Many Marvel fans are eagerly anticipating the new "Spider-Man" movie. We won't have to wait much longer: "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" hits theaters on July 31, 2026. But what happens after that? Will lead actor Tom Holland continue to don the popular superhero's costume in future big-screen adventures? Or will Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker, make way for another hero? After all, with Spider-Gwen and others, there are numerous variations of Spider-Man who could take center stage in future films. It seems Tom Holland has already given this some thought, as he revealed in a recent interview with Empire.

Speaking to the film magazine, he had this to say about the future of Spider-Man:

"For whoever's next, whether that is a Miles Morales or a Spider-Gwen or a Spider-Woman or something like that, I would love to be a part of setting up the next chapter."

He also hinted at the direction this involvement might take. Without getting too specific, Holland explained:

"Whatever that looks like, I don't know. But if I could do what Downey did for me, then I would be so content swinging off into the sunset."

Following in Iron Man's footsteps

He is undoubtedly referring to Robert Downey Jr., the actor who plays Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Stark became a mentor to the young Peter Parker. Apparently, Holland can well imagine Spider-Man taking on a mentoring role in the future, perhaps for potential successors like Miles Morales, whom movie audiences already know from the animated "Spider-Verse" films. At this point, it's unclear whether this is just an idea Holland has or if there are already concrete plans in place. In any case, it would be a good way for the actor to gracefully step back from the franchise: Holland could focus on other projects while remaining part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe through guest appearances.

But that's all in the future. First up is the current big-screen adventure "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." And as Tom Holland has now explained, he wasn't just active in front of the camera for the film – the actor also contributed an important idea to the story. He revealed to Empire that during the development of "Brand New Day," he met with the producers once every two weeks to exchange ideas. With success: Holland suggested a "Spider-Puberty." According to the actor, the idea was ultimately taken up and further developed. The result of this idea: In the new film, Spider-Man undergoes drastic physical changes that apparently also affect his superpowers.

A new chapter in Spider-Man's life

It will be interesting to see how Peter Parker copes with this transformation. In any case, there are many questions about the plot of "Brand New Day" at this point – despite the trailer that was released some time ago. True to its title, a completely new chapter begins in Spider-Man's life. The superhero is now on his own, because: The people around him have forgotten that he exists. Even those closest to him, such as his former girlfriend Michelle Jones-Watson, who is played by Zendaya in the film.

That much is certain. Beyond that, however, the trailer raises at least as many questions as it provides answers. Among them is the hotly debated question of what the mysterious figure seen in the trailer – but unrecognizable under the hood – is all about. There is speculation that this could be Sadie Sink, whose role in "Brand New Day" remains unclear. As we reported earlier, some suspect that she might be the famous X-Men mutant Jean Grey. We'll find out how much truth there is to these rumors when the movie hits theaters. We can't wait!

The theatrical release of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is getting closer and closer! The first trailer already demonstrated just how massive the anticipation for the Marvel blockbuster really is – it actually became the most successful trailer of all time! But it looks like there's more to come: A Canadian report suggests that a new trailer could be released soon!

The first trailer already gave us some insights – especially regarding Peter's situation following the events of "Spider-Man: No Way Home." As a reminder: due to Doctor Strange's spell, Peter Parker was erased from everyone's memory. "Brand New Day" now explores the consequences of that event.

We're excited to see what insights the new trailer will offer. As soon as the trailer is available, we'll share it with you right here! Of course, you'll also find it in the KinoCheck app and on our YouTube channel.

When will the new trailer be released?

A report from the Canadian province of Alberta indicates that the second trailer for "Spider-Man 4" has received a rating (PG) – and should now, in principle, be ready for release. The report additionally indicates a trailer length of two and a half minutes.

However, the specific date the trailer will be released is not yet clear. Given the connection with Sony Pictures, a launch alongside the theatrical release of "Masters of the Universe" seems possible. The film hits theaters on June 5. Still, a release within the next few days cannot be ruled out either. The theatrical release date for "Brand New Day," on the other hand, has of course already been set. The Marvel blockbuster will be available on the big screen starting July 31.

