Category: Latest News

Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps Streams Exclusively on Disney+ November 5

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Marvel Studios invites audiences to suit up with Marvel’s First Family in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, streaming exclusively on Disney+ beginning November 5. Starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the latest chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe follows Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing) as they journey across the cosmos, discovering the heart, humour, and family bonds that make them truly fantastic.

Balancing home life with heroic duty is no easy feat, but the Fantastic Four prove that their greatest power lies in the bond they share. The film transports audiences into a dazzling retro-futuristic world, celebrating courage, connection, and heart. Certified Fresh and Verified Hot on Rotten Tomatoes®, The Fantastic Four: First Steps ranks among the top ten highest-grossing films of 2025, earning praise from critics like Ryan Britt of Men’s Journal, who calls it “one of the best superhero movies of all time,” and Josh Wilding of Comic Book Movie, who highlights its “jaw-dropping spectacle and epic action.”

IMAX Enhanced Experience on Disney+

The film will also be available in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, offering subscribers IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio and DTS:X sound for a more immersive home viewing experience. Fans with certified TVs and AV receivers can enjoy the full dynamic range of the original cinematic mix, ensuring the filmmakers’ creative vision is fully preserved.

Film Synopsis
Set against a ’60s-inspired, retro-futuristic backdrop, Marvel’s First Family faces their greatest challenge yet. Forced to balance heroic duty with family life, they must defend Earth from a powerful space god and his enigmatic herald — relying on their teamwork, courage, and the bond that makes them truly fantastic.

With its blend of epic action, heartfelt storytelling, and retro-futuristic spectacle, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises an unforgettable adventure for Marvel fans of all ages, now available to stream from the comfort of home.

Bryan Brown and Susie Porter Lead the Stars at The Travellers Australian Debut

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The Australian Premiere of The Travellers – Hayden Orpheum, Sydney, 2025 | Photos by Scott Ehler

Cremorne’s Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace was awash with glamour and anticipation this evening as the Australian premiere of The Travellers unfolded in true cinematic style.

Oscar®-nominated writer and director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Mao’s Last Dancer, Ladies in Black) led the parade of stars down the red carpet, joined by the film’s standout cast: Bryan Brown, Susie Porter, Shubshri Kandiah, and Alison McGirr.

The premiere drew an impressive roster of high-profile guests, including Sam Neill, Lisa Wilkinson, and Peter FitzSimons, underscoring the film’s anticipation and the respect it commands within the Australian film community.

With cameras flashing and fans eagerly snapping every moment, the atmosphere combined the elegance of a classic premiere with the excitement of witnessing homegrown talent at its finest. FilmCentral was on hand to capture the magic, with photos supplied by Nixco highlighting the glamour, the smiles, and the cinematic energy of the evening.

The Travellers promises a compelling cinematic journey, and tonight’s premiere offered the first glimpse of its stellar ensemble in action, setting the stage for what could be one of Australia’s most talked-about films of the year.

Return to Pandora: James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Trailer Promises Epic Adventure

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A breathtaking new trailer for Avatar: Fire and Ash, the highly anticipated third instalment in James Cameron’s record-breaking Avatar saga, has officially dropped, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. Cameron, the Oscar®-winning filmmaker renowned for redefining the limits of visual storytelling, once again transports audiences to the vibrant world of Pandora for another groundbreaking adventure. The film is set to open exclusively in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on 18 December 2025, with screenings in IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema 3D, RealD 3D, Cinemark XD, 4DX, ScreenX, and other premium formats, ensuring viewers can experience every breathtaking moment in stunning detail.

The story continues with Marine-turned-Na’vi leader Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), fierce warrior Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and the Sully family as they confront new challenges on their extraordinary home planet. This chapter delves deeper into Pandora’s rich mythology, revealing new biomes, species, and spiritual themes, all while maintaining the emotional core that has made the series so beloved. Returning cast members include Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Cliff Curtis, alongside Kate Winslet, Oona Chaplin, Edie Falco, David Thewlis, and Jemaine Clement, among others. The screenplay is penned by Cameron, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, with a story developed by Cameron, Jaffa, Silver, Josh Friedman, and Shane Salerno.

