Scream 7 director Kevin Williamson reveals his directing secrets

Scream creator Kevin Williamson has opened up more about taking the director’s chair for the upcoming Scream 7, which releases in February.

It’s the first time the Dawson’s Creek creator has been behind the camera in the franchise.

Watch the featurette below!

When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

Scream 7 hits cinemas February 26.

Denise Richards, Jamie Campbell Bower, Melissa O'Neill to hit Armageddon in April

Armageddon Expo returns to Auckland this ANZAC weekend (April 25–27, 2026) for three full days of pop-culture celebration, bringing together heroes and fan-favourite talent from the worlds of film, television, gaming, anime and cosplay.

The Armageddon Expo ‘Autumngeddon’ lineup for 2026 is complete! And the impressive lineup announced today features a legion of film, gaming and fantasy stars from across the multiverse - all gathering at Auckland Showgrounds for a packed weekend of panels, signings and attractions.

Screen Heroes: Film & Television Guests

Leading the Auckland Autumn 2026 lineup is Denise Richards, one of the defining stars of the 1990s and early 2000s. Best known for her roles in Starship Troopers, Wild Things and The World Is Not Enough, Richards has also found a new generation of fans through The Real Housewives franchise. Her appearance brings real star power to the ANZAC weekend event and organisers expect her signings and panels to be in huge demand.

Joining her is onscreen hero Melissa O’Neil, widely recognised for her role as Lucy Chen in the hit television series The Rookie. As one of contemporary TV’s most popular dramas, the show has made O’Neil a global fan favourite.

Cara Buono, beloved for her role as Karen Wheeler in Stranger Things, is a real coup for Armageddon. As one of the central adult characters in this globally influential series, her presence along with co-star Jamie Campbell Bower(Stranger Things, Twilight), is sure to be a highlight for fans at Armageddon.

They are joined by an impressive lineup of film and television talent, including Frank Grillo (The Purge, Marvel, DC), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy), Michael Jai White (Spawn), Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Stranger Things), Lisseth Chavez (The Rookie, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Nhut Le (Peacemaker), and Fiona Dourif (Chucky).

Voices, Worlds and Legends of Gaming

Gaming and voice acting continue to play a central role at Armageddon Expo, with a lineup reflecting the scale and influence of modern interactive storytelling. Guests include Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring), Maggie Robertson (Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil Village), Mara Junot (Marvel Rivals, Genshin Impact), Sean Chiplock(Re:Zero, Genshin Impact, The Legend of Zelda), Max Mittelman (Persona 5, My Adventures with Superman), Chris Wehkamp (My Hero Academia, RWBY), Jordan Reynolds (Marvel Rivals, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), along with a wide range of additional gaming and anime favourites.

Anime, Cosplay and the Creators Behind the Magic

Anime fans will be well represented with guests spanning major series including Demon Slayer, One Piece, My Hero Academia, Tokyo Ghoul, Fire Force and more. The event also celebrates the creative talent behind the characters, welcoming acclaimed costume designers Laura Jean Shannon (The Boys, Iron Man, Doom Patrol) and Sarah Jeanne Mgeni (Jumanji, Titans, The Boys), offering insight into the craftsmanship behind iconic on-screen looks.

As always, Armageddon’s cosplay community will be one of the highlights of the weekend, with thousands of fans expected to attend in costume, bringing colour, imagination and shared passion.

Founder Bill Geradts says that the Anzac Day timing works well for the show. “Armageddon Expo is designed as a full long-weekend destination for heroes and fans alike. With international guests, panels, signings, exhibitor halls and interactive attractions running across all three days, there’s something for every age group and genre.

“Fans will have the opportunity to meet the voices behind some of gaming’s most recognisable characters, attend live panels, and take part in signings and photo sessions throughout the weekend.

“Whether you come for the celebrities, the gaming, the cosplay, or the atmosphere of being surrounded by people who love the same worlds you do, Armageddon Expo delivers an experience unlike any other,” he says.

 Armageddon Expo Auckland Autumn 2026 runs April 25–27, 2026 , 10am–5pm.

More guest announcements are still to come.

Tickets and full event details are available at armageddonexpo.com .

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: Review

Harman Kardon knows a thing or two about delivering sophisticated looking gear.

From the sleek look of the Go + Play 3 to the compact polish of the Luna speaker, the company's certainly been aiming for a high-end look with its products - even if some of the companion app side of things has been somewhat lacking.

However, the Onyx Studio 9 appears to put a lot of those concerns to one side, even if the Onyx Studio 9 looks like a larger Amazon Echo Studio.

This circular-looking speaker is a heft device that is both weighty (close to 4.25kg) and delivers a bass rumble that makes it feel like a horde of monster trucks is passing nearby.

But what a sound it delivers.

Encased in a gun-metal grey loop and with a base that allows for standing, the device's portability is not without question, and the fact it can be left anywhere (although a lack of IP rating suggests it's not waterproof or dustproof, meaning it has to be a crystal-clear day to be used) means that it's great for parties or for different ends of the house.

With a 5.3 Bluetooth connection, the device takes a little time to connect initially and pair, but once it's done, the connection doesn't slip at all. And while the battery life is somewhat low - an 8-hour duration, perhaps a little disappointing, the device works powerfully on a 4-hour charge through a wired plug.

Coming with a companion app to fiddle with the EQ, there's a chance for audiophiles to tinker to their heart's content - but a basic output more than serves what's needed for this.

