Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 25th to 31st, 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 to join Prime Video, or to BUY something(s).

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

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NEWS:

STREAMING - From Deadline:  HBO Max has released a surprise episde of "It: Welcome to Derry" for Halloween.  The episode is entitled "The Story of Derry."

HARRY POTTER - From Variety:  Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn have been cast as "James Potter" and "Lily Potter," respectively, in Season 1 of HBO Max's "Harry Potter" TV series, which is dubbed "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."  Harry Gilby will play "Charlie Weasley," a character left out of Warner Bros' 2001-2011 Harry Potter film series.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 10/23 to 10/25/2026 weekend box office is Warner Bros/DC Studios' "Clayface" with an estimated box office of 24 million dollars.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  When it comes to nepotism, at least Sylvester Stallone is honest about his daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone, being on "Tulsa King."

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The English film, television, and stage actor, Patrick Stewart, has died at the age of 86, Wednesday, October 28, 2026.  Stewart was best known for the role of "Captain Jean-Luc Picard" on the former syndicated sci-fi TV series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987-94); on the subsequent "Star Trek: TNG" (1994-2002); and on the former Paramount+ "Star Trek" streaming series, "Picard" (2020-23).  Stewart is also famous for playing the role of "Professor Charles Xavier/Professor X" in the 20th Century Fox's "X-Men" film series, beginning with 2000's "X-Men."  Stewarts received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations; three Grammy Award nominations, winning one; and one Tony Award nomination.  He was nominated five times for the "Laurence Olivier Awards, winning twice.

From Deadline:  Patrick Stewart: a career in photos

From Deadline:  Patrick Stewart's "Star Trek," "X-Men," and Marvel colleagues remember him after his passing. Statements come from Ian McKellan, Hugh Jackman, and Marvel Studios boss, Kevin Feige, to name a few.

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From People:  The American actor and country music singer and songwriter, John "Bobby" Wright, has died at the age of 84, Tuesday, October 27, 2026.  Wright was the only son of country singer-songwriter, Johnnie Wright and pioneering country music singer, Kitty Wells, the first woman to have a No. 1 country single.  Bobby's biggest country hit was 1971's "Here I Go Again."  Bobby also starred in the former ABC sitcom, "McHale's Navy" (1962-66), and its two spinoff film, "McHale's Navy (1964) and McHale's Navy Joins the Airforce (1965). Bobby was the last surviving cast member of "McHale's Navy."

From Deadline:  Hungarian-British film and television director, Peter Medak, has died at the age of 88, Tuesday, October 27, 2026.  Medak was best known for such films as "The Ruling Class" (1972), the cult horror film, "The Changeling" (1980), "The Krays" (1990) and "Romeo is Bleeding" (1993), to name a few. Medak's TV work's includes directing several episodes of Showtime's "Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre" and of CBS' 1985 revival of "The Twilight Zone."  He was also a director for such TV series as "The Wire," "Breaking Bad," and "Hannibal," to name a few.

From Deadline:  American film and television actor, Susan Saint James, has died at the age of 80, Monday, October 26, 2026.  James is best known for her work on three TV series  The first is the former NBC series, "The Name of the Game" (1968-71).  She was also known for her appearances as "Sally McMillan" in the former NBC detective series, "McMillan & Wife" (1971–76).  Her longest run was as "Kate McArdle" on the former CBS sitcom "Kate & Allie" (1984-89).  She was nominated for her work on all three series, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for "The Name of the Game" in 1969

From Deadline:   American film and television actor, screenwriter, and author, Walter Koenig, has died at the age of 90, Sunday, October 25, 2026.  Koenig was best known for the role of "Pavel Chekov" on the former NBC sci-fi drama, "Star Trek" (1967-69).  He reprised the role in the original "Star Trek" film franchise (1979-91), and in the 1994 start of the second film series, "Star Trek: Generations" (1994).  Koenig appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1996), and made a voice cameo in Paramount+'s "Star Trek: Picard (2023).  As a screenwriter, Koenig wrote for such TV series as "Star Trek: The Animated Series," "Land of the Lost," and "Family."

From Deadline:  Canadian voice actor and animator, Eric Bauza, has died at the age of 46, Sunday, October 25, 2026.  He was nominated for four Daytime Emmy Awards.  He was also for four Children's and Family and Emmy Awards, winning three of them.  Bauza was a prolific voice performer and was the most recent actor to give voice to "Bugs Bunny" and "Daffy Duck," doing so in the 2026 release "Coyote vs. Acme."

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Review: SilverScreen Blog Says "KLARA AND THE SUN" Has Annoying Quirkiness

"SilverScreen Blog" is a WordPress blog where you, dear readers, will frequently find reviews of the latest movies. Here is a recent review:

KLARA AND THE SUN (2026):

Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun revolves around Klara (Jenna Ortega), an Artificial Friend created to be a companion for youths in their awkward, gawky teen years. She’s an outdated model, yearning to be bought as the store across the road exhibits fresher, trendier Artificial Friends, and if nobody buys her soon, she’ll be relegated to the scrapheap.

