Marvel's smart new label
And 'Hunger Games' prequel surprises
What to know
Marvel to use “Marvel Spotlight” label to designate shows and films that aren’t deeply connected to the MCU… First up under the banner will be the Echo series. This is a smart move, as they’ve now recognized that the weight of their own canon might be alienating more casual viewers. Also some fans might be exhausted by the burdensome interconnectivity. This also takes pressure off the writers and directors to deliver something that is deeply meaningful to whatever the larger story is, and then they can just focus on making whatever it is they’re making good. Werewolf by Night is the best example of this so far, I’d say. Speaking of Echo, the series will apparently be pretty violent and come with a TV-MA rating. That’s a good sign that Marvel is letting this show be what it should be. 🔦
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is getting good early reactions from critics… Normally I’d say we should be skeptical, but this kind of universal praise does seem promising. It felt like the reaction to this movie could go either way, considering how long it’s been since the original films. Would people still care about this franchise? But the book is good, so it makes sense that it would convert into a well done movie. I’m on board for this surprising people, that would be a fun narrative. 🐍
Taylor Swift fans in Argentina have been camped out in tents for 5 months to be front row at her show… We get it, you like Taylor Swift. These young women have a whole spreadsheet/rotation system and the more hours you put in the tents, the better your spot in line is. It’s wild. But also why is the venue allowing this? Just create a numbered lottery system for entry to the general admission section. Also did they need to start 5 months out? Like was there another group of ticket holders who were going to show up 4 months out that they had to beat? ⛺️
The Bear getting a third season at FX… No surprises here but it’s still nice to see after the slew of recent delays and cancellations due to the strike. Speaking of which, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon has also been delayed. 🔪
Edgar Wright is rumored to be in talks ti direct Sydney Sweeney’s Barbarella remake… I’m a little surprised Wright would take on a remake, so let’s take this with a grain of salt until there’s an official announcement. 🎥
SAG and studios have AI breakthrough, talks continuing today… It seems like the actors strike might be maybe hopefully perhaps reaching a near conclusion??? Cross all your fingers and toes. 🪧
Girls Just Want to Have Fun stage musical in the works… Based on the 1985 movie, it will include a number of period hits including the titular Cyndi Lauper song. 🎭
Superman & Lois to end with season 4 on The CW… Closing the door on the network’s decades-long DC project. End of an era for sure. 🚪
James Corden to host weekly SiriusXM interview show… It’s not a podcast but it’s close. He just couldn’t stay away from the chat format. 🎙️
The Peanuts gang will head to the big city in first Apple TV+ animated feature… Cue the piano music. 🐶
Grant Gustin to make Broadway debut in Water for Elephants musical… He’ll flash across the boards. ⚡️
Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito are considering a Throw Mama From The Train sequel… But why? 🤔
Prison Break revival in the works at Hulu… Also, why? I know it was a modest hit back in the day but are there fans clamoring down the door for more? 👮♀️
Here Lies Love is closing on Broadway… I guess theater goers weren’t interested in the immersive club experience? 🪩
Barbra Streisand’s memoir is nearly 1,000 pages long and 48 hours total in audiobook form… She’s lived a life. 📕
Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12 will premiere in February… Pretty, pretty, pretty good news! 👏
Letterkenny ending on Hulu after 12 seasons… Pretty good run. 🇨🇦
Marvel’s Blade will reportedly be rated R… Another good sign. 🧛🏿♂️
Director Peter Weir is likely retired… He earned it. 🌴
What’s new
The Buccaneers — Nov 8 | Apple TV+ period drama | Ⓜ️ 79
The Killer — Nov 10 | Netflix David Fincher thriller | Ⓜ️ 74
The Curse — Nov 10 | Paramount+/Showtime dark comedy series | Ⓜ️ 77
The Marvels — Nov 10 | Marvel movie in theaters | Ⓜ️
Returning: The Santa Clauses s2, Rap Sh!t s2, For All Mankind s4
What to watch
If you’re looking for something light and fun to watch with family in the near future—something that isn’t sickly sweet with holiday trimmings—director Jessica Yu’s new film Quiz Lady on Hulu is the perfect answer. Written by Jen D’Angelo, Awkwafina and Sandra Oh play sisters in this road comedy meets Slumdog Millionaire. It’s got warmth and kindness, but a good amount of wacky humor as well. The two leads play against type too, which is cool to see. Oh really goes for it as the quirky and misguided older sister, while Awkwafina is her straight man. Likewise, D’Angelo’s script is cleverer than your average comedy, never letting the audience get ahead of it. Just when you think you know where a scene is going, D’Angelo zags into unpredictable territory. Yu also gets bonus points for rounding out the cast with Jason Schwartzman, Will Ferrell, and Holland Taylor. You could do a lot worse for a straight-to-streaming comedy.
For all past ‘what to watch’ recommendations, see the full list here!