What is Spider-Man 4 about?

Following the ending of "No Way Home", Peter is completely on his own. Even his closest friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) no longer remember him. Alone and crime-fighting in a New York City that no longer knows his name, Peter Parker has devoted himself to being a full-time Spider-Man. But as the pressure on Spider-Man intensifies, Peter undergoes a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence.

The Cast of Brand New Day

In addition to the aforementioned actors like Holland, Zendaya, and Batalon, "Brand New Day" features some high-profile new additions. These include, among others, the Punisher (Jon Bernthal), who was already seen in the first trailer. Frank Castle is best known for his own series as well as for "Daredevil." Most recently, the Marvel special "The Punisher: One Last Kill" was released on Disney+. In "Brand New Day," Jon Bernthal now makes his big-screen debut.

The Hulk in Spider-Man 4

A prominent MCU veteran also appears in the first trailer. We're talking, of course, about Bruce Banner, played once again by Mark Ruffalo. We see a brief exchange between him and Peter Parker. While it remains to be seen what role Banner will ultimately play in "Brand New Day," the trailer already hints at a closer connection between the two characters.

That would certainly fit well with the "Spider-Man" series so far. In previous films, Holland's Spider-Man has always been paired with an established MCU character: Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man in "Homecoming," Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury in "Far From Home," and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange in "No Way Home." That's why it stands to reason that Bruce Banner could take on a similar mentor role this time around. The trailer supports this theory, as Peter seeks Banner's help in it. You can watch the first trailer again here!

The big mystery surrounding Sadie Sink

One casting decision, however, remains a mystery: What role does Sadie Sink play? It has been known for some time that the "Stranger Things" star is part of "Spider-Man 4." At the same time, there has been plenty of speculation about her character for months. The name Jean Grey from the "X-Men" universe comes up particularly often.

However, the trailer doesn't yet reveal whether Sink actually plays the famous mutant or someone entirely different. Her face isn't visible in it so far – so an official confirmation of her role is still pending. Maybe Marvel is saving this reveal for the next trailer. To help pass the time, you can take a look behind the scenes of "Brand New Day" here.

The new "Rambo" movie starring Noah Centineo is highly anticipated – and now the release date has been set! The prequel "John Rambo" will hit theaters on June 4, 2027, according to Deadline. Film studio Lionsgate has thus chosen a highly competitive release date. A week earlier, "Star Wars: Starfighter" starring Ryan Gosling will premiere – one of the year's potential biggest blockbusters. Two weeks after the release of "John Rambo," the animated film "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse" hits theaters. So Rambo will be surrounded by stiff competition. But this also shows that Lionsgate clearly has great confidence in the reboot of the action franchise.

In addition to "John Rambo," Lionsgate has a number of other potential hits in the pipeline for next year. According to Variety, the studio will release films such as the thriller "Day Drinker" starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, Mel Gibson's biblical drama "The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One," and "The Housemaid's Secret." The latter is the sequel to the box office hit "The Housemaid" starring Sydney Sweeney, which grossed approximately $400 million at the global box office.

In the new film, Noah Centineo becomes John Rambo

The "Rambo" prequel is set before the events of the original 1982 film and is intended to serve as an origin story. In other words: We'll see how John Rambo became the man we know from the previous films. The 30-year-old Noah Centineo steps into the shoes of the now 79-year-old Sylvester Stallone. The actor has made a name for himself as the protagonist of the Netflix spy series "The Recruit," among other roles.

Joining Noah Centineo is David Harbour. The "Stranger Things" star plays Major Trautman, a character already familiar from earlier "Rambo" films. In previous installments of the action series, Trautman served as a sort of mentor to Rambo. He was originally played by Richard Crenna, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 76. A prominent new addition was recently announced in the form of James Franco. The Hollywood star, who appeared as Harry Osborn in the three "Spider-Man" films alongside Tobey Maguire, is set to take on a small role in "John Rambo." Additionally, Yao, Jason Tobin, Quincy Isaiah, Jefferson White, and Tayme Thapthimthong are part of the cast.

