So you’ve just picked up the latest Apple iPhone 17 Pro, but as much as you want, you just don’t have any more funds to get the accompanying AirPods. But as luck would have it, those aren’t the only performance noise-cancelling earphones that can help immerse yourself in your favourite true crime podcast on your daily commute home.

All of a sudden, you hear a dial tone and see your mom calling, “Are you coming back for dinner? Are you on the train? I can’t hear you at all!” The folks over at Nothing, the UK-based and China-produced brand responsible for single-handedly bringing the 90s back with its transparent casing aesthetic, must’ve received one too many calls from their parents for them to try something new with the latest Nothing Ear (3) — what if we made them a walkie-talkie too? Nothing introduced this walkie-talkie through their new Super Mic, which transforms its case into a push-to-talk microphone, but more on that later.

Coming in with a reasonable S$259 price tag, it’s a clear signal that this iteration is meant to go toe-to-toe with popular premium options like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 3. In fact, there are many features here that are quite similar to those offered by Apple. And when you pull it out of the box, which comes with a nice transparent lid for the top half of the square charging case (more handy than you think), it tells you that the pods are in the case. Compared to earlier models from Nothing, the bottom half is now replaced with recycled aluminium instead of plastic, allowing the case to be fully charged via both USB-C in slightly over an hour or about two via Qi wireless charging. 

Putting money where their mouth is, Nothing has also paid attention to the minutiae, by providing two inconspicuous holes for you to tie a lanyard loop (not that we’ve met anyone who has actually attached a lanyard to the casing of their earphones, but it’s still a nice detail). Nothing sent us a white set to review, but you can also opt to have them in black for all our dark mode aficionados.

So what’s different here? How about a big shiny “Talk” button on the rim of the charging case. Holding it down will bring forth the Ear (3)’s headline act — the activation of two MEMS microphones that use beamforming to isolate your voice from background noise of up to 95 dB. You can hold the button down to take down some quick voice notes, or double-press it to lock it on for calls. It’ll take some getting used to — it isn’t the most intuitive to be holding up and speaking to your charging case out in public, especially when your earbuds or phone could arguably act as greater natural hands-free options. You’ll forget that the Ear (3)’s case even had that function — only reminded when the “Talk” button gets toggled accidentally while you’re digging for something in your pockets.

When you actually attempt to use the Super Mic as advertised, it works really well across most major apps, including Google Meet and WhatsApp, though compatibility can feel like a hassle. It won’t work with your Android or Apple camera app, only those that allow manual microphone selection. Even after finding an app that works, there’s noticeable audio lag, which can be quite jarring and off-putting for all the aspiring vloggers. Despite its innovation, its most compelling use case (recording voice notes for creatives with fleeting thoughts that need to be captured in the moment) differs significantly from Nothing’s marketing focus, and it’s rendered all the more futile for users outside of the Nothing ecosystem who don’t have access to its added functionality.

But not all is lost, as the Ear (3)’s are extremely plug-and-play. Using Bluetooth 5.4, the earbuds support the AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs as well as LDAC, allowing them to deliver higher-quality streaming on supported devices. On top of that is a low-latency mode that can be enabled via the Nothing app (more on that later) that brings the end-to-end delay down to below 120 milliseconds for gaming and videos, and an option to allow pairing to two devices simultaneously.

Once you put them on, you’ll notice that the shape of the earbuds has been tweaked ever so slightly to accommodate extended listening sessions. They feel light, but most importantly, they fit securely and create a pretty good seal for most ears, and even with extended use, they passed the ‘mid-afternoon post-work jog in hot and humid Singapore’ test. Like many in the market, its stalks have tactile squeeze controls for playback, noise cancelling, volume, or to bring up your voice assistant, and they can even be customised to your liking. A strange thing to note is that despite a custom antenna which has been touted to improve power and signal sensitivity, you’ll still encounter interference at crowded street intersections, leading to brief connectivity glitches and uncomfortable fax-machine-esque noises.

The Ear (3)’s sound energetic, and work best for listening to pop hits with high-frequency vocals and isolated/synthy bass thumps — basically anything from Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album. They offer great value for money when it comes to the listening department, providing plenty of detail and solid separation of tones. Turning on the spatial audio option creates an even bigger soundscape overall, but you might have to tinker with the EQs, as its default bass and treble emphasis may come off as too boomy, resulting in some vocals sounding a tad bit distant.

All of this can be mitigated thanks to the excellent customisation available in the Nothing X app. You can immediately notice essentials like battery life (of both the case and the earbuds), and switch between noise-cancelling and transparency modes with ease on its front page. Beyond that, you can tweak other options such as Bass Enhancement, and even dive deeper into an Advanced Mode for the equaliser, enabling manual adjustments over eight frequency bands together with Q factors. But if you’re like us and you have no idea what sounds the best for your ears, Nothing has got you covered with an ear test, like Apple has, within the app itself (under the Personal Sound Profile), that’ll run some frequencies through your buds while you have them on, calibrating them to the frequencies your eardrums respond to best.

