Moviefone Editorial

Category: Comic-Con

  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: George Lucas Museum

    George Lucas seen at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel at Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau / Lucas Museum of Narrative Art via Getty Images.
    George Lucas seen at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel at Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau / Lucas Museum of Narrative Art via Getty Images.

    Preview:

    • George Lucas made his first trip to the San Diego Comic-Con.
    • He was on a panel with Guillermo del Toro and designer Doug Chiang.
    • Queen Latifah was the moderator.

    Given his legendary status as an iconic creator of cinematic stalwarts such as the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ movies, it’s perhaps a little shocking that George Lucas hasn’t been to the San Diego Comic-Con.

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    All that changed today when Lucas made a rare public appearance and took over Hall H for a panel to celebrate his new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. He took to the stage with fellow filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Lucasfilm Executive Designer Director Doug Chiang (who has worked on ‘Star Wars’ and so much more) for a panel moderated by Queen Latifah.

    Related Article: Every Indiana Jones Movie, Ranked!

    What is the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art?

    Oscar®-nominated writer/director/producer George Lucas speaks as part of the award presentation to Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Angelina Jolie during the 2013 Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 16, 2013. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Oscar®-nominated writer/director/producer George Lucas speaks as part of the award presentation to Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Angelina Jolie during the 2013 Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, November 16, 2013. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to illustrated storytelling across time, cultures, and media.

    Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judy Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb, plus photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange.

    The museum also houses the Lucas Archive, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.

    What happened at the George Lucas panel?

    (L to R) Queen Latifah, George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro and Doug Chiang seen at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel at Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau / Lucas Museum of Narrative Art via Getty Images.
    (L to R) Queen Latifah, George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro and Doug Chiang seen at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel at Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau / Lucas Museum of Narrative Art via Getty Images.

    Lucas unsurprisingly got a standing ovation as he took the stage to talk up his new museum.

    Part of his impetus for building the museum was a place to store some of his own huge art collection.

    This is what Lucas had to say about art:

    “It’s a temple to the people’s art. Art is more about a connection and emotional connection with the work, not how much it cost or what celebrity did it. I don’t think it’s anything anyone will tell you. If you have emotional connection, it’s art. If you don’t, just move onto the next painting.”

    Among the exclusive items hosted at the museum? The very first character drawing of Flash Gordon from 1934, ‘Peanuts’ comic sketches from the 50s & 60s, original drawings from the first ‘Iron Man’ comic and some original ink art of ‘Black Panther’.

    For del Toro’s part, he revealed that art his own extensive art collection survived the LA wildfires earlier this year, he’ll be housing a lot of it at the museum.

    The panel wrapped up with a sizzle reel narrated by ‘Star Wars’ prequel star Samuel L. Jackson, which previewed some of the prolific works attendees can expect, i.e. General Grievous’ bike and the land speeder from the original ‘Star Wars’.

    Many of the ‘Star Wars’ pieces of art, in particular those from concept artist Ralph McQuarrie, will be housed in the cinema gallery, one of 30-40 galleries at the museum.

    When will the museum be open?

    The George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art doesn’t have a specific opening date yet, but is scheduled to open in 2026 in Los Angeles.

    (L to R) Guillermo del Toro, George Lucas, Queen Latifah and Doug Chiang seen at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel at Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau / Lucas Museum of Narrative Art via Getty Images.
    (L to R) Guillermo del Toro, George Lucas, Queen Latifah and Doug Chiang seen at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art panel at Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau / Lucas Museum of Narrative Art via Getty Images.

    ‘Star Wars’ Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

    (L to R) John Cena and Danielle Brooks in 'Peacemaker' season 2. Photo: Jessica Miglio/Max.
    (L to R) John Cena and Danielle Brooks in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: Jessica Miglio/Max.

    Preview:

    • ‘Peacemaker’s second season brought DC to Hall H.
    • Show creator James Gunn and star John Cena were among those on the panel.
    • Gunn talked up where the season fits into the DC Universe.

    Who would have imagined that ‘Peacemaker’, designed as a spin-off from James Gunn’s 2021 DC movie ‘The Suicide Squad’, would be one of the few elements to remain in place once the filmmaker took over DC Studios and began building out his own mythology.

    Well, Gunn, obviously, as he’s using Season 2 of the show to expand on the story he started telling in this summer’s ‘Superman’.

