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  • TV Review: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 3

    Anson Mount as Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’, episode 1, season 3, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    Anson Mount as Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’, episode 1, season 3, streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 3 receives 8 out of 10 stars.

    Arriving on Paramount+ on July 17th with the first two episodes (and eight more landing weekly), ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ launches its third season, once more starring Anson Mount (‘Non-Stop’) as Captain Christopher Pike, leading the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise on new adventures.

    The cast also includes Ethan Peck (‘The Midnight Sky’), Christina Chong (‘Johnny English Reborn’), Melissa Navia (‘The Chosen’) and Rebecca Romijn (‘X-Men’).

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel and Ethan Peck as Spock in season 3 , Episode 1 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel and Ethan Peck as Spock in season 3 , Episode 1 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ has established its own particular style. Largely episodic (with some linked episodes and nods to ongoing storylines here and there, organically incorporated) it has also become known as the ‘Trek’ show that really, boldly goes where no one has gone before.

    By that, we mean the show has displayed incredible narrative flexibility; one minute it’s a traditional space adventure, thrusting the crew into a desperate situation against dangerous aliens, the next it’s a musical. And while other series in the long canon of this venerable franchise have had their fun –– take ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’s occasional visits to the holodeck or the machinations of the mischievous, all-powerful Q –– ‘Strange New Worlds’ doesn’t usually need much of an excuse to break out of the usual format.

    The most surprising thing? It almost always works, so the biggest challenge facing the creative team in the third season is keeping that balance intact.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Christina Chong as Laían and Ethan Peck as Spock in season 3 , Episode 4 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Christina Chong as Laían and Ethan Peck as Spock in season 3 , Episode 4 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    Fortunately, we’re pleased to report that Season 3 maintains the same level of playfulness and drama that audiences have come to enjoy about the show. Showrunners Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers pick up the cliffhanger from last season’s finale ‘Hegemony’ with kidnapped crew members and the Enterprise under devastating attack from the devious, reptilian Gorn (a far cry from the man-in-rubber-suit combat as shown in the original ‘Star Trek’).

    Kicking off with high drama, the initial episode offers all the twists and turns you might hope for, our valiant crew figuring out how to fight back against their violent enemies. And leaving at least one plot thread dangling through the season to be dealt with later. Again, this is handled in such smooth fashion that you’re happy to see them leaving some storylines to be dealt with down the line.

    Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. MíBenga in season 3 , Episode 5 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. MíBenga in season 3 , Episode 5 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    Other episodes, such as ‘Shuttle to Kenfori’ offer welcome digs into the pasts and private lives of characters including Dr. M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun), while ‘A Space Adventure Hour,’ featuring the first appearance (in ‘Trek lore, at least) of a technology familiar to ‘Next Generation’ fans, is a familiar piece of format tinkering layered with loving nods to the 1960s wellspring.

    Stylistically, the show continues to look great, cinematic and impressive, and welcoming back the likes of ‘Trek’ veteran Jonathan Frakes behind the camera, resulting in a healthy combination of cinematography and attention to the cast’s easy chemistry.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Dan Jeannotte as Sam Kirk, Carol Kane as Pelia and Martin Quinn as Scotty in season 3 , Episode 5 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Dan Jeannotte as Sam Kirk, Carol Kane as Pelia and Martin Quinn as Scotty in season 3 , Episode 5 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    The bonhomie between this crew can’t be understated –– they’re a team that has really found its gear, and even with huge stakes surrounding them, there’s space for a lightness of touch and real humor.

    Anson Mount continues to be the (usually) calm and steady presence as a leading man and ship’s captain, commanding his crew in a way that Kirk, Picard or even Sisko and Janeway could never dream of trying, but always there in a pinch.

    Rebecca Romijn’s Number One doesn’t get as much of a showcase in the episodes provided to the press, but she’s still a welcome, dryly funny presence.

    Ethan Peck’s Spock does enjoy some focus, particularly in a funny, whimsical episode early in the season (‘Wedding Bell Blues’) confronting his evolving feelings for a crewmate and potentially finding a new connection.

    Jess Bush is still on great form as Nurse Christine Chapel, bringing something more to the character than the original series had time for.

    Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas in season 3 , Episode 7 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas in season 3 , Episode 7 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    If there’s a complaint to be made, it’s that there’s really enough from Carol Kane’s offbeat chief engineer Pelia, as she’s always entertaining when she’s on screen.

