Geekly Weekly Roundup: This Week's Hottest News Headlines

In LifeOfuZ's Geekly Weekly Roundup we bring you the hottest happenings in the realms of movies, TV shows, gaming, board gaming, comics, tech, and beyond. Stay tuned and stay geeky!

1. Star Wars "Ahsoka" Series 2-Part Premiers on Disney Plus

The Star Wars galaxy, ever-expanding, weaves captivating stories that allure fans, both old and new. "Ahsoka," the latest addition, serves as a live-action follow-up to the beloved "Star Wars Rebels" animated series. Dave Filoni, the visionary creator of this cosmic narrative, beckons us to rediscover familiar characters and navigate the aftermath of the Galactic Empire's demise. As a dedicated "Rebels" enthusiast, I reveled in this world's revival, yet the premiere occasionally falters in capturing the momentum that should propel us onward.

Check out lifeOfuZ's review of the 2 part premier here.

2. Wedding of Tony Stark & Emma Frost

A while ago, IGN unveiled exclusive connecting covers for X-MEN #26 and INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10, showcasing the long-awaited wedding of Emma Frost and Tony Stark. Arriving in September, both issues, written by Gerry Duggan and featuring art by Stefano Caselli (X-MEN #26) and Juan Frigeri (INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10), boast captivating covers by Lucas Werneck.

In X-MEN #26, the unexpected marriage of Frost and Stark unfolds, surprising Emma's mutant family. INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10 invites readers to Anthony Edward Stark and Emma Grace Frost's wedding, with Hellfire formal attire recommended. Duggan shared with IGN, "Neither seems like the marrying type. Why this works, and how this works, and how much fun this is whether their marriage works or not will need to be seen to be believed and you'll have to buy it to find out! They certainly don't seem ready to be married to anyone, let alone to each other, but life can change quickly."

3. DC Blue Beetle Movie Reception: It Works. Sort Of.

Initial reviews for DC's newest film, Blue Beetle, have emerged, countering apprehensions about its box office potential with a heartening critical reception. Presently holding an 83 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, the popular review aggregator, the movie exhibits promise. Xolo Maridueña's captivating portrayal in the titular role garners praise, and Blue Beetle's family-oriented superhero narrative offers humor and emotion. Helmed by Ángel Manuel Soto and scripted by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, the film stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes' incarnation of Blue Beetle. Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez form the ensemble cast.

Review excerpts reflect varied sentiments. Associated Press' Jake Coyle highlights the movie's Hispanic perspective and endearing supporting cast. RogerEbert.com'sert Daniels finds it heartwarming and crowd-pleasing, contrasting with some darker superhero films. While BBC.com'sholas Barber expresses skepticism about complete progress in representation, Consequence's Clint Worthington labels the film charming but notes structural fragility. Screen Rant's Tatiana Hullender applauds the universal appeal of Blue Beetle's family-centric story, and Washington Post's Michael O'Sullivan bemoans repetitiveness in comic movie clashes.

4. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Photos

Netflix unveils the awaited release date for the vibrant anime series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, based on the beloved comic books. This exuberant adaptation promises an injection of excitement, and while the wait might be protracted, we're immersed in dissecting each detail Netflix shares, savoring the anticipation before it becomes mundane.

Netflix's teaser assures us that the anime style remains a faithful homage to the comic's distinctive artistry. This makes sense given the comic's creator, Bryan Lee O’Malley, co-showruns the series, and the source material inherently exudes anime elements. The twist here lies in 2D animation’s potential to magnify O’Malley's vision, promising a visual treat.

The stellar ensemble from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World has seamlessly returned to breathe life into their iconic roles, preserving the essence while embracing new and seasoned viewers alike. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off embarks on a narrative journey where Scott grapples with a succession of battles against Ramona Flowers' exes, seeking his own happy ending. This eight-episode narrative format promises to intricately expand Scott Pilgrim's universe. Mark November 17 on your calendars for Netflix's Scott Pilgrim Takes Off premiere.

5. Zac Snyders Rebel Moon Trailer

Get ready for an unparalleled cosmic adventure with Netflix's highly anticipated "Rebel Moon," an imaginative marvel crafted by director Zack Snyder. Known for his cinematic gems like "300," "Man of Steel," and his distinct rendition of "Justice League," Snyder is set to reveal a space-fantasy saga that's been brewing for decades. This monumental journey promises an enthralling odyssey, where survival, redemption, and vengeance are interwoven in ways that defy expectation. Witness the exhilarating trailer below and brace yourself to be transported into a realm that surpasses the boundaries of imagination.

6. Marvel Thunderbolts Film Update

Marvel enthusiasts are eagerly counting down the days for the highly anticipated Thunderbolts movie, which has already assembled an exceptional cast. This upcoming addition to the MCU's Phase 5 is poised to be a riveting installment, introducing a group of anti-heroes united by their specialized skillsets for a unique mission.

Regrettably, fans will need to exercise patience a while longer, as production for this much-awaited film has encountered delays due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, resulting in a postponed release date. Initially slated to commence filming in Atlanta in June, the cast and crew have been asked to pause until the strike concludes.

