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In 1979, director Ridley Scott landed a massive hit with »Alien«, creating one of the most influential sci-fi horror films of all time and laying the foundation for one of the genre's biggest franchises, which is now getting a new addition, as the hotly anticipated series »Alien: Earth« launches today on Disney+!

The prequel series is set in the year 2120, two years before the events of the original 1979 film. Earth is ruled by powerful megacorporations – most notably Prodigy, which is experimenting at the cutting edge of science to achieve immortality by transferring human consciousness into synthetic bodies. One of the first success stories of this research is Wendy, a child whose mind was transferred into an artificial, adult body.
After a 65 year expedition, a spaceship called Maginot, sponsored by the rival company Weyland-Yutani, crashes on Earth. Wendy and a team of soldiers set out to investigate the situation – and come into direct contact with an existential threat. Similar to the first films, the series combines classic alien horror with depth, addressing questions of artificial intelligence, consciousness, human identity, and the power of corporations.
The trailer gives a first glimpse of the oppressive atmosphere:
https://youtu.be/ZbsiKjVAV28

The first two episodes of »Alien: Earth« are available today on Disney+. A new one follows every Wednesday until the season culminates with episode 8 on September 24. If you need to catch up, you can also watch all the films in the »Alien« franchise on the streaming service.

Once again, an indie developer is celebrating the release of a promising action-adventure game today, called »Echoes of the End«. Despite its small team, Myrkur Games offers you a picturesque fantasy world and cinematic scenes with graphically appealing characters using Unreal Engine 5. In fact, the structure and gameplay are reminiscent of titles like »God of War« or »Uncharted«. The developers focus on varied levels instead of an open world and present you Ryn as a strong protagonist who knows how to use her combat skills well.

In »Echoes of the End« the world of Aema is on the brink of war. During those uncertain times, Ryn sets out to rescue her brother from the machinations of a ruthless empire. In this adventure, she meets Abram Finlay, a wise explorer. Together, they embark on a journey that will determine the fate of all. More on that in the trailer:
https://youtu.be/nZLL2ZXAvFs

What do you think of this indie game title?

Like every Monday, we've been checking out the new trailers that have popped up the last few days. While nothing really made us jump for joy, these two films definitely seem to have great potential.

The poster for »Eenie Meanie« screams GRINDHOUSE. Whether the film can live up to its promise remains to be seen, although the R rating makes us optimistic. And we simply love watching Samara Weaving again and again. The production will be available on Hulu and Disney+ starting August 22nd. Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/qH6SqkWS9WA

In »Cold Storage« a mutated, highly contagious fungus escapes from a sealed facility. Two young employees, played by Georgina Campbell (»Barbarian«), and Joe Keery (Steve Harrington from »Stranger Things«), together with an experienced bioterror operative, portrayed by Liam Neeson (currently in »The Naked Gun«), must survive the wildest night shift of all time to save humanity from extinction.
Sounds pretty fun, even if the threat of a toxic fungus inevitably reminds us of »The Last of Us«. The trailer already shows some pretty gut-splattering shots and seems to have well earned its R rating. Here's a taster:
https://youtu.be/cSeXZTKeHOI
The film is expected to hit theatres sometime in 2026.

This Sunday marks exactly 75 years since »Sunset Boulevard« premiered in New York. We took the date as an opportunity to put the film back in our player and praise this masterpiece.

The very first scene, in which failed screenwriter Joe Gillis' (William Holden) lifeless body floats in a swimming pool, sets the tone for the film. We hear the voice of the off-screen narrator: "Nobody important really, just a movie writer with a couple of B pictures to his credit. The poor dope. He always wanted a pool." Little by little we realize that the dead man himself is the narrator.

By chance, Gillis, fleeing his creditors, wandered into the estate of silent film diva Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). Long forgotten by the world, the former star lives with her butler, Max von Mayerling (Erich von Stroheim), in the dilapidated but still magnificent villa. Norma has never stopped dreaming of a comeback and persuades Gillis to help her rework a screenplay. As their collaboration progresses, she proves increasingly possessive, leading him to eventually try to break away from her – an attempt for which he pays with his life.

