News

We all have movies we watch every year during Advent that really get us in the Christmas spirit. An absolute classic that's probably right at the top for many of you (and us, of course) is »Home Alone«! The film about little Kevin McCallister, who gets left behind by his family on their way to their Christmas vacation and defends his home all by himself against two bandits, still makes us laugh – and has been doing so for 35 years now, since the film premiered in 1990!

To celebrate the occasion, Disney came up with something special: In collaboration with the Mouse House, the pizza chain Prince St. Pizza transformed three of its locations into branches of the fictional Little Nero's Pizza delivery service from the movie. Fans were able to enjoy a delicious cheese pizza in a wonderfully festive »Home Alone« atmosphere over the past few days. The pizza was also available to order at the other Prince St. Pizza locations. What a cool promotion, right? Even the 90s-style commercial with which the whole thing was announced is hilarious:
https://youtu.be/ZVmpshsPjnQ

What's your favorite Christmas movie? And which movie-themed dish would you like to try?

On Wednesday, exciting news broke that are sure to thrill »Knight Rider« fans and 1/6 scale enthusiasts: California-based manufacturer Factory Entertainment and Dutch figure, vehicle, and diorama specialist Jazzinc Dioramas are joining forces to produce a high-quality, licensed 1/6 scale model of the legendary Knight Industries Two Thousand, better known as K.I.T.T.!

This summer, at their appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, Factory Entertainment, previously known primarily for high-quality replicas of iconic movie props, surprised us with their entry into the 1/6 scale market. Early prototypes for »The Mummy« (1999), »Jaws«, and both »Battlestar Galactica« series were already on display. Licenses for three iconic 80s TV franchises – »Miami Vice«, »Airwolf«, and »Knight Rider« – were announced for 2026.

In our Comic Con coverage at the time, we already speculated that in the case of »Knight Rider« it would not only be cool, but almost an obligation, to also produce the legendary car K.I.T.T. in 1/6 scale, since it played the second main role in the series alongside David Hasselhoff.

The series ran on NBC from 1982 to 1986 and developed cult status. For us, as children of the 80s, the series was an unforgettable part of our TV socialization.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Jazzinc to bring an extraordinary 1/6 K.I.T.T. to Knight Rider fans,” said Jordan Schwartz, CEO of Factory Entertainment. “Jazzinc has established itself as a leader in the 1/6 scale vehicle space, and its fan-forward approach to product development and attention to detail are completely consistent with our own.”*

Jazzinc Dioramas CEO Joost Assink added: “For me, this is a dream come true. K.I.T.T. has been at the top of my personal wish list, and I know our fan base shares that excitement – they've been clamoring for this for years. Given Factory Entertainment's reputation in the high-end prop replica business and their impressive portfolio of fan-favorite licenses, I'm excited about the possibility of collaborating on 1/6 scale products for other properties as well.”*

The premium 1/6 scale model of K.I.T.T. is expected in early 2027. It will arrive fully assembled and boast an impressive length of approximately 81 cm. Naturally, K.I.T.T. will also feature authentic light and sound effects. The model is being jointly developed and marketed by Factory Entertainment and Jazzinc Dioramas. Pre-orders are expected to open in the first quarter of 2026.

What about you? Are you »Knight Rider« fans, and is K.I.T.T. on your shopping list for 2026? Some of us have already activated their Super Pursuit Mode …

*quoted from Toy News International

Before we bid you farewell next week for the holidays and the new year, we want to take a look back at 2025. Here are our film, TV series, gaming, and collectible highlights of the year:

SVEN:
Sideshow once again scored big with me this year in their Premium Format, especially with their female characters. Besides Batgirl, Vampire's Lust, and Succubus, the X-23 Uncaged Premium Format Figure completely blew me away. A truly elaborate and beautifully crafted statue!
My film highlight was a total surprise hit that really resonated with me: »Companion«. Here's an important note for everyone who hasn't seen the film yet: Please don't read anything about it or watch any trailers beforehand!
As for TV series, it was definitely the second season of »Andor« that captivated me and whose ending deeply moved me.

MICK:
2025 was a fantastic year for movies, during which I saw 46 films on the big screen. My three favorite films of the year are »Frankenstein«, »The Ugly Stepsister« and »Companion«. These three scenes also stuck with me: the car chase in »One Battle After Another«, Tom Hiddleston's dance in »The Life of Chuck« and the magic music one-shot in »Sinners«.
I didn't watch that many TV shows this year, so I definitely have a lot of catching up to do! Two series I really enjoyed were the twist-filled »Paradise« on Disney+ and the Netflix cold case series »Dept. Q«.
My favorite collectibles of the year are the 1/6 Scale Pennywise (Tim Curry) from Sideshow and the 1/6 Scale Blacksmith from »The Evolution of Europe« series by Pop Costume. 