Ahead of the release, fans will have the chance to revisit the awe-inspiring world of Pandora with a special cinematic engagement of Avatar: The Way of Water. The Oscar®-winning global phenomenon, which earned over $2.3 billion worldwide and claimed the Academy Award® for Best Visual Effects, will be re-released in 3D exclusively in cinemas for one week starting 2 October. This event offers audiences the opportunity to relive the visual mastery and emotional resonance that made The Way of Water one of the most successful films in history.

With Avatar: Fire and Ash, James Cameron continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and technology, blending cutting-edge visual effects with deeply human narratives. As anticipation builds ahead of its December release, audiences are set to return to Pandora in ways that promise to be more immersive and awe-inspiring than ever before. Avatar: Fire and Ash opens exclusively in Australian and New Zealand cinemas on 18 December 2025.

Disney+ Drops Trailer for Season Two of FX’s English Teacher, Premiering September 26

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Disney+ has officially released the trailer for the second season of FX’s critically acclaimed comedy series English Teacher, which is set to premiere on Friday, September 26 with all ten episodes streaming exclusively in Australia. Fans can also catch up on season one, now available to stream.

Created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, English Teacher continues its sharp, satirical take on the high school ecosystem — this time tackling even bigger controversies while keeping its irreverent wit intact.

A New Semester, Same Chaos

Season two once again follows Evan Marquez (Alvarez), the overly passionate teacher determined to confront every issue head-on, no matter how uncomfortable or disruptive. Alongside him are his equally colourful colleagues and friends: loyal yet exasperated Gwen (Stephanie Koenig), outspoken gym teacher Markie (Sean Patton), unpredictable guidance counsellor Rick (Carmen Christopher), and perpetually anxious Principal Grant Moretti (Enrico Colantoni).

This season, Morrison-Hensley High becomes ground zero for heated debates around climate change, Covid, military recruitment, and the ever-divisive question of student phone usage. As always, Evan refuses to back down, even when it lands him in hot water with students, parents, and administrators.

Evan’s Double Life

Beyond school politics, Evan’s personal life faces its own trials. His relationship with Malcolm (Jordan Firstman) — who no longer works at Morrison-Hensley — struggles under the weight of Evan’s all-consuming righteousness. The new season promises to explore how Evan balances his ideals with his growing responsibilities to the people closest to him.

The Team Behind the Laughs

The series is executive produced by Alvarez alongside Paul Simms, Jonathan Krisel, Dave King, Kathryn Dean, and the duo Jake Bender & Zach Dunn. Produced by FX Productions, English Teacher has cemented itself as a bold and hilarious commentary on modern culture through the microcosm of high school life.

Safe Streaming for Families

Disney+ continues to ensure a tailored viewing experience for all audiences. With robust parental controls, parents and guardians can set content restrictions, create PIN-protected profiles, and activate Junior Mode profiles, giving peace of mind while keeping the platform accessible for the whole family.

From Startup to Stardom: ‘Swiped’ Highlights Whitney Wolfe’s Billionaire Journey

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20th Century Studios is set to deliver a powerful and timely cinematic experience with Swiped, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9 before its exclusive launch on Disney+ on September 19, 2025. The newly released trailer, poster, and captivating film stills offer an enticing preview of this gripping drama based on the real-life story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the fearless founder of Bumble, whose journey has reshaped the landscape of online dating and female entrepreneurship.

Swiped chronicles Whitney Wolfe’s rise from a recent college graduate navigating the daunting, male-dominated tech industry to becoming a visionary innovator who revolutionises dating culture with not one but two trailblazing apps. Portrayed with compelling depth by Lily James, Wolfe’s story is one of relentless determination, sharp ingenuity, and bold risk-taking—qualities that propelled her to become the youngest female self-made billionaire in history. The film delves beyond the headlines to explore the personal challenges, fierce battles, and triumphs behind Wolfe’s extraordinary success, offering a nuanced portrait of ambition, resilience, and empowerment.

Helmed by director Rachel Lee Goldenberg—who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Bill Parker and Kim Caramele—Swiped balances sharp storytelling with emotional resonance. The film’s ensemble cast, including Jackson White, Myha’la, Ben Schnetzer, Pierson Fodé, Clea DuVall, Pedro Correa, Ian Colletti, Coral Peña, and Dan Stevens, bring rich performances that flesh out the high-stakes world of tech startups, friendship, and rivalry.