»Sunset Boulevard« is Billy Wilder's grandiose reckoning with the merciless Hollywood system. Featuring Erich von Stroheim, the once celebrated eccentric director, silent film diva Gloria Swanson, and Cecil B. DeMille, who plays himself, as well as cameos by former silent film stars such as Buster Keaton, H. B. Warner, Anna Q. Nilsson, and gossip journalist Hedda Hopper, the film conveys a sense of authenticity and ambiguity.

If you haven't watched this classic yet, you definitely should. We are always amazed by the polished dialogue and one of the best film endings ever. Please only click the link if you have already seen the film:
https://youtu.be/SHT6cMzByjs

For today's International Cat Day, we're celebrating our beloved furry friends with a very special treat: Until Sunday, you can get 10 select 1/6 scale cat figures from JXK Studio for half price! 😺

Whether you need a fluffy sidekick for your figures or a charming addition to your 1/6 scale scene – grab your favorite feline at 50% off!
space-figuren.de/sale

»Weapons« is hitting cinemas. Last night, our Mick attended a preview screening of the film to share his thoughts on Zach Cregger's (»Barbarian«) latest work.

One night, the unthinkable happens in the small town of Maybrook. At exactly 2:17 a.m., 17 children disappear from their homes. Security cameras document them running out into the darkness. From then on, they are never seen again. The next morning, elementary school teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) finds a nearly empty classroom. Only little Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher) is sitting at his desk. At the school assembly, the teacher is verbally attacked by the distraught parents. The angry father, Archer Graff (Josh Brolin), stands out in particular, accusing Justine severely. How is it possible that only the children in her class have disappeared? Surely she knows something. She may even be responsible for the students' disappearance ...

That's essentially what the film's first trailer revealed:
https://youtu.be/OpThntO9ixc
That was enough to entice us, because we naturally wanted to know immediately what lay behind this mystery. And that's all you need to know before your visit to the cinema.

I'm a huge fan of the horror genre and have seen around 1,000 horror films so far, unfortunately often with unsatisfying results. All too often, horror films tread the same, well-trodden paths, rehearse genre conventions, are unoriginal, predictable, and thus, unfortunately, rather boring.

»Weapons« is refreshingly different. At no point did I know where the story would go or what twists the next point of view change would bring. It's all masterfully constructed; I mostly didn't even see the well-placed jump scares coming. There are outbursts of explosive violence and some wonderfully absurd scenes that provide liberating comic relief. And the cast couldn't be any better.

After the film, I wanted to watch it again immediately to appreciate the subtle details in the masterful interweaving of the different narrative perspectives, and I'm sure a second and third viewing of the film will be immensely satisfying. »Weapons« is already one of the best horror films of the year for me. A must-see!

It's Wednesday – and what better way to celebrate this deliciously gloomy day than with the return of our favorite Addams offspring? After nearly three years of waiting, the iron gates of the Nevermore Academy are finally swinging open once again: Netflix is releasing the first half of the highly anticipated second season of »Wednesday« today.

Created by writing duo Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (»Spider-Man 2«, »Smallville«), and produced under the creative direction of master of the macabre Tim Burton (»Batman«, »Beetlejuice«) – who once again directed four of the eight new episodes – the series whisks us back into a world of gothic chills, high school dramedy, and supernatural Sherlock-Holmes-style sleuthing. Jenna Ortega (»Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice«) returns not only in her breakout role as the titular teenage medium Wednesday Addams, but also steps behind the camera this season as a producer.

Season 2 brings a breath of fresh (and slightly eerie) air for fans: Wednesday is joined by her younger brother Pugsley, who now also walks the hallowed (and haunted) halls of Nevermore Academy. But that's not all – the rest of the famously infamous Addams family will be stepping further into the spotlight, adding even more morbid charm and familial chaos to the mix. Looks like it won't just be lonely cello solos this time around.

