Otalku Cafe Winter 2025 Anime Wrap-up: Ratings, Awards, and Spring Watchlist

Now that everything from the winter season finished airing, it's time to do a little wrap-up of the season! For this, I'll be grading every anime I've watched for the season, giving out awards for specific genres and characters, and reveal what I'll be watching for the spring season.

Without further ado, let's get to it!

Winter 2025 Anime Ratings

100 Girlfriends Who Really Really Really Really Really Love You Season 2: 8/10

Apothecary Diaries Season 2 (Cour 1): 8/10

Blue Box: 8.25/10

Dr. Stone: Science Future: 7.75/10

Dragon Ball Daima: 6/10

Flower and Asura: 6/10

Honey Lemon Soda: 7.25/10

Link Click: Bridon Arc: 7.75/10

Medalist: 8.5/10

Momentary Lily: 4/10

My Happy Marriage Season 2: 7.25/10

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth: 9.75/10

Re:Zero Season 3: 8.5/10

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance Arc: 7.25/10

Sakamoto Days: 7.75/10

Shangri-La Frontier Season 2: 7.75/10

Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow: 8.25/10

Tasokare Hotel: 7.5/10

Trillion Game: 6.75/10

Zenshu: 7.25/10

Cafe Staff Awards

• Best Animation: Medalist

• Best Visuals: Apothecary Diaries Season 2

• Best Drama: Medalist

• Best Action: Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow

• Best Romance: Blue Box

• Best Fantasy: Zenshu

• Best Comedy: 100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You Season 2

• Best Adventure: Shangri-La Frontier Season 2

• Best Mystery/Thriller: Tasokare Hotel

• Best Supernatural: Toilet Bound Hanako-kun Season 2

• Best Slice of Life: Honey Lemon Soda

• Best Music/Sports: Medalist

• Best Sci-Fi: Dr. Stone: Science Future

• Best Ecchi/Fanservice: 100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You Season 2

• Best Adaptation: Blue Box

• Best Original: Link Click: Bridon Arc

• Best Fight: Jin Woo vs. Kargalgan (Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow)

• Best Soundtrack: Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow

• Best Opening Theme: “The Eye” by 白鲨JAWS (Link Click: Bridon Arc)

• Best Ending Theme: "realitYhurts." by CVLTE (Shangri-La Frontier Season 2)

• Best Surprise: Medalist

• Most Disappointing: Zenshu

• Best Boy: Rentaro Aojiu (100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You Season 2)

• Best Girl: Emilia (Re:Zero Season 3)

• Best Supporting Boy: Reinhard (Re:Zero Season 3)

• Best Supporting Girl: Ayumi Endo (Honey Lemon Soda)

• Best Couple/Ship: Rentaro and Hahari, Karane, Shizuka, Nano, Kusuri, Hahari, Kurumi, Meido, Iku, Mimimi, and Meme (100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You Season 2)

• Best Duo/Group: Tsukasa and Inori (Medalist)

• Best Waifu: Priscilla (Re:Zero Season 3)

• Best Husbando: Taro Sakamoto (Sakamoto Days)

• Best Protagonist: Jin Woo (Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow)

• Best Antagonist: Naoshi Usui (My Happy Marriage Season 2)

Spring 2025 Watchlist

As of right now, these will be the shows that I'll be watching for the new season. I will be writing first impressions with overall thoughts once everything has aired.

• Aharen Is Indecipherable Season 2

• Anne Shirley

• Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Cour 2

• Beginning After the End

• I'm the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!

• Kowloon Generic Romance

• Lazarus

• Lycoris Recoil: Friends are Thieves of Time

• Makina-san's a Love Bot?!

• Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX

• Moonrise

• My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

• Rock is a Lady's Modesty

• Shiunji Family Children

• Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary Season 2

• Summer Pockets

• Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho

• Wind Breaker Season 2

• Zatsu Tabi: Your Journey

Winter 2025 Overall Thoughts

At the end of the day, it was a decent season but unfortunately, a good amount of shows were overshadowed by the various shows that were carried over from the previous season. On top of that, only two shows that aired in this season were the only ones that viewers cared about such as Solo Leveling and Apothecary Diaries, making the rest be glossed over.