Produced by Jennifer Gibgot, Andrew Panay, and Lily James herself, Swiped captures the zeitgeist of a tech revolution led by a young woman refusing to be sidelined. It is as much a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship as it is a compelling character study, reflecting broader conversations about gender, power, and change in the digital age.

As anticipation builds for its TIFF premiere and Disney+ release, Swiped promises to resonate with audiences hungry for inspiring, real-world stories that showcase the impact of determination and vision. This film is set to be a defining portrayal of female leadership and a vivid reminder of the new frontiers being carved out in technology and business by the bold and the brave. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of tech, culture, and gender dynamics, Swiped is a must-watch event of 2025.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan Bring the Magic to Sydney’s Purple Carpet for Freakier Friday Premiere

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Photo Credit: Scott Ehler | Image supplied by Disney Australia

The Aussie purple carpet shimmered with star power as Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reunited Down Under for the Australian premiere of Freakier Friday, Disney’s much-anticipated sequel to the 2003 classic. Held at Event Cinemas Westfield Bondi, the premiere drew a glittering crowd eager to celebrate this fresh twist on a beloved tale, ahead of the film’s exclusive August 7 release in cinemas across Australia and New Zealand.

Reprising their iconic roles as mother-daughter duo Tess and Anna Coleman, Curtis and Lohan dive back into a story where family ties get even more tangled. Years after their first unforgettable body swap, the next generation steps into the spotlight as Anna juggles her own daughter and soon-to-be stepdaughter, proving that sometimes, lightning really does strike twice.

Photo Credit: Scott Ehler | Image supplied by Disney Australia

Directed by Nisha Ganatra and inspired by Mary Rodgers’ classic Freaky Friday novel, Freakier Friday assembles a talented ensemble cast including Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon. Behind the scenes, the production boasts powerhouse producers Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn, and Jamie Lee Curtis herself, alongside executive producers Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lindsay Lohan, promising a film that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.

Photo Credit: Scott Ehler | Image supplied by Disney Australia

With its perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh family fun, Freakier Friday is poised to charm audiences of all ages. It hit cinemas on August 7, 2025, across Australia and New Zealand.

Carmen & Bolude Hits Digital Screens – Now Available to Rent or Buy!

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The critically acclaimed Australian comedy Carmen & Bolude is now available to rent or purchase at home across major digital platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube Movies, Microsoft Movies & TV, Fetch TV, Sky NZ, Neon NZ, and the Foxtel Store.

Directed by Maria Isabel Delaossa and Michela Carattini, and produced by Yolandi Franken and Michela Carattini, Carmen & Bolude tells a touching and timely story of love, friendship, and cultural identity through the lens of two international women. The film stars Michela Carattini, Bolude Watson, David Collins, Elliott Giarola, Liam Greinke, Joey Vieira, Joe Avati, James Liotta, and Wale Ojo.

After its world premiere in Hollywood, winning Best Independent Film & Best International Film at the LA Independent Women Film Awards, followed by a sold-out European premiere and crowding out the Hayden Orpheum at its Australian premiere, receiving further acclaim on the festival circuit with selections at the Gold Coast Film Festival, Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, Barcelona Indie Filmmakers Fest, New York Independent Film Festival, Blussh Romance Festival, and the African Film Festival Australia—the film is now available for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of home.

Don’t miss the chance to watch one of Australia’s most talked-about independent films of the year:

This “biting and funny” (Speaking Cinema) Australian film, the first written, directed and produced entirely by Latin-Australian and African-Australian women, is “incredibly topical” (The AU Review), and “really portrays the cultural complexity of Sydney” (The Drive), with iconic locations rarely shown, such as the Auburn Mosque and Sydney’s Murugan Temple, and languages rarely scripted, such as First Nations Darug and Nigerian Yoruba. Hailed by the critics as “An impactful step forward for Australian cinema” (The Curb), “One of the most exciting Australian films of 2025” (Film Central) and “Wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful” (The Medium), with “a standout soundtrack” (Film Ink), and  “stunning cinematography – Carattini and Watson give incredible, truthful performances with obvious chemistry” (The Medium).

