Updated every Friday 12:00 PM
April 18 - April 24

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Apple TV+ is bringing us astronomical hilarity with their brand new series, "Murderbot," Based on Martha Wells' best-selling Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book series, "The Murderbot Diaries," this new show was created by Academy Award-nominees Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz, and stars Emmy Award-winner Alexander Skarsgård in the titular role. Set in a high-tech future, the series follows Murderbot, a rogue security cyborg who unwittingly gains free will and thought, which it must keep a secret. To hide this development, it joins a dangerous mission to protect scientists on a planet, although it is more drawn to futuristic soap operas and exploring the meaning of life. "Murderbot" will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, May 16, 2025. The remaining eight episodes will drop every Friday through July 11...

In a press release, the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that they will be adding the "Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design" beginning in three years with the 100th Academy Awards ceremony, honoring films released in 2027. In the press release, the Board of Governors elaborates that they will announce the rules for the category along with the rules for the rest of the 100th Academy Awards, noting that the last new award category added to the ceremony was for Achievement in Casting, which will be given out with the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. There are over 100 stunt professionals who are members of the Academy (as part of the Production and Technology Branch), and they will hopefully be included in conversations about the award and how eligibility will be determined...

Celebrated Japanese animation director Masaaki Yuasa has unveiled the debut project from his newly established animation studio, ame pippin. Titled “Daisy’s Life,” the feature is a Japanese-French co-production based on Banana Yoshimoto’s novel Hinagiku no Jinsei, with original illustrations by renowned artist Yoshitomo Nara. The film is set for delivery in 2026. Yuasa is best known for his surreal storytelling and bold visual style in films such as “Mind Game,” “Lu Over the Wall,” and the Golden Globe-nominated “Inu-Oh.” He launched ame pippin in February 2025 with the goal of pushing artistic boundaries in the animation world. Backed by heavyweights Asmik Ace, Inc., Aniplex Inc. and CoMix Wave Films, the Tokyo-based studio aims to be a major force in the ever-evolving global animation landscape...

The Sony Classics release “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” though, has defied expectations of what a modern rock doc can do in cinemas, on its way to finding the favor of fans as a home video hit, too. Becoming Led Zeppelin” is a rise-and-rise story, climaxing with the recording of “Led Zeppelin II.” If someone wanted to make a movie about how things got bigger and more out of control later on, they were welcome to it, but Director Bernard MacMahon knew how Zeppelin changed the music world at their outset was more than enough to fill two gratifying hours. And sending music lovers out of the world’s theaters happy and humming (to the extent that anyone can hum “Bron-Yr-Aur”) is a byproduct of the decision to focus on a celebratory but still revelatory origin story...

As the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) commences on April 18, the annual event is presenting an array of riches for cinephiles and industry professionals alike, marking a trifecta of milestones: the 130th anniversary of world cinema, the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, and the festival’s own 15th year. With over 260 film screening approximately 900 times across venues in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, alongside forums, markets, and special events, the 15th BJIFF offers a panoramic view of global cinema while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers. As the festival unfolds across key venues including the Huairou District, Langyuan Station, and commercial cinemas throughout the region until April 26, it reinforces Beijing’s status as a hub for film culture and commerce in Asia and beyond...

Per The Numbers, A Minecraft Movie has pushed Momoa past a new box office milestone. Adding up the totals from his leading roles, lead ensemble roles, and supporting character roles, Momoa's films have now made over $5 billion at the box office collectively. Furthermore, A Minecraft Movie is in Momoa's top 5 highest-grossing films in his career, taking the no. 5 slot. Momoa's recent milestone marks the second time that A Minecraft Movie has helped an actor past a major career goal. The first was Black, who crossed a $5 billion total box office haul through his lead roles alone, thanks to his role of Steve in A Minecraft Movie. Adding on the actors' supporting and lead ensemble roles, Black's box office total is even higher. The movie also made it such that Black has starred in both of the top 2 highest-grossing video game adaptations of all time...

LEGO has officially revealed the first look at their new Star Wars model inspired by Jango Fett's iconic starship. The same craft that Boba Fett would come to inherit following his father's death, LEGO is releasing an Ultimate Collector Series model of the Firespray-class starship for the very first time. According to LEGO, Jango Fett's Firespray-Class starship will consist of 2,970 pieces and will run for $299.99. Featuring an "authentic interior, a movable main entrance, adjustable blasters and seismic charges", LEGO has confirmed that the model can be displayed one of two ways. The new UCS model can be displayed either in its traditional landing position as seen in the movies or in an upright flight position via a sleek display stand...