    Around the main cast, there are some welcome new faces (including one guest star whose name and character we won’t spoil that has a deep cut link to an existing ‘Trek’ character) and recent recruit Martin Quinn as Lt. Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, who gives a performance that honors James Doohan while also existing as its own creation.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Rebecca Romijn as Una and Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in season 3 , Episode 4 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.
    (L to R) Rebecca Romijn as Una and Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in season 3 , Episode 4 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+.

    Taking the “if it ain’t broke” approach has worked for ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.’

    Assuming the remaining five episodes of the new season don’t fall off a cliff creatively speaking, this new season is a welcome addition to one of the best shows in modern ‘Star Trek’ history.

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    What’s the plot of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 3?

    In Season 3, when we reconnect with the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, still under the command of Captain Pike, they face the conclusion of season two’s harrowing encounter with the Gorn.

    But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters’ grit and resolve…

    Who stars in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 3?

    Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike
    Ethan Peck as Spock
    Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh
    Melissa Navia as Lt. Erica Ortegas
    Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin-Riley
    Jess Bush as Nurse Christine Chapel
    Celia Rose Gooding as Nyota Uhura
    Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga
    Dan Jeannotte as Lieutenant George Samuel ‘Sam’ Kirk
    Carol Kane as Pelia
    Martin Quinn as Lieutenant Montgomery Scott

    Carol Kane as Pelia in season 3 , Episode 6 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+
    Carol Kane as Pelia in season 3 , Episode 6 of ‘Strange New Worlds’ streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+

    Other ‘Star Trek’ Movies and TV Series:

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  • ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Delayed to December 2026

    (Left) Robert Downey Jr. presents 'Avengers: Doomsday' at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL. (Top Right) 'Avengers: Doomsday'. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL. (Bottom Right) 'Avengers: Secret Wars'. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (Left) Robert Downey Jr. presents ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL. (Top Right) ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL. (Bottom Right) ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Preview:

    • Disney and Marvel have shifted the release dates for the next two ‘Avengers’ movies.
    • ‘Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’ are moving from their May slots to December premieres.
    • Dates for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ and ‘The Dog Stars’ were also confirmed.

    Turns out, making two giant ‘Avengers’ movies back to back is going to take a little longer than originally thought.

    Disney and Marvel have announced that the next two team-up films from the comic book behemoth are now set to arrive a little later in theaters than originally planned –– ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is shifting from a planned May 5th, 2026 slot to December 18th, 2026.

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    Likewise, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ will now decamp from a May 5th, 2027 release date to –– you guessed it! –– December 18th that year.

    Clearly, directors Joe Russo and Anthony Russo have decided the new movies will require some more work than they figured. Which honestly, is no bad thing –– better to wait and get it right in the hopes of an ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’-level success, than pump out something quickly.

    Related Article: Who Will Be on Sam Wilson’s Avengers Team in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’?

    Who is confirmed for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ so far?

    (Left) Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios' 'Captain America: Brave New World'. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel. (Center) (L to R) John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) in Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts*'. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel. (Right) Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in 'Avengers: Doomsday'. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (Left) Captain America/Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel. (Center) (L to R) John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel. (Right) Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    The sprawling cast for at least the first movie (we’re expecting several to appear in both) was first announced in a viral video Marvel put online showing director’s chairs with the actor’s names on them.

    So who can we expect?

    On the longstanding MCU front, we have Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man (whose chair is amusingly smaller than the others), Letitia Wright as Shuri, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/US Agent (from ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ who also appeared in ‘Thunderbolts*’), Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova (the main character of ‘Thunderbolts*’), David Harbour (introduced as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian in ‘Black Widow’ and who recurred in ‘Thunderbolts*’). Also from both ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ and ‘Thunderbolts*’, Hannah John Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost, while Lewis Pullman, introduced as “Bob” (the character we now know as Sentry), is part of the new cast.

    Alongside Wright, ‘Black Panther’s Winston Duke will be back as M’Baku, and Tom Hiddleston will also return as Loki.

    Simu Liu in Marvel Studios' 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021.
    Simu Liu in Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021.

    Simu Liu will return as Shang-Chi, a character who really has deserved a sequel before now. And Danny Ramirez, who was introduced as Joaquim Torres in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ and reprised the role in February’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ will show up as the new Falcon.

    On the recent addition front, there’s Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn and Pedro Pascal from ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ which will introduce the iconic team to the MCU on July 25th.

