Apple TV+ Expands MonsterVerse with “Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters”

Apple TV+ is set to delve deeper into the MonsterVerse with its upcoming series “Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters,” focusing on the enigmatic Monarch organization and its ties to iconic monsters, including Godzilla.

Quick Facts

  • Series Overview: “Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters” is an Apple TV+ series that expands the MonsterVerse, exploring the history of the Monarch organization and its connection to ancient monsters.
  • Connection to Godzilla: The series ties closely with existing Godzilla movies, offering insights into the lore of the MonsterVerse.
  • Release Date: The show is set to premiere on November 17, 2023, with a 10-episode first season on Apple TV+.

The MonsterVerse, initiated by Legendary, has been a captivating narrative that revolves around humanity’s struggle to coexist in a world where ancient monsters have resurfaced. Beginning with the 2014 “Godzilla” reboot, the franchise has expanded with movies like “Kong: Skull Island,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and “Godzilla vs. Kong.” The upcoming series promises to be a significant addition, deepening the MonsterVerse lore in ways that the movies haven’t explored.

“Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters” will not only feature the iconic Godzilla but will primarily focus on the history and operations of the Monarch organization, which has been monitoring these colossal creatures. The storyline follows two siblings who, after the cataclysmic battle between Godzilla and other Titans in San Francisco, embark on a journey to uncover their family’s ties to Monarch. Their quest leads them to Army officer Lee Shaw, portrayed by both Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell, revealing a narrative that spans three generations and uncovers buried secrets.

While the MonsterVerse movies have provided glimpses into Monarch’s activities, the series is expected to delve deeper into its origins and operations. Given that the mythology of Godzilla ties him to atomic bomb experiments, the 1950s setting offers a perfect backdrop for his emergence. With hints of more secrets waiting to be unveiled, the series might also set the stage for the next installment in the franchise, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.”

For Further Reading
The MonsterVerse is a shared fictional universe that centers on a series of monster films featuring Godzilla and King Kong. The franchise includes movies produced by Legendary Entertainment in partnership with others. The MonsterVerse takes inspiration from the original Godzilla movies produced by Toho and introduces new characters and storylines. The central theme revolves around the Monarch organization and its research on massive unidentified terrestrial organisms (MUTOs). Wikipedia: MonsterVerse

Q&A

Q: What is the central theme of “Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters”?

A: The series focuses on the history of the Monarch organization, its connection to ancient monsters, and the impact of these creatures on humanity.

Q: How does the series tie into the existing Godzilla movies?

A: “Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters” closely connects with the existing Godzilla movies, deepening the lore of the MonsterVerse and exploring events and secrets not covered in the films.

Q: Who are the main characters in the series?

A: The series follows two siblings investigating their family’s ties to Monarch and Army officer Lee Shaw, played by Kurt and Wyatt Russell, as they uncover buried secrets spanning three generations.

Source: ScreenRant

Latest “Saw X” Installment Set for Digital and Blu-ray Release

The newest addition to the “Saw” horror franchise, “Saw X,” is soon to be available for fans to enjoy at home, as Lionsgate announces its release dates for digital and physical platforms.

Quick Facts

  • Release Dates: “Saw X” will be available on Premium Video on Demand and Premium Electronic Sell-Through on Oct. 20, 2023, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Nov. 21, 2023.
  • Plot: Serving as both a sequel and a prequel, “Saw X” follows John Kramer’s journey to Mexico for a potential cancer cure, only to uncover a scam leading him on another murder spree.
  • Special Features: The 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions come packed with three hours of bonus material, including commentaries, documentaries, deleted scenes, and more.

“Saw X” marks the tenth installment in the iconic “Saw” series. It acts as a direct sequel to the original 2004 “Saw” movie and a prequel to “Saw II” released in 2005. Tobin Bell reprises his role as John Kramer, who embarks on a journey to Mexico in hopes of finding a cure for his cancer. However, he soon realizes that the entire medical operation is a fraudulent scheme targeting the desperate and vulnerable. This revelation propels John back into his sinister ways, devising intricate and horrifying traps for those behind the scam.

The film has garnered significant attention and praise, standing out from its predecessors. Unlike the earlier movies in the franchise, “Saw X” has received an overwhelmingly positive response from critics. It boasts an impressive 80 percent certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the first in the series to achieve such a high score. Furthermore, with a runtime of nearly two hours, it holds the record as the longest film in the “Saw” lineup. Financially, the movie has proven to be a success, raking in $71.3 million globally against a production budget of just $13 million.

For those who have followed the “Saw” series from its inception, the special features accompanying the 4K UHD and Blu-ray releases of “Saw X” are a treat. Fans can delve deeper into the making of the film with a multipart documentary, listen to commentaries from the director and other key crew members, and even view over a dozen deleted scenes that didn’t make the final cut. These additional materials provide a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production, offering insights and details that enthusiasts of the franchise will undoubtedly appreciate.

For Further Reading
The “Saw” franchise has been a staple in the horror genre since its debut in 2004. Created by James Wan and Leigh Whannell, the series is known for its intricate and gruesome traps set by the main antagonist, John Kramer, also known as the Jigsaw Killer. The films explore themes of morality, survival, and the human instinct to live. Over the years, the franchise has expanded to include numerous sequels, video games, and merchandise. For more information on the “Saw” series, visit its Wikipedia page.

Q&A

How many movies are in the “Saw” franchise?
There are ten movies in the “Saw” franchise, with “Saw X” being the latest installment.

Who is the main antagonist in the “Saw” series?
The main antagonist in the “Saw” series is John Kramer, also known as the Jigsaw Killer.

Has “Saw X” been well-received by critics?
Yes, “Saw X” has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, achieving an 80 percent certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Source: CBR

Understanding the Timeline of La’an and Khan in Star Trek

In the vast universe of Star Trek, timelines and character relationships can sometimes be a maze to navigate. One such puzzling relationship is that of La’an and Khan, which has left many fans scratching their heads.

Quick Facts:

  • Khan’s Origin: Khan, originally from the 90s, escaped Earth on a sleeper ship where he and his followers were cryogenically frozen. He was later awakened in 2267 by the Enterprise.
  • Timeline Alterations: Recent developments in the series “Strange New Worlds” suggest that time-traveling events have shifted the Eugenics Wars, originally set in the 90s, to a period between the present and the time of First Contact.
  • La’an’s Connection: La’an is introduced as Khan’s descendant, specifically his great-granddaughter. This lineage stems from a child Khan had before he fled Earth in cryosleep.

Diving deeper into the narrative, Khan’s escape into space is a pivotal moment in the Star Trek universe. He and his followers, having been cryogenically frozen, were discovered and awakened by the Enterprise in the year 2267. This event sets the stage for the intricate relationship between Khan and La’an.

However, the timeline gets a bit murky with the introduction of “Strange New Worlds.” This series suggests that there have been alterations to the timeline, specifically concerning the Eugenics Wars. These wars, which were initially set in the 90s, have been pushed to a later period due to time-traveling events. This change has significant implications for the series’ continuity and the relationship between characters.

La’an’s introduction as Khan’s descendant adds another layer to this intricate web. She is portrayed as Khan’s great-granddaughter, a lineage that traces back to a child Khan had before his escape from Earth. This connection, while clear, has left many fans wondering about the specifics, especially given the timeline’s alterations.

For Further ReadingEugenics Wars: The Eugenics Wars, a pivotal event in the Star Trek universe, were a series of conflicts in the late 20th century. These wars were rooted in humanity’s attempt to improve the human race through selective breeding and genetic engineering. Khan Noonien Singh emerged as a significant figure during this period, leading a group of genetically enhanced humans. The wars and their aftermath have been a recurring theme in Star Trek, influencing various storylines and character developments. Read more on Wikipedia.

Q&A Section:

Q: How is La’an related to Khan?
A: La’an is introduced as Khan’s great-granddaughter in the series. This connection traces back to a child Khan had before he fled Earth in cryosleep.

Q: Why were the Eugenics Wars shifted in the timeline?

A: In the series “Strange New Worlds,” it’s suggested that time-traveling events have caused alterations to the timeline, pushing the Eugenics Wars to a period between the present and the time of First Contact.</p

“The Flash” director praises Ezra Miller in new trailer for upcoming DC/Warner Bros blockbuster

Deadline has reported that Warner Bros. revealed a new trailer for “The Flash” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, which stars Ezra Miller, one of the lead actors in the film. Although Miller was absent from the presentation, the director, Andy Muschietti, had nothing but praise for the actor, stating that he is “one of the best actors I’ve ever worked with. Every tool in the toolkit… [Miller] is an incredible comedian, and [has] all the action required for a big spectacle like this.”

Here are the key takeaways from the article:

  • Warner Bros. has revealed a new trailer for “The Flash” at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
  • Ezra Miller, one of the lead actors in the film, was absent from the presentation.
  • The director, Andy Muschietti, praised Miller, calling him “one of the best actors” he has ever worked with.
  • Muschietti also stated that Miller has “every tool in the toolkit,” making him an incredible comedian and an action star.
  • The new trailer shows Miller’s Flash breaking the universe to save his parents, with help from a new Supergirl and both Batmans.
  • Michael Keaton, who plays Batman, returns and has the best line in the trailer.
  • “The Flash” is expected to be a huge summer blockbuster when it opens on June 16.

Whitney Houston Biopic Bombs at Box Office

The highly anticipated biopic, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody, had a disappointing debut over the weekend. The film opened in 3,625 locations across North America and earned an estimated $5.3 million, landing in third place at the box office behind Avatar: The Way of Water and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, according to Comscore.

Despite a reported production budget of $45 million, the movie struggled to attract audiences, earning $2.0 million in ticket sales on Friday, $825K on Saturday, and about $2.5 million on Sunday, for a per location average of $1,462.

Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian remains hopeful that the film will find its audience in the coming weeks, saying, “Once the holiday festivities have come to a close and the weather eases up, the film will hopefully find favor with audiences looking for a brand new film to enjoy and one about this an incredible icon.”

However, film critic Shawn Edwards believes it will be difficult for the movie to recover after a series of missteps, including poor timing with the release just two days before Christmas. He also cites the title confusion and the lack of new information in the film as potential obstacles to its success.

“When you do a biopic on somebody, put their name in the title. And even Sony recognized they made a mistake, because they sent out an email saying they changed the title to Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. So even they knew the title was bad,” Edwards said.

The film, directed by Kasi Lemmons and starring BAFTA Award-winner Naomi Ackie as Houston, has received lukewarm reviews from critics, with a 46% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have called it “uneven” and “trite,” and many have pointed out that it lacks the depth and nuance needed to do justice to Houston’s complex and tumultuous life.

Kylie Jenner and Stassie Karanikolauou’s Holiday Party Embrace: Is It For Real or Just for Show?

Kylie Jenner and her close friend Stassie Karanikolauou, also known as “Stassie,” were recently seen embracing at a holiday party, causing fans to speculate about the nature of their relationship. Some have called the TikTok featuring the two friends “forced,” as they have been rumored to have had a falling out in the past. In the video, Stassie is seen wearing a red skintight outfit while Kylie wears a short black PVC skirt dress. The two are seen slow dancing and holding each other closely, leading some fans to question if their affection is genuine.

Stassie has been seen with other friends in recent months, including Sydney Carlson, and was also pictured with Tammy Hembrow, who has a history of animosity with the Kardashian family. In November, Stassie shared a photo of herself and Sydney sitting by the ocean in barely-there bikinis, captioning the image with the phrase “go best friend.” This led some to speculate that Stassie may have moved on from her friendship with Kylie.

Despite these rumors, the two friends were seen having a good time together at the holiday party, dancing and smiling closely. However, some fans have reacted to the TikTok with embarrassment and discomfort, with some speculating that the display may be for the camera. Kylie and Stassie have not been seen in many photos together since they attended Paris Fashion Week in October, leading some to wonder if their friendship has changed.

Kylie, who shares four-year-old Stormi Webster with rapper Travis Scott, has not commented on the speculation surrounding her friendship with Stassie. Scott’s stock has recently risen with a feature on the new SZA album, while Kylie has been busy with her successful makeup and skincare lines. It remains to be seen if the two friends will continue to spend time together or if their relationship has indeed changed.

Is Jennifer Garner Considering a Political Run? Hollywood Insider Says Yes

Actress Jennifer Garner is reportedly considering a political run, according to a Hollywood insider. The Alias and 13 Going On 30 star has apparently caught the political bug in recent years while campaigning for early-childhood education funding for children living in poverty. She has also been involved in the successful campaign to elect Karen Bass as mayor of Los Angeles, and has received encouragement from celebrity friends and acquaintances to pursue a career in politics.

Garner is said to have a genuine passion for politics and a desire to use her fame and reputation to make the world a better place, particularly for her children. She has testified before Congress on the importance of education and home visiting services for disadvantaged children, and has written about her own experiences growing up in poverty.

The Hollywood insider also revealed that power couple JJ Abrams and Katie McGrath are among those supporting Garner in her potential political endeavors. The couple has known Garner for close to 25 years and played a role in her involvement in the LA mayor’s race.

It’s worth noting that when Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck first got together over 20 years ago, Affleck was rumored to be considering a run for a Georgia senate seat. However, it seems that it is Garner who may be the one with a real passion for politics.

In recent months, rumors have circulated about Garner’s interest in getting more involved in politics. These rumors were recently given a boost when Garner and her teenage daughter Violet visited the White House for a State dinner. Whether or not she decides to run for office, it’s clear that Jennifer Garner is dedicated to using her platform to advocate for important causes and make a positive difference in the world.

Singer Brandy Rushed to Hospital after Seizure

According to law enforcement sources, singer Brandy Norwood was rushed to the hospital after suffering a seizure at her home in Los Angeles. TMZ has learned that the incident occurred at noon on Tuesday, and that she is currently being treated at an L.A. hospital.While the cause of the seizure is not yet known, it is believed that Norwood may have suffered from a seizure due to stress or exhaustion.

This is not the first time that the singer has been hospitalized for a health scare; in 2012, she was treated for dehydration after collapsing on the set of her TV show, “The Game.”We wish Brandy a speedy recovery and will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

Captain America returning to MCU

Deadline is reporting that Chris Evans is close to signing a new deal that would bring Captain America back to the MCU.

(DEADLINE) In a move that is sure to rock the Marvel Cinematic Universe, sources tell Deadline that Chris Evans is cleaning the dust off his Captain America attire as he expected reprise the role in the MCU in some form. Still vague if deal as completely closed but insiders say its headed in that direction for Evans to return as Steve Rogers aka Captain America in at least one Marvel property with the door open for a second film. Sources add it’s unlikely to be a new Captain America installment and more likely to be like what Robert Downey Jr. did after Iron Man 3, appearing in films like Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming.