Gene Dynarski, a character actor known for his roles on Star Trek, Seinfeld and in Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind, has died. He was 86. Dynarski died Feb. 27 in a rehabilitation center in Studio City, Calif.

Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Dynarski memorably appeared on the Seinfeld episode "The English Patient" as Izzy Mandelbaum Jr., the son of the ultra-competitive elderly man played by Lloyd Bridges. The pair reprised their roles in another episode, "The Blood," on the next season. Dynarski appeared on numerous other TV shows, including Star Trek — on which he played two different characters — and Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 1960s Batman series (paying Benedict, a henchman of Vincent Price's Egghead), The X-Files, and The A-Team. He made his screen debut in 1965, on the medical drama Ben Casey.

Dynarski also had a handful of film roles, appearing in Spielberg's feature directorial debut, Duel, as a man the protagonist confronts in a café, as well as Close Encounters. His other credits include Earthquake and All the President's Men.

He is survived by two daughters.

DF News extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Dynarski's family, friends and family.

Christopher Nolan, acclaimed director of films like Inception, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer, has been elected president of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), ushering in a new phase of leadership for the influential organization. Known for his dedication to creative control, practical effects, and film preservation, Nolan is expected to champion directors’ rights and artistic integrity in an evolving industry. Nolan’s priorities include protecting creative autonomy, supporting innovation in storytelling, and ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for DGA members. He is also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion and preserving the theatrical experience in the face of growing streaming platforms.“To be elected President of the Directors Guild of America is one of the greatest honors of my career,” Nolan said. “Our industry is experiencing tremendous change, and I thank the Guild’s membership for entrusting me with this responsibility. I also want to thank President Glatter for her leadership over the past four years. I look forward to collaborating with her and the newly elected Board to achieve important creative and economic protections for our members.”  The filmmaking community has largely welcomed Nolan’s election, hopeful that his experience and passion will help the DGA navigate industry changes and support both established and emerging directors. 

James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has signaled that more characters from Charlton Comics may soon make their way into the DC Universe (DCU). Gunn, known for spotlighting lesser-known comic book characters, recently responded to a fan question on social media asking about the inclusion of more of the original Charlton Comic characters to which he replied, “you may be in luck.” Charlton Comics introduced characters like Blue Beetle, The Question, Captain Atom, Nightshade, Judomaster and Peacemaker—many of whom were later acquired by DC. Their unique qualities and stories offer new directions for the DCU. Gunn’s approach embraces these unconventional heroes, as seen in the success of the Peacemaker series. He has suggested that some big cameos are still ahead in the new season, which could lead to the characters he was hinting at. This could include an appearance by Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle. There has been talks about an animated series for the character after the moderate success of the live action film in 2023 and this would be a good way to bring the character fully into the new DCU. The final three episodes of Peacemaker season two were not released to reviewers meaning that just about anything could happen at this point. 

The latest "The Boys" Humble Bundle offers fans a unique chance to explore Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s dark, satirical comic universe while supporting charitable causes. "The Boys" comic, which began in 2006, is known for its unfiltered take on superheroes and has gained global popularity, especially with the success of its TV adaptation. Humble Bundle’s model lets buyers pay what they want for digital comics, with options to direct contributions toward creators, publishers, and charities. Each bundle is available for a limited time, adding excitement and urgency. In this current bundle, fans can unlock the complete original run of "The Boys" (all 72 issues), several spin-offs like "Herogasm" and "Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker," plus exclusive digital extras. The more you give, the more content you unlock, making it valuable for both newcomers and longtime fans. A portion of every purchase supports nonprofit organizations. Buyers can choose how their payment is divided, turning comic collecting into an act of giving. Whether you’re new to "The Boys" or a devoted follower, this bundle offers an accessible way to enjoy the story while making a positive impact. The offer is available for a limited time, so act quickly to take advantage of this charitable and entertaining opportunity.  

James Gunn was asked point blank about the possibility of 1923 actor Brandon Sklenar being cast as Batman in the growing DCU. Gunn was being interviewed by The Ringer-Verse and was asked about his mention of 1923 and if that was a hint for the upcoming Bruce Wayne. “Okay, I see what you’re doing. 1923, it’s a really good TV show, like I can’t believe how good that show was. Do I have ideas about actors who could play Batman? Absolutely, I do. I have guys I like. I have guys that are top of the list for me, just like I had people that were at the top of the list for Superman. People can guess and maybe they’ll be right about certain things. We’d have to screen test, we’d have to do the whole thing.” He later added, “One actor is particular, a pretty big star, wants to be Batman. We’ve talked about it, but I don’t think that’s the case.” You may be wondering how important this all is right now with the studio focused on Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part 2 and Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow, but the studio co-head confirmed that the Brave and the Bold script, the planed title of the DCU Batman film, is not done, they do have someone writing a script and what they’ve seen so far is “really good”. Gunn has stated in the past that the new Batman would debut in his own film and that no casting would take place on any project until the script is complete, so don’t expect an announcement any time soon. 