Music will once again play a major role: Chris Bacon’s score – inspired by Danny Elfman’s theme – masterfully drifts between haunting music box melodies and dramatic organ-driven pathos. Bombastic classical compositions, performed by Wednesday on her cello, underscore her frustration whenever she hits a dead end in a case. And familiar songs from the past 60 years are given a modern, eerily glamorous Addams-Family makeover. Which brings us to the final question: will there be another pop culture moment that breaks the internet – just like Jenna Ortega’s iconic dance in Season 1? TikTok is waiting, fingers poised.

The first trailer for »Shelby Oaks«, the feature film directorial debut of YouTube film critic Chris Stuckmann, dropped! Check it out here:
https://youtu.be/uIptaJR3v08

When we think of film critics who switched sides, prominent names like Peter Bogdanovich and Paul Schrader immediately come to mind, and of course, we think of the authors of the Cahiers du cinéma, such as François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, who significantly influenced cinema with the Nouvelle Vague.

Oh, wait a minute. Time out! Let's press the pause button here for now. Of course, film reviews on YouTube can hardly be compared to the film analyses of Cahiers du cinéma. Only rarely are they in-depth analyses. In the YouTube film bubble, we primarily encounter opinion videos – some more, some less competent and well-founded. Many, and Chris Stuckmann is undoubtedly one of them, are driven by their love of cinema. They are approachable, and we don't experience them as aloof, but rather as guys and girls next door who share our passion for films, and who are open to communicating with their followers.

Leaving aside the topic of film criticism and thinking of YouTubers who make films, we are reminded of, on the one hand, horrifying examples – films like the unspeakable German »Kartoffelsalat – Nicht fragen!« (IMDb rating: 1.3). But on the other hand, there are also great talents like the Australian Philippou twins, who, after their highly acclaimed debut »Talk to Me« are proving with their second film »Bring Her Back«, which came out this summer, that they are a force to be reckoned with in the future and much more than just a one-trick pony.

Chris Stuckmann has been working on his passion project, »Shelby Oaks«, since the mid-2010s. The audience at the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival received the crowdfunded film very positively, and we admit that we're quite biased – as a film and horror fan, Chris is one of us.

We're very pleased that Mike Flanagan (»The Life of Chuck«) is listed as executive producer and that NEON has been found to distribute it. The film will be released in the US on October 3rd. Where, when, and how it will be released internationally has not yet been announced. Of course, we hope to see »Shelby Oaks« here as well and get stuckmanized!

No worries, dear action-figure connoisseurs: Of course, we haven't forgotten about NECA in our SDCC 2025 special of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫! In this episode, Sven and Mick discuss in detail all the new releases from the manufacturer's booth at this year's San Diego Comic Con. And as always, NECA has managed like no other to transport us back to our childhoods with wonderful new figures of the Turtles, Garfield, and the inhabitants of Sesame Street 🥰. Horror fans will also get their money's worth, with spooky new collectibles from »Terrifier«, »Scream«, the Universal Monsters, and many other horror franchises 😱. And last but not least they had a special highlight from the new »Predator« film in store ... Check out NADFU episode 33 – now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/zBuDaUGyAUE

A few days ago, Warner Bros. dropped a trailer for »The Conjuring: Last Rites«:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMgfsdYoEEo

When »The Conjuring« was released in 2013, both fans and critics were equally thrilled. The film, centered around the paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga), impressed with its outstanding sound design and gripping cinematography. As a viewer, it was nearly impossible to escape the steadily rising tension. The film became a huge success and spawned not only sequels but also a number of spin-offs.

While the spin-offs (»Annabelle«, »The Nun«) from the Conjuring universe have always been met with mixed reviews, the main series maintained a consistently higher standard. Still, even here, a downward trend became noticeable – especially with the third installment, which drew considerable criticism from reviewers.