Thankfully, not much carried over into spring, giving plenty of new shows a chance to shine. I'm looking forward to what spring has in store

Score: 7/10

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Otalku Cafe Staff Review: Re:Zero Season 3

After nearly three years, Re:Zero came back for a third season, and officially announced a season 4 once the finale finished. Re:Zero is one of my favorites with the characters, story, how they handle Subaru's powers, and the world itself is just fascinating. For this, I'll break down how I felt about both the Attack and Counterattack arcs separately as they're both 8 episodes each.

The Attack arc was the stronger of the two in terms of what viewers look for in Re:Zero. The first episode was 90 minutes long and what they were going for in terms of the set-up, it worked out in their favor. We get an introduction to other archbishops of the Witch's Cult, like Sirius, Capella, and Roy, while some make a return, like Regulus and Lye.

A lot of characters that we haven't seen since season 1 make a return also, like Priscilla, Felix, Felt, Al, Reinhard, Julius, the Pearlbatons, and Anastasia. New characters outside of the antagonists were introduced as well, like Liliana and Heinkel.

Both Sirius and Capella were the biggest thorns on everyone's side with all the damage to not only the protagonists and the townsfolk but to the entire city itself. Emilia stepped up a lot as a character in this season as a whole and doesn't even back down when fighting Sirius. Garfiel probably had the most development as a character given the events that happened to him, like seeing his mom again but having no recollection of who he is, which is kind of heartbreaking.

Outside of the season premiere, the best part of this arc was Subaru's speech to the remaining villagers who were still alive, inspiring hope in everyone and how he was going to save them. It was beautifully done and showed why Subaru is a top protagonist.

Unfortunately, the eight-week gap between the two arcs, in my opinion, hurt the momentum a little, especially with how the first half ended. I understand wanting to end it around the time the rest of the shows that aired in the winter season to wrap up, but I felt like four weeks would've been better for a wait instead of a third of a 2 cour season.

The Counterattack arc, while enjoyable still had some problems compared to the first half. It was a little too action-heavy, not that I mind, but the main thing that drew people into the show, like the supernatural and fantasy aspects of it, was almost non-existent.

However, every single person had a role to play against certain characters and they did it well. Reinhard was the MVP of this arc as he was a vital asset to Subaru and Wilhelm during those battles. Even people you haven't seen fight before or very little, even they stepped up to the plate to fight off against the enemy.

Despite the outcomes feeling a little one-sided for the protagonists, there were risks were still there as nobody could afford to die or else Subaru would have to end his own life to reset the timeline to make sure everyone would come back in one piece.

A lot of characters were able to shine with Priscilla taking out Sirius with ease, Lilian snapping the townsfolk out of Sirius' control through her song, Emilia, Al's sass towards Capella and not giving into her lust, Emilia convincing Cornelius' wives to leave him, Garfiel (Go, Gorgeous Tiger!) finally putting Elsa in the back of his mind, and Subaru figuring out the archbishop's weaknesses are similar to the constellations.

You even get those bittersweet conclusions as well when Wilhelm fought the animated corpse of his dead wife, Theresia. It was a rather emotional battle and we got to see more of their life together before her tragic passing thanks to the main antagonist, Pandora. Even if Reinhard was able to deliver that final blow to Theresia, at least Wilhelm was able to say goodbye to his wife properly and tell her that he loved her.

Unfortunately, it wasn't 100% a happy ending, as I won't go into spoilers, but I'm glad that it wasn't another season where there were no casualties. It was a good cliffhanger to end the season on and it makes you wonder what's going to happen next.

Overall, I still enjoyed season 3 despite the 8-week gap between the two arcs to kinda derail its momentum. Both parts would have different grades, with me favoring the first part, but the second part still had a lot of great moments for certain people. The way it ended was a nice little cherry on top, and it makes you curious as to what's gonna happen next.

All 16 episodes of Re:Zero are on Crunchyroll now, and if you've never seen the series before, check it out, as it's one of the better Isekai's in a while. I'm excited for season 4 whenever it comes out, I just hope we don't have to wait a long time for it to air.

Score: 8.75/10

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Otalku Cafe Staff Review: Sakamoto Days

Sakamoto Days was one of the most highly anticipated shows for the winter season after its adaptation was announced, and a second part has already been confirmed for the summer season. Now that part one has wrapped up, did it meet expectations? I believe it did.