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    And Comic-Con was naturally the place for him to show off new looks at the returning series, which has John Cena starring as the blundering, blustering vigilante, alongside offering hints of other DC Studios projects going forward.

    Related Article: Frank Grillo to Play Rick Flag Sr. in Season 2 of ‘Peacemaker’

    What’s the story of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2?

    (L to R) John Cena and Danielle Brooks in 'Peacemaker' season 2. Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Max.
    (L to R) John Cena and Danielle Brooks in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: Curtis Bonds Baker/Max.

    In season 2, Peacemaker (Cena) discovers an alternate world where life is everything he wishes it could be. But this discovery also forces him to face his traumatic past and take the future into his own hands.

    What happened at the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 panel?

    Frank Grillo in 'Peacemaker' season 2. Photo: Jessica Miglio/Max.
    Frank Grillo in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: Jessica Miglio/Max.

    To the surprise of almost no one, Cena showed up in full Peacemaker costume. He does this a lot for promotional events. Hope he has them washed in between appearances.

    Gunn had this to say about how the show connects with ‘Superman’:

    “The show happens a month after the events in ‘Superman’. There’s a lot of the characters [who] return in [this] season of ‘Peacemaker’. In the very first episode, we have Guy Gardner, but there’s a lot more as we go down the line. But it is definitely a part of the DCU now.”

    Lest you forget, Guy Gardner is played by Nathan Fillion, reprising his ‘Superman’ role.

    A clip (which will not be publicly released) from the new season was shown to attendees, featuring Holland’s Emilia Harcourt kicking ass in a bar but a new trailer is now online:

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    The new season will see Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. seeking revenge for Peacemaker having killed his son (in ‘The Suicide Squad’). And our hero –– to stretch the term to its widest interpretation — seeks a new life in an alternate dimension where he really does get to be a good guy.

    There was also a look at the new opening credits –– still a dance number, but with new music and some different characters added.

    And Gunn reveals that the music will, as is usual for his projects, be on point:

    “I mean, first of all, I think the soundtrack this season is my favorite soundtrack I’ve ever done. It’s so good with so many bands I love. It is in line with the soundtrack from the first season, but it’s a lot more modern bands, actually a lot more songs from the past, you know, 10-15, years or so.”

    When will ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 be on screens?

    ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 lands on HBO Max on August 21st with its first episode, followed by seven more episodes weekly.

    'Peacemaker' season 2 premieres on HBO Max August 21st.
    ‘Peacemaker’ season 2 premieres on HBO Max August 21st.

    List of DCU Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy DC Movies On Amazon

     

  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Project Hail Mary’

    Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Ryan Gosling in ‘Project Hail Mary’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Preview:

    • ‘Project Hail Mary’ touched down at Comic-Con.
    • The panel included Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
    • The movie adapts Andy Weir’s book.

    ‘Project Hail Mary’ represents the collaboration between some fairly stellar names in filmmaking. Take directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who have brought acclaimed comedies and Oscar-winning animated superhero movies to screens while having fun with genre.

    Add in Ryan Gosling, who has proved his chops in both the dramatic and laugh-grabbing departments. And blend them with the invention of Andy Weir, whose book ‘The Martian’ became a wildly successful movie in its own right.

    The result is a space-set adventure that appears to offer plenty of laughs and humanity to go with the big ideas.

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    So the movie was naturally one that Amazon MGM Studios knew could play well at Comic-Con, with the team showing up for a panel in Hall H.

    Related Article: Ryan Gosling to Star as an Astronaut in New Thriller ‘Project Hail Mary’

    What’s the story of ‘Project Hail Mary’?

    Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Ryan Gosling in ‘Project Hail Mary’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    ‘Project Hail Mary’ is set in the near future. Our hero is Ryland Grace (Gosling), a school teacher-turned-astronaut who wakes up from a coma, alone, on a space station with no memory of who he is or his mission.

    His memory returns in bursts and he pieces together that he was sent to the Tau Ceti solar system, 12 light-years from Earth, to reverse the impact of a space event that had already hurled our planet into the early stages of an Ice Age.

    As details of the mission unravel, he must call on all of his scientific training and sheer ingenuity, but he might not have to do it alone…

    What happened at the ‘Project Hail Mary’ panel?

    Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace in 'Project Hail Mary'.
    Ryan Gosling in ‘Project Hail Mary’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Much as with big movies such as ‘TRON: Ares’, the ‘Project Hail Mary’ team made good use of the giant screens that stretch down the sides of Hall H, projecting logos and the galactic map seen in the trailer.

