News

Hey MOTU fans, can you feel the magic of Castle Grayskull spreading and the lava around Snake Mountain getting hotter and hotter? No wonder – with this epic trailer for the »Masters of the Universe« movie hitting us earlier this week...

But to top off this exciting week for us collectors, we're getting the icing on the cake, because starting today you can order the first figures from the movie with us!

We've been reporting on MATTEL's announcements in recent weeks, especially after the Nuremberg Spielwarenmesse and the New York Toy Fair. In the meantime, it's also been confirmed that there will be movie figures within the "Origins line". Of course, role-playing items, replicas, and various other collectibles will also be added. But today, we're especially excited about the pre-order listing for wave 1 of the "Chronicles Line" and the first products from the "Kids Core Line":
space-figuren.de/motumovie

The official street date is Saturday, April 25th. Let's assume that we will load and send out all available Wind Raiders from the Eternian Post in time for you to receive your orders by that date!

Heads up, this is no April Fool's joke: »The Super Mario Galaxy Movie« hits theaters today! After Mario (Chris Pratt) and his brother Luigi (Charlie Day), along with Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (Keegan-Michael Key), defeated the tyrannical Bowser (Jack Black), new villains are entering the scene. This time – as the title suggests – the journey leads to distant galaxies and wondrous new worlds.

Nintendo veterans and fans of the »Super Mario« franchise will immediately recognize which titles the producers drew inspiration from. In addition to the obvious influence of »Super Mario Galaxy«, elements from »Super Mario Odyssey«, »Super Mario Bros. Wonder«, and »Super Mario Sunshine« are also woven in. From the last game mentioned comes one of the new, dreaded antagonists: Bowser Jr. with his magic paintbrush. The introduction of Yoshi as a loyal companion is especially exciting. In fact, many more characters are joining the cast – even from the very oldest classics. To get you hyped, check out the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/LX9kXRRJlPw

This is going to be a blast for the whole family! What do you guys think?

We immerse you to 16th-century Japan, where the fearless shinobi assassin Naoe lurks in the shadows. Trained in the arts of stealth and combat, she seeks revenge after Oda Nobunaga's forces attacked her village in Iga Province. Her father perished during the invasion, and she vows to make the ruthless warlord pay for his actions. On her quest for vengeance, she encounters Yasuke, a follower of Nobunaga who was involved in the attack on her home. To her surprise, however, he saves her life. Foes become allies, found caught in a power struggle far greater than they initially imagined. ⚔️

Over time, Naoe learns more about the legacy of her parents, who belonged to a secret Brotherhood of Assassins. Furthermore, she becomes entangled in the dark machinations of the Templars. Now, it is not only a matter of seeking retribution against Nobunaga but also of dismantling Templar networks across Japan and reclaiming the stolen artifacts her parents once protected. Accordingly, with »Assassin’s Creed Shadows« as the latest installment in the video game series, you will experience both a bloody era of upheaval and two moving individual destinies that are deeply intertwined.

Coinciding with the video game's launch in March 2025, Pure Arts announced the 1/8 Animus statues line, which features protagonists from the AC universe such as Naoe and Yasuke, Ezio, Altair, Eivor, Kassandra, and many more. These PVC statues immortalize the moment when the digital present of Abstergo technology merges with the historical past. To bring them to life, the manufacturer has equipped these anomalies with an impressive LED effect. Two USB ports on the base allow the statues to be powered and connected to one another, so only a single outlet is needed to make the entire collection glow. Just imagine this sight on your shelf – incredible! 🤯

The 1/8 Naoe Animus PVC statue highlights the contrast between past and present: while the shinobi holds her dynamic Ko-Gasumi combat stance on a castle roof, the characteristic Animus effect erupts at her side. Thanks to the LED lighting, this transition is spectacularly showcased. Although the 1/8 scale statue may seem compact at first, its textures and paintwork rival those of larger high-end collectibles. The details are not only faithful to the game but also executed with precision and vibrancy. To honor such a fascinating line of statues, we have chosen Naoe as our 💥 Product of the Month 💥 April 2026.

