News

This weekend, an animated series from the world of »Sonic the Hedgehog« will start streaming on Paramount+. This time, Sonic is not the hedgehog in the foreground, but his friend Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba). The spin off series named after the hero takes place between the second and third »Sonic The Hedgehog« movie. All six episodes of »Knuckles« will be available on the streaming platform.

In the series, the red echidna warrior seems bored with his life on earth. This is why he starts a quest, on which he tries to train the clumsy human Wade Whipple (Adam Pally). However, someone is after Knuckles' powers. In the trailer for »Knuckles« you can see what dangers he has to face and what kind of crazy ideas the echidna comes up with:
https://youtu.be/1kETt59yn6A

If you're fans of crime series, this new streaming debut might be for you: Disney+ is releasing the CBS original show »Tracker«.

»Tracker« is a case of the week series, in which Justin Hartley (»This is Us«) plays a lone wolf survivalist, who has a special talent for solving missing person cases. He is hired by desperate relatives of missing persons to track them down. On his searches, he doesn't just run into cults, criminals and the supernatural, he also has to deal with the police as well as his own past.

The first two episodes can be streamed in Disney+ as of today. The rhythm with which the remaining eleven episodes will be released is not yet known and neither is the date on which we will get the already announced second season. Still, checking out the first two episodes could definitely be worth it.

A few days ago, Paramount released the first trailer for what is now the eighth Transformers film entitled »Transformers One«.

The film revolves around the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron. The two Transformers, who live underground on Cybertron, want to explore the planet's surface together. But on their way there, which they take together with Bumblebee and Elita-1, a deep conflict develops between the two.

The trailer definitely had a surprise in store for fans of the franchise: Instead of another live-action film, the eighth part of the series is a 3D animated film, which, if you look at the comments under the video, not every fan likes. The voice cast, on the other hand, is once again top-class with Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm and other stars. The cinematic release is scheduled for this fall.

You can form your own opinion based on the trailer:
https://youtu.be/5a09yJU-mCI

We've been waiting all day for the new trailer for »Deadpool & Wolverine«, which was teased yesterday - now it's finally here! Marvel and Ryan Reynolds just dropped the trailer for the third »Deadpool« film, in which the anti-hero reaches new heights.

We were already expecting new, grandiose and rough one-liners and bloody action anyway. But in the new preview of the film, which will be released in cinemas in late July, we were finally able to see Wolverine in all his glory and experience for the first time the great dynamic between the two, which really makes us want to watch the film. See for yourselves:
https://youtu.be/73_1biulkYk

We definitely consider »Deadpool & Wolverine« to be one of our cinema highlights of the summer! Do you feel the same way?

Over the weekend, Prime 1 Studio released the latest Next Level Showcase episode. In a running time of almost two hours, the hosts Dante Carver and Shizuka Anderson presented us with a lot of new items from the pop culture worlds of film & TV, DC Comics, anime and games, with many breathtaking product presentations that are about to enter their pre-order phase. Some of the involved artists have their say, some still unpainted work-in-progress projects were shown and a number of new licenses were announced. Even if we can't go into every detail here, we have put together the most important highlights for you.

A short look back at the long product history was dedicated to »Transformers« and Optimus Prime. Optimus Prime is set to get a »Rise of the Beasts« Optimus Primal statue, which can be pre-ordered in summer 2024. The (here still unpainted) »Transformers: Dark of the Moon« Optimus Prime Weapons Depot statue will also be an absolute beast! You will definitely need a spacious penthouse for it or you can simply throw out your furniture.


FILM & TV
There were a few very nice surprises in the film statues shown that we hadn't expected and that we are even more pleased about.

In collaboration with Shumi Arts from South Korea, M3GAN comes as a 1/3 Scale Platinum Masterline Statue with fabric costume and rooted hair. It was inspired by the moment M3GAN starts her murderous dance. »M3GAN 2.0« is scheduled to hit cinemas in May 2025. Pre-sales for the fantastic statue start this summer.