Carmen & Bolude is available now — rent or buy today on your favourite platform.

ANZ Streaming Links:

PRIME VIDEO:

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Carmen-Bolude/0HPMK2VOBLJ54IO4UUXDHE1VXL

APPLE TV:

https://tv.apple.com/nz/movie/carmen–bolude/umc.cmc.6hy0tc92whx1y39lavjtuh4r0

FETCH TV:

https://www.fetchtv.com.au/movie/details/2968302/carmen–bolude

YOUTUBE VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcV4NFuZ76I

GOOGLE PLAY:

https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=H1ThXapEGlc.P

NEON NZ:

https://www.neontv.co.nz/movie/carmen-bolude

FOXTEL:

Link tbc

SKY NZ:

Link tbc

Following Cannes Win for Iranian Director Jafar Panahi, Upcoming Aussie Film “Fireworks” Issues a Powerful Warning

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Photo Credit: Julia Firak

As global interest in Iranian stories surges, Fireworks explores trauma, exile, and the fragility of justice, made in Australia but resonating worldwide.

Just days after Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident won the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, a new Australian-made feature is building momentum — inspired by the global recognition of Iranian cinema as not just political, but universal.

Fireworks, directed and co-written by Ali Vaziri, an Iranian-born filmmaker living in Australia, is a bold psychological drama rooted in real refugee experience. “Panahi’s win is a turning point,” says Vaziri. “It tells us something important: these stories are not just about Iran anymore — they’re about all of us. The same threats to truth, freedom, and justice are creeping closer to home in the West. Fireworks is my way of sounding the alarm.”

Photo Credit: Julia Firak

Set in a remote Australian town, Fireworks follows two close friends — both former political refugees — whose quiet life unravels during a weekend celebration when the past reappears in the form of a suspected war criminal. Over one day, in one house, tension builds toward an unthinkable moral choice.

It’s a film about trauma, complicity, loyalty and vengeance — but it’s also a film about how fragile peace really is, even in countries like Australia. With authentic Farsi and English dialogue and a minimalist, intimate setting, Fireworks delivers a contained but emotionally explosive story.

The cast features a talented ensemble of Iranian-Australian actors, including Keivaan Askari, Rina Mousavi, Madi Dezhbod, and Baha Jamali — Keivaan and Rina were involved in the critically acclaimed Australian-Iranian feature Shayda, Australia’s critically acclaimed entry to Sundance and the Academy Awards.

The film is produced by Yolandi Franken (Streets of Colour, Carmen & Bolude), and co-written by Nick Bleszynski, known for his work in both narrative and investigative storytelling. Filming will take place in Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW — a regional town whose quiet natural beauty mirrors the story’s haunting emotional undercurrent.

Photo Credit: Julia Firak

“This isn’t just a story about Iran. It’s a warning,” says Franken. “The erosion of truth, the silencing of dissent, the moral collapse that begins with looking away — these are themes that now ring loud in Western democracies.”

With the Cannes spotlight now firmly on Iranian voices and stories of resistance, Fireworks arrives at exactly the right moment — as a uniquely Australian contribution to a global conversation.

The film is currently seeking final-stage investment and community partnerships ahead of production later this year, with plans for international festival submission and a theatrical release followed by digital and broadcast distribution.

To request an investor pack or partnership proposal:

Yolandi Franken
Producer – Fireworks
yolandi@frankendipity.com
0404 385 988

Ryan Reynolds Champions Nature’s Misfits in Hilarious New Docuseries Underdogs

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Move over, lions and penguins — it’s time for the oddballs to shine.

Ryan Reynolds is swapping Deadpool’s red suit for something a bit more khaki as he lends his voice to Underdogs, a new five-part docuseries celebrating the natural world’s unsung heroes. Premiering 16 June on Disney+, the series is a joint effort from Reynolds’ Emmy® Award-winning Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films, the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning team behind some of the world’s most stunning wildlife documentaries.

But don’t expect your usual slow-motion lion pounce or majestic whale breach. This time, the spotlight belongs to nature’s Z-listers — the awkward, underrated, and often overlooked creatures who prove that survival doesn’t require good looks or graceful moves, just pure ingenuity and a whole lot of hustle.