    Any surprises? We’re not sure we predicted Tenoch Huerta Mejia –– who played Namor in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ coming back, but his chair was among the others.

    Finally, there’s the even more unexpected likes of Kelsey Grammer, who played Dr. Henry ‘Hank’ McCoy/Beast in Fox Marvel movies ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ and ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ and cropped up in a cameo as the character in ‘The Marvels,’ is also on the list.

    And talking of the original Fox X-Men line-up, he’s not alone, as Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn and James Marsden were also announced.

    Channing Tatum as Gambit in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. Photo: Marvel Studios.
    Channing Tatum as Gambit in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. Photo: Marvel Studios.

    Likewise, Channing Tatum, who made such an impact in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ will be back as Gambit.

    Finally, because you can’t really have ‘Doomsday’ without Doom, Robert Downey Jr. is making his big MCU return, this time playing classic ‘Fantastic Four’ villain Doctor Doom.

    We’re sure more cast will be announced before ‘Doomsday’ arrives, but Disney has more time to get the message out.

    Joe and Anthony Russo on their return

    (L to R) Joe Russo and Anthony Russo at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Joe Russo and Anthony Russo at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Speaking to Empire magazine, Anthony revealed that what lured them to return:

    “We’re very close with Kevin [Feige] and Lou [D’Esposito, Marvel Studios’ Co-President] and the entire Marvel team and we’ve had conversations through the years. We’ve talked about a lot of ideas. Really what happened was, we ended up stumbling upon a [‘Secret Wars’] idea that activated all of us, you couldn’t see it coming until it came, and once it came it was like, ‘Well, that’s a story we need to tell.’”

    And that creative spark extended to regular collaborator Stephen McFeely, who is also back writing the new movies.

    While other co-writer Christopher Markus is so far sticking with the Russos’ AGBO company to keep it running, McFeely was tempted back into the MCU machine.

    Here’s what Joe told Empire:

    “There were ideas that we were trying to wrap our heads around that preceded this one, and we just never found the story. I remember calling Steve and said, ‘Hey, crazy idea. What do you think if we all go back and do Secret Wars?’ He was like, ‘F*** no. Absolutely not.’ And then he hung up. And the next morning at 7.30 he called and were like, ‘Alright, I have an idea…’ ”

    What is Marvel’s ‘Secret Wars’?

    (L to R) Joe Russo, Anthony Russo and Kevin Feige present 'Avengers: Secret Wars' at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Joe Russo, Anthony Russo and Kevin Feige present ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Secret Wars’ would draw from (through the usual Marvel movie filter where changes will be made) a pair of 1980s comic book series focused on an all-powerful antagonist known as the Beyonder, who in the first installment pitted Marvel’s heroes and villains against each other on a planet known as Battleworld.

    In a 2015 revival by Jonathan Hickman, the resulting conflict left the multiverse collapsed, the survivors living on a single planet ruled by classic villain Doctor Doom.

    The Russos have previously talked about their enthusiasm for ‘Secret Wars,’ so this one made sense.

    What other movie release dates were announced?

    Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Photo: Disney.
    Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.

    In a Thanos-like snap, three Marvel dates have disappeared from the calendar completely. The place holders for February 13th, 2026, November 6th, 2026, and November 5, 2027, have all been removed from Disney’s calendar, pointing towards the result of Marvel’s commitment to quality over quantity.

    It wasn’t all Marvel changes –– Disney also confirmed the dates for some of the movies headed our way via its 20th Century Studios, including Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller ‘The Dog Stars,’ starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. That one will be released on March 27th, 2026.

    Then there is sequel ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ which will see the return of Meryl Streep‘s imperious magazine editor Miranda Priestly as she navigates the challenges of the declining print industry. The comedy drama sequel is due on May 1st, 2026.

    Finally, the company has scheduled an IMAX/3D re-release of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ which is set for October 3rd this year, laying the groundwork for the upcoming ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ on December 19th.

    (Top) 'Avengers: Doomsday'. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL. (Bottom) 'Avengers: Secret Wars'. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (Top) ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL. (Bottom) ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Upcoming MCU Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy MCU Movies On Amazon

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  • Marvel Confirms the Cast for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

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    Preview:

    • Marvel has revealed the main cast for ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’
    • It’s a mix of returning names and (relatively) new recruits.
    • ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ are scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027.
    (L to R) Joe Russo, Anthony Russo and Kevin Feige present 'Avengers: Doomsday' at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Joe Russo, Anthony Russo and Kevin Feige present ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    While Marvel usually prefers to keep its secrets close (at least, closer than the current government seems to manage), there is also the conflicting compulsion to promote the next movie in its sprawling cinematic universe, ‘Avengers: Doomsday‘.