The actor Keanu Reeves receives a double honor in the form of two memorable statues, which we once again owe to the very fruitful collaboration between Prime 1 Studio and Blitzway. In a 1:3 scale, we'll see Keanu as Neo from the modern cult classic »The Matrix«. His second iconic role is of course John Wick, this time in 1:4 scale from »John Wick: Chapter 4«. John will be accompanied by Donnie Yen, who appears as Caine. Both statues can be combined with each other to create an exciting film scene.

The anouncement of »The Boys« also made us cheer. Prime 1 Studio and Blitzway present us the psychopathic superhero Homelander and his archenemy, the cynical Billy Butcher in quarterscale format.

An unpainted Velociraptor 1/6 scale statue from »Jurassic Park« was shown as well.

Two work-in-progress novelties were shown in the »Lord of the Rings« collection. You'll have to choose a sturdy table to display your Moria Troll in 1:4 scale, because it will be a really heavy piece and "The Dark Lord Sauron" is no less impressive in a scale of 1:3.

In the same scale you can look forward to a Dog Alien from »Alien 3«.

At the end of the film statues, two unsurprising but no less pleasing licenses were announced. There will be collectibles for »Prey« from the »Predator« universe and also for »Dune: Part Two«.


DC COMICS
In the Museum Masterline, Prime 1 Studio presented two 1/4 scale statues from »Batman Hush«: Batman in the Batcave version and Superman. The latter will also get a second statue based on the 12-part comic series »Justice« by Alex Ross, this time with support from Blitzway. Superman will be joined by Batman and Wonder Woman in this series.

One size larger, namely 1:3, is the currently unpainted »Dark Nights: Metal« "Lobo Batman: Batman Who Frags" statue. Also announced, but not yet pictured, is a "The Riddler: All In One" 1/3 scale statue designed by Carlos D'Anda. We're super-curious!

And if you want something really big, then Michael Keaton will do the honors as »Batman« in a scale of 1:2, another successful collaboration with Blitzway.


ANIME
Some new products were also presented in the anime area. We would like to highlight the 1/4 statue of Power from »Chainsaw Man«, which is deliciously bloody.


GAMES
From »Horizon: Forbidden West« Aloy and the Clawstrider get their 1/4 scale statues, which you can of course dramatically combine with each other.

Still unpainted, but more than promising, is the 1/4 scale statue of Triss Merigold in an alternative outfit from »The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt«.

Cammy from »Street Fighter 6« in 1:4 is as sexy as she is dangerous. The new challengers Marisa and Juri are not quite finished yet but already show a lot of body tension for dynamic poses.


The late »Berserk« creator Kentarō Miura will be honored with two more works from his dark fantasy world: "Grunbeld vs. Guts Berserker Armor" 1/4 scale statue and the impressive masterpiece "Guts & Casca", also in 1:4.

The last minutes of the Next Level Showcase belonged to the King of the Monsters. We've already seen a lot, but the »Godzilla Minus One« diorama really made our jaws drop. A breathtaking orgy of destruction with incredible details, the bustle in the streets of Tokyo, where desperate people try to escape the gigantic lizard, magnificent! Takashi Yamazaki, the director of the Oscar-winning film, who visited Prime 1 Studio for an interview, was also impressed. There will be a diorama for the film »Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire« as well.

You can watch the full showcase on Prime 1 Studio's YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/dM0T8GycQtg

What was your biggest highlight?

Netflix is releasing the second part of the Sci-Fi epic »Rebel Moon« titled »The Scargiver« today. In it, the heroine Kora fights alongside the people of Veldt against the full force of the Imperium to defend her new homeland. To successfully do this, the rebels must face their past. The trailer shows that it'll be full of action, just like the first part:
https://youtu.be/UEJuNHOd8Dw

There's a lot going on in »Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver«, but we remain skeptical. After all, the prelude »Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire« wasn't particularly convincing to a lot of viewers. We're unsure whether Zack Snyder will be able to make things better with the second part or whether he will completely wreck the film series. The reviews so far vary a lot. But it seems like those who favor action won't be disappointed. It might be worth giving it another chance.

