Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 19th to 25th, 2026 - UPDATE #5

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

DISNEY - From Variety:  Pixar Animation Studios suffered the brunt of the latest round (July 21st, 2026) of Disney layoffs.  Hundreds of Pixar staffers, mostly in operations and production, have lost their jobs.

BUSINESS - From Variety:  Federal Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin of the U.S. District Court for Northern District of California in Oakland has issued a 14-day restraining order on the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.  He made this move after hearing arguments from a 12-state coalition that is also seeking a preliminary injunction, which would block the merger until the judge rules on the merits of the states' lawsuit.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/17 to 7/19/2026 weekend box office is Universal's "The Odyssey" with an estimated take of 124.5 million dollars.

DISNEY - From Disney:  Actor Colman Domingo is looking to co-write an original live-action feature film about "Princess Tiana" inspired by Disney‘s Oscar-nominated animated 2009 feature, "The Princess and the Frog." He would write the screenplay with 2020 Tony-nominated, "Slave Play" director, Robert O’Hara.  The project is currently in early development.  "The Princess and the Frog" was the last hand-drawn animated feature from Disney.  It focused on a waitress, Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), who dreams of opening her own restaurant, but is transformed into a frog.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American deaf actress, Kaylee Hottle, has died at the age of 18, Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in a single-vehicle car accident.  Hottle is best known for the role of "Jia Andrews" in "Godzilla vs. Kong" (2021) and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" (2024).

From MovieWeb:  American screenwriter, William Wisher, Jr., has died at the age of 71, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.  Wisher is best known for his work on "The Terminator" films with his friend, James Cameron.  Wisher wrote "additional dialogue" for "The Terminator" (1984) and he co-wrote the screenplay for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" with Cameron.  Among his other screenwork are the films "Judge Dredd" (1995), "The 13th Warrior" (1999), "Exorcist: The Beginning," (2004), and "Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist" (2005).  Wisher was also a "script doctor" doing work on films for which he did not received a writing credit.  That includes "Pumpkinhead" (1998), "A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child" (1989), and "Eraser" (1996), to name a few.  With Randall Frakes, Wisher wrote one of the two novelizations of "The Terminator."  The Wisher-Frakes book was published by Bantam/Spectra, in 1985.

---------------------

Negromancer's Marvel Studios Link-o-Rama 2026 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Support Leroy on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: Looking for a delicious treat? Try AnotherCookie.

NEWS:

DOOMSDAY - From Deadline:  Disney has dropped the first official trailer for its upcoming blockbuster, "Avengers: Doomsday," which is due in theaters December 18, 2026.

AVENGERS - From CBR:  In a CBR interview, Oscar-winner Robert Downey, Jr. talks about the pressure of returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and delivering on playing "Doctor Doom."

SPIDER-MAN - From ComicBookMovie:  See the new "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" trailer that hit YouTube today (Wed., June 17th).

From CBR:  The Russo Brothers (Joe and Anthony) officially confirms why Spider-Man's MCU origin is different from Spider-Man's traditional origin.

-------------------

X-MEN - From ComicBookMovie:  Rumors suggest that "Beef" Season Two (Netflix) star, Charles Melton, is being considered to play the "X-Men" character, "Hank McCoy/The Beast."

From MensHeath:  Lee Sung Jin, the creator Netflix's "Beef," gave "Men's Health" an interview about the series.  Lee is also working on Marvel Studio's planned "X-Men" movie and he talks about that film's focus on characters.

-------------------

ENDGAME  - From Variety:  The 2019 Marvel Studios blockbuster, "Avengers: Endgame" will get a September 25th, 2026 re-release that will include brand new footage that ties it into the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," which is due December 2026.

WONDER MAN - From THR:  The Disney+ Marvel Studios streaming series, "Wonder Man," will return for a second season.  Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will return as "Simon Williams/Wonder Man" and Sir Ben Kingsley will return as "Trevor Slattery."

SPIDER-MAN - From ComicBookMovie:  A trailer of some sorts for the upcoming Sony/Marvel Studios film, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," may debut as soon as next week.

AVENGERS DOOMSDAY - From YouTube:  The latest "Avengers: Doomsday" (#4) teaser trailer is now on YouTube.  This one features Shuri, M'Baku, Namor and others from the world of the "Black Panther" and also Ben Grimm of the "Fantastic Four."  "Avengers: Doomsday" arrives December 18, 2026.

From YouTube:  The latest "Avengers: Doomsday" (#3) teaser trailer is now on YouTube.  This one features Professor X, Magneto, and Cyclops.  "Avengers: Doomsday" arrives December 18, 2026.

From YouTube:  The latest "Avengers: Doomsday" (#2) teaser trailer is now on YouTube. It focuses on the Avenger, "Thor."  The film arrives in theaters December 18, 2026.

From YouTube:  The first of four "Avengers: Doomsday" teaser trailers is now officially on YouTube. This one focuses on Steve Rogers/Captain America.

BLADE - From DarkHorizons:  Rumors abound that Marvel is no longer developing a solo feature film starring its vampire hunter, "Blade," who was supposed to be played by Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali. Rumors also say "Blade" will make his debut in a "Midnight Sons" feature film.

-------------------------------

AVENGERS - From CinemaBlend:  Rumors abound that Disney/Marvel will release four teaser trailers for "Avengers: Doomsday."  Each one will appear at the head of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" on a rotation of one week each.

From ComicBookMovies:  After joining "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," actress Sadie Sink will reportedly joining "Avengers: Secret Wars," according to various reports and rumors.

SPIDER-MAN - From Deadline:  Sources tell "Deadline" that actor Marvin Jones III has been tapped for the role of "Tombstone" in Sony/Marvel's 2026 film, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."  He also performed the voice of Tombstone in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018) and will reprise the role in "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse" (2027).  Jones is also known as the rapper, "Krondon," a member of the rap trio, "Strong Arm Steady."

-----------------------------------------

MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU):

Review: Iron Man (2008)

Review: The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Review: Iron Man 2 (2010)

Review: Thor (2011)

Review:  Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Review:  Marvel's The Avengers (2012)

Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Review: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Review:  Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Review: Ant-Man (2015)

Review: Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Review:  Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Review: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Review:  Black Panther (2018)

Review:  Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Review:  Captain Marvel (2019)

Review: Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Review:  Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Review: Black Widow (2021)

Review: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Review: Eternals (2021)

Review: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Review: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Review: Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 (2023)

Review: The Marvels (2023)

Review: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Review: Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Review: Thunderbolts* (2025)

------------------------------

Click here for the 2025 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2024 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2023 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2022 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama"

Click here for the 2021 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2020 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2019 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

Click here for the 2018 edition of "Marvel Studios Negromancer Link-o-Rama."

