News

A new Thursday – three fresh film picks hitting German cinemas today:

Our favorite for the movie start of the week is clearly »Dust Bunny«: »Hannibal« showrunner Bryan Fuller teams up with Mads Mikkelsen once again and directs this dark, fantastical action thriller like a fever dream. Eight-year-old Aurora (Sophie Sloan) hires the New York hitman from one of the neighbouring apartments, played by Mikkelsen, to take down the monster that supposedly ate her parents. In the US, where the film already opened in December, audiences have compared it to »Amélie«, »Pan's Labyrinth«, and Fuller's own series »Pushing Daisies«. Also starring: Sigourney Weaver, Sheila Atim, and David Dastmalchian.

For even more unhinged monster, or rather zombie hunting, there's »Cold Storage«. Georgina Campbell, »Stranger Things« star Joe Keery, and Liam Neeson do everything they can during a single night shift to prevent an outbreak of a mind-controlling zombie fungus (»The Last of Us« says hi!) from their container warehouse. Critics are especially praising the horror-comedy for never taking itself too seriously, and for knowingly scratching that B-movie itch.

Last but not least, we get Emma Thompson in a role that's pretty unusual for her – one she probably stole from Neeson, leaving him with nothing but the part in »Cold Storage«. In the action thriller »Dead of Winter«, she witnesses the kidnapping of a teenage girl (Laurel Marsden) and then transforms from kind-hearted, recently widowed housewife Barb into an ice-cold, deadly avenger with one goal: saving the girl. Even if the story is a bit heavy on backstory, the film is being praised above all for Thompson's performance and its deep-winter setting.

Yesterday, the NEW YORK TOY FAIR 2026 came to a close, and as always, it was an overwhelming sensory experience! We scoured social media and have compiled the most important news and biggest highlights for you. Of course, we haven't seen everything yet, and new videos are still appearing on toy reviewer channels on YouTube. This post can therefore only offer a first glimpse and is not intended to be comprehensive:

At MCFARLANE, sports were the dominant theme. A plethora of NHL, NFL, NBA, and MLB figures were on display – nice, especially because of their great articulation, but of less interest to European audiences. What probably generated the most buzz was the licensing deal they secured with Sony Interactive Entertainment. Some toys for »Helldivers 2« were already on show, and the first figures for »God of War« are also on the horizon. Collectibles for other major PlayStation IPs like »The Last of Us«, »Bloodborne«, »Ghost of Tsushima« and »Horizon« are also in the works. We're particularly curious to see how these figures compare to the competing product from Spin Master. In the gaming section, the Elite Edition Lich King from »World of Warcraft« was certainly another highlight. So far, we have to admit that the Elite Edition lives up to its name – keep it up, McFarlane! Of course, they'll also continue with new characters in the »Mortal Kombat« series and other established franchises (»Fallout«, »Avatar«, Anime, etc.), but instead of listing everything here, we'd rather recommend Pixel Dan's booth tour on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/EyJY-qScGzs

As always, NECA launched a large selection of figures. New licenses include a classic »DuckTales« series and »The Muppets«. The latter is a natural fit, as the manufacturer already has »Sesame Street« in their assortment. Furthermore, there will be a collaboration with McDonald's. NECA has also secured another new license for »Dead by Daylight«, with the Trapper being the first figure revealed. The Fisherman from »I Know What You Did Last Summer« made his debut in the Toony Terrors line. There are also new additions to the Ultimate figures for »Predator: Badlands«. With the Ultimate Eddie from the »Stranger in a Strange Land« artwork, the manufacturer is bringing another Iron Maiden cover to life. If you've been collecting NECA horror figures for a while, you'll surely remember the Pamela Voorhees shrine from »Friday the 13th«. It's now getting a re-release with LEDs that simulate flickering candlelight – awesome!

TRICK OR TREAT STUDIOS is known for dedicating themselves almost exclusively to the horror genre and produce figures in all sorts of scales, such as their series of small, retro-style figures from »Day of the Dead«. Among the slightly larger action figures on display were the »Maniac Cop« and the »Leprechaun«, the latter also available in a giant version with fabric clothing and real hair. We're not entirely sure, but it might even be life-size. The complete lineup of »Killer Klowns From Outer Space« delivered an impressive burst of color. A figure series based on »Creepshow« will be released in 2027; the unpainted prototypes were exhibited in New York. A really cool collectible is the life-size T-60 helmet from »Fallout«. It's a real beast!

The manufacturer ZOMBIE SAILOR'S TOYS exhibited at the Toy Fair for the first time, showcasing a wide range of beautifully painted wrestling action figures. Several movie characters were also on display at their booth. The stylized figures have a somewhat cartoonish feel, which is certainly a matter of taste. There's a series based on »Army of Darkness«, in which the Winged Deadite, along with Ash in several variations, is undoubtedly the highlight. Other stylized figures were available from »Silent Hill« and »Ace Ventura«, among others.

At NACELLE, the second wave of their »Star Trek«" 1/12 scale line was on display. Also really cool are the action figures from the fantastic TV series »The Expanse«, which are already listed for pre-order in our shop.

Mattel may have landed a golden license with »KPop Demon Hunters« (because of »Golden«, get it? 😉). The toy manufacturer already presented a first look at its product range for the film in New York. Besides Nerf guns, card games, and soda cans, we can also look forward to high-quality action figures with interchangeable faces. And for those who prefer the soundtrack, a matching Singing Doll is a great gift for a child, killing two birds with one stone. Of course, the »Masters of the Universe« were even more of a focus for MATTEL. We already published a detailed article about this in our news section yesterday. MOTU fans, be sure to check that out 😎. Besides that, the really cool wrestling legends and Hall of Famers from MATTEL should also be mentioned, especially the absolute and sadly deceased icon Hulk Hogan.