Netflix has just unveiled the trailer for Season 4 of The Witcher and set to premiere date to be October 30, 2025. The most significant change this season is the introduction of Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia, taking over the role from Henry Cavill. The trailer gives us our first glimpse of Hemsworth in action, showcasing his portrayal of the iconic monster hunter. In the teaser, Geralt is seen battling a wraith, a classic monster from the Witcher universe, using his usual mix of swordplay and magic. The storyline for Season 4 picks up after the events of Season 3, with Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri separated by a raging war and countless enemies. As their paths diverge, they encounter unexpected allies and face new challenges that test their limits. The official synopsis hints at divided paths and the discovery of new allies, setting the stage for an epic journey. In addition to Hemsworth, the cast includes returning favorites such as Anya Chalotra as Yennefer, Freya Allan as Ciri, and Joey Batey as Jaskier. New cast members include Laurence Fishburne as Regis, a mysterious and world-wise barber-surgeon who joins Geralt on his journey. The fourth season will consist of eight episodes, all dropping on October 30. This season is also notable for being the penultimate chapter of the series, with the fifth and final season already in production. 

Conventions can be great places to get quotes on the latest movies and shows in production. Zanda Gubecka of FeatureFirst.Net used their time at the OZ Comic Con in Brisbane this year to chat up actor Con O’Neill about all things DC. While Con is a distinguished actor with a long list of credits, the two roles he may be best known for right now are Chief Mackenzie Bock in the Batman Epic Crime Saga and as Izzy Hands on Our Flag Means Death. He first spoke about David Jenkins, the creator of OFMD and who is attached as the showrunner for the upcoming Booster Gold series, praising the writer as a kind man and a creative who the world so desperately needs. O’Neill said Jenkins is the type of guy that likes writing and developing nuanced stories that understand the human experience by promoting positivity. Similar to how the actor saw the newest Superman movie, praising it for its portrayal of the titular character and the promotion of kindness. He also had a message to those who call out that portrayal as wrong, saying “There are people who think Superman shouldn’t be kind like that. F*** those people.” Then moving over to his role in The Batman and The Penguin and where he’d like to see Bock go, O’Neill joked, “I love Bock. Matt Reeves and Matt Reeves’ mind is unquestionably one of the most extraordinary places I’ve been invited into. So wherever I thought or think Bock should be, it isn’t going to be what Bock will be. So I’d just go by the genius of Matt Reeves. I mean… the man is a fucking genius. If you haven’t seen Matt Reeves’ other films… Watch them! They’re fucking awesome.” 

Eric Kripke, the creator and showrunner of the hit series "The Boys," recently shared an exciting update about the highly anticipated spin-off, "The Boys: Mexico." In a recent interview, Kripke revealed that the pilot for "The Boys: Mexico" is currently in development and described the project as "super fun" with a "totally different tone" compared to the original series. Kripke emphasized that while the new spin-off will exist within the same universe as "The Boys," it will offer a unique perspective and style. He praised the involvement of executive producers Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, noting that they are deeply engaged with the project. The script for the pilot, penned by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, is reportedly "good," and Kripke expressed confidence in its potential. "The Boys: Mexico" was first announced in 2023, and the series is expected to film in Mexico, though specific plot details remain under wraps. Bernal and Luna, who are longtime friends and collaborators, may also appear in the series, albeit in smaller roles. This new spin-off is part of a broader expansion of "The Boys" universe, which includes other projects like "Gen V," "Vought Rising," and the animated series "The Boys Presents: Diabolical”. With "The Boys" preparing to wrap up its fifth and final season in 2026, "The Boys: Mexico" represents a significant step in continuing the franchise's legacy and exploring new narratives within its satirical superhero world. 

Sean Astin, the beloved actor known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings," "Stranger Things," and "Rudy," has been elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, program hosts, recording artists, and other entertainment and media professionals . Astin, who is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke, succeeds Fran Drescher, who served as the union's president for four years . Astin's election marks a significant moment for the union, as he received an overwhelming 79% of the vote, defeating his opponent, Chuck Slavin . Michelle Hurd, known for her roles in "Ash vs. Evil Dead," "Blindspot," and "Star Trek: Picard," was elected as the union's secretary-treasurer . In his acceptance speech, Astin expressed his gratitude to the members for their support and emphasized the importance of optimism and creativity as the union navigates through challenging times . He also acknowledged the legacy of his mother, Patty Duke, who served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988 . Astin's election comes at a critical time for SAG-AFTRA, as the union prepares for upcoming contract negotiations with the major studios. The industry is facing numerous challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence on performers' work, streaming residuals, and the increasing costs of healthcare . Astin's leadership and experience on various negotiating committees will be crucial in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights and interests of the union's members . With his extensive career in Hollywood and strong union ties, Astin is well-positioned to lead SAG-AFTRA into a future defined by confidence, progress, and fierce advocacy . His election is a testament to the trust and support he has garnered from the union's members, and his commitment to representing their interests and ensuring their voices are heard . 