---------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 12th to 18th, 2026 - UPDATE #12

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

NETFLIX - From Deadline:  A year after it began it record-setting run on Netflix, KPop Demon Hunters, is currently the fourth most-viewed film on Netflix for 2026.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Emmy-winner Hannah Waddingham ("Ted Lasso") has joined star Jason Statham in director David Leitch's meta action-comedy, "Jason Statham Stole My Bike."

MOVIES - From THR:  Paramount Pictures is developing a new version of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984).  The film will be released on Paramount's new genre label, "Paramount Primal."  Paramount has secured the U.S. rights to the screenplay for the 1984 film from the estate of the late director, Wes Craven, who created the franchise.

AMAZON - From EW:  Prime Video has offered a first look at showrunner Mike Flanagan's new miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel, "Carrie" (1974). Flanagan's take has been described as a "modern reinterpretation."  The novel was most famously adapted by director Brian De Palma in 1976.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/10 to 7/12/2026 weekend box office is Disney's live-action "Moana" with an estimated take of 43 million dollars.

MUSIC - From RollingStone:  Two-time Oscar-winning actor, Anthony Hopkins, has signed a deal with Decca Records.  Hopkins' release is "Life is a Dream," a project based on original classical music compositions that Hopkins wrote over a six-decade period.  The tracks have been recorded by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Gustave Dudamel.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American songwriter, recording artist, and rock 'n' roll singer, Freddy Cannon, has died at the age of 89, Friday, July 17, 2026.  Sometimes performing as Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon, he was best known for his international hit singles, "Tallahassee Lassie" (1960), "Way Down Younder in New Orleans" (1960), and "Palisades Park" (1962).  Cannon was a pioneer in the early rock and roll music scene, and he influenced such rock and roll icons as Mick Jagger and Robert Plant.  His songs appeared in numerous films, including "Palisades Park," which was featured in the 2011 film, "X-Men: First Class."

From BBC:  Irish actress, Branda Fricker, has died at the age of 81, Thursday, July 16, 2026.  Fricker as the "Best Supporting Actress" Oscar for in "My Left Food."  She was the first Irish actress to win an Oscar.  Fricker may be best remembered for her role as the "Central Park Pigeon Woman" in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."  Fricker's television work includes the British TV series, "Coronation Street" (1977) and "Casuality" (beginning in 1986), to name a few. 

From Variety:  American film and television actor, Hal Williams, has died at the age of 91, Wednesday, July 15, 2026.  Williams is best known for several roles.  The first is as "Officer Smith ('Smitty')," on NBC former sitcom, "Sanford and Son."  He was "Harley Foster" on CBS's former historical drama, "The Waltons" (1973-80).  He was a series regular and family patriarch, "Lester Jenkins," on the former NBC sitcom, "227" (1985-90).  Williams was "Drill Sergeant L.C. Ross" in the 1980 film, "Private Benjamin," and he played Sgt Ross in the short-lived CBS sitcom version of the film, "Private Benjamin" (1981-83).  Williams recently appeared on two episodes of the CBS legal drama, "Matlock."

From Variety:  New Zealand film and television actor, Sam Neill, has died at the age of 78, Monday, July 13, 2026.  Neill was best known for his work in the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World film franchises, beginning with 1993's "Jurassic Park."  His other well-known film work including "Omen III: The Final Conflict" (1981), "Dead Calm" (1989), "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "The Piano" (1993), "Event Horizno" (1997), "Jurassic Park III" (2001), and "Jurassic World: Dominion" (2022), to name a few.  Neill was also a two-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee.

From YahooEntertainment:  Joseph Mazzello (42) and Ariana Richards (46) played the siblings Tim and Lex Murphy in the blockbuster hit, "Jurassic Park" (1993).  They paid tribute to their late costar, Sam Neill, after he died at the age of 78 on Monday (July 13th).

-----------------

From THR:  German-born, British-American actress, Antoinette Bowers, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, April 30, 2026.  Bowers had a prolific career guest-starring in numerous television series.  Her best known TV appearances where in the original versions of "The Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek."  Bowers was "Eve Norda" in the Season 5 Adam-and-Eve episode, "Probe 7, Over and Out," of The Twilight Zone.  She was the alien villain, "Sylvia" in the Season 2 episode, "Catspaw," of Star Trek.  Bowers also played the mother of Jamie Lee Curtis' character, "Kim Hammond," in the classic horror film, "Prom Night" (1980).

From THR:  American film production designer, Barbara Ling, has died at the age of 73, Thursday, July 9, 2026.  Ling and set decorator, Nancy Haigh, won the Oscar for "Best Production Design" for director Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (2019).  Ling also worked did production design on three films for the late director Joel Schumacher:  "Falling Down" (1993), "Batman Forever" (1995), and "Batman and Robin" (1997).  She was the production designer on the recent box office smash, "Michael" (2026).

Amazon MGM Studios Releases "Spaceballs" Sequel Teaser Poster and Synopsis

Credit Amazon MGM Studios:

Amazon MGM Studios has released a teaser poster and official synopsis for its 2027 film, "Spaceballs: The New One."  It is the sequel to director Mel Brooks' 1987 comedy film, "Spaceballs."

The new Spaceballs movie is written by Josh Gad, Dan Hernandez, and Benji Samit (with Mel Brooks’ blessing).  Josh Greenbaum is directing. The film is being produced by Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody, Mel Brooks, Josh Gad, Josh Greenbaum, and Kevin Salter.

Key original cast members:  Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, George Wynder, and Daphne Zuniga, are returning for the sequel.  New characters are being portrayed by Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Anthony Carrigan.

Spaceballs: The New One Official Synopsis (Credit Amazon MGM Studios):

"Somehow, Dark Helmet has returned! 40 years after the events of the first Spaceballs, 50 years after the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, and 1 year after the events of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the galaxy is once again under threat. A threat so evil, so unstoppable, so completely lacking in any original ideas, that it has vowed to bring back the past… every last bit of it.

With Lone Starr in hiding, Queen Vespa on the throne, and the Schwartz stretched thinner than a franchise releasing TV episodes theatrically, the only hope for the galaxy is Vespa's undisciplined son, Prince Starburst, and a mysterious Palace advisor named Destiny. Together, they must find Lone Starr, Yogurt, and any other iconic legacy characters fans are demanding before they discover the hard way that, while some threats you can fight, the reboot is not one of them."

The film is due in theaters April 23, 2027.