The story follows the trope of a legendary assassin or hitman who becomes a pacifist and vows never to kill again. There’s nothing wrong with that concept, and they found a way to make it enjoyable. Sakamoto is portrayed as a loving father who seems like a soft teddy bear, but he can knock someone out instantly if they threaten his family or friends. He also runs a convenience store with his family.

Sakamoto's wife and daughter are sweethearts, Shin is very reliable, and Shaotang is also a delight to watch. The series provides plenty of backstory for the characters and explores how other hitmen view Sakamoto.

Speaking of hitmen, many of them appear throughout the story and try to kill our heroes. Boiled and Heisuke were probably my favorite of the two, and I hope to see more of them in the future.

The creators successfully blended both comedy and action without allowing one to overshadow the other a balance that can be challenging to achieve but works well here. The show also has a wholesome quality, particularly when Sakamoto thinks of ways to make his daughter happy, even in the face of hitmen trying to kill him. Some hitmen even choose to back off, as if they’ve had a change of heart.

While the episodes themselves weren’t groundbreaking, the action sequences and character backstories were definitely the highlights. The episodes weren’t bad, but they didn’t fully stand out from beginning to end, aside from a couple of episodes.

One aspect I loved was the recurring gag where Sakamoto imagines killing Shin in his mind whenever Shin tries to say something in front of Sakamoto’s family that he wants to keep private. This works well since Shin’s ability is to read minds, and he has a visual representation of Sakamoto’s thoughts. If you haven’t seen those clips, I highly recommend checking them out, they're hilarious.

Originally, I heard early leaks hinting that fans might be disappointed before the show even airs which made me a bit concerned. However, once it aired, I found it entertaining and was confused about why there were negative reactions.

Then I learned that some viewers were complaining about the animation, which sure was not spectacular or anything, but I thought it was passable.

I genuinely feel that anime fans today have been spoiled by high-quality animation in shows like Demon Slayer, the Fate series, and Jujutsu Kaisen. It gets to the point where they might just dismiss it if they don't meet that same quality. To me, that’s a crock of shit. Every animation studio does things differently and there's more than just animation alone that what makes a good show. Trust me, there is worse out there (like Ex-Arm).

Overall, I found Sakamoto Days to be an enjoyable series and one of the more entertaining ones this season. I’m excited for the second part when it airs. The action is great, it's humorous, the characters are likable, and it’s an all-around entertaining experience. All 11 episodes are available now on Netflix, so check it out if you're looking for a fun action-comedy to watch before the second part airs in July.

Score: 7.75/10

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Otalku Cafe Staff Review: Tasokare Hotel

What if I told you that purgatory isn't what you expected? What if it's not an endless void between life and death where you await your fate? Instead, imagine it as a hotel where lost souls check in but have no memory of themselves and don’t know whether they’re dead or alive. That’s the premise of the Tasokare Hotel.

The story follows our protagonist, Neko Tsukuhara, who discovers the hotel after realizing she may be dead. While she works as part of the staff alongside Aruto Hatori, Neko helps the hotel’s residents uncover their memories, as clues about their pasts are hidden in their hotel rooms.

The more they remember, the more their true selves are revealed, leading them to realize whether they are alive or not. Once they come to this realization, they check out of the hotel and move on either to the afterlife or back to their original bodies if they're still alive.

However, there are two important rules regarding the hotel: first, you cannot kill anyone under any circumstances; doing so will automatically send you to Hell, even if it’s accidental. Secondly, hotel patrons cannot stay too long, or they will vanish forever.

Despite the fascinating concept, I nearly dropped the show due to lackluster supporting characters and mystery elements at the beginning felt a bit too tame. That changed when the antagonist, Masaki Osoto, was introduced. He is such an intriguing character, and the chemistry between Neko, Osoto, and Hatori was enough to keep me interested in the story.

Thankfully, the last two mysteries involve both one of the idol girls that Neko looks up to and when a legendary musician helps give Hatori the confidence to try and play the saxophone again. These were the emotional impact moments that I hope we would've gotten in the beginning but beggars can't be choosers.

What truly sold me on the show, aside from the concept, was the final arc. It tied everything together for these three characters, revealing what happened to them, Osoto’s motives, and what the future holds. There’s also a clever twist involving another character and his intentions.

Overall, I enjoy a well-executed mystery, and the supernatural elements added a nice touch. While the concept of the hotel was captivating, I wished for more development of the side characters, especially the hotel manager. The main characters were great, and the final arc wrapped up the series on a high note. If you’re a fan of supernatural mysteries, I recommend checking out Tasokare Hotel as all 12 episodes are available now on Amazon Prime.

