Thanks to Peter Jackson, fans of J.R.R. Tolkien can travel to New Zealand to visit sets and locations from The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. But if one of those fans really wanted to learn about Tolkien himself, and see the actual location where Middle-earth was created, they can’t. But that might be changing.
Source: io9 – The Stars of Lord of the Rings Want to Make J.R.R. Tolkien’s Home Into a Museum
Din Djarin’s quest on The Mandalorian has evolved. In finding Ahsoka Tano unwilling to train his ward, he has been sent on a new path with a new understanding, both of the child he cares for and that child’s role in his own destiny. It awaits on a planet discussed in whispers in the Disney era of the Star Wars canon,…
Source: io9 – The Mandalorian’s Journey to Tython and the Enormous Star Wars History Behind It
It’s a sad day in Duckburg, with the official word coming from Disney that DuckTales’ current season, its third, will be the last for the beloved animated series. At least we have several more new episodes and an “epic finale” to look forward to next year.
Source: io9 – DuckTales’ Current Third Season Is Officially Its Last
It’s something Funko fans have been waiting for: You can finally make your own Pop figure. Funko Headquarters and the Funko Hollywood store will soon be housing Pop Factories, which let people create and style their own custom Funko figures. Unfortunately, there’s no way to do it online—at least not yet.
Source: io9 – Funko Is Finally Letting People Build Custom Figures, But Only in Its Stores
Long before he set out to become the world’s greatest detective, young Bruce Wayne was merely the world’s richest latchkey kid spending his days wandering around the halls of Wayne manor under Alfred’s supervision. In most tellings of Bruce’s childhood, the entire affair’s something of a gloomy period in the days…
Source: io9 – Batman Goes on the Ultimate Play Date in This Arkhamaniacs Exclusive Preview
May he ride eternal, shiny and chrome. Actor Hugh Keays-Byrne, best known for his villainous roles in the Mad Max series, has passed away at the age of 73. The news was first reported by his friend and frequent collaborator, filmmaker Brian Trenchard-Smith.
Source: io9 – RIP Hugh Keays-Byrne, Star of Mad Max and Mad Max: Fury Road
Are Black police officers—who, within the context of the United States and the United Kingdom, work in an inherently racist police force that functions within an equally racist criminal justice system—traitors?
Source: io9 – All Black Everything: John Boyega on His Activism and Small Axe Role as a Black Policeman
Welcome to Ravenloft, boils and ghouls! Where it’s always a dark and stormy night, where monsters are always under your bed, and your blood always curdles in horror—right before a vampire sucks it out. So what the hell is a gold elf from the Forgotten Realms doing here? Short answer: Not having a particularly fun time.
Source: io9 – Dungeons & Dragons & Novels: Revisiting Vampire of the Mists
“Three assholes walk into a bar” is not your typical fantasy novel intro, but it’s definitely evocative enough to make you want to read more. J.P. Oakes’ debut City of Iron and Dust—set in a gritty world of goblins, fae, and other magical ne’er-do-wells—isn’t out until next summer, but io9 has a first look at the…
Source: io9 – 3 Magical Creatures Convene in One Grimy Dive Bar in This First Look at City of Iron and Dust
You think after the Rise of Skywalker stuff and last season’s Marvel-a-go-go Epic that Disney wouldn’t want to put the hottest father/son team-up it’s got in the world’s biggest video game?
Source: io9 – Of Course The Mandalorian’s in Fortnite’s Next Season
Netflix has nabbed the rights to a new sci-fi stowaway thriller. Get a first look at Studio Ghibli’s new 3DCG feature, Earwig and the Witch. HBO wants more Folklore. Plus, what’s to come on Lucifer, and Netflix teams with Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone for a new spiritual comedy series. Spoilers, away!
Source: io9 – Updates on Hellraiser’s Future, Wonder Woman 1984, and More
It appeared in mid-November, and by Thanksgiving weekend it had vanished. The mysterious metallic monolith with more than a passing resemblance to a certain iconic object from one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made brought a little X-Files flair to an otherwise grim news cycle. But now that it’s left us, we’re…
Source: io9 – So, What TV or Movie Was the Monolith a Gimmick For?
This character may not be undead, but they’re certainly getting another life. Universal Pictures has cast its eye on a new Van Helsing adaptation, directed by Julius Avery (Overlord) with Aquaman’s James Wan on board as a producer.
Source: io9 – Universal’s Van Helsing Will Stabby Stab Stab Vampires Once Again
You might not yet know Elliot Page by name, but there’s little doubt that you’re already more than familiar with the Academy Award-nominated actor’s work and commitment to using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Source: io9 – Umbrella Academy’s Elliot Page Comes Out as Trans in a Powerful Open Letter
Is it time to get interstellar? A new report says David Ramsey, who played John Diggle on Arrow, is set to reprise his role across CW’s DC Universe—as well as direct several episodes within the franchise. Given how Diggle appears to be the discoverer of a certain emerald-hued ring, we’re hoping this means one thing: …
Source: io9 – Arrow’s John Diggle Is Returning to DC TV, Which Probably Means…
Sequels are hard; any fan of pop culture can tell you that. A sequel can’t just match the success of the original, it has to expand on and deepen it. Recontextualize the whole thing in new and exciting ways. Very few sequels achieve this and no one would know that better than fans of, or characters in, Ernest Cline’s …
Source: io9 – Ready Player Two Attempts, But Fails, to Reach the Next Level
The introduction of a new Doctor is, like, a pretty big deal on Doctor Who. So when season 12’s “Fugitive of the Judoon” brought us Jo Martin’s Doctor on the lam, it felt like the culmination of something huge. But it turns out her debut was kind of out-of-the-blue—and one the showrunner doesn’t know will come again…
Source: io9 – Doctor Who’s ‘Fugitive Doctor’ Was an Unplanned, Last-Minute Twist
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a gorgeous new poster in your home—especially one that’s going to help a good cause.
Source: io9 – The Best Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Posters From Alamo Drafthouse’s New Auction
Rare as it is for voice actors behind an animated series’ core character to departs the show unexpectedly, Netflix’s Big Mouth is going through a bit of a lineup change in its fourth season. Jenny Slate, who previously played Missy, departed earlier this year to make way for staff writer Ayo Edebiri to take over the…
Source: io9 – Big Mouth’s Missy Had to Be Recast in Order to Let the Character Grow
The thing Joe Gardner loves about jazz is how it’s always changing. Joe is the star of Soul, Pixar’s latest animated film being released on Disney+ on Christmas Day. After the best audition of his life, Joe (voiced by Jamie Foxx) is on top of the world. Until he dies. He then attempts to return his soul to his body…
Source: io9 – The Team Behind Soul Tells Us About the Culture and Future of Pixar