----------------------

Negromancer's "STAR WARS" Link-O-Rama 2026 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

--------------------------------------

NEWS AND RUMORS:

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "BleedingCool" has a five-page preview of Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Echoes of the Empire #4."  The preview includes a look at that issue's three covers.  It arrives in comic book stores this coming Wednesday (July 15th).

From BleedingCool:  "Bleeding Cool" has a five-page preview of Dark Horse Comics' "Star Wars: Hyperspace Tales: The Bad Batch - Rogue Agents #4." It arrives Wednesday, July 15th in comic book shops at the cover price of $4.99.

From BleedingCool:  "BleedingCool" has a five-page preview of Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Echoes of the Empire #3."  The preview includes a look at that issue's four covers.  It arrives in comic book stores this coming Wednesday (June 24th).

OBIT - From Variety:  American film editor, Marcia Lucas, has died at the age of 80 Wednesday, May 27, 2026.  Marcia is best known for her work with her ex-husband, George Lucas, to whom she was married from 1969-83.  Marcia was on the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for "Star Wars" (1977), sharing it with Paul Hirsch and Richard Chew.  Marcia's work on "Star Wars" is often credited as being what saved the film.  She was also Oscar-nominated for editing editing George's 1973 film, "American Graffiti."  Marcia would later edit "Return of the Jedi" (1983) for the film's director Richard Marquand.  Marcia edited three films for director Martin Scorsese, including "Taxi Driver" (1976).

OBIT - From Collider:  American voice actor, Tom Kane, has died at the age of 64, Monday, May 18, 2026.  Kane was best known for his voice work in the Star Wars franchise, mainly for animation and video games.  He provided the voice of "Yoda" in the 2003 "Star Wars: Clone Wars" animated shorts for Cartoon Network.  He voiced Yoda again in the 2008 "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated film.  For Cartoon Network's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" animated series, he voiced a number of characters, including Yoda, and he provided the narration for each episode.  Kane's extensive list of credits in film, TV, and video games stretch over three decades and include voice performances in "The Powerpuff Girls" (Cartoon Network) and "The Wild Thornberries" (Nickelodeon), to name a few.

OBIT - From TheWrap:  Star Wars actor, Michael Pennington, has died at the age of 82. His family announced his death Sunday, May 10, 2026.  Pennington played "Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerood," who was in charge of the construction of the new Death Star, in "Return of the Jedi" (1983).  Pennington was a writer, director, and actor known for his work on the English stage, including his performance with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

DARTH MAUL - From YouTube:  Disney+ has released the first official trailer for its new animated series, "Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord." The first two episodes debut April 6th.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YouTube:  Disney has released an official trailer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu" film.  It is due in theaters and IMAX May 22, 2026.

DARTH MAUL - From StarWars:  Disney+ has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming Lucasfilm animated series, "Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord."  The series set for an April 6th debut on Disney+.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics unveils "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Echoes Of The Empire," a five-issue comic book miniseries launching April 2026.  Set on Batuu, the comic connects to Disney’s "Galaxy’s Edge Park," and also expands the "Star Wars" timeline with classic heroes.  Readers should expect appearances from Luke Skywalker, Leia, and Chewbacca facing the Empire over a dangerous relic.  It is written by Ethan Sacks and drawn by Jethro Morales and Roi Mercado.

DAVE FILONI - From TheWrap:  As Kathleen Kennedy steps down as President of Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni becomes Chief Creative Officer comes a report that Filoni did not like Lucasfilm's Emmy-winning hit, "Andor." Lynwen Brennan is also announced as co-president.

From Forbes:  Reports state that Lucasfilm, Chief Creative Office (CCO), Dave Filoni, will become president of Lucasfilm when current president Kathleen Kennedy steps down.  A director, producer, and screenwriter, Filoni is known for directing the 2008 animated film, "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and the upcoming live-action film, "The Mandalorian and Grogu."  Filoni was also the writer, director, and executive producer on Lucasfilm/Disney+ television series like "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," and "Ahsoka."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Star Wars: Shadow of Maul" is a five-issue comic book miniseries that will act as a prequel to upcoming Disney+ animated series, "Maul - Shadow Lord."  The comic book is written by Benjamin Percy and drawn by Madibek Musabekov, and the first issue arrives March 2026.

FRANCHISE - From YahooTotalFilm:  Despite working on Star Wars properties since "The Phantom Menace," Lucasfilm design director Doug Chiang says that only George Lucas truly knows what Star Wars design is. "I don’t always get it 100 per cent right."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Taurin Clarke is Marvel Comics' "Star Wars Black History Month" cover artist for February 2026.

From BleedingCool:  Ahmed Best, the voice actor best known for the role of "Jar Jar Binks" in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, will co-write an official Star Wars Jar Jar Binks comic book for Marvel Comics.  The one-shot comic book is due February 2026 and will be co-written by Marc Guggenheim and illustrated by Kieran McKeown and Laura Braga.

From FlickeringMyth:  Dark Horse Comics has announced that it will return to the High Republic era of "Star Wars" next year with the six-issue limited series, "Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Pathfinders."  The series will be written by George Mann ("Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories – Qui-Gon") and drawn by Partha Pratim, Jagdish Kumar, and Michael Atiyeh ("Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch").  The first issue is scheduled to arrive March 11, 2026.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YouTube:  Lucasfilm has released the first official trailer for "The Mandalorian and Grogu," which is due in theaters May 22, 2026.

STARFIGHTER - From IGN:  Lucasfilm offers a new set photo from "Star Wars: Starfighter," featuring cast members, Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray. The film is due May 28, 2027.

From THR:  The latest Star Wars movie, "Star Wars: Starfighter," started shooting on Thursday (Aug. 28th) in the U.K.  Lucasfilm marked the ocassion by releasing an image of star Ryan Gosling and new cast member, Flynn Gray, in front of a speeder.  Lucasfilm also revealed the latest additions to the cast.  Including Flynn Gray, they are Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.  The film is being directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Gosling. Mia Goth and Matt Smith were already revealed to be in the cast, playing villains.

From Deadline:  Matt Smith ("Doctor Who") will star alongside Ryan Gosling as a villain in the "Star Wars" film, "Star Wars: Starfighter," which is scheduled for a 2027 release.

----------------------------------------

Link-o-Rama 2025.

Link-o-Rama 2024.

-----------------------------------------

STAR WARS Movie Reviews:

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars"
From Negromancer:  "The Empire Strikes Back"
From Negromancer:  "Return of the Jedi"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008 animated film)
From Negromancer:  "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
From Negromancer:  "Solo: A Star Wars Story" 

I Reads You "Star Wars Central" comics and graphic novel review page is here.

