After months of cancelations, delays, production issues, and re-watching the same movies over and over again, we could all use some happy movie news, right? Well, we finally have some! The sequel for Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse has officially begun production. We may still have to wait a bit longer, but we’re still excited!

Production Begins On Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Sequel

The first film released in 2018 to rave reviews. Sony Pictures Animation managed to make it clear that any Spider-Man fatigue was not going to affect the success of the film. It went on to make more than $375 million at the box office compared to its $90 million budget, as well as winning Best Animated Feature Film at the Oscars. Fortunately, the premise of the film opens the door to plenty of different stories. So, a sequel was pretty much guaranteed after the success of the original.

Nick Kondo, the lead animator for the film, teased fans by letting us all know that it’s his first day. The video also, sadly, reminds us that we have to wait another two years. The untitled sequel was originally slated for an April 2022 release but has been pushed back to October 7th, 2022.

First day on the job! pic.twitter.com/qfqcCAi9wF

— Nick Kondo 近藤 (@NickTyson) June 8, 2020

Plenty To Look Forward To!

The upcoming film will feature Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy, looking deeper into their relationship and leading into a possible romance. Based on the plot, we can eagerly await the return of Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld. No other casting announcements have been made. Joaquim Dos Santos will be directing, with the screenplay written by David Callaham (whose most recent work includes Wonder Woman 1984).

Image via Sony

We’d love to hear your predictions and expectations for the upcoming sequel to Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse! Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And, while we wait for the film to release, what Spider-Man films will you be watching to hold you over?

Featured image via Sony Pictures.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Sequel Begins Production
Meghan Hale

I love a good sale, but I’m also a Nintendo fan. In some ways, the eShop deals offered around holidays or special events are a let down. It’s a double-edged sword that Nintendo games keep their value. Of course, the prices don’t drop a ton because they are quality, well deserving games when it comes to full or near-full price. Then again, deals are a great opportunity to buy titles that you don’t necessarily want bad enough to pay full price. I’m happy to report that the Nintendo eShop summer sale does not have this problem In fact, it’s probably the best sale Nintendo as featured since the launch of the Switch. I want to point out a handful of titles you likely want to check out. Let’s talk summer sales – Nintendo style!

Must Buy Titles

Image Credit: Bandai Namco

There are a lot of amazing titles to check out in this year’s summer sale. As a Switch owner who loves a good deal, I can honestly say this is the best sale Nintendo debuted in awhile. There are some amazing deals here, so let’s get to it!

Nintendo eShop Summer Sale – Action and RPGs

Image Credit: Nintendo

It’s not for everyone, but there are some incredible action and RPG titles in this sale. If I had to pick three, then I’d likely narrow it down to these titles.

Astral Chain – $47.99 (Down from $59.99)

The few survivors of a massive global disaster gather together in a futuristic megacity. Now it’s your job to protect them against otherworldly invaders–but you’re not alone as a member of a special police task force equipped with sentient armaments called Legions. If you enjoy mech fighters or anime-style RPGs, then this is a good pick.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition – $41.99 (Down from $59.99)

With a ragtag band of adventurers, engage in well-balanced, turn-based battles and embark on quests across the kingdom of Erdrea. Forge gear, develop party members’ skills and alter their outfits without changing gear thanks to the Definitive Edition of this title. If you haven’t played other Dragon Quest games, then don’t worry! You don’t need experience in the series to play this JRPG favorite.

Dark Souls: Remastered – $23.99 (Down from $39.99)

Praise the sun and re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning detail. Overall, this game essentially launched its own genre (Souls-style games) and it’s just as good today as it was upon initial release. Give it a go if you don’t mind dying thousands and thousands of times.

Nintendo eShop Summer Sale – Mario and Friends

Image Credit: Nintendo

What would a Nintendo sale be without Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom gang? Across the history of the Super Mario series, there are a ton of great entries that you can play on the Switch. Here are just a few!

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker – $27.99 (Down from $39.99)

A stubby secondary character takes center stage. Survive smoldering volcanoes, hazardous steam engines, haunted houses, and so much more! Originally a Wii U game, this port increases the experience by adding in levels from Super Mario Odyssey!