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    We’ve known for a while that the Avengers will be back to face the threat of Victor Von Doom (Robert Downey Jr.), but the rest of the cast was largely in the realm of speculation, even for those who have been part of the MCU family for years.

    The company used a livestream to confirm who will show up in the new movie, consisting of footage of the backs of director’s chairs featuring the cast names.

    Related Article: Joe and Anthony Russo On Keeping ‘Avengers’ Secrets and Robert Downey Jr.’s Input into Dr. Doom

    Who is in the cast of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’?

    (L to R) Joe Russo, Robert Downey Jr. and Anthony Russo present 'Avengers: Doomsday' at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Joe Russo, Robert Downey Jr. and Anthony Russo present ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    And those names? A mixture of established actors and some of the more recent recruits.

    On the longstanding front, we have Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man (whose chair is amusingly smaller than the others), Letitia Wright as Shuri, Wyatt Russell as John Walker/US Agent (from ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ who is back on our screens this year in May 2nd’s ‘Thunderbolts*’), Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova (likewise part of ‘Thunderbolts*’), David Harbour (introduced as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian in ‘Black Widow’ and who will also recur in ‘Thunderbolts*’). Also from both ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ and ‘Thunderbolts*’, Hannah John Kamen as Ava Starr/Ghost.

    Alongside Wright, ‘Black Panther’s Winston Duke will be back as M’Baku, and Tom Hiddleston will also return as Loki.

    Simu Liu in Marvel Studios' 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.' Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021.
    Simu Liu in Marvel Studios’ ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021.

    We’re happy to see Simu Liu will return as Shang-Chi, a character who really has deserved a sequel before now. And Danny Ramirez, who was introduced as Joaquim Torres in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ and reprised the role in February’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ will show up as the new Falcon.

    On the recent addition front, there’s Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn and Pedro Pascal from ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ which will introduce the iconic team to the MCU on July 25th.

    Any surprises? We’re not sure we predicted Tenoch Huerta Mejia –– who played Namor in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ coming back, but his chair is among the others (not dripping with water –– missed joke opportunity there!).

    Lashana Lynch and Kelsey Grammer in 'The Marvels'.
    (L to R) Lashana Lynch and Kelsey Grammer in ‘The Marvels’. Photo: Marvel Studios.

    And Kelsey Grammer, who played Dr. Henry ‘Hank’ McCoy/Beast in Fox Marvel movies ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ and ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past,’ and cropped up in a cameo as the character in ‘The Marvels,’ is also on the list.

    There’s no word yet on whether this means his version of Beast will be the final MCU variant, but with Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn and James Marsden also announced, the X-Men clearly have a presence. Likewise, Channing Tatum, who made such an impact in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ will be back as Gambit. No sign of Ryan Reynolds or Hugh Jackman, though.

    Lewis Pullman, who is introduced as a character called “Bob” (but who has since been revealed to be powerful character Sentry) in ‘Thunderbolts*’ is also listed. So we’re guessing his character –– who also appears to be an antagonist in the movie given the new trailer –– factors in somehow.

    Bob (Lewis Pullman) in Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.
    Bob (Lewis Pullman) in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts*. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2024 Marvel.

    Last, but by no means least, the doors to the cavernous soundstage holding all the chairs opens up, and in strides Downey Jr., who sits in his own named chair and puts his finger to his lips. It’s over!

    We’re sure there will be other announcements to come –– the company loves to hold back cameos and other roles, so we’ll have to wait and see if Tom Holland or Mark Ruffalo spoil the appearances or if an official press release arrives in due time.

    If you’re desperate to see the Livestream, please click on the video player at the top of the page.

    The new movie is now kicking off shooting in London, with Marvel veteran directors Joe and Anthony Russo –– who count the giant two previous Avengers outings ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’ on their shared resume –– back marshalling the chaos that is a team-up movie on this scale.

    Joe and Anthony Russo on their return

    (L to R) Joe Russo and Anthony Russo at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Joe Russo and Anthony Russo at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Speaking to Empire magazine, Anthony revealed that what lured them to return:

    “We’re very close with Kevin [Feige] and Lou [D’Esposito, Marvel Studios’ Co-President] and the entire Marvel team and we’ve had conversations through the years. We’ve talked about a lot of ideas. Really what happened was, we ended up stumbling upon a [‘Secret Wars’] idea that activated all of us, you couldn’t see it coming until it came, and once it came it was like, ‘Well, that’s a story we need to tell.’”

