Games

Unfortunately, the character was removed from the films to streamline the story and keep the runtime manageable, which meant losing a really compelling personality. But the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series has a fresh opportunity to do him justice. The longer format of a TV show allows for a more faithful adaptation, and it could finally allow this character to exist as he’s portrayed in the books. Getting the casting right is crucial, though, especially since the original actor, Rik Mayall, sadly passed away in 2014. Here are five actors who could capture his mischievous and energetic spirit.

Originally a manga created by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell was later adapted into an anime and a video game for PlayStation in 1997. This game, a third-person shooter also designed by Shirow, is a bit overlooked but remains a classic. Though the graphics might seem old-fashioned now, it received positive reviews upon release for its visuals, animation, and unique ability to climb walls. It was a commercial success and is still considered one of the best video game adaptations of manga from the 90s – a notable achievement given how many there were.

Guerrilla Games recently announced Horizon Hunters Gathering with a first look trailer. The studio describes it as a co-op action game where up to three players can team up as Hunters to defend a world from dangerous machines. Unlike the main Horizon games, Hunters Gathering won’t be an open-world experience. Instead, players will embark on specific missions to defeat machines. While it features familiar weapons and gameplay from the Horizon series, the game’s structure is similar to titles like Dauntless or Monster Hunter.

This summer’s game features fast-paced action and a unique HD-2D art style. Players will follow Elliot on an epic journey across a vast continent to save the world. The game appears to be divided into four distinct eras: The Age of Safekeeping, The Age of Reconstruction, The Age of Magic, and The Age of Budding.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger was originally released on October 3, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC through Steam.

Here is an overview of the game, via Bandai Namco:

Here is an overview of the game, via Kepler Interactive:

Here is an overview of the game, via Sony Interactive Entertainment:

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was initially released on PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024. It later became available on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store on January 23, 2025.