Category: Coming Soon

How to Talk Australians: The Movie — Viral Web Series Goes Big-Screen in a Bold Aussie Comedy That Turns Culture Clash Into Comedy Gold

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Umbrella Entertainment has dropped the official trailer for the highly anticipated Australian comedy How to Talk Australians: The Movie, ahead of its nationwide cinema release on 11 June, marking a bold big-screen expansion of one of the internet’s most unexpected viral success stories.

Based on the cult hit web series of the same name, which amassed more than 12 million YouTube views, the film takes its signature linguistic humour and cultural observations to a whole new level, swapping short-form sketches for a full cinematic narrative filled with chaos, confusion, and comedic discovery.

From Viral Sensation to Feature Film

Originally created as a web series exploring the quirks of Australian slang and communication, How to Talk Australians quickly gained international traction for its witty take on language barriers and cultural misunderstandings.

Now reimagined for cinema, the story follows a group of students from the Delhi College of Linguistics who finally step out of the classroom and into a real-world cultural immersion trip to Australia. But what begins as an educational journey quickly unravels into an unexpected adventure when their flight is diverted to the regional town of Dubbo due to severe storms.

Stranded and without their tour leader—who is detained by customs—the group is forced to navigate an Australia they never expected to experience, far removed from the glossy tourist destinations of Sydney, Melbourne, Uluru, or Adelaide. Instead, they discover a version of the country that is raw, unpredictable, and unexpectedly welcoming.

A Fresh Perspective on Australian Identity

At its core, the film offers a comedic yet affectionate exploration of Australian culture through the eyes of outsiders trying to decode its language, humour, and social cues. The result is a fish-out-of-water story that leans into cultural misunderstanding while celebrating the charm and eccentricity of everyday Australian life.

Rather than relying on stereotypes, the film reframes Australia through curiosity and confusion, allowing audiences from all backgrounds to laugh at the universal challenges of communication and identity.

Award-Winning Festival Momentum

Ahead of its local release, the film has already enjoyed a strong international reception, following a successful festival run in India. It was awarded Best Comedy at both the New Delhi International Film Festival and the Jaipur International Film Festival, signalling its broad cross-cultural appeal.

More recently, the film made its Australian debut with a sold-out premiere screening in collaboration with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, further cementing its status as one of the year’s most talked-about comedy releases.

A Diverse Cast Bringing the Comedy to Life

How to Talk Australians: The Movie also makes history as the first Australian feature film to showcase a primarily Indian-Australian lead cast. The film stars Rohan Ganju, known for The Emu War and Urvi Went to an All Girls School, alongside Ria Patel, Robert Santiago, and Vikrant Narain.

Supporting the ensemble is an all-star Australian comedy lineup including Shane Jacobson (Kenny, Oddball), Danielle Walker (Gold Diggers), Dave Lawson (Utopia), and Rick Davies (Offspring), adding further depth and comedic firepower to the production.

Creative Team Behind the Viral Original Returns

The film reunites the original creative team behind the web series, with Tony Rogers (Wilfred) returning as co-writer and director, alongside co-writer Rob Hibbert. Producers Jason Byrne and Victoria Schaw of Positive Ape also return, joined by Phil Spencer, continuing the collaborative vision that first launched the concept into viral success.

A Comedy Built for Global Audiences

With its blend of cultural satire, road-trip chaos, and sharp observational humour, How to Talk Australians: The Movie aims to appeal to both domestic and international audiences, offering a fresh take on what it means to understand a culture from the outside in.

Umbrella Entertainment will distribute the film across Australia and New Zealand, with the nationwide release set for 11 June.

As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: this is not just a comedy about language—it’s a celebration of miscommunication, connection, and the unexpected beauty of getting lost in translation.

A Sweet Treat Turns Sinister: Ice Cream Man Teaser Trailer Drops

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Horror mastermind Eli Roth is back—and this time, he’s turning one of childhood’s sweetest pleasures into a chilling nightmare. The teaser trailer for Ice Cream Man has officially dropped, sending waves of excitement (and unease) through fans ahead of its cinematic release on August 6.

With the eerie tagline, “I scream. You scream. We all scream…”, the film sets the tone for a disturbing descent into chaos—where innocence melts away with every bite.

A Twisted Summer Tale

Set in an idyllic small town, Ice Cream Man follows a seemingly harmless summer ritual that takes a horrifying turn. When a mysterious ice cream man begins serving frozen treats to local children, something sinister lurks beneath the sweetness.

