Has the impact of the Writers’ Strike finally filtered down to the level of studio announcements? Or are people simply taking a moment to breathe after so many recent livestreams and showcases? Either way, the past few days have been relatively quiet in terms of pop culture news. Or, rather, big news that really got us excited. Below you’ll find what did stand out for us during this period.
Film
Following Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and Morbius in Sony’s “we own the character rights and are going to use them, no matter what” live-action Spider-Man villain universe, is Kraven the Hunter. This superpowered revenge actioner, which is very R-rated, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the title character and antihero. In the comics, Kraven (AKA Sergei Kravinoff) is a big game hunter who embraces the ultimate challenge of hunting down Spider-Man. Here, powered by magical lion blood (I dunno, you guys), he’s a relentless and brutal hunter of men, particularly bad ones.
As for the rest of the cast, Russell Crowe plays Nikolai Kravinoff, Kraven’s crime lord father; Ariana DeBose is Calypso, a voodoo priestess and Kraven’s love interest; and Alessandro Nivola is Rhino, another (literally) tough Spider-man villain.
Kraven the Hunter releases in cinemas on 6 October. The first trailer below was accompanied by a film poster reveal, which is very much comic inspired.
Still speaking of the spin-off Spider-Man Universe, a film that was earmarked for release next January has been pulled from Sony’s release calendar. El Muerto, centred on a Mexican wrestler who gains superhuman strength from a Luchador mask, was to star rapper and Bullet Train actor Bad Bunny. However, the performer’s touring schedule, the writing striking, and the fact that shooting has yet to even start, means the project is at least on hold for now. Out of interest, Dakota Johnson’s Madame Web will still release early next year for Sony, on 16 February.
A love triangle set in the world of tennis may not sound like the type of film that normally catches our eye, but Challengers comes with an unusual edginess and energy. In this sports drama, Zendaya stars as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Acting as coach to her husband, Art (Mike Faist), a champion on a losing streak, Tashi signs him up for an event that will pit him against Patrick (Josh O’Connor) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. Acclaimed Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino directs.
Challengers strides into cinemas on 15 September.
Movies always benefit from a good villain. The film industry less so. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav seems to be in that role yet again as his cost-cutting measures have gutted the decades-serving custodians/ executive leadership behind Turner Classic Movies (TCM), an accessible repository of cinema history.
The likes of Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson all sprang into action, and their consultations with Zaslav are more reassuring. The trio issued a statement that includes the following section:
We have each spent time talking to David, separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him. Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected.
We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.
Gaming
Sure there was the surprise Nintendo Direct this week, stuffed with Mario game announcements, but otherwise it’s been a week for price hike news. Boo.
MyBroadband has confirmed that the PlayStation 5 console (disc edition) is increasing in price yet again in South Africa, from the current R12,799 to R13,999. The discless Digital Edition PS5 jumps from R10,499 to R11,999. The price adjustments will take effect from 17 July 2023, and are due to the local currency’s recent fall and sustained weakness. The PS5 disc edition launched in South Africa in November 2020 at R11,999 for thee record.
Meanwhile, The Verge is reporting that Xbox, almost a year later, is finally following Sony’s example with their global price hikes. Unless you’re in the US, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia, the price of the Xbox Series X console will increase to match, and be comparable to, the PS5.
Also being bumped up, by $1, are the monthly Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, taking them from $9.99 to $10.99, and $14.99 to $16.99 respectively. PC Game Pass will see its subscription unchanged.