We are certain: »Assassin's Creed« fans will find it hard to resist these gems! ✨

Besides the new »Masters of the Universe« trailer, which was freshly projected onto screens from Eternia yesterday, DC Studios / Warner served up a hefty dose of kryptonite for breakfast. Here's the new trailer for »Supergirl«, which also hits theaters in June:
https://youtu.be/s1-pfiVMKAs

We think the trailer lives up to the film's title: SUPER! Milly Alcock shows a completely different emotional side here, and the atmosphere we're getting is truly interesting and more complex than in the first clip.

The movie's collectibles will be just as exciting. We're already thrilled about the 1/6 scale Kara Zor-El and Lobo figures by Hot Toys. But McFarlane Toys is kicking things off! To coincide with the trailer release, they dropped a short action figure showcase of their Supergirl movie bundle (including Lobo's Spacehog bike) on social media:
https://youtu.be/M1Mz_nh4CQU

Of course, these and many more products from the movie will soon find their place in the S.P.A.C.E figure universe. 😜

Amazon MGM Studios has just released the new and presumably final »Masters of the Universe« trailer:
https://youtu.be/X21JsHLHnY8

Compared to the first teaser, this clip is significantly more dramatic and epic. Nicholas Galitzine makes a really good impression on us as Adam / He-Man, so our Crew's excitement for the release in early June has increased even more.

What about you? We think this looks like at the very least like an awesome, really fun popcorn movie. We're very excited!

Oh, and how cool is Cringer in the MGM intro?! 😂👍

Last weekend, WonderCon 2026 took place at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. The main attraction of the event was the diverse array of vendors selling vintage comic books, action figures, and DVDs. There was also an "Artists Alley" where primarily comic artists offered their work, signed books, and created sketches. Panels on film, TV series, and geek topics rounded out the program. As always, a highlight was the many cosplayers who had clearly put a lot of work into their costumes and performances.

WonderCon is organized by Comic-Con International, but it's less glamorous than its summer sister event in San Diego. The biggest names from Hollywood are nowhere to be found here. Collectible giants like Sideshow and NECA will also be presenting their programs in San Diego in July. As a result, WonderCon is always a bit more relaxed. It's the event for comic book collectors and toy hunters.

From a distance, such a trade fair – spectacular cosplays aside – might not seem particularly interesting at first glance. However, that doesn't mean there's nothing new to discover. For example, we stumbled across Plastic Meatball, a manufacturer we hadn't even heard of before. We were quite surprised by the two cult licenses we found there. In the classic 3¾-inch format, there were figures from »Time Bandits«, a film that has received little attention in the collectibles market so far. Besides some of the bandits, Evil Genius, Robin Hood, King Agamemnon, and the Minotaur were also on display – all in the charming retro style of the legendary Kenner figures.

We liked the action figures from »Labyrinth« even better, including the iconic goblin King Jareth in two variations, Sarah in everyday clothes and a white ball gown, as well as Toby, Sir Didymus, Ambrosius, a goblin, and our favorite, Ludo. Here's a short booth tour that we found on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/dRuqwoM6pWA

It's hard to believe that »Labyrinth« is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. When the film was released in 1986, it initially flopped at the box office. But goblins are long-lived and incredibly resilient: Through video releases and TV broadcasts, the film transformed into a true cult phenomenon. To mark the anniversary, there was a brief re-release of the restored 4K version in early January – but only in selected cinemas, so probably not many fans had the chance to see it on the big screen. »Labyrinth« was originally released in Germany on December 11th. Wouldn't it be fantastic if it were to return to cinemas on that date?

There are also plans for a long-awaited sequel. None other than Robert Eggers will be directing. We can certainly look forward to what this visionary filmmaker will conjure up.

We're incredibly excited for the upcoming Jareth 1/6 scale figures from the Maestro line from Kaustic Plastik. It's going to be something truly spectacular! Pre-orders won't be long now.

This also brings us full circle to the convention theme, because in July, we're sure to see more amazing surprises and exciting new releases from the Italian manufacturer at Comic Con in San Diego. We'll have the popcorn ready!

