Popculturology • Friday Newsletter

Popculturology

It’s time to scrap the live-action ‘Moana’ remake

It’s unprecedented — and ridiculous — for Disney to have an animated and live-action version of a franchise at the same time. PLUS: The final trailer for ‘The Wild Robot,’ and the ‘Shang-Chi’ director swings over to Spider-Man.

Popculturology

‘Larger and more toxic butterflies to come’: George R. R. Martin isn’t happy with ‘Dragon’ changes

The ‘Game of Thrones’ creator airs — and deletes — his grievances against ‘House of the Dragon.’ PLUS: ‘Snackology’ launches, and new trailers for ‘Wicked,’ ‘Sonic 3’ and ‘Nightbitch.'

Popculturology

Those cowards canceled ‘The Acolyte’

Lucasfilm gave toxic ‘Star Wars’ fans a win. PLUS: RDJ talks Doctor Doom, Mattel wants an animated ‘Barbie’ movie, and Lionsgate may have used AI to get fake critics quotes.

Popculturology

‘Sauron’s eye bores a hole and the rest of him slithers in’

‘The Rings of Power’ goes bigger with final trailer before Season 2 premieres. PLUS: ‘Kraven the Hunter’ gets a new trailer, and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ writers talk RDJ.

Popculturology

‘I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses’

Lorne Michaels turns to Steve Martin — and shows he’s out of ideas. PLUS: Keeping ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ unspoiled, and the ‘Saturday Night’ trailer goes live.

Popculturology

The Marvel reset

Downey is back. The Russo brothers are back. PLUS: ‘SNL’ goes for the cameo with Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris, and Kimmel and Mulaney pass on the Oscars.

Popculturology

No, ‘SNL’ doesn’t need Maya Rudolph to play Kamala Harris

Everyone knows ‘SNL’ has an actual cast, right? PLUS: Trailers for ‘Joker’ and ‘Transformers,’ ‘Wild Robot’s wild vision, and super quick ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ thoughts.

Popculturology

Give ‘The Acolyte’ a second season, you cowards

The ‘Star Wars’ series was brave enough to go were the franchise has rarely gone. PLUS: The MCU bring back the Russo Brothers, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ gets a new trailer, and ‘The Bear’ is a historic comedy?

Popculturology

Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ rides off into the sunset

After ‘Chapter 1’ of Costner’s pricey saga flopped, its sequel has been yanked. PLUS: ‘Gladitor’ returns with sequel’s first trailer, and my weekly ‘Acolyte’ thoughts.

Popculturology

Is ‘Dune Messiah’ happening sooner than we thought?

Despite saying he wanted a break, Villeneuve may soon return to Arrakis. PLUS: My latest ‘Acolyte’ thoughts, and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ tracking for a big opening.

Popculturology • Friday Newsletter

Vindicated! ‘Spider-Man 2’ swung into theaters 20 years ago this weekend

This makes me feel old. PLUS: My ‘Acolyte’ thoughts and theories, The Rock makes a Santa movie, and you can buy ‘Hot Ones’ for $70M.

Popculturology • Friday Newsletter

I have no idea how old anyone in ‘House of the Dragon’ is supposed to be

Are the characters 50? 30? 20? Who knows. PLUS: ‘The Acolyte’ and Darth Teeth, a new ‘Penguin’ trailer, and how ‘Blade’ got snagged.