----------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 1st to 11th, 2026 - UPDATE #11

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

STAGE - From Deadline:  Dwayne Johnson says that he has been working on a revival of the Broadway classic, "The Odd Couple," with friend Kevin Hart has his costar.  "The Odd Couple" is a play written by the late Neil Simon (1927-2018) that premiered on Broadway in 1965.

EMMYS - From Variety:  The nominations for the 2026 / 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS).  Honoring the best of American primetime television, the eligibility period covers June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.  The winners of the 78th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be announced September 5 and 6, 2026.  The winners at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced during a ceremony on September 14, 2026.  The HBO Max medical drama, "The Pitt," leads with 25 nominations.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Jennifer Beals, Jacqueline Byers, Shane Harper, and Devin Druid are join LL Cool J and Scott Caan in "NCIS: New York."

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director, co-writer, producer, and star Bradley Cooper's "Ocean's Eleven" prequel, adds new cast.  Joining the film are Vicky Krieps, Omar Sy, George Mackay, and Lauren Ridloff.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 7/3 to 7/5/2026 weekend box office is Universal/Illumination Entertainment's "Minions & Monsters" with an estimated take of 36.4 million dollars.

AMAZON-MGM - From TheWrap:  Michael Mann will start shooting "Heat 2," the prequel and sequel to his 1995 film, "Heat," in November.  Christian Bale will play "Vincent Hanna," the dogged LAPD Robbery Homicide detective played by Al Pacino in the original film, while Leonard DiCaprio will play Chris Shiherlis, who was played by the late Val Kilmer.  The film was picked up by Amazom MGM Studios after Warner Bros. dropped out because of the film's budget.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  The recent Ryan Gosling super-hit, "Project Hail Mary," arrives on Amazon Prime Video Friday, July 3rd, 2026.

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Revered film actor and five-time Emmy nominated television actor, Danny Glover, has revealed that he has been living with Alzheimer's disease for the past few years.  In an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, Glover revealed that he was diagnosed shortly before he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which bestows the Academy Awards/Oscars.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Director David Robert Mitchell is prepping "They Follow," the sequel to his 2014 horror film, "It Follows."  His composer on the original film, Disasterpeace," is returning for the sequel.

OBITS:

From THR:  The American television, film, and theater actor, Randolph Mantooth, has died at the age of 80, Thursday, July 9, 2026.  Mantooth was best known for the role of "Johnny Gage," on the former NBC action-adventure, medical drama, "Emergency!" (1972-77), and in six TV movies based on the series in 1978 and 1979.  He was a prolific guest star in numerous TV series from the 1970s into the 2000s.  Mantooth also had roles in several daytime soap operas, including two stints on the former ABC soap opera, "Loving" (1987-90, 1993-95).  He also appeared in "General Hospital" and "As the World Turns."

From Variety:  Welsh singer, songwriter, and recording artist, Bonnie Tyler, has died at the age of 75, Wednesday, July 8, 2026.  Tyler is best known for her 1983 #1 hit, "Total Eclipse of the Heart," and "Holding Out for a Hero," which was included on the soundtrack of the 1984 hit film, "Footloose."  Her other big U.S. hit was the 1977 single, "It's a Heartache."  Tyler was a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

From People:  American television producer and writer, Wilford Lloyd Baumes, has died at the age of 86, Sunday, June 28, 2026.  Baumes created the long-running former ABC romantic comedy-drama, "The Love Boat" (1977-86).  Baumes was also a producer on Season 1 of the former ABC superhero drama, "Wonder Woman" (1976-77) and an executive producer on the first six episodes of Season 2 (1977).

---------------

Comics Review: 2026 "SAVAGE TALES #1" is the Sh*t if I Do Say So Myself

SAVAGE TALES #1 (2026)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Mariano Benitez Chapo; Pasqual Qualano; Sebastian Piriz

COLORS: Ome Remalante, Jr.

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

COVER: Bjorn Barends

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Bjorn Barends

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (April 2026)

Rated Teen+

Savage Tales is the title of an anthology comic book series that has been used by both Dynamite Entertainment and Marvel Comics (twice).  Dynamite recently brought its version back as a series of occasionally-published one-shots.

The 2026 edition of Savage Tales #1 has four short stories, all written by David Avallone, a master of the comics short story.  These stories feature Gullivar of Mars (“His War Chapter Four” drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo); Red Sonja (“The Code” drawn by Pasqual Qualano); Allan Quatermain (“Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” drawn by Sebastian Piriz); and Vampirella (“The Old Country Trigger” drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo).  All four stories are colored by Ome Remalante, Jr., and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

I will summarize and review each story individually.

THE LOWDOWN:  Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is the 2026 edition of Savage Tales #1, which is one of several Savage Tales titles that I have reviewed.

Captain Gullivar of Mars: “His War: Chapter Four” by Avallone and Benitez-Chapo:

Captain Gullivar Jones is based on the character, Lt. Gulllivar Jones, that first appeared in the novel, Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation, which was written by Edwin Lester Arnold and was published in 1905.  Writer David Avallone has been reworking the character over the past few years.

“His War” finds Jones returned to Mars – 20 years after he left it to its fate – via his magic carpet, “Ditan Yunshu.  What he finds is a disaster, and his once “luminous princess” is now the embittered one-eyed Princess Heru.  Determined to fix all that went wrong because he left, Capt. Gullivar Jones must make a most amazing journey – one that may well become his final journey.

Avallone has a deft touch with vintage and classic characters, and because of author Edwin Lester Arnold's influence on the science fiction sub-genre, “planetary romance,” Gullivar Jones is both vintage and classic.  I thought “His War: Chapter Three” was Avallone's best work at that point in the serial, but for Chapter Four, I must use the phrase “blown away.”  I am honestly blown away by Chapter Four, which finds Avallone unleashing 16 pages of thrill, chills, and savage surprises.

Artist Benitez Chapo's storytelling is a two-fisted celebration of old-timey science fiction.  Chapo offers aggression, passion, and determination, and it all explodes off the pages thanks to Omi Remalante, Jr's raw coloring.  The experience of reading this reminds me of why I like comics because Avallone and Chapo left me feeling dazed.  I felt cross-eyes after reading this true adventure gem.

Red Sonja: “The Code” by Avallone and Qualano:

“The Code” opens in the city of “Bukhrosha” on the evening of the second day of the “Bukhroshan Revolution.”  A man referring to himself as a merchant hires Red Sonja to get him out of the city, which is in the throes of a murderous rampages against the nobility.  But there is more to this merchant's story, and it will test the She-Devil with a Sword's fidelity to “the code.”