Our Canadian friends at PURE ARTS brought a significant number of high-end collectibles to the Toy Fair. Most of what was on display at their booth in New York was already featured in our "On the Road" video from this year's Nuremberg Toy Fair. However, they unveiled some fantastic new items for »Elden Ring« for the first time in the Big Apple: a scaled replica of Malenia's arm and three highly detailed miniature helmets.

The manufacturer THE LOYAL SUBJECTS was, of course, back in New York after the huge MASK sensation last year. It's already known that wave 2 is in the planning and pre-production phase. But a new variant of Thunderhawk caused a real surprise: the so-called "Hologram Edition" (with a glow-in-the-dark feature!). This special edition will likely be released as an SDCC exclusive. We also thought the Toys"R"Us mini playset was really fun – historically valuable and great for kids to play with, or, of course, a fun nostalgic collectible for us big kids. 😊

You can find a whole series of booth tours on the YouTube channels of
CoolToyReviews:
https://www.youtube.com/@CoolToyReviews
Pixel Dan:
https://www.youtube.com/@Pixel-dan
and NerdNewsToday:
https://www.youtube.com/@NerdNewsToday

You can find many photos of the exhibitions at TOYARK:
https://www.toyark.com/2026/02/15/toy-fair-2026-full-coverage-round-up-with-links-to-all-stories-581491

After some Star Wars fans were disappointed by the rather "unusual" Super Bowl clip for »The Mandalorian and Grogu«, things should calm down and the goosebumps should return. The new trailer for the upcoming blockbuster has just been released – and it's sure to get you really excited for the film! This is the way:
https://youtu.be/IHWlvwu8t1w

We're absolutely thrilled for May 22nd – what about you?

In November of last year, »Predator: Badlands« hit cinemas. Since last week, you can stream the film on Disney+. If you missed it on the big screen, you should definitely catch up on it now. Of course, a rewatch is also worthwhile. We, for one, loved the film.

Dan Trachtenberg once again directed, daring to break new ground by making the Yautja Dek his main character. The adventure of the young Dek, banished from his clan, and the Weyland Yutani android Thia delivered a wealth of memorable scenes and iconic images. Several collectible manufacturers, most notably Hot Toys and NECA, recognized this potential.

Since its early days as a 1/6 scale toy manufacturer, Hot Toys has consistently secured the licenses for the Predator films. Dek from »Predator: Badlands« is available for preorder as a single figure or in a set with half of Thia on his back. We're willing to bet this will sell out quickly, so better grab it while you can! Hot Toys also recently announced Dek's father as an impressive 37 cm figure. From Trachtenberg's first Predator film, »Prey«, comes the Feral Predator in a Battle Damaged version, and two classic Predator figures are being re-released:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Movies/Predator:::4681_5068.html?filter_id%5B0%5D=8

The Predator franchise also has a home at NECA. In the popular 7-inch scale, there's an Ultimate Dek in the Training Armor version and an Ultimate Feral Predator in the Bear Blood version:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Movies/Predator:::4681_5068.html?filter_id%5B0%5D=4

And as seen at the New York Toy Fair, a whole bunch of new Badlands figures are coming. Dek appears in his Bone Bison Armor from the showdown scenes with the Weyland Yutani androids. Thia and Bud will be available in a double pack, or rather, a 1½ pack. There's also a family reunion with Dek's brother Kwei and his father. You can get a first look at the new figures in Pixel Dan's video from the New York Toy Fair (around minute 4:50):
https://youtu.be/1bcODkKYdX8

An iconic 'piggyback' statue of Dek & Thia is also available as a 1/10 Scale Art Statue from Iron Studios:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Movies/Predator/1-10-Scale-Dek-Thia-Art-Scale-Statue-Predator-Badlands::29698.html

So, plenty of Predator for every budget and apartment size. Here's an overview of all the collectibles:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Movies/Predator:::4681_5068.html

Enjoy the movie!

One of THE hottest topics for 2026 is, of course, »Masters of the Universe«. Since the release of the movie trailer a few weeks ago, the hype has really taken off. :) We at the S.P.A.C.E Crew can hardly wait for the theatrical release in early June...

The wait is being sweetened, of course, by Mattel's lineup of action figures and vehicles for the film – or at least by their announcements and "first looks", especially during the ongoing New York Toy Fair. We've compiled the latest information for you, because we're just as excited about the toys as we are about the movie.

Mattel will be releasing two brand-new, parallel lines of figures. For most collectors, the "Chronicles" line will likely be the most interesting. This line will initially launch with characters from the new live-action film, but leaves open the possibility of expanding into other areas (such as Filmation or 200x). Mattel has emphasized, however, that this year's focus is entirely on the film and that the "Masterverse" line will not be replaced by "Chronicles," but rather that "Masterverse" is taking a pause for now.

To be honest, we find the size of the new figures a bit questionable. At approximately 6.5 inches, they're slightly smaller than the 7-inch Masterverse figures – but that's our only possible criticism. Otherwise, the figures look fantastic! Some content creators, such as Pixel Dan and Toy Shiz, got a first look unboxing behind the scenes at the Mattel showroom during Toy Fair, so we can already get a first impression of the final products. Great paintwork and sculpting, superb articulation (in over 30 points, including butterfly joints in the shoulders, which is absolutely amazing for iconic poses, especially for He-Man), and of course, the corresponding accessories make us really excited for the series. We also think the packaging design and concept are very well done. You have the option of putting the figures back into their window boxes if you decide to use a "MIB" display option. We are very proud to note that our dear friend Simon Eckert from Berlin is responsible for the design of the Battle Cat box. Great job, Simon!