Sylvester Stallone is also on board

And what about Sylvester Stallone? He is also involved in the new "Rambo" film – though behind the scenes. The Hollywood star is on board as an executive producer. On social media, Stallone commented on this with the following words:

"Rambo has been part of my life for a very long time. A character built on resilience, survival, and the scars of war. He's meant a lot to me and to audiences around the world for decades. Now we're going back to where his story begins. I'm excited to be executive producing @JohnRamboFilm, exploring the early chapter of the man before the legend."

The director of John Rambo has also been confirmed

Alongside Sylvester Stallone, "Avengers" directors Anthony and Joe Russo are also serving as executive producers. Michael Disco, Avi Lerner, Angela Russo-Otstot, Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon, and Jonathan Yunger are serving as producers. The director of the new "Rambo" film is Jalmari Helander, known for his two "Sisu" action films. Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani wrote the screenplay.

Rambo is one of the most famous action heroes in cinema history. The first film, released in 1982, is based on David Morrell's novel "First Blood" and tells the story of how Vietnam War veteran John Rambo is harassed by police officers in a small provincial town. Eventually, a fight for survival ensues. Two sequels followed in the 1980s. After a long hiatus, another sequel was released in 2008, which Stallone directed. The latest installment in the action series, "Rambo: Last Blood," was released in 2019.

The future of the "Lord of the Rings" series seems secure! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the fourth season is already in development – even though the third season hasn't even premiered on Prime Video yet. Nevertheless, preparations for Season 4 are apparently in full swing. Filming for the new episodes of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is already scheduled to begin in early 2027.

While The Hollywood Reporter's report emphasizes that Season 4 has not yet been officially greenlit, the current plans sound promising: Fans of the fantasy series can likely start getting ready for the show to continue beyond Season 3. But given the show's success, this isn't all that surprising: According to Amazon, the series has reached over 185 million viewers worldwide – making it one of the biggest hits on Prime Video. If everything goes according to plan, the fourth season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" could be released in 2028.

The Rings of Power: Season 3 release date already set

For now, however, fans can look forward to Season 3. The most recent episode of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" aired in October 2024, when the second season concluded with the episode "Shadow and Flame." As was recently officially announced, the new episodes of the "Lord of the Rings" series will premiere on November 11, 2026, on Prime Video. Additionally, a first image from Season 3 has been released, featuring Sauron:

The villain, portrayed by Charlie Vickers, will continue to play a key role. Chronologically, the story of "The Rings of Power" takes place thousands of years before Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" films: in the Second Age of Middle-earth. It centers on the creation of the titular rings and the rise of Sauron. As previously announced, the third season of the series is set to take place several years after the events of Season 2: at the height of the war between the Elves and Sauron.

In addition to Charlie Vickers as Sauron, other cast members will return, including Morfydd Clark as Galadriel and Robert Aramayo as Elrond. There are also several newcomers, such as Eddie Marsan, Andrew Richardson, Zubin Varla, Adam Young, and Jamie Campbell Bower, known from the Netflix hit "Stranger Things." J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay serve as showrunners and executive producers. Other executive producers include Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, Kate Hazell, and Charlotte Brandström, who directed several episodes of the series.

The Lord of the Rings: More movies are on the way

Especially exciting for fans of Middle-earth: "The Rings of Power" isn't the only adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy saga to look forward to. Two films are already in the pipeline for the big screen. The first is "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." This big-screen adventure complements the events from the 2001 "Lord of the Rings" film "The Fellowship of the Ring." Fans of Peter Jackson's earlier film adaptation can look forward to reuniting with old favorites. Andy Serkis will once again portray Gollum. Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo are also returning. As the title suggests, the focus will be on the search for Gollum. "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" hits theaters on December 17, 2027.

The release date for the second "Lord of the Rings" film, currently in the planning stages, has not yet been set. However, initial details about "The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of the Past" are already available. The film is set 14 years after the passing of Frodo. Sam, Merry, and Pippin set out to retrace the first steps of their adventure. Meanwhile, Sam's daughter Elanor discovers a long-kept secret and wants to find out why the War of the Ring was almost lost before it had even begun. Particularly interesting: Peter Jackson is collaborating with a late-night television star on the film's development: Stephen Colbert. The popular host provided the basic idea for the new film.