    And that creative spark extended to regular collaborator Stephen McFeely, who is also back writing the new movies.

    While other co-writer Christopher Markus is so far sticking with the Russos’ AGBO company to keep it running, McFeely was tempted back into the MCU machine.

    Here’s what Joe told Empire:

    “There were ideas that we were trying to wrap our heads around that preceded this one, and we just never found the story. I remember calling Steve and said, ‘Hey, crazy idea. What do you think if we all go back and do Secret Wars?’ He was like, ‘F*** no. Absolutely not.’ And then he hung up. And the next morning at 7.30 he called and were like, ‘Alright, I have an idea…’ ”

    ‘Avengers: Doomsday’: The Russos talk Robert Downey Jr.

    Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in 'Avengers: Doomsday'.
    Robert Downey Jr. to play Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Of course, one of the biggest plot elements for the new movies has already been revealed on Marvel’s terms, with Robert Downey Jr. taking the stage at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con to confirm he’s playing Victor Von Doom.

    And according to the directors he’s very involved in helping to shape the character.

    This is what they told Entertainment Tonight:

    “It’s a very intense process developing the character. He’s so immersed in it. He is so dialed in. That’s the kind of artist he is. That’s the kind of actor he is. He just loves really rich three-dimensional characters and I think he sees a real opportunity here with that character.”

    And following ‘Doomsday,’ we’ll see ‘Secret Wars’…

    What is Marvel’s ‘Secret Wars’?

    (L to R) Joe Russo, Anthony Russo and Kevin Feige present 'Avengers: Secret Wars' at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.
    (L to R) Joe Russo, Anthony Russo and Kevin Feige present ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Secret Wars’ would draw from (through the usual Marvel movie filter where changes will be made) a pair of 1980s comic book series focused on an all-powerful antagonist known as the Beyonder, who in the first installment pitted Marvel’s heroes and villains against each other on a planet known as Battleworld.

    In a 2015 revival by Jonathan Hickman, the resulting conflict left the multiverse collapsed, the survivors living on a single planet ruled by classic villain Doctor Doom.

    The Russos have previously talked about their enthusiasm for ‘Secret Wars,’ so this one made sense.

    When will the next two ‘Avengers’ movies head to screens?

    Marvel is planning to have ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ on screens on May 1st, 2026, followed by ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ on May 7th, 2027.

    'Avengers: Doomsday'.
    ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. © 2024 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2024 MARVEL.

    Upcoming MCU Movies and TV Shows:

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  • TV Review: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Anson Mount as Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,'
    Anson Mount as Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Returning to Paramount+ on June 15th, the second season of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ continues the strong storytelling and adventure-of-the-week style that made the first season work.

    It’s a welcome return for Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike and the rest of the crew, who find themselves once more confronting some classic science fiction concepts while also bonding as a unit.

    Ethan Peck as Spock in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Ethan Peck as Spock in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    What’s the story of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

    Space…. The final frontier. Yes, the familiar refrain from the start of the original ‘Star Trek’ continues to define this latest take on the franchise. It’s the continuing mission of the Starship Enterprise as it explores the titular strange new worlds, seeks out new life and new civilizations and all that boldly going stuff we all know so well.

    For its second season, the show continues the blend of serialization and episodic adventures that worked in last year’s first run of episodes. Initially, it picks up a couple of the threads left dangling from the end of Season 1 –– Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) taking leave from the ship to help a young survivor of the Gorn attacks find her family, and Starfleet prosecuting First Officer Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) for hiding her genetically enhanced nature.

    Once those are dealt with, it’s on to the familiar, effective mix of continuing character arcs and new science fiction adventures, including Spock (Ethan Peck) having to deal with a tricky Vulcan ritual involving his potential in-laws while in an even trickier state, Noonien-Singh involved in a time travel adventure, Pike, Doctor M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) and their landing party stranded on a planet where memories are wiped every night and Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) in contact with aliens that communicate via dreams and symbolism.

    Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Who else appears in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’?

    In addition to the main cast, the show also features André Dae Kim, Gia Sandhu, Adrian Holmes, Melanie Scrofano, Dan Jeannotte, and particularly Paul Wesley as a certain Captain James T. Kirk.