The first three episodes of Peacemaker season two has led to a lot of speculation about the “Best Dimension Ever” as Chris Smith calls it and just what might be the big twist coming up later in the season. And while we are not getting into the spoiler game, we thought it would be helpful to explain what everyone is talking about.   So possibly spoilers if everyone is guessing right. Leave now if you don’t want to know.   Still here? Okay.   In DC Comics’ multiverse, few alternate Earths are as haunting and politically charged as Earth-X. First introduced in Justice League of America #107 (1973), Earth-X imagines a world where Nazi Germany won World War II, plunging the planet into a totalitarian nightmare. Earth-X is a parallel universe within DC’s Pre-Crisis Multiverse. Unlike Earth-One or Earth-Two, Earth-X is defined by its alternate historical trajectory: the Axis powers emerged victorious in WWII, and the Nazi regime continues to dominate global affairs well into the 20th century. Some of the unique things about the dimension is that there were no native superheroes originally existed on Earth-X. The planet’s defenders are immigrants from Earth-Two, led by the patriotic spirit Uncle Sam. The world is locked in a perpetual struggle between fascist control and scattered resistance movements. To combat the oppressive regime, Uncle Sam formed the Freedom Fighters, a ragtag team of heroes from other Earths who chose to stay and fight that includes: The Ray, Phantom Lady, Black Condor, Doll Man, Human Bomb, and Red Bee. Doll Man was mentioned in season one of Peacemaker. These characters came from DC’s acquisition of Quality Comics similar to how Peacemaker was part of DC’s acquisition of Charlton Comics. If this is the direction James Gunn is going in season two, and the clues so far do point in this general direction, this would not be the first time we’ve seen Earth X represented in live action. The Arrowverse did a crossover event called Crisis on Earth-X which introduced us to variations of characters like Green Arrow and Supergirl and brought the Ray to television screens. While this remains to be just speculation, the reality that Peacemaker is visiting does have a few oddities to it that are leading fans to this idea including how Chris along with his dad and brother are revered when Auggie was an over-the-top racist in the main DCU. And then if you look closely when Chris is in that reality you’ll notice an extreme lack of diversity among the background actors where Gunn is known for the opposite in his other projects. While this may not end up being Earth-X, it does feel like Gunn is setting up a twist that will pull the rug out from under Peacemaker.     

The first night of the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards lit up the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles with a celebration of television’s behind-the-scenes brilliance and standout guest performances. While the Primetime Emmys are still a week away, this precursor event honored the artisans, designers, and guest stars who bring depth and texture to the small screen. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and standout moments from Night One: 1. The Studio (Apple TV+) – 9 Wins Apple TV+’s satirical drama The Studio dominated the evening, taking home nine trophies. Among its accolades: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Guest Actor in a Drama Series – Bryan Cranston 2. The Penguin (HBO) – 8 Wins HBO’s gritty crime drama The Penguin followed closely with eight awards, showcasing its technical prowess: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Prosthetic Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Contemporary Costumes for a Limited Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Hairstyling <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Sound Editing and Mixing <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Special Visual Effects 3. Severance (Apple TV+) – 6 Wins The psychological thriller Severance continued its critical streak: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Production Design <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Guest Actress in a Drama Series – Merritt Wever 4. Arcane (Netflix) – 4 Wins The animated series Arcane impressed with: <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Outstanding Animated Program <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Character Voice-Over Performance – Julie Andrews <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Background and Color Design Notable Guest Acting Wins <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Bryan Cranston (The Studio) – Guest Actor in a Drama Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Julianne Nicholson (Hacks) – Guest Actress in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Shawn Hatosy (The Pitt) – Guest Actor in a Comedy Series <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Merritt Wever (Severance) – Guest Actress in a Drama Series Craft and Design Highlights <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Bridgerton dazzled with a win for Outstanding Period Costumes <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->House of the Dragon earned recognition for Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup <!--[if !supportLists]-->·         <!--[endif]-->Andor took home awards for Costumes, Production Design, and Picture Editing With Night Two set to continue the celebration of television’s finest in writing, casting, and editing, the Creative Arts Emmys have already set a high bar. And with The Studio, The Penguin, and Severance leading the charge, the Primetime Emmys promise a thrilling showdown.