    Those on stage included directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, author Andy Weir and screenwriter Drew Goddard (who also adapted ‘The Martian’).

    Gosling talked about why he wanted to join the projecting, citing Weir as the greatest science fiction writer (and not just because he was sitting next to him on the panel). He knew it would be great, but not how great.

    Here’s what else he said:

    “It’s about a scared guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing and I was a scared guy who didn’t know what I was doing, trying to turn it into a movie.”

    He called Lord and Miller, which seems like a smart move…

    For their part, the directors also used a movie metaphor to describe working with Gosling, in that it’s about collaboration and they had a great time working with the actor.

    The filmmakers shared new concept art from the movie, including spaceship designs and more.

    Biggest news of the panel? Daniel Pemberton, who has experience working with Lord and Miller on the ‘Spider-Verse’ movies, is the composer for this.

    But the best part of the panel? The first five minutes of the movie were shown, including Gosling waking up from an induced coma, befuddled and unsure of where he is. He struggles with a robot that is trying to help him and discovers that the crew in the chamber with him are all dead.

    Other clips were shown, but from later in the movie, so we’ll avoid discussing those to stay away from spoilers.

    When will ‘Project Hail Mary’ be on screens?

    Unlike some of the other projects touted at this year’s convention, we still have a wait for ‘Project Hail Mary’.

    Amazon MGM Studios will release the movie in theaters on March 20th, 2026.

    Ryan Gosling in 'Project Hail Mary'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Ryan Gosling in ‘Project Hail Mary’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Project Hail Mary’:

    Buy Ryan Gosling Movies on Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Bad Guys 2’

    (from left) Shark (Craig Robinson), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Snake (Marc Maron), Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz) and Piranha (Anthony Ramos) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'The Bad Guys 2', directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
    (from left) Shark (Craig Robinson), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Snake (Marc Maron), Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz) and Piranha (Anthony Ramos) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • ‘The Bad Guys 2’ brought a panel to Comic-Con.
    • Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina and more were present.
    • The movie lands on August 1st.

    With the original ‘The Bad Guys’ movie proving to be a success for DreamWorks Animation –– and especially since it had to contend with post-pandemic worries about moviegoing –– a sequel was naturally commissioned.

    ‘The Bad Guys 2’ reunites the voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Marc Maron, Awkwafina and more, and this time adds the likes of Zazie Beetz, Lilly Singh and Maria Bakalova as a Bad Girl crew to tempt our heroes back into a life of crime.

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    With returning director Pierre Perifel this time joined by JP Sans, the new movie promises all the crazy criminal comedy you might hope for.

    Related Article: Actor and Comedian Craig Robinson Talks ‘The Bad Guys’

    What’s the story of ‘The Bad Guys 2’?

    (from left) Snake (Marc Maron), Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Shark (Craig Robinson) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'The Bad Guys 2', directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
    (from left) Snake (Marc Maron), Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Piranha (Anthony Ramos) and Shark (Craig Robinson) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    The now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.

    What happened at the ‘The Bad Guys 2’ panel?

    (from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron) and Doom (Natasha Lyonne) in DreamWorks Animation’s 'The Bad Guys 2', directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
    (from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron) and Doom (Natasha Lyonne) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    The likes of returning voice cast Sam Rockwell (Mr. Wolf), Craig Robinson (Mr. Shark), Awkwafina (Ms. Tarantula), Anthony Ramos (Mr. Piranha) and Marc Maron (Mr. Snake) were joined by new recruits Danielle Brooks (Kitty Kat), Natasha Lyonne (Doom) and Maria Bakalova (Pigtail).

    Rockwell and co. were on hand to talk up the movie and introduced clips from the sequel, including one where the characters go to space.

    Acting in an animated movie is no easy task, since the cast rarely spend time together in the voice booth, working off voice cues from the director and other crew.

    And they talked up their wildest efforts in method acting and throwing themselves around for physical scenes. Danielle Brooks, who plays Kitty Kat, used a lollipop to help her specific line deliveries.

    For much of the cast, this was their first trip to Hall H at Comic-Con and they discussed how it feels to be up on stage experience clips of the movie with a big audience.

    When will ‘The Bad Guys 2’ be in theaters?