As for the sound output, it's ever-so slightly incredible. With 1 120mm Woofer and 3 20mm Tweeters, there's enough capacity to push out a decent sound. (And with each volume increase or decrease, a flashing light on the front of the speaker lets you know the message has been received.)

In terms of clarity, the speaker provides crystal-clear vocals - a simple guitar song from the likes of Bruce Springsteen or UK singer Boo Hewerdine more than delivers. And given the way the woofer and tweeters work, the acoustics of the guitar sing from the speaker.

But it's in the bass that the speaker proves its worth. The Stone Roses' bass-heavy Fools Gold and The Smiths' How Soon is Now positively rumble, making the floor shake and the pit of your stomach feel like someone's giving it a real going over. However, not once does it distort, providing superlative sound from wherever the speaker is. 

While there's a little compression at higher volume, it's barely discernible and in truth, the Onyx Studio 9 can more than service plenty of rooms of a house - or outside, covered at an event - with ease.

Ultimately, the Onyx Studio 9 stands out in terms of its look and its sound quality. At around $300 for the device, Harman Kardon seems to make a compelling argument for this kind of price point - taking into account some of the complaints over apps previous speakers have had, this feels like the kind of speaker you buy once and don't ever need another one to replace it.

Harman Kardon Luna: Review

The tech world is awash with Bluetooth speakers.

Even more so, the portability of speakers has become less of a selling point than it once was - after all, this is still the generation that had boomboxes on shoulders at events.

So, it's with a wary mindset that one would approach the Harmon Kardon Luna, a portable Bluetooth speaker that really doesn't have much else to offer in terms of difference - on the surface at least.

But at a slight 1.13kg and a very sleek and sophisticated look, the Harman Kardon Luna fits in perfectly to the luxe effect that you may be wanting to achieve in a home. Its compact nature and its polished look mean it can fit anywhere you'd want - either on a shelf, or a side unit - or outside at an event at home with friends around.

With a USB-C charger subtly in place on the back of the speaker, and just a handful of buttons on the top, clearly some thought has gone into the design and minimising the bumps that may protrude on such a small device. 

At the end of the day though, all of that is largely irrelevant. Harman Kardon has previously marked out its place in the market with devices that look polished and high end - even if they (like this one does) come without a companion app for sound purists to tweak. That seems like a major oversight for the company in many ways - with so many other speakers offering the option to allow the customisation of sound, it's hard to justify recommending this as an experience for music-lovers.

Thankfully, the sound of the Harman Kardon Luna is more than strong enough to serve as a recommendation.

Beefy without distorting (even if the battery drains quicker the louder it is), and with enough bass booming through, the likes of Pulp's greatest hits, Darude's Sandstorm and Queen's Another One Bites the Dust, delivered the kind of sound needed to not be lost in the mix.

Clear, and powerful enough to travel across a distance during a party, the sound quality is balanced and vibrant for whatever genre you're pushing through. With a battery life that's around 12 hours and a couple of hours for a full charge, the basics are in place. Connectivity is perhaps one of the bonuses of this device given it allows for dual connection with two sources able to connect at any one point, meaning that more than one person can use it at any time without having to disconnect and reconnect.

With IP67 dust and water resistance, the speaker is durable enough to handle most things - but ironically, this is perhaps the one portable speaker that doesn't rely on its portability. With its classy design, sleek and compact execution, it's a speaker that makes more of a case for being a static device sitting majestically on a shelf and being used around the house, rather than being dragged from pillar to post whenever.

It Was Just An Accident: Movie Review

Cast: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr, Ebrahim Azizi
Director: Jafar Panahi

It starts off simply with a man driving with his young daughter and wife through the night. 

But after the driver hits a dog (and shocks his daughter with the news it's dead as she realises he killed it), they're forced to a random house when the car dies.

As they seek help from the owners, it soon turns out one of them Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri) recognises the driver - he was the Iranian secret official who tortured them during captivity - or so he believes.

Following him and then kidnapping him the next day, Vahid plans to kill him in revenge - but a stab of doubt pangs his belief and in desperation, he turns to former colleagues who also were Peg Leg's victims...

Mixing Panahi's real life internment and a hefty dollop of "what would  you do" morality, It Was Just An Accident's mix of uneasy comedy and blood curdling use of sound makes for an unsettling watch.

As he deftly builds a level of quiet discomfort, the film skates a line of ambiguity with deftness as bitterness rises to the surface between the core group of those afflicted by Peg Leg's previous reign of terror. 

With the cast representing differing and unswerving points of view, there are plenty of moments of feelings of allegiances being switched and moments of severe moral discomfort. Yet sandwiched in between those are moments of near high farce that feel occasionally awkward and shift-in-your-seat uncomfortable.

The Palme D'Or winner delights in duality and a commentary on the bribes ethos that runs deep within Iranian officialdom.

But where it soars is in its lead - Mobasseri's deft playing of a man who is 100% sure and bent on revenge before his latent humanity comes to the fore is nothing short of exceptional. The emotional internal turmoil is as obvious as the physical discomfort he feels.

This, coupled with Panahi's almost visceral dialogue in parts, makes for a powerful mix that takes audiences deep into a world that feels all-too-far away.

And while the film's resolution feels disappointing in some ways, its final moment involving such stillness and abject terror evoked by sound is one of the singular and disturbingly memorable images committed to celluloid this year.

Reigns: The Witcher Brings Swiping, Swords, and Sorcery to PC and Mobile this February 25th

Nerial and Devolver Digital have teamed up with CD PROJEKT RED to unveil Reigns: The Witcher, the latest mutation of the smash-hit swipe-’em-up series, set amidst the merciless, monster-strewn landscapes of CD PROJEKT RED’s award-winning The Witcher universe! Full details can be found below, along with trailer and asset links!