And remember.

“Don’t stare into the eyes of Hell.”

Score: 7.25/10

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Otalku Cafe Staff Review: Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance Arc

When you think of Rurouni Kenshin, what comes to mind? Is it the characters, the cool action scenes that you watched nearly 30 years ago, or is it those awesome Linkin Park AMVs that came out around that time?

With the first season of this reboot getting some success, it was no surprise that they were going to keep it going with the Kyoto Disturbance Arc and another season getting announced as it finished airing. But how does it compare to the original?

For the old-school fans, you know it's about Kenshin traveling to Kyoto to track down Shishio to stop him from overthrowing the Meiji government. We also get an introduction to new characters such as Misao and the Ten Swords.

While it was nice to see the Ten Swords again, they didn't get as much screen time outside of Anji and Chou. Shishio has always been an interesting character, and I always thought he was such a badass with his design. I am glad to see he's still this intimidating yet charismatic figure we all know and love.

Sojiro is still that creepy psychopath that you can tell he's dead inside, despite the emotionless smile and rather cheerful tone he expresses when speaking.

Misao definitely shines in this show as a supporting as she was very useful when it comes to stepping up when she needed to. Whether it was assisting on the battlefield and helping out civilians or stepping up as the leader of the Oniwanban clan, she fit her role perfectly.

Most of the focus for this arc was on Kenshin and his dilemma on whether he really needs to go back to his old Himura Battousai, the Manslayer, to defeat Shishio or if he can go with how he is now.

We also get to see his old master, Seijuro as he finally completes his training to learn the ultimate Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryuu technique needed to defeat Shishio whenever their paths cross. Those sets of episodes between the former master and student were honestly one of the highlights for this season.

Unfortunately, outside of the fight between Aoshi and Okina, the rest of the battles in this show were subpar. They all seemed like standard anime fights that you see in other shows to just keep the story moving and not have a big impact on anything to make them stand out. It was as if they were just coasting with these and playing it safe without doing anything spectacular. They're not bad fights, just a little underwhelming, and I'm hoping that changes in the next arc.

Overall, while it is not the perfect season, there's still plenty to enjoy for both new viewers and fans who've seen it when it originally aired. Reboots lately have been hits more than misses, and it's nice to see these classic shows make a comeback and not completely butcher it. If you haven't seen it yet and are a fan of the original, check it out on Crunchyroll. The first two seasons are on there now.

Will the new series go further than the original? You never know, as long as the show keeps going well despite the controversy about the mangaka, it might. I'm along for the ride and I'm looking forward to the next set of battles in the next arc coming up.

Score: 7.25/10

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Otalku Cafe Staff Review: Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Hello, my name is Mathew and starting today I will officially be covering anime on this website.

How this will work going forward is that at the beginning of the new anime season, I will be giving first impressions of the shows that I will be watching. Once the season is over, I'll be writing a full review of it.

The winter season is winding down and I would like my first review to be one that I believe is a hidden gem, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.

Orb is a show that aired on October 2024 for the fall line up and is produced by Madhouse, which created various series like Frieren, Monster, Hunter x Hunter, Death Note, and Overlord.

It takes place in 15th Century Poland with a heavy focus on, not only religion, but also heliocentrism.

This show did not shy away with how cruel the punishments were back then if you were discovered being a heretic and did something they believe defied the teachings of God.

It's more of a character study with how far people will go for their beliefs, ideals, and inspiration no matter which side you're on, right or wrong.

Our first main character, Rafal is one who while had the shortest amount of screen time, had a bigger impact of the story throughout the years this takes place in, even to the point at the cost of his life if it meant inspiration to learn and evolve continues without him.

All of the characters were well written like Badeni, Oczy, Yolanda, Draka, Schmidt, Albert and of course, our antagonist, Novak. Novak is an inquisitor whose ultimate goal was to find heretics, punish them, and make sure the study of heliocentrism disappears since it goes against the teachings of God.

"I will never let inspiration die, even if it means the cost of my life."

All of the characters have had memorable moments throughout the show with what they believe in, how they see religion or heliocentrism, or "the truth", and how everything these characters have done has left an impact in some way.

The opening theme, musical composition, and the visuals of this series is also stellar as it all sets the tone of the emotions, focusing on the constellations, and the atmosphere surrounding it all.