Now to the big question: "When will the figures be available, or when can I pre-order them from you?":
As of today, there is still an embargo on the new releases, which of course must be observed. No date for an authorized pre-sale has been announced yet. However, we expect it to be at the beginning of April, meaning Mattel isn't currently allowing any hasty online pre-order frenzy. What we can confirm, however, are three things:

1. The official worldwide street date, meaning the first day the figures can be released (whether online or in stores), is April 25, 2026.
2. We definately expect to have (at least) wave 1 of the Chronicles figures – He-Man, Man-At-Arms, Tri-Klops, and Battle Cat – in stock or shipping by this date.
3. The standard figures will be priced around 35€.
Please keep an eye on our news, our social media channels, and our email newsletter so you don't miss anything.

Presumably, the same timing will apply to the second figure line, which had the working title "First Ones" and has now been called "Core Figures" by Mattel in New York. These are completely new 5.5" figures, clearly distinct from the "Origins" series and not intended to replace them. The Origins line continues, and the new line launches alongside it. The figures are not only smaller but also significantly simpler and cheaper than the "Chronicles" figures, and Mattel is likely addressing these to a younger target group, one that will be recruited or hopefully hooked by the movie. Based on the initial unboxings at Toy Fair, we're genuinely impressed with this line! The sculpts are really good, the articulation (14 points!) promises plenty of play value, the blister cards look cool, and the first vehicle, Roton, is seriously badass! The standard figures will be priced at around 15€. That's a great entry-level price point, perfect for kids... and their parents, of course. ;)

One more thing about the Origins: It was further confirmed that all mash-ups (the MOTU crossovers with, for example, the Turtles, ThunderCats, or Transformers) will also be "on pause" this year. Whether the focus on the movie is just a welcome distraction to quietly wind down the perhaps less successful sub-lines – or whether they'll continue in 2027 – remains to be seen.

We were already really impressed by the first reveals of the figures at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, but the "in-hand" impressions from Pixel Dan and others have now completely convinced us. 2026 is going to be a huge MOTU year, and we're happy that Mattel seems to be taking the project seriously. By the Power of Grayskull, we're ready and we're really hooked!

Today we're presenting to you a few new trailers for series we're excited for:

At the beginning of December, we already talked about the reboot of the series »Scrubs« in our news. Now the first proper trailer is here:
https://youtu.be/dJq8WJ5lMec
And it feels wonderfully warm and fuzzy, a bit like coming home. Tuning in is an absolute no-brainer! In the US, the series premieres on February 25th on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu. Internationally, Hulu is usually part of the Disney+ catalogue, so we can probably expect the series to arrive there soon.

It's been ages since we saw the movie »Lord of the Flies«, and even longer since we read the novel by William Golding on which it's based. The story of the English schoolboys stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash and their subsequent descent into barbarism is often used as a point of comparison, from »Lost« and »Yellowjackets« to »Battle Royale« and »Send Help«. Now, a new adaptation of »Lord of the Flies« is coming as a four-part miniseries, starting February 24th on Sky & WOW – our curiosity is piqued! Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/3Q9SQ7hTMdg

On Amazon Prime Video dropped a trailer for the crime series »Scarpetta«, based on the novels by Patricia Cornwell and starring Nicole Kidman in the title role:
https://youtu.be/RSpvGC0_XLM
The cast also includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, and Simon Baker. The US premiere is on March 11th; an international release date has not yet been announced. We also don't yet know whether the series follows a classic case-of-the-week format or a larger mystery storyline. But Patricia Cornwell and the cast definitely makes us want to take a look.

Last night, another PlayStation »State of Play« showcase took place … and it was one of the longest and most packed editions to date! We've put together a few highlights for you:

The huge final surprise of the show centered on the »God of War« franchise. The legendary voice actor of the young Kratos, T.C. Carson, not only revealed a major remake of the original trilogy (2005–2010), which is said to be in an early stage of development, but also announced a shadow drop of a Metroidvania-style prequel called »God of War: Sons of Sparta«, available to play as of today. In both games, Carson returns as the voice of Kratos after Christopher Judge took over the role in the more recent entries.

Another huge surprise was the first trailer for the new »John Wick« game, which currently still doesn't have an official title. We see Keanu Reeves in his signature role, getting sharply dressed and brawling his way through the world with whatever he can get his hands on (yes, the killer pencil is back!). It's remarkable how closely the trailer sticks to the franchise's signature jump-cut rhythm. It'll be exciting to see whether the gameplay follows suit.

More highlights included fresh looks at »Pragmata«, »Resident Evil Requiem« (which releases already on 27 February; we'll definitely talk more about it then), »Crimson Moon«, »007 First Light« and »Star Wars: Galactic Racer«, as well as first trailers for »Silent Hill: Townfall« and the very intriguing new open-world action RPG »Project Windless« – arguably the first game in history to feature a bodybuilder rooster as its protagonist.

Unfortunately, there was no new information on Insomniac Games' »Marvel's Wolverine«, which is still expected to release this year but remains without a concrete launch date so far.

Watch the full 72 minutes of the »State of Play« show here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/P0e5YEXtZu0

Amazon Prime Video released the first trailer last night for the eight-part series »Spider-Noir«. Nicolas Cage stars as the aging, down-on-his-luck private detective Ben Reilly on the streets of 1930s New York. He was once 'The Spider', the city's only superhero.

The character Spider-Noir first appeared in »Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse« and is now getting his live-action debut.