    The new DreamWorks Animation outing will crack its way into theaters on August 1st.

    (from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron, Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) and Doom (Natasha Lyonne) in DreamWorks Animation's 'The Bad Guys 2', directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
    (from left) Mr. Snake (Marc Maron, Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina) and Doom (Natasha Lyonne) in DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’, directed by Pierre Perifel. © DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    Selected DreamWorks Animation Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Bad Guys 2’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘The Bad Guys’ on Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘TRON: Ares’

    (L to R) Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel for 'TRON: Ares'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel for ‘TRON: Ares’. Photo: Disney.

    Preview:

    • ‘TRON: Ares’ showed off some new footage at Comic-Con.
    • Director Joachim Rønning was present at the panel.
    • The movie will land on October 10th.

    With much of Disney’s other big franchises –– Marvel especially –– skipping the San Diego Comic-Con this year, it’s up to ‘TRON: Ares’, the latest entry to feature A.I. Programs and humans mixing, to fly the genre flag.

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    ‘TRON: Ares’, directed by Joachim Rønning, features the likes of Jared Leto, Gillian Anderson, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner Smith and (because it’s surely not ‘Tron’ without him) Jeff Bridges.

    Related Article: Gillian Anderson is the Latest Addition to the ‘Tron: Ares’ Cast

    What’s the story of ‘TRON: Ares’?

    Jared Leto as Ares in Disney's Live Action 'Tron: Ares'. Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jared Leto as Ares in Disney’s Live Action ‘Tron: Ares’. Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    A highly sophisticated Program called Ares (Leto) is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.

    What happened at the ‘TRON: Ares’ panel?

    (L to R) The cast and crew of 'TRON: Ares' at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) The cast and crew of ‘TRON: Ares’ at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel. Photo: Disney.

    The ‘Ares’ panel began with a digital light display and bots floating around the screens of Hall H, with suited Programs on stage.

    Before any of the filmmakers or cast arrived, a new trailer played for the crowd.

    Director Rønning brought Leto, Peters, Anderson, Turner-Smith and Bridges on stage to discuss the movie.

    Leto admitted he was already in the tank for ‘Tron’ before taking the role:

    “At the end of the day, I am an official ‘Tron’ super fan. If I wasn’t on the stage, I would be in the audience, for sure, watching this panel right now, cheering like all these crazy people out here.”

    He also called Jeff Bridges a hero, a sentiment surely everyone in the crowd would share.

    Rønning was also enthused to work on the movie:

    “Well, it’s ‘Tron’. So, I was immediately drawn into it. I love the franchise, the movies, I think, in many ways, are masterpieces. And, you know, I always dreamt about making science fiction. I think the topic is super interesting, and they had a twist to it.”

    (L to R) Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel for 'TRON: Ares'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel for ‘TRON: Ares’. Photo: Disney.

    A couple of new clips were shown, including Leto’s Ares in a light chase with Turner-Smith’s Athena, and one set in the digital world of the Grid, which has been expanded by Peters’ Julian Dillinger (a name that should set alarm bells ringing in ‘Tron’ fans’ minds).

    The panel ended with the debut of Nine Inch Nails’ new tie-in single, “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” (Trent Reznor and his group supply the music for the movie).

    This is what Leto had to say about the soundtrack:

    “The music for ‘Tron’ has always been such an important part. When we were talking about music for this film, there was really only very few people you could think about that could fill those shoes and Nine Inch Nails absolutely did it. I mean, they made music that’s going to live a lifetime.”

    When will ‘TRON: Ares’ be in theaters?

    The third instalment of the ‘Tron’ franchise will bring the Grid to screens on October 10th.

    (L to R) Jodie Turner-Smith, Evan Peters and Gillian Anderson at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for 'TRON: Ares'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Jodie Turner-Smith, Evan Peters and Gillian Anderson at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for ‘TRON: Ares’. Photo: Disney.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘TRON: Ares’:

    Buy ‘Tron’ Movies on Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Predator: Badlands’

    (L to R) Alec Gillis, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Elle Fanning and director Dan Trachtenberg at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for 'Predator: Badlands'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Alec Gillis, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Elle Fanning and director Dan Trachtenberg at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for ‘Predator: Badlands’. Photo: Disney.

    Preview:

    • ‘Predator: Badlands’ showed off new footage at Comic-Con.
    • Director Dan Trachtenberg and star Elle Fanning were on the panel.
    • Fresh information was revealed.