In the course of the festivities of Sideshow's 30th anniversary, which are happening year-round, the manufacturer has dedicated the past 3 days to very special characters: evildoers and monsters! During the »Monsters and Villains« event, which took place from April 15 to April 17, everything revolved around the antagonists of our otherwise celebrated heroes.

Of course, a lot of what was shown wasn't brand-new. Besides lots of give-aways, the livestreams mainly showed the releases of the past few weeks. Still, we got to see 3 thrilling and promising teasers because Sideshow revealed the official artworks for 3 upcoming statues. There are going to be 2 new originals, which will honor the event's »Monsters and Villains« motto: a female vampire covered in blood with a waving cloak and her latest victim over her arm and Krampus, who definitely isn't for the faint-hearted with his long horns and bright yellow eyes. The Pulp Vixens are also getting another addition. While the name of episode III is not yet known, we have been given a first look at the next piece from Sideshow's original line. The artwork shows a dark-haired beauty who is lounging around on a bloodstained wing chair with a telephone receiver at her ear and waving a wad of cash in her hand, which she presumably pulled out of the torn back. We are already super excited to see these in sculpted form! Which of these are you most excited about?

And while we're on the topic: We have a small recommendation for fans of horror and specifically monsters. There's an interesting video about movie monsters on Sideshow's official YouTube channel! In it, Ryan Turek (producer of »Halloween«), Akela Cooper (author of »M3GAN«), Tom Gilliland (Chief Creative Officer at Sideshow) and David Dastmalchian (actor and producer) discuss their fascination of monsters, as well as the fandom and the technology behind them. Check it out:
https://youtu.be/SFxSYbeGJf8

»Abigail« is hitting cinemas today. The work of directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who previously delighted us with »Ready or Not«, »Scream« and »Scream VI«, is a good example of a film whose trailer gives away too much. The preview already tells us the most important thing about the 12-year-old ballerina, who is kidnapped by criminals and taken to a remote country house, where the demanded ransom is supposed to arrive in 24 hours.

Thanks to the trailer, we as viewers have an enormous knowledge advantage over the protagonists. The first 45 minutes drag on a bit slowly until the gangsters finally catch up with the audience. There is no real guesswork because the viewer is smarter from the start and knows where the whole thing is going.

However, the critics still praise the performances of the well-rounded ensemble, which helps us get over the somewhat slow beginning. Kevin Durand in particular, as the not so clever muscleman of the team, finds positive mention as a great comic relief in many reviews.

When the film is finally let off the leash in the second half, there is no stopping it and we experience an extremely bloody splatterfest. The now 14-year-old Alisha Weir delivers a real tour de force with her performance, the critics agree. Quite a few predict a great future for her as an actress.

We're clearly drawn to the cinema for a fun horror film that doesn't take itself too seriously. We deliberately did not include the link to the trailer here. If you haven't seen it yet, you might as well leave it alone and let the film surprise you. Have fun in the cinema!

American cinema is known for producing remakes of successful foreign films with American actors. The most recent example is the slow-burn horror thriller »Speak No Evil«, which was released in 2022. The remake is scheduled to hit theaters in September 2024, only 2 years after the original. The pros and cons of such remakes are debatable, of course.

This time, an American family meets a British family on vacation in Italy and then visits them for a weekend trip. But what was supposed to be a short vacation soon gets out of hand and turns into a real nightmare.

Anyone who knows the original won't discover anything new when viewing the trailer:
https://youtu.be/FjzxI6uf8H8

Many of the well-known key scenes are already shown here. Whether the film will actually follow the original 1 to 1, or perhaps surprise us with a few new twists, remains to be seen.

The most prominent member of the cast list is James McAvoy, who, as usual, masters his role confidently. James Watkins took seat in the director's chair. With his film »Eden Lake« in 2008, he delivered a real bravura when it came to escalating violence, so »Speak No Evil« is in good hands with him. But we also hope that he contributes his own ideas and doesn't just copy the original right up to the final clapperboard.