Each scoop comes with a terrifying consequence.

The children who indulge develop an insatiable hunger, transforming into grotesque, bloodthirsty versions of themselves. What was once a peaceful community quickly spirals into madness, as these once-innocent kids become relentless hunters—targeting the very adults meant to protect them.

A Dark Vision Brought to Life

Known for pushing boundaries in horror, Eli Roth both directs and co-writes the film alongside Noah Belson. The project is backed by producers Christopher Woodrow, Raj Singh, and Kate Harrison—a team aiming to deliver a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Cast Bringing the Terror

The film features a compelling lineup of talent, including:

  • Ari Millen
  • Benjamin Byron Davis
  • Karen Cliché
  • Dylan Hawco
  • Sarah Abbott

Together, they bring depth and intensity to a story that blends psychological horror with visceral thrills.

Mark Your Calendars

With its unsettling premise and signature Roth-style shock factor, Ice Cream Man is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about horror releases of the year.

📅 In Cinemas: August 6

If the teaser is anything to go by, this is one summer treat you won’t forget—no matter how hard you try.

Carmen & Bolude hits Netflix ANZ – streaming from November 14

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Grab your popcorn, because the critically acclaimed Australian comedy Carmen & Bolude is coming to Netflix across Australia and New Zealand from November 14.

Directed by Maria Isabel Delaossa and Michela Carattini, and produced by Yolandi Franken and Michela Carattini, the film tells a funny, heartfelt, and timely story of love, friendship, and cultural identity through the eyes of two international women navigating Australia for the first time.

Starring Michela Carattini, Bolude Watson, David Collins, Elliott Giarola, Liam Greinke, Joey Vieira, Joe Avati, James Liotta, and Wale Ojo, the film shines a spotlight on diverse voices, places, and languages rarely seen on Australian screens, from the Auburn Mosque to Sydney’s Murugan Temple, and from First Nations Darug to Nigerian Yoruba.

From its world premiere in Hollywood (where it won Best Foreign Film and Best Ensemble Cast at the LA Women in Film Festival), to its sold-out European premiere, to its Latin-American premiere’s Best Feature Film win, to a packed house at the Hayden Orpheum in Sydney,  Carmen & Bolude has wowed audiences around the globe with its blend of humour, heart, and cultural honesty.

Australian Critics have called it:

●     “Biting and funny” – Speaking Cinema

●     “Incredibly topical” – The AU Review

●     “An impactful step forward for Australian cinema” – The Curb

●     “One of the most exciting Australian films of 2025” – Film Central

Now it’s time for Netflix viewers in Australia and New Zealand to join the fun.

“This film is about friendship, identity, and all the beautiful (and hilarious) mess that comes with it. We can’t wait for Netflix audiences to fall in love with Carmen and Bolude’s journey,” said producer Yolandi Franken.

Carmen & Bolude streams exclusively on Netflix ANZ from November 14, 2025.

Liam Neeson Joins the Fight Against a Deadly Outbreak in 2026’s COLD STORAGE

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What happens when Jurassic Park’s screenwriter and Zombieland’s producer join forces? You get Cold Storage—a white-knuckle, fungus-fuelled thrill ride heading for cinemas in 2026.

The premise is pure outbreak mayhem: a highly contagious, constantly mutating fungus escapes a top-secret lab, and two inexperienced employees (Joe Keery, Stranger Things; Georgina Campbell, Barbarian) must team up with a grizzled bioterror operative (Liam Neeson, channelling his Taken grit) to stop it. The catch? They’ve only got one night before the microorganism devours everything in its path.

Directed by Jonny Campbell (Westworld, Doctor Who) and boasting a stellar supporting cast—Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, Lesley Manville, Aaron Heffernan, Ellora Torchia, Gavin Spokes—this looks set to blend smart sci-fi, rapid-fire tension, and gory spectacle. If the teaser is anything to go by, Cold Storage could be 2026’s ultimate late-night popcorn watch. Hazmat suits recommended.

StudioCanal Debuts Trailer for Good Fortune, Starring Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, and More

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Keanu Reeves as Gabriel and Sandra Oh as Martha in Good Fortune. Photo Credit: Eddy Chen

StudioCanal has officially dropped the trailer for Good Fortune, a heartwarming yet hilariously chaotic comedy led by an all-star cast including Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh.