Nothing claims a 45-decibel reduction when you have your Ear (3)’s on noise-cancelling, with low, medium, high and adaptive options to adjust the level of noise-cancellation. All do a decent job of dampening general background noise and low rumbles from a morning train commute, managing higher tones such as cafe chatter better than its predecessors. It’s nothing to shout about, but they get the job done. The transparency mode is also pretty decent, albeit sounding slightly artificial. Wind appears to be a weakness in both, with gusts of wind still being audible regardless of which mode you have your Ear (3)’s on.

There’s also the battery, which is pretty run-of-the-mill. With noise cancellation off, Nothing boasts 11 hours of use per charge without a case, and 43 hours with one. From our experience, it’ll last you anywhere from a few days to a week of regular usage.

All things considered, Nothing has tried swinging for the fences with this set of earbuds, making the unique selling point of their Nothing Ear (3)’s, nothing to do with the Ear (3) but with a case that doubles as a walkie-talkie. Despite being priced higher than previous iterations of the Ear, they maintain the Nothing DNA: good sounds, reasonable noise cancellation, solid battery life, and a ridiculous amount of customisation. While the Super Mic’s adaptability and functionality leave much to be desired, it lays the foundation of a novel idea that could potentially be revolutionary.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Nothing Ear (3) — Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been hit with another delay. Skydance Games has confirmed that the World War II-set adventure will no longer arrive in early 2026, and is now scheduled for release beyond that window. The studio stated the additional time is required “to fully realize our vision,” but did not provide a new launch timeframe. It was announced shortly after Rockstar shifted Grand Theft Auto VI from May to November 2026 – another major title pushed further down the calendar.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra features a narrative-driven storyline starring Captain America, Azzuri (the Black Panther of the 1940s), Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos, and Wakandan spy Nanali, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris. The project first caught significant attention back in early 2024 after its trailer premiered during Epic Games’ State of Unreal presentation at GDC.

Development is led by Amy Hennig, known for shaping the Uncharted series, with Skydance Games co-president Julian Beak also at the helm. The studio is simultaneously working on a separate Star Wars project – that has yet to be fully revealed.

No further details about the new schedule or development progress have been announced.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post ‘Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra’ Delayed Again, No Release Window Set appeared first on Geek Culture.

Amazon’s upcoming Mass Effect television adaptation will not retell Commander Shepard’s storyline from the original video game trilogy. Instead, it will introduce an entirely new narrative set after the events of the original series, BioWare confirmed during its annual N7 Day.

In his blog post, Mass Effect franchise lead Mike Gamble shared that “The show will explore a brand-new story within the universe’s timeline, and will be set after the original trilogy. It won’t be a retread of Commander Shepard’s story,” adding that Shepard’s arc remains intentionally defined by player choice.

This circumvents the long-standing challenge of adapting Mass Effect’s branching narrative, in which key decisions, from character relationships to the fate of entire species, lies solely in the hands of players. The franchise has also never established a single canon version of its ending, a factor that has influenced previous expansions of the series (Mass Effect: Andromeda, which took place in an entirely separate galaxy).

Earlier listings suggested that filming may begin in late 2026, though no official schedule has been announced. Initial placeholder descriptions had led to speculation that the adaptation might revisit the first game’s storyline, but BioWare’s clarification indicates a direction more in line with the Fallout series — an original plot set within an established lore.

The Mass Effect series is currently being developed with Fast & Furious 9 screenwriter Daniel Casey attached as writer, and Doug Jung (Star Trek Beyond, Mindhunter) serving as showrunner. Executive producers include Mike Gamble, former Marvel Studios producer Ari Arad, and Karim Zreik, previously an executive producer on Jessica Jones.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post ‘Mass Effect’ TV Series Has New Story Set After The Original Game Trilogy appeared first on Geek Culture.

It’s very fitting that NBA 2K26 is a direct reflection of the career of its Superstar Edition Cover Athlete, 10-time NBA All-Star champion, Carmelo Anthony. The hype surrounding this year’s iteration is a great reminder of the young Syracuse legend, who cemented his place as one of the best college basketball players of all time with just one season. You then get flashes of awe and brilliance for the former player for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers, with that familiar stellar presentation and gameplay, akin to prime New York Knicks Melo lighting up Madison Square Garden. However, after that feeling of novelty and surface improvements wears off, you’re left with Lakers Melo, a once-great, ageing all-star who can’t hit the highs audiences have grown accustomed to.

Likewise, NBA 2K makes it to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame because of its legacy, and NBA 2K26 is no exception. It’s no revolutionary change that its community has been crying out for, but it still hits its spots. Perhaps the most comforting thing to know is that Visual Concepts actually pays attention to their community, with the biggest changes this year delivered on the court.