    Christina Chong as La’an and Paul Wesley as Kirk in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Christina Chong as La’an and Paul Wesley as Kirk in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Is ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ worth watching?

    Live-action ‘Star Trek’ in the current TV has been led by the moody and serious ‘Discovery’, which, while it does have its flashes of humor, is much more focused on the drama side. ‘Star Trek Picard’ managed to find its footing in terms of blending laughs and action in its third season, but it is ‘Strange New Worlds’ that has emerged as the champion of blending an old-school ‘Trek’ feel with a more contemporary storytelling style.

    Partly it all works so well because of the casting –– this is a crew that you truly believe actually wants to spend time together, and that transfers over on to the viewing experience. These are people you’d be happy to just hang out with, even if they weren’t also dealing with exciting space adventures.

    Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Related Article: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount Talk ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2

    Mount continues to play Pike with a winning mix of gravitas and relatability –– when he’s not barking orders, he’s cooking or spending time with fellow captain Batel (Scrofano), a model of how to act as a grown up in a relationship you almost wish the future Captain Kirk had been taking notes on.

    Peck’s Spock is still a strong, worthy take on the iconic character, the actor able to play all the different shades. If the romantic connection with Bush’s Nurse Chapel isn’t always as authentic as the show wants us to believe, it doesn’t, at least, harm either character. And he’s also part of a comic highlight of the season to date.

    Rebecca Romijn as Una in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season 2, streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Rebecca Romijn as Una in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ season 2, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Around them, the rest of the cast continues to excel. Some of the characters who had spotlights last season take something of a back seat here (it’s surely not spoiling anything to relate that Number One’s trial ends favorably, but after that she has a little less to do), but the sharing of airtime is a welcome one, giving some of the junior officers more to do.

    New this year is star of stage and screen Carol Kane, who slots in perfectly as new, alien chief engineer Pelia. A being with a startlingly long lifespan, a unique attitude to life in Starfleet and an unusual manner about her feels like it was written for Kane to portray. The only downside is we don’t get to have her interact with the rest of the crew nearly enough, at least in the six episodes of the season’s 10 provided to critics.

    Carol Kane as Pelia in season 2 of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    Carol Kane as Pelia in season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Paramount+

    And talking of unusual characters, we’re also promised a crossover with animated ‘Trek’ series ‘Lower Decks’ as Tawny Newsom and Jack Quaid embody the live-action versions of Ensigns Mariner and Boimler that they voice on the other show. That episode wasn’t on the list of those on offer, but let’s be honest; if any ‘Trek’ series can handle a crossover with a joke-heavy cartoon show without suffering, it’s surely ‘Strange New Worlds .

    The missions are a mixed bag –– some, such as in episode 1, ‘The Broken Circle’, allow for a lot of fun (Spock and some of the other crew stealing the Enterprise to aid one of their own riffs on ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock’), while others ‘The Lotus’ Eaters’ memory-resetting planet feels like a well-used trope that isn’t given quite enough of a spin here.

    But on the whole, ‘Strange New Worlds’ continues its impressive juggling act, the dramatic and warmly comedic sides still sitting comfortably in alignment. And it’s reassuring to know that there is, these days, a style of ‘Star Trek’ to suit so many tastes. Long may these voyages continue.

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New ’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

    Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Pari Dukovic/Paramount+.

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  • ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Season 2: Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount

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    Premiering on Paramount+ beginning June 15th is the second season of the popular ‘Star Trek’ series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ which was created by Alex Kurtzman (‘Star Trek’), Jenny Lumet (‘Rachel Getting Married’), and Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman (‘A Beautiful Mind’).

    What is ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ about?

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ follows Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) and the crew of the starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) in the 23rd century as they explore new worlds throughout the galaxy in the decade before ‘Star Trek: The Original Series.’

    Who stars in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?’

    Anson Mount (‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘) as Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn (‘X-Men‘) as Una Chin-Riley/Number One, Ethan Peck (‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice‘) as Spock, Jess Bush as Christine Chapel, Christina Chong (‘Tom and Jerry‘) as La’an Noonien-Singh, Celia Rose Gooding as Nyota Uhura, Melissa Navia (‘The Chosen‘) as Erica Ortegas, Babs Olusanmokun (‘Dune‘) as Joseph M’Benga, and Paul Wesley (‘Mothers and Daughters‘) as James T. Kirk.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Rebecca Romijn and Anson Mount about their work on season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ the respect between Pike and Number One, Una’s troubles in the new season, why Pike is willing to do anything to help her, and what it’s like playing these iconic ‘Star Trek’ characters.

