There’s a lot of buzz for the new Netflix series Dept. Q, based on the Danish-noir novel series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. With an 83% critics’ score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the question of a second season is already being asked by fans and even the cast. Star Matthew Goode, previously known for Downton Abbey and The Watchmen, talked with Deadline about being the only English person in an almost all Scottish cast and if he would be interested in returning to the character of DCI Carl Morck. “This is such a wonderful company of actors. Even though I was the only English one, and they could have easily hated me, obviously with that lovely Scottish-English situation, it wasn’t the case. And such great personalities, such great talent. And obviously I’m central to the story, so I get to work with everyone. I’d wanted to work with Shirley Henderson—‘Shenderson’—for years. And Kelly Mcdonald, and then this fairly relatively new actress, Leah Byrne, who is a revelation in this show. It’s very difficult to be talking about some of the things that she has to talk about and make them hilarious. It’s quite a staggering… Well, it’s writing and talent, where they meet, I suppose. I love them all. That’s why we’re desperate to do a second season.” When asked about how many seasons he would be willing to do, Goode said: “I don’t know. There’s 10 books now. It is quite a modern phenomenon, really, as an actor, that you would get to sit in something for time. And now I think I’m at the right age that I’d like to have a character that I can come back to that has great, exciting, dark, hopefully funny stuff happening within the story, but also, how’s this man going to change? Is he going to change? What will be something that will change him? Even if it’s by minutia, there will be certain changes. Even if it’s just my hair color or the girth of my beard.” The beard may be the only downside to the character as Goode explained, “My wife didn’t come near me for six months because she hates beards. Absolutely hates them.” Dept. Q season one is available now on Netflix. 

Marvel Comics has taken a surprising turn with its latest storyline in Marvel Knights: The World to Come, introducing a new Black Panther who is—unexpectedly—white. This revelation has sparked intense debate among fans, as the character of Black Panther has long been synonymous with Wakanda’s rich African heritage. The new Black Panther, named Ketema, is introduced in a six-issue limited series written by Christopher Priest and illustrated by Joe Quesada. The story begins with the death of T’Challa, the longtime ruler of Wakanda, setting the stage for a battle over his legacy. Ketema, who claims to be T’Challa’s son, challenges him for the throne and ultimately defeats him. However, the shocking twist comes when Ketema removes his mask—revealing that he is white. The revelation of Ketema’s identity has left many readers questioning how a white character could be the biological son of T’Challa. One theory suggests that Ketema may not actually be the son of Monica Lynne, T’Challa’s former love interest, but rather Nicole Adams, another past romantic connection of the Wakandan king. Some speculate that genetic engineering, cloning, or alternate realities could play a role in this unexpected lineage. Christopher Priest, the writer behind the series, has remained tight-lipped about the deeper implications of Ketema’s introduction, stating that the story is more about how Wakanda arrived at this point rather than the immediate controversy surrounding the new Black Panther. 

In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Prime Video has decided to cancel Étoile after just one season, despite its initial two-season order. The ballet drama, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, followed the lives of dancers and artistic staff from two prestigious ballet companies in New York and Paris. The series was envisioned as a love letter to the art of ballet, but its journey was cut short due to a combination of performance metrics and production costs. The show was filmed on location in New York and Paris, featuring elaborate choreography and a cast of top-tier ballet dancers. Despite its artistic ambition and an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Étoile struggled to gain traction with audiences. The decision to cancel Étoile was largely driven by its performance versus cost. While the series had a dedicated fan base, it failed to chart on Nielsen’s weekly Top 10 for Originals and quickly dropped from Prime Video’s own rankings. The show's expensive production—filming in historic locations and creating an original ballet company—made it a costly endeavor. 

The Merc with a Mouth is making his way into virtual reality, and this time, he’s voiced by none other than Neil Patrick Harris. Marvel’s Deadpool VR, developed by Twisted Pixel Games and Oculus Studios, is set to launch exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S in late 2025. The game promises an original storyline packed with Deadpool’s signature humor, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and over-the-top action. Unlike previous Deadpool games, this VR experience throws players directly into Wade Wilson’s chaotic world. The story kicks off when Deadpool is pulled through a portal into Mojoworld, a twisted media-centric universe ruled by the villain Mojo. After signing a shady contract (without reading the fine print, of course), Deadpool embarks on a multiverse-hopping quest for riches, battling classic Marvel villains along the way. Players will step into Deadpool’s shoes—literally—using dual pistols, katanas, kunai, and parkour-style movement to navigate the game’s action-packed environments. The combat system is designed to reflect Deadpool’s unpredictable personality, allowing for absurd and exaggerated attacks. Expect to punch enemies while holding grenades, throw severed limbs as weapons, and even shove heads into propellers. While Ryan Reynolds has become synonymous with the character, Neil Patrick Harris is bringing his own spin to the wisecracking antihero. Harris, known for his voice work in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, delivers a portrayal that is said to capture Deadpool’s manic energy, self-awareness, and comedic timing, making the VR experience even more immersive. Marvel’s Deadpool VR is slated for release in late 2025, exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S. 