JOANNA:
The past year was a massive feast, especially for gamers. Despite all the fantastic single-player titles, I spent an enormous number of hours playing »Elden Ring Nightreign« in co-op.
My absolute film highlights include Guillermo del Toro's »Frankenstein« as well as the live-action adaptation of »How to Train Your Dragon«, which gave me goosebumps multiple times in the cinema.
Regarding collectibles, Belualyth from the Mythic Legions »Necronominus« Wave by Four Horsemen was my favorite one – especially the lore behind the beastmaster makes this figure special to me.

TIM:
It was a varied year with many highlights and some major disappointments. For me, the two best films of the year were probably »Frankenstein« and »Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery« from Netflix – it's a shame they didn't get a proper theatrical release!
With over 30 new seasons that I binged this year, it was really hard to choose. »A Thousand Blows«, »House of Guinness«, »The Last of Us« season 2, »Lockerbie: A Search for Truth«, and »Andor« season 2 could be my top five, though – all highly recommended. I'm also really looking forward to the second season of »Fallout«, and »The Mighty Nein« deserves a special mention.
Unfortunately, I have to be really brief, so this is just a quick look at my top game, top album, and top collectible: »Clair Obscur: Expedition 33« of course, »Inertia« by Pendulum (with »Imperium Delirium« by Shadow of Intent in a very strong second place), and the 1/6 Ruthless Blade Deluxe version from Pop Costume looks incredibly good, even though I would probably rather put the Bettie Page »Love Hurts« Statue from Sideshow in my apartment, since I don't collect 1/6 scale figures.

JÜRGEN:
To my shame, I must confess that I didn't go to the cinema even once this year. Instead, I made even greater use of the diverse streaming services. My TV series highlights this year definitely include »Stranger Things« and »Squid Game« – both series that captivated me from beginning to end. »Stranger Things« in particular, with its blend of 80s nostalgia, horror, and character depth, left a lasting impression.
I also rewatched all the »Star Wars« films this year and was just as thrilled as the first time.
My collectible highlight of 2025 was undoubtedly the »Savage Crucible« series from Harvinger Studios. And I was truly impressed by Erik's Demogorgon Lamp – a fantastic product at a surprisingly affordable price.

DANIEL:
I found many of the horror films released in 2025 to be rather average or disappointing. Nevertheless, there were three films I can definitely recommend. As a body horror fan, I was impressed by »Together« with its eerie and unsettling atmosphere. »Companion« was humorous and provided perfect evening entertainment. And »Opus« is particularly memorable because of its clever twist ending.
Among the collectibles, I was especially impressed by the Succubus Premium Format Figure from Sideshow.

TOBI:
As far as movies and TV series go, things were pretty quiet for me. Not because there wasn't a lot to choose from, but simply because I spent a lot of time watching anime instead. However, I can say that I was quite taken with »M3GAN 2.0«. It's definitely more of a comedy than the first installment, but I really enjoyed it.
My Game of the Year is also the officially crowned Game of the Year 2025, and deservedly so: I can recommend »Clair Obscur: Expedition 33« to everyone.
My collectible pick, like last year, is a Sideshow statue: the Batgirl Premium Format Figure. Although I'm a bit disappointed with Sideshow overall, this piece of art blew me away!

EVA:
At the beginning of the year, I was truly impressed by »Companion« on the big screen with its original story and fantastic cast. I can also highly recommend Guillermo del Toro's »Frankenstein« – a truly beautiful film!
Among TV shows, »Pluribus« surprised me; it's genuinely weird in the best possible way. My absolute highlight of the year, however, was and still is the final season of »Stranger Things«. I thought the first four episodes were amazing, and I can't wait to see what happens in Volume 2!
My favorite collectible this year was the Dazzler Premium Format Figure from Sideshow, which really blew me away with its pose, shimmering outfit, and great base. But the Evolution of the Gremlin 3-Pack from NECA also deserves a mention here as my first collectible.

What really blew you away this year?

James Cameron is responsible for three of the five highest-grossing films of all time, with »Avatar« at number 1, »Avatar: The Way of Water« at number 3, and »Titanic« at number 4. »Avengers: Endgame« and »Star Wars: The Force Awakens« occupy second and fifth place, respectively.

»Avatar: Fire and Ash«, the third installment in the Avatar series, opens in theaters today. After the loss of their eldest son, Jake Sully and Neytiri face a new threat on Pandora. We are introduced to the violent and power-hungry Na'vi tribe of the Ash people, led by the ruthless Varang (Oona Chaplin).

We are very eager to see how the third installment of Cameron's passion project will perform at the box office. As the trailer already shows, Cameron has once again created a breathtaking world more than worthy of the big screen. Of course, we wish the cinemas good attendance and hope the film rakes in the cash. However, we're also detecting a certain weariness with the franchise. Some moviegoers find the digital world of Pandora a bit too artificial, and there's a risk of growing tired of the spectacle, especially considering that two more films are planned.