Luckily for Klara, Josie (Mia Tharia) instantly clicks with her despite her mother’s objections. They bond, becoming thick as thieves. Josie and her mum live in a house miles from anywhere; aside from Klara, she only has one true pal, Rick (Aran Murphy). In the future, kids can have their intelligence enhanced through a process called ‘lifting’. Josie is one of the "lifted," isolating her even further.

Continue reading for FREE at SilverScreen Blog.

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Comics Review: "LOST IN THE WOODS #1" is Ready to Be Found

LOST IN THE WOODS #1

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS

STORY: John Ira Thomas

ART: Will Grant

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

28pp, B&W, $5.00 U.S. (2026)

Chapter #1: “Changes”

Lost in the Woods is a horror comic book series from writer John Ira Thomas (Man is Vox) and artist Will Grant (Mandallumins).  It is currently being serialized before eventually being collected as a graphic novel.  It is a sequel or follow-up to the horror and dark fantasy graphic novel, Lost in the Wash (2013).

Lost in the Woods #1 ("Changes") is set in the town of Francisco, Colorado, a name the residents changed to “Isco,” in order to remove the suggestion of “France” from the town’s name.  We meet Sheriff Terisa Salazar, the sheriff of Centennial County, and her partner, Aurora, who performs as a stripper under the name, “Laurelia Capoblanco.”

The incident involving Darin Miles, his Uncle Sal Miles' “Laundromat,” and the wyrd in the form of a “water snake” still hangs over Isco.  Well, corporate employee, Torsten Green, is about to be the new cloud hanging over Isco when he discovers that his favorite entertainment is no longer available.

THE LOWDOWN:  When I first read Lost in the Wash – during its serialization, I found that it reminded me of the horror comics published by Warren Publishing and, especially, by EC Comics.  I thought that the team of writer John Ira Thomas and artist Will Grant as a 21st century iteration of EC's Harvey Kurtzman-Graham Ingels team-up.  If EC Comics had published graphic novels, I think that they were more likely to look like Lost in the Wash than look like any horror or dark fantasy titles from Vertigo or IDW Publishing.

The weirdness of the sequel, Lost in the Woods, shambles into modern times with the disquiet of 21st century horror anthology television series like Showtime/Starz's “Masters of Horror” (2005-07), NBC/Lionsgate's “Fear Itself” (2008), and Quibi's “50 States of Fright” (2020).

In a general sense, horror is sometimes about finding the right benediction and clove of garlic combo that could save a victim from the cosmic horror of old gods or the blood lust of monsters.  Sometimes, it seems as if recent horror fiction accepts the existence of bad things, so a story's characters' attitudes should be like the motto of the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments – survive and advance.

So this early in the story, I can't make any substantive analysis.  However, I can say that Will Grant's cover art for Lost in the Woods #1 looks like a wood engraving.  It is the doorway to a comic book narrative composed of sentient shadows shifting at play as if they are building their own theatrical stage.  What beautiful and meaningful art, and it preps the invitation from John Ira Thomas to prepare to survive and advance whatever darkness is to come.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Lost in the Wash will want to read Lost in the Woods #1.

A

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

LOST IN THE WASH is available at comic book conventions, shows, and expos where Candle Light Press appears.

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

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Review: SilverScreen Blog" Really Likes the Bold Vision of "CLAYFACE"

"SilverScreen Blog" is a WordPress blog where you, dear readers, will frequently find reviews of the latest movies. Here is a recent review:

CLAYFACE (2026):

We’re only three films into James Gunn and Peter Safran’s revived DC cinematic universe. The first two flicks were strong superhero diversions featuring Superman and Supergirl. This third picture, Clayface, breaks the mold. It’s a genre film; a foray into body horror. It’s a bold choice; a risky move so early on in this cinematic universe. Not even the MCU has done anything such as this – and they’re 38 movies in and, more often that not, a moneymaker. They can afford to take a risk like this and be able to bounce back if it fails. Make no mistake – this is rated R. Not a movie for kiddies. Don’t go in expecting the good guys to be victorious. We’re in a moral grey area – there are no good guys here.

I’d say the gamble pays off. Out of the kiln comes something gruesome, splattery and grotesque. Away from the pristine, polished sheen of Superman’s Metropolis, we take our first trip to Gotham City. Under James Watkins’ trusted direction, the place is fully realized; the glitz and glamour of the nightlife, the seedy crime-ridden underbelly.

Continue Reading FREE at SilverScreen Blog:

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 18th to 24th, 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 to join Prime Video, or to BUY something(s).

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

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NEWS:

BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  Warner Bros/DC Studios' "Clayface" looks like it will top the 10/23 to 10/25/2026 weekend box officel.

AMAZON - From Variety: Final screen tests for Amazon MGM Studios‘ new James Bond/007 are set to happen in the next week, sources tell "Variety," beginning as early as Friday, Oct 23rd. Who exactly will test?  Callum Turner, Jack O'Connell ("Sinners"), Josh O'Connor, Jacob Elordi, and Jack Lowden have been or are currently in the mix.

NETFLIX/DISNEY - From THR:  Netflix, Disney+, and Tubi are offering lucrative deals to YouTube creators, but YouTube is playing hardball to keep them.