And there we go with the next episode of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫! In issue 14, Joanna and Sven will show you some of our latest highlights by Hot Toys and Sideshow with collectibles from Marvel, DC and Star Wars. But you can also find some stunning »Lord of the Rings« and »Conan« items this time. And last but not least another banger from Prime 1 will close this episode!

Episode 14 - now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/x5-XCsktcs8

Fans of the fantastic game series »Fallout« can look forward to a streaming start today. Right away, Amazon Prime Video makes all episodes of the live action series of the same name available for you. The trailer already captures the atmosphere of the game and serves you wonderful impressions of the post-apocalypse:
https://youtu.be/V-mugKDQDlg

After a nuclear war in the year 2077, humankind left the world bare and highly radiated. Violence, contaminated animals, mutants, deadly robots and a pinch of black humor are the order of the day. Over 200 years later, the carefree Lucy leaves her comfortable fallout shelter and unexpectedly stands before a rough wasteland. The series doesn't just tell her story, but also the story of Maximus, a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, and focuses on the ghoul Cooper Howard as well.

»Fallout« takes place in the 22nd and 23rd century, but has a 1950s charme about it. The first video game of this series was published for PC in 1997. The live action adaption is mainly based on »Fallout 3«, which was released in 2008. As a video games publisher Bethesda is also known for »The Elder Scrolls«. All the more we are looking forward to the final creation by Amazon!

Today we would like to remember a film that became the blueprint for an entire genre. We are of course talking about »Blood and Black Lace«, which was released in Italy exactly 60 years ago and with which Mario Bava became the progenitor of the Giallo. The genre name (literally: yellow) is based on the yellow covers of the crime thriller novel series from the Mondadori publishing company.

The Mario Bava film »La ragazza che sapeva troppo« (English title: »The Girl Who Knew Too Much«), which was released a year earlier, is commonly considered the first Giallo and was shot in black and white. But it was »Blood and Black Lace« that finally brought all the ingredients of the genre together.

The original title of the film, »Sei donne per l'assassino«, meaning “Six women for the murderer”, already reveals what it is essentially about. The entire plot is written around these set pieces of the art of murder and these murders are staged in an equally lustful and artistic way.

The film already brings together the essential ingredients of the genre: a whodunit story in which everyone is a suspect; a masked killer in an androgynous black raincoat; a razor flashing in the light; a pinch of sex (of course not depicted as explicitly as it was in later years); a police force in the dark; an almost surreal, expressive, colorful lighting and a lascivious soundtrack that gets under your skin. The staging of the creatively executed murders is the movie's essence and presents us with pure cinema - mise en scène at its best!

»Blood and Black Lace« casts a long shadow and gave birth to the giallo. The genre's peak came in the early 1970s and gave us thriller/horror classics from Mario Bava, Dario Argento, Sergio Martino, Aldo Lado, Lucio Fulci and others. Gialli such as »Blood and Black Lace« and especially »A Bay of Blood« (also by Mario Bava) had a significant influence on American slasher films such as »Halloween« and »Friday the 13th« as well.

Take a look at this trailer for the restored 4K Blu-ray edition:
https://youtu.be/WCb-GiEj5xw

Finally, the publisher Ubisoft dropped the official story trailer for »Star Wars Outlaws«. In this video game developed by Massive Entertainment a fascinating open world awaits you. The game will be available from the 30th of August for Windows, Playstation 5 and the Xbox Series.

The story takes place between »The Empire Strikes Back« and »Return of the Jedi«. It focuses on the rogue Kay Vess, who fights with her little friend Nix for freedom and a place in the galaxy. The game will make you use your wits and assert yourself as an outlaw on well-known as well as new planets. You can find out what's coming for you in the trailer:
https://youtu.be/DUyk6D5rgcE

This July, the third part of Ti West's X-trilogy named »MaXXXine« will be released in theaters. 

In the first film »X«, Mia Goth played the aged killer Pearl as well as the young pornstar Maxine, whose movie crew gets slaughtered by Pearl and her husband.

»Pearl« gave us the opportunity to see the titular character turn from a simple country girl into a psychotic killer. 