Now, the fourth Conjuring film is just around the corner. It's expected to mark the end of this influential franchise. Naturally, we're hoping for a glorious finale and a horror experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The film focuses on the case of the Smurl family, who live in Pennsylvania and have long been plagued by shocking, supernatural phenomena. The events grow increasingly threatening – and at some point it becomes clear: Ed and Lorraine Warren must step in. During their investigation, they discover they're facing a demonic presence they've encountered before.

»The Conjuring: Last Rites« will hit cinemas this September. The film is once again directed by Michael Chaves, who was also responsible for the third installment.

Due to minor server issues, some of our confirmation emails and responses are bouncing off the virtual walls of our fortress. We apologize if you haven't received an email from us today or in the past few days – we're working on resolving the issue, and you should receive a response later this week.

Weta, of course, couldn't be left out of our Comic Con highlights reviews. That's why Sven and Tobi dedicate the fifth installment of our SDCC 2025 special of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫 to the New Zealand manufacturer and present to you the biggest eye-catchers from the Weta booth – most notably the impressive 1:6 scale Fellowship Masters Collection statue and their amazing Lara Croft renditions 😍. The two also take you on a quick visit to the Elite Creature Collectibles booth, where you'll find some seriously awesome dinosaur collectibles and great pieces for fans of »Jaws« and »Hellboy« 🦖. Be sure to check out NADFU Episode 32 – now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/yoFXukuj2rI

Our SDCC 2025 special of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫 continues! In this episode, Sven and Eva explore the booths of two manufacturers. Some real surprises await you from Iron Studios, including Galactus, the Gremlins, Optimus Prime, and the Jungle Hunter Predator. On top of that, there are some truly huge eye-catchers from the Premium Collectibles Studio booth. Particularly outstanding are the life-size Darth Vader Fine Art Bust with a fantastic light-up feature, as well as the enchanting half-scale statue of Vampirella 😍. We're showing you all the must-see collectibles in NADFU issue 31 – now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/vCDxhdtC1dE

Mythological traditions describe the succubus as a female demon who visits exhausted men in the dead of night to seduce them. While early sources and inquisitorial writings portrayed this being as purely harmful, perspectives have shifted over time. In particular, modern Japanese media tend to favor more ambivalent or even sympathetic interpretations. For instance, the succubus Lilith from the »Darkstalkers« game series appears cute and almost innocent. Albedo from the anime »Overlord« not only has a destructive and seductive side but also possesses diplomatic skills.

At first glance, it's clear that the Succubus Premium Format Figure by Sideshow aims to stay true to the spirit of traditional succubus portrayals. The demoness, with her half-closed eyes, appears consumed by lust and a hunger for blood. Her leathery wings, torn and ending in claw-like tips, further hint at her malevolent nature. And finally, the snake coiling around her legs makes it clear even to the last doubter: this succubus is in league with the Devil!

A definite highlight is the statue's dramatic pose in combination with its base. The succubus is depicted rising from a fountain that emerges from a blood well, which supports her and creates a floating effect. As she lifts a bleeding skull high into the air, the statue reaches an impressive total height of 77 cm.

If you have a taste for dark fantasy or the more sinister side of mythological tradition, this creation – dedicated to the forces of wickedness – is definitely a piece you'll want to take a closer look at. We couldn't escape its dark allure ourselves and have therefore named the Collector Edition of the Succubus Premium Format Figure by Sideshow our 💥 Product of the Month 💥 for August 2025. This highly detailed statue is part of the Sideshow Originals series – a line in which the manufacturer releases entirely original creations. With an edition size of just 1,300, this piece of art impresses with its fusion of creative design and infernal eroticism.

If you're already feeling the first signs of obsession and can't get enough of Sideshow's dark enchantments, rest assured: the Sideshow Originals line will continue to embrace the shadows. With the upcoming releases of Witch of the Woods and Vampire's Lust, two more Premium Format Figures are on the way that promise to celebrate both horror and sensuality.