Cameron, to whom we owe »Terminator«, »Terminator 2: Judgment Day« and »Aliens« – three films that rank high on our all-time favorite list – has, in our opinion, become too tied to a single franchise with the Avatar films. We'd love to see something different from him again. After all, great things can always be expected from this cinematic innovator. Perhaps we'll get lucky and he'll be content to just produce the next installments of the series and put his directing talent into a completely new project.

Just a few years ago, video game adaptations didn't have a very good reputation, neither among gamers nor general audiences. Thankfully, that has changed, even if there are still a few rather embarrassing exceptions like »Borderlands«. But especially with TV series adaptations, the execution, accuracy, and faithfulness to the games have been praised, both in the case of HBO's »The Last of Us« and Amazon Prime Video's »Fallout«.

The latter is finally continuing today with season 2. The story picks up where the first season's finale left off. Overseer Hank MacLean (Kyle MacLachlan) has fled to New Vegas. Lucy (Ella Purnell) and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) team up and cross the Mojave Desert to get there as well.

The trailer already fuels our excitement for the new season:
https://youtu.be/ECI3eCAxRGw

There's the fantastic retro design in the style of the 1950s, atmospherically underscored by Tommy Edwards' »It's All In The Game« (1958). And then, of course, New Vegas … Vegas, baby! The post-apocalyptic city is a key location in the game. Getting there is a source of great anticipation, and the trailer greets us with Elvis ghouls in Jailhouse Rock outfits. This is going to be awesome!

The eight episodes will be released every Wednesday on Amazon Prime Video, the season finale will drop on February 4. Filming for season 3 is then expected to begin in the summer of 2026.

Netflix is ​​buying Warner Bros. At least, that's what the streaming giant announced on December 5th. But while the announced acquisition caused a huge stir, it was already clear at that point that nothing was set in stone yet. There were not only legal concerns surrounding the purchase, but also a competitor in Paramount, who wasn't about to give up the fight so easily.

But let's start from the beginning. The whole story actually began with said competitor. The fact that Warner Bros. Discovery was even up for sale was due to an unsolicited offer from Paramount Skydance.
The company emerged last year from a merger of Paramount and Skydance Media and has since been led by David Ellison, whose father is very close to Donald Trump. Shortly afterward, the first worrying consequences became apparent when the cancellation of the Late Show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, a vocal critic of the US president, was announced. CBS, the network that airs the show, is owned by Paramount.
It therefore makes perfect sense that Trump would want to use his influence to silence further critical voices. CNN, which is owned by Warner, seems to be a particularly big thorn in his side.
And so we return to Paramount's previously mentioned offer to buy the studio. Although Warner didn't want to sell on its own, as a publicly traded company they were obligated to inform their shareholders about the very lucrative offer. Since everything pointed toward a sale, Warner CEO David Zaslav initiated a bidding war to solicit further offers. Ultimately, Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix were in the running. The latter then reached an agreement a few days ago to acquire the studio for $83 billion.

But the agreement alone doesn't guarantee anything. Before the purchase can actually go through, the deal must first be reviewed by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). This US agency is meant to promote fair competition in the communications and media industry. However, since the acquisition would include not only the film studio Warner Bros. Pictures, but also HBO Max, a major streaming competitor of Netflix, which is owned by Warner Bros., many experts already agree that the deal will fail the antitrust review. Moreover, this agency is also under the influence of Trump, who would naturally prefer to see Warner owned by Paramount.
Another hurdle is the division of Warner Bros. Discovery, which would have to take place before the sale. Netflix doesn't want to buy the entire company, but only a part of it – the studio units Warner Bros. Pictures, WB Television, WB Games, DC Studios, and New Line Cinema, the HBO network, and its streaming service HBO Max. Many of the television channels belonging to Warner Bros. Discovery are not part of the deal.

Just days after the agreement between Warner and Netflix, it was revealed that Paramount had submitted a counteroffer that also included the networks (including CNN). Paramount is willing to pay $108 billion for them. The money comes from sources including the United Arab Emirates and an investment firm in which Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is involved.

Since this offer, everything has been up in the air. Will Netflix make another move? Or will Warner, or rather its shareholders, opt for Paramount?

Even though it's not yet certain who will ultimately emerge victorious, one thing seems clear: it won't be film fans. Whether the company goes to Trump's allies at Paramount, who might use the acquisition for their political gain, or to Netflix, which could ensure that Warner Bros. films are no longer (or hardly ever) shown in theaters, but instead released directly on the streaming site – it doesn't look good for Warner's future.

Last Thursday, the biggest gaming event of the year took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles: the Game Awards 2025. Unsurprisingly, the clear favorite (and with 12 nominations the most nominated game since the awards began) also emerged as the big winner. The indie game »Clair Obscur: Expedition 33« set a new record with 9 awards, including the prestigious “Game of the Year”, Best Direction, Best Performance for Jennifer English as Maelle, and Best Soundtrack for the wonderful music by Lorien Testard.