The film centres on Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a well-meaning but hopelessly inept angel whose attempts to intervene in human lives lead to more trouble than he intends. His latest mission entangles the lives of two complete opposites — a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) just trying to make ends meet, and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen) whose privileged existence is about to be turned upside down.

With his trademark deadpan charm, Reeves brings a unique twist to the role of an angel who can’t quite get it right, while Ansari and Rogen provide the fast-paced comedic chemistry. Add in the dynamic performances of Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh, and Good Fortune promises a fresh, offbeat take on fate, friendship, and the messy beauty of second chances.

The film marks Aziz Ansari’s return to the director’s chair, also penning the screenplay based on a novel co-written with Anthony Katagas and Alan Yang. Known for blending humour with heartfelt storytelling, Ansari’s latest project looks set to deliver both laughs and meaningful moments.

Good Fortune lands in Australian cinemas on October 16, inviting audiences to explore what happens when divine intervention doesn’t go quite as planned — and when destiny might just need a little human help.

Get Ready for a Wild Ride: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip Hits Disney+

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f you loved Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, get excited — because Alexander is back, and this time, he’s heading on holiday! Disney+ has just dropped the trailer and key art for the brand-new family comedy Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, which will be streaming from 28 March 2025.

The film follows 11-year-old Alexander Garcia and his family as they set off for a dream Spring Break getaway to Mexico City. But things don’t exactly go to plan. From the very start, Alexander’s famous bad luck strikes again — and this time, it’s not just a bad day. It’s a very bad road trip!

When the family stumbles across an ancient cursed idol, their holiday goes from chaotic to completely crazy. With their trip falling apart, Alexander and his family realise the only way to turn things around is to work together and return the idol to its rightful home. Along the way, they face wild mishaps, hilarious disasters, and a few heartwarming moments too.

The movie stars some familiar faces, including Eva Longoria as Alexander’s mum Val, Jesse Garcia as his dad Frank, and Paulina Chávez as his sister Mia. Comedy legends Cheech Marin and Michelle Buteau also join the fun, alongside a fantastic cast of stars. Thom Nemer makes his big debut as Alexander, bringing the beloved character to life once again.

The film is directed by Marvin Lemus and written by Matt Lopez, based on the classic book by Judith Viorst. It’s produced by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Dan Cohen, and Lisa Henson, with Eva Longoria, Emily Morris, and Shelly Strong as executive producers.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for a family adventure full of laughs, mishaps, and unforgettable moments when Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip hits Disney+ on 28 March 2025. Whether you’re a fan of the original book, the first film, or just love a good comedy, this is one road trip you won’t want to miss!

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Disney+

Carmen & Bolude to Premiere in Australia at the Hayden-Orpheum, Sydney

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Following sold-out screenings and a 2024 AACTA nomination for her last film, Streets of Colour, producer Yolandi Franken is even more excited about the Australian debut of her next film, Carmen & Bolude – set to premiere in Sydney on March 19th at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, following its world premiere in Los Angeles.

The very first Australian feature written, directed and produced entirely by African and Latin Australian women, Yolandi says there are some similar themes between her two latest films, but they have completely different energies. “Although both have heart, Carmen & Bolude is also full of humour, and a whole lot of personality,” says Franken, “We’re getting to see life in Australia from diverse female points of view, but in a way that’s fun – and makes us laugh out loud!”

The Australian Premiere of Carmen and Bolude promises to be a glitzy, red-carpet event with sparkling wine and plenty of high-profile Australian comedians and influencers lining the cast, including David Collins (of the Umbilical Brothers), Joey Veiera (of Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Joe Avati (2024 Australian Comedian of the Year), Suzan Mutesi, Olivia Vasquez and many more.

The story is based on the real-life events of the lives of creator-writers Bolude Watson and Michela Carattini, with a little movie fiction thrown into the mix. “People always guess wrong about which parts are true and which aren’t,” says Carattini, “but I can promise that everything that happens in this movie happened to us or to other people in our lives. Ultimately, our goal is to bring people together – to laugh, cry, think – but mostly, to dance.”

The film’s music is really something spectacular, showcasing a collection of Australian Latin, African and Indigenous artists, with a knock-out score and several original songs by Sydney locals Maari Music. “I wanted my people to hear themselves,” says Watson, who was very involved in the creation of the Nigerian aspects,  “to hear their music from the vocal chords of their own people.”

Now’s your chance to get a first glimpse of the magic. According to Franken, “This is a celebration of friendship, self-discovery, and all the messy, beautiful moments in between. From its laugh-out-loud comedic moments to its deeply resonant themes, this isn’t just a film—it’s a heartwarming reminder of what makes us all human.”

