We’re launching a new series on Push Square where I’ll be sharing my experiences with every PlayStation game I’ve earned a Platinum Trophy in. And yes, ‘platinumed’ is now a word! You might even hear someone ask, ‘Are you going to platinum Balatro?’ It is what it is, and honestly, accepting it will make discussing these achievements much simpler going forward.
Next year, Studio Ghibli’s beloved anime film, Princess Mononoke, will be adapted into a live-action kabuki performance. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater style known for its dramatic performances, vibrant costumes, and striking makeup, performed exclusively by male actors. This new adaptation will be staged in July and August at the Shinbashi Enbujo theater in Tokyo, Japan. Danko Ichikawa will play the hero Ashitaka, and Nakamura Ichitaro will portray San. Although performances haven’t been scheduled for North America yet, a previous kabuki adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away did make its way to Western audiences.
Claudia Black, known for playing Great Mother Klothow in Star Wars: Ahsoka, revealed she won’t be returning for the show’s second season due to a financial disagreement with Disney. In an interview with Bleeding Cool, Black explained that Disney couldn’t meet her salary requirements as a single mother with responsibilities in Los Angeles, especially since the second season was being filmed in London. Ultimately, she had to decline the role.
The Island game mode was introduced in WWE 2K25, and although it shows promise, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. It seems likely The Island will be back, so improvements and significant updates are needed for a successful version 2.0 to really appeal to players.
The anime series Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku first aired in 2023, and fans have been eagerly awaiting its second season. Now, it’s confirmed to premiere in Japan on January 11th. To get everyone excited for the return, a new poster has been released, hinting at a thrilling new set of episodes.
The growing popularity of tabletop role-playing games isn’t simply about moving away from Dungeons & Dragons; it’s about finding games that better suit how your group likes to play. Whether you prefer quick, story-focused games, realistic and challenging experiences, over-the-top anime-style adventures, or games where the story comes first, the recent surge of independent games offers something for everyone. These games range from simple, easy-to-learn systems to complex, detailed worlds that can match D&D in scope, proving that fantasy tabletop role-playing is thriving.
Science fiction continues to thrive, with strong films appearing in the 2010s and so far in the 2020s. However, the sci-fi movies of the 2000s were truly unique. The decade’s combination of technological innovation, diverse storytelling, and willingness to experiment created something special – a lasting impact on cinema that may never be replicated.
Occasionally, the similarities between ideas go beyond simple inspiration. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s amusing when one company creates a character that strongly resembles a competitor’s. Today, we’ll be looking at seven instances where DC Comics seemed to take cues from Marvel’s Avengers. It’s not something to be upset about, but it’s definitely something to chuckle at, imagining the creators trying to justify their choices and avoid legal trouble.
However, it looks like certain villains won’t be appearing anytime soon. This is mainly because of problematic elements within their backstories, though sometimes their powers are also a factor.
Tessa Thompson won’t be appearing in Avengers: Doomsday, meaning her character, Valkyrie, likely won’t be in the new Marvel movie. The cast list released by Marvel Studios didn’t include Thompson. When asked about Valkyrie’s future in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Thompson jokingly told the interviewer to contact Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. She expressed her enjoyment of playing the character, but hinted that Valkyrie’s role depends on the direction of the story.