Many are now speaking of a new golden age of role-playing games and indie titles, an era that began two years ago with »Baldur's Gate III« and has now reached its peak with »Clair Obscur: Expedition 33«. It is an era shaped by developers who are disillusioned with the microtransaction-heavy games of major studios and instead focus on complex stories, strong art direction, and player self-expression.

And all of this is »Clair Obscur«. The game is proof that game design can truly be its own art form, bringing together at least four of the major arts: painting, sculpture, music, and storytelling. You could watch the visuals alone, without ever playing the game, and still be presented with a genuine cinematic experience. At the same time, the gameplay mechanics are unusual yet never unnecessarily complicated, satisfying newcomers and seasoned gamers alike.

However, the huge success of »Clair Obscur« also meant that hit titles such as »Death Stranding 2: On the Beach«, »Ghost of Yōtei«, and »Kingdom Come: Deliverance II« walked away completely empty-handed.

Of course, the Game Awards also featured a host of new trailer announcements. We've picked out the most exciting reveals for you:

DIVINITY
This trailer was arguably the biggest surprise of the evening. An extremely dark medieval fantasy setting with strong horror elements reminded viewers of »The Elder Scrolls« and Souls games – but when the Larian logo appeared, it became clear what was coming: the next gigantic RPG from the creators of »Baldur's Gate III«. A soft reboot of their in-house Divinity series is on the way:
https://youtu.be/Kz5lWeGhq2o

TOMB RAIDER
Lara Croft appeared on the giant screens of the Peacock Theater not once, but twice. Crystal Dynamics not only announced the next mainline entry, »Tomb Raider: Catalyst«, scheduled for 2027, this time taking players primarily to India, but also revealed »Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis«, a retelling of Lara Croft's very first adventure from 1996, arriving next year to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary:
»Catalyst«: https://youtu.be/N2yLZQFPSLo
»Legacy of Atlantis«: https://youtu.be/n6JxVxSHjqE

Speaking of which, the exciting animated series »Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft« launched its second season on Netflix last week, exploring legends of West African deities.

STAR WARS
The Star Wars universe is expanding with two new game titles. Most notably, »Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic«, the long-awaited continuation of the »Knights of the Old Republic« series, sparked huge excitement among fans. Meanwhile, the pod-racing game »Star Wars: Galactic Racer« could become an exciting new entry in the ever-growing universe:
»Fate of the Old Republic«: https://youtu.be/lAmkl1jL0fo
»Galactic Racer«: https://youtu.be/RiavNl4qxWY

Games are definitely very much alive! Have you already played »Clair Obscur: Expedition 33«, and which of the new announcements are you most excited about?

As we scrolled through social media this morning over our second cup of coffee, we were immediately confronted with a barrage of shocking posts – Hollywood legend Rob Reiner is dead.

The Los Angeles Police Department was called to the family home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, yesterday afternoon. There, they found the bodies of the 78-year-old director and his wife, photographer Michele Singer Reiner, who was 10 years younger, with stab wounds. At this time, little is known about the crime. People magazine, citing "multiple exclusive sources," reported that the 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, is a suspect, though this has not yet been officially confirmed at the LAPD homicide division's press conference. Police stated that Nick is alive and is currently being questioned; no arrests have been made. As for further investigation, police are currently awaiting a search warrant for the Reiner residence.

Rob Reiner began his career as an actor. At the age of 12, he first appeared on screen in the TV series »77 Sunset Strip«. He became famous for his Emmy Award-winning role as son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic in the series »All in the Family«.

In 1984, he transitioned to directing with »This Is Spinal Tap«, creating a genre-defining comedy classic with this mockumentary. He subsequently produced a string of masterpieces across diverse genres, including »Stand By Me«, »The Princess Bride«, »When Harry Met Sally«, »Misery«, and »A Few Good Men«, to name just a few of his timeless masterpieces. He had last been working on »Spinal Tap II: The End Continues«, a sequel to his directorial debut.

Rob and Michele Singer met during the filming of »Misery« and married in 1989. Rob Reiner has an adopted daughter from his first marriage to director Penny Marshall. He and Michele had three children together.

Reiner was one of Hollywood's greats, a consistently friendly, down-to-earth artist, who was also deeply involved in politics. He was among the most vocal critics of US President Donald Trump and, as a supporter of the Democrats, regularly backed their election campaigns.

All of Hollywood is currently in shock. With this tragedy, the film industry has lost one of its most creative voices and a truly wonderful person. Rob, we will miss you!

Over the past few years, crime fiction fans have witnessed a veritable revival of the whodunit genre in a modern guise. Alongside remakes of classic Agatha Christie adaptations and entertaining shows like »Only Murders in the Building«, Rian Johnson's »Knives Out« series is at the forefront of this trend. After a very short and limited theatrical run, the third installment, »Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery«, is released today on Netflix. You can watch the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/0hc8yz5-d5Y

Following a physical altercation, priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor) is transferred to the parish of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), who preaches anything but charity in his church. When Wicks falls victim to a seemingly impossible murder, it's up to Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to solve the case.