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9tkscH-lLQ

Book Your Tickets today: https://www.orpheum.com.au/movie/carmen-bolude-australian-premiere

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #CarmenAndBolude to join the fun.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Yolandi Franken, Producer: +61 0404 385 988 / yolandi@frankendipity.com

No Taste Like Home: A Culinary Journey with Antoni Porowski Is Coming To Disney+

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Every dish tells a story, and National Geographic is serving up an irresistible new series that celebrates the profound connection between food and heritage. No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski is set to premiere on February 24 on Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand, promising a mouthwatering adventure for food enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

From the bustling streets of Italy to the lush jungles of Borneo, each episode promises an exploration of the rich heritage tied to beloved family recipes. With a star lineup that includes Emmy-winning actress Awkwafina (“A Real Bug’s Life,” “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens”), SAG-nominated actor Henry Golding (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”), Emmy-nominated actor James Marsden (“Paradise,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”), Academy Award®-nominated actress Florence Pugh (“We Live in Time,” “Dune: Part Two”), Emmy-nominated actress Issa Rae (“Insecure,” “American Fiction”), and Emmy-winning actor Justin Theroux (“The Leftovers,” “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice”), the series serves up a delectable blend of food, culture and personal discovery.

“It’s a beautiful adventure to discover our past through the great connector that is food,” said Porowski. “I’m honoured to go on this journey of self-discovery with new and old friends alongside National Geographic as we learn together about the ways different cultures celebrate food and experience their traditions.”

In each episode, Antoni and his guests uncover the unique stories behind cherished family dishes, such as the delicious origins of Theroux’s family pasta in Italy or the delectable flavours of Awkwafina’s Korean heritage. Along the way, they meet local travellers who share their own family stories and culinary traditions, culminating in a family meal that includes a classic dish from the region that will illuminate the beauty of each culture. From dining with royalty to off-roading 4x4s, each culinary adventure is filled with heartwarming moments, vibrant flavours, and surprising revelations that dive deep into the stories behind each guest’s ancestry.

Episodes include:

●  “FLORENCE PUGH’S ENGLISH ODYSSEY”
Antoni helps Florence explore the origins of her family’s passion for food as they travel through Oxford, the Yorkshire coast and London. Together, they encounter delicious dishes and discover stories of ancestors whose livelihoods set in motion this embrace of food that has transcended generations.

●  “AWKWAFINA’S KOREAN HOMECOMING”
Awkwafina lost her mother at a young age. Eager to help her reconnect with her South Korean culinary and ancestral heritage, Antoni curates a voyage of discovery filled with new experiences, family revelations, and evocative flavours, which combine to give Awkwafina a new perspective on her own identity.

●  “JUSTIN THEROUX’S ITALIAN QUEST”
Seeking the origins of a family pasta dish, Antoni takes Justin on an Italian road trip full of delicious discoveries and surprising revelations. From chasing chickens to harvesting clams, they sample the region’s finest food and uncover how Justin’s Italian ancestry relates to a family dish that made its way across the Atlantic.

●  “JAMES MARSDEN’S GERMAN DISH UP”
On the hunt for the origins of the Marsden family’s beloved chicken fried steak, Antoni takes James from the Texas plains to Germany. Together, they discover just how much the experiences of his German forebears have shaped James’ family history. While dining with royalty and scaling the Bavarian Alps, they unearth dramatic secrets behind James’ ancestors’ decision to emigrate.

●  “ISSA RAE’S SENEGALESE ROYAL ROOTS”
Antoni takes Issa to her father’s homeland of Senegal, where they uncover ancestral stories of powerful women and royal connections. Through this culinary journey, Issa learns more about her family’s epic history and how it all relates to her own identity.

●  “HENRY GOLDING’S MALAYSIAN ADVENTURE”
Antoni takes Henry to Borneo, where they unearth family stories and taste their way to a deeper connection with Henry’s mother’s Iban heritage. As they cook with long-lost family and newfound friends, Henry learns that genealogy in this oral tradition is about far more than storytelling.