    ‘Prey’ director Dan Trachtenberg has become something of a ‘Predator’ specialist, having also made animated adventure ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’.

    He’s back with a second outing this year, ‘Predator: Badlands’, which naturally took the opportunity to bring some footage and guests to Comic-Con to make sure audiences are primed.

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    ‘Badlands’, which stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is live-action entry, and promises plenty of action.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’

    What’s the story of ‘Predator: Badlands’?

    (L to R) Thia (Elle Fanning) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in 20th Century Studios' 'Predator: Badlands' film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Thia (Elle Fanning) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Predator: Badlands’ film. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    In the future on a remote planet, a young Predator, outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in artificial being Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

    What happened at the ‘Predator: Badlands’ panel?

    (L to R) Director Dan Trachtenberg, Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Alec Gillis at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for 'Predator: Badlands'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Director Dan Trachtenberg, Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Alec Gillis at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for ‘Predator: Badlands’. Photo: Disney.

    Predator masks were handed out to the crowd at the start of the panel, which came in handy since a Predator took the stage to menace the assembled audience.

    Filmmaker Kevin Smith moderated the panel, and admitted up front that ‘Badlands’ was his favorite ‘Predator’ movie so far.

    Smith introduced Trachtenberg, who admitted how excited he was to be promoting a movie at Comic-Con after years attending as a fan:

    “You could imagine bringing a movie to Hall H would be a dream for me. It’s something I’m really proud of, and I’m so happy to share it with all of you.”

    The Predator carrying Fanning’s character (or half of her) on his back was inspired by Chewbacca carrying C-3PO in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’.

    (L to R) Director Dan Trachtenberg and Elle Fanning at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for 'Predator: Badlands'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Director Dan Trachtenberg and Elle Fanning at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for ‘Predator: Badlands’. Photo: Disney.

    Here’s what Fanning had to say about taking the role:

    “Reading the script, what really drew me in was the heart and emotions… there’s no humans. I’m a synthetic android, he’s a Predator. But there’s so much humanity in these characters.”

    Trachtenberg was also thinking about emotions- particularly having the Predator face be uncovered a lot more this time, so as to display both the digital work and performance.

    The panel closed out with the first 15 minutes of ‘Badlands’ shown to the crowd, which cheered the Predator-y goodness.

    In related ‘Predator’ news, ‘Killer of Killers’ will be updated on Hulu with an additional post-credits scene featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s Dutch and Danny Glover‘s Mike Harrigan.

    When will ‘Predator: Badlands’ be in theaters?

    This latest ‘Predator’ outing stalks into cinemas on November 7th.

    (L to R) Director Dan Trachtenberg, Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Alec Gillis at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for 'Predator: Badlands'. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Director Dan Trachtenberg, Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Alec Gillis at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Hall H panel for ‘Predator: Badlands’. Photo: Disney.

    List of Movies in the ‘Predator’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Predator’ Movies on Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Long Walk’

    .(L to R) T. Mollner, Tut Nyuot, Roy Lee, David Jonsson, Mark Hamill and Garrett Wareing attend “The Long Walk” panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
    .(L to R) T. Mollner, Tut Nyuot, Roy Lee, David Jonsson, Mark Hamill and Garrett Wareing attend “The Long Walk” panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.

    Preview:

    • Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk arrived at Comic-Con.
    • Mark Hamill and Garrett Wareing were among those on the panel.
    • The movie will be released in September.

    ‘The Long Walk’, just the latest adaptation of prolific author Stephen King’s work –– in this case, a dystopian tale of an annual event that ends with the death of everyone competing save the winner.

    With ‘Hunger Games’ director Francis Lawrence overseeing the new movie, it has a dark premise but an impressive cast that includes Cooper Hoffman, Mark Hamill, Garrett Wareing and Ben Wang.

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    Lionsgate is betting on this one being a success, and brought filmmakers and actors to Comic-Con to raise awareness.

    Related Article: San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Preview: Film & TV Panels You Cannot Miss

    What’s the story of ‘The Long Walk’?

    (L to R) Cooper Hoffman as Garraty and David Jonsson as McVries in 'The Long Walk'. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
    (L to R) Cooper Hoffman as Garraty and David Jonsson as McVries in ‘The Long Walk’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.

    Every year, fifty teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as “The Long Walk.”