    Anson Mount as Pike and Rebecca Romijn as Una of the Paramount+ original series 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.'
    (L to R) Anson Mount as Pike and Rebecca Romijn as Una of the Paramount+ original series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.’ Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ ©2022 CBS Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Romijn and Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Melissa Navia, Babs Olusanmokun, and Paul Wesley.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Anson, Pike puts himself on the line defending Una this season. Can you talk about the respect and admiration between the two characters and why he’s willing to do anything he can to help her in this situation?

    Anson Mount: Rebecca and I figure that they’ve been friends going back all the way to the Academy and not just friends, but confidants. I really do think that Number One is a pivotal part of Pike being able to be an effective captain. I think that he always secretly wondered why he was made a captain. Rebecca earlier called it an imposter syndrome, which I think is a pretty accurate diagnosis. Number One is there to remind him why and to help him see through some of what he sees as his shortcomings, as well as to challenge him at important times. I think he’s smart enough and has had good enough leaders and teachers to be aware that your right-hand person is only as good as they’re willing to stand up and tell you you’re wrong at times.

    Anson Mount as Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,'
    Anson Mount as Pike in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    Related Article: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Casts Paul Wesley as Captain Kirk

    MF: Rebecca, Una is in trouble with Starfleet this season for hiding her true self. Can you talk about that and how this whole ordeal really changes her as a character?

    Rebecca Romijn: I think she’s been living most of her life hiding the fact that she’s an Illyrian and there are different genetic modifications within the Illyrian culture. She is someone who can hide as an Illyrian and that has allowed her a certain amount of privilege and being able to be protected as a child, being able to join Starfleet. But I think she carries a tremendous amount of shame for lying to Starfleet and having Captain Pike protect her and give her asylum. I think she’s shameful of that, but not shameful of being an Illyrian. I think she’s proud of her heritage. I think this is her coming out episode. She’s decided she’s going to live authentically and just because you can hide and spend your life hiding doesn’t mean you should have to, is my takeaway for Una. I think once she removes that burden from her shoulders, you’re going to find a freer Una.

    Ethan Peck as Spock and Rebecca Romijn as Una in the trailer of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.'
    (L to R) Ethan Peck as Spock and Rebecca Romijn as Una in the trailer of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Michael Gibson/Paramount+.

    MF: Finally, Anson, can you talk about coming into this series and having the opportunity to step into this iconic role, and what has been your approach to playing Pike, especially knowing his ultimate fate?

    AM: Well, first of all, it’s been an honor, but not nearly the high jump that a lot of people think that it’s been because I think that Jeffrey Hunter was playing a very different Pike in a very different time in his life, and I’m playing a Pike that is a little bit more settled into his decision to be in Starfleet, to do what he’s doing. But you’re also in a very select group of people who’ve been able to be an Enterprise Captain, and you don’t want to do what’s been done before. You want to make your Captain stand out amongst the crowd, and I believe that these writers have done a tremendous job doing that. I couldn’t have done any of it without them, but I often say that if Kirk (William Shatner) represented the gut and Picard (Patrick Stewart) represented the intellect, I want Pike to represent the heart.

    Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' streaming on Paramount+, 2023.
    (L to R) Jess Bush as Chapel, Celia Rose Gooding as Shura, Ethan Peck as Spock, Anson Mount as Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una, Babs Olusanmokun as M’Benga, Christina Chong as La’an and Melissa Navia as Ortegas of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,’ streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo: Pari Dukovic/Paramount+.

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  • ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Finds a Captain Kirk

    New Captain Kirk
    Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk of the Paramount+ original series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Photo: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ ©2022 ViacomCBS. All Rights Reserved.

    Even though ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ promises to show us the adventures of the USS Enterprise before the time of the original ‘Star Trek’ series, it appears that the most famous ‘Trek’ starship cannot entirely do without its most iconic captain. Yes, the show has now cast someone to play James Tiberius Kirk.

    Paul Wesley, who might still be best known for playing Stefan and various other characters during his run on ‘The Vampire Diaries’, is the latest actor to inherit the role once made famous by William Shatner.

    Of course, these days, there are also audiences who identify Chris Pine from the J.J. Abrams movies as Kirk, though Shatner will probably remain the most recognizable example.