Key Details: 

• Nerial and Devolver Digital have teamed up with CD PROJEKT RED to unveil Reigns: The Witcher, set amidst CD PROJEKT RED’s award-winning The Witcher universe
• Reigns: The Witcher will launch on February 25 on PC and mobile platforms
  
  
  

Reigns: The Witcher Brings Swiping, Swords, and Sorcery to PC and Mobile this February 25th

Nerial and Devolver Digital have teamed up with CD PROJEKT RED to unveil Reigns: The Witcher, the latest mutation of the smash-hit swipe-’em-up series, set amidst the merciless, monster-strewn landscapes of CD PROJEKT RED’s award-winning The Witcher universe. In this new twist on the White Wolf’s legend, players step into the muddy boots of famed monster slayer Geralt of Rivia. But rather than chronicling his journey in grizzled grunts and sword swings, Reigns: The Witcher spins the tale through the gilded tongue of Geralt’s oldest friend: Dandelion the bard. Every choice is a verse, every misstep a stanza, and every bath an opportunity for a ballad. Swipe Your Destiny From contracts and conspiracies to angry villagers and hotheaded sorceresses, your decisions carry weight across the Continent. A casual swipe left or right may win you renown among nobles, enrage a rabble of mages, or leave you knee-deep in drowners. As any good witcher knows, few requests are as simple as they first appear. Familiar Faces, Tall Tales Along the Path you’ll find the company of Yen, Triss, Vesemir, and a roster of other beloved allies and adversaries. But remember: when filtered through Dandelion’s quill, even the most mundane of errands can become an audacious epic—or a slightly exaggerated disaster. Songs, Swords, and Swipes Players will weave Geralt’s legend through branching stories, bardic embellishments, and thousands of narrative combinations, with Dandelion himself conducting the chorus of fate. Between verses, the White Wolf still gets plenty of work done: combat minigames pit Geralt against ghouls, rotfiends, and other foes both real and curiously improvised. The Bard’s Encor From taverns to far-flung villages, Reigns: The Witcher invites players to expand Dandelion’s ever-growing repertoire. Perform new “greatest hits” across the land, twist familiar stories into fresh tales, and shape the saga of the White Wolf — in ways both dramatic and absurd — like never before. Whether you’re crafting an epic for the ages or just trying not to drown in a swamp, Reigns: The Witcher will offer a new perspective on one of gaming’s most storied heroes—one swipe, one song, and one scandal at a time. Reigns: The Witcher will be available this February 25th on PC and mobile platforms. For more information, visit https://www.reignsgame.com/witcher.

Woolworths launches new Bricks Home collectables

Get ready to collect, build and play with the return of Woolworths Bricks, this time with a Home edition that celebrates the little things that make a house a home, one tiny treasure at a time.

Available from 28 January at Woolworths supermarkets, and for the first time, at FreshChoice stores, Woolworths Bricks Home invites customers to build, swap and collect all 40 miniatures inspired by everyday home life, from pantry staples and home essentials to appliances, interiors, pets and family characters.

And because every great home has a bit of team spirit, collectors will also spot a Woolworths future FERNS netball star, complete with a wing defence bib, in a nod to Woolworths’partnership with Netball NZ in fuelling over 70,000 kids with the very best in fresh.

Woolworths New Zealand’s GM of Brand, Abbe Hale said: “We’re excited Bricks is back! Each shop becomes a little building block of family fun, with the collection sparking creative play and whānau connection as you create a home that feels uniquely yours. 

“Whether you’re a seasoned collector or discovering Bricks collectibles for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, adding a little extra magic to the weekly shop.”

FreshChoice Executive General Manager Tim Cartwright said bringing Bricks to FreshChoice storesfor the first time means local and rural communities can be part of the fun too.

“There’s something about collecting that brings out a bit of nostalgia and fun for a lot of people, and having Bricks now available at FreshChoice means both our owner operators and customers can takepart locally, bringing joy to more around the country.

Customers will receive one ready-to-build Bricks collectible with every $30 spent in store or online at Woolworths supermarkets, and for the first time, FreshChoice supermarkets nationwide. There are 40 unique miniatures to collect until 15 March or while stocks last, with only the luckiest Kiwi  collectorsgetting their hands on the rare “golden” Bricks.

Woolworths shoppers should keep an eye out for the golden front door mat, while FreshChoice collectors will be hunting for their own exclusive rare piece, the golden TV remote. Find one andthere’s an extra reward on offer, with the chance to collect 4,000 Everyday Rewards points.

For those looking to further their play (and feng shui) collectors can purchase additional merchandise packs including a HOME Starter Pack ($12) to lay the foundations of their abode, plus including optional add-ons including the Dining Room Pack ($10), Living Room pack ($10) Garden and Outdoor pack ($10), Family Car ($12) and Animals Pack ($8). Delivery truck ($12) and Puzzle playmat ($12) will also be available at Woolworths stores only.

Woolworths Bricks Home is made from 100% recycled plastic and has been certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Bricks Home collectibles can be returned to stores by 31 March 2026and will be recycled.

This is the third iteration of Woolworths Bricks, following the original Bricks collectibles in 2021, which gave customers the chance to build their own supermarket, and the Woolworths Bricks Farm edition, that launched in 2022.