Many critics, as well as viewers who saw the film in theaters before its Netflix release, agree that this is the best installment in the series so far, and considerably bloodier and darker than the first two. Josh O'Connor is often highlighted as a standout among the stellar cast. Similar to Ana de Armas and Janelle Monáe in the previous films, he accompanies Benoit Blanc on his investigations and serves as a relatable character for the audience, alongside the eccentric master detective. The star-studded cast also includes Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, and many more.

This movie marks the end of Rian Johnson's deal with Netflix. After the success of »Knives Out« in 2019, the streaming giant secured the rights to the film series for parts two and three. However, the director and his lead actor, Craig, are eager for more and, according to their own statements, are already brainstorming ideas for a fourth film. Whether and how this will happen remains to be seen. It would be great if, unlike the two Netflix-produced cases, it received a longer theatrical release.

Until then, we hope you enjoy »Wake Up Dead Man«!

It was only a matter of time before the first teaser for »Supergirl« would be released – and last night it finally arrived! Look up out here:
https://youtu.be/YqdAEdkHrwo

The first posters, which appeared a few months ago, fueled our anticipation immensely, and this preview of what awaits us next summer is definitely packs a punch! The film will tell us Supergirl's dark backstory before she came to Earth and, following this year's blockbuster about her cousin »Superman«, will be the second film in the DC Universe. Milly Alcock portrays the sharp-edged title character, and those who look closely can already glimpse Jason Momoa as Lobo.

What are your first impressions?

As in previous years, the Action Figure District Forum held its annual kitbashing competition in 2025, a highlight of the forum year! The 17 entries reflected the wonderful diversity of the 1/6 scale hobby. Alongside historical figures, there were works based on films, TV series, games, and comics. With so much concentrated creativity, it wasn't easy for the voters to choose favorites, although the primary focus was, of course, on the fun of the process and enjoying all the exciting ideas and the resulting photos.

The competition, as always, was divided into two phases. In the first week, the figures were presented and photographed against a neutral background. The second week saw the presentation of the free program. Here, anything was allowed without any restrictions. Some participants took photos in front of fitting backdrops, while others took their collectibles into nature and created outdoor images with forced perspectives. Some even built dioramas or entire worlds, delivering cinematic scenarios and stories with a multitude of extras.

Mick has compiled the final rankings for you in two overviews. Part 1 shows you all 17 entries in the mandatory category:
https://action-figure-district.de/kitbashing-wettbewerb-2025-teil-1/

In the second part, the creators of the 14 submitted entries really let their creativity run wild:
https://action-figure-district.de/kitbashing-wettbewerb-2025-teil-2/

We wish you lots of fun and inspiration for your own creations and warmly congratulate the winners of the competition, Miri and Valiarde! Thanks to all participants for their exciting ideas and fantastic pictures!

Finally, Netflix has released a teaser trailer for the second season of »Avatar: The Last Airbender«! Avatar Aang and his friends are soon heading into the Earth Kingdom, where it's clear to fans that they will meet the earthbender Toph Beifong (Miya Cech). In a previous sneak peek, we only got to see her feet, but now she reveals herself and her earthbending powers, just as we know them from the animated series – mighty and proud. The trailer shows what else you can expect in the second season:
https://youtu.be/oZoZ1ivUdjU

In addition to the live-action series, there will be three new animated films within the Avatar franchise. The first of these is expected to hit cinemas in the autumn of 2026. Unlike the Netflix adaptation, the original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are back at the helm for these films. They will tell the story of Team Avatar during their time as adults, chronologically placed after the comics and before »The Legend of Korra«. This means we will soon be watching new adventures starring Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, and many others on the big screen!

Are you excited for the second season of »Avatar: The Last Airbender«?

For everyone who received a package from us this December, or is still expecting one, we have the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit: we're including our wonderful postcard with every delivery this month as a little bonus! 📦🎁

The design is by David, who has placed his S.H.Figuarts Indiana Jones in a beautifully atmospheric setting. Indy has hung up his hat and whip, at least for now, to sit comfortably by the Christmas tree and wait to unwrap his presents. 🎄
You might even find an Easter egg or two from his many adventures on the card. Many thanks to David for the fantastic photo!

So, treat yourself in our shop and receive a free copy of this amazing card – and be sure to check out David's page!

Last weekend, the end of this year's convention season was heralded on three continents, one could say.

Here in Germany, the GERMAN FILM COMIC CON took place in Dortmund. Compared to its beginnings around 10 years ago, this event has, if online reviews are to be believed, unfortunately declined somewhat. However, it must be acknowledged that the convention can certainly boast some well-known and very popular guest stars. This year's highlight was undoubtedly Aaron Paul, whom we all hold dear as Jesse Pinkman (»Breaking Bad«). It was great that Aaron visited his fans in Germany! We last had a huge booth in Dortmund in 2017, but have consistently declined since then due to the very high costs.

The 3-day TOKYO COMIC CON presumably offered significantly more, especially in terms of collectibles. Hot Toys, among others, made sure to shine with their own booth. Unless our eagle eyes missed something from afar, they didn't show any actual world premieres, but there were certainly a few new final product figures. The current lineup was, of course, presented in epic detail to celebrate the manufacturer's 25th anniversary this year. You can find an album of photos from the exhibition on Hot Toys' Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=hottoys&set=a.1277131524450857

Many amazing stars were also in attendance in Tokyo, including Elijah Wood and Sean Astin from »The Lord of the Rings«, Karl Urban and Jack Quaid from »The Boys« and Jon Bernthal and Norman Reedus from »The Walking Dead«. Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson (aka Biff) celebrated 40 years of »Back to the Future«. Other stars in attendance included Nicholas Hoult, Christina Ricci, Evanna Lynch, Sebastian Stan, and Mads Mikkelsen. The appearance of Johnny Depp generated the most buzz on YouTube. Big names from the comic book world, such as the legendary Frank Miller and Jim Lee from DC Comics, were also present. This short clip, with a few truly goosebump-inducing moments, gives a good impression of the atmosphere at TCC:
https://youtu.be/4GjLsNA9Pao

However, the biggest event by far took place in São Paulo, Brazil. The pre-Christmas season is always the time for the Comic Con Experience, or CCXP for short, which spans four days and reportedly attracts over 200,000 visitors. We're talking about a superlative event, which is also an important venue for film studios to drum up publicity and, for example, present new trailers. This year, the following information was announced and trailers released at CCXP:

Eric Kripke, showrunner and executive producer of »The Boys« announced that the fifth season of the series will premiere on Prime Video on April 8. The finale will air on May 20, 2026. Here's the trailer for the final season:
https://youtu.be/Fv0leN8TmR8

The second season of the Hulu series »Paradise« has been revealed with a release date and a first trailer. It premieres on February 23 and stars Sterling K. Brown as secret agent Xavier Collins. Fans will surely remember the many surprising twists and turns of season 1:
https://youtu.be/JIjJ2v5ic1w

A new trailer was also released for »A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms«. The series premieres on January 18 on HBO Max. Here's the new trailer:
https://youtu.be/sItUCKJQLTU

Paramount+ showed an exclusive clip from the new series »Star Trek: Starfleet Academy«:
https://youtu.be/OMsF9MP2I8c
Here we get our first look at Paul Giamatti, who clearly enjoys playing the season's villain: Nus Braka, half Klingon, half Tellarite.

Fans at CCXP were also shown exclusive clips from »Fallout« season 2, as well as new material of »Marvel's Wonder Man« and »Daredevil: Born Again«.

Speaking of trailers, we don't want to deprive you of these clips either:

»28 Years Later: The Bone Temple« premieres in cinemas on January 16:
https://youtu.be/QlF68NIz8dg

The trailer for »Ready or Not 2: Here I Come« also looks like a lot of fun. The film is scheduled for release in spring:
https://youtu.be/7K3sNRm8J0w

But back to São Paulo: The manufacturer Iron Studios was of course present at CCXP – after all, they're practically next door. They used their trade show appearance to drop their new releases for December, which were presented live online from their booth, and which you can already find listed in our shop. We especially love the brilliant idea of ​​recreating a young Steven Spielberg in front of his Bruce model in Art Scale format, a perfect way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of »Jaws« this year. Other pre-order releases, like the Anakin vs. Obi-Wan statue or the two menacing raptors at the kitchen door from »Jurassic Park«, are also worth a look. But there were even more exciting new products to discover at the Iron Studios booth. In the coming months, we can look forward to Art Scale Statues from the third »Avatar« film, make room for a cool Alien & Ripley diorama from »Alien 3«, or hum along to »Let It Go« in anticipation of the Elsa Deluxe statue from »Frozen«. During a panel discussion, Iron Studios presented a number of new projects that await us. They showed designs for the »Wicked« witches, and announced the »Avengers: Doomsday« license, which will include statues in all three scales: 1/10 Art Scale, 1/4 Legacy Replica, and 1/20 Demi Art Scale. The announcement of 1/10 Art Scale and 1/4 Legacy Replica Statues for »The Mandalorian and Grogu« was very exciting as well.

These are great prospects for the year 2026 in film, television, and collectibles with so much to look forward to! What are your highlights?

Today's news post is especially close to our hearts, because it's about a true passion project that our dear friend Marcel Cornelius has been working on for about a year: Marcel's new Indiana Jones fan film, »Indiana Jones and the Shadows of Atlantis«!