    Among this year’s chosen crop is sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty (Hoffman). He knows the rules: that warnings are issued if you fall under speed, stumble, sit down. That after three warnings… you get your ticket.

    And what happens then serves as a chilling reminder that there can be only one winner in the Walk. The one that survives.

    What happened at ‘The Long Walk’s panel?

    Mark Hamill speaks during 'The Long Walk' panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
    Mark Hamill speaks during ‘The Long Walk’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.

    The movie’s panel opened with the latest trailer and then a soldier taking the stage with a loud hailer to explain the premise of the walk to the audience.

    Producer Roy Lee and writer JT Mollner were first up on the panel, with Lee praising Mollner’s script for getting the movie made after years in development.

    For his part, Mollner recounted underlining dialogue from the book he wanted to use –– suffice to say, he underlined a lot!

    Joining them on stage were the likes of Hamill, Wareing, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot and other cast. The early banter between the young actors in particular was mostly enthusiastic descriptions of their characters’ arcs and praise for their co-stars’ skills.

    (L to R) Anthony Breznican, Eric Vespe, Mark Hamill, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Roy Lee and J.T. Mollner speak during 'The Long Walk' panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Anthony Breznican, Eric Vespe, Mark Hamill, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Roy Lee and J.T. Mollner speak during ‘The Long Walk’ panel at San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 25, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.

    Hamill revealed that Stephen King had casting approval –– and specifically wanted him to play the character of the Mayor, who oversees the Walk. For his part, Hamill wanted to dehumanize the character as much as possible.

    Lawrence and Ben Wang weren’t present at the panel –– they’re both at work on ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ –– but they sent a video praising their colleagues and hyping ‘The Long Walk’.

    The panel wrapped up with a screening of the first 22 minutes of the movie. Tense stuff!

    When will ‘The Long Walk’ be in theaters?

    The new Stephen King adaptation marches into theaters on September 12th.

    'The Long Walk' opens in theaters on September 12th.
    ‘The Long Walk’ opens in theaters on September 12th.

    Other Stephen King Movies:

    Buy Stephen King Movies On Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2’ Interviews

    (L to R) Renny Harlin, Courtney Solomon, Madelaine Petsch pictured with the strangers at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.
    (L to R) Renny Harlin, Courtney Solomon, Madelaine Petsch pictured with the strangers at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.

    Preview: 

    • ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2’ attended San Diego Comic-Con 2025 ahead of its September release.
    • Director Renny Harlin, Producer Courtney Solomon, and star Madelaine Petsch were in attendance.
    • The filmmakers and star reveal behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming film.

    The upcoming horror film, ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2‘, came to San Diego Comic-Con 2025 ahead of the September 26, 2025 release. The film follows three masked maniacs who return to finish the job after they discover one of their victims is still alive. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Maya (Madelaine Petsch) soon finds herself in a brutal fight for survival against psychopaths who are more than willing to kill anyone who stands in their way.

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    Director Renny Harlin (‘Die Hard 2‘, ‘Exorcist: The Beginning‘), Producer Courtney Solomon (‘Arthur the King‘), and star Madelaine Petsch (‘Riverdale‘) spoke with Moviefone about their new film, revealing the challenges of filming Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 at the same time. They also tease Maya’s arc and evolution through the next two movies.

    Related Article: Renny Harlin Talks ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ and the Franchise’s Future

    ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2’ Will Explore The Evolution Of Maya From Victim To Final Girl

    'The Strangers – Chapter 2' Panel At San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
    ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2’ Panel At San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.

    Producer Courtney Solomon discusses how Maya will evolve through the next two chapters, explaining that we have seen her as a victim, and she is going to become so much more than that.

    Courtney Solomon: We did ‘Chapter One’ for the reason we did ‘Chapter One’. It is what it is and she is a victim. But what if, unlike a normal final girl, where in act one of the movie, suddenly they’re killing everybody. Is that really real? I’m not saying it’s not fun. I love those movies. Don’t get me wrong. But what we were trying to do is say, how long would that really take? So let’s just make her a victim in the first movie. Even then, a normal person goes to kill another person, even to defend themselves. How easy is that transition in real life? If you lined up 100 people, how many would really do it? How many would really have the guts to pick up a knife and stab you in the chest and kill you? So actually, we’re deep in character in chapter two and chapter three. You’re seeing somebody that by the end of this thing, and also just for how disturbing the original Strangers was, Chapter two is intense as hell, but it’s a bridge. Chapter three is really disturbing and twisted in a really good way.