Mario Tennis Aces – $41.99 (Down from $59.99)

Unleash an arsenal of shots and strategies in all-out tennis battles with friends, family, and fan-favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters. The sports games in the Mario series are some of my favorites. This game in particular is a favorite of mine for killing time or a quick game of tennis. Plus, there’s an interesting and unique story mode!

Nintendo eShop Summer Sale – Hidden Gems

Image Credit: Team 17

There are a few games that I think you might want to check out. Honestly, you might have missed these ones, but they’re still wonderful. Not to mention, the experience is even sweeter when you get a great deal!

My Time in Portia – $10.19 (Down from $29.99)

I love a good simulation game, and this one is quite good. Restore your Pa’s neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land. There’s a lot to do and plenty of room to take your own road through its story. Give it a go!

Starlink: Battle for Atlas Deluxe Edition – $23.99 (Down from $79.99)

This title is like a spiritual successor to the popular Star Fox series. Mix and match parts to customize your starship, and build your own playstyle with unique pilot abilities and weapons. Plus, you can even unlock Star Fox content like Fox McCloud as a Pilot, the Arwing Ship, and exclusive missions! I love this game a lot for its depth and experience, but you can also find the toys that go with for cheap nowadays!

Yooka-Laylee – $13.59 (Down from $39.99)

Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters, and horde a vault-load of shiny collectibles as buddy-duo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure. Much like Banjo Kazooie, this 3D platformer is light in tone and a seriously fun time. At this price, I don’t hesitate to say anyone nostalgic towards the Super Mario 64 days needs to own this title.

Image Credit: Nintendo

The entire Nintendo eShop summer sale features even more titles for Switch, Wii U, and 3DS to browse. If you pick something up on the sale, then let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture!

Hide Your Wallets – The Nintendo eShop Summer Sale Is No Joke
Taylor Bauer

Of all the performances in Middle-Earth films, the most revered is Andy Serkis’s portrayal of Gollum. Every so often, he’ll delight fans by breaking into the high-pitched gravelly Gollum voice. Serkis himself is an accomplished voice actor, often delivering a wide range of voices for his characters. Recently, he returned to The Hobbit, reading the entire novel in one eleven-hour sitting all to raise money for COVID-19 relief. Sadly, it was a “watch it or miss it” experience. (Though a screen-capture of the stream has to show up somewhere, right?) But the Tolkien Estate and Best Beginnings know that countless Middle-Earthlings want to hear it, and now we can. Well, some of it. On Best Beginnings’ YouTube page, we can listen to Andy Serkis reading chapter five of The Hobbit, Riddles in the Dark.

Andy Serkis Reading The Hobbit, Waititi Reading James and the Giant Peach…What’s Next?

Taika and Friends reading James and the Giant Peach (Image via screengrab)

If you haven’t listened to any of Taika and Friends reading James and the Giant Peach, you’re missing one of the best Quarantine-era productions made so far. Likewise, just hearing Andy Serkis reading one chapter of The Hobbit is magical. So, what other famous novels and performers should go next? These charity drives don’t just raise money for Coronavirus relief. They expose literature to new audiences. So, how about Michael B. Jordan reading Fahrenheit 451, or Kenneth Branagh reading Murder on the Orient Express.

Or, why even focus on classics? How awesome—and popular—would it be if Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Allen, and other cast members read The Hunger Games. And while I don’t like the books at all, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson could raise millions reading just a little of Twilight. If they could stomach returning to those roles, that is). For several books, we could have an entire cast, like Taika Waititi and friends reading James, or just one person, like Andy Serkis reading The Hobbit.

Who would you want to see reading your favorite books?

(Featured Image via screengrab)

Andy Serkis Reading the Hobbit To Help Solve the Coronavirus Riddle!
Roman Colombo

Protests against police brutality and corruption have been ongoing since late May. They follow the unacceptable murder of George Floyd. Despite being in the midst of a pandemic, many folks have been braving the risks, and the Black Lives Matter movement has made itself known in every corner of the world. Though, the movement is not just about going out and protesting. It’s also about educating and learning about systematic racism. In response to the ongoing events, Warner Bros. and Criterion have made many Black made movies free to stream.