Sometimes, the backgrounds do get a bit too dark, making it hard to see. This is prevalent in certain scenes that take place at night.

Overall, I believe it's an excellent show and already a anime of the year contender as it's done so many things right. Biggest praise goes to the writing since it reminded me of Vinland Saga with how it had some of the best character development and knowing how to tell a story to captivate people without the need of "over the top" action. The show covers more than just geocentrism vs heliocentrism, it covers human nature itself.

We as human beings are always eager for knowledge, and curious creatures who will do anything to gain more of that knowledge, even if going through extreme measures just to get it. It's human nature and they captured that really well.

"What does it mean to have free will?"

"The fact that you're already asking that question."

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth can be watched on Netflix with all 25 episodes. If you're into drama, complexities of human nature, old school religion, or just astrology in general, I highly recommend it.

Score: 9.5/10

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Early Review Buzz: What's Being Said About So Far About Snow White?

Early reactions to Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of "Snow White," set for release on March 21, 2025, have been predominantly positive, with particular acclaim for Rachel Zegler's portrayal of the titular character. Following the Los Angeles premiere on March 15, critics lauded Zegler's performance, describing her as a "shining supernova" who "beautifully embod[ies] the graceful, gentle nature of the OG Disney princess."

The film's new musical numbers have also been well-received, with some reviewers labeling them as "show-stopping."Additionally, the visual aesthetics of the movie have been praised for their vibrancy and alignment with Disney's signature style. One critic noted that the film is "quite charming," highlighting the effectiveness of its message, the appeal of its animated creatures, and Zegler's "enchanting voice."

Another reviewer expressed that, despite initial reservations, the film embodies "pure Disney magic" and has the potential to become a favorite among the live-action remakes. However, it's important to note that the production has not been without controversy. Reports suggest tensions between lead actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, with sources indicating strained relations during the Los Angeles premiere.Additionally, the film has faced criticism for its modern reinterpretation of the classic narrative and the portrayal of the seven dwarfs, leading to discussions about representation and authenticity.

Despite these challenges, the initial critical reception suggests that Disney's "Snow White" offers a fresh and engaging take on the beloved classic, with standout performances and captivating musical elements.​ Snow White premieres in theaters March 21st.

Breaking News: Sadie Sink Joins the Marvel Universe in 'Spider-Man 4'

Exciting news has just been revealed about the upcoming 'Spider-Man 4' film. According to a recent report from Deadline, Sadie Sink has been cast in the highly anticipated movie.

While the specifics of Sink's role have not been officially confirmed, industry insiders suggest that she may play Jean Grey, a central figure in the X-Men franchise. Alternatively, it's also been proposed that Sink might portray Mary Jane.

'Spider-Man 4' is set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.

Stay tuned for more updates on 'Spider-Man 4' and Sadie Sink's role in the film!

Disney Shelves Tiana Princess Series, Shifts Focus Away from Original Long-Form Content

Walt Disney Animation Studios has officially canceled its highly anticipated Tiana princess series, initially announced in December 2020. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is abandoning its plans to produce original long-form content for streaming services.

But what does "long-form content" mean, exactly? In the context of streaming and television, content is typically categorized as either long-form or short-form. Long-form content refers to programming that is typically 30 minutes or longer in length, such as episodic television series, movies, and documentaries. Short-form content, on the other hand, includes shorter programming like Bluey or Spongebob, music videos, commercials, and social media clips.

The Tiana series was envisioned as a musical, featuring Anika Noni Rose reprising her role as Tiana from the 2009 film The Princess and The Frog. The project held significant cultural importance, as Tiana is Disney's first Black princess.

However, sources close to the project reveal that despite efforts to revamp, the series ultimately couldn't meet production expectations due to rising costs.

This decision follows a broader shift in strategy for Disney, which has been reevaluating its approach to original content creation for streaming platforms. Last year, Pixar announced that it would no longer prioritize developing long-form episodic content, opting instead to focus on feature films.

The move is also reflective of Disney's changing priorities during the pandemic. Under former CEO Bob Chapek, the company pushed its film studios to produce original content for Disney+ in an effort to boost subscriber growth.