🚀 Today and tomorrow only, our SALE section is still offering: 50 COLLECTIBLES – NOW 50% OFF! 🚀

This is our last call for all you bargain hunters who don't want to miss out on this selection of super deals. So don't delay and head over to our galactic special offers right now before they vanish into orbit on Wednesday – drifting, falling, floating weightless. And no, this is not an April Fool's joke! 😁

Yesterday, we already took a detailed look at the first teaser for the new »Harry Potter« series, but this week also brought several other interesting new announcements with trailers attached. The biggest talking point was probably Disney's live-action adaptation of »Moana«, because the first footage from this »why-did-this-need-to-happen?« project really did not win us over. Much more exciting, on the other hand, were these five contenders:

Devil May Cry Season 2
»Devil May Cry« fans only have to wait until May 12th to finally dive into the second season of the Netflix anime adaptation. The teaser already reveals that things are getting very personal for Dante, as the new season revolves around the feud with his twin brother Vergil. Although the two are constantly locked in bitter combat, Dante is determined to pull his brother back to the right side. The only question remains: can his brotherly love withstand Vergil's ruthless pursuit of power? Check out the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/fbZYa3bWnVw

And for those who celebrate the classic look from the video games, the »Devil May Cry 5« statues by Prime 1 Studio are absolute must-haves. While the 1/6 Dante Concept Masterline statue portrays the Devil Hunter in an incredibly audacious style, the 1/6 Vergil Concept Masterline statue captivates with a pose that perfectly expresses his superiority. We have both brothers listed for pre-order in our shop – take a look:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Games/Devil-May-Cry:::4684_4883.html?language=en&filter_id%5B0%5D=216&filter%5B0%5D%5B0%5D=40

The Sheep Detectives
And now for something completely different: sheep investigating a murder case! »The Sheep Detectives« is the film adaptation of the brilliant bestselling detective novel »Three Bags Full« by German author Leonie Swann. In this story, the sheep of shepherd George investigate his death after he is found one morning, stabbed with a spade. The trailer delivers animal-driven humor in the vein of »Babe« mixed with a »Knives Out«-style whodunit mystery. The cast is first-class as well: Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson appear in the main human roles, while Bryan Cranston, Patrick Stewart, Regina Hall, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O'Dowd, and Bella Ramsey, among others, can be heard as the voices of the woolly investigators. This is going to be a baaa-rilliant time:
https://youtu.be/826SRt1CFbg

Apex
Things take a much less amusing turn in the trailer for »Apex.« In the remote Australian wilderness, Sasha (Charlize Theron) is hunted by a ruthless pursuer (Taron Egerton). Battling both her stalker and the harsh elements of nature, her will to survive seems boundless. Usually, these types of survival plots feel like "seen one, seen them all", but »Apex« might just be a striking exception. It premieres on Netflix on April 24th. Check out the trailer below:
https://youtu.be/kgv8jf_8dm0

The End of Oak Street
The mystery thriller »The End of Oak Street« from »It Follows« director David Robert Mitchell shows how the uptight American suburban street Oak Street is transported to an unknown location by a strange cosmic event, forcing an unassuming middle-class family, led by parents played by Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, to rise above themselves with their two children in order to survive the foreign environment they suddenly find themselves in. Produced by sci-fi blockbuster director J.J. Abrams, the trailer already stands out through striking camera choices, dense suspense atmosphere, and a shadowy glimpse of a dinosaur without revealing anything about the actual story.
https://youtu.be/IoHWPAN6FPg

Forgotten Island
And finally, for all the families among you, we have an alternative to »Moana«, because DreamWorks, the production team behind »Shrek« and »How to Train Your Dragon«, along with Oscar-nominated directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado (»Puss in Boots: The Last Wish«), offer a first look at their new animated film »Forgotten Island«. The film follows two best friends who are transported into a strange new world. To find their way back home, they must give up a shared lifetime of memories. What makes the film especially interesting is that it draws on Philippine myths and legends, while its art style is also heavily inspired by Filipino culture. The trailer looks absolutely gorgeous, feels a little reminiscent of »K-Pop Demon Hunters«, and could very well become DreamWorks' next big hit:
https://youtu.be/a8RHqN93qfo

Oh, and the animated series »Stranger Things: Tales from '85«, which premieres on Netflix on April 23, has also received a new trailer. We're still fairly skeptical, though, about whether this will actually turn out well or if the franchise's proverbial cash cow is simply being milked yet again — quite apart from the boycott by some of the show's original voice actors over an AI clause in Netflix contracts. See for yourselves:
https://youtu.be/kajCUhg36R0

Something far more exciting for fans, of course, is our »Stranger Things« section in the shop. How about the WSQK Hawkins Hitmaker Kit by Doctor Collector, for example:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Serien/Stranger-Things:::4682_4928.html

Two titles that caught our attention are launching today: the eight-part miniseries »Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen« on Netflix and the feature film »They Will Kill You«.

»Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen« tells the story of Rachel (Camila Morrone) and Nicky (Adam DiMarco), a couple who spontaneously decide to get married. During their initial visit to Nicky's family's remote estate, the wedding is scheduled for a week from now – but Rachel senses that something isn't right. Is it just her pre-wedding jitters, or is there a dark secret lurking? Weronika Tofilska (»Baby Reindeer«) directed several episodes, and the Duffer brothers (»Stranger Things«) serve as executive producers. The atmospheric trailer, in particular, piqued our interest:
https://youtu.be/vMc_pWm7G7o

At first glance, the trailer for »They Will Kill You« is reminiscent of »Ready or Not«, for which a sequel is already in the starting blocks. Director Kirill Sokolov, known for his debut »Why Don't You Just Die!«, presents his first American film with this one:
https://youtu.be/AqNFJUihSHg

Zazie Beetz plays Asia Reaves, who takes a job as a maid in a New York high-rise – unaware that a satanic cult has chosen her as a human sacrifice. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive: the film's distinctive style, playful use of references, and fast pace are praised. Comparisons to Quentin Tarantino, »Kill Bill«, »John Wick«, and »The Raid« are frequently drawn.

For our taste, the trailer shows a lot of kills and gags. Hopefully, Warner hasn't already used up all their good stuff. So maybe just take a quick look, or simply go with the flow for a bloody and bizarre movie night with a mix of action, gore, and humor. ;)

To mark yesterday's Tolkien Reading Day, Warner Bros. released a short video in which Peter Jackson revealed some exciting news:
https://youtu.be/HMHh4L2626A

Preparations for »The Hunt for Gollum« are already in full swing: Filming is scheduled to begin in New Zealand in May 2026, directed by Gollum actor Andy Serkis. Many members of the original crew are returning. The film is slated for release on December 16, 2027.

But that's not all: In addition to this project, another live-action film is in development – ​​and its screenwriter is none other than talk show legend Stephen Colbert. Colbert, a self-confessed »Lord of the Rings« fan, conceived the idea for »The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past« and pitched it to Peter Jackson two years ago. Together with his son Peter McGee, also a passionate Tolkien fan, and »Lord of the Rings« veteran Philippa Boyens, he is now working on the screenplay.

The story takes place 14 years after »The Return of the King«. It centers on the hobbits Sam, Merry, and Pippin, who decide to retrace the first steps of their journey. At the same time, Sam's daughter Elanor stumbles upon a long-hidden secret... Inspiration was drawn from chapters 3 (»The Journey of Three«) through 8 (»Mist on the Barrow-downs«) of »The Fellowship of the Ring« – a hobbit adventure that was left out in the previous films. Fan-favorite Tom Bombadil also makes an appearance, and his absence from the trilogy was lamented by many fans. His appearance in a new film would definitely be a blast!

There's a lot going on in Middle-earth again! We're sure that Weta Workshop will delight us with new collectibles related to the upcoming films. A 1:6 scale statue of Tom Bombadil would be a dream come true, wouldn't it?

And speaking of LOTR collectibles: Dark Horse is currently focussing on the 1978 animated »The Lord of the Rings« film and just announced a beautiful PVC figure set featuring Frodo, Aragorn, and Samwise. As soon as we have more information and pricing, we will of course list the set in our shop.

The world has been spellbound! At last, the teaser for the new »Harry Potter« series is here. To our surprise, watching it feels a bit like coming home after a long time away. We can't help but compare these first impressions to the films, and the relief is immense: the costumes are authentic, the character designs stay as true to the books as possible, and the atmosphere at Hogwarts is simply magical! Check out the clip here:
https://youtu.be/RIu4sFKGi6E

We are especially excited to see if child actors Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) will be able to follow in their predecessors' footsteps. We are equally thrilled to see John Lithgow in the role of Albus Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall. In Nick Frost, the producers have certainly found the perfect choice for Hagrid. Unfortunately, Paapa Essiedu has already faced criticism as Severus Snape even before his first trailer appearance. However, far more important than his physical appearance should be whether he can do justice to the mysterious aura of the dark professor.