Woolworths customers can also gain an additional Bricks pack when purchasing a range of participating products from 27 brands in a $30 shop, with a limit of three bonus packs per participating brand per shop*. For a full list of participating brands and products, and complete terms and conditions, visit the Woolworths website.

The Wrecking Crew: Movie Review

Cast: Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Temuera Morrison, Morena Baccarin, Frankie Adams, Roimata Fox
Director: Angel Manuel Solo

There’s as much of an 80s throwback vibe to the boisterous and occasionally over-long The Wrecking Crew movie as you’d expect.

And while this tale of two estranged brothers duking it out to try and find who killed their father is certainly a diversion, some of the depressing fat jokes littered throughout feel like a real cinematic step back into the buddy-bullying that was painful to watch then.

Beefcakes Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista play loose cannon Johnny and uptight Navy Seal James, who after over a decade apart, are forced back into each other’s world when their father is seemingly killed in a hit and run.

But when Johnny receives a mysterious package and an unwelcome visit from some local yakuza, he’s forced to accept his fate – and the pair begin their own investigation into the murky Hawaiian underworld that’s plagued their lives and claimed one of their own.

While Momoa brings the brashness into the fore of his character, including the aforementioned unwelcome jabs aimed at Jacob Batalan’s tech hacker, Bautista is a more measured force that offers the required counterbalance throughout.

And while Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Solo does little to really shake up the very formulaic action, there are a few moments that show a deft prowess. A helicopter sequence on a two-lane highway, an early kitchen-led fight sequence and a corridor-set showdown that’s reminiscent of Old Boy show some hints of a film wanting to be different and take out more of the rote elements that are within.

While the likes of Morena Baccarin, Frankie Adams and Roimata Fox get relatively short shrift in proceedings of the boys’ club, Bautista and Momoa’s chemistry helps The Wrecking Crew through its more familiar edges.

An expeditious edit could have dragged The Wrecking Crew down into something a little more manageable. Even though the spiritual side is played up early on, the indigenous storyline feels tacked on, rather than a vital part (despite the film’s conclusion) and it’s moments such as this that lead you to a feeling The Wrecking Crew could have been a bit more than its “Let’s have a few beers and throw something on to watch” ambitions.

The Wrecking Crew is streaming now on Prime Video

Send Help: Movie Review

Cast: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien
Director: Sam Raimi

If Misery collided with Survivor, Castaway and Sam Raimi comedy horror, its bastard child would be this delightfully delicious movie.

Starring McAdams as the much-maligned, put upon Linda Liddle, an office employee who's put seven years into the company she's been at, only to see the founder die and his spoilt son Bradley (O'Brien) take the helm. To make matters worse, she's denied the partner role she was promised after years of due diligence and mocked by the meathead bros in charge. And to compound that, she's brought along on a boys' work trip to Bangkok to solve a problem, after which she will be, unbeknownst to her, thrown out from the company she's loved.

But when the plane they're all on goes down in a storm (one of the opening salvos from Raimi that delivers laughs, horror and sly notes on powerplays), Linda and Bradley are the only survivors on a desert island - and suddenly, with Bradley injured, Linda's now the one in charge...

Send Help is inventively bonkers, but smart enough to know what will deliver the most of the psychological warfare that erupts a la The Roses. sending up Survivor, the romance of two people stranded alone on a desert island and giving it some ground-level chasing through the woods that have become his trademark, Raimi's take on the genre proves to be a smartly engaging time.

There's a joy to how Raimi delivers the film's stand-out moments and the mix of gore, horror and comedy that worked so effectively in the likes of Drag Me To Hell come vividly to the fore here, proving once again that a roller-coaster ride such as this one is more than worth jumping on for. (Though there is an argument that a slight trim in the back third would have greatly benefited proceedings.)

Yet it would be nothing were it not for McAdams' committed and at times, subtle performance. Growing through the humiliation she's afforded early on, she delivers a performance that's unglamorous, stripped back, raw and powerful, yet comedically adept and aware of everything that's required of her. 

Send Help is the kind of film which ironically needs no help of its own. It's got a perverse knowing wink playfulness that's infectious, a perverse streak that's contagious and such a perverse desire to please that you'd be a fool to ignore. 

Ball X Pit gets new update, new characters, new balls and a brand-new mode

In perhaps the most exciting news of the year so far, one of the games of 2026 has finally unleased an update, with plenty of new content for fans.

Ball X Pit has released a new update, new characters, new balls and a brand-new mode in the Regal Update.

Included in it are two new hunters, the Falconer and Carouser, along with eight new balls, and an Endless Mode.

You can now play as the Falconer, a new character who fires off two balls launched by a pair of birds flanking the screen, giving their attacks a wide, swooping spread. Or take on the role of the Carouser, a medieval royal troublemaker who can twist ball trajectories with a personal gravity field, pulling shots off their usual paths.

A selection of eight powerful new balls includes Fireworks, which burst outward in bright, unpredictable patterns, scattering damage in every direction; the Stone Ball, which hits like a truck on impact but slowly crumbles as it keeps bouncing; and the Landslide, which triggers a cascading wave of debris in front of the first impact point and deals damage that lasts for a few seconds to surrounding enemies.

And then there's Endless Mode, one of BALL x PIT's most requested features. Unlocked once you finish the game, each level can now be pushed as far as you can handle, continuing indefinitely as long as you manage to stay alive once finishing the boss in that area and agree to continue deeper into the pit.

All of this, and a LOT more, awaits you in The Regal Update, which is available now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2.