Right after tip-off, once you crank that right analogue stick back to test out an absurd Stephen Curry Harlem Globetrotter-esque 4-point jumper, you’ll notice the return of a familiar sight: the curved bar shot meter. Replacing the confusing and infuriating ring/arrow mechanic from last year, the bar’s green zone (which guarantees a make) adjusts based on how much a defender covers your shot. Wide-open shots without a defender in sight mean a thicker green bar and a greater chance of scoring. This means that unless you’re a living metronome with perfect hand-eye coordination, you’ll have practically no chance of making a shot with someone right up in your face. It makes clear 2K’s stance on shooting mechanics moving forward — less randomness and more skill — something the majority of its die-hard community can get behind.

With the new green-or-miss shooting mechanic introduced, players will soon notice that defending takes a back seat as players start locking down their timings and get better, but it’s akin to the 140/150 points current teams are scoring in this modern age of the NBA. However, gameplay feels inexplicably slower, though that’s not a bad thing. NBA 2K26’s improved “ProPlay” motion engine transposes real-life basketball tape into in-game animations, and gone are the days of last year’s sluggish movement, where players felt like they had solid cast-iron basketball shoes on. Players no longer glide and skate (almost teleport) to their spots during set plays, and gamers can actually see each player’s feet moving, planting and cutting with purpose.

What’s more, the introduction of Go-To Shots complements the way the NBA 2K series emphasises replicating the exact moves and tendencies of some 450 players in the league. It won’t take you long to spot Nikola Jokic’s signature Sombor Shuffle or James Harden’s controversial step-back three-pointer being employed by the AI, almost to an ungodly degree.

Like the layers on top of a cake, NBA 2K has always paid very close attention to its presentation and NBA 2K26 looks and sounds great, where you can even see the beads of sweat on LeBron James’ back as he attempts a drive towards the rim. The biggest caveat is that newer players can look more like wax figures from Madame Tussauds — visually accurate but inexplicably lifeless.

Ironically, what makes NBA 2K26 stand out as a visual and auditory spectacle is its attention to detail. Crowd noise gets progressively louder as the time trickles down to the last quarter of a tight match. Commentary is flawed at times, but the iconic quips and vocal idiosyncrasies of noted sports commentator and NBA 2K stalwart, Kevin Harlan, have always made it feel like you’re actually listening in to a proper regular-season game. Halftime shows feature cheerleaders dancing different routines, mascots on unicycles, and dance cams looking out for overly-enthusiastic fans eager to bust a move in the bleachers — all combined for an amazing atmosphere in religiously replicated arenas unique to each team. You won’t see any two fans in the crowd that look the same, from the sold-out Crypto.com Arena to a high school in Vermont.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect here is the lack of consideration towards how all these new features and integrations actually ruin NBA 2K26’s performance on lower-spec hardware like a PS4 or Xbox One. Player cutscenes after a highlight play look smooth as butter, but gameplay feels delayed and a second slower once you’re back controlling your players. The pursuit of having the most beautifully looking sports game has now seemingly buckled under the weight of all the new textures and rendering, making it feel like one step forward, two steps back.

Speaking of Vermont, this year’s MyPlayer follows the story of MP, an unknown teenager from the middle-of-nowhere, where your chances of landing in the NBA are little to none. The wacky storyline takes a turn when, after just recording MP takes a grand total of 10 jumpshots — he gets invited to attend an elite player camp on the other side of the United States, which then kickstarts your journey to the big leagues.

Gameplay-wise, though, it’s addictive. MP’s performance in every game does feel significant and substantial in how his career plays out, but the constant story beats and cutscenes feel artificial and contrived just to make it make sense. The dialogue that MP has blabbering is something a normal human being wouldn’t say, let alone a baller aspiring to play in the NBA. MP comes off as whiny and unlikeable, and making him a “content creator” just sprinkles salt on the wounds. And it really doesn’t help that NBA 2K’s option to scan your actual face to have on MP relies on a janky phone app using the outdated technology (where you take low-resolution selfies from your phone’s front camera), resulting in user-generated characters that, at best, look like a Halloween costume gone wrong.

NBA 2K26’s next biggest offline mode, MyGM, also hasn’t received the attention it deserves. Despite the introduction of “Offseason Scenarios”, the game’s franchise mode, where you get to play as the manager of any team from the past and present, feels like Santa Claus got lazy and packed last year’s leftover Christmas presents with new wrapping paper.

Given out after the end of each season, there are unique, multiple-year-long quests for each franchise that players must fulfil to satisfy fans and management. The perk and attribute point systems don’t make a significant enough difference compared to making player trades and signing big free agents. If the ultimate goal is to win championships and/or earn lots of money, go all out and make these objectives non-negotiable, i.e. winning a title doesn’t guarantee that players keep their jobs, especially if more money is spent than the team owner wants to. The novelty of planting a MyPlayer character right smack into Kobe’s Lakers dynasty wears thin after a couple of seasons.

TheW, the game’s single-player mode for the WNBA, is a good new start for those interested in crafting a female-centric story. Although a truncated version of MyPlayer, it gives an insight into female basketball, something that has been overlooked all these years but has been gaining significant traction as of late, thanks to real-life superstars like Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink.