Finally, another sci-fi film from Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg! The premise: In "Disclosure Day," humanity learns that it is not alone! What everyone is wondering: Will his new film be a hit? Now the first reactions are in. What can we expect from Spielberg's sci-fi thriller?

The initial reactions have one thing in common above all else: the film is being received extremely positively. Steven Weintraub from the entertainment portal Collider, for example, calls it a "towering home run". And he's not alone: for Jim Hemphill from IndieWire, the "exhilarating" and "emotional" "Disclosure Day" is "top tier Spielberg". Germain Lussier from Gizmondo also declares "Disclosure Day" to be "Spielberg's best film in 20 years."

Critics are raving

Many critics particularly highlight the performance of Emily Blunt, who stars in the lead role. The music also receives praise. No wonder – after all, the score is by the legendary John Williams.

In general, "Disclosure Day" is being hailed as an extraordinary film. Bill Bria from SlashFilm writes that it is Spielberg's "weirdest movie" – and emphasizes that this statement is meant as a compliment. He describes David Koepp's script as a mix between "The X-Files" and the Bible.

So the first reviews are further fueling anticipation for "Disclosure Day." We won't have to wait much longer before we can finally see the sci-fi thriller on the big screen. "Disclosure Day" hits theaters on June 12. To help pass the time, you can watch the newly released trailer here!

Steven Spielberg's Next Project

However, even after "Disclosure Day," Steven Spielberg isn't done making movies yet. The director is already planning his next project: a Western! Here's everything currently known about it.

The Films of Steven Spielberg

With "Disclosure Day," Steven Spielberg returns once again to the genre that has had a decisive influence on his career: science fiction. Hardly any other director has influenced modern blockbuster cinema as profoundly as Spielberg – and hardly anyone else so naturally combines big-budget entertainment with powerful emotions, technical innovation, and a sense of wonder at the unknown.

The Breakthrough and Early Successes

Spielberg celebrated his international breakthrough in 1975 with "Jaws," a thriller that not only terrified audiences but also practically invented the modern summer blockbuster in the process. Just a few years later, he turned to science fiction with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," establishing many themes that remain associated with his work to this day: people confronted with something greater than themselves, the look of wonder, and the fusion of spectacle and humanity.

In 1982, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" followed, one of his most popular films. The story of the friendship between a boy and a stranded alien became a worldwide phenomenon and is still considered the epitome of family-friendly science fiction cinema.

Spielberg's Blockbuster Cinema

At the same time, he created the Indiana Jones adventure series together with George Lucas. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" alone became a classic and redefined modern adventure cinema – fast-paced, humorous, and full of iconic scenes. The series cemented Harrison Ford's status as a superstar and remains one of the most famous franchises in film history to this day.

In the 1990s, Spielberg reached a new peak. With "Jurassic Park," he revolutionized the use of special effects and brought dinosaurs to the screen with unprecedented realism. The film set new technical standards and influenced blockbuster cinema for decades to come. That same year, Spielberg also released "Schindler's List," the multi-award-winning Holocaust drama that earned him his first Oscar for Best Director and impressively underscored his versatility as a filmmaker.

Numerous Blockbusters

Spielberg continued to shape cinema in the decades that followed. Films like "Saving Private Ryan," "Minority Report," "Catch Me If You Can," and "War of the Worlds" repeatedly demonstrated his ability to blend different genres with great technical skill and emotional accessibility. Even in later works like "Ready Player One," his fascination with visions of the future, technology, and pop culture remained clearly evident.

It is therefore hardly surprising that a new science fiction film by Spielberg is now receiving such enthusiastic initial reactions. For decades, he has been regarded as one of the great directors who can combine spectacular entertainment cinema with a personal touch – and it is precisely this blend that "Disclosure Day" seems to deliver once again.