David Avallone is good at Red Sonja – really damn good.  When I read his Sonja stories, I feel the experience of reading about a genuine female character with as much depth of character and emotion as she has skill with a blade.  Pasqual Qualano's beautiful art and storytelling is clever, brutal, and lethal without slathering on violence.  I enjoyed the hell out of reading “The Code.”

"Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” by Avallone and Piriz:

The story opens in June 1932 aboard the cargo vessel, the “SS Cyclops.”  There, Marlowe, a passenger, tells the ship's captain a tale of the legendary English big game hunter whose adventures occur in southern Africa.  Marlowe's tale is one told to him by a World War I German soldier whose military unit finds itself in conflict with that great hunter, Allan Quatermain, after they seek refuge in his South African estate.

“Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” is one of the best stories featuring the character that I have ever read.  Once again, Avallone proves that he is as deft with Victorian characters as he is with vintage American pulp characters.  Sebastian Piriz's art creates a ghost story so potent that I thought I was being dragged into the Germans' tragic fate.  What a powerful tale, y'all.  I'm horny for it.

Vampirella: “The Old Country Trigger” by Avallone and Benitez-Chapo:

“The Old Country Trigger” opens in New York City where NYPD Officer Ana Reyes seeks help from Vampirella.  The target is John Trigger a.k.a. “The Old Country Trigger,” and he's a vampire.  Officer Reyes wants Vampirella's help in destroying Trigger, but, of course, it is going to be just a tad bit more complicated than even Vampirella expects.

Avallone and Mariano Benitez-Chapo do the buddy-cop thing with “The Old Country Trigger,” and honestly, I'd like to see Vampirella and Ana Reyes team-up again.  Here, writer and artist are macabre dance partners in producing this delightful performance of dark fantasy storytelling.  In fact, I could see it in a longer form as a graphic novel.  They give this narrative, the characters, and the settings room to breath and to move and groove.  This is a gem of a short story.

If I had to reluctantly pick my favorite story in Savage Tales #1 (2026), it would indeed be a reluctant process.  As I don't have to, let's have fun with it, dear readers.  I'm going with “Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” as my favorite in this box of dazzling tales.  Still, I think you, dear readers, should buy a copy of this comic book and decide for yourself.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of anthology comic books who are looking for a collection full of great stories will want to read Savage Tales #1 (2026).

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

------------------

A Negromancer July 2026

Welcome to July 2026. Welcome to Negromancer 2.0.  This is the rebirth of the Negromancer, the former movie review site, as a movie review and entertainment and culture news blog.

All images and text appearing on this blog are © copyright and/or trademarks of their respective owners.

While you're at it, have AnotherCookie.

--------------------------

Also, my first original graphic novel, THE WRATH OF KARAPACE: A BIG SPIRITS EPIC, which is published by Candle Light Press.  Co-created by Carter J. Allen, (Warning Comics), The Wrath of Karapace is now on sale at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

Other online shops that are selling "The Wrath of Karapace" include the following:

- AmazonUK;

- Bookshop.org;

- ElmStreetBooks;

- the German book shop, OrrellFussli;

- Powells.com;

- Russell Books.com;

- SuperBookDeals.com;

- Walmart online.

Of note, The Wrath of Karapace is also available on eBay from a few different sellers.

---------------

"The Wrath of Karapace" also a "Google Books" listing.

--------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 21st to 30th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

STREAMING - From Deadline:  After several weeks of rumors, backstage drama, firings, etc., Tom Hardy is returning for Season 3 of the Paramount+ crime drama, "MobLand."

BUSINESS - From THR:  Comcast has announced plans to separate its tech business from NBCUniversal, including its European media business, "Sky."  The move, which will take place in 2027, will create two companies  Last year, Comcast did a spinoff of NBCUniversal's cable units, including CNBC and MSNBC, into a new company, Versant.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/26 to 6/28/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 5" with an estimated take 70 million dollars.

NETFLIX - From Variety:  Once at odds, "Stranger Things" star, Millie Bobbi Brown and David Harbour will reunite for a new Netflix series about father-daughter spies. The new series comes from Jack Thorne, the creator of Netflix hits, "Adolescence" and "Lord of the Flies."

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Focus Features has dropped a first-look image of star Aaron Taylor-Johnson in director Robert Eggers' "Werwulf," which is due Dec. 25th, 2026.

AMAZON - From Deadline:  Deadline's rumor column, "The Dish," says that the next round of auditions to choose an actor to play "James Bond" for Amazon MGM Studios and director Denis Villeneuve takes place in August 2026.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/19 to 6/21/2026 weekend box office is Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story 5" with an estimated take of 160 million dollars.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Peacock has given a straight-to-series order to "Dungeon Crawler Carl," a live-action series adaptation of Matt Dinniman’s popular science fantasy "LitRPG" (role-playing game) books of the same title. The project comes from Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door and Universal Global Television. Dinniman, who serves as co-executive producer on the series, announced the pickup on social media.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American visual effects artist, Jeff Olson, has died at the age of 77, Sunday, June 21, 2026.  Olson is best known for his work with Industrial Light and Magic (ILM).  Olson started at ILM in 1985 and early on was a model maker on such films as "Howard the Duck" (1986), "Willow" (1988), "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988), and "Ghostbusters II" (1989), to name a few.  Olson received his first "visual effects producer" credit on "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), and received the credit on such films as "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999), "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" (2003), "Eragon" (2006), and "Star Trek" (2009), to name a few.  Olson left ILM in 2009.

From RollingStone:  American music and record executive and record producer, Clive Davis, has died at the age of 94, Monday, June 22, 2026.  Clive Davis founded Arista Records and J Records  He helped shape the careers of legendary recording artists such as Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, and Alicia Keys, to name a few.  As a record producer, Davis won five Grammy Awards, including "Album of the Year" (1994) for Whitney Houston's "The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album" (1992).  Davis was inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" in 2000 as a non-performer.

--------------

Comics Writer Austin Allen Hamblin Talks "BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS" Collection

An Austin Allen Hamblin Interview by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. “I Reads You”

Austin Allen Hamblin is a comic book creator, writer, journalist, and publisher.  He has self-published a number of his comics works, including “The Adventures of Punk and Rock" (2014-16) and “Smile if You Farted" (2021-25).  Hamblin has also appeared in the “Stairway Anthology” from Image Comics/Top Cow Productions (2020) and “Wizerd #2” from Cosmic Lion Productions (2022).  He and I both had work in Carter Allen's “Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1” from Candle Light Press (2022).