In part three we will see what happens to Maxine after she comes out of the massacre as the sole survivor in the late 70s.

Mia Goth once again portrays Maxine, who moves to Los Angeles to leave her traumatic past behind her. Here she aims to fulfill her big dream: become a big star in Hollywood! Life seems to get better for Maxine until one of the most infamous serial killers of all times hits the streets of Los Angeles: the Night Stalker ...

According to the trailer »MaXXXine« will be the perfect movie for lovers of the 80s: VHS aesthetics, synths and neon lights are an unmistakable homage to one of the culturally most impactful eras of the recent past. As both precursors surprised their audiences and Mia Goth has proven her acting chops in »Pearl« especially, we are really looking forward to »MaXXXine«. It might be the horror highlight we need this summer! 

Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/y0uS3t6nFgY

We were actually expecting a trailer around the Super Bowl, but unfortunately we came away empty-handed. But now the wait is finally over and we have been granted a first preview of »Joker: Folie à Deux«:
https://youtu.be/xy8aJw1vYHo

This sequel to Todd Phillips' 2019 hit »Joker« is largely set in Arkham Asylum, where Batman's antagonist meets psychiatrist Harleen Quinzel aka Harley Quinn. Of course, Joaquin Phoenix returns in the title role, while Harley is played by Lady Gaga, who we're particularly excited about.

The first impression we got from the trailer regarding look (camera, colors, settings etc.) and also regarding the "new" Harley thrills us across the board! The last shot alone is a blast - and that Joaquin Phoenix will again be totally into his role was a no-brainer. Amazing!

The probably vast musical sequences in the movie are only indicated in the trailer, but with this look and these two stunning leading actors, we are pretty sure that it'll be a perfect match! And hey: Why so serious?

We are definitely looking forward to the madness that can be expected in theaters in early October.

With our new postcard in April we would like to celebrate spring and Easter - what else 🐰?

The motif comes directly from New York, or rather Gnu York: Gabriel has staged Captain Carrot and White Rabbit for this amazing, colorful card 😍. Of course, there's no shortage of easter eggs and cosmic carrots 🥚🥕. We're not the only ones who love it, because the two bunnies themselves have even used it as home decor.

No matter whether you want to hang this wonderful postcard on your wall or send it to your loved ones - you will get a free copy in every S.P.A.C.E package you receive in April.

50 years ago yesterday, »Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter« was released in English cinemas with a slight delay. The last big film from the once legendary Hammer company had a huge problem and that was Hammer itself. Or rather, studio boss Michael Carreras because he couldn't stand the film and so the flick was released later than planned and without much advertising. It was originally intended to be the start of a whole film series but the careless presentation and the poor box office result lead to the vampire hunter's early end.

If you look at the film today, you will be amazed to see how far ahead of its time it was. With his directorial debut for a cinematic release, the creator of »The Avengers«, Brian Clemens, actually broke new ground in the vampire genre, which was already a bit dusty at that point. He gave the vampire lore an exciting turn by having them suck out their victims' youth and focusing not on an evil vampire but an agile young hero, Captain Kronos, at the center of his story. Horror meets action, adventure and a vampire hunter with two swords, one of which is a katana. In addition to borrowing from swashbuckler films, Clemens was also influenced by Spaghetti Western. Just look at the tavern scene in which Kronos, in perfect Clint Eastwood style, handles three villains. The film also broke with the Hammer concept at the time of showing breasts instead of horror.

The German leading actor Horst Janson may lack a bit of charisma, but he does a good job and comes across as likeable. In a later interview, Janson once said that he actually only got the role because he could ride and fence - skills not every actor had back then. Janson is supported by character actor John Cater as the hunchbacked vampire expert Hieronymous Grost and the enchanting Caroline Munro in perhaps her best role.

If you haven't seen the film, the trailer gives you a foretaste:
https://youtu.be/8PbRzrGTt2E

If you've tasted blood, we recommend the media book with Blu-ray and lots of bonus material from Anolis.

By the way, the two Italian manufacturers Kaustic Plastik and Infinite Statue & Collectibles are dedicating themselves to the glorious Hammer days with the veterans Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as Abraham Van Helsing and Count Dracula:
https://www.space-figuren.de/products_all.php?filter_id%5B0%5D=120&filter_id%5B1%5D=166&filter%5B2%5D%5B0%5D=97

Tomorrow, one of the huge fantasy classics of the 80s will turn 40: »The NeverEnding Story«!

On April 6th 1984, »The NeverEnding Story« was released in cinemas in Western Germany. The film was especially formative for kids of the 80s. Even though the production was met with lots of obstacles, director Wolfgang Petersen thankfully pulled through and realized his vision thanks to a reported budget of 60 million Deutsch Marks, which was pretty remarkable for the time. The project was supported by established names such as producer Bernd Eichinger, Herman Weigel as co-author for the script, Klaus Doldinger and/or Giorgio Moroder with the wonderful soundtrack, the powerful Alan Oppenheimer in 4 voice roles, a great cast of actors, highly talented set designers and effect specialists and even the legendary Steven Spielberg for the editing of the American version. That's the story - the NeverEnding Story!

Who doesn't remember the first few notes of the main theme and who wouldn't want to fly through Fantasia on the Luck Dragon Falkor? To wear the iconic Auryn around ones neck like the brave Atreyu or to encounter the beautiful and fascinating Childlike Empress ... These are just a few of the many fantastical details of this milestone of (German) cinema. »The NeverEnding Story« remains unforgotten and present in today's popculture as we saw in season 3 of »Stranger Things«, which prominently featured the theme song by Limahl.

This weekend is a perfect occasion to dig up the dusty VHS or maybe even the remastered high-def Blu-ray version to pay another visit to Fantasia. But be warned: hold on in case Morla is still sniffly - and don't underestimate how scary the film can get (Gmork etc.)!

Additionally, the documentary »Life After Neverending Story« is released just in time for the anniversary and will hopefully be available on a streaming platform - for fans who would like to dive a little deeper into the world created by author Michael Ende.

As lovers of this movie we wonder why there have never been collectibles for »The NeverEnding Story«?! We would be super excited - how about you?

By the way, apparently there will be a remake of the film. But does the world really need that? The world might need a wonder - but no remake of »The NeverEnding Story«!

To buckle up for May the Fourth, the trailer for the upcoming Star Wars mini-series »Tales of the Empire« dropped yesterday. And how else could it be that the show will launch on May 4th on Disney+!

The six animated shorts will bring us some backstories of important key characters of the Empire. The series is the counterpart of the popular »Tales of the Jedi« from 2022. We think that the trailer is extremely atmospheric and pulls the triggers - you have to check it out:
https://youtu.be/8SIST9t72kY

We assume that at least one of the episodes will focus on Morgan Elsbeth and her way to the Empire. Very exciting, especially now after we met Morgan in "live-action" in »Mando« season 2 and lately in »Ahsoka«. We are really looking forward to »Tales of the Empire« and of course to May 4th. So: Long live the Empire!

Today's cinema releases offer us a potpourri of very different genre productions. There might be something for you in the mix.

The revenge thriller »Monkey Man«, directed by and starring Dev Patel, promises us fast-paced and bloody action. Here is the trailer for the film, which was influenced not just by Bruce-Lee-movies and Korean cinema, but also by »John Wick« and »The Raid«, among others:
https://youtu.be/aqa3YTtwvaU

Horror with nuns is always a good choice, right? In »Immaculate«, the very busy Sydney Sweeney plays a novice in an Italian monastery that hides a dark secret. The film features jump scares and a dark atmosphere. The priest is played by Álvaro Morte, the professor from »Money Heist«. Take a look:
https://youtu.be/ewxS9Z-XXYo

If you're looking for a deep story, you've definitely come to the wrong place. But if you enjoy slightly trashy monster action with a high level of effects, then »Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire« is definitely the right choice for you. Would you like a little foretaste?
https://youtu.be/lV1OOlGwExM

So, what film are you going to see this weekend?