth.

The film falls into the niche subgenre of maternity horror. Critics note that Bergholm skillfully blends folk horror with a touch of body horror, leaving ample room for interpretation, such as viewing the story through the lens of postpartum psychosis.

Unfortunately, the film is opening in only a few cinemas and won't be shown on the big screen in many cities at all. This is particularly regrettable, as the trailer and atmospheric visuals make a highly promising impression:
https://youtu.be/dWePsu_Kd9c

For us, »Nightborn« would definitely be worth a trip to the theater!

ICE CREAM MAN
»Ice Cream Man« comes from horror enfant terrible Eli Roth, who is once again intent on provoking at all costs. For his new film, he appears to have drawn inspiration from both »Terrifier« and »Weapons« – though without matching the technical craftsmanship of the former or the narrative brilliance of the latter.

A small town in summer descends into madness when an ice cream vendor serves children sweet treats with horrific consequences. Conceived as a fun-splatter flick, the movie will likely appeal primarily to gorehounds who aren't looking for complex storytelling. However, reviews of the bloodbath Roth has concocted have been overwhelmingly negative so far.

Want a sneak peek? Fair warning: it's definitely not for the faint of heart!
https://youtu.be/2JeUjIqK_4c

Have you heard that Paramount Pictures has snatched the U.S. film rights to the original screenplay of Wes Craven's horror classic »A Nightmare on Elm Street« from 1984? So, a new remake is once again a concrete prospect. Many fans were left unsatisfied by the 2010 remake and have since been hoping for a new, successful revival of the cult franchise.

By acquiring the U.S. rights, Paramount has secured the foundation for bringing Freddy Krueger back to the big screen. International film rights remain with New Line Cinema (and, by extension, Warner Bros.), meaning the rights to the franchise are currently split between the studios.

There is no information yet regarding the director, cast, or a potential theatrical release date. The project is currently in the early stages of development.

The iconic 80's flick left an indelible mark on the genre and established Freddy Krueger as one of the most recognized horror figures in film history. It remains to be seen whether the remake can match the dark atmosphere and cult status of the original. However, for horror fans, the prospect of the infamous Springwood Slasher returning is undoubtedly an exciting development.

This week features two video game releases that couldn't be more different. On one hand, we have an exciting fantasy ARPG for you, and on the other, a classic fighting game from the Marvel universe.

BEAST OF REINCARNATION
Let's start with a short review of »Beast of Reincarnation«. The video game by Pokémon developer Game Freak was released yesterday for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Joanna has already spent a few hours fighting her way through the Blight and has the following to say about the new action RPG:

The story takes place in Japan in the year 4026, where humanity was almost completely wiped out by a plague long ago. Infected animals mutate into so-called Malefacts – hybrids of flora and fauna that rampage across the world in blind aggression. That is why we step into the shoes of the Sealer, Emma. The silent heroine may lack empathy at first, but she certainly does not lack skills. She and her dog Koo are also victims of the Blight, but they use it to their advantage in the fight against the Nushi, the powerful alpha monsters. In this way, Emma can absorb their power to ultimately defeat the root of all evil – the Beast of Reincarnation.

Unfortunately, »Beast of Reincarnation« comes with some very clear weaknesses. Although this nature-reclaimed Japan is beautiful to look at and creates an atmosphere similar to Hayao Miyazaki's »Princess Mononoke« and »Castle in the Sky«, the game struggles with performance issues and FPS drops even on more powerful PCs. The lighting feels messy in places, and the visuals can look grainy at times. Despite Unreal Engine 5, it lacks polish. Just as much of an acquired taste is the storytelling, which is a bit too fragmented, taking place via flashbacks and through dialogue in the middle of hectic boss fights.