Criterion and Warner Bros. Make Black Made Movies Free To Stream

Criterion/The Criterion Collection is a video distribution company that brings important films into our homes. Criterion’s CEO recently gave a statement explaining that the company supports the ongoing protests and is dedicated to supporting the movement. In addition to contributing economic resources, they are committing to highlighting films that showcase Black filmmakers and that follow the diverse and unique stories of Black lives.

16 films are now available to stream through Criterion. Films include Cheryl Dynye’s The Watermelon Woman, Shirley Clarke’s Portrait of Jason, and more. They have also taken down their paywall so that you don’t need to be a subscriber to Criterion’s streaming platform.

Warner Bros. has also committed to providing free content. Just Mercy is a 2019 legal drama that follows as Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) tries to free a death row prisoner, Walter McMillan (Jamie Foxx). Warner Bros. statement shared that they believe “in the power of story” and hope that the film can help people learn “more about the systemic racism that plagues our society.” It will be available for the entire month of June.

The Help, Image via DreamWorks Pictures.

The Power Of Education Through Film

Sure, some schools teach entire sections on periods of history that dealt with racism or other kinds of discrimination. However, many stories slip through the cracks of these learning outcomes. Others are avoided entirely. Films that tell important stories give us a closer look at the realities of discrimination. Not only do you get to find entertainment through the platform, but you leave feeling like you’ve learned something.

Criterion and Warner Bros. announcements of free Black made movies available for streaming have been made in the same week that The Help became Netflix’s most-streamed film. The Help, released in 2011, was made by Tate Taylor, a white director. Many people involved in the film, including Viola Davis, have critiqued it for sharing a story that didn’t come from the right voices. So, when news leaked of its rising popularity, many claimed that it’s a “white savior” film and that Black-made movies are more appropriate for learning about the realities of racism and the history of hate around the world.

Are you going to take advantage of Warner Bros. and Criterion’s free Black made movies being available to stream for free? What other Black made movies do you recommend for those who want to learn more about important issues in the media?

Featured image via Warner Bros. Pictures.

Criterion and Warner Bros. Make Black Made Movies Free to Stream
Meghan Hale

A Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 recap is sorely needed after the debut season of the show on Netflix. The series is a continuation of the immensely popular Ghost In The Shell anime franchise. But this iteration is one that loses itself in its own convolution. The series deals with many high-concept technological ideas. It explores concepts like the infiltration of technology on humanity and the moral implications that come with it. But somewhere along the way, SAC_2045 becomes a hard to follow visual extravaganza. 

Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 Recap Sees The Franchise Continue

Image via Netflix.

Even though it may seem like a reboot, this Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 recap continues the story from its previous incarnation. The Ghost In The Shell franchise is a hugely popular anime series based on an equally popular manga. There have been countless anime movies and shows based on the manga. SAC_2045 is the newest sequel in that franchise, with a brand new style of animation. The series is completely CG, something that purists of anime dislike. The franchise is a cyberpunk futuristic science fiction anime about technology taking over the human condition. 

Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 is a sequel to the Stand Alone Complex series, as it continues many of the same storylines albeit, ten years later. So while SAC_2045 has a lot of backstory to keep track of, there’s even more that’s referenced that will go over the heads of newer audiences, as I immediately found out. Before diving into this Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 recap, let’s provide some disclosure. I have not seen the previous incarnations of the Ghost In The Shell franchise. So I am coming into SAC_2045 with completely fresh eyes. But even as my first experience with the franchise, this was disappointing in many ways. Ways that have nothing to do with the series being a sequel. 

The Setting Of The New Series Takes Up A Lot Of Bandwidth

Image via Netflix.

The setting of Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 is pretty hard to follow. It’s world that has devolved into war. The heavy-handed prologue that begins the series makes that very clear. Profiting from this global war is the economy of the world, known as ‘sustainable war’. Despite not knowing too much about what state the world was in prior versions of Ghost In Shell, the politics of this new series takes up a lot of the story. This part isn’t hard to follow, it’s just too much.  

There are entire episodes spent on incredibly complex ideas that seem out of place for a show marketed as a sci-fi action adventure show. There are back door political deals, long-winded exposition on the economic and geopolitical climate of various countries, and their relationships with one another. And while most of it is to, presumably, flesh out the series, it feels boring and irrelevant. Information that is relevant to the story is brief, and the rest takes up the entire episode. There is talk of corporations, profiteering, black market trading, and so much else that has very little impact on what’s happening in the story. The exciting action or sci-fi elements take a complete back seat to all this. It honestly felt like Phantom Of The Menace all over again, in that the emotional heart of the story felt lost in its political messaging.