July 22, 2026 sees the release of the “BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS” trade paperback (Source Point Press), which collects Hamblin's three-issue miniseries, “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks” (Band of Bards).  It was written by Hamblin; drawn and colored by Mariana Meira; and lettered by John Ira Thomas.  The final order cutoff (FOC) date for the TPB in comic book shops is Monday, June 29, 2026.  I have included the order numbers below this Q&A.

Hamblin consented to answer a few questions for a “Negromancer Q&A.”

-------------------------

I READS YOU:  Austin, please introduce yourself to readers.

HAMBLIN:  I am a staff writer at CBR. I have written comics for Image Comics, Source Point Press, Cosmic Lion Productions, Orange Cone Productions, and Candle Light Press.  I'm just a guy from small town Iowa who loves comic books and is too stubborn to quit making them. I like to make weird off-the-wall fun comics.

I READS YOU: What are the plot, settings, and characters of “BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECK” (BGSR)?

HAMBLIN:  The short version is that aliens are abducting rednecks and forcing them into laser gun gladiatorial combat for inter-gatical cable's newest hit show “Big Guns Stupid Rednecks.” 

It is really a story about two brothers. Retired detective Clint looks into his white trash brother Clay's disappearance only to get abducted and find out Clay is the reigning BGSR champion with 27 kills.

I READS YOU:  I like everything about BGSR, especially the twist that really upends the hero/villain dynamic. When you were developing BGSR, what did you think readers would like the most?

HAMBIN:  Really the main thing I wanted was to catch people off guard and hope they have fun while reading it. Don't get me wrong. I love life-changing stories, but sometimes you just need to shut your brain off and enjoy some cool fights. What happens in Clint and Clay's fight is something people either love or hate, and there is no wrong answer. 

I READS YOU:  Artist-colorist Mariana Meira's clean storytelling and graphic design makes BGSR seem like both a traditional science fiction tale and a modern video game thriller.  Did Meira's storytelling affect how you developed the series?

HAMBLIN:  For sure. When we did the single issues I had a pitch, but no script. So when we ended up together and started chatting I was able to put in things I knew she would be excited about. I'm totally OK with things being changed from my script as long as it makes the comic better. She came back to me with some different ideas a few times which made it into the finished comic.

I READS YOU:  Is there a future for the BGSR? Why or why not?

HAMBLIN:  This is an interesting question for sure. There are definitely more stories which can be told in this universe. I don't see us ever diving back into Clint or Clay's story again (though they may appear), but there are ideas. Really it's just a matter of the right timing. Mari was doing an art restoration program in Italy which she just got back from. She's busy, and I've been doing my thing making comics and writing for Comic Book Resources. It will happen for sure, but nothing is in the works right now.

I READS YOU:  What upcoming work can readers can expect from you?

HAMBLIN:  Nothing I can talk about... yet.

I READS YOU:  Thank you, Austin. Below is all the information you need to help you purchase the Big Guns Stupid Rednecks trade paperback and get to know Austin Allen Hamblin.

-------------------------

LUNAR DISTRIBUTORS' LISTING FOR “BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECK” TPB:

(W) Austin Allen Hamblin (A) Mariana Meira (L) John Ira Thomas (CA) Kurt Belcher

After a string of unexplained disappearances in the southern parts of the United States, retired detective Clint searches for his white trash brother. While trying to solve the mystery of his brother's disappearance, Clint ends up being abducted... by aliens! He is now in the arena for Big Guns, Stupid Rednecks, intergalactic cable's newest hit show, which puts humans in blaster gun gladiatorial combat, and his brother is the reigning champion with 27 kills! From the minds of Austin Allen Hamblin and Mariana Meira, BIG GUNS, STUPID REDNECKS is a fast-paced social commentary full of rednecks blowing each other up with lasers. This trade paperback collects, for the first time ever, all three issues of the hit indie comic with loads of new bonus material.

Retail: $19.99

Initial Due Date: 5/28/2026

FOC Date: 6/29/2026

In-Store Date: 7/22/2026

ISBN: 9798888760468

Page Count: 100

Product Code: 0526PP1136

Dear readers, the Big Guns Stupid Rednecks trade paperback collection arrives July 22, 2026. The final order cutoff for comic book shops is June 29, 2026.

The order number for stores that get their comic books from Lunar Distribution is 0526PP1136.

The order number for stores that get their comic books from Universal Distribution is PRA04260007.

There is also a signed edition of the Big Guns Stupid Rednecks trade paperback autographed by writer Austin Allen Hamblin that is available at Starfighter Comics:  https://www.starfightercomics.com/.]

You can visit all of Austin Allen Hamblin's pertinent websites via his Linktree page:  https://linktr.ee/austinallenhamblin.  Hamblin continues to writer for CBR and you can find that work on his CBR profile page: https://www.cbr.com/author/austin-hamblin/.

Review: Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #1

Review: Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #2

Review: Big Guns Stupid Rednecks #3

BIG GUNS STUPID REDNECKS PREVIEW PAGES:

THE END

------------------------------

Review: "CRIME 101" is an L.A. Crime Film Delight

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 8 of 2026 (No. 2056) by Leroy Douresseaux

Crime 101 (2026)

Running time:  140 minutes (2 hours, 20 minutes)

Rating:  MPA – R for language throughout, some violence and sexual material/nudity

DIRECTOR:  Bart Layton

WRITER:  Bart Layton (based on the novella by Don Winslow)

PRODUCERS:  Bart Layton, Tim Bevan, Dimitri Doganis, Eric Fellner, Benjamin Grayson, Chris Hemsworth, Shane Salerno, and Derrin Schlesinger

CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Erik Alexander Wison (D.o.P.)

EDITORS:  Julian Hart and Jacob Secher Schulsinger

COMPOSER:  Blanck Mass

ACTION/THRILLER

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tate Donovan, and Corey Hawkins, with Nick Nolte and Halle Berry

SUMMARY OF THE REVIEW:

Crime 101 is one of the most beautifully photographed films that I have seen in the last several years. Los Angeles looks a jewel

Writer-director Bart Layton gets the best from his four leads: Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry. This quartet make their character's desires and problems seem genuine

Crime 101 is a true modern Neo-Noir film and a very special L.A. crime story 

Crime 101 is a 2026 crime thriller and drama film from writer-director Bart Layton.  The film is based based on “Crime 101,” one of six interconnected novellas from Broken, a 2020 book from author Don Winslow.  Crime 101 the film focuses on an elusive thief whose last big score connects him to an insurance broker, a relentless detective, and a violent young biker

Crime 101 opens in Los Angeles, the home and base of operations of four people about to be violently brought together.  Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is an elusive and disciplined jewel thief, carefully planning robberies to avoid violence and leaving DNA evidence behind him.  However, Mike finally runs into a complication during a jewelry heist that almost costs him his life.  Sensing that Mike might be finished because of this close call, his fence, “Money” (Nick Nolte), enlists a violent young biker, Ormond (Barry Keoghan), to replace him.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) has been tracking a series of unsolved robberies and links Mike's diamond theft to these unsolved cases.  Although few in the LAPD accept Lou's theory that a lone suspect is responsible for these crimes, Lou sticks to his theories and becomes obsessed with catching Mike.