On the other hand, a huge plus is the precise combat system, which offers plenty of fun and variety. While Emma slashes, parries, evades, and blocks her way through the overgrown enemies, she can issue tactical commands to her loyal companion Koo to gain an upper hand. Sometimes the oversized dog serves as a distraction for unsuspecting enemies to pull off a stealth attack; other times he casts powerful abilities that bind, unbalance, or generally weaken the attacker. The combat system is reminiscent of games like »Final Fantasy VII Remake«, »Sekiro«, or »NieR«. However, it is not a Soulslike title. The RPG elements are kept simple yet still feel rewarding. All in all, »Beast of Reincarnation« plays unexpectedly well for a work by the Pokémon developers. Click here for the launch trailer:
https://youtu.be/YBAuVSnS0ls

MARVEL TŌKON: FIGHTING SOULS
Marvel fans aren't just getting their fill of superhero action in theaters! Tomorrow, the fighting game »Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls« officially launches, exclusively for PlayStation 5 and PC. The timing couldn't be better with the new Spider-Man film and the anticipation building for »Avengers: Doomsday«. The game's playable roster features both heroes and villains straight from the Marvel comics – or antiheroes like our beloved Deadpool. While you'll be brawling with your opponents in a classic 2.5D perspective, the gameplay introduces an innovative 4v4 tag-team system. This means you select four fighters at the start, hit the arena with two of them, and unlock the remaining two as the battle progresses to seamlessly unleash their unique abilities and combo chains.

Right from the launch, a 20-character roster is available in Arc System Works' signature anime style. From Captain America, Iron Man, and Wolverine to Dr. Doom and Loki, all the way to Star-Lord, Ghost Rider, and Ms. Marvel, it has everything to make a Marvel fan's heart beat faster. Phoenix Cyclops is already locked in as the very first DLC character, with three more fighters set to follow later this year. As in any good fighting game, you can choose between a story-driven single-player mode, local Versus, and a fully-fledged Ranked Mode. Check out the launch trailer here:
https://youtu.be/rJqTurD4cew

Naturally, Marvel is a massive deal in our shop as well! So don't hesitate to browse through your favorite heroes and villains. Just about two weeks ago, in line with SDCC, numerous new collectibles became available for pre-order – including the 1/6 scale Spider-Man and Hulk from Hot Toys based on the new »Spider-Man: Brand New Day«, as well as the 1/10 scale Doctor Doom on Throne and Magneto statues from Iron Studios from the upcoming »Avengers: Doomsday«. Start exploring right here:
https://www.space-figuren.de/products_all.php?filter%5B2%5D%5B0%5D=48&page=1

Our resident Marvel nerd Tim caught »Spider-Man: Brand New Day« last Thursday, and he is absolutely blown away! Spider-Man is and remains the best-known and most beloved Marvel character, so it's hardly surprising that this movie is genuinely filling theaters again. In its opening weekend alone, it grossed an incredible $927 million worldwide – the second-best theatrical opening of all time! To lure in the few of you who might still be on the fence, here's a little spoiler-free review by Tim:

There are MANY potential spoilers, and thankfully the countless trailers only scratched the surface, contrary to what we all expected. The first paragraph, however, may contain spoilers for the »Avengers« movies and especially for the predecessor, »Spider-Man: No Way Home«.

Let's start with where we currently stand in the MCU, and in Spidey's story in particular. After Peter is brought back into the world five years after the great Blip, along with his best friend Ned and the love of his life MJ, he has to fight the sanctimonious fake superhero Mysterio, and is then blamed for his death and unmasked in front of the entire world. The consequences catch up with him and his loved ones: neither Peter nor Ned nor MJ gets into MIT. Looking for a way out, Peter asks Doctor Strange to make the world forget his identity – the spell goes wrong, and the multiverse cracks open. What follows is a fight against villains from other Spider-Man universes, during which Peter not only learns from the other Spideys (Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire) to choose forgiveness over vengeance, but also loses Aunt May. To spare MJ and Ned that same fate, Peter ultimately lets Strange cast one last, radical spell: the entire world – MJ and Ned included – forgets that Peter Parker ever existed. What remains is a Spider-Man nobody knows as Peter anymore.