MOVIES - From Deadline:  Paramount previously announced that James Wan ("The Conjuring") was set to direct a reimagining of South Korean action-crime film, "The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil"(2019, directed by Lee Won-tae), for them.  The project continues to gain steam, and "Deadline" has confirmed that Keanu Reeves has entered talks to star in the film.

NETFLIX - From WorldofReel:  Netflix has fired Dan Lin as it "chief of films," a position he assumed from previous chairman of Netflix films, Scott Stuber, in 2024.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro: The winner of the 10/16 to 10/18/2026 weekend box office is Paramount Pictures/Legendary Entertainment's "Street Fighter" with an estimated take of 31 million dollars.

MOVIES - From THR:  Sony Pictures and filmmaker Sam Mendes have been mulling some innovative ideas for the release of their four Beatles biopics — including lumping together the films’ box office returns via an April 2028 simultaneous release.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  The American film and television actor, Tom Skerritt, has died at the age of 93, Wednesday, October 21, 2026.  He appeared in over 170 film and TV productions over a 60+ year career.  Among his best known films include roles in Alien (1979), The Dead Zone (1983), Top Gun (1986), Steel Magnolias (1989), and A River Runs Through It (1992).  He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in CBS' former family drama, "Picket Fences" (1992-96) and was nominated one other time for playing "Jimmy Brock."

From Deadline:  American actor, Michael Gray, has died at the age of 75, Friday, October 16, 2026.  Gray was best known for playing the role of "Billy Batson" in the former Saturday morning, superhero, live-action series, "Shazam!" (CBS, 1974-76).  Gray also appeared in episodes of "The Little People"/"The Brian Keith Show" (NBC, 1972-74) and "The Brady Bunch."  Later, Gray would voice an animated version of himself in the adult-animated series, "Archer" (FX/FXX). 

From Deadline:  The prolific American character actor of film and television, Richard Riehle, has died at the age of 78, Thursday, October 15, 2026.  Riehle appeared in over 400 films, TV shows, and other projects.  Among his most memorable work is the role of "Tom Smykowski" in Mike Judge's comedy film, "Office Space" (1999). Riehle played "Santa Claus" in five movies, two TV shows, and one TV movie.  He also appeared in episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Star Trek: Voyager," and "Star Trek: Enterprise."

From Deadline:  American film and television writer and producer, Ron Koslow, has died at the age of 81, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, according to multiple reports that cite his family.  Koslow is best known as the creator of the former CBS fantasy-drama, "Beauty and the Beast" (1987-90).  Koslow received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the series.  Koslow was also an executive producer of the 2012-16 American-Canadian reboot of the series, entitled "Beauty & the Beast," for The CW.

From Deadline:  Canadian-born American television actor, producer, and screenwriter, Bernie Orenstein, has died at the age of 95, Monday, September, 14, 2026.  His family recently announced his passing.  He was an executive producer, producer, and/or writer on such TV series as "That Girl," "The New Dick Van Dyke Show," "What's Happening," and "Kate & Allie," to name a few.  He was a writer and producer on NBC's former sitcom, "Sanford and Son," and its spinoffs, "Grady" and "Sanford Arms."

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Review: "SilverScreen Blog" Says Stick with "DIGGER" - Once You've Started

"SilverScreen Blog" is a WordPress blog where you, dear readers, will frequently find reviews of the latest movies. Here is a recent review:

DIGGER (2026)

In a mansion, extravagantly furnished, lives Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise). He’s an oil tycoon, which explains the large accumulation of wealth. Wearing silk pajamas, he answers a call from the safety officer at his company’s oil field in Greenland. Continuous extraction has released bubbles of methane, causing an explosion that results in a gargantuan ice shelf breaking off. The ice shelf, named ‘Judy’, is on a collision course with the Norwegian coast. Digger colludes with the United States President (John Goodman) and his cabal, attempting to manipulate the truth of the situation and dig their way out.

There’s two twists in the runtime: one a little into the proceedings, the other later on. Avoid any spoilers. Though you may be aware of the polarising response the film has received. I recognise why people didn’t warm to it but I dig Iñárritu’s experimental filmmaking technique...

Continue reading at SilverScreen Blog.

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Review: "SilverScreen Blog" Calls "WHALEFALL" An Enthralling, Poignant Adventure

"SilverScreen Blog" is a WordPress blog where you, dear readers, will frequently find reviews of the latest movies. Here is a recent review:

WHALEFALL (2026)

"Austin Abrams is having a whale of a time. Between the smash hit that was Resident Evil and his latest film Whalefall, he’s proving himself to be quite the actor. Both projects involve him being the only character onscreen for the majority of the runtime so he skillfully does the heavy lifting in each.

After the death of his dad Mitt (played by Josh Brolin), Jay (Abrams) comes home from college. The two had a complex relationship. Mitt was stern, tattooed, macho; someone who was in his element when out on the water. Jay is a scrawny young fellow, keen to be everything his dad isn’t. He has “soft lungs” according to Mitt, who chides his son’s lack of real world readiness":

Continue reading at SilverScreen Blog.

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