The Secret Agent: Movie Review

Cast: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tania Maria
Director: Kleber Mendonca Filho

Possibly one of the most laid-back espionage films you'll ever see, Brazil's The Secret Agent requires a patience and commitment over its near 3-hour runtime for maximum reward.

Moura, who's won various awards already in the 2026 season, stars as Marcelo, a Brazilian living in a dictatorship which has been running for over a decade.

As the film begins, Marcelo is heading to Recife at the time of the yearly carnival, a place where deaths occur in an unsurprising fashion as crime and the fascism reigns supreme. Seemingly there to visit people, Marcelo's secret mission soon comes into sharp focus and puts him squarely in the path of the powers that be as a cat-and-mouse game begins (for reasons too spoilery and subtly laid out to reveal here).

The Secret Agent is not a film that's in any hurry to go anywhere.

In fact, its opening gambit is simply set at a petrol station, where a dead body lies in the distance and a store owner waits for the local police to come by. They eventually do, but are more concerned with Marcelo and his car than being troubled by the corpse that's lain under a sheet.

Moura gives a solid and grounded performance as Marcelo as the script's frisson of uncertainty crackles away in the background. With a young son for Marcelo in tow, the emotional heft is set early on and while it takes some immersion into the world for you to feel a pay-off and with an ending that seems brutally abrupt given what's occurred, The Secret Agent won't be to everyone's taste.

But to those who engage in its late '70s aesthetic and its slow burning build up, this is worth the time and investment - patience is its own reward, and while it does occasionally feel disjointed, it's a film that paints a portrait of a time and a struggle that's oft ignored, but painfully prescient in current times.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord to premiere in April

Disney+ has announced a launch date for their new Star Wars animated series. 

Darth Maul, the iconic Star Wars Villain Returns in All-New Animated Series on April 6, Featuring Voices of Sam Witwer, Gideon Adlon, and Oscar® Nominee Wagner Moura.

An all-new animated series from Lucasfilm Animation, “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” will premiere on Disney+ April 6, 2026. Two episodes will premiere each week, with the final two airing on the ultimate Star Wars holiday, May the 4^th. Set after the events of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” this pulpy adventure finds Maul plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who could be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.

 
“Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord” is created by Dave Filoni, based on Star Wars and characters created by George Lucas. The series is developed by Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz. Brad Rau is supervising director. The executive producers are Dave Filoni, Athena Yvette Portillo, Matt Michnovetz, Brad Rau, Carrie Beck, and Josh Rimes. Alex Spotswood is the co-executive producer. The voice cast includes Sam Witwer as Maul, Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Oscar® nominee Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio-Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson, Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, David C. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, and Steve Blum as Icarus.

Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade | Out Now for Nintendo Switch™ 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC

FINAL FANTASY VII Remake Series Expands to New Platforms as Development Continues on the Thrilling Conclusion to Critically Acclaimed, Award-Winning Trilogy

 

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, the expanded edition of 2020’s Best RPG of the Year FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, is now available on Nintendo Switch™ 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support and Xbox Cloud Gaming support.

 

Watch the new FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE Launch Trailer HERE

 

This release marks the continuation of SQUARE ENIX’s aim to deliver their games to more players worldwide. Starting with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, the entire FINAL FANTASY VII remake series will come to Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S in addition to PlayStation 5 and PC. The trilogy's third and final entry—the culmination of everything—is currently in development.

 

An ideal entry point for newcomers, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is a stunning reimagining of one of the most beloved titles in the FINAL FANTASY franchise. Rebuilt from the ground up by today’s visionary creators, it blends cutting-edge technology with a fresh perspective to deliver a cinematic and emotionally resonant experience. With breathtaking visuals, intuitive gameplay, and rich, strategic combat, it welcomes both longtime fans and first-timers alike. Even those unfamiliar with the series will find themselves immersed in a timeless story that feels both epic and deeply personal—a true modern masterpiece.

 

A new “Streamlined Progression” feature will make it easier than ever for Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox players to jump into the adventure. This optional feature (which is also available via a new patch for the PS5 and PC versions) introduces unlimited MP and HP at all times, unlimited limit and ATB gauge during battles, 9,999 damage, easier weapon ability acquisition, and more to streamline gameplay and allow players to focus on the story and hybrid combat. Those curious about starting their adventure in Midgar can also check out the free demo, available now for both platforms, and carry over their save data to the full game.

 

Players can still take advantage of a limited-time early purchase bonus, available until Jan. 31, 2026, whereby purchasing the game digitally for either Nintendo Switch 2 or Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC, players will receive the original FINAL FANTASY VII. Additionally, the physical Nintendo Switch 2 edition of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE includes a Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Play Booster*, containing 15 randomly assorted cards.

 

In FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, players follow the story of ex-SOLDIER operative turned mercenary, Cloud Strife, as he lends his aid to the underground resistance group Avalanche in the mako-powered city of Midgar. In the fight against the shadowy Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict to determine the fate of the planet. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE comes bundled with FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, an exhilarating story arc which brings Wutai ninja Yuffie Kisaragi to the forefront as she infiltrates the city of Midgar during the events of the base game.

 

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is now available for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5 and PC. A free demo with transferrable save data is available for download on all platforms. For more information, visit: https://ffvii-remake-intergrade.square-enix-games.com/en-us/.

Life Is Strange new game releases in March

Since the original LIFE IS STRANGE nearly 11 years ago, iconic characters Max Caulfield and Chloe Price have been through a literal whirlwind of friendship, love, heartbreak and loss. Now, in a once-thought-impossible return, the two will finally reunite in the upcoming full-length adventure, LIFE IS STRANGE: REUNION, which SQUARE ENIX announced today during a livestream. Developed by Deck Nine Games, LIFE IS STRANGE: REUNION will launch on March 26, 2026, for PlayStation^®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam^® and Microsoft Store on Windows.

 

 

 

In LIFE IS STRANGE: REUNION, players will once again visit Caledon University, where Max Caulfield works as a photography teacher. Returning from a weekend away, Max finds her beloved Caledon ablaze, as a raging inferno destroys the hallowed grounds and ends the lives of Max’s friends, students and faculty alike. Max only escapes the devastation due to her Rewind power – returning from the original LIFE IS STRANGE – a supernatural ability that lets her reverse time.

 

Jumping back in time through a selfie, Max now has just three days to work out how the fire began. Can she make the most of her second chance to prevent this fiery disaster?

 

That’s when Chloe Price arrives at Caledon, much to Max’s surprise: a shocking repercussion of Max’s merging of the timelines at the end of LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE. Haunted by nightmares of a past she never lived, and with her grip on reality unravelling, Chloe needs Max’s help.

 

For the very first time in the series, players can play as both Max and Chloe in the same game, alternating between their different perspectives as the story unfolds.

 

Players will use Max’s Rewind power to undo and redo decisions, change the course of conversations and manipulate the environment to solve four-dimensional puzzles, and use Chloe’s Backtalk ability, quick wits, and take-no-prisoners attitude to sway key suspects – and go where Max can’t.

 

This game builds on all the character-led, grounded storytelling for which the LIFE IS STRANGE series is known, with meaningful choices that affect the outcome of a dramatic and surprising narrative – all culminating in an epic climax that serves as a finale to the Max and Chloe saga.

Marathon releases on March 6 for PlayStation

Bungie has announced that players will begin unravelling the mysteries of Tau Ceti IV when Marathon launches on Friday, 6 March* (NZDT). 

In Marathon, players scavenge the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV as a bio-cybernetic Runner while surviving against hostile security forces, rival Runners, and inhospitable environments to seek their fortune. 

A gameplay trailer was also released, showing the many dangers players will face on the surface of the planet.

Marathon pre-orders available now 

Marathon releases Friday, 6 March (NZDT) 2026 and is available in Standard and Deluxe editions for PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Series X|S with full cross-play and cross-save**. 

To celebrate Marathon’s launch, all Destiny 2 players can claim themed rewards in the Eververse Store, with ornaments available for those who pre-order.

Code Vein II Character Creator Demo is available now

The Code Vein II Character Creator Demo is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. 

As the start of players’ time-travelling adventure approaches, the demo allows them to build and fully customise their own Revenant Hunter character with dozens of fun and creative options.

Even better, characters can be saved and transferred into the full game at launch on 30 January 2026. Players can also explore the MagMell Institute or strike a pose with their brand-new Revenant Hunter in Photo Mode.

Wonder Man: Review

Marvel's move into the TV world has largely been one that's yielded mixed results.

A penchant for mixing both event moments and reveals with smaller-scale storytelling has led to a feeling that the MCU is unsure of its future, pegged as it is on an Avengers foundation that it's never been able to shake.

Its latest series, Wonder Man, feels like a curious, and at times aimless, approach to the world it inhabits and one that weirdly, under the Marvel Spotlight, seems like it's disconnected from the wider world - where it not for one recurring character within.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays Simon Williams, a would-be actor who can't seem to get a big break, largely due to the fact he's unable to get out of his own way. Scoring a part on American Horror Story, he's promptly cut from the entire thing after he questions what his character's back story is, his motivation and how he should lie as a body in what is essentially a minor league part. 

After being dumped by his girlfriend as he won't let her in, he meets Ben Kingsley's Trevor Slattery, aka The actor who played The Mandarin in Iron Man 3, at a screening and the two form a friendship mentor relationship as they negotiate auditioning - and trying to audition - for a remake of Simon's favourite 1980s movie Wonder Man.

And that's really it for plot for the Wonder Man 8-part miniseries, a show that in truth, feels lost and disappointingly aimless throughout. 

Not srrongly enough written to maintain a satirical approach to Hollywood, despite a running gag that people only recognise Trevor as the Mandarin (a would-be joke of typecasting perhaps that feels limp), Wonder Man, despite its 30-minute episode durations, seems to have no wider ties to the MCU and therefore no real purpose under the brand.

While the chemistry between Kingsley and Abdul-Mateen II is nicely realised and their relationship is formed on a series of lies and hidden truths, the series leads to an ending that feels anti-climactic and certainly not one that leaves you wanting more or desperate to see what happens next.

Mixing in real Hollywood names and moments (Josh Gad has a major part in one) but oddly feeling like none of it is cohesive enough to gel, it fails its own audition as a series - and really does leave you wondering - what on earth is Marvel thinking with this series, what's its purpose and what really does it serve.

Marvel's Wonder Man releases all eight episodes on January 28 on Disney+. All 8 were reviewed for the purposes of this article.

What's on Netflix February 2026

Here's everything that's streaming on Netflix in February 2026.

BRIDGERTON: SEASON 4 PART 2

Premieres on February 26, 2026 

In a new tale from the ton, eternal bachelor Benedict Bridgerton finally meets his match: a captivating lady's maid in disguise at a masquerade ball.