The new movie opens on exactly that hard break: Peter Parker has all but vanished from the life of the friendly neighborhood spider, who now focuses entirely on his work and image as the city's anonymous helping hand – and does that job so well that barely any villain stands even a remote chance. Here, the visual language of director Destin Daniel Cretton and cinematographer Brett Pawlak skillfully references not only some of the most famous comic covers but also Insomniac's »Marvel's Spider-Man« game series. I wouldn't have expected these subtle yet unmistakable nods to the games to work so incredibly well. Maybe it isn't just a comic book adaptation, but a bit of a video game adaptation as well. In general, the production design and the camerawork – alongside the performances, but more on those later – contribute the most to how well this movie works. The picture feels like the quintessential comic book page brought to life, strikes an insanely good balance between rich colors and darker moments, and in doing so looks better than many of the garishly colorful yet low-contrast CGI battles that have defined the MCU's recent years. Which probably has a lot to do with the fact that it was shot mostly on real locations instead of on a soundstage. For the ultra-slow-motion fight scenes and the chases through New York, Tom Holland and his stunt double even swung through the streets themselves – on location in Glasgow, which is frequently used as a stand-in for New York. The new suit and the web-swinging look absolutely fantastic, largely coordinated by VFX supervisor Jerome Chen, who was already responsible for that same aspect on »The Amazing Spider-Man« – which was the best part of the 2012 film. And of course you can feel Cretton's penchant for '70s martial arts cinema and, by extension, for »The Matrix«. Outside of the Marvel world, that was clearly the biggest influence on »Spider-Man: Brand New Day«.

I don't want to say too much about the story, other than that the writing team has managed to create a movie that works beautifully on its own despite its COUNTLESS supporting characters from every conceivable Marvel project. You don't even need to know Frank Castle/The Punisher's backstory to understand who this man is – and that's despite him being the clear second lead. Which brings us straight to the absolute highlight of this film: the relationship between Jon Bernthal's Punisher and Spidey. BRILLIANT. Their verbal sparring is that of two brothers who love each other but hold diametrically opposed views of the world. And the fact that they pulled off weaving a clearly R-rated character like the Punisher into a PG-13 story without him ever feeling out of place is impressive. I really hope this isn't the last team-up for these two. The rough-edged Punisher as the new mentor also stands as a symbol for a Spidey who has grown up considerably across the board. He's no longer the high school kid under the wing of Tony Stark and Happy Hogan, but a young man in his mid-twenties. That also allows for a few scenes we definitely wouldn't have gotten in the first trilogy, chief among them a very funny bit with Yelena Belova/Black Widow – you'll see. The best fight scene in the film is definitely the one between Spidey and Hulk, whom we haven't seen this big, this raw, and this unrestrained in a very long time. It's hard to explain how it comes about without spoiling a major plot point – but it was the right way to bring him back, because it also paves the way for an angry, brutal Hulk in the upcoming »Avengers« movies.

The through line of the movie is the story around Sadie Sink's character. She is the perfect casting for this role, vulnerable and menacing at the same time, at points even disturbingly sadistic. I'll leave it at that.

By the way: when the fade to black arrived at the end, complete with a small cliffhanger, my little provincial movie theater erupted in thunderous applause – at an original-language screening, the kind that's rarely ever really full, but this time was packed.

All in all, this movie joins the ranks of the best superhero films of all time for me, and fresh out of the theater, the only thing that beats it in live-action Spider-Man history is Sam Raimi's second film. IMDb rates it even higher: with an 8.2 it places the movie behind the »Spider-Verse« films but ahead of every other live-action Spider-Man, and over on Rotten Tomatoes it currently sits at 89% with critics and even 98% with audiences – a perfect start to the second Tom Holland trilogy!