The Story Of Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 Is Hard To Follow

Image via Netflix.

Going beyond the world and its many layers, the story of Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 is somewhat straightforward, at least on paper. The series is about Major Motoko Kusanagi, and her team of elite soldiers. The Major herself is a full body prosthesis, meaning that every part of her is an cybernetic enhancement. While this shown as being a big deal, it never really gets paid off. She heads an elite cybercrime division known as Section 9. Although disbanded, the group now works as mercenaries. Until a new threat rears its head, and their unique skills are needed to combat it.

The show starts with one of their missions, and it’s the perfect hook. The action provides a lot of fun moments of high-tech gunfights, drone chases, and explosions that the rest of the season lacks. It pulls you in and makes you excited for what’s to come. The setting is immediately established as one where various factions have cropped up in this new world, all fighting for their agendas. Upon completion of their mission, the Major’s realizes that it was a trap. Captured by the American CIA, they manipulate the group into pursuing another mission. This is where things get difficult to follow. 

Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 Ends As Abruptly As It Began

Image via Netflix.

The CIA hired the team for a job, which they then ambush, to manipulate them into another job? And then, they ambus the team again. The job they’re hired for is to capture a famous CEO. But upon their arrival, they realize the CEO is less than human. And this is the main plot of the Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 anime series; post-humans. Humans who have seemingly evolved into killing machines, beyond all technological advancements. They’re the new terrorist threat that the newly re-formed Section 9 has to stop. But this thread doesn’t come up until halfway into season 1.

After this halfway point, the show briefly becomes a more straightforward procedural. The team has a base, a nerdy recruit, and work around the clock to track down more post-humans. There is also a one-off episode featuring a great supporting character. Good as it is, it feels out of place and interrupts the flow of the larger story. S0-called “filler” episodes can be fun, but they shouldn’t be more engaging than the larger arcs. Season 1 ends with the discovery of another post-human, as well as new software that is seemingly crowd-sourcing vengeance. A new entity punishes people by having others vote on their crimes in the cyber world, which then manifests violently in the real world. So of course, the team has to investigate. 

But the show again veers off of its tracks as the last two episodes of the season seemingly focus on one particular post-human and his origin. The episode spends a lot of time in the past, with the character’s back story. It feels like a potential way to explain how he became a post-human, but we’re not fully sure as the season ends in a cliffhanger. Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 essentially ends as bafflingly as it began. 

Critics Of CG Anime Get Their Vindication

Image via Netflix.

While the story of Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 is problematic, the animation is another issue entirely. I loved the action sequences, and think that there’s not enough of them. The story focuses heavily on dialogue-rich scenes and emotionally driven plot points. But the CG animation doesn’t live up to the depth of emotions needed for that. The facial expressions of the characters are nonexistent. The movement and motions of the characters feel very much like blocky cut-sequences in role-playing video games on older consoles like the N64. While the background scenery and character design look great, when it comes to movement, fast-paced action or emotive character development, it falls flat. 

I will end this Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 recap by advising anime fans to steer clear. The series doesn’t work for newcomers to the franchise, given that it’s a direct continuation of a series before it. And even for fans, this iteration barely deals with the metaphysical themes and techological allegories that the Ghost In The Shell franchise is known for, which is what made me interested in it in the first place.  The season 1 of the anime series currently holds a 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which suggests that I am not alone in my criticism.

Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 season 1 is now streaming on Netflix. 

What did you think of the new Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045? Especially tell us how you think it it plays if you are a die-hard fan of the franchise and previous versions of the story. Let us know in the comments below. 

Review: Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 Is a Muddled Mess That Is Hard To Follow
Shah Shahid

When the Coronavirus started its rapid spread across the world, film production shut down completely. Major films, like Jurassic Park: Dominion, the third, untitled, MCU Spider-Man movie, and Amazon’s Lord of the Rings prequel series, all stopped filming. But one of the biggest movies affected is Matt Reeve’s The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson. However,  according to Pattinson, the Coronavirus gave him a much-needed break from being “the Batman.” While the abrupt halt definitely caused some problems, Pattinson—like other creative people—are looking at it as a blessing in disguise.