Dakota Johnson is setting the record straight on the disappointing box office performance of Madame Web. The Fifty Shades star, who played Cassandra Webb in Sony’s Marvel spinoff, has opened up about why the film failed to connect with audiences—and she’s placing the blame on studio interference. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Johnson explained that Madame Web started as one thing but ultimately became something else due to executive meddling. "It wasn’t my fault," she stated. "There’s this thing that happens now where a lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or made by people who don’t have a creative bone in their body. And it’s really hard to make art that way". She noted that Madame Web underwent drastic changes after she signed on, leaving her "just sort of along for the ride". Released in early 2024, Madame Web was expected to be a fresh addition to Sony’s Marvel universe. However, the film grossed only $100 million worldwide against a rumored budget of $80–100 million, making it a financial disappointment. It also received overwhelmingly negative reviews, earning a 11% Rotten Tomatoes score and sweeping the Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture and Worst Actress for Johnson. Despite the backlash, Johnson remains unfazed. "Bigger-budget movies fail all the time," she said, adding that she doesn’t regret taking on the role but probably won’t return to the superhero genre anytime soon. 

The Star Wars universe is expanding once again, and this time, it’s bringing in a fresh face to the galaxy far, far away. Acclaimed actress Mia Goth, known for her standout performances in Pearl, X, and MaXXXine, has officially joined the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter, the upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy. Goth will take on the role of the movie’s primary villain, facing off against Ryan Gosling’s lead character. Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo earlier this year, Star Wars: Starfighter is set five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. Unlike previous entries, this film will not be connected to the Skywalker Saga, instead introducing a brand-new adventure with original characters. Director Levy, best known for Deadpool & Wolverine, has been developing the project since 2022 alongside screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. The film promises to explore uncharted territory in the Star Wars timeline, offering fans a fresh perspective on the galaxy’s post-Skywalker era. While details about Goth’s character remain scarce, reports indicate that she will play one of the antagonists pursuing Gosling’s character and his young nephew. The role was initially offered to Oscar winner Mikey Madison, who reportedly passed on the opportunity due to salary negotiations. Goth’s casting marks another major milestone in her career, as she continues to take on high-profile roles. In addition to Star Wars: Starfighter, she is set to appear in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter is expected to begin later this year, with a theatrical release scheduled for May 28, 2027. 

Scrooge McDuck is starring in all-new adventures from Marvel Comics! Following last year’s acclaimed Uncle Scrooge & the Infinity Dime one-shot, the first-ever Uncle Scrooge Marvel comic, the legendary adventurer is back to take things to the level with a solo four issue limited series this August—UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK!

Uncle Scrooge & the Infinity Dime scribe and superstar Marvel writer Jason Aaron returns to craft another fantastic Uncle Scrooge saga that expertly blends the wonderful world of Uncle Scrooge with epic Marvel Comics super hero storytelling. Aaron will be joined by an extravagance of all-star artists including Giuseppe Camuncoli, Mahmud Asrar, and Ciro Cangialosi.

UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK kicks off in August and today, fans can behold the covers for the first two issues. The covers see how some of industry’s biggest talents—from Gabriele Dell’Otto to Mark Brooks—bring this beloved comic book icon to life Marvel style! In UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK, the planet has been conquered by alien invaders known as the Connoisseurs, nefarious hoarders of the rarest antiquities from throughout the cosmos. As they tear the Earth apart, pillaging its fabled treasures, only the world’s greatest adventurer can possibly stop them. But Scrooge McDuck is facing a battle unlike any he’s ever fought, trapped inside his own mind, fighting to preserve his most precious memories.

“Scrooge McDuck is one of the greatest heroes in the history of comics, bar none,” Aaron said. “It was a thrill to get to write him in the pages of Uncle Scrooge & the Infinity Dime, as we took him on a journey across the multiverse. With this new series, I knew we'd have to go bigger, not just by incorporating more Marvel artists into the mix, but by sending Scrooge on the most epic story of his career, as he fights to save the one thing more precious to him than gold or any exotic treasure: his own memories of a life of adventure.”