"Star Wars" is back on the big screen: "The Mandalorian and Grogu" is currently playing in theaters. But many fans are already wondering, after leaving the cinema, what the future holds for the two fan-favorite characters. Director Jon Favreau recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the future of Mando and Grogu. What are Favreau and "Star Wars" boss Dave Filoni planning? Favreau has already given this some thought. In general, he sees potential in many stories and storylines. He already has

"I have a lot of notes and ideas as to where I think things might go within this small microcosm within 'Star Wars'."

The plans of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni

However, Dave Filoni is responsible for the big picture. According to Favreau, Filoni thinks "about the larger story, about how all the characters all fit together, and [about] the timeframe and how it leads into the next era of 'Star Wars'." So the possibilities for the next story of Mando and Grogu are vast. At the same time, Favreau and Filoni will coordinate to ensure their visions are compatible. On this, Favreau says:

"I think that there's a lot of higher-order strategic decisions that Dave is making that this will fit into."

Favreau is therefore unable or unwilling to share any concrete plans for a new project at this time. It also remains unclear in what form the story of Din Djarin and Grogu will continue.

A new movie or The Mandalorian Season 4?

Whether another theatrical film will be made or whether the duo's future will instead continue on Disney+ may also depend on the movie's box office performance. Currently, the film has grossed around $160 million worldwide, putting it roughly on par with the commercially weakest "Star Wars" film of the Disney era to date. "Solo" posted similar figures back then.

Before development of the movie began, a fourth season of "The Mandalorian" had already been planned, as Favreau confirmed. The plan at the time was to link the Mando-Verse more closely. Season 4 was intended to set the stage for the second season of "Ahsoka." However, this idea was scrapped in favor of the movie. The new season of "Ahsoka" is now scheduled for release in early 2027.

The cinematic approach

In general, the goal with "The Mandalorian and Grogu" was to make the story of the two accessible to a wider audience – which wouldn't necessarily be the case with a fourth season.

"A fourth season of a show would have assumed that you saw three seasons previously and, frankly, everything else on Disney+. That's the nature of a serialized long-form TV story."

So it is still uncertain whether a revised fourth season of "The Mandalorian" will eventually be made. But one thing is clear either way: the story of Din Djarin and Grogu is far from over. Fans can look forward to seeing what the future holds for the two beloved characters.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

For now, though, you can still catch "The Mandalorian and Grogu" in theaters – if you haven't already seen the movie. The film naturally centers on the two familiar heroes from the hit Disney+ series: the bounty hunter Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, and Grogu, often called "Baby Yoda."

The Mandalorian now works for the still-young New Republic. Although the Empire has fallen, numerous Imperial warlords are still scattered across the galaxy. Mando and his apprentice Grogu are tasked with tracking down a dangerous warlord. At the same time, they embark on a rescue mission for Rotta, the son of Jabba the Hutt.

The Mandalorian: The Beginning of Mando & Grogu

Prior to the current movie, Disney+'s first "Star Wars" series introduced the title characters. "The Mandalorian" is undoubtedly one of the most successful productions in the modern "Star Wars" universe. In terms of storytelling, "The Mandalorian" combines classic Western elements with adventure and science fiction narratives, expanding the "Star Wars" universe with new characters, planets, and conflicts.

At the same time, the series is closely linked to other current "Star Wars" productions. Series such as "The Book of Boba Fett" or "Ahsoka" pick up on storylines and characters from "The Mandalorian." Chronologically, the series are also set in the same phase following the events of "Return of the Jedi". This creates a cohesive series universe, often referred to as the Mando-Verse, which has now been expanded by the feature film.

A record for "Dutton Ranch"! The "Yellowstone" spin-off has had the most successful launch in the streaming service's history on Paramount+. The first two episodes of the new series garnered 12.9 million views worldwide within the first seven days of their release. The previous record holder on Paramount+ was the crime drama "MobLand." In 2025, the star-studded series featuring Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren launched with 8.8 million views, as reported by Variety. "Dutton Ranch" has thus significantly surpassed that figure.

