'The Incredibles 3' Finds Its Director; Andy Serkis Provides Detailed Update On 'Gollum' Movie
We're once again delving deep into the world of sequels!
From exciting and even shocking updates about the first family of cartoon superheroes, to never-before-told stories about everyone's favourite fictional halfling – get it all here!
Peter Sohn To Direct 'The Incredibles 3'
Yup, you read the subheading right, folks! The beloved superhero family is back for a third installment, this time with the critically acclaimed director Peter Sohn (known for his work on 'Elemental' and 'The Good Dinosaur').
The series follows Bob and Helen Parr, former superheroes who are forced into retirement due to a government mandate. They decide to live their lives out quietly in the suburbs with their three kids. However, when they discover a conspiracy of global domination, the whole family springs into action to save the day.
The film franchise is one of the more famous creations of the legendary filmmaker and animator Brad Bird, who wrote the screenplay for and directed the first two installments. The first, which was released all the way back in 2004, won an Academy Award for best animated film in 2005, while its sequel, which was released 14 years later, grossed US$1.4 billion globally. It was easily one of the most highly anticipated and successful sequels released by Disney, thanks in large part to the film's adoring fanbase.
Of course, not wanting to make fans wait any longer, Disney officially announced a third film during the D23 Expo back in August of last year. At the time, it was largely known that Bird was 'developing' the project. No additional information was provided, and many were quick to assume that he would handle the creation of this film, as he is well known for taking a more hands-on approach in directing. Hence, it was a big surprise that Sohn will be taking over the director's seat. The likely reason why Bird won't be handling this installment is because of his schedule, as he is already in the pre-production phase with Skydance for their upcoming animated feature 'Ray Gunn'.
However, if this change of hands worries you, it shouldn't. The two have worked together extensively, including on the first two 'Incredibles' movies. Bird has directly mentored Sohn in helping him become the director that he is today and was even handpicked by Bird and Pixar CEO Pete Docter to carry on this upcoming chapter for the superhero family. The famed director may not be taking on the reins this time around, but we can rest assured knowing that the film is in good hands!
Andy Serkis Shares Updates On 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum'
Ever since 'Lord of the Rings' it was releaved that Andy Serkis, the actor for Gollum, is bringing a new chapter of the beloved fantasy novel to the silver screen, fans have been living! And why wouldn't they? One of the original cast members returning not only to reprise his iconic role, but also to the director's seat? Yes, please!
For those who are unfamiliar with this hidden chapter in Tolkien's works, it takes place between 'The Hobbit' and 'The Fellowship of the Ring', exploring where the titular character was before he was ultimately apprehended by Sauron's forces and then, later, bumped into Sam and Frodo. And for those concerned whether or not it is canonical to Tolkien's actual work, it is; the legendary author has several information-packed appendices that detail the adventures and plights of the fallen hobbit as he searches for his precious.
In an interview with Collider, Serkis revealed that the film has already entered the early stages of production. Furthermore, he also shared that shooting can take place, most likely, 'in the early to mid-part of next year'. Additionally, the legendary actor has explained that this is a 'sizeable movie', much like the original Peter Jackson trilogy, but he's excited to get to work all the same.
'I'm incredibly excited to go back and work with my friends and family in New Zealand and actually do something which is, I think, going to be surprising, and yet very much part of the lore and the feel of the trilogy. The sensibility of it will feel, I think, close to that, and yet we're investigating in greater depth the character formerly known as Smeagol, but mostly known as Gollum.'
Though the project has been delayed by a year, the team are still eager to get to work to bring 'The Hunt for Gollum' to life. Not only that, but Serkis has also promised to give the film a Peter Jackson-level of polish, ensuring that it remains cohesive with the trilogy that we know and love. Of course, with such high promise, we can usually expect a one- to two-year turnover period, especially for a blockbuster film. But much like the LOTR crew, we are all excited for the finished product that is set to hit theatres in December 2027.
Sources: Variety, Collider, The Hollywood Reporter
What's your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
#Showbiz: Last member of K-pop megaband BTS to finish military service
SEOUL: SUGA, a member of the K-pop megaband BTS, will officially complete his mandatory military service on Saturday, marking the full return of all seven members of the global supergroup from duty. South Korea's most lucrative musical act has been on a self-described "hiatus" since 2022 as its members undertook the mandatory service required of all South Korean men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North. SUGA will be the last to complete his service, ahead of the group's widely anticipated return to activities as a full unit. His final day concludes at 11:59:59 pm, according to the band's agency HYBE and South Korea's Military Manpower Administration. The rapper, who served as a social service agent – an alternative form of military duty – effectively completed his service on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave, according to his label. "Above all else, I wanted to... sincerely thank our fans who waited for me all this time," SUGA told the group's fans – collectively known as ARMY – on the platform Weverse. "I've missed you so much." Before entering military service, the megaband generated more than 5.5 trillion won (US$4 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. Analysts expect HYBE's operating profit to jump next year, driven in part by BTS's anticipated return to large-scale touring, with some projections forecasting a 71 per cent year-on-year increase. "The importance of BTS's reunion to HYBE, K-pop and South Korea at large cannot be overstated. They are singular in their part of the Korean Wave," Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University, told AFP. "I think their next tour will be their biggest yet." Since their release last week, band leader RM has appeared at Art Basel in Switzerland as the new global ambassador for Samsung's Art TV, while member V was spotted attending a piano recital in Seoul alongside "Old Boy" filmmaker Park Chan-wook. BTS has long been considered one of the best examples of South Korea's soft power reach, even making a White House visit in 2022. They have spoken candidly about mental health and anti-Asian crime and donated US$1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2019, inspiring fans to contribute the same amount. K-pop's surging popularity has also helped break down barriers for Asian artists, said Keung Yoon Bae, a Korean studies professor at Georgia Institute of Technology. "Singers such as Eric Nam, born and raised in Atlanta, have discussed before how they had to go to Korea because they felt that attaining a music career in the US as an Asian felt impossible," she said. "Today, groups such as BTS and Blackpink seem to be breaking down that sense of impossibility." Despite the widespread acclaim, SUGA was fined 15 million won (US$10,933) for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol last year. On Saturday, he once again apologised for the incident in a message posted on Weverse. "I'm sorry for the disappointment and concern I caused due to what happened last year. More than anything, knowing I caused pain to my fans broke my heart," he said.
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
‘Legend of Zang Hai' adds to surging popularity of C-dramas worldwide
Film and television clothing is displayed at the booth of Hengdian cinematic and cultural industry cluster zone at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market on March 17, 2025. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (June 21): With its ads displayed on digital billboards in cities such as Tokyo and Bangkok, and its views climbing on video-streaming portals like Disney+, 'Legend of Zang Hai' is the latest example of a Chinese TV series making inroads into the global market. Featuring a star-studded cast led by Chinese mega-popular actor Xiao Zhan and renowned director Zheng Xiaolong, 'Legend of Zang Hai' revolves around the protagonist Zang Hai's pursuit of revenge years after his family was murdered and his quest for justice amid Machiavellian struggles in the fictitious dynasty of Da Yong. Since its release on May 18, 'Legend of Zang Hai' has not only become a domestic hit across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, but has also been aired to audiences in over 190 countries and regions in the world, via online platforms such as Youku and Disney+. During its premiere week, the drama swept popular TV charts of countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, and trended on social media in Thailand, Vietnam, Egypt, Ukraine, India and some other countries. According to data-monitoring platform Beacon, as of June 18, 'Legend of Zang Hai' had garnered more than 2.2 billion views, constantly leading the platform's daily broadcast chart during its month-long run. On the international rating and review platform IMDb, 'Legend of Zang Hai' scored a peak 9.5 out of 10 points in terms of its overall rating and stabilized at the current 8.8 points. 'The show is brilliantly crafted, with stunning visuals and smart storytelling that keeps you hooked. Every episode is packed with twists, suspense and emotional depth,' one of the most-liked reviews on IMDb stated. Besides the appeal of its overarching story and audiovisual techniques, this drama also integrates a series of traditional heritage elements throughout its scenes – presenting these in a seamless and realistic manner. According to a rough tally, the drama features 18 types of traditional cultural heritage, like centuries-old puppetry, mortise and tenon techniques, embroidery, wood carving, lantern shows, Kunqu Opera and more. 'Although 'Legend of Zang Hai' is a drama set in a fictional context, the creative team has always adhered to the principle of realism in its production, and strove to be genuine and credible in every detail,' said the drama's chief director Zheng. In addition, mysterious traditional elements, such as geomancy and astrology featured in the drama, have also intrigued overseas viewers, sparking cross-cultural discussions among both viewers and media commentators. 'It is very rare to come across a script as perfect and engaging as this, with an engaging yet logical and tight storytelling style…Not only that, it also applies the beauty of Eastern culture, such as feng shui, construction, burial, astrology, puppetry, shadow plays, etc,' commented an IMDb reviewer who gave the drama a perfect score. 'For fans of epic historical dramas with soul, this is a must-watch. And for those unfamiliar with Chinese television, 'Legend of Zang Hai' is the perfect gateway – a show that proves great storytelling transcends language and borders,' said another on IMDb. Beyond traditional viewership, the suspense drama has sparked a 'co-creation' phenomenon. Fans actively participate in the narrative through social media analysis, fan fiction, and detailed breakdowns of the plot and symbolism, turning passive audiences into engaged collaborators. A viewer noted: 'I kept discussing with my friends and checking comment sections and social networks while watching the show – every episode became a group investigation.' With ever-improving quality in terms of both content creation and production, China's television dramas, often abbreviated as C-dramas on video platforms, have gained a growing fan base worldwide over recent years. In 2024, Chinese costume drama 'The Double', which focuses on the female protagonist's romance and revenge story, was released on streaming platforms such as Netflix, garnering approximately 200 million views overseas and securing an 8.2-point IMDb rating. Featuring unique eastern aesthetics, another costume drama, 'Love Between Fairy and Devil', has made a splash on overseas platforms like Reddit since its global release back in 2022. Other C-dramas such as 'The Starry Love', 'Till the End of the Moon', and 'The Legend of Shen Li' have also generated waves of social media buzz among overseas audiences, thanks to their cultural and aesthetic depth. Earlier this year, the global reach of C-dramas was again highlighted when American punk-rock icon Patti Smith praised young Chinese actor Wang Xingyue for his performance in costume comedy 'Perfect Match'. 'A great show. You are a wonderful artist,' she wrote, while punctuating her comment with four clapping emojis. – Xinhua C-dramas China movies TV Xinhua
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen arrested for allegedly stealing snacks worth HK$140
Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen Man-on has been arrested for allegedly stealing snacks from a supermarket, the Post has learned. Yuen, a former member of the defunct Cantopop boy band E-kids, was arrested on Wednesday after he was spotted acting suspiciously by patrolling officers in To Kwa Wan, police said. He allegedly stole items from a Wellcome supermarket and was carrying a credit card belonging to someone else, a police spokesman said. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting. The case is being handled by the Kowloon City district investigation team. Yuen allegedly took 11 items, including bottled drinks, packets of candy, biscuits and coated peanuts, valued at about HK$140 (US$18). Officers also confirmed that the credit card in his possession belonged to a friend, who was contacted to retrieve it at the police station. Yuen, 45, previously served 26 months in jail for insulting police and officials and fabricating a fundraising story. In May last year, Yuen wrote a Facebook post saying that he had decided to leave Hong Kong after facing weekly contact with national security police following his early release from jail in September 2023. He said the frequent questioning caused him fear and distress, leading him to worry about being sent back to prison. In the May 1 Facebook post, Yuen said: 'I have finally left Hong Kong and started living in the United Kingdom!' The father of two also expressed determination to work hard in the UK and continue pursuing music, creating content, posting on social media and starting a YouTube channel. 'I believe that I won't or won't be able to go back to my beloved Hong Kong any more in my lifetime, as it continues to deteriorate day by day,' he had said. However, he was seen in the city in December. Yuen was arrested by national security police in February 2022, charged within 48 hours and kept in custody until his trial. In a court hearing in July 2023, he admitted to breaching a colonial-era sedition law by insulting police and officials on social media, as well as laundering more than HK$700,000 that he had raised by fabricating a story about a teenager facing a riot trial over her involvement in the anti-government protests of 2019. Two months later, he was sentenced to 26 months in jail. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