Three and a half decades after the original, »The Naked Gun« returns with a reboot for a new generation, which is hitting cinemas right now. Directed by Akiva Schaffer (»Hot Rod«, »Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping«), the lead role is played by none other than Liam Neeson, who follows in the footsteps of Leslie Nielsen – or rather, stumbles over them. Neeson is supported by a top-notch ensemble, including Pamela Anderson, who has some surprises in store as the mysterious femme fatale Beth.

The new film stays true to the style of the original trilogy, and fans of the old movies can look forward to plenty of nods and references. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the bumbling police legend, is just as hopelessly overwhelmed as his father, and has a remarkable talent for always making the wrong decisions. He finds himself entangled in sinister plots, wild car chases, and his own clumsiness.

The first reviews are already making us feel optimistic. The film is reportedly not just an homage to the 1988 movie, but also just a whacky and entertaining action comedy. Liam Neeson is praised for his dry comedic timing and self-irony, which surprisingly mesh well with the series' absurd tone. Pamela Anderson's performance is described as charismatic, sharp, and far more than just a supporting role. Whether the film will win over a new audience or primarily appeal to longtime fans remains to be seen in the coming weeks. One thing is certain, though: humor is alive – and Frank Drebin is back on duty!

San Diego Comic Con 2025 is done, and besides the many, many new collectibles delivered by the world's biggest fan event – which we'll gradually present to you in the coming days and weeks – we were also bombarded with the latest trailers and previews for series and theatrical films.
Of course, the biggest hit was »Avatar: Fire and Ash«. We already took a closer look at the latest James Cameron box office smash two days ago – but that was far from everything. Mostly without commentary, we now want to draw your attention to our favorites:


From the superhero universes, SDCC brought us trailers for two very exciting animated series projects:
»Eyes of Wakanda«, a series by »Black Panther« director Ryan Coogler, premieres on August 1 on Disney+. Watch the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/ODHh6oe4MlE

Really quite unusual is »Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires«, a project by Mexican comic book artists and animators in collaboration with DC. It launches in the US on September 19 on HBO/MAX. Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/gxaICzDFu2M


Live-action superhero content is also heating up:
»Peacemaker« on HBO Max starting August 21 and »GEN V« – a »The Boys« spinoff – on Prime Video starting September 17 are both launching their second seasons. These brutal, edgy, and absurdly funny series are back. 
Watch the trailers here: 
»Peacemaker«: https://youtu.be/f6AZTfI54OU 
»GEN V«: https://youtu.be/6WxofgjVpXg


From the horror and thriller genre, we've scouted trailers for two series and two films:
The series »IT: Welcome to Derry« will hit HBO Max screens starting in October:
https://youtu.be/HtorEDAgjPM

There was also a first glimpse at season three of »Interview with the Vampire« at SDCC. The bloodsucker Lestat will rock the living rooms of AMC+ users from early 2026:
https://youtu.be/wKueZ_5dOnM

Hitting cinemas on September 12 is »The Long Walk«, a Stephen King adaptation featuring, among others, Mark Hamill. The trailer is truly atmospheric:
https://youtu.be/Toj3Zxun7aQ

Also coming in early 2026 is »Whistle«, a supernatural psychological horror flick starring Dafne Keen. Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/eIkIp4L865M


It had been announced for a long time, and now at least a US release date is set: on September 12, the mockumentary »This is Spinal Tap« finally gets a sequel after 41 years with »Spinal Tap II: The End Continues«:
https://youtu.be/1ryx-eRSwSs

»Zootopia« also gets a second part, and the trailer for the new Disney hit focuses entirely on the (professional) relationship between fox Wilde and bunny Hopps. The cinema release is set for November 26:
https://youtu.be/BjkIOU5PhyQ


Last but not least, let's look at the latest sci-fi and fantasy trailers. The series »Star Trek: Starfleet Academy« is set in the distant future timeline from »Star Trek: Discovery« and premieres in early 2026 on Paramount+:
https://youtu.be/VkBU8lvXm7M

Also, season two of »Percy Jackson: The Series« launches on Disney+ starting December 10:
https://youtu.be/82xS4goDWZY

And because we just can't resist – once again, here's the trailer for »Avatar: Fire and Ash«. Cinema release is December 19:
https://youtu.be/nb_fFj_0rq8


Which of these upcoming releases are you most excited about?