However, the 12.9 million views aren't the only success the series has to show for itself. Preliminary figures indicate that in the U.S., "Dutton Ranch" is on track to be the top original series in Nielsen's streaming rankings for the week of May 11–17. In addition, "Dutton Ranch" not only made a successful debut on the streaming platform Paramount+, but also on the linear programming of the Paramount Network. There, the first episode reached 1.9 million viewers – the most successful series debut on cable television since 2023.

New Yellowstone spin-off: What Dutton Ranch is about

"Dutton Ranch" continues the neo-Western series "Yellowstone," created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. The spin-off centers on two characters viewers already know from the original series: Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser as Beth's husband Rip Wheeler. Together, they venture to South Texas for a fresh start. But the competition is fierce: The two find themselves up against a ruthless, rival ranch – and discover that life in South Texas is anything but easy. Or as the series' logline puts it: "Forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival just might be your soul."

In addition to the two lead actors, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the cast also includes Finn Little, Juan Pablo Raba, Jai Courtney, J. R. Villarreal, Marc Menchaca, and Natalie Alyn Lind. On top of that, the ensemble boasts two particularly prominent Hollywood stars in Ed Harris and Annette Bening. Based on the original series by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, "Dutton Ranch" was created by Chad Feehan, who not only contributed several scripts but also serves as showrunner. He is also on board as an executive producer alongside Sheridan and Linson. The directors include Greg Yaitanes, who was involved in the production of the fantasy series "House of the Dragon," among other projects, as well as Christina Alexandra Voros, who is very familiar with the "Yellowstone" universe. Voros has already directed several episodes of the original series and serves not only as a director but also as an executive producer on "Dutton Ranch."

Dutton Ranch is already the fifth series in the Yellowstone franchise

With the new stories centered on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, the "Yellowstone" universe is expanding once again. "Dutton Ranch" is already the fifth series in the successful franchise. It all began in 2018 with "Yellowstone." The series centered on the Dutton family's ranch in Montana ran for five seasons and featured a top-tier Hollywood star in Kevin Costner, before the actor left the show shortly before its conclusion. Following the success of the original series, the prequels "1883" and "1923" were released, set in the 19th century and the 1920s, respectively, as their titles suggest. In 2026, two sequels premiered: first "Marshals" and now "Dutton Ranch."

So far, three episodes of "Dutton Ranch" have aired. The remaining episodes will air weekly until the season concludes on July 3 with the ninth episode. Given the successful launch, it's safe to assume that a second season will follow. Should that happen, however, "Dutton Ranch" will need a new showrunner – the previous showrunner, Chad Feehan, had already left before the series even premiered.

If you want to get a feel for "Dutton Ranch," you can watch the trailer for the series here:

The anime world has chosen its top favorites of the year: At this year's Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026, the international anime community once again honored its most popular series, films, and characters. According to the organizers, an impressive 73 million votes were cast this year – a significant increase from the 51 million votes cast the previous year. The figures impressively demonstrate how rapidly the international anime community continues to grow and the significance anime has come to hold.

The final season of "My Hero Academia" was crowned the big winner of the evening. The series secured the prestigious title of "Anime of the Year", prevailing against strong competition.

There was also a clear winner on the big screen: "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" was honored as "Film of the Year" at the awards' tenth edition. The global megahit not only impressed with spectacular animation and emotional moments but also garnered a total of seven nominations. "One Piece" was once again honored as the best continuing series. The long-running pirate adventure thus remains a fixture in the anime landscape even after decades and continues to thrill millions of viewers worldwide.

In the new series category, "Gachiakuta" prevailed and won the award for "Best New Series". The dark action anime quickly became a surprise hit and is already one of the most talked-about titles of the year. "The Apothecary Diaries" Season 2 was another major success. Although the series was defeated in the race for the "Anime of the Year" title, it was still the most successful series of the evening with a total of five awards.