Interestingly, Walt Disney Animation's Moana 2 was initially conceived as an animated series before being reimagined as a theatrical release. The decision paid off, with the film grossing over $1 billion at the global box office. This, combined with the success of Pixar's Inside Out 2, which earned $1.7 billion, has led Disney to recognize the strength of theatrical releases for its animation studios.

As Disney continues to adapt to the evolving streaming landscape, it remains to be seen how the company will balance its approach to original content creation.

Gene Hackman, Wife, and Dog Found Dead in Santa Fe Home

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and one of their dogs were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday.

According to investigators, the bodies had been there for some time before a maintenance worker made the discovery.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office reported that Hackman's body was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa's body was discovered in a bathroom next to a space heater. A search warrant revealed an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on a countertop near Arakawa. However, there were no signs of wounds or trauma on either body.

The New Mexico Gas Co. conducted tests on the gas lines in and around the home but found no signs of problems. The Fire Department also detected no signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. While a sheriff's detective noted that there were no obvious signs of a gas leak, it is possible that exposure to gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not show visible signs of poisoning.

Their deaths have been ruled “suspicious” enough to require a full investigation.

The front door of the residence was unsecured & opened with no obvious signs of a gas leak.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of death.

Christopher Nolan's Bond Ambitions: A Missed Opportunity

Renowned director Christopher Nolan had expressed interest in helming a James Bond film following the release of his 2020 movie "Tenet," according to a report by Variety.

However, Nolan's desire for creative control ultimately led him to make OPPENHEIMER for Universal instead. The film proved to be a massive success, earning nearly $1 billion at the global box office and winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Michelle Broccoli, the former gatekeeper of the Bond franchise, made it clear that no director would have final cut while the series was under her purview. Nolan, known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to his artistic vision, is a final-cut director. This creative difference proved to be a deal-breaker.

Instead of directing a Bond film, Nolan went on to make "Oppenheimer," a biographical drama about the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Manhattan Project.

Nolan's missed opportunity echoes a similar experience had by Steven Spielberg decades earlier. Following the success of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Spielberg expressed interest in directing a Bond film. However, he was blocked by Michelle Broccoli's father, the late Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, who deemed Spielberg too inexperienced to take on the project.

Michelle Trachtenberg Passes Away at Age 39

Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at age 39. She was born on October 11, 1985. Her acting career spanned over two decades, with notable roles in television and film.

Michelle began her acting career at the tender age of three, appearing in the Nickelodeon show "The Adventures of Pete & Pete." This early start paved the way for her future success in the entertainment industry.

Michelle gained international recognition for her portrayal of Dawn Summers in the critically acclaimed television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Her performance in the show, which aired from 2000 to 2003, earned her a nomination for a Teen Choice Award.

In addition to her work on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Michelle appeared in several films, including "Eurotrip" and "Ice Princess." Her role as Georgina Sparks in the hit television series "Gossip Girl" further solidified her position as a talented young actress.

Throughout her career, Michelle Trachtenberg demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress. Her performances in various television shows and films left a lasting impact on her fans and the entertainment industry.

Update: Law enforcement sources tell TMZ. Michelle Trachtenberg’s body may have rejected the liver transplant she received within the last year, causing complications. We're told Michelle's mother found her.

Kathleen Kennedy to Retire as Lucasfilm Boss by End of 2025

After over a decade at the helm of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy has announced plans to retire by the end of 2025, according to a report by Puck. Kennedy, who has been instrumental in shaping the Star Wars franchise, will leave behind a legacy of blockbuster films and a reinvigorated franchise.

A Legendary Career

Kennedy joined Lucasfilm in 2012, alongside Star Wars creator George Lucas, and took over as president after Disney acquired the company for $4 billion. Under her leadership, the franchise saw a resurgence with films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), which grossed over $2 billion globally.

Challenges and Controversies

Kennedy's tenure was not without its challenges. She faced criticism for her handling of certain projects, including the firing of directors Chris Lord and Phil Miller from Solo: A Star Wars Story, which ultimately lost money at the box office. Additionally, she sidelined Rogue One: A Star Wars Story director Gareth Edwards, replacing him with Tony Gilroy for reshoots.

A Storied Career

Despite the challenges, Kennedy's career has been marked by numerous successes. She has produced over 70 films, including iconic titles like Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and the Back to the Future trilogy (1985-1990). She has been nominated for eight Oscars and has worked with legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.

What's Next for Lucasfilm?