Robert Pattinson Was Burning Out Filming The Batman—and then the Coronavirus Hit

Image via screengrab

Bruce Wayne is not an easy role for anyone, but most actors come into the role after a few small easier films, or some kind of break. Before the Coronavirus crisis, Robert Pattinson went from Christopher Nolan’s newest epic Tenet straight to The Batman. As Pattinson said:

“We’d really gotten into a really good rhythm as well, so it’s kind of strange to be pausing. But, again, it’s a hard movie. I mean, obviously it’s Batman, so it’s kind of nice. I basically went straight from Chris [Nolan’s] movie into that. And, yeah, I was feeling a little bit loopy anyway. So having some time off is not the worst thing in the world. But hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later that everything is hopefully in a better place.”

“Loopy” is a great way to describe being stressed and tired. I get “loopy” when I have to write more than one article in a day. For Pattinson, it was filming two major blockbusters back-to-back. So, I get the feeling. But this also suggests a larger issue: creative burnout.

It Should Not Have Taken the Coronavirus For the Cast and Crew of The Batman to Get a Break

(Image: Warner Bros. Pictures)

In the past, studios didn’t announce release dates until after production started. They might have a target date, like a sequel every 2-3 years, but nothing set in stone. Two major franchises changed that forever: The Lord of the Rings and Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first trailer for The Lord of the Rings announced the dates for all three movies, exactly one year apart. Since they filmed all three installments at the same time, New Line Cinemas projected the release dates far in advance. Then came Iron Man and the MCU. By the time we got to Iron Man 2, we knew release dates for Captain America, Thor, and The Avengers. Now we know release dates going into 2024.

Other franchises tried this model to mixed results. Disney rushed several Star Wars movies out, and though they were mostly good, they all have some problems. Rogue One, the best movie of the new era, had to go through massive reshoots. Solo changed directors midway through production. Disney didn’t give Last Jedi enough editing time, while they over-edited Rise of Skywalker too quickly.

For DC, the rush for more movies nearly killed the DCEU. They rushed to get a Justice League movie out, and it was probably the worst film of the franchise. But since Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam! Were all successful, they’re trying to rush back to the shared universe. But before that decision, Warner Bros. decided to make The Joker and The Batman out of continuity. The Batman crew needed the Coronavirus, a deadly pandemic, just to get a break. That’s not good for creativity.

Do you agree that creatively taking a break can make a better product or do you just want them to deliver The Batman as soon as possible? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured image via DC Comics

Robert Pattinson, The Batman, and how the Coronavirus Gave Him a Break and Helped His Performance
Roman Colombo

Even though it was the fifth movie made, Spider-Man: Homecoming was a big deal for Marvel, Sony, and Spider-Man fans. The film represented an unprecedented partnership between two rival studios. It also marked the second reboot of the character in a decade. Even though the profits would all belong to Sony Pictures, this marked the first time that Marvel Studios was in direct control of its most popular character. One of their creative decisions was to cast diverse actors in roles that were “played” by white characters in the comic. Up for one of these roles, Laura Harrier thought she lost her role in Spider-Man: Homecoming to Zendaya because she didn’t expect them to cast two black woman actors in the movie.

Laura Harrier played who fans thought would be Liz Allen, but who ended up being the daughter of Michael Keaton’s Vulture, Adrian Toomes. Zendaya, of course, played “Michelle,” a love interest for Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, who we find out at the end of the film goes by “MJ.”

In a new interview, Harrier talks about her career at length. Yet, the detail in the conversation about Zendaya stood out.

Why Laura Harrier Thought She Lost Her Spider-Man Role to Zendaya

Image via Sony Pictures

It may seem strange to most folks that Harrier didn’t think a Spider-Man movie would feature multiple actors of color. Yet, it can still be a huge struggle for black actors to break-in and find roles that aren’t necessarily about their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The 2018 review of Diversity in Film by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that in 2018 diversity in film reached new heights. However, things like parity amongst genders and multi-racial ensemble casts are not as common as you might think.

Of course, Spider-Man: Homecoming was filmed in 2016 for a 2017 release, when the numbers were significantly lower. But comic books have always been about inclusivity, so it makes sense that companies like Marvel Studios would try to take the lead on making their casts better match the demographic population of America. Laura Harrier assumed that since Zendaya won a role in Spider-Man, it meant she lost it. Thankfully, she was wrong.

As she told Net-A-Porter.com:

“After I did my screen test for Spiderman, before I had heard anything, it came out a few weeks later that Zendaya was going to be cast in it, so I just figured I hadn’t got the job. She must have…. I called my agent and they reassured me I was still in the running. I thought it was incredible and ground-breaking of Marvel to put us both in those roles and not to make it about our blackness. We were just girls who went to a school in New York and that’s what New York City looks like; films should reflect that. We had the best time making that movie. Zendaya and I are friends now and I’m really grateful for her. Swinging around on those wires was fun!”

Harrier went on to say that the friendship she formed with Zendaya, among other actors, helped her manage her success. After her adventure with Spider-Man, she landed a big role in Spike Lee’s based-on-a-true-story hit BlacKkKlansman. She also says she hopes to branch out further doing romantic comedies, thrillers, and other challenging projects.

Of course, she could also end up being the forthcoming Spider-Man sequel. At the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter Parker’s identity is revealed. And since we know her on-screen dad makes an appearance in Morbius, it’s possible that she will show to confront the kid who stood her up at the prom to go fight her father and upend her entire life.

What do you think? Do you want to see Laura Harrier back as Liz Toomes in the third Spidey film? Tell us in the comments below.

Featured image via Sony Pictures

Laura Harrier Thought She Lost Spider-Man Role to Zendaya Because She Didn’t Think They’d Put Two Black Actresses In the Movie
Joshua M. Patton

The Umbrella Academy season 2 character posters are not the trailer that we were all eagerly awaiting. Instead, we got posters that are more detailed than the ones released last year. There was a fun date announcement video, but it didn’t feature any new footage or looks into season 2. So when the show teased something coming soon, a trailer was the first thing on everyone’s mind. But the posters we got are not at all disappointing, since they are very in-depth. Not to mention some head-scratching aspects that definitely seem to tease what may come in Umbrella Academy season 2. 

Umbrella Academy Season 1 Really Put The ‘fun’ In Dysfunctional

three. pic.twitter.com/mnagHnyRla

— Umbrella Academy (@UmbrellaAcad) May 28, 2020

The Umbrella Academy is one of Netflix’s better comic book adaptations. The series follows the graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics by Gerald Way and Gabriel Ba. Released in 2019, season 1 introduced us to the Hargreeves family. The Netflix original was about a weird group of adopted children with powers, raised by an old rich man. Their intended purpose was to become a superhero team. But the emotional trauma received due to their upbringing caused them all to separate in adulthood. Season 1 is all about how they have to come together to stop (almost) an apocalyptic threat, despite their better judgment. 

Season 1 of The Umbrella Academy was great because it was a superhero TV series that featured flawed and messed up characters. Not at all on the scale of Amazon Prime’s The Boys, but still subverting the tropes of what we expect from superheroes. The characters’ flaws were due to their lives just not working out how they expected, something that is very relatable. The season 1 finale saw the group having to time travel to escape the end of the world, potentially becoming lost in time. And that’s the focus of The Umbrella Academy season 2 character posters. 

Umbrella Academy Season 2 Character Posters Reveal A Lot

Images via Netflix.

Umbrella Academy’s official Twitter account put out the new season 2 character posters. The posters feature each of the seven Hargreeves children, with their faces covered by umbrellas. However, the most interesting part of the posters is the character looks and their clothes. Not knowing what time period they all ended up in, the clues are all over the place. Even though the posters seem pretty straightforward.

 Vanya (Ellen Page), Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman), and Luther (Tom Hopper) all look like the characters we’ve grown to love in season 1. Their clothes, styling and feel very much in tune to their arcs. Although Allison’s outfit looks very 60’s, possibly providing a clue as to where they may be. Ben (Justin H. Min) also looks the same, but that’s understandable given his character’s status in the entire series. However, it’s the others that are more interesting. 