Of course, the original film adaptations from the »Harry Potter« universe featuring Daniel Radcliffe and Co. will remain forever anchored in our hearts. For those who saw and loved the movies, it will certainly feel strange at first to dive back into the same world with new faces. Nevertheless, we should keep in mind that for a new generation, this series could become what the films once were for us: a magical story about responsibility, courage, and friendship.

»Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone« will premiere this Christmas on HBO Max. Are you ready to return to Hogwarts?

As of today, the blind Man Without Fear is once again balancing across the rooftops of Hell’s Kitchen, because season 2 of »Daredevil: Born Again« is now streaming on Disney+. After the trailer for »Spider-Man: Brand New Day« sparked plenty of speculation about the whereabouts of the “really good lawyer” Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), we can finally see how New York has changed under the rule of Kingpin, aka Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), and his Anti-Vigilante Task Force – and how we arrive at the status quo of the new Spider-Man film.

Because the last remaining resistance against the power of the corrupt giant is now operating from the shadows, using guerrilla tactics under the guidance of Murdock and his right hand Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll) to keep the pressure on Fisk. Oh, and yes – Murdock is also wearing the iconic DD logo from the comics on his chest for the very first time, another step in the MCU’s ongoing effort to gradually give all of its heroes their comic-accurate costumes.

We’re especially excited for the return of Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), because after Daredevil and Punisher, she is the next superhero from the Netflix »Defenders« series to be brought into the MCU with »Born Again«. As for when we’ll see Luke Cage, Iron Fist, or even Elektra again… that’s probably only a matter of time.

By the way: Hot Toys has also teased a gorgeous 1/6 figure based on Daredevil’s look in season 2 of »Daredevil: Born Again«. 😎

Following the initial announcements for »Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu« that Hot Toys dropped yesterday, Sideshow has now joined the fray – and with a truly innovative surprise:

To complement their top-selling 1:1 The Child Life-Size Statue, based on »The Mandalorian« series, an accessories set will be released, allowing you to outfit little Grogu in a truly cool way: Beskar Rondel, shoulder bag, wrist shooter, grav charge, and of course, a delicious blue macaron – so Baby Yoda isn't just looking badderass, but he's also perfectly equipped for the adventures on the big screen!

This set is the perfect add-on for anyone who owns the 1:1 The Child Life-Size Statue. You can pre-order it from us now. 🥳

It may still be a while until the legendary San Diego Comic Con will open, but the anticipation can start now: Last Friday, Sideshow announced that after a few years of absence, they will finally be back on the show floor at the Convention Center!

If we understood correctly, the focus will likely be on Hot Toys (the Asian company is surely highly motivated to participate in the convention) – but Sideshow will undoubtedly also be showcasing some of their own amazing products. In addition, as in previous years, a separate online event will be taking place. Starting Monday, July 20, 2026, and continuing throughout the week, Sideshow will be accompanying Comic Con with an exclusive online coverage, and much more. We're excited and looking forward to it – what do you think?

And speaking of Hot Toys: the first four collectibles on »Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu« have just been announced. It all starts with two life-size figures: Grogu and an Anzellan Droidsmith. These little rascals are already listed in our shop:
https://www.space-figuren.de/products_all.php?filter%5B2%5D%5B0%5D=1313
Of course, Mando and Grogu will also be available as 1/6 scale figures in a regular edition and as a deluxe release with three Grogu figures and a newly developed hover pram. Rest assured that we'll list this dynamic duo in our shop as soon as we have detailed information and prices.

One more tip for anyone who wants to get in the mood in the meantime: the Hot Toys showcase that Sideshow released on YouTube last week is really worth watching. While we didn't spot any true world premieres, the look at the many 1/6 scale figures, all of which will be arriving in the coming months, is still very exciting and informative. You can find the video here:
https://youtu.be/j69FOPlBpIk

This year, Capcom is celebrating not only the most successful release since its inception with »Resident Evil Requiem«, but also the 30th anniversary of the legendary video game series. It all began on March 22, 1996, with the very first »Resident Evil«. Some of you surely remember the original graphics, squeezed into fixed camera perspectives as you played as Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield – it was and remains an absolute cult classic! The series' success since then has been remarkable: the remake of »Resident Evil 2« is the current frontrunner with approx. 16.8 million copies sold, closely followed by »Resident Evil 7: Biohazard« at approx. 16.4 million. The fanbase continues to grow year after year. In particular, the groundbreaking launch of the ninth main installment, which sold an incredible five million copies in just five days, has attracted numerous newcomers and brought long-time veterans back into the fold.