Last Saturday, the first trailer for this mammoth project was released on YouTube. Dear Indiana Jones fans, turn up the volume, buckle up, and get ready:
https://youtu.be/0KBlnyDku_E

We already knew that Marcel was incredibly talented and constantly raised the bar for his own creative work. But with this project, he's eclipsed everything he's done before. Fifteen years after his first fan film, »Indiana Jones and the Spear of Destiny«, and inspired by the brilliant game »Fate of Atlantis«, the creators of this fantastic project demonstrate not only their cinematic skills but, above all, their love for this iconic franchise, showcasing every detail in costume and set design. And the special effects (both practical and 3D-animated) and virtual production effort achieved here on basically no budget puts many a streaming or even Hollywood blockbuster to shame. ;)

The original crew from the first film is back on set – a creative reunion with the team spirit that makes a project like this possible in the first place. The result will be a feature-length fan film that tells the backstory to »Fate of Atlantis« but also connects to »Indiana Jones and the Great Circle«. So, we'll see some familiar faces again, and of course, we can also look forward to exciting new characters. The adventure takes us from Egypt to the Azores and on to New York City, where we might just bump into a certain Sophia Hapgood…

But we won't spoil anything more here – except perhaps that it's incredibly important to Marcel to uncompromisingly capture the true Indy vibe. No detail is spared in the production and filming, whether it's the costume, training with the iconic and absolutely authentic whip, or the numerous props at Marshall College.

Marcel isn't just the driving force behind the camera, he also plays Indy himself, of course. You might recognize him, as he's been a guest on our show several times. In episode 21 of ABGESPACED, for example, he talked a lot about himself and, among other things, his love for Indiana Jones:
https://youtu.be/Nx3aFhVY7Fc

What do you think? Should we invite Marcel back to the S.P.A.C.E studio for his latest project, so he can give us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look in our usual relaxed atmosphere? That would be perfect for the new year! :)

A project like this, created by fans for fans, naturally needs every bit of support it can get. So please, everyone, share the trailer or the link to the official website so they can maybe find a few more sponsors:
https://shadows-of-atlantis.com/

Oh, and while you're on the website, you can pass the time until the release of »Indiana Jones and the Shadows of Atlantis« with their super cool 8-bit browser game. We'll definitely keep you updated!

Thirty years ago today (according to Letterboxd, or tomorrow, according to IMDb), Michael Mann's »Heat« premiered in Burbank, California. Warner Bros. promoted the film at the time by emphasizing that it marked Al Pacino and Robert De Niro's first appearance together on screen (while both appeared in »The Godfather Part II«, they didn't share any scenes because their roles were set in different timelines). The scene with Pacino and De Niro is indeed the film's quiet climax and is based on a real-life meeting between a gangster and a police officer, which inspired Michael Mann to create »Heat« – a quiet, respectful conversation between two men on opposite sides of the law. Their professionalism creates a strange intimacy. They mirror each other, knowing full well that one of them will likely not survive their next encounter. Incidentally, Mann had his lead actors improvise this dialogue entirely.

Of course, the film has much more to offer than just this meeting of superstars. The action scenes, in particular, have stood the test of time and remain absolutely gripping even after 30 years. »Heat« is now considered a modern classic of the gangster film genre and Michael Mann's greatest masterpiece. We highly recommend (re)watching it. You can stream »Heat« on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+.

In 2022, Michael Mann, together with author Meg Gardiner, published the novel »Heat 2«. Shortly afterward, Mann announced his strong interest in adapting his novel into a film. The sequel unfolds across different timelines, with one narrative thread directly connecting to the events of »Heat«. The injured Chris Shiherlis, portrayed by Val Kilmer in the original movie, desperately tries to escape Los Angeles while being pursued by Detective Hanna. Another narrative thread takes place in the past, in 1988 Chicago. McCauley and his gang commit robberies on the West Coast and along the border between Mexico and the USA.

Financing for »Heat 2«, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and its subsidiary United Artists, is now secured. Big names are in talks for the cast. According to Deadline, Leonardo DiCaprio is set to play the older Chris Shiherlis, with Bradley Cooper as his backup. Deadline also recently reported that Christian Bale is in discussions for a role. Other names that have surfaced include Adam Driver and Austin Butler. Ana de Armas is slated to play a role in the prequel part, but Adria Arjona and Eiza Gonzalez are also reportedly in the running. As you can see, much is still up in the air. We won't see the film until 2027 at the earliest, if not 2028. Regardless of who ultimately ends up on the cast list, we're definitely looking forward to this movie!

Our »Heat« collectibles section, on the other hand, is currently empty. Now, with the first film's anniversary and the upcoming second part, would be a good time for some of the industry's top players to acquire or renew some licenses for this masterpiece. Who would you like to see make some new collectibles for »Heat«?

After 18 long years of hoping and waiting, »Metroid Prime 4: Beyond« releases today for Switch 1 & 2. While many fans worry that modern standards and new technology might not evoke the classic »Metroid Prime« vibes, the previews seem to have been mostly positive. In the latest trailer, you can already see a bit of what awaits you:
https://youtu.be/3fN5zFkeA4A

Although »Metroid Prime 4: Beyond« directly follows the third installment, you step into a completely new adventure as Samus Aran. The bounty hunter is sent to the distant planet Viewros to investigate a dangerous new threat. Upon arrival, she finds herself caught in the midst of a conflict between warring factions, vying for control of a mysterious energy source. Samus must uncover ancient secrets and fight her way through hostile territory to discover the truth and prevent an interstellar catastrophe.