What’s more, WNBA player cards also make their debut in NBA 2K’s online fantasy team mode, MyTeam. Akin to how female players were introduced in EAFC’s Ultimate Team, NBA 2K26 follows closely in their footsteps, giving players more options in how they want their teams to lineup. The new WNBA-only games and challenges also incentivise players to use these female cards, giving a fresh layer and landscape to MyTeam.

However, it’s hard not to talk about MyTeam without addressing the elephant in the room —microtransactions. Admittedly, it’s easier this year to put together a half-decent starting five without spending an additional cent, especially with the intergender squads added to the mix that shakes up the tactics and strategies one can employ to outsmart their online opponents. But the moment you come up against those in the higher ranks, you’ll soon realise, after seeing teams put together with overpriced guaranteed superstar packs and bedazzled jewel-themed players, that cash is king.

Like a virus, the Virtual Currency bug is a rampant and convenient option for those who prefer to use money to buy their way to the top, ingraining a culture where many prefer to spend a lot of money (plenty of times more than the initial price of NBA 2K26 itself) to make their players look cooler and play better, overlooking what was initially a game that rewarded someone’s hard work and grind to getting that 99 overall. As soon as you load up the live-service offering of MyCity (an MMORPG-esque world that your player lives in), you get bombarded with retail stores, other players with crazy cosmetics on their avatars — most zipping around from point A to point B in their go-karts (which, to no surprise, can be bought with real money).

Even though microtransactions have been ubiquitous to every major game out there, there was that slight glimmer of hope that NBA 2K26 bucked the trend, until you get dominated by a 7’6 99-rated kid who had unrestricted access to his mom’s credit card. It seems like the endless stream of rewards to chase, clothes to put on, and player cards to buy is here to stay.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post NBA 2K26 — Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

The curtain has finally closed on Summer Game Fest 2025, packed with world premieres, surprise reveals, and enough excitement to keep the gaming world buzzing for months. Hosted by industry veteran Geoff Keighley, who’s also the face of The Game Awards, it found a headliner in the next chapter of a much beloved survival horror series, while other notable titles like Stranger Than Heaven, Death Stranding 2, and Lies of P: Overture lending more star power to the lineup.

Here’s a rundown of the biggest announcements that stole the spotlight this year.

1) Resident Evil Requiem (Resident Evil 9)

Capcom brought the house down with the official reveal of Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in the legendary horror franchise. Mark your calendars for 27 February 2026, as the series promises a dramatic shift in tone and feel, teasing “cinematic high stakes action” and a new direction for the saga.

2) Stranger Than Heaven

Like a Dragon maker RGG Studios took to the stage with an update of its upcoming action-brawler, Stranger Than Heaven. Following its reveal at The Game Awards 2024 under the codename Project Century, the brief teaser hinted at an ambitious story and brutal hand-to-hand combat, leaving fans eager for more.

No release date was announced for the upcoming title.

3) Lies of P: Overture

The city of Krat beckons once again with the surprise launch of Lies of P: Overture, a prequel expansion to the acclaimed Souls-like action RPG. Available now, this new chapter invites players to dive back into the haunting world of Lies of P and uncover fresh secrets and challenges.

4) Dying Light: The Beast

Techland unleashed a new gameplay trailer for Dying Light: The Beast, confirming a 22 August 2025 release date. This standalone story brings back fan-favourite Kyle Crane for a visceral, parkour-fuelled journey.

5) Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver

Hip-hop legends meet anime action in Wu-Tang: Rise of the Deceiver. Featuring both classic Wu-Tang tracks and original beats by DJ Just Blaze, this Afro-surreal adventure lets players battle alongside the Wu-Tang Clan to reclaim Shaolin from a corrupting force. Expect a unique blend of music, martial arts, and mythos.

6) Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Capcom showed off a new trailer for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, spotlighting the game’s signature bloody combat and samurai action. Fans of the series can look forward to more slashing, more demons, and more stylish swordplay when it releases sometime in 2026.

7) Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

Raise your banners and prepare for war — Game of Thrones: War for Westeros is a new real-time strategy game that lets players command the Great Houses or even the Night King himself. Unhappy with how GOT ended? Go conquer the Seven Kingdoms solo or in multiplayer come 2026, where political intrigue and epic battles await.

8) Mortal Shell 2

The Souls-like genre gets even grittier with the reveal of Mortal Shell 2. The sequel amps up the brutality, offering unrestricted combat, deeper weapon customisation, and a sprawling, interconnected world. Set for release in 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it’s a must-play for fans of dark fantasy.

9) Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Hideo Kojima (in typical Kojima fashion), surprised the crowd and dropped a new story trailer, featuring Norman Reedus’ Sam Porter Bridges and more cryptic, visually stunning storytelling. Expect more mind-bending narrative in the auteur’s signature style on 26 June.

10) ARC Raiders

The makers of intense action-shooter THE FINALS, Embark Studios are back with Arc Raiders. Officially announced for 30 October 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, the new trailer teased a PvPvE extraction shooter packed with cooperative action and futuristic threats.