    Madelaine Petsch Filled A Binder with Notes To Stay On Track While Filming

    'The Strangers – Chapter 2' Panel At San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
    ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2’ Panel At San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.

    Madelaine Petsch admits that the most challenging part of filming one large movie, that is being released in three parts, at the same time, was trying to keep everything straight. They did not film back-to-back, but rather one on top of each other.

    Madelaine Petsch: Honestly, making sure I understand where I am in the story. But the minute I walked into it being one long film, one insatiably long film, I was able to really understand how to break down the character. But it was really about making sure that I was constantly in the right development and right stage of her at all times. So I had like probably 150 pages of notes. And that’s me being conservative. I brought a thick binder to set every day. That was like, OK, today we’re shooting scene two from movie three. Let me go back and look at what happened. I had all these notes of everything that was going on so I could always make sure I knew I was informed by the decisions she’d made previously, but also did not know what was coming next.

    Director Renny Harlin Was Thrilled To Expand The Lore Of The Strangers

    'The Strangers – Chapter 2' Panel At San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.
    ‘The Strangers – Chapter 2’ Panel At San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2025 in San Diego, California. Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Lionsgate.

    Getting to expand on the lore of the Strangers is something that Director Renny Harlin was most excited to explore.

    Renny Harlin: We wanted to make a four and a half hour movie that is broken into three chapters that really in an extraordinary way gets to explore, first of all, the victim and what happens to a person who gets brutally attacked like this and how far can they go until they snap. And then also to explore the strangers in this case and not to tell the audience everything about them and give reasons like, oh, why are they doing this? Because serial killers, they are random killers. They don’t do it for revenge or any normal reason like that. But to be able to expand all these things was just a fantastic opportunity.

    (L to R) Renny Harlin, Madelaine Petsch and Courtney Solomon at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.
    (L to R) Renny Harlin, Madelaine Petsch and Courtney Solomon at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.

    List of Renny Harlin Movies:

    Buy Renny Harlin Movies on Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Panel

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Lloyd Kaufman, Macon Blair, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Lloyd Kaufman, Macon Blair, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Preview:

    • ‘The Toxic Avenger’ landed at this year’s Comic-Con.
    • Director Macon Blair and star Peter Dinklage talked the movie up.
    • Fans were also treated to footage.

    It has taken a few years for the latest version of classic Troma character ‘The Toxic Avenger’ to make it to screens, but what better place than the San Diego Comic-Con for writer/director Macon Blair, star Peter Dinklage and other cast members to hype it up at a raucous panel?

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    Not appearing in person, but certainly there in spirit (and via video) was Kevin Bacon, who even broke into song at one point.

    “Stayin’ at home going to make you blue / You need the movies and the movies need you,” Bacon sang. “Down to the theater, try your luck / ‘Toxic Avenger,’ show the f**k up.”

    Related Article: Peter Dinklage is the Mutated Hero in the First Image of New ‘The Toxic Avenger’ Movie

    What’s the story of ‘The Toxic Avenger’?

    Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, 'The Toxic Avenger', a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
    Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.

    When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Dinklage), is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he’s transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger.

    Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive.

    Lloyd Kaufman on ‘The Toxic Avenger’s history

    Producer Lloyd Kaufman at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Producer Lloyd Kaufman at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Lloyd Kaufman, the boss of Troma studios, who created the original Toxie (for 1984’s movie), talked about the challenges of battling censors over what was allowed.

    He recalled that the MPAA forced the company to cut 20 minutes from the original. But, as he reveals:

    “Eventually, people were able to get the director’s cut with the full head-crushing.”

    That film spawned a franchise and a cult following –– and now, has led to this brand-new take, which Kaufman happily supports.

    This was his comment on the new movie:

    “It’s everything we tried and didn’t quite get there”

    ‘The Toxic Avenger’: The Director and Stars Talk

    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    Director Macon Blair at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Director Macon Blair and the cast were overjoyed to be anticipating the movie’s release after worrying that it might not see screens at all.

    Blair said he wanted to capture the spirit of the original film without matching its plot beat-for-beat, so he knew the violence had to have the goopy goodness you expect but he also wanted to match what he saw as the warm-hearted nature of the first film.