Meanwhile, high-end insurance broker, Sharon Coombs (Halle Berry), discovers that her boss has found a new star broker, a woman who is way younger than Sharon's age of 53-years-old.  Mike is using a hacker to get information on Sharon in the hopes of finding his next big hit, a multi-million dollar heist that will be his final score before retiring.  Mike, Ormond, Lou, and Sharon will come together in an explosive confrontation that will not have a happy ending for everyone.

When I find a movie that I think would work better as a television series – such as 2009's Brooklyns Finest, I usually end up not being crazy about that film.  I think writer-director Bart Layton's Crime 101 would make an excellent TV series, but I am also crazy about Layton's film.  It is a true Los Angeles crime story that takes the good, the bad, and the mundane of the L.A. and transform it into a riveting, entertaining, and beautiful film.  Yes, I would be repulsed and scared if I saw the crimes depicted in this film played out in real life.  This is cinema, however, and Crime 101 is so gloriously thrilling that it is the kind of cinema that draws me into its world.

[I suspect the film's source material, Don Winslow's “Crime 101” novella, is probably quite a good read.  However, I've never read any of Winslow's work.]

Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry have all played famous Marvel Comics characters in several films, and that is one of many reasons I love all three.  Seeing Hemsworth and Berry on screen together is heavenly; damn, they'd make a pretty baby.  Then, getting Ruffalo paired with Berry or Hemsworth in various scenes is enough to make love Crime 101 even if it were trash.  Thankfully, it isn't treasure instead of trash.

Add in Barry Keoghan giving another one of his wacky-ass turns, and Crime 101 has a star quartet that turn Crime 101 into Neo-Noir, character-drama gem.  These four performers give their characters' highs and lows dramatic heft.  At first, I didn't think I'd buy into these characters, but as this narrative came together, the star cast, which includes two Oscar nominees (Ruffalo and Keoghan) and one Oscar winner (Berry), made me believe in them and their motivations.

I'd hate to ruin this film for those who have not seen it, but I thoroughly enjoyed Crime 101.  The experience of watching it was a series of thrills and chills, as I always expected something to suddenly snuff out the lives of character to whom I'd grown attached.  Plus, watching the film editor, director of photography, make-up and hair crew, costume department, and composer deliver super work really made me appreciate what film industry professionals can do.  So I heartily recommend Bart Layton's L.A. diamond, Crime 101.

A

8 of 10

★★★★ out of 4 stars

Sunday, June 21, 2026

The text is copyright © 2026 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved.  Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------------

------------------------

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 14th to 20th, 2026 - UPDATE #7

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Focus Features has released a first-look image from director Robert Eggers' upcoming film, "Werwulf."  Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily Rose Depp, who starred in Eggers 2024 film, "Nosferatu," "Werwulf" is due December 25, 2026.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  At the opening night of the "Bentonville Film Festival," Oscar-winner Geena Davis told "Deadline" that she would very much like to make a sequel to her cult 1996 action film, "The Long Kiss Goodnight." The film was directed by her then husband, Renny Harlin, and written by bad-boy screenwriter, Shane Black.  Her co-star in the film, Samuel L. Jackson is apparently also interested in a sequel.

MEDIA - From APNews:  Fox Corp. is buying streaming pioneer, Roku, in a cash and stock deal worth 22 billion, including debt.  There will be no immediate changes to how Roku operates, according to statements from both companies.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/12 to 6/14/2026 weekend box office is Universal's "Disclosure Day" with an estimated take of 44 million dollars.

CELEBRITY - From WorldofReel:  Emmy-winner Seth Rogen says he has no plans to work with his long-time and currently disgraced buddy, actor and Oscar-nominee, James Franco.  Rogen says that he hasn't spoken to Franco in a long time.

OBITS:

From Variety:  American television director, James Burrows, has died at the age of 85, Friday, June 19, 2026.  Burrows is best known as the preeminent director of TV series and as the co-creator of the former NBC sitcom, "Cheers" (1982-93).  Burrows was nominated for almost 50 Primetime Emmy Awards, and he won 11.  He won five of those for directing such TV series, as "Taxi," Cheers," and "Fraser."  Burrows also directed episodes of "The Bob Newhart Show," "Friends," "Will & Grace," and "Mike & Molly," to name a few.

From Deadline:  American film and television actress and voice performer, Daveigh Chase, has died at the age of 35, Tuesday, June 16, 2026.  Chase may be best known for performing the voice of "Lilo Pelekai" in Disney's 2002 animated hit, "Lilo & Stitch."  Chase performed Lilo's voice in various "Lilo & Stitch" spinoffs until 2006, including for the former ABC Saturday morning animated series, "Lilo & Stitch: The Series" (2003-06).  Chase is also known for providing the voice for "Chihiro Ogino" in the English dub of the Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning animated film, "Spirited Away" (2002).  Chase's best known live-action role may be as the ghostly killer, "Samara Morgan," in the film, "The Ring" (2002).

From Deadline:  American film and television actor, voice performer, and stand-up comedian, Ronnie Schell, has died at the age of 94, Friday, June 12, 2026.  He is best remembered for the role of U.S. Marine private, "Duke Slater," on the former CBS sitcom, "Gomer Pyle - USMC" (1964-69).  In the middle of that time, Schell has his own CBS sitcom, the single-season, "Good Morning World" (1967-68), co-starring with Joby Baker.  From there, Schell provided voices for such animated series as "Goober and the Ghost Chasers" (ABC), "Fred Flintstone and Friends" (syndicated, 1977-78), "Battle of the Planets" (1978), and "Rugrats" (1922), to name a few.  Schell guest-starred in such TV series as "Sanford and Son," "Alice," and "The Golden Girls," to name a few.

-----------

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 7th to 13th, 2026 - UPDATE #8

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

SPORTS - From YahooSports:  Tonight (Sat., June 13th), the New York Knicks are the 2025-26 National Basketball Association (NBA) Champions.  They defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 in San Antonio, Texas to win the best-of-seven series 4 games to 1.  This is the Knicks first NBA Championship since 1973.

