Geekly Weekly Roundup: This Week's Hottest News Headlines

In the Geekly Weekly Roundup by LifeOfuZ, we deliver the latest and greatest from the worlds of movies, TV shows, gaming, board gaming, comics, tech, and beyond. Keep it locked for your regular dose of all things geeky!

The Marvel's Trailer 3 

Prepare for a cosmic adventure this November as 'The Marvels' descends upon theaters. Marvel Studios aims to elevate your superhero experience with this Captain Marvel sequel, promising to soar higher and faster than ever before. 

The latest trailer for 'The Marvels' offers a tantalizing glimpse into the origins of its super-powered heroines: Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). It kicks off by revisiting key moments from 'Captain Marvel' and delves into Monica's transformation during the 'WandaVision' series. We also catch a thrilling sneak peek at Kamala Khan's journey from 'Ms. Marvel.'

Director Nia DaCosta hints at a pivotal theme in the movie: family dynamics. The trio, with their unique bonds, must unite to save a universe teetering on the brink. 'The Marvels' promises an exhilarating blend of powers and personalities, setting the stage for a cosmic showdown.

Loki Season 2 and McDonald's 1982 Nostalgia Collide in Brooklyn Event

Loki enthusiasts, listen up! If you've got a taste for Chicken McNuggets and a penchant for time-travel, you're in for a treat. Marvel Studios' Loki Season 2 has teamed up with McDonald's for an immersive adventure that blends the 1980s nostalgia with the mischievous world of Loki.

Located at the Brooklyn, New York McDonald’s on 6620 Bay Parkway, 11204, this unique experience runs from August 30 to September 1. It's a chance to step back into 1982 and savor both flavors and memories.

Sylvie, played by the talented Sophia Di Martino, is set to work at McDonald's in an '80s subplot in Season 2. This clever move by executive producer Kevin Wright adds depth to her character's time-traveling journey. Visitors can also relish iconic menu items from that era, such as the "As Featured In 10-Piece Chicken McNuggets" and the "As Featured In Big Mac Meals," all at 1982 prices.

The event offers more than just food; you can stroll through a Time Variance Authority (TVA) timedoor, landing in an authentic 1980s McDonald's. Explore show props like Sylvie's uniform and even enjoy Loki-themed augmented reality through Snapchat. It's the perfect appetizer for the upcoming Loki Season 2, where the God of Mischief confronts the Time Variance Authority and delves deeper into the mysteries of the Multiverse.

Don't miss the Loki Season 2 premiere on Disney+ this October 6th. It's time to savor the past and anticipate an epic future.

Dave Bautista Revives Nostalgia in New Mortal Kombat 1 Trailer

Do you remember the legendary "Mortal Monday" Mortal Kombat TV commercial from back in the day? You know, the one where people flooded the streets, shouting "Mortal Kombat!"?

Warner Bros and NetherRealm are tugging at our nostalgia once more with a new trailer for the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1. This trailer, directed by Tom Kuntz and featuring cinematography by Academy Award nominee Matthew Libatique (known for A Star Is Born), puts Dave Bautista (of A Knock at the Cabin fame) in the spotlight.

What's intriguing is that the new trailer seems to pay homage to the original commercial's iconic kid. This fresh take on the classic spot has Bautista rallying people from all walks of life, encouraging them to unleash their inner fighters. Bautista's character in the trailer mirrors the role of Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 1, as he seeks to unite champions from different realms to protect his vision and rejuvenate the Mortal Kombat Universe.

Bautista expressed his excitement, saying, "I vividly remember the original Mortal Monday commercial, especially the iconic scream...". 

Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to release on September 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

Eiichiro Oda Gives Nod of Approval to Netflix's One Piece Live-Action

In a momentous event for fans of the beloved manga series "One Piece," Eiichiro Oda, the creator himself, has voiced his endorsement for Netflix's live-action adaptation, which premiered its first 8 episodes recently.

Oda conveyed his deep appreciation through a video message shared on the official One Piece Instagram account. Although his face remained hidden, his voice resonated as he lauded the cast and crew, particularly the actors portraying the Straw Hat Pirates. Oda commended their ability to capture the essence of his iconic characters and encouraged fans to savor their real-life performances.

Oda's close involvement in the series' production, known for his protective stance on his work spanning 105 volumes since 1997, reflects his commitment to maintaining the series' integrity. Emma Sullivan, one of the directors, emphasized that Oda had the final say in all aspects, ensuring a faithful adaptation that pleased the creator.

Of particular note was Oda's admiration for Inaki Godoy, who plays Monkey D. Luffy, a meeting that saw a warm embrace and Oda's heartfelt endorsement. With Oda's blessing, the Netflix series aims to honor the source material and satisfy the passionate One Piece fanbase.

New 'Hunger Games' Prequel Image Teases Dark Prelude

A striking new image has emerged from the upcoming 'The Hunger Games' prequel, 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.' It offers fans a tantalizing glimpse into a pivotal moment in this highly anticipated installment.

This image introduces us to Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler, en route to a significant Hunger Games event. Whether it's the tense moments preceding the life-or-death competition or the grand opening ceremony, the atmosphere is charged with tension. Young Coriolanus Snow, portrayed by Tom Blyth, accompanies Lucy, serving as her mentor during these perilous games.

Director Francis Lawrence addresses a burning question: Can a Hunger Games movie succeed without Katniss? He emphasizes the differences between Katniss and Lucy Gray, highlighting Lucy's charismatic and crowd-pleasing personality, promising a captivating new narrative.

Set against the backdrop of a post-war Capitol, 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' delves into the early life of Coriolanus Snow, the future President of Panem. Assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, Snow aims to restore his family's honor. As they navigate the politically charged and treacherous 10th annual Hunger Games, the lines between ally and adversary blur.

Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,' hitting theaters on November 17th.

New 'Dune: Part Two' Image Teases Desert Power

A new image from 'Dune: Part Two' offers a glimpse of Paul Atreides' journey as he roams the desolate landscapes of Arrakis, preparing for an impending war. The sequel, directed by Denis Villeneuve, promises a shift in focus towards intense warfare and the profound love story between Paul and Chani.

While 'Dune: Part Two' has faced recent delays, the image underscores the film's impending spectacle. Director Denis Villeneuve reveals that this installment will delve into the war's turmoil while nurturing the emotional connection between Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya), emphasizing trust, love, and liberation.

Despite the setbacks, the 'Dune' universe continues to expand with a TV spin-off, 'Dune: The Sisterhood,' delving into the Bene Gesserit's origins. Plans for a third film, based on 'Dune: Messiah,' are also in motion, promising more adventures in the desert world of Arrakis.

'Dune: Part Two' is set to grace theaters on March 15, 2024, reigniting the epic saga for eager fans.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Direct Unveils Exciting Gameplay Details

During the Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Direct, a wealth of gameplay insights was unveiled, revealing multiplayer options, power-ups, and more.

The presentation commenced with a captivating trailer, introducing players to the Flower Kingdom—a departure from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser's return saw him instantly merging with the prince's castle, transforming into a menacing, spiky behemoth.

Nintendo then showcased the diverse regions within Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Flower Kingdom, featuring six worlds around the Petal Isles. Playables include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, two Toads, Yoshi, and Nabbit, each offering unique traits. Talking Flowers dispense wisdom during the adventure.

Power-ups took center stage as Nintendo introduced Elephant Mario, Luigi's, Peach's, and Toad's Elephant forms, alongside Bubble and Drill power-ups. The classic Fire Flower makes a return.

The badge system, local and online multiplayer modes, and ghost mode data were unveiled during the Nintendo Direct.

Starfield Garners Positive Reception with an 87 Metacritic Score

As the highly anticipated Starfield prepares to launch in Early Access on September 1, 2023, critics have shared their initial impressions. Bethesda's foray into the vast expanse of space exploration has yielded a mostly positive response from reviewers.

The game currently boasts an impressive Metascore of 87, though opinions vary. Critics have praised Starfield for its richly detailed world, lauding Bethesda's exceptional environmental design. Additionally, improved combat mechanics and engaging space battles have received acclaim.

While the majority of reviews fall within the 80% to 90% range, seven critics awarded Starfield a perfect 100% score. However, DigitalTrends, GameSpot, and PCMag have rated the game at 70%, representing some of the lower scores.

Starfield Early Access will become available to Premium Edition buyers on September 1 at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, while others will need to wait until the official launch on September 6, 2023.