Check out the covers for the first two issues of UNCLE SCROOGE: EARTH’S MIGHTIEST DUCK and preorder the series at your local comic shop today!

Gerard Johnstone has found his next doll-centric project. The “M3GAN” and “M3GAN 2.0” director has been tapped to helm the live-action “Monster High” film from Mattel, Universal Pictures and Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road banner.

The theatrical film will feature an original story based on Mattel’s beloved fashion dolls imagined as the children of legendary monsters.

Johnstone’s “M3GAN” became a global box office success and grossed over $180 million worldwide. He also helms the sequel, “M3GAN 2.0,” due in theaters from Universal Pictures on June 27. A standout voice in genre filmmaking, Johnstone is also the creator of the cult-favorite haunted house comedy “Housebound” and the award-winning satirical series “The Jaquie Brown Diaries.” (via Variety)

The next chapter in AMC’s expanding Anne Rice television saga, a series centered on the secretive organization known as the Talamasca, is officially slated to premiere this October.

This upcoming show, titled Anne Rice's Talamasca, will delve into the world of the enigmatic group that has lurked in the shadows of Rice’s literary universe for decades.

The new series promises to further flesh out the interconnected “Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe” that AMC has been carefully constructing, adding another layer to the supernatural tapestry woven by the network.

Anne Rice’s Talamasca marks the third series to join AMC’s ambitious “Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe,” following the critical and fan success of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. Both preceding shows have already laid the groundwork for the Talamasca’s prominent role, establishing the organization as a significant connective tissue within this shared supernatural world. In Interview with the Vampire, the character of Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) in the present-day timeline reveals his long-standing association and complex history with the Talamasca, hinting at their extensive resources and reach. In addition, the organization is portrayed as having a deep, almost obsessive interest in Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) and Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid). Similarly, Mayfair Witches introduced Talamasca agent Ciprien Grieve (Tongayi Chirisa), who becomes deeply involved in the life of Rowan Fielding (Alexandra Daddario) as she discovers her powers and the dark legacy of her witch family.

Anne Rice’s Talamasca is scheduled to premiere on AMC and AMC+ this October. (via ComicBook.com)

It Happened on Hyde Street: Devour collaborators Maytal Zchut and artist Leila Leiz reteam with colorist Alex Sinclair and letterer Rob Leigh for a blood curdling tale of toxic frenemies and blood-bathed revenge in, Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story. This haunting new Ghost Machine one-shot story is set to hit shelves next month from Image Comics.

A first look at the gruesome new Hyde Street story will send fans screaming… for more.

“I’ve so enjoyed telling the story of Sisterhood but the thing that excites me most about the book is Leila’s art," said Zchut. "Every panel is beautifully crafted, profoundly captivating, and deeply emotional. Leila captures elements that words alone could not. I can’t wait for you all to see her incredible work.”

Leiz added: "Working together with Maytal has been an explosion of creativity. Her passion and perfectionism are contagious. Building a partnership with this kind of osmosis is really rare. I'm enjoying every second!”

Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story revolves around two life-long, extremely co-dependent friends whose relationship radically changes when one accidentally drowns during a sorority hazing incident... But on Hyde Street, death takes on a terrifying new meaning.

Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 2:

Cover A by Leiz & Alex Sinclair - Lunar Code 0525IM302

Cover B by Ivan Reis & Danny Miki - Lunar Code 0525IM303

Cover C by Peter Snejbjerg & John Kalisz - Lunar Code 0525IM304

Cover D 1:20 copy incentive by Raymond Gay & John Kalisz - 0525IM305

All Ghost Machine titles, including Geiger, Hyde Street, Redcoat, Rook: Exodus, The Rocketfellers, and more, are also available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Ghost Machine’s groundbreaking creator collective was launched at New York Comic Con in October 2023 and features a global best-of-class lineup of artists and writers whose award-winning and iconic works include a who’s who of comic book legends such as Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, Aquaman, Stargirl, JSA, The Flash, The Ultimates, Black Lightning, Green Arrow and countless more: Brad Anderson, Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Rob Leigh, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter Snejbjerg, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut. In an industry first, all of Ghost Machine’s creators jointly own and run the company, sharing in all of Ghost Machine’s publishing, media, merchandising and licensing. Each creator is exclusive to the company for their comic book work after completing projects already committed to. Ghost Machine recently boosted its already unrivaled creator roster with renowned inkers Andrew Currie and Danny Miki who joined on an exclusive basis.

a