Series Regulars: Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, Jonathan Bailey, Victor Alli, Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Lorraine Ashbourne, Masali Baduza, Nicola Coughlan, Hannah Dodd, Daniel Francis, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Claudia Jessie, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Emma Naomi, Hugh Sachs

Additional Key Cast: Simone Ashley, Isabella Wei, Michelle Mao, Katie Leung

ROYAL RUMBLE: 2026

Live on February 1, 2026 @ 6:00AM AEDT

The Road to WrestleMania begins here with a marathon melee as Superstars fight to outlast WWE's best in the legendary Royal Rumble Match.

Country of Origin: United States

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

Available on Netflix February 1, 2026

A shy Viking boy unexpectedly befriends a playful dragon and steers their feuding species toward peace in this live-action remake of the animated film.

Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Peter Serafinowicz, Nick Frost, Gerard Butler

Country of Origin: United States

IS IT CAKE? VALENTINES

Premieres on February 4, 2026 

Bakers team up with their sweetie pies to create ultrarealistic cakes and hoodwink celebrity judges in this special Valentine's Day edition.

Starring: Mikey Day

Country of Origin: United States

THE LINCOLN LAWYER: SEASON 4

Premieres on February 5, 2026 

On trial for a murder he didn't commit, Mickey must face a relentless DA as he fights to prove his innocence, expose the real killer and save his firm.

Starring: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Mickey Haller, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, Neve Campbell, Elliott Gould, Krista Warner, Cobie Smulders, Sasha Alexander, Constance Zimmer

Country of Origin: United States

LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS

Available on Netflix February 6, 2026

When an introverted space princess learns her ex-girlfriend has been kidnapped, she faces her fears and launches a daring intergalactic rescue mission.

Starring: Shabana Azeez, Bernie Van Tiel, Gemma Chua-Tran, Richard Roxburgh, Kween Kong, Aunty Donna

Country of Origin: Australia

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

Available on February 8, 2026

On a mission to find dinosaur DNA for a miracle drug, a team of experts must fight to survive against the remote island's carnivorous inhabitants.

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ed Skrein

Country of Origin: United States

LOVE IS BLIND: SEASON 10

Premieres on February 11, 2026 

Come for the meet cutes, stay for the wedding bells. Hopeful romantics fall in love based solely on their inner beauty in this hit dating experiment.

Starring: Nick Lachey, Vanessa Lachey

Country of Origin: United States

A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

Available on Netflix February 14, 2026

Trapped in New York City amid an alien invasion, a woman with a terminal illness must evade the vicious creatures that use advanced hearing to hunt prey.

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, Eliane Umuhire, Ronnie Le Drew

Country of Origin: United States

THE NIGHT AGENT: SEASON 3

Premieres on February 19, 2026 

Peter teams with a reporter to expose the elusive Broker and stop a terrorist attack, unaware that a powerful conspiracy is plotting to bury the truth.

Starring: Gabriel Basso, Louis Herthum, Jacob Monroe, Amanda Warren, Catherine Weaver, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Ward Horton, Albert Jones, David Jones, Jennifer Morrison, Stephen Moyer, Genesis Rodriguez, Callum Vinson, Suraj Sharma

Country of Origin: United States

Is It Cake? Valentines 4/2/2026 US Bakers team up with their sweetie pies to create ultrarealistic cakes and hoodwink celebrity judges in this special Valentine's Day edition.

Cash Queens 5/2/2026 FR When life pushes them to the brink, five desperate friends decide the only way out is to form a gang, swipe some guns and start holding up banks.

Unfamiliar 5/2/2026 DE When the past catches up with two former spies, their biggest challenge isn't car chases, shootouts or fistfights — it's telling each other the truth.

The Lincoln Lawyer: Season 4 5/2/2026 US On trial for a murder he didn't commit, Mickey must face a relentless DA as he fights to prove his innocence, expose the real killer and save his firm.

Salvador 6/2/2026 ES On a night of violent clashes, an ambulance driver learns his daughter is involved with hooligans. When things spiral, he'll stop at nothing for answers.

Motorvalley 10/2/2026 IT Desperate to gain control of her family's racing empire, an heiress hires a reckless driver and a troubled coach to compete in the Italian Gran Turismo.

Kohrra: Season 2 11/2/2026 IN A murder case tangled in family secrets leads police officer Garundi and his new no-nonsense boss Dhanwant Kaur down a murky path to find the truth.

Love Is Blind: Season 10 11/2/2026 US Come for the meet cutes, stay for the wedding bells. Hopeful romantics fall in love based solely on their inner beauty in this hit dating experiment.

Lead Children 11/2/2026 PL When a young doctor discovers that children living near a smelting plant suffer from lead poisoning, she risks her career and safety to save them.

Million-Follower Detective 12/2/2026 TW In this crime thriller, Detective Chen Chia-jen races to unmask Baba the Witch, the viral tarot reader who accurately predicts the deaths of influencers.

How To Get To Heaven From Belfast 12/2/2026 GB From the wild imagination of Lisa McGee ("Derry Girls") comes a not-so-wee mystery series about three best pals on a frantic mission to unearth the truth.

Museum of Innocence 13/2/2026 TR In 1970s Istanbul, a man's forbidden love for a shop-girl evolves into a lifelong journey of obsession and longing. Based on Orhan Pamuk's iconic novel.

The Art of Sarah 13/2/2026 KR She builds a new identity based on lies. But when a body turns up beneath Seoul's luxury strip, a relentless detective pulls her every thread.

The Night Agent: Season 3 19/2/2026 US Peter teams with a reporter to expose the elusive Broker and stop a terrorist attack, unaware that a powerful conspiracy is plotting to bury the truth.