    “Paul is an accomplished actor, an astonishing presence and a welcome key addition to the show,” executive producer Alex Kurtzman and showrunners/executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers said in a joint statement. “Like all of us, he is a life-long ‘Star Trek’ fan and we are excited by his interpretation of this iconic role.”

    Quite how Kirk will fit into the story is being held behind deflector shields for now, but here’s the wrinkle: he’s not showing up until Season 2, which kicked off shooting shortly after the series was renewed in January.

    Season 1, meanwhile, will still focus on Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, who was the commander of the ship in the original ‘Star Trek’ pilot ‘The Cage’, famously rejected by the network and re-tooled into two-part episode ‘The Menagerie’, which showed Pike’s fate to be critically injured and forced to spend time in a life-support mobility device.

    That tragic destiny also played into Pike’s story in Season 2 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, where he briefly took command of the ship and, upon learning of what lay ahead, decided to quit Starfleet.

    Yet because watching him ride horses and hang out in a wooden cabin doesn’t exactly scream “thrilling space adventure”, he’ll be pulled back to duty for this first run of ‘Strange New Worlds,’ which involves a spatial anomaly initially, but seems to promise more episodic storytelling, “alien/planet of the week” in keeping with the classic ‘Trek’ shows.

    Anson Mount as Captain Pike
    Anson Mount as Captain Pike on Paramount+’s ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’

    Mount’s Pike is joined by Ethan Peck, who returns as the younger Mr. Spock (the science officer at this point on the Enterprise, and Rebecca Romijn as first officer Number One (whose actual name we’ve since learned is Una Chin-Riley).

    The rest of the crew is a mixture of established characters played by new actors and team members we’ve not yet met in the history of ‘Trek’.

    Babs Olusanmokun plays M’Benga: A human doctor aboard the Enterprise, who was portrayed by Booker Bradshaw in a couple of episodes of the original series.

    Celia Rose Gooding has the iconic role of Nyota Uhura, who oversaw communications on Kirk’s version of the Enterprise but is here seen as a cadet. Nichelle Nichols most famously portrayed her, though in the Abrams reboot, it’s Zoe Saldana.

    Jess Bush is Nurse Christine Chapel, the character Majel Barrett played after Number One was rejected following that original ‘Trek’ pilot.

    Christina Chong appears as La’an Noonien-Singh, a relative of Kirk nemesis Khan Noonien Singh, who the Enterprise crew won’t encounter until Kirk’s era in charge, so it’ll be interesting to see how she fits into the story.

    Bruce Horak is Hemmer, An Aenar officer part of the albino subspecies of the normally blue Andorians, who are also usually blind. And Horak makes Trek history by being the first partially blind actor to star on one of the shows.

    Finally, we have Lt. Erica Ortegas, about whom very little is known right now.

    ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ will launch on Paramount+ on May 5 with the first episode, and releases episodes weekly.

    STSNW Poster
    Teaser art for the Paramount+ original series ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Photo: Paramount+ © 2022 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved.
  • ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 2 Bringing Back Major Fan Favorites

    ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 2 Bringing Back Major Fan Favorites

    CBS All Access

    Big news: Spock himself will be joining “Star Trek: Discovery” for Season 2, along with more characters from the original ’60s series.

    We don’t know exactly when the highly logical Vulcan will show up (or who will play him),  but executive producer and series co-creator Alex Kurtzman confirmed the news today at San Diego Comic-Con.

    In the first-look trailer at the show’s second season, Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) drops some hints about “my foster brother, Mr. Spock.” He’s linked to some mysterious signals and, as Michael says, “He needs help.”

    We don’t see Spock, but we get a look at Anson Mount in uniform as Captain Christopher Pike, whose first line is, “Well, this is awkward… but I’m here to take command of the Discovery.”

    Other “Discovery” news coming out of Comic-Con:

    • • Wilson Cruz, who plays Dr. Hugh Culber, revealed that he will return to the show, even though his character was killed off last season. 
    • • “X-Men” and “The Librarians” star Rebecca Romijn is joining “Star Trek: Discovery.” And she’s playing a pretty iconic character: Nurse Christine Chapel, first played by Majel Barrett, who was married to “Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry.
    • • We’ll also get a series of “Short Treks,” episodes of 10-15 minutes that will feature characters such as Harvey Mudd (Rainn Wilson.)
    • • The show returns to CBS All Access in January.

    [Via CBSNews]