Narrated with Reynolds’ Signature Wit

Reynolds, known for his razor-sharp humour, is the perfect guide through this wild world of unlikely legends. Underdogs dives headfirst into the fascinating (and frequently gross) lives of animals that typically don’t get the red carpet treatment. Think glow-in-the-dark butt-grubs in a cave in New Zealand, bizarre mating rituals, and some of the most questionable parenting strategies ever caught on camera.

“Getting to work with National Geographic on Underdogs was a dream come true,” said Reynolds. “Mostly because I can finally watch a project of ours with my children. Technically, they saw Deadpool & Wolverine but I don’t think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours.”

Each episode of Underdogs focuses on a different wild skillset — from strange superpowers to deceptive trickery, all the way to survival techniques that would make Bear Grylls think twice.

A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears)

The show features mind-blowing footage from the world’s top wildlife cinematographers, including scenes that have never been filmed before. One highlight? A glowing cave full of mucus-covered larvae that light up like a dodgy nightclub under UV lights. It’s gross. It’s mesmerising. It’s everything a nature doc should be.

On top of the visuals, the soundtrack absolutely slaps. Award-winning composer Harry Gregson-Williams (you know, from Shrek and The Martian) scores the series, while Green Day delivers the official theme song — fittingly titled “Underdog”. The song debuts in the official trailer, roaring like a wild anthem for every creature who’s ever felt like they were picked last for team sports.

The soundtrack, Underdogs (Original Series Soundtrack), drops on 13 June via Hollywood Records. And if you’re a fan of Green Day, you’ll be glad to know the track is also featured on the deluxe edition of their latest album, Saviors.

More Than Laughs — It’s Clever Science Too

While Underdogs has plenty of cheeky moments, it’s not all for laughs. The series highlights the resilience, intelligence and mind-blowing adaptations of animals that keep the ecosystem ticking. Forget fame — these critters are the real MVPs of the natural world.

So, whether you’re a nature nerd, a Green Day fan, or just in it for Ryan Reynolds’ running commentary on butt-glow worms, Underdogs is set to be a wild ride.

📺 Underdogs premieres **16 June on Disney+_.

Bring your curiosity. Maybe not your lunch.

A Complete Unknown: Timothée Chalamet Electrifies as Bob Dylan in Award-Winning Biopic – Now Streaming on Disney+

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Searchlight Pictures’ critically acclaimed biopic A Complete Unknown is now available to stream on Disney+, bringing the transformative early years of music legend Bob Dylan to life in a gripping, cinematic masterpiece.

Directed by Academy Award® nominee James Mangold, the film dives deep into the turbulent yet inspiring cultural landscape of 1960s America. At its heart is a mesmerising performance by Timothée Chalamet, who not only portrays Dylan with uncanny intensity but also performs his music, capturing the spirit and sound of the folk icon’s rise to fame.

Certified Fresh and dubbed “Certified Hot” by Rotten Tomatoes™, A Complete Unknown has already generated major awards buzz. The Hollywood Reporter hailed Chalamet’s portrayal as “an electrifying, transformative performance,” cementing his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

🎬 Film Synopsis

New York, 1961. A 19-year-old musician from Minnesota arrives in the heart of Greenwich Village—a place pulsing with poetry, protest, and possibility. With little more than a guitar and a voice that would come to define a generation, Bob Dylan finds himself surrounded by folk legends like Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton). These relationships—and a daring leap into electric sound—spark a musical revolution that forever alters the global landscape.

The film culminates in Dylan’s now-iconic Newport Folk Festival performance, where his electrified set stunned audiences and marked a seismic shift in modern music history.

🌟 A Stellar Cast

Joining Chalamet in this compelling ensemble are:

  • Edward Norton as Pete Seeger

  • Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo

  • Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez

  • Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash

  • Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie

🎥 Behind the Scenes

A Complete Unknown is co-written by James Mangold and Jay Cocks, and produced by a powerhouse team including Fred Berger, Alex Heineman, Bob Bookman, Peter Jaysen, Alan Gasmer, Jeff Rosen, and Chalamet himself.

Whether you’re a lifelong Dylan fan or discovering his story for the first time, A Complete Unknown is a must-watch for lovers of music, history, and masterful storytelling.

👉 Now streaming exclusively on Disney+.