MEDIA - From NBCNews:  According to sources, the United States Department of Justice has signed off on Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

TELEVISION - From Deadline:  AMC's hit series, "Dark Winds," is currently filming its fifth season.  John Hoogenakker and Gregory Cruz join the cast.  Season 1 actress Geraldine Keams returns for Season 5.

MOVIES - From Variety:  In an interview for his new film, "Disclosure Day," Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg said that he offered to direct a "James Bond" film early in his career as a hit maker.  However, the Bond producers at the time rejected his offers.

ACADEMY AWARDS - From Oscars:  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that its Board of Governors voted to present Academy Honorary Awards to actor Glenn Close, animator Floyd Norman, and director Ridley Scott.  The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award will be presented to producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, who together founded the independent film production company, "Killer Films" (2014's "Still Alice," 2015's "Carol"). The Oscar® statuettes will be presented at the Academy’s 17th Governors Awards event on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood, in partnership with Rolex.

From AnimationMagazine:  Pioneering Disney artist, Floyd Norman, will receive an Academy Honorary Award (Honorary Oscar) in November. Norman began his 65-year career at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1956. He was the studios first African-American animator.

------------------------

MOVIES - From ScreenRant:  Writer-director Mike Flanagan has wrapped filming of his upcoming film, "The Exorcist," which is a reboot of infamous 1973 movie.  The cast that includes Scarlett Johansson, Diane Lane, Jacobi Jupe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Laurence Fishburne, Sasha Calle, John Leguizamo, Rahul Kohli, Hamish Linklater, Benjamin Pajak, Carl Lumbly, Carla Gugino, John Gallagher Jr., Gil Bellows, Samantha Sloyan, and Kate Siegel.  Due to be released March 12, 2027, this new film will tell a new standalone story that is meant to relaunch "The Exorcist" horror franchise rather than being a direct sequel to previous installments.

BOX OFFICE - BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 6/5 to 6/7/2026 weekend box office is Paramount's "Scary Movie" with an estimated take of 55 million dollars.

TELEVISION - From Parade:  In addition to cancelling "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "The Neighborhood," CBS has also cancelled "DMV" after one season and "Watson" after two seasons.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from June 1st to 6th, 2026 - UPDATE #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like this, MOVIES PAGE, and BUY something(s).

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

-------------------

NEWS:

CELEBRITY - From Variety:  Emmy-winning actor and voice performer Keith David received his star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame," and looks back on his extensive career in film, television, and theatre.

TELEVISION - From Variety:  DEI political hire and unqualified blogger skeez, Bari Weiss, defends firing real journalist Scott Pelley from the venerable CBS New program, "60 Minutes."  Weiss is currently cos-playing as the editor-in-chief of CBS News.

MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Director Dito Montiel ("Riff Raff") is set to direct a biopic of Gene Wilder ("Young Frankenstein," "Blazing Saddles"), which is approved by the Wilder estate.  Wilder, who died in 2016 at the age of 83, was actor, comedian, author, screenwriter, and filmmaker.  Wilder was twice nominated for an Academy Award and also won a Primetime Emmy in 2003.

AMAZON - From Variety:  In an exclusive story, "Variety" is reporting that Amazon will not go forward development of a new "Stargate" television series.  The new show was to guided by writer and executive producer, and showrunner, Martin Gero, who was a writer on the former series, "Stargate: SG-1" (1997-2007) and "Stargate; Atlantis" (2004-09).  All "Stargate" media is based on the 1194 film, "Stargat."

MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Clint Eastwood's son, Kyle Eastwood, confirms that his Oscar-winning father, who is 95, is retiring from filmmaking.

MOVIES - From WorldofReel:  Oscar-winner Joel Coen's mysterious "Jack of Spades" film is apparently due in 2026.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 5/29 to 5/31/2026 weekend box office is A24's "Backrooms" with an estimated take of 81.45 million dollars.

OBITS:

From BBC:  The English film, television, and stage actor, voice performer, and singer, Anthony Head, had died at the age of 72, Monday, June 1, 2026.  Head is best known for the role of "Rupert Giles" on The WB's former teen supernatural teen drama, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997-2003). Head recently gained acclaim as "Rupert Mannion" on Apple TV+'s sports drama, "Ted Lasso" (2020-23).  He voiced "Alfred Pennyworth" in the animated film, "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" (2018), and he was "Benedict," a monk in "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" (2011).

From Deadline:  The French and Iranian film director, graphic novelist, comics creator, and children's book author, Marjane Satrapi, has died at the age of 56, Thursday, June 4, 2026.  Satrapi was best known as the author of the autobiographical graphic novel series, "Persepolis."  The first volume of Persepolis was published by L'Association in 2000. "Persepolis: The Story of Childhood Vol. 1" was published in 2003 by Pantheon.  She was also known for her 2006 graphic novel, "Chicken with Plums."  Satrapi co-directed an animated feature film adaptation of "Persepolis" (2007), which earned an Oscar-nomination for "Best Animated Feature."  Among her live-action films was also an adaptation of "Chicken with Plums" (2011).

From Variety:  American singer and songwriter, Peabo Bryson, has died at the age of 75, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.  Bryson is best known for his duets with a number of singers, who preceded him in death, such as Natalie Cole, Robert Flack, and Cissy Houston, Luther Vandross.  Bryson's best known duets are connected to the soundtracks to legendary Disney animated feature films.  He sang the song, "Beauty and the Beast" (from "Beauty and the Beast") with Celine Dion.  He sang "A Whole New World" (from "Aladdin") with Regina Belle, which reached No. 1 on "Billboard's" "Hot 100" chart.  Both of his Disney records with Dion and Flack won the Grammy Award for "Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals."  Bryson was nominated six other times for a Grammy Award.

From ESPN:  Former professional basketball player and coach, Rick Adelman, had died at the age of 76, Monday, June 1, 2026.  After playing collegiate basketball for Loyola Marymount (1965-98), Adelman was drafted in to the National Basketball Association (NBA) the San Diego Rockets (now Houston Rockets).  He played for five teams over seven seasons.  Adelman's career as an NBA coach began as an assistant with the Portland Trailblazers in 1983 before becoming the head coach in 1989.  Adelman remained the Blazers coach until 1994 and during that time, they won the Western Conference Championship twice, before losing in the finals (1990 to the Detroit Pistons; 1992 to the Chicago Bulls).  Adelman would also coach the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before he retired in 2014.  Adelman was inducted into the "Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame" in 2021.

---------------