Here is an overview of all the winners

Anime of the Year: My Hero Academia (final season)

Film of the Year: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Original Anime: Lazarus

Best Continuing Series: One Piece

Best New Series: Gachiakuta

Best Opening Sequence: On The Way – AiNA THE END – DAN DA DAN (season 2)

Best Ending Sequence: I – BUMP OF CHICKEN – My Hero Academia (final season)

Best Action: Solo Leveling (season 2) – Arise from the Shadow

Best Comedy: DAN DA DAN (season 2)

Best Drama: The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Isekai Anime: Re:ZERO-Starting Life in Another World-(season 3)

Best Romance: The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity

Best Slice of Life: SPY x FAMILY (season 3)

Best Animation: Solo Leveling season 2-Arise from the Shadow-

Best Background Art: Gachiakuta

Best Character Design: Gachiakuta

Best Director: Akinori Fudesaka, Norihiro Naganuma – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Main Character: Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Supporting Character: Katsuki Bakugo – My Hero Academia (final season)

"Must Protect At All Cost" Character: Anya Forger – SPY x FAMILY (season 3)

Best Anime Song: "IRIS OUT" – Kenshi Yonezu – Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Best Score: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle – Yuki Kajiura, Go Shiina

Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese): Aoi Yuki – Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Voice Artist Performance (English): Lucien Dodge – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Arabic): Tariq Obaid – Taro Sakamoto – SAKAMOTO DAYS

Best Voice Artist Performance (Brazilian Portuguese): Charles Emmanuel – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Castilian Spanish ): Carles Teruel – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (French): Bastien Bourlé – Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia (finaI season)

Best Voice Artist Performance (German): Gerrit Schmidt-Foß – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi): Abhishek Sharma – Jinshi – The Apothecary Diaries (season 2)

Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian): Mosè Singh – Denji – Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Best Voice Artist Performance (Latin Spanish): Jose Antonio Toledano – Akaza – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle

Even before its theatrical release, "Backrooms" is already making waves. This is due in no small part to the fact that Kane Parsons, a filmmaker who is just 20 years old, is at the helm – making him the youngest director at the acclaimed film studio A24. Given his young age, there are claims circulating online that Parsons did not actually direct the film. One of the film's stars has now responded: Actor Mark Duplass flatly denied the rumors. In an Instagram video, he stated:

"So a lot of takes going on right now about whether Kane Parsons, at the tender age of 19, actually directed 'Backrooms'. Or whether it was more ghost directed by one of his more experienced producers. Um, I was there. I suspect one of the reasons I was hired is because I mentor a lot of young filmmakers. And they may have thought it would be good to have someone there who's sensitive to that. And I was prepared to help out, and what happened was, he didn't need any of us. He was intensely prepared."

Duplass responded just as unequivocally on social media to a user's accusation that Parsons hadn't directed "Backrooms" at all:

"Hmmm, with all due respect I don't remember seeing you on set. When I was there, Kane was 100% in control. More so than many directors 3x his age."

Experienced producers on board

Mark Duplass is part of the "Backrooms" ensemble alongside lead actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. He has appeared in many other films and also has experience as a screenwriter and director. In addition, experienced filmmakers such as James Wan, Shawn Levy, and Osgood Perkins are involved as producers, leading some social media users to question whether Kane Parsons is actually the film's director, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Parsons himself commented on Osgood Perkins' role a while back. He told DiscussingFilm:

"When we started production up in Vancouver, I was working very closely, like literally in the same office with Osgood Perkins. So, he's been a really great, I would say, mentor figure in a number of ways."

"A very long video"

"Backrooms" is based on Kane Parsons' own YouTube web series of the same name. The popular project debuted in 2022 and was celebrated not only by audiences but also by critics. In light of the current film adaptation of the material, Parsons told Deadline:

"I'm just doing, in my mind, the same thing I've been doing on YouTube, but somehow this snowballed in such a way that I have been given the ability to be a part of and work with such a large group of people on what is essentially just a very long video."

Kane Parsons could set a record with Backrooms

For the "Backrooms" film, which Parsons directed and Will Soodik wrote, the young director reportedly had a budget of about $10 million at his disposal. The mysterious film centers on a small-town furniture dealer who discovers a portal to another dimension in his showroom. "Backrooms" hits theaters on May 29, 2026.