The franchise's future looks just as promising, with new releases on the horizon. Just a few days ago, Capcom announced a story-driven DLC expansion for »Resident Evil Requiem«. While not yet officially confirmed by the developers, insiders have leaked several upcoming projects, primarily focused on remakes. Rumors point toward »Resident Evil Code: Veronica« for 2027 and »Resident Evil Zero« for 2028. Furthermore, the tenth main installment is reportedly already in pre-production for a 2029-2031 window. It remains to be seen which of these details Capcom will eventually confirm. Due to the current hype surrounding the franchise, numerous rumors and fan requests for specific remakes and story developments are circulating online. Some developer statements on social media have already been faked to generate clicks, so caution is advised!

Over the years, the »Resident Evil« franchise has expanded far beyond video games. Today, there is an impressive selection of movies, series, books, manga, and more. However, it is important to distinguish which works belong to the official canon. For example, the well-known »Resident Evil« film series starring Milla Jovovich stands on its own and deviates from the games' plot. In contrast, CGI films like 2023's »Death Island« continue the story of beloved characters such as Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Chris Redfield within the video game timeline. Additionally, a live-action reboot directed by Zach Cregger is slated for release in September 2026 and will take place in its own »Resident Evil« universe.

Hardcore fans will also find plenty to love in our shop! Feel free to browse our »Resident Evil« category, where you'll find the dark ladies of »Resident Evil Village«, and Leon from the »Resident Evil 4« remake, among others. Manufacturers like Prime 1 Studio and PureArts have perfectly captured their passion for the series through high-quality, stunning statues:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Games/Resident-Evil:::4684_5093.html?language=en

Sven and Eva present a selection of current stock highlights live and in color in our new episode 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫! Among them are a bloodthirsty shark from McFarlane Toys, a sexy vampire lady from Kotobukiya, and an adventurous archaeologist from Iron Studios. On top of that, we also have the most exciting new announcements from the past few weeks – including a cuddly reindeer from Hot Toys and a formidable villainess from Sideshow. 👊

See the latest gems from our shop in NADFU Episode 36 – available now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/uvE4WC3HnUw

»Project Hail Mary« is hitting cinemas. Mick had the opportunity to see the film at a preview screening last weekend. Here are his impressions:

»Project Hail Mary« is based on the book of the same name by Andy Weir, whom you'll likely know from his novel »The Martian« or its film adaptation by Ridley Scott. The overwhelming success of »The Martian« quickly led Hollywood to secure the rights to »Project Hail Mary« even before its publication.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are directing, and they're no strangers to the industry. They're the writers of the »Spiderverse« films and have made a name for themselves as directors of »21 Jump Street«, »22 Jump Street« and the animated film »The Lego Movie«.

The film stars Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller. The acclaimed novel, the directors, and, not least, the actors ensured that the film launched with considerable advance praise and a healthy dose of hype. Some very enthusiastic reviews raised expectations immensely. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a critics' score of 95%, and the audience rating is a staggering 98%. With such breathtaking ratings, I was naturally looking forward to the film, but I tried to temper my excitement to avoid falling into the trap of inflated expectations.

Ryan Gosling plays scientist and science teacher Ryland Grace, who awakens on a spaceship with no recollection of who he is. His memories return only slowly. A second narrative thread reveals the backstory of these events. Some time ago, a substance was discovered that gradually dims the sun and all other stars. Due to his unconventional scientific publications from the past, he is recruited by research director Eva Stratt, played by Sandra Hüller, for Project Hail Mary. Time is running out; a new ice age is imminent, and the survival of humanity is at stake. Since a sun has been discovered in the universe unaffected by the dimming phenomenon, humanity collaborates and arranges an interstellar mission to that sun, hoping to find the solution to the threatening problem. Shortly before reaching his destination, Grace encounters an alien spaceship and meets an extraterrestrial creature whom he nicknames Rocky because of his appearance. Rocky's sun is also affected by the problem. The two scientists learn to communicate with each other and search for a solution to save their worlds.