Strip Law 20/2/2026 US An uptight lawyer teams with a flashy Las Vegas magician to bring some pizzazz to the city's stupidest cases in this adult animated comedy.

Crap Happens 26/2/2026 DE Rapper Toni returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral and suddenly finds himself juggling career dreams and surprise fatherhood to a teenage son.

Bridgerton: Season 4 Part 2 26/2/2026 US In a new tale from the ton, eternal bachelor Benedict Bridgerton finally meets his match: a captivating lady's maid in disguise at a masquerade ball.

BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai COMING SOON JP Baki and the strongest Underground Arena fighters face a threat of historical proportions: the resurrected Musashi Miyamoto, Japan's greatest samurai.

In the Mud: Season 2 COMING SOON AR Same prison, deadly inmates and the return of Borges. At La Quebrada, deals and favors are part of survival... until it's every woman for herself.

Netflix Film

Yoh! Bestie 6/2/2026 ZA Thando is perpetually unlucky in love, but when her bestie returns from his travels with a fiancée in tow, she's forced to face a new emotion — jealousy.

This is I 10/2/2026 JP Bullied for wanting to be an idol, Kenji finds belonging in a cabaret and help from a trailblazing doctor, emerging onstage as her true self, Ai Haruna.

State of Fear 11/2/2026 BR As São Paulo erupts in an unprecedented wave of violence, a lawyer with underworld ties must strike a deal with the police to rescue her kidnapped niece.

Tyler Perry's Joe’s College Road Trip 13/2/2026 US In an effort to teach him about the real world, Joe takes B.J. on a cross-country college road trip where tensions get high but life-changing lessons are learned.

The Swedish Connection 19/2/2026 SE In this little-known true story, a Swedish bureaucrat becomes an unlikely war hero as he attempts to save Jewish lives during the darkest days of WWII.

Firebreak 20/2/2026 ES Little Lide disappears in the forest while her family packs up their home. As a fire breaks out, her mother must race to reach her before the flames do.

Pavane 20/2/2026 KR Three lonely strangers meet at their department store jobs and find solace in each other's company while they explore connection and the nature of love.

Netflix Comedy Special

Mo Gilligan: In The Moment 3/2/2026 US Mo Gilligan takes on Hollywood — and lives to tell the tale. In this lively special, the Londoner dishes on fame, family and being British in America.

Sommore: Chandelier Fly 17/2/2026 US From riffing on hot topics to breaking down celebrity scandals, "Queen of Comedy" Sommore delivers her unapologetic perspective with bravado and style.

Taylor Tomlinson: Prodigal Daughter 24/2/2026 US In her fourth comedy special, Prodigal Daughter, Taylor Tomlinson returns to her roots with a tight new hour about deconstructing your faith, processing religious trauma, exploring your sexuality, and confronting your fear of death.

Netflix Documentary

Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing 1/2/2026 US Ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, go inside the high-stakes, high-drama world of ice dancing as the sport's top couples skate for gold and glory.

Queen of Chess 6/2/2026 US Chess phenom Judit Polgár battles skepticism, sexism and champion Garry Kasparov to claim her place among the game's all-time greats in this documentary.

Matter of Time 9/2/2026 US Eddie Vedder's soul-stirring Seattle benefit concert fuels this documentary about the race to cure the rare genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa (EB)

Being Gordon Ramsay 18/2/2026 GB Follow celeb chef Gordon Ramsay behind the scenes as he juggles family life, global empire and his biggest launch yet in this all-you-can-eat documentary.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive: Season 8 COMING SOON GB No synopsis available.

Netflix Kids & Family

The Creature Cases: Chapter 7 9/2/2026 US Calling all explorers! Join the CLADE team as they journey from the jungles of Asia to the swamps of South America in search of more animal mysteries.

Netflix Live Events

Royal Rumble: 2026 1/2/2026 US The Road to WrestleMania begins here with a marathon melee as Superstars fight to outlast WWE's best in the legendary Royal Rumble Match.

Licensed Highlights

Deeper 6/2/2026 AU A team of divers, led by Dr. Richard Harris, aims to set a record for the deepest descent as they explore New Zealand's Pearse Resurgence cave system.

Lesbian Space Princess 6/2/2026 AU When an introverted space princess learns her ex-girlfriend has been kidnapped, she faces her fears and launches a daring intergalactic rescue mission.

M3GAN 2.0 1/2/2026 US After the military appropriates her tech for a weaponized AI, Gemma resurrects M3gan — the only thing that can stop rogue bot Amelia's lethal takeover.

How to Train Your Dragon 1/2/2026 US A shy Viking boy unexpectedly befriends a playful dragon and steers their feuding species toward peace in this live-action remake of the animated film.

Fifty Shades Freed 4/2/2026 US Newlyweds Anastasia and Christian barely begin to settle into postnuptial bliss when a shadowy figure from the past threatens their happily-ever-after.

Fifty Shades of Grey 4/2/2026 US Business tycoon Christian Grey pursues wide-eyed college student Anastasia Steele and introduces her to his particular brand of intense erotic desires.

Fifty Shades Darker 4/2/2026 US Anastasia embarks on a publishing career as Christian renegotiates the terms of their relationship. But outside forces threaten to rip them apart.

Jurassic World Rebirth 8/2/2026 US On a mission to find dinosaur DNA for a miracle drug, a team of experts must fight to survive against the remote island's carnivorous inhabitants.

A Quiet Place: Day One 14/2/2026 US Trapped in New York City amid an alien invasion, a woman with a terminal illness must evade the vicious creatures that use advanced hearing to hunt prey.