When Are They In Umbrella Academy Season 2

two. pic.twitter.com/TIbPaGKLPE

— Umbrella Academy (@UmbrellaAcad) May 28, 2020

The poster featuring Klaus (Robert Sheehan) looks interesting, but provides little clues as to the new season. Klaus is shown shirtless in a Prince-like jacket, which for any other character would be intriguing. But given Klaus’ dramatic and flamboyant sense of style, it might not be a clue at all. But then again, he could be in the Victorian-era England for all we know. Then there’s Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) who is in the same clothes we’re used to seeing him in, but is older and taller? This also could be irrelevant given that Gallagher is the youngest actor of the cast, and this could just be him aging between production. The most noticeable aspect of Five’s poster is the blood splatter and creepy smile on his face. What that implies is something we still have to figure out. 

The most glaring part of the Umbrella Academy season 2 character posters is Diego’s (David Castaneda). Diego looks completely different with much longer hair. If that has something to do with time travel or if it’s just an aesthetic change is still unknown. It’s possible that Diego could have, somehow, spent more time apart from the others. With time travel as the main plot device of the series, anything is possible. There’s also the mystery of what Diego is holding. While everyone else in the season 2 character posts are just holding their umbrellas, Diego’s got something else too. The long and thin object is different from the blades he usually wields, lending some more mystery towards season 2. 

The Umbrella Academy season 2 premieres on Netflix on July 31. 

What did you think of the new Umbrella Academy season 2 character posters? 

There Is A Lot Going On In The Umbrella Academy’s New Season 2 Character Posters
Shah Shahid

Have you ever explained that you’ve never seen an older film, only for your friends to be shocked? Films like The Godfather, Fight Club, Psycho, and other well-received films are so known that it’s surprising when someone hasn’t seen one. Despite their “what do you mean you’ve never seen it?” status, they’re often recommended, topping “must watch” lists, or even studied in classes. However, there’s one film that only makes one of these lists. Labyrinth, Jim Henson’s 1986 musical fantasy, is a film that people are surprised you’ve never seen, but one that they’ll never think of when it comes to recommending movies. This is an odd film, receiving a disappointing box office run and negative reviews. More than 30 years after its premiere, it has a cult following. I just watched Labyrinth for the first time, and there’s a lot we should talk about.

I Just Watched Labyrinth For The First Time

Image via Jim Henson Company/TriStar Pictures

2001: A Space Odyssey was the last time that I watched an older or classic film after years of putting it off. With the Stanley Kubrick classic, I had experienced years of cultural osmosis and had a decent idea of the plot before going in. Watching Labyrinth was nothing like that. I could tell you that David Bowie was in it. That was about the extent of my knowledge. And, when I mentioned I would be watching it, friends would say something along the lines of “Oh, I love Pan’s Labyrinth.” Despite knowing nothing about the film, it’s always one that you hear swirling around in conversations about fantasy films or even musicals. People are surprised when you say you’ve never seen it, but they never bother to tell you to watch it in the first place. Why is that?

I believe that the answer to the uncertainty surrounding the success of Labyrinth has to do with a few factors. The first is when you first watched it. Next is the age you are when you are introduced to it. Labyrinth did not do well when it was first released. It barely made half of its budget domestically. Reviews were mostly negative, despite a few glowing raves. But, over the years, people grew to love it. If you ask a child who watched it upon its release, or an adult who waited to see it, they’ll want to talk about it. So, before we dig into the legacy and impact of the film, I want to share my thoughts after watching Labyrinth for the first time.

What I Thought About Labyrinth After Watching For The First Time

Image via Jim Henson Company/TriStar Pictures

In all honestly, I hated watching the first half of this film. The story seemed predictable, the effects were pretty bad, and the goblins took some time to get used to. I didn’t understand why I was bothering to spend time on this film. Fortunately, my mind slowly opened up to the idea of the film as time went on. By the time that Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) teams up with Hoggle and Ludo, my heart had been won. I didn’t learn to love the plot. I still noticed all the flaws. But, somehow, the fantasy of this film makes your heart soften to the parts that you don’t love.

So, after all the laughable CGI and cliche moments, why would I love it? Labyrinth leaves our imaginations feeling inspired. The tricks and trap doors, all the silly characters we meet along the way, and the endless amount of pathways that we see are only the beginning. Even though films can feel limited to what we see on screen, Labyrinth invites us to imagine more. It gives our minds the space to wander while watching, and we get to make up fantastic scenarios of what could be behind the doors that Sarah didn’t open. Loving this film is about more than loving it alone. It’s about loving what fantasies mean.

The overall theme of the film centers on Sarah, 16, as she navigates the sometimes terrifying transition into womanhood. Particularly, she learns about how her actions have consequences, and that she needs to spend more time thinking things through. We see her missteps frequently, as she mistakenly believes that she’s getting good at solving the tricks of the maze, only to be instantly proven wrong. This seems to mirror the oh-so-common mentality that youth have when they believe that they know the secrets of the universe. If you’ve ever been a teenager, I’m sure you can think back to your 16-year-old self and relate.

It Reminds You Of Other Films, but Not Ones You’d Expect It To

I expected to be reminded of other fantasy films. Unexpectedly, I couldn’t stop comparing this film to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I know, I know. They’re really nothing alike, aside from being musicals. Taking the time to think about it does draw some interesting parallels, though. Both Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and Jareth (David Bowie) are villains, and the film makes it pretty obvious. Despite their poor intentions, we can’t help but feel drawn to them. They’re designed to be alluring, and, at times, trick us into comfort.

In addition to the slight similarities between both films, they also both hold cult status. Rocky Horror was pretty ignored upon release. Compare that today when thousands of people (myself included) go to midnight showings, dressing up as their favorite characters. Labyrinth found a similar fate. Fans go to yearly “Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball” events. The film also plays on television frequently. Some of the more recent fame may be due to David Bowie’s unfortunate passing, but the cult status had already been in place long before that.

Image via the Jim Henson Company

The Legacy And Impact of Labyrinth

The plot of Labyrinth is simple, despite being surrounded by complexities. Sarah is trying to rescue her baby brother from Bowie’s Goblin King. She must travel through a labyrinth and solve some sticky situations, all while the Goblin King tries to stop her. We feel the level of urgency and desperation from Sarah. Still, the stakes don’t feel too high. It’s dramatic, tragic, joyful, and over-the-top. All of these elements mixed together just make it full of so many things that everyone can find something to hold on to.

After finishing the movie, I now regret not watching this film when I was younger. I can only imagine the number of dreams it would inspire. I can see myself going into mazes and pretending like I’m trapped in the labyrinth. For those who did manage to watch Labyrinth as a child, there’s a good chance it left a magical footprint on your soul. These fans have likely encouraged their friends and sometimes families to watch it, too. It’s a movie that begs to be passed down to younger generations. (Excuse me while I go ask my mother why she never had me watch it.)

As I mentioned, there are some pretty symbolic things going on in this movie. You notice the beauty and the fantastic when you watch it as a child. But if you go into this for the first time as an adult, or re-watch it again years later, you’ll almost be watching a different movie. It’s about hardships and learning how to trust. You see friendships develop gradually and people deal with regret. There are a lot of adult themes hiding behind what looks like a children’s movie. The writing behind this movie was smart, as more than 25 revisions were made before they perfected the intricacy of it.

image via the Jim Henson Company/TriStar Pictures

The Future of Labyrinth

Midway through my first time watch of Labyrinth, I began to wonder how this film would work today. Surely, Ludo dolls would sell out in a porg-like fashion. The massive improvement in digital effects would make the distractingly bad CGI far better. Still, I think part of the charm of this film is the mistakes it made. It favors the beauty in adventure, quests, and storytelling over perfecting the little things. So, I don’t think we need a remake. However, we’re fortunate, because a sequel is coming from Scott Derrickson.

There are so many directions that a sequel or spinoff of Labyrinth could take. A new Goblin King could take the throne (maybe Janelle Monae, as our own Emily O’Donnell hopes for). We could watch the goblins do something fun. Sarah could find herself back in the labyrinth, dealing with a new set of problems to overcome. That’s the beauty of films that take place in a fantasy world. As long as the world remains, the opportunities are endless.

Readers, think back to the first time you watched Labyrinth. And, if you haven’t, go watch it right now and come back to us. What was it about the film that made you love it (or hate it)? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how fantasy films like this can inspire us, teach us, or just make us wish that we’re 16 again and thinking that we have it all figured out.

Featured image via the Jim Henson Company/TriStar Pictures.

I Just Watched Labyrinth for the First Time – My Thoughts and the Legacy of the Film
Meghan Hale