Get ready for heartwarming stories, unforgettable flavours, and the joyous exploration of what it means to be connected to our past through food.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by Disney+ / Image supplied by Disney+

Disney+ Unveils Goosebumps: The Vanishing – A Chilling New Season Premiering January 2025

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Disney+ has announced the return of its thrilling anthology series, Goosebumps, with the newest season titled Goosebumps: The Vanishing, set to premiere on 10 January 2025. Fans can look forward to a suspenseful journey across all eight episodes, which will be available for streaming upon release. The recently dropped trailer and key artwork offer a sneak peek at Emmy® Award nominee David Schwimmer, who takes on the intriguing role of Anthony Brewer, a former botany professor steeped in science and mystery.

Goosebumps, one of Scholastic’s most iconic book series, is renowned worldwide as a best-selling phenomenon. This new season taps into some of the series’ most beloved and eerie tales, blending classic elements from books like Stay Out of the Basement, The Haunted Car, Monster Blood, The Girl Who Cried Monster, The Ghost Next Door, Welcome to Camp Nightmare, and more, creating a spine-tingling tapestry of horror and adventure.

Season Overview
In Goosebumps: The Vanishing, we follow twins Cece and Devin Brewer as they head to Gravesend, Brooklyn, to spend the summer with their divorced father, played by Schwimmer. Yet their holiday quickly turns dark when they realise that a mysterious force is lurking, and secrets buried in Gravesend surfacing again. As they investigate, Cece, Devin, and their friends – Alex, CJ, and Frankie – uncover clues about the eerie disappearance of four teenagers in 1994, plunging them into a web of danger and supernatural intrigue.

Cast and Production
Alongside Schwimmer, the cast includes Ana Ortiz as Jen, Jayden Bartels as Cece, Sam McCarthy as Devin, Elijah M. Cooper as CJ, Galilea La Salvia as Frankie, Francesca Noel as Alex, and Stony Blyden as Trey. With a diverse ensemble cast and fresh, youthful faces, the season is set to captivate both long-time fans and a new generation.

A powerhouse team helms the series. Goosebumps: The Vanishing was developed by Nicholas Stoller and Rob Letterman, with Hilary Winston as showrunner. Stoller, Letterman, and Winston also serve as executive producers, joined by Neal H. Moritz, Iole Lucchese, and Caitlin Friedman from Scholastic Entertainment, Pavun Shetty, Conor Welch, Erin O’Malley, Karl Frankenfield, and James Eagan.

As Disney+ builds upon its commitment to quality family-friendly thrillers, Goosebumps: The Vanishing mixes nostalgia and fresh horror, drawing audiences back into the heart of the Goosebumps universe.

This article was sourced from a media release sent by  Disney+ . Check out the trailer below:

Dive Into Interior Chinatown – All Episodes Now Streaming on Disney+!

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The Disney+ Original series Interior Chinatown, starring Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, and Chloe Bennet, is out now. Adapted from Charles Yu’s award-winning novel, the series premiered on 19 November, with all ten episodes available exclusively on the platform.

Interior Chinatown follows Willis Wu, played by Jimmy O. Yang, a background character living within the confines of a police procedural world called Black & White. Consigned to the backdrop, Willis spends his days waiting tables and performing as a “Generic Asian Man,” all while nursing aspirations of escaping his predetermined role and becoming the hero of his own story. However, when he inadvertently witnesses a crime, Willis finds himself entangled in a web of criminal intrigue in Chinatown. As he unravels the mystery, he also begins to explore his family’s hidden past, grappling with identity and belonging in a world that consistently casts him as the “background extra.”

This limited series is brought to life by an impressive creative team, with Taika Waititi serving as executive producer and director of the pilot. Charles Yu, the book’s author, also took the reins as series creator and showrunner, ensuring that his original story retains its distinct voice on screen. Alongside Yu and Waititi, the series boasts an impressive roster of executive producers, including Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore for Rideback, and Jeff Skoll, Miura Kite, and Elsie Choi for Participant, with production helmed by 20th Television.

The series also stars Lisa Gilroy, Sullivan Jones, Archie Kao, and Diana Lin, rounding out a diverse cast that brings both comedic timing and dramatic depth to this multi-layered story. Given Disney+’s robust parental controls, Interior Chinatown will be accessible to a wide audience, with adjustable access limits on mature content and PIN-protected profiles. Families can rest assured that Disney+ remains a safe and controlled viewing experience for all ages.

With Interior Chinatown, Disney+ continues to expand its repertoire of thought-provoking content, promising an engaging blend of humour, drama, and introspection on themes of identity and representation. This fresh take on the Asian American experience is set to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a new kind of storytelling that delves into the universal desire to be seen and heard.

Check out the trailer below: