Newstime: The Stories You Might Have Missed This Week

Written by Sarah Minazzo, Chris Daniel & Kieron Byatt

From film to TV, gaming to comics and everything in between, here’s what you might have missed in pop culture news this week.

TV

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, a special episode of Power Rangers Super Ninja Steel has been confirmed, welcoming back three previous Rangers. Tommy Oliver (played by Jason David Frank), Kat Hillard (the second generation Pink Ranger played by Catherine Sutherland) and Wes Collins (the Red Time Force Ranger played by Jason Faunt) have been revealed in the roles, with an image surfacing online via IGN. Nickelodeon will be airing the episode on August 28, exactly 25 years since the first episode aired.

In other MMPR news, Jason David Frank is also trying to green light a Green Ranger series, which could potentially see an on-screen reunion between some of the original Rangers. Though in its early stages, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Frank has embraced the iconic role through countless appearances, fan videos and even helped on the Green Ranger solo book, Soul Of The Dragon.

Stranger Things delivered some interesting content at SDCC, but it has now been confirmed that the show will be slightly delayed, with a release date of mid-2019. According to the Duffer brothers, they wanted season three to be bigger and better than the last, even if that means it must suffer a minor setback. According to multiple sources, the third season will be heavily influenced by the films of John Carpenter and will also feature a strong character arc for Steve Harrington, with reference to Back To The Future.

The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina made headlines with a release date and new photo arriving online. The reimagined series will feature a darker tone than its ‘90s counterpart, channelling elements of Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist, bringing a sense of the supernatural to the world of Archie comics.

just a witch hitching a ride pic.twitter.com/m3nh5jzXc5

— Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (@sabrinanetflix) July 30, 2018

Amazon Studios has found its writers to helm the television adaptation of Lord Of The Rings. JD Payne and Patrick McKay most recently worked on Star Trek 4 for producer J.J. Abrams, who has been rumoured as one of the few high profile filmmakers to recommend the duo for the LOTR job.

A teaser trailer for Iron Fist’s second season has been released. Hitting Netflix in September, the series will introduce characters both new and old to the streets of New York, though it has been confirmed Rosario Dawson will not be returning.

A television adaptation of The Time Traveler’s Wife is heading to HBO, with the creative mind of Steven Moffat set to write and develop the series. Largely responsible for a majority of the rebooted Doctor Who, Moffat appears to be the most appropriate choice.

FILM

The Galaxy Far, Far Away has gained heaps of buzz this week, with a resolution to the conundrum surrounding General Leia following Carrie Fisher’s passing. Unreleased footage of the late actor from The Force Awakens will be used in Episode IX. A full cast list was confirmed including new cast members Richard E. Grant and Keri Russell alongside returning Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Oscar Isaac and Billie Lourd. Later in the week, J.J. Abrams posted up a blurry first on-set photo, which looks to be Finn in the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit.

Bittersweet starting this next chapter without Carrie, but thanks to an extraordinary cast and crew, we are ready to go. Grateful for @rianjohnson and special thanks to George Lucas for creating this incredible world and beginning a story of which we are lucky to be a part. #IX pic.twitter.com/FOfnGwVut5

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) August 1, 2018

Speaking of photos, the latest Terminator reboot film starring Linda Hamilton, the original Sarah Connor, made the rounds online this week with a first-look photo. Hamilton is joined by Mackenzie Davis, apparently a terminator, and Natalia Reyes, the film’s young lead. Producer James Cameron has confirmed that the reboot is, in fact, a direct sequel to Terminator 2: Judgment Day. With Deadpool director Tim Miller at the Skynet controls, this looks set to be a worthy entry into the franchise.

Official first look at the new #Terminator featuring Natalia Reyes, Mackenzie Davis and Linda Hamilton. Directed by Tim Miller (DEADPOOL). Produced by James Cameron and David Ellison. In theatres 11.22.19. pic.twitter.com/mOz3rxfbAN

— Terminator (@Terminator) August 1, 2018

Venom hit the web this week, with a brand new full trailer featuring more story details and Venom’s look and voice. Not long to go, with its release due in October.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Emily Blunt appeared in an online video this week released by The Walt Disney Company, officially announcing Jungle Cruise, the latest Disneyland ride-turned-feature film.

GAMING

Nickelodeon has announced a new racing game that stars characters from the world of Nickelodeon. The team behind Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers has revealed the newest game to the franchise, Nickelodeon Kart Racers. Alongside characters from TMNT, SpongeBob Squarepants, Rugrats, and Hey Arnold, the game will also feature iconic locations such as Bikini Bottom and the sewers of New York City. Nickelodeon Kart Racers will release on October 23.

Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 game has gone gold, meaning it has reached an important development milestone and will now be sent off for manufacturing. The game includes plenty of bonus content including the Iron Spider, Spider-Punk and Velocity suits. Spider-Man launches exclusively on PS4 on September 7.

We are pleased to announce that #SpiderManPS4 has GONE GOLD for its worldwide release on September 7th. Thanks to @PlayStation and @MarvelGames for their support in the creation of this original Spider-Man adventure. pic.twitter.com/iD4mJmqGfK

— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) July 30, 2018

COMICS

Ted Adams, the co-founder of IDW Publishing, has stepped down from his position as CEO of IDW Media Holdings. Fear not, for he is expected to return in a more creative role after some leave. His replacement is anticipated to be former Paramount TV Chairman Kerry McCluggage.

Simpsons Comics, after 25 years of issues for Matt Groening’s Bongo Comics, will come to an end this year, with issue #245 in October set to be the final of the series.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the character, Marvel’s Venom symbiote will be infecting your favourite heroes and villains in a commemorative line-up of Pop! figures from Funko.

THIS WEEK’S PICKS

Adventures Of The Supersons #1 – It’s the return in flashback form of DC’s finest superhero offspring duo in this new 12-issue mini-series from writer Peter J. Tomasi with artwork by Art Thibert and Carlo Barberi. Jon Kent (Superboy) and Damian Wayne (Robin) take on interstellar nefarious outfit, The Gang.

Infinity Wars #1 – Who is Requiem? That answer and more in Gerry Duggan’s first chapter of the Marvel-wide epic! Art by Mike Deodato.

Spawn #288 – Escaped felon and supernatural anti-hero Spawn takes to national television to root out his foes. Written by Todd Macfarlane and art by Jason Shawn Alexander.

The Walking Dead #182 – Will John, the brutal, recently crowned leader of The Saviours, forge an alliance with The Commonwealth? Written by Robert Kirkman with art by Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano and Cliff Rathburn.

TMNT Bebop Rocksteady Hit The Road #1 – Fan favourites Bebop and Rocksteady sail on a road trip to NYC in the villainous but loveable’s own series, written and illustrated by Ben Bates, co-written by Dustin Weaver and coloured by Nick Pitarra.