11) Hitman World of Assassination: Le Chiffre Elusive Target

Despite shifting their focus to its upcoming 007 First Light game, IO Interactive isn’t done with Hitman just yet. Players can now take on a new Elusive Target featuring Mads Mikkelsen reprising his iconic role as Le Chiffre from Casino Royale. It’s a killer crossover that brings Bond villainy straight to the world of assassination.

12) Scott Pilgrim EX

Fans of the cult classic are in for a treat with Scott Pilgrim EX, a brand-new co-op brawler from Bryan Lee O’Malley. This fresh adventure, set for all major platforms, promises chaotic fun and that signature comic book style when it arrives 2026.

13) Killer Inn

Square Enix unveiled Killer Inn, a social deduction game where players must survive a deadly mansion party. With “Wolves” hunting “Lambs” and alliances always in question, it presents a fresh spin on the genre that’s sure to stir up suspicion and suspense.

14) Wildgate

The space shooter from former Blizzard developers at Moonshot Games lands 22 July 2025. A cross-platform open beta runs 9 to 16 June, letting sci-fi fans get hands-on before launch.

15) Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree

Bandai Namco’s Hades-like action game, Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, arrives 19 September on PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, with fast-paced action and mythic challenges in tow.

16) Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Sonic’s next kart racer goes wild with crossover guest stars: Hatsune Miku, Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga, Persona 5’s Joker, and Minecraft’s Steve join the starting grid in this unexpected mashup, coming 2025.

17) Atomic Heart 2 and The Cube

Mundfish announced Atomic Heart 2 for PC and consoles, alongside a mysterious new project, The Cube, set in the Atomic Heart universe. No release date was announced for both titles.

18) Chronicles: Medieval

Narrated by Tom Hardy, Chronicles: Medieval teased ambitious medieval battles and horseback warfare. Expect early access on PC in 2026.

19) ILL

The mysterious survival horror game ILL showed off its grotesque body horror gameplay, including gnarly dismemberment mechanics and a chilling research facility setting.

20) Lego Voyagers

Light Studio, creators of Lego Builder’s Journey, returns with a new two-player co-op adventure featuring a Split Fiction-style friends pass for seamless buddy play.

From survival horror legends and hip-hop heroes to steampunk adventures and indie gems, Summer Game Fest 2025 delivered something for everyone. Here’s to another epic year in gaming!

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Summer Game Fest 2025 Recap: ‘Resident Evil Requiem’, ‘Stranger Than Heaven’ & More appeared first on Geek Culture.

The latest Jurassic World: Rebirth trailer delivers a grounded, suspenseful vibe as Scarlett Johansson’s Zora Bennett heads a covert mission to extract dinosaur DNA from a remote island sanctuary. While the film promises intense action and new prehistoric threats, the standout moment is a pulse-pounding river chase sequence — a direct homage to a scene Michael Crichton wrote for the original novel but never saw on screen until now.

Director Gareth Edwards leans into practical effects and a more naturalistic tone, aiming to recapture the awe and tension that made the franchise legendary. With a cast including Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey, Rebirth looks set to balance thrilling dino encounters with a gripping survival story.

What’s especially exciting for long-time fans is the film’s return to practical creature effects and on-location shoots, a conscious move away from the heavy CGI of recent instalments. The trailer hints at a more tactile, suspense-driven experience that echoes the original Jurassic Park — right down to the ominous jungle vistas and the bone-rattling sound design.

With the promise of new dinosaur species, a fresh survival mystery, and a cast ready to face extinction-level odds, Jurassic World: Rebirth is shaping up to be more than just another sequel. It’s a bold attempt to evolve the franchise while paying tribute to its roots—both on screen and on the page.

Jurassic World: Rebirth stomps into theatres on 2 July 2025.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Final ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Trailer Pits Scarlett Johansson Against Distortus Rex & Winged Mutadons appeared first on Geek Culture.

The teaser trailer for Zootopia 2 is finally here, bringing back fan favourites Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) as they dive into a new mystery shaking up the mammal metropolis. This time, the duo is hot on the trail of Gary De’Snake, voiced by Everything Everywhere All at Once star Ke Huy Quan, who joins the cast as a slippery new reptile stirring trouble across the city’s diverse districts.

The trailer offers glimpses of the pair being chased by police through bustling urban landscapes and encountering a shadowy figure with glowing eyes, hinting at a darker, more complex case than before. Alongside Judy, Nick, and Gary, new characters like Nibbles the beaver (Fortune Feimster) and Dr. Fuzzby, a quokka therapist (Quinta Brunson), add fresh energy to the expanding Zootopia universe. Plus, Shakira returns as pop icon Gazelle, promising a new song and dance moves to keep the city grooving.

Zootopia 2, directed and written by Jared Bush with Byron Howard co-directing, is set to hit theatres on 26 November 2025, just in time for Thanksgiving weekend.

Meanwhile, Disney has also revealed exciting casting news for Toy Story 5. Conan O’Brien joins the beloved franchise as the voice of Smarty Pants, a brand-new character adding his own flair to the toy box. Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by McKenna Harris, the film is slated for release on 19 June 2026. While plot details remain under wraps, the story will explore how the toys navigate the modern world’s obsession with electronics.

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The Toy Story series, which began in 1995, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, with Toy Story 4 grossing over $1 billion and winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

With Zootopia 2 set to unravel new mysteries and Toy Story 5 promising fresh adventures, Disney’s animated universes are gearing up for another wave of memorable stories and characters.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Wild ‘Zootopia 2’ Teaser Reveals Ke Huay Kuan’s Gary De’Snake; ‘Toy Story 5’ Adds Conan O’Brien appeared first on Geek Culture.

Fans hoping to catch The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender on the big screen will have to wait a little longer — Paramount Pictures has pushed the animated sequel’s release from 30 January to 9 October 2026. The highly anticipated film will feature the voices of household names Dave Bautista, Steven Yeun, and Eric Nam.

Picking up years after the original series, which followed then-12-year-old Aang — a long-lost Avatar who learned to master the elements and save the globe from the ruthless Fire Nation, the sequel promises to bring Aang’s next adventure to life, with Lauren Montgomery in the director’s chair.

It’s not the only shake-up on the calendar. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 is also sliding back — originally set for 9 October 2026, your favourite green-shelled heroes will now return a year later on 17 September 2027. The sequel, produced by Point Grey Pictures and helmed by Jeff Rowe, will be joined by a two-season “Tales of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” series on Paramount+ to tide fans over.

But it’s not all doom and gloom — Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie is moving up, now set to hit theatres a week earlier, on 24 July 2026. The star-studded voice cast includes Jameela Jamil, Terry Crews, Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, Bill Nye, and more, with familiar pups Rubble, Zuma, and the gang ready for another dino-sized adventure.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Paramount Delays The Last Airbender And Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sequels appeared first on Geek Culture.

Saddle up, Rockstar’s open-world epic Red Dead Redemption 2 could be blazing a trail to the Nintendo Switch 2 by the end of 2025, with whispers of a shiny next-gen upgrade patch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in tow.

According to GameReactor’s sources “close to Rockstar,” the Switch 2 port is in the works, alongside a long-awaited upgrade patch that’s set to give Arthur Morgan’s wild west adventures a fresh coat of polish on current-gen consoles. Universally acclaimed by critics worldwide, fans have been clamouring for a next-gen update ever since the game launched back in 2017.

The scoop lines up with previous claims from Nintenduo, which suggests the Switch 2 version will hit shelves before Take-Two’s current financial year wraps on 31 March 2026. Still no word on whether this will be a digital-only affair or if collectors can look forward to a physical release.

If you’re wondering why Rockstar is hitching its wagon to Switch 2, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently gushed about Nintendo’s renewed support for third-party publishers. “We’re launching four titles with Nintendo Switch 2, and that’s a bigger array than we’ve ever offered before with a new Nintendo platform,” he said, adding that optimism is high for the new console.

So, whether you’re itching to replay Red Dead Redemption 2 on the go or just want to see those sunsets in even higher definition, keep your eyes peeled – 2026 could be the year of the cowboy.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ Galloping To Nintendo Switch 2 In 2025 With Rumoured Next-Gen Upgrade appeared first on Geek Culture.

Tom Cruise is keeping his engines running even as the Mission: Impossible saga races toward its finish line. In a recent chat with Today Show Australia, Cruise revealed he’s “working on” potential sequels for not just one, but two of his films: 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick and the 1990 racing classic, Days of Thunder.

“We’re thinking and talking about many different stories and what could we do and what’s possible,” Cruise shared. “It took me 35 years to figure out Top Gun: Maverick, so all of these things we’re working on, we’re discussing Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick.”

And Cruise isn’t slowing down. He added, “There’s numerous other films that we’re actively working on right now. I’m always shooting a film, prepping a film, posting a film. I just finished a film with Alejandro Iñárritu too, who did The Revenant, and we’ll be coming out with that. That was an extraordinary experience and (Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie) and I are always working on several different films.”

Top Gun: Maverick soared to US$1.49 billion at the global box office, while Days of Thunder – the film that first put Cruise behind the wheel as NASCAR’s Cole Trickle – earned US$157 million worldwide back in the day. Both franchises have seen renewed fan interest, with Top Gun 3 already in early development at Paramount and Jerry Bruckheimer reportedly circling Days of Thunder 2 as well.

Cruise’s next big project? An untitled psychological thriller with Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu (The Revenant), set to premiere in 2026 and featuring a powerhouse cast including Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, and Sophie Wilde.

One thing’s for sure: whether he’s flying jets, burning rubber, or saving the world – Tom Cruise isn’t parking his star power anytime soon.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Tom Cruise Teases Sequels for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ & ‘Days of Thunder’ appeared first on Geek Culture.

Disney has officially put its planned live-action adaptation of its 2010 animated hit Tangled on hold, according to multiple reports (via The Hollywood Reporter).

Disney’s decision to pause the project follows Snow White’s tepid earnings of just US$69 million domestically and US$145 million globally against a hefty US$270 million budget. Critics and audiences alike gave mixed reviews, with Rotten Tomatoes scores sitting at 40% for critics and 73% for audiences.

Tangled, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Rapunzel, was in active development with Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) attached to direct and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Thor: Love and Thunder) set to write the script. The original Tangled struck a chord with families and critics alike, earning US$592.5 million worldwide during its 2010 to 2011 release, boasting an 89% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes. It even earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song – making it an obvious choice for a live-action remake.

The underperformance of Snow White, coupled with controversies surrounding casting decisions and CGI effects, has cast doubt on Disney’s ability to replicate past successes like The Lion King (US$1.66 billion) and Aladdin (US$1.05 billion).

Despite Tangled now being in limbo, Disney’s still tapping into its animated library for live-action projects: Lilo & Stitch, set for release on 23 May 2025, and Moana, scheduled for 10 July 2026. Both films come with strong audience anticipation — the trailer for Lilo & Stitch became Disney’s second-most-viewed live-action trailer within 24 hours of release, while Moana benefits from the recent success of its animated sequel, which grossed over US$1 billion last November.

Disney’s decision to pause Tangled may also reflect a broader strategy shift as it waits to gauge audience reactions to these upcoming releases. If titles like Lilo & Stitch perform well both at the box office and on streaming platforms like Disney+, they could inform how the studio approaches future adaptations—including whether Tangled might be revived down the line.

For now, fans of Rapunzel can only wait and hope for Disney to let down its hair.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Disney’s ‘Tangled’ Live-Action Movie Halted Amid ‘Snow White’ Woes appeared first on Geek Culture.

Nathan Fillion will reprise his role as Guy Gardner in HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series, following his debut as the brash Green Lantern in James Gunn’s Superman, which soars into theatres on 10 July 2025. Known for his fearless yet abrasive personality, the character is poised to bring a unique dynamic to the show, centring on two intergalactic cops investigating a murder in the American heartland.

Fillion describes Gardner as “a jerk” who doesn’t need to be good to wield a Green Lantern ring—just fearless. Speaking to TV Guide, Fillion said, “Guy Gardner is fearless, and he is not very good. He’s not nice, which is very freeing as an actor because you just think to yourself, what is the most selfish, self-serving thing I can do in this moment? And that’s the answer.”

He even joked about Gardner’s overconfidence: “I think if he has a superpower, it might be his overconfidence, in that he thinks he could take on Superman. He can’t!”

Gardner’s signature look—a severe bowl cut—has already sparked conversation among fans after its reveal in the Superman trailer. While divisive, it stays true to the character’s comic book roots and sets him apart visually from other DC heroes.

The series pairs Aaron Pierre’s rookie Lantern John Stewart with Kyle Chandler’s veteran Hal Jordan as they unravel a sinister mystery on Earth. Described as True Detective-style drama set in the DC Universe, Lanterns promises a grounded and dark tone that expands the franchise beyond cosmic battles. The show also features Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt as conspiracy-minded cowboy William Macon, and Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe, a cunning figure navigating powerful men.

James Gunn and Peter Safran have positioned Lanterns as a cornerstone of their revamped DC Universe slate. Gunn teased that “a few other Lanterns” would appear alongside Stewart and Jordan, with Gardner now confirmed as one of them. The showrunner Chris Mundy (of Ozark fame) co-wrote the pilot with Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) and Tom King (DC Comics).

With Fillion’s Guy Gardner adding complexity and tension to the Lantern Corps dynamic, fans can expect plenty of drama — and likely some comic relief — when the series premieres in 2026.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner Joins HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ Series appeared first on Geek Culture.

Netflix has unveiled the trailer and detailed information about the six episodes of Black Mirror Season 7, marking a significant return for the Emmy-winning series. This season includes the first-ever sequel in Black Mirror history, USS Callister: Into Infinity, alongside a nostalgic nod to the interactive experience Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.

Here’s the full episode breakdown, with the details for each:

• Common People (56 minutes): Directed by Ally Pankiw and written by Charlie Brooker, this episode stars Rashida Jones, Chris O’Dowd, and Tracee Ellis Ross. It follows a medical emergency that leads a desperate husband to use a high-tech system to keep his wife alive, with unforeseen consequences.
• Bête Noire (49 minutes): Starring Siena Kelly, Rosy McEwen, and Michael Workéyè, this episode is directed by Toby Haynes and penned by Brooker. It revolves around a confectionery executive who becomes unsettled by a mysterious former classmate.
• Hotel Reverie (1 hour 16 minutes): Featuring Issa Rae, Emma Corrin, and Awkwafina, this episode is directed by Haolu Wang and written by Brooker. It explores a Hollywood star trapped in a high-tech remake of a vintage film.
• Plaything (45 minutes): With Peter Capaldi and Lewis Gribben among the cast, this episode is directed by David Slade and scripted by Brooker. It delves into a murder mystery linked to a 1990s video game.
• Eulogy (46 minutes): Starring Paul Giamatti and Patsy Ferran, this episode is directed by Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor, with a script by Brooker and Ella Road. It follows a man who uses a system to step into photographic memories from his past.
• USS Callister: Into Infinity (1 hour 28 minutes): This sequel stars Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, and Billy Magnussen, directed by Toby Haynes and co-written by Brooker. The crew of the USS Callister finds themselves stranded in an infinite virtual universe, battling for survival against millions of players.