    For Dinklage, his first exposure to Toxie was via a Betamax video at a friend’s house, joking that “there’s always an older brother!” He was persuaded to take on the role because of his appreciation for Blair’s filmmaking style and the environmental message of the movie.

    And he revealed that more than 70% of his performance “over 70% of my performance” is down to actor Luisa Guerreiro, who wore the full-body suit and makeup once Winston is transformed into the Toxic Avenger.

    Here’s what Dinklage had to say:

    “That was a real exercise in trust, in relinquishing something that was important to me. She does a better me than I do of me.”

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage and Elijah Wood appear in Hall H at 2025 San Diego Comic-Con for 'The Toxic Avenger'. Photo: Cineverse.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage and Elijah Wood appear in Hall H at 2025 San Diego Comic-Con for ‘The Toxic Avenger’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Elijah Wood, a huge fan of horror –– who has starred in and produced his fair share of the genre –– plays one of the new movie’s villains.

    He admitted e loved how this ‘Toxic Avenger’ is filled to the brim with ideas and fun and playing with the medium. But he singled out the father-son story between Dinklage and Jacob Tremblay’s characters as central to the charm of the movie.

    Finally, Blair discussed what had been added to the movie since its premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023. But he had to somewhat talk around it for the family-friendly panel requirements:

    “We added really just one VFX shot. I believe this is an all-ages crowd. It involves a depiction of a body part and that’s going to be added for theatrical release. I think you’ll notice it.”

    When will ‘The Toxic Avenger’ be in theaters?

    Toxie will be creating vengeful havoc on big screens from August 29th.

    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of 'The Toxic Avengers'. Photo: Cineverse.
    (L to R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay at the San Diego Comic-Con premiere of ‘The Toxic Avengers’. Photo: Cineverse.

    Movies Featuring The Toxic Avenger:

    Buy The Toxic Avenger Movies and TV on Amazon

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  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Panel

    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.
    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Blumhouse brought ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ to San Diego Comic-Con.
    • Stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lillard were in attendance.
    • Footage was screened for fans.

    The first adaptation of cult horror video game ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ was a big hit for Universal and Blumhouse (and became the highest-grossing horror title of 2023), so naturally, a sequel is on the way.

    And Team Blumhouse brought actors Josh Hutcherson, Teo Briones, Piper Rubio, and Theodus Crane alongside director Emma Tammi and producer/Blumhouse boss Jason Blum to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con to talk up the new movie.

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    ‘Five Night’s at Freddy’s 2’ faces plenty of pressure to deliver, especially in light of recent disappointments such as ‘M3GAN 2.0’. But the enthusiasm for this one certainly appears high.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s

    What’s the story of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’?

    (L to R)Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.
    (L to R)Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.

    One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest.

    Former security guard Mike (Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) have kept the truth from Mike’s 11-year-old sister, Abby (Piper Rubio), concerning the fate of her animatronic friends.

    But when Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, it will set into motion a terrifying series of events, revealing dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleashing a long–forgotten horror hidden away for decades.

    What happened at the ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Comic-Con panel?

    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.
    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.

    With Tammi and Blum taking the stage first, Tammi offered up word that we can expect more than three times the amount of animatronics this time around.

    Briones plays a new character, named Alex, who is a videographer with web show about paranormal activity. He’ll get more than he bargains for!

    Rubio’s Abby has developed an interest in robotics since her encounters with Freddy and co. last time. She’s lonely, and has no friends to talk to… So she makes some.

    As for Hutcherson’s Mike, he’s still trying to live something close to a normal life. This is what the actor had to say:

    “Mike and Abby went through a lot… Mike is just wanting to get back to somewhat of a normal life, but that just can’t happen in the ‘Freddy’s’ world. Mike is in a way, trying to fake it till you make it without fully working through all that stuff that happened, and then it happens to him again! Poor Mike.”

    Skeet Ulrich is also in the cast for the new movie, and he arrived on stage. He had this to say about his character:

    “I play somebody with a very particular and specific past and somebody with a very deep emotional tie to what’s going on.”

    Blum, for his part, promises that if audiences embrace the new movie as much as the first, he and his team are excited to make a third.

    When will ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ be in theaters?

    The sequel will be scaring up more animatronic horror on December 5th.

    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.
    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.

    Selected Blumhouse Movies:

    Buy Blumhouse Movies On Amazon

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