Stylistically, the series draws inspiration from film noir, and the hardboiled private detectives portrayed by Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade in »The Maltese Falcon« or as Philip Marlowe in »The Big Sleep«. The subgenre enjoyed its heyday in the 1940s and was heavily inspired by German Expressionism, featuring high-contrast, low-key lighting in rich black and white, and dark, nihilistic stories. The genre never completely disappeared and experienced a revival in neo-noir, even in color, as seen in 1974's »Chinatown« starring Jack Nicholson as private detective J. J. Gittes.

The trailer, or rather the trailers, already demonstrate a strong stylistic commitment, as Amazon Prime Video is releasing the series in two versions:

crisp black and white:
https://youtu.be/HgMbkitzhEM

and true-hue full color:
https://youtu.be/b-Blr0_koQA

A very cool move, in our opinion!

And Nicolas Cage, of course, is back, going all-in, just as we know and love him. It all starts on May 27th. This is going to be awesome!

It's Thursday again – which of course means we've got the most exciting new theatrical releases for you. This week brings a little calm before the storm when it comes to our usual genres, before the floodgates open soon. Over the coming weeks we'll be getting »Dust Bunny«, »Scream 7«, »Marty Supreme«, »The Bride!«, »Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die«, »Project Hail Mary«, and more!

But we still have two very fascinating new films for you:

One of the biggest films of the year is likely Emerald Fennell's (»Saltburn«) new adaptation of »“Wuthering Heights”«, based on Emily Brontë's unsettling masterpiece. The film seems to be dividing critics right down the middle: on the one hand, the chemistry and raw sexual tension between Jacob Elordi's Heathcliff and Margot Robbie's Catherine Earnshaw is being praised – on the other hand, many argue that the novel's true motives get lost thanks to complete personality rewrites and the omission of the book's entire second half, which focuses on the next generation. In particular, the fact that the brutally violent Heathcliff is reworked into a Christian Grey–style slick seducer and that the story is being marketed as a love story, has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Still, the production design is genuinely intriguing: hovering somewhere between Met Gala avant-garde and period piece, it gives the film an almost ethereal quality. As an erotic drama, this might very well work, but it's a shame that the source material's thriller edge seems to have been watered down.

When it comes to eccentric and brooding investigators and cops, Mark Ruffalo is rarely far away: »Zodiac«, »Shutter Island«, »Now You See Me«, and most recently the HBO series »Task« – Ruffalo nails the hyper-intelligent loner every time. And that typecasting hits again with the second film we want to recommend today. In »Crime 101«, Detective Lou Lubesnick is on the trail of master thief Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth), who – despite mutual mistrust – gets involved with disgruntled insurance broker Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry). Moral certainties start to erode, and the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur. For fans of the classic heist thriller, this could be a real highlight: the cast is genuinely top-tier, and director Bart Layton comes from the world of true-crime documentaries and docudrama. So he knows his way around crime.

Ten years ago, »Deadpool« hit cinemas, presenting a distinctly different superhero (or rather, anti-hero) with well-choreographed, R-rated action, an anarchic, sometimes juvenile humor that dishes it out in all directions, often taking jabs at his Marvel colleagues and frequently breaking the fourth wall. Deadpool clearly understands that he's in his own movie, which sets the flick apart from the usual Marvel film formula.

Two years later, the equally entertaining »Deadpool 2« followed. The trilogy then reached another high point in 2024 with »Deadpool & Wolverine«. Fans had long awaited the meeting of Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, and they were not disappointed.

Collectors will also find plenty to enjoy. Check out our Deadpool section:
https://www.space-figuren.de/products_all.php?filter%5B2%5D%5B0%5D=860

Our personal fun fact: Those in the know are aware that Sven even dedicated the guest room at S.P.A.C.E Headquarters to none other than the Merc with a Mouth in red spandex – including the bathroom!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Pool!

Last Friday, the dark samurai action RPG »Nioh 3« was released for PlayStation 5 and Windows. Unlike earlier games in the series, this latest title features a multifaceted open world that is already winning over critics. Merciless boss fights and a dynamic combat system are at the heart of the gameplay. The story also appears to be a gripping spectacle – even if some players had hoped for a bit more depth. Things definitely get heated in the launch trailer:
https://youtu.be/CJf3dQ4ZQLY

With Japan spiraling into a Yokai apocalypse after a coup in 1622, Tokugawa Takechiyo is catapulted through time. In history's most legendary eras, he battles his own demon-possessed brother, who is responsible for this chaos. To reclaim his rightful heritage as Shogun, Takechiyo masters not only the arts of the Samurai but also those of the Ninja. Every battle fought to cleanse the timelines decides the survival of an entire nation.

So, are you ready to dive into the dark world of »Nioh 3«? 😉

Last night, the 60th Super Bowl took place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This year's championship game of the 2025 NFL season pitted the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots. Before the game kicked off, the crowd was treated to a musical warm-up. Green Day opened the show with their songs »Holiday«, »Boulevard of Broken Dreams« and »American Idiot« As is customary for every Super Bowl anniversary, the MVPs (Most Valuable Players) of the past decades were honored. Following this, Brandi Carlile sang »America the Beautiful«, Coco Jones performed »Lift Every Voice and Sing«, and Charlie Puth sang the U.S. national anthem.

The game itself offered relatively little excitement, as the Seahawks were clearly superior to the Patriots from the outset. Even though they hadn't scored a touchdown yet, they deservedly led 9-0 at halftime. After halftime, the trend continued, and shortly after the start of the final quarter, the score was 19-0. The Patriots managed to claw back some points, but in the end, the Seattle Seahawks won by a landslide, 29-13. The reason to celebrate wasn't just the victory itself, but also a new record: kicker Jason Myers became the first player to kick five field goals.