Coming off a sixth season with mixed reactions, Season 7 promises a mix of genres and styles, with some episodes being deeply unpleasant, and others humorous, but always emotionally charged. Brooker hinted that this season will return to the show’s roots — exploring darker themes in a more subtle manner.

Black Mirror Season 7 premieres 10 April 2025 on Netflix.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post ‘Black Mirror’ Debuts Season 7 Trailer And Episode Details appeared first on Geek Culture.

In a quiet weekend for the international box office, Chinese animated juggernaut Ne Zha 2 has achieved a monumental milestone, overtaking Star Wars: The Force Awakens to become the fifth highest-grossing film of all time worldwide. With a global total of US$2.085 billion, the film has firmly cemented its place among cinematic giants like Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, and Titanic.

As of Sunday, Ne Zha 2 has grossed RMB 14.86 billion (US$2.054 billion) in China alone, according to Maoyan. Adding over US$31 million from international markets, the film’s global earnings now exceed US$2.085 billion, edging past The Force Awakens’ US$2.071 billion. Maoyan projects the film will reach RMB 15.2 billion (US$2.1 billion) in China by the end of its theatrical run. The film’s international rollout continues, with releases in Indonesia on 21 March, followed by several European countries and Japan.

In IMAX theatres, Ne Zha 2 has generated US$155 million globally, making it the sixth highest-grossing IMAX release ever. Of this, US$151.6 million comes from China. In the UK, IMAX screenings accounted for 35% of the film’s preview launch, marking the biggest opening for a local-language film in the format in the market.

The film’s success in China can be attributed to several factors. As a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Ne Zha, which grossed nearly US$700 million, it had built-in anticipation. Releasing during the lucrative Lunar New Year period and appealing to a broad audience also played a role. Some companies even gave employees the day off to watch the film, with Shandong-based Weilong Food busing staff to screenings to “help Ne Zha 2 rank first in the world.”

While Ne Zha 2 has generated curiosity and over US$30 million in select international markets, 99% of its earnings come from China. This highlights the challenge Chinese films face in gaining traction outside their home market.

Elsewhere at the box office, Warner Bros.’ Mickey 17 added US$15.6 million internationally in its second weekend, bringing its global total to US$90.5 million. Disney/Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World grossed US$6 million overseas in its fifth weekend, pushing its global total to US$388.6 million.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post China’s ‘Ne Zha 2’ Beats Star Wars, Avengers & Jurassic Park To Become Fifth Highest-Grossing Movie Globally appeared first on Geek Culture.

Andy Serkis has confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will only hit theatres in December 2027 – a full year after its initial release window, owing to extensive planning and visual effects work needed to bring this ambitious project to life.

Speaking at Fan Expo Vancouver 2025, the actor explained, “We are right at the beginning of the writing process. We will be prepping later this year. Prep takes a good chunk of time, six or seven months, and then we will be shooting next year. So, it backs into that December 2027 release date.”

The mystery surrounding The Hunt for Gollum has sparked intense speculation among fans. Many believe it could be a prequel that explores Gollum’s first encounter with Gandalf, a story hinted at in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. This potential plot point aligns with comments from screenwriter Philippa Boyens, who revealed, “We’re playing around with a number of ideas, but most of those ideas do include Gandalf.” This suggests that Gandalf will play a significant role in the film, possibly setting the stage for a gripping narrative that delves into the early interactions between these iconic characters in the epic saga.

Sir Ian McKellen, who portrayed Gandalf in Peter Jackson’s adaptations, has been approached to reprise his role.

“Well, all I know is that they called me up and said that these films were going to happen, mainly be about Gollum, Andy Serkis, who played Gollum, is going to direct, and there would be a script arriving some time in the new year,” he said at an appearance on This Morning last September. “That’s next year. And then I’ll judge whether I want to go back.”

The 85-year-old added, “But I would. I would love to go back to New Zealand, number one. And I also don’t like the idea of anybody else playing Gandalf.”

The plot is expected to delve into the story mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring, where Gandalf instructs Aragorn to hunt down and capture Gollum before he reveals information about the One Ring to Sauron. This narrative provides a compelling backdrop to explore the dynamics between Gandalf, Aragorn, and Gollum, as well as the broader race against Sauron’s forces to find the One Ring.

While Gollum will undoubtedly be a central character in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum , fans remain excited about the potential for the film to dive into the adventures of those hunting him, offering a fresh avenue for untold stories and characters within Middle-earth.

Yong Le

Everything changed when his parents bought him a PlayStation 2 for Christmas. Since then, he’s been hooked on all things esports, video games, and music. If he’s not livestreaming his shenanigans, he’s probably out taking mirror-selfies with his friends, vigorously debating over the Internet’s Meme of the Year.

The post Lord of The Rings Movie ‘The Hunt For Gollum’ Delayed Until 2027 appeared first on Geek Culture.