In our shop, you can pre-order cool »Metroid Prime« statues from the manufacturer First 4 Figures. Especially the Collector's Editions with the LED light-up function look really impressive!

Just in time for the release, Tamashii Nations is teasing their CHOGOKIN Samus Aran from »Metroid Prime 4: Beyond«. The love for detail makes Samus appear almost lifelike. Here, too, the icing on the cake is once again the LED light-up feature. You can admire the figure in its entirety on Toyark.

Who's starting their adventure on Viewros today? 😎

On December 5th, Lionsgate will release »Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair« in U.S. cinemas, bringing together what belongs together, as Quentin Tarantino's grand revenge tale was originally planned as a single film. It was only in the editing room that the decision was made to split the material into two films, resulting in »Kill Bill: Vol. 1« (2003) and »Kill Bill: Vol. 2« (2004).

With boldness and expertise, Tarantino plundered film history, combining elements of Eastern, samurai cinema, Spaghetti Westerns, exploitation films, and even anime. Uma Thurman as the vengeful "Bride", who works her way through her kill list, has long since become an icon of modern cinema in her yellow combat suit.

The new uncut/unrated version omits the superfluous cliffhanger from the first film and the flashback in the sequel. A new 7.5-minute anime sequence is included. Furthermore, the fight in the "House of Blue Leaves" will be shown in color and all its bloody glory. Including the 15-minute intermission, the film runs for 4 hours and 41 minutes.

In select cinemas, the short film »The Lost Chapter: Yuki's Revenge« will also be shown on the big screen. This animated film, created by the makers of Fortnite, is based on an action-packed chapter from »Kill Bill« that Tarantino ultimately cut from the script. Uma Thurman voices the Bride. Here's the trailer for this little add-on:
https://youtu.be/x7h1aMVdBEk

Unfortunately, us international fans won't be able to enjoy Tarantino's highly stylized, quote-laden remix of genre cinema for the time being. So far, there's no word on a world-wide theatrical release, or whether it will be available on streaming or Blu-ray. We certainly hope that this bloody affair will eventually make its way to our big screens, as it promises to be a true cinematic event! To whet your appetite, here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/-SzkFgEqB6Y

»Scrubs« is considered one of the best sitcoms of all time. The popular series ran for nine seasons from 2000 to 2011. In December 2024, it was announced that producer and director Bill Lawrence (»Ted Lasso«) was working on a reboot. A first teaser was released last week:
https://youtu.be/9scGpABYBMA

For eight seasons, we experienced daily life at Sacred Heart Hospital alongside the slightly clumsy and daydreaming intern, J. D. He serves as the first-person narrator. The one-camera sitcom consistently managed to balance comedy with its many quirky ideas and superbly drawn characters with dramatic events surrounding illness and death. The show's music selection was always fantastic (although some tracks had to be replaced for copyright reasons in the Disney+ streaming release).

The series came to a near-perfect end after eight seasons. However, the ABC network wanted to milk the franchise a little longer, so the spin-off »Scrubs – Med School« was created with a new cast and some original cast members in supporting roles and guest appearances. In many countries the spin-off was marketed as the ninth season of »Scrubs«. However, it didn't garner much popularity with fans, and due to steadily declining viewership, the show was canceled after just one season.

The teaser for the reboot reveals that many characters from the original series will be returning. Besides J. D., Turk, Elliot, Dr. "Perry" Cox, and Carla Espinosa are also back for the tenth season. We're really excited to see who else is coming back. After a 15-year break, we're looking forward to the sequel. The series premieres in the US on February 25, 2026. There's no international provider or release date yet. But since Hulu is a co-producer, we think Disney+ is very likely. Now we'd like to know your thoughts: Who would you like to see again? Dr. Bob Kelso? The Janitor? The Todd? Let us know!

The darkest season of the year is upon us, so it's time to unpack the fairy lights. Less Christmassy, but just as atmospheric when used for subtle lighting is our 💥 Product of the Month 💥 December 2025: the 32 cm Demogorgon Lamp from the Spanish manufacturer Erik. The fact that the final season of »Stranger Things« has just started fits perfectly, like the dice on a D&D board.

With this Demogorgon, you're bringing the beautiful terror of a »Stranger Things« creature from the Upside Down into your home as a great PVC statue with an atmospheric LED effect. Thanks to a ball joint in the head, you can turn it up to 180° and position the light to suit your preferences. The Li-ion battery has a running time of about 14 hours, while the maximum charging time is approximately two hours. You can connect the light for charging at the back of the statue's head using the included USB-C-5V-DC-1A input cable.

Despite the LED feature, show-accurate details, and a cool base, this collectible is available at a truly affordable price of less than 40 €. We wish you lots of fun with it, and an exciting and entertaining watching experience with season 5 of »Stranger Things« on Netflix!