Marvel's Thunderbolts is now set to grace the silver screen on December 20, 2024. While it was initially slated for a July 26, 2024 release, this alteration was prompted by the writer's strike, pushing back the filming schedule from early 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

7. Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

Experience the dynamic innovations awaiting you in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The Gamescom 2023 trailer introduces an array of new weaponry, including the sleek "Osprey" and "Rasetsu" sniper rifles, a striking crimson katana, the fiery "Hercules" flamethrower, and a fresh set of illicit "modified" firearms encompassing shotguns, handguns, and submachine guns.

Beyond the narrative expansion and armament, the release of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty coincides with the arrival of Update 2.0, a comprehensive overhaul of the game's core mechanics. This update introduces a novel cyberware system, a perks system with bullet deflection and mid-air dashes, and an innovative skill tree tied to V's Relic chip.

The trailer also unveils a new vehicular combat system, enabling V to hack nearby vehicles while in transit, and an updated "wanted" system with escalating NCPD tiers. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Update 2.0 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC on September 26.

8. Amazon's Fallout Series Photo

Recent leaks have unveiled additional behind-the-scenes glimpses of Amazon's forthcoming "Fallout" TV series. Allegedly captured in December, these images offer a peek at a hospital exterior transformed into a Vault-Tec facility, complete with the iconic logo.

Originally surfaced on Discord, the images have now spread across social media via a Reddit thread initiated by user PrinceDaCat. Describing the set, the user detailed the entrance area and hallways, painted in varying shades of light and dark grey. Green screens were also noted throughout the set, hinting at the application of visual effects during post-production.

Despite the recognition of filmmaking techniques, the presence of the authentic Vault-Tec logo resonates with Fallout enthusiasts, highlighting Amazon's dedication to honoring the source material.

The "Fallout" cast includes Kyle MacLachlan, Xelia Mendes-Jones, Aaron Moten, Ella Purnell, and Walton Goggins. The series is directed by Jonathan Nolan, with showrunners Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner. The production team also includes Lisa Joy, Athena Wickham, Todd Howard, and James Altman.

9. David Tennant Doctor Who Photo

David Tennant is set to return as the Fourteenth Doctor in Doctor Who's eagerly anticipated 60th-anniversary special episodes. BBC recently unveiled a fresh glimpse of the character, igniting excitement among fans worldwide.

As the series reaches its 60-year milestone on November 23, it will be commemorated with three special episodes. Tennant's reprisal as the Fourteenth Doctor has stirred curiosity, especially since familiar faces like Catherine Tate's Donna Noble will join the celebration.

A new promotional image captures the Doctor in a new suit evoking memories of the Tenth incarnation. The snapshot hints at intrigue, with the Doctor seemingly taken aback by a mysterious figure. Speculation arises that more returning stars, perhaps old nemeses or companions, will surprise viewers.

This reappearance marks Tennant's return after a decade, distinguishing the Fourteenth Doctor from his original role. Tennant emphasizes that the characters have evolved, saying, "I'm not the Tenth Doctor now, I'm the Fourteenth."

10. New Ghostbusters Short Film

As part of the Sony Creators Conference, an all-new Ghostbusters short film was unveiled, returning the Ecto-1 to the bustling streets of New York City. Remarkably, this short film was produced using real-time game engine technology, serving as a proof-of-concept project.

Collaborating forces included Sony Pictures Entertainment, Ghost Corps, Pixomondo, PlayStation Studios, and Epic Games, all harnessed by the Unreal Engine. The project combined motion capture techniques with visual effects, achieving real-time photorealism and broadening creative horizons for filmmakers.

Directed by Jason Reitman from Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the brief but captivating film unfolds within a meticulously crafted digital rendition of New York City. Astonishingly, this entire production was achieved in just a single day—a feat that traditional methods couldn't match. Reitman underlined the newfound control this technology provides, revolutionizing filmmaking dynamics, especially in complex locations such as New York City. This achievement highlights the transformative potential of modern film production.

11. Percy Jackson & The Olympians Trailer

The much-anticipated first trailer for "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" has finally arrived, offering fans a captivating glimpse into Percy, Annabeth, and Grover's journey as beloved characters from Rick Riordan's cherished book series.

In a year replete with remarkable TV shows and standout performances, the arrival of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" has been eagerly awaited. Showrunners Jon Steinberg and Dan Shotz, collaborating closely with author Rick Riordan, bring to life the tale of Percy Jackson, a contemporary demigod navigating his newfound divine powers.

With Riordan also serving as an executive producer alongside Jon and Dan, the creative team's collective experience, including notable contributions to "Black Sails," "The Old Man," and "See," infuse the series with promise. Accused by the formidable god Zeus of stealing his master lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a gripping adventure with companions Annabeth and Grover to recover the bolt and restore order to Olympus.

12. One Piece Opening Theme

Netflix has released the main theme song, "Wealth Fame Power!", for its live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece. The song, now available on digital platforms, sets the tone for the upcoming series, with the full soundtrack set to be released on August 31, coinciding with the show's premiere on Netflix. Composers Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli described how the theme reflects the profound link between Gol D. Roger, the original King of the Pirates, and Monkey D. Luffy.

Luffy's theme embodies the core of the show, while Roger's theme is a reversed version. The song dynamically captures the essence of both characters, mirroring their journeys in the series. Fans have been treated to a sneak peek through trailers and behind-the-scenes images, building anticipation for the live-action adaptation.