Another 'Wanda' spinoff
Another 'Wanda' spinoff
And Netflix recasts lead of hit show
What to know
Marvel making Vision series at Disney+… It’s called Vision Quest and will reportedly be about the character trying to recover his memory and humanity. It’s also possible that Elizabeth Olsen will appear as Wanda. Marvel knows people liked WandaVision but unfortunately it can’t do a sequel to that highly unique show, so instead we’re getting adjacent projects like this and Agatha. Which I guess are better than nothing, but likely won’t be as creative or exciting as WandaVision. 🤖
Henry Cavill exits The Witcher, Liam Hemsworth to take over… Outside of Doctor Who, it’s not every day you see a high-profile lead actor in a blockbuster genre show depart and then get recast by another high-profile actor in the same role. But Netflix is invested in The Witcher franchise and so the show will go on without Cavill. Hemsworth is a good pick and of a celebrity and acting level that will make this pretty seamless I imagine. I don’t watch The Witcher so I can’t really opine on what impact this will have on the show. Of course, this move allows Cavill to get back to playing Superman. ⚔️
Elon Musk reportedly wants to charge $20/month for verified Twitter status… I don’t normally write about tech or web stuff, but I have big thoughts on this. The point of verification is so users know the account is the real person and not an imitator. This is kind of necessary for journalistic integrity and public figures. Putting it behind a paywall that many blue checks are not going to pay for makes it meaningless. Imagine a breaking news situation happening in a small town, whose only journalists are local tv people. If they're not verified (cause they can't pay), the door is open for imitators and rampant misinfo. I've been hesitant to predict the end of Twitter but this could deal a serious blow to its value as a news service. This reminds me a lot of the Disney parks right now: Short-sighted nickle and dime-ing now with no regard for the long-term impact on the brand's reputation. 🐦
Daniel Radcliffe squashes Wolverine rumor: “I don’t ever want to get locked into” something I won’t love the whole time… Duh. I could have told you that this rumor was false as every career decision D-Rad has made post Potter has shown his obvious desire to differentiate and explore. Even his sitcom (Miracle Workers) has a new story and characters every season. The man will not be tied down by another decades-long franchise. 🐺
How Hocus Pocus 2 became Disney+’s most-watched movie ever… It’s not Star Wars, Marvel, or Pixar atop Disney+ charts, it’s the Sanderson Sisters. Deadline’s got a nice break down of how strong marketing made that happened. 🧙♀️
Peacock adds Hallmark hub with live-streaming and on-demand content… Tis the season… to hopefully draw in more subscribers, please won’t somebody sign up for Peacock. 🎄
How Terrifier 2 became this year’s most unlikely box office success story… Whether family friendly like Hocus Pocus 2 or very not family friendly like Terrifier 2, people just love spooky shit this time of year. 🤡
Special Oscar given to 1935’s It Happened One Night found in Kentucky food pantry donation… They’re just giving Oscars away these days. 🏆
Blink 182’s Tom DeLonge to direct first feature film… And yes it’s a sci-fi adventure, because of course it’s a sci-fi adventure. 👽
The Penguin series adds Cristin Milioti… She works. 🐧
Avatar: The Way of Water is reportedly over three hours long… Pee beforehand. 🌊
What’s new
Blockbuster — Nov 3 | Netflix comedy series | 🍅
My Policeman — Nov 4 | Amazon drama film | 🍅 41%
Enola Holmes 2 — Nov 4 | Netflix action film | 🍅 95%
Causeway — Nov 4 | Apple drama film | 🍅 88%
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story — Nov 4 | Roku Channel comedy film | 🍅 94%
What to watch
What happened to the really funny TV comedies? With a few exceptions, it seems “comedy” is now just shorthand for “half-hour.” Northern Irish ‘90s coming-of-age sitcom Derry Girls, whose 3rd and final season is now on Netflix, is first and foremost, funny. It’s funny in the way It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia or Abbott Elementary are funny, or to go further back, in the way Seinfeld, Friends, and Malcolm in the Middle were funny. These are lofty comparisons but worthy ones as creator Lisa McGee executes the age-old sitcom formula with high levels of aptitude. Derry Girls has a deep bench of well-drawn characters with humorous and repeatable traits, McGee then mixes them up in different combinations and situations to lasting comic effect. Each ensemble member is funnier than the other, taking big bites out of the hysterical material and character games they’ve been given. With its the backdrop of The Troubles, Derry Girls then brilliantly juxtaposes the heightened drama of high school with the reality of living through hard, historic times. It is through this setting and the bonds of friendship that McGee finds the show’s wee heart. At 19 episodes total, it’s a surefire binge watch, if you’re looking for a laugh.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!