Factory Entertainment surprised everyone at this year's San Diego Comic Con by getting into the sixth-scale game and unveiling the first figures for »The Mummy«, »Jaws« and »Battlestar Galactica« at their booth! In the third edition of the SDCC 2025 special from 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫, Sven and Mick take a closer look at these new releases 🧐. But of course, we'll also explore other great collectibles, such as their spaceship models from »Star Trek« and their helmet replicas. Speaking of which: The manufacturer Hollywood Collectibles Group also had some great helmets and other replicas on show, including pieces from »RoboCop« and »Predator«. Discover the highlights from both exhibitors in our video – now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Prf5nIVM6jU

Episode 2 of our SDCC 2025 special of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫 is all about Infinite Statue and Collectibles and Kaustic Plastik. And our friends from Italy really made the other manufacturers at Comic Con pale in comparison 🤯! With impressive new releases like the Teen Wolf statue or Frankenstein's Monster from Infinite Statue, or the first figures from Kaustic Plastik's brand-new Maestro Line – Conan, Eric Draven, and Jareth the Goblin King – they definitely impressed us! Sven and Mick show you all the highlights from a booth tour by Fabio Varesi – now on YouTube 😍:
https://youtu.be/d6U1euk_k-w

The wait is over – the trailer for »Avatar: Fire and Ash« is here! It was originally supposed to premiere in theaters in front of the new film »Fantastic Four: First Steps«, but was leaked online a few days earlier. Now we can finally see it officially, without the need for a movie ticket:
https://youtu.be/nb_fFj_0rq8

The epically staged trailer gives us a first look at the two new Na'vi tribes that the film will introduce us to. While in Part 2 we dove into the underwater world of the Metkayina, here we not only get to know the Wind Traders, but also, and most importantly, the eponymous Ash people, whose leader Varang (Oona Chaplin) has allied herself with Quaritch. And so our protagonists, Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), are heading into a major war ...

We can probably expect what we'd expect from an »Avatar« film from the third installment of James Cameron's sci-fi epic: impressive visuals, action-packed conflicts, and powerful emotions. The trailer is currently experiencing huge hype and is stoking our anticipation for the film's release in theaters this December. Do you feel the same way?

So many film announcements and trailers are dropping right now that we can barely keep up with our news updates. Still, we wouldn't want to keep these from you – especially when we're talking about heavy hitters like the second »Five Nights at Freddy's« installment or the new Paul Thomas Anderson action thriller »One Battle After Another«.

The second chapter of the hugely successful Blumhouse horror video game adaptation »Five Nights at Freddy's« is set to hit cinemas in early December.
The newly released trailer shows Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Abby Schmidt (Piper Rubio) trying to return to their normal lives after the events of the first film.
Abby, in particular, is struggling – she misses her mechatronic friends around Freddy Fazbear. Meanwhile, a group of teenagers (including »Ghostbusters: Afterlife« star Mckenna Grace) bring the animatronic puppets back to life, and the murderous haunting begins all over again – this time, even outside the infamous pizzeria. Watch the creepy trailer for »Five Nights at Freddy's 2« here:
https://youtu.be/dSDpoobO6yM

The first trailer for »One Battle After Another«, released a few months ago, already caught our full attention – it looked like a raw, timely and emotionally charged action thriller, featuring an unpredictable and larger-than-life Leonardo DiCaprio.
The story of the rebel group “French 75” is beginning to take shape with this second trailer – and it's seriously ramping up our excitement for September, when the film is scheduled to hit cinemas.
With moments of dark comedy and brutal violence, this trailer feels like a wild blend of »Narcos«, »Rambo« and »Che« (which probably has a lot to do with Benicio del Toro's presence).
We've already marked the date in our calendars – and here's the trailer for you to get hyped as well:
https://youtu.be/kQUPdVxZNPk