The news of Kennedy's retirement comes ahead of April's Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, where the future of the Star Wars franchise is expected to be unveiled. As the franchise looks to the future, fans will be eagerly awaiting news of who will succeed Kennedy as the head of Lucasfilm.

BREAKING NEWS: DC Comics and Marvel Comics Announce New Crossover Event

In a surprise announcement at ComicsPRO, the comic book retailer summit held in Glendale, California, DC Comics Editor-In-Chief Marie Javins and Marvel Comics Editor-In-Chief CB Cebulski revealed a new crossover event between the two comic book giants.

A New Era of Cooperation

The announcement follows the successful collaboration on the recent reprint of previous DC and Marvel comics in two omnibuses published last year. CB Cebulski expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We really enjoyed working together... I think there's another white whale that we got."

A Modern Crossover

Marie Javins and CB Cebulski hinted at a modern crossover event, with CB asking retailers, "What do you think?" The room erupted in a large, appreciative cheer, prompting CB to reply, "I guess we have no choice but to do this."

Details and Timeline

The crossover event will consist of two one-shots: Marvel/DC, produced by Marvel Comics, and DC/Marvel, produced by DC Comics. While no specific release date was announced, CB Cebulski expressed optimism that the project could be completed in 2025.

A Light-Hearted Moment

The announcement was not without humor, as Marie Javins jokingly asked if she could create more "fart comics" as part of the crossover event, referencing recent scratch-and-sniff Harley Quinn comics. CB Cebulski good-naturedly shut down the idea, saying, "I don't think that's exactly what they were talking about."

The comic book community is abuzz with excitement over this unexpected announcement. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling crossover event!

Marvel Television Puts Three Projects on Hold, Shifts Development Priorities

Marvel Television has paused development on three projects: Nova, Strange Academy, and Terror, Inc., according to sources. The decision reflects a new approach to television production at Marvel, prioritizing a more flexible and selective development process.

Nova: An adaptation of the comic book series, which follows the cosmic-powered hero Richard Rider, was in development with writer and showrunner Ed Bernero.

Strange Academy: A series based on the comic book series, set in a school for young individuals with magical abilities, was rumored to be in development, with a focus on Wong's leadership.

Terror, Inc.: An adaptation of the comic book series, centered on an antihero with the ability to incorporate body parts from others, was also in development, but no creative team was announced.

Sources emphasized that the three projects were never officially greenlit and may still be revisited in the future. The pause is seen as a strategic move to re-evaluate and refine Marvel's development priorities.

The shift in development priorities is part of a broader overhaul of Marvel's television production strategy. In recent years, the studio has moved away from announcing large slates of projects and instead focuses on developing a smaller number of shows more carefully.

In an interview with Screen Rant last August, Marvel Studios' Head of TV, Streaming, and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, discussed the new development approach: "We're developing more than we make now, so we're actually having a few different things brewing that we might see through to at least a pilot script to see if we want to make it... We're really being careful about what we choose to do next."

The pause on these projects marks a significant shift in Marvel Television's development strategy, as the studio prioritizes quality over quantity and takes a more measured approach to producing television shows.

James Bond Franchise Sees Shocking Shift as Amazon MGM Studios Takes Creative Control

In a shocking move, longtime James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are stepping down, handing over creative control of the iconic spy franchise to Amazon MGM Studios, according to Deadline.

The End of an Era: Broccoli Family's Creative Control Comes to a Close

For decades, the Broccoli family has maintained an iron grip on the James Bond franchise, exerting significant creative control over every aspect of the series. From casting to scripting, the Broccolis have been the driving force behind the franchise's success. However, with this new deal, Amazon MGM Studios will take the reins, marking a significant shift in the franchise's history.

A Legacy of Control

Under the Broccoli family's guidance, the James Bond franchise has become one of the most successful and enduring film franchises of all time. Barbara Broccoli, in particular, has been instrumental in shaping the series, producing some of the most iconic Bond films, including the Daniel Craig era. Her commitment to maintaining the franchise's integrity and creative vision has been unwavering.

Tensions Between Amazon and the Broccolis

The decision to step down comes after reported tensions between Amazon and the Broccoli family. Following Amazon's $8.5 billion takeover of MGM in 2022, there were rumors of a strained relationship between the two parties. The Wall Street Journal reported that the relationship had "all but collapsed," with Broccoli allegedly characterizing Amazon as "f****** idiots."

Creative Differences

At the heