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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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


Which of these upcoming releases are you most excited about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just a few days after the death of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, the world loses another legend with Hulk Hogan. The "Hulkster" died at the age of 71 and left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the wrestling ring. With his courage, charisma, and unforgettable battle cry, he shaped generations. He lives on in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

Rest in power, Terry.

In the first issue of our SDCC 2025 special of 💫 NEUES AUS DEM FIGUREN UNIVERSUM 💫, we're not heading to San Diego just yet, because Sideshow is kicking things off 🥳! The manufacturer once again isn't present at Comic Con this year, but instead presented us with the coolest new collectibles from their home studio during their in-house Sideshow Con from July 14th to 18th. Several online booth tours revealed absolute collectible highlights – most notably the life-size Pikachu from Sideshow's brand-new Pokémon license and the long-awaited third Premium Format Figure from the »Pulp Vixens« series. Of course, we were also given new releases from Hot Toys, Tweeterhead, and Prime 1. And on top, we're taking a first look at a fantastic statue in our studio – see for yourselves 😍!

Click here for the video:
https://youtu.be/XyHIx1P3AWs

Of course, you can look forward to more – the next episodes about San Diego Comic Con will follow next week 😄!

People tend to forget that, aside from his horror roots, Stephen King also provided the source material for some of the finest film dramas in recent cinema history – such as »The Green Mile«, »Stand by Me« or »The Shawshank Redemption«. And today, the next film in that tradition hits theaters.
Based on a short story from the anthology »If It Bleeds«, director Mike Flanagan (»Doctor Sleep«) brings Tom Hiddleston to the screen as Charles “Chuck” Krantz – a man whose life and passion for dance seem deeply connected to the end of the world.

Critics are raving about the film, calling it one of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made. But in the US, where it has been showing since early June, the film completely flopped and fell far, far short of expectations.
This has been attributed, among other things, to a confusing marketing campaign. For example, the trailer leaves out the supernatural elements and the cleverly reversed narrative structure, focusing solely on the dance aspects – something audiences didn't associate with the Stephen King brand at all.
The release date, wedged between blockbusters like »Mission: Impossible« and »Jurassic World«, didn't help either – and now the same fate may be looming over the German release, which finds itself squeezed between »Superman« and »Fantastic Four«.

Still, we're incredibly curious and definitely want to see it. The cast alone is fantastic, with Tom Hiddleston joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor (»12 Years a Slave«), Karen Gillan (»Guardians of the Galaxy«), Q'orianka Kilcher (»The New World«), Mark Hamill (»Star Wars«) and Mia Sara (»Timecop«).
How about you – will you be heading to the cinema?

Watch the final trailer here:
https://youtu.be/jlN1Mmj6YNo


The biggest competition at the box office today might come from the second release we've got for you: MCU film no. 37 officially kicks off Phase 6 of the biggest cinematic franchise of all time. And at last, Marvel's First Family joins the MCU!
Vanessa Kirby (»The Crown«), Pedro Pascal (»The Last of Us«), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (»The Bear«), and Joseph Quinn (»Stranger Things«) star in »The Fantastic Four: First Steps«, taking on Ralph Ineson (»Harry Potter«) as the planet-devouring Galactus.

The film is set in a retrofuturistic parallel world strongly reminiscent of the 1960s comic books – a striking contrast to the last two versions of these four superheroes, both of which leaned more into early 2000s and 2010s Young Adult trends.

Following »Thunderbolts*«, excitement for the next big Avengers movie was already sky-high – and »The Fantastic Four: First Steps« is set to lead directly into »Avengers: Doomsday«.
If the film delivers on its promise, this could mark a true turning point for the Marvel Universe.

Here's the final trailer:
https://youtu.be/18QQWa5MEcs

Three weeks ago, Ozzy Osbourne bid farewell to the big rock stage in front of 40,000 fans in his hometown of Birmingham. It was a final, moving moment between a man and his music. Just a few days later, he boarded the »Crazy Train« to Heavy Metal heaven and joined Lemmy and Dio, and we must now say our final goodbye to him as well.

Thank you, Ozzy. For your music. For your courage. For your legacy.

In his latest post in the Action Figure District, our Mick takes a look at a figure that many of you probably haven't heard of – the sword master Itō Ittōsai, inspired by his portrayal in Takehiko Inoue's manga masterpiece »Vagabond«. In his review, Mick reveals his thoughts on the figure from manufacturer ZGJK Team:
https://action-figure-district.de/zgjk-team-ito-ittosai-vagabond/

And if feudal Japan and the world of samurai and ninja are exactly your thing, then take a look at our Samurai section:
https://www.space-figuren.de/More/Samurai:::4687_5379.html

どうもありがとうございます
domo arigato gozaimasu

A few hours ago, 20th Century Studios released a brand-new trailer for »Predator: Badlands« – and it's a blast:
https://youtu.be/43R9l7EkJwE

From the very first second, the new clip presents a visually striking, dark, action-packed adventure with unusual heroes – and lays the groundwork for a potential new era in the Alien/Predator universe. The exciting alliance between the young Predator Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), exiled from the clan, and the android Thia (Elle Fanning), created by Weyland-Yutani, will hopefully be a breath of fresh air into the franchise — and perhaps into your collection as well. Let's imagine the 1/6 Hot Toys figures of the two main characters ;).

»Predator: Badlands« is scheduled to hit cinemas in early November 2025.

A few days ago, Warner Bros. released the first trailer for »Mortal Kombat II«. This is the fourth live-action film based on the video game of the same name and the sequel to the 2021 film. Simon McQuoid once again sat in the director's chair. A number of actors, including the highly acclaimed Hiroyuki Sanada (»Shōgun«), are reprising their roles from the first film. One newcomer who catches our attention is Karl Urban (»The Boys«) as the somewhat down-and-out former action star Johnny Cage. Was he accidentally chosen for the Mortal Kombat fights because someone took his old action flicks at face value, or is there perhaps more to it? The whole thing looks like high-class trash – we're cautiously optimistic. The expected release date is in late October. Here's the trailer:
https://youtu.be/a9pHkX7c3y8

The second trailer for the FX series »Alien: Earth« was released just in time for the weekend, and like the previous teasers and trailers, it once again looks extremely appealing. The series is a prequel to 1979's »Alien« and takes place two years before the events on the Nostromo. The series sets foot on Earth for the first time, giving us the opportunity to delve deeper into the lore and learn more about the five powerful corporations that rule the world – Weyland-Yutani, Prodigy, Lynch, Dynamic, and Threshold. 
The research vessel USCSS Maginot crashes in Prodigy City. The protagonist, Wendy (played by Sydney Chandler) is a hybrid, a robot with human consciousness. She's the first of her kind. Together with a special unit, she's sent on a rescue and recovery mission ...
Sounds quite promising, and it looks like it too:
https://youtu.be/FqIi3N9dusk
The series premieres on August 13th on Disney+.