It's already becoming clear that the film could be a hit. As several media outlets report, "Backrooms" is currently projected to gross between $40 million and $50 million on its U.S. opening weekend. Given the relatively small budget, that would be a strong start. What's more, "Backrooms" could land at number 1 on the U.S. box office charts on its opening weekend. This would allow Parsons to set a record: at 20 years old, he would be the youngest filmmaker to achieve this feat.

To get you in the mood for the story, the trailer for "Backrooms" offers a first look at the film:

The beloved bear with the red hat and his jam sandwich is returning to the big screen – and this time with some high-profile support behind the scenes. As the industry magazine Variety reports, two screenwriters have now been tapped for "Paddington 4".

They are Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell, who are best known for their biting political and social satires such as "Veep" and "The Thick of It". Dougal Wilson, who previously directed "Paddington in Peru", is currently in talks to direct.

The official announcement of "Paddington 4" was made earlier this year at CinemaCon. There, Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Chief Content Officer of Canal+, confirmed that another film is already in development. However, no specific details regarding the plot or the start of production have been released yet.

The "Paddington" series has been one of the UK's most successful family film franchises for years. The first two films, in particular, were celebrated by critics and audiences alike and have become modern classics of family cinema.

A brief look back at the three Paddington films to date

With the three films released so far, the series featuring the lovable bear Paddington has long since become a modern family classic. What began in 2014 as a charming adaptation of Michael Bond's well-known children's books quickly evolved into much more than just entertainment for children. The films combine humor, warmth, and adventure with themes such as family, friendship, openness, and solidarity – and that is precisely what makes them so special.

The first film, "Paddington", tells the story of the little bear from Peru who travels to London to find a new home. With his red hat, blue coat, and polite demeanor, Paddington quickly causes both chaos and heartwarming moments. The Brown family eventually takes him in, even though they're skeptical at first. The film's message is particularly heartwarming: strangers deserve a chance, and kindness can build bridges. At the same time, the film delights with its charming details, British humor, and a warm atmosphere that appeals to viewers of all ages.

A sequel, which received rave

In 2017, the sequel "Paddington 2" was released, which many critics even considered better than the first film. Paddington has since settled in well in London and wants to give his Aunt Lucy a special gift. But due to a misunderstanding, he suddenly ends up in jail.

The second film once again combines humor and suspense, but at the same time tells a very emotional story about honesty, helpfulness, and optimism. Even in prison, Paddington manages to change the people around him with his friendly nature. That is exactly what makes the character so special: he treats everyone with respect and always believes in the good in people.

The film's antagonist also leaves a lasting impression on many viewers. The eccentric actor Phoenix Buchanan, played by Hugh Grant, provides plenty of comedic moments with his over-the-top manner. At the same time, the film features a fairy-tale-like visual style and numerous creative ideas that have made it one of the most popular family films of recent years.

The Return to Peru

With "Paddington in Peru", the story was finally expanded with another chapter. This time, the adventure takes Paddington back to his homeland of Peru. Together with the Brown family, he embarks on a journey that is not only exciting but also emotional. The film focuses more strongly than before on origins, family, and the question of where one truly belongs.

The third film significantly expands the series' world, introducing new landscapes, characters, and adventures. At the same time, the familiar charm remains: humorous mishaps once again meet heartwarming messages. Even though the film is staged on a slightly larger scale and with more action than its predecessors, Paddington's friendly and optimistic personality remains at the center.

Why the films are so popular

The "Paddington" films differ from many other family films because they never rely solely on quick jokes or big special effects. Instead, they tell stories with heart. Paddington himself is a character who always remains polite, believes in the good in people, and treats others with openness. Especially in an often hectic world, these qualities are particularly refreshing.

Added to this is the films' charming production design. London is depicted in an almost fairy-tale-like way, the music perfectly matches the mood, and the characters come across as very human despite all the comedy. This creates a warm atmosphere that delights children and adults alike.

Conclusion

The three "Paddington" films released so far have shown that family cinema can be funny, exciting, and emotional all at once. Each installment tells a new adventure but remains true to the series' central messages: kindness, solidarity, and openness make the world a better place. That is precisely why Paddington has long secured a special place in the hearts of many viewers – and there is every reason to believe that his stories will continue to delight many people in the future.