We learn all of this in the first trailer for the film. This led to quite a bit of discontent, as many moviegoers felt badly spoiled by this information. However, it must be said that the contact between Grace and Rocky is the central element of the film, around which everything revolves. The knowledge from the trailer doesn't spoil anything, because there's still plenty to discover and uncharted territory to explore. Nevertheless, I often long for the innocence of seeing a film without any prior information and simply being able to marvel at it.

»Project Hail Mary« is a film you absolutely should see in the cinema, because visually it's a real feast for the eyes. The spaceship set is fantastic and feels incredibly real. The cinematography was in the experienced hands of Greig Fraser, whom we know, among other things, for the fantastic visuals in »Rogue One: A Star Wars Story«, »Dune: Part One«, »Dune: Part Two«, and »The Batman«. Visually, the film is a great treat, made for the very big screen.

For a film about the potential downfall of humanity and the end of all life, it's surprisingly optimistic and told with a great deal of humor. At times, I might have wished for a bit more seriousness. But the lightheartedness suits Gosling's character quite well, portrayed as a brilliant and slightly clueless perpetual student. It's a bit like »The Odd Couple« in space, where one of the roommates is a sympathetic rock. At its core, it's a film about friendship and connection, ultimately a feel-good movie through and through, and perhaps that's exactly what we need in these dark times.

Some fans of the novel have criticized the film for significantly cutting the scientific aspects. Andy Weir is apparently quite the science nerd who likes to underpin his stories with plausible scientific evidence. This aspect is somewhat neglected in the film, but even though I couldn't fully grasp some things, the film kept me engaged and entertained me very well. 

I can't yet say how long it will stay with me, but I fear that the film's lightheartedness might also prevent it from being included in the pantheon of great philosophical science fiction works. But be that as it may, the film is definitely worth seeing in the cinema.

It's time for gamers to reclaim what's rightfully theirs – in »Crimson Desert«. Pearl Abyss' open-world action-adventure releases today for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Originally conceived as an MMORPG prequel to »Black Desert«, the developers decided to create a purely single-player experience. Even the trailer promises a grand fantasy adventure in a visually stunning world:
https://youtu.be/YHhwdyWkwTQ

The story centers on Kliff, a mercenary and leader of the Greymanes. His faction is ambushed and almost completely wiped out. The remaining members are scattered across the continent of Pywel, so he sets out to find them and restore the Greymanes to their former strength. On his journey, Kliff must confront corrupt rulers, the misery of the population, forge new alliances, and grapple with his own past. This tale of betrayal and inner conflict, combined with the vibrant world and multi-faceted combat system, could truly set a new standard.

Are you also excited to see what »Crimson Desert« has to offer?

33 years ago today, »Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III« hit US theaters. Since then, Turtles fans have celebrated this day annually as an unofficial holiday for Leo, Mikey, Donnie, and Raphie – ideally with a big pizza! 🍕

As the icing on the cake, or rather, the extra cheese on the pizza, we've got a great deal for you this time:
For today only, you'll find an exceptional 51st item in our current sale: the 4-piece bundle of Movie Turtles Art Scale Statues from Iron Studios. Grab it for the unbeatable price of €450! 🐢🥳

Any time is the perfect time to celebrate our favorite mutant reptiles, but March is especially so! Because tomorrow, March 19th, is the unofficial TMNT Day, and fittingly, our postcard this month features The Last Ronin. 🥳

The image comes from Markus, who captured the lone turtle for us in a scene that is as dark as it is epic. Clad in his Ronin armor, he stands armed to the teeth in the pouring rain, ready for his quest for revenge. The model for the photo is the Ultimate The Last Ronin in the Armored version from NECA, who proudly presents the result here. 😄🐢
Markus has recently started posting his toy photography on Instagram – be sure to check it out!

A copy of this card is included in every package we send out this month. So take a look in our shop! You might find something you like, for example, in our big March sale. Or you can take advantage of our Turtles promotion – more on that tomorrow. 😉

📸 by @cowabungatoy