However, the halftime show by Puerto Rican Latin trap artist Bad Bunny was a bigger spectacle. The choice of the singer had previously drawn harsh criticism from conservative circles, who labeled him "anti-American." His performance was a love letter to Latin American culture – sung entirely in Spanish, set against a backdrop of sugarcane fields and food stalls, and surrounded by countless dancers. Bad Bunny, who had himself made a guest appearance at Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's halftime show a few years earlier, brought Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin on stage to join him. The show ended with him shouting "God Bless America!", and listing numerous American countries, accompanied by a flag procession that included not only the American, but also the Canadian and various Latin American flags. A large banner in the background read: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love."

Outside the stadium , in addition to the sporting action and the musical performances, the Super Bowl always brings us a fresh load of new trailers for the movies we've been eagerly anticipating. This year, the lineup is particularly heavy on science fiction.

MINIONS & MONSTERS
In the third spin-off film featuring the Minions, a new trio awaits you, determined to fulfill their big dream of becoming filmmakers in 1920s Hollywood. However, James, Henry, and Ed cause quite a mess when they accidentally unleash a horde of monsters upon the world. Starting July 3, you and your whole family can head to the theater to see exactly where this adventure leads.

SUPERGIRL
Who needs a Man of Steel when you can have a truly tough Supergirl? But the path to becoming this formidable hero is anything but easy and leads through multiple galaxies. Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) must lose everything before she can find her true calling. Revenge becomes her new driving force as she joins Ruthye (Eve Ridley) in the fight against the villainous Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts). On June 26, you can experience a battle for justice in the cinema, set in a gritty atmosphere that moves away from typical sci-fi aesthetics.

PROJECT HAIL MARY
One of the year's major highlights is expected to be the story of astronaut Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling). He wakes up on a spaceship one day with amnesia and a deceased crew. After a while, he begins to remember the significance of the mission he is on: a parasitic microorganism threatens to freeze the entire solar system, and only Ryland can prevent this catastrophe in time. Although deep space presents many challenges, he encounters an alien yet lovable creature during his rescue mission that quickly becomes his ally. Based on the new trailer, we expect an emotional story that will stay with us for a long time. This sci-fi adventure hits theaters on March 20.

STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU
Unfortunately, there wasn't a proper second trailer for the upcoming Star Wars film about the Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his loyal little companion Grogu. However, the short clip, in which we see the two of them riding through a blizzard on an ice planet in a Taun Taun carriage (!), is still really exciting! Thanks to the voiceover, the whole thing has the vibe of one of those "Bud Light" commercials. This is the way... to the big screen on May 21st!

DISCLOSURE DAY
On June 12, a science-fiction thriller directed by Steven Spielberg will hit theaters. An alien force takes possession of a TV meteorologist (Emily Blunt), causing her to deliver an ominous message. Following this, the government fails to deny the existence of aliens any longer, and the world descends into chaos.

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE
Following the 2023 animated hit »The Super Mario Bros. Movie«, Illumination and Nintendo are launching another film from the »Super Mario« universe this year. However, this one is based on the »Galaxy« games, as well as »Super Mario Odyssey« and »Super Mario Bros. Wonder«. The Super Bowl trailer is kept quite brief, but we are looking forward to the theatrical release on April 3.

HOPPERS
The trailer for Pixar's »Hoppers« is significantly more offbeat, somewhat resembling »Avatar« in its concept. Scientists have found a way to transfer human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals. Animal lover Mabel doesn't miss this chance and slips into the body of a beaver. This wacky animated film for the whole family arrives in theaters on March 6.

SCREAM 7
According to the trailer, the latest part of the »Scream« franchise seems to be a family affair. Once again, the focus is on "Final Girl" Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) – or rather, her family. Ghostface returns, but this time, the killer is targeting her daughter Tatum (Isabel May). Those wishing for a bit of horror should head to the cinema on February 27.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2
Just in time for its 20th anniversary, the sequel to »The Devil Wears Prada« arrives in theaters on May 1. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprise their iconic roles to engage in a classic power struggle within the digital age.

MICHAEL
The trailer for the biopic »Michael« isn't exactly brand new, as we discussed it in detail last week. You can watch the story of the King of Pop in cinemas starting April 24.

THE ADVENTURES OF CLIFF BOOTH
Releasing this summer in select theaters and, fortunately, also on Netflix, is a spin-off of Quentin Tarantino's »Once Upon a Time in Hollywood«. Brad Pitt returns to his role as Cliff Booth. The plot is set in 1977, about eight years after the events of the first film. While Tarantino is responsible for the screenplay, David Fincher takes the director's chair.

Actually, we firmly expected a trailer for »Avengers: Doomsday« or »Spider-Man: Brand New Day«, but unfortunately, there were no glimpses of either title. Sci-fi fans, however, should be happy with the trailers this year. We are excited to see which one will turn out to be a true highlight and which trailer ends up being more fun to watch than the movie itself. Check out a compilation of the trailers here:
https://youtu.be/iBhbL3CNiig

The Super Bowl is also always a occasion for advertisers to dig deep into their pockets. A 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl broadcast costs between $8 and $10 million, plus production costs and fees for Hollywood's top actors. These are immense sums, but they pay off for the companies, as Super Bowl commercials reach millions of viewers. This means a concentrated dose of creative energy and star power goes into these entertaining ads. Here are our five favorite commercials this year:

»Alexaaaa+«, Amazon Alexa+ with Chris Hemsworth
Are you afraid of HAL 9000 or the Skynet apocalypse? Then this funny commercial starring Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky is just what you need. It pokes fun at fears surrounding AI while simultaneously demonstrating the everyday benefits of Alexa+ in the home.
https://youtu.be/sCyiXmxHqSg

»For Papa!«, Instacart with Ben Stiller & Benson Boone
Singer Benson Boone is known for his backflips, which is probably what inspired the Instacart commercial. Boone and Ben Stiller play a cheesy sibling musical duo singing about bananas (naturally accompanied by a dancing banana and carrot). Boone lands his backflip. Stiller tries to do the same, leading to an escalating slapstick show. Spike Jonze directed this wonderful retro clip.
https://youtu.be/a1ysUdRLjaE

»The Expert«, TurboTax with Adrien Brody
We also had a lot of fun with »The Expert«. That's real method acting! It's simply wonderful how Adrien Brody pokes fun at himself and his artist image here.
https://youtu.be/cL7sMbeD-UE

»Unavailable« & »The Negotiation«, Squarespace with Emma Stone
We were a little surprised to discover one of our favorite actresses in a Super Bowl commercial, and even more so that Yorgos Lanthimos directed the two spots with Emma. Wonderfully self-deprecating and guaranteed to be artistically valuable!
https://youtu.be/2cLNMXUNzxY
https://youtu.be/6_ufNt-VHMM

»Sweet Sandwich Time«, Hellman's Mayonnaise with Andy Samberg and Elle Fanning
What would a sandwich be, indeed what would life be, without mayonnaise? Andy Samberg delivers a wonderful Neil Diamond parody with this catchy tune set to the melody of »Sweet Caroline«. It'll be stuck in our heads all day!
https://youtu.be/GaejIbCmqEk

You can find a great selection of Super Bowl commercials in this compilation:
https://youtu.be/kIs0sm79nOQ
or on this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOhdskWpz17Poos7WScgE1hqJpJe41z28

The clips feature Scarlett Johansson, Owen Wilson, Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Bradley Cooper, Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, George Clooney, and many others. Which commercials entertained you the most this year?

Sunday marks a major anniversary – 50 years ago, on February 8, 1976, Martin Scorsese's film »Taxi Driver« premiered in New York City!

Insomniac Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) takes a job as a taxi driver in New York City and from then on roams the streets night after night, where he encounters violence, junkies, pimps, and prostitutes. He increasingly loses touch with reality while dreaming of cleansing the city of its scum.

A relationship with campaign aide Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), who works for Senator and presidential candidate Charles Palantine (Leonard Harris), ends on their second date when Travis takes her to a porn theater. Around this time, he also meets the underage prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster). Travis buys four guns from a bootlegger, trains, and believes he's on a mission. He shows up at a Palantine campaign event, presumably intending to assassinate the presidential candidate. When security notices him, he changes his plan and focuses on rescuing Iris from her pimp (Harvey Keitel), embarking on a bloody rampage.

The film is a timeless masterpiece and has won numerous awards. Robert De Niro, a method actor, completely embodies the role of Travis Bickle. His portrayal of the delusional psychopath is unforgettable – his solitary taxi rides, his training, his internal monologues in front of the mirror, and finally his transformation into the mohawked assassin, the final eruption of violence, and the ambiguous ending. The film stays focused on Bickle throughout; Scorsese and his screenwriter Paul Schrader create a compelling and ambivalent portrait of one of cinema's greatest anti-heroes.

Given De Niro's iconic role, we're genuinely surprised that it's never been officially released as a collectible. So far, only unlicensed 1:6 scale bootlegs have been available. We'd immediately reserve a spot for him in our gallery of the most memorable film characters of all time.

For child star Jodie Foster the role of the underage prostitute Iris was a major breakthrough in her career. She won multiple Best Newcomer awards and was nominated for an Oscar (also nominated were »Taxi Driver« for Best Picture, Robert De Niro for Best Actor, and Bernard Herrmann for Best Original Score with his final composition). The film won Scorsese the Palme d'Or at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival.

Even though »Taxi Driver« is now 50 years old, and New York in the mid-1970s was completely different from today's New York, the story is in many ways more relevant than ever when considered in light of today's political climate. A Travis Bickle, unfortunately, is more present than ever in today's society, marked by hatred and racism.

At the end of January, we headed to Nuremberg for the Toy Fair like every year. At the largest international trade fair for the toy industry, various collectible manufacturers showcased their most exciting highlights – and we're taking you along ON THE ROAD and through the exhibition halls!

We were especially pleased that Iron Studios was there for the first time. At their fair debut, they presented a handful of fantastic statues, including Luke & Leia and Lara Croft in 1/10 scale. At the Pure Arts booth, we were truly blown away by the impressive and highly detailed 1/2 scale statue of Geralt from the Prestige Line based on the third »The Witcher« game. Kaustic Plastik and Infinite presented their renditions of Eric Draven from »The Crow« at the Cosmic Group booth, and they were truly remarkable. And at Mattel's booth, the first two action figures from the new »Masters of the Universe« film celebrated their world premiere – Man-At-Arms and Evil-Lyn! 🤩

You can see these and other great collectibles and interview partners in our video:
https://youtu.be/tbqYSf1p5tA

We looked into this week's cinema programme for you and would like to present you two films you can now see on the big screen:

Let's start with »Return to Silent Hill«! The 2024 remake of the game »Silent Hill 2« was a massive sensation within the survival horror genre. Since the film covers that exact same story, expectations are quite high. However, the first reviews do not speak in favor of the video game adaptation. While the typical »Silent Hill« atmosphere is said to emerge, the profound development of the story and the protagonist James Sunderland (Jeremy Irvine) apparently falls by the wayside. Whether »Return to Silent Hill« only performs poorly in comparison to the video game or is fundamentally useless as a horror film is something everyone must decide for themselves. Die-hard fans will hardly want to miss the spectacle. Perhaps the trailer will help you make a decision:
https://youtu.be/-8trfk7CHmA

Less horror, but more dark humor can be found in »No Other Choice«, which also opens in German cinemas today. The new film by South Korean director Park Chan-wook (»Oldboy«, »Decision to Leave«) is a satirical thriller in which Lee Byung-hun (the frontman from »Squid Game«) plays an unemployed family man desperately searching for a job, stopping at nothing to secure a new position. Be sure to check out the trailer:
https://youtu.be/HKZpuG_ezvY
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, subsequently screened at a handful of other film festivals, and was met with enthusiastic audiences. »No Other Choice« even made the shortlist for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, though it ultimately didn't receive a nomination. But Oscars aside – this film is definitely worth seeing!

What can we say? It's only February and it already feels like we've lived through half the year. Strangely enough, the same seems to be true for TV, and it once again underlines the massive shift from film to shows: in just a few weeks since New Year's, we've already seen quite a few hot Emmy contenders. Alongside the absolutely fantastic banger that was »Fallout« season 2, perfectly delivering the exact feelings the games have always triggered in us (and by the way, the season finale dropped today on Amazon Prime Video), our very own Tim was so blown away by the first three episodes of »A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms« that he immediately sat down and wrote a small midterm review.
Three episodes are still to come, airing on the next three Mondays on HBO Max – and honestly, the roughly €6 for the subscription is more than worth it for this show alone.

“I'll try to keep it short, and to keep the spoilers to an absolute minimum: »A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms«, based on George R. R. Martin's »Tales of Dunk and Egg«, is BY FAR the best thing we've gotten from Westeros since at least season four of »Game of Thrones«. I genuinely didn't expect that a dramedy with a dramedy with some very lowbrow toilet humor would, after barely an hour and a half of total runtime, deliver this much depth, emotional impact, and above all, acting that simply blows »House of the Dragon« out of the water.
To tell Martin's stories, we don't need any million-dollar CGI dragons – a man-tall dragon puppet and a lively, lovable and delightfully flawed ensemble of characters with some proper quirks and shortcomings is entirely enough. And what an ensemble it is! Peter Claffey is wonderfully naive as Ser Duncan, and Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon radiates so much hedonistic joy that you just want to party with him.
But the real standout has to be Dexter Sol Ansell – only 10 years old during filming – who embodies Egg so unbelievably well. Child actors can be very hit-or-miss and you can often feel their lack of experience … but not here. He absolutely holds his own alongside performances like Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, Natalie Portman in »Léon: The Professional«, or his distant series heir Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon.

The tight setting also works in the show's favor: every episode covers a single day of the tournament with only minimal flashbacks. You can feel how much love for detail and time went into the sets and production design. That's how they make you finally understand so much better what life must be like for the ordinary people of Westeros – ruled by ‘incestuous, silver-haired aliens from a city of ash’ (Raymun Fossoway's words to Dunk).
I'm insanely excited for the remaining episodes – and for the judgment of the Seven. May Ser Duncan the Tall and Egg leave the field as victors!”

Our selection of new trailers today is truly a wild mix, or as Monty Python would say: "And Now for Something Completely Different"!

Let's start with the new trailer for »Michael«, the blockbuster biopic about the musician. We're quite amazed by everything the director is trying to cover, from the sweet, young Michael with the Jackson Five to the iconic milestones of his superstar career. It's no easy task for the film if it wants to go beyond simply ticking off the stages of Michael Jackson's career. Jaafar Jackson (Michael's nephew) certainly impresses us. The trailer focuses heavily on the tyrannical father, Joe Jackson, a role in which Colman Domingo already shines. But how far will the film go? Will it limit itself to the veneration of the brilliant artist, or will it also address the darker aspects of Michael Jackson's life? We're certainly very curious to see what awaits us in theaters on April 24th. Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/mbtgEE6rkxw

From blockbusters, we jump to a smaller movie. »Sew Torn« is the feature film debut of director Freddy Macdonald. A seamstress stumbles upon a botched drug deal. Seeing the bikers lying on the ground, the weapons, and the suitcase, she's torn. She has three options: commit the perfect crime, call the police, or drive away. The trailer really piques our interest and makes us hope for an imaginative film:
https://youtu.be/DRu8hLsgODo
The flick was successful at several festivals and will be available for download on March 12th and on DVD and Blu-ray on April 2nd.

As for the creativity of »Whistle« on the other hand, we're still a bit skeptical. With its mysterious artifact, the trailer is very reminiscent of »Talk to Me« and really lays it on thick, showing off the other horror films the creators have worked on. But name-dropping doesn't automatically guarantee originality. The fact that Dafne Keen (»Deadpool & Wolverine«), Michelle Fairley (»Game of Thrones«), and Nick Frost (»Sean of the Dead«) are on the cast list speaks in the film's favor. We can see for ourselves whether the movie is any good starting February 6th: https://youtu.be/eIkIp4L865M

Lobo was already briefly visible in the recently released trailer for »Supergirl«, but it was definitely a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance by Jason Momoa. In this new short clip (not strictly a trailer), we see a little more of Lobo to entice us, and it works:
https://youtu.be/Et4clt5xdI4
The look and dirty laugh got us really excited for this character! We're already hoping for some cool Lobo collectibles with his bike.

Almost everyone knows the blond hero in the green tunic and pointed cap, wielding the Master Sword and protecting Hyrule from evil. We are clearly talking about Link from Nintendo's »The Legend of Zelda«! However, his latest reincarnation has cast aside the iconic outfit to embark on an adventure more significant than ever before.

Link succeeded in fighting Calamity Ganon and sealing the curse with the Sword that Seals the Darkness. Yet, after a presumed era of peace, he and Princess Zelda witness the resurrection of Ganondorf. The seal that kept the Demon King submerged in sleep shatters. As our hero faces the enemy with his sword, the dark substance known as Gloom eats through the blade and up into Link's shoulder. Within seconds, he loses not only Zelda and the power of the sword, but also his right arm. Although all seems lost now, he receives help from a time long past. Rauru, the first King of Hyrule, lends Link his ethereal arm to put Ganondorf back in his place once more.

The 7” PVC statue by First 4 Figures shows that Link does not hesitate to use the power of Rauru's arm. The pose should look familiar to Zelda fans, as it was inspired by official artwork for »Tears of the Kingdom«. Even if it appears to be a rather simple collectible at first glance, the manufacturer delivers on all the important details. Link carries the Master Sword on his back, the right sleeve of the Champion's Leathers is destroyed by the Gloom, and Rauru's arm features an ethereal shimmer, just as we know it from the game.

But the loving realization is not the only reason why we are naming the Link PVC Statue by First 4 Figures our 💥 Product of the Month 💥 February 2026. The »The Legend of Zelda« series celebrates its 40th anniversary this month – on February 21st, to be exact. According to Nintendo, »Breath of the Wild« and »Tears of the Kingdom« are the two most successful Zelda games to date. Therefore, this statue represents the ultimate peak in the evolution of Hyrule's hero. Its sight allows us to look back on a wonderful era and a truly iconic Link!
https://bit.ly/sf_pdm_feb26

The trailer for the new »Masters of the Universe« movie sparked a huge hype after its release last week – and the first collectibles for the film were quick to follow! Mattel's Man-at-Arms and Evil-Lyn action figures made their world premiere at the manufacturer's booth at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, where we were already able to admire them on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Entertainment Weekly exclusively revealed the first images of the remaining figures – and they look really promising! The new toy line for the film, officially titled »Masters of the Universe: Chronicles«, includes figures of He-Man (Nicholas Galitzine), Battle Cat, Man-at-Arms (Idris Elba), Teela (Camila Mendes), Tri-Klops (Kojo Attah), Skeletor (Jared Leto), Evil-Lyn (Alison Brie), and Trap Jaw (Sam C. Wilson). Galitzine, Mendes, and Brie were also able to proudly hold their own action figures. But take a look at the pictures yourselves:
https://ew.com/nicholas-galitzine-camila-mendes-alison-brie-masters-of-the-universe-action-figures-first-look-exclusive-11894012

The figures appear to be 6-inch scale and, according to the article, are scheduled for official release on April 25th. We're excited!

Right now, Sam Raimi's »Send Help« opens in cinemas worldwide. Our Mick had the opportunity to see the film last weekend in a Midnight Special. Here are his thoughts on the movie:

As is often the case, the trailer for »Send Help« piqued my interest, but unfortunately, it reveals a bit too much for my taste. So, if you haven't seen the preview yet, do yourself a favor and skip it.

Linda Liddle, brilliantly portrayed by Rachel McAdams, works in the strategy and planning department of a modern company. She excels at her job and is eagerly awaiting the promotion that the late senior boss had already promised her. Linda is somewhat socially awkward and has little contact with her colleagues. She isn't even invited to karaoke nights. She comes across as a wallflower, and her style of dress is anything but hip or fashionable. She leads a solitary life, spending her evenings in front of the television with only her cockatiel as company. Her favorite program is the reality show »Survivor«. She even applied for it with a video. When junior boss Bradley Preston (Dylan O'Brien) takes over the company, he gives the promised leadership position to his friend Donovan. Although his argument that Linda lacks leadership skills isn't wrong, his chauvinism is the main motivation for favoring his golfing buddy. Because of her professional qualifications, Linda is supposed to accompany her boss and his team on a business trip to Bangkok. Afterward, he plans to fire her. But the company jet is caught in a storm and crashes. Linda manages to reach a deserted island and finds her injured jerk boss Bradley on the beach. In this new situation, the power dynamic quickly reverses …

After Rachel McAdams previously worked with director Sam Raimi on the Marvel film »Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness«, »Send Help« marks their second collaboration. McAdams and her co-star Dylan O'Brien carry the film for the most part and do a very good job. Raimi consistently manages to subvert our expectations for his thriller-horror-comedy Robinson Crusoe-esque tale. Just when a predictable rom-com cliché seems about to unfold, the plot takes another unexpected turn. Unfortunately, other twists are entirely formulaic. This is where the script shows some weaknesses.

The scenes that truly shine through are those where Sam Raimi's signature style is evident: his close-ups, effective tracking shots, a few precisely placed jump scares, and, of course, a healthy dose of blood and other bodily fluids. The score is once again written by Danny Elfman, with whom Raimi frequently collaborates. Elfman is a fantastic composer, but I must confess that his score here didn't particularly stick in my mind.

The film is certainly entertaining, but it occasionally feels like it's treading water and could have been considerably more impactful. I honestly expected a bit more escalation from Sam Raimi. A film that focuses entirely on its two main characters lives or dies by those characters. They can certainly be a bit over the top. Bradley is a textbook jerk boss, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Anyone who's ever had dealings with such yuppie superiors will love to hate him. So, at the beginning, our sympathies lie with Linda, even though she's a bit odd. On the island, she's finally in the right place and can live her survivor dream. But she becomes increasingly unlikeable as the story progresses, so that ultimately we can't identify with either protagonist. When two assholes are at each other's throats, we don't really care about the outcome of the fight.

Despite some weaknesses, I did enjoy »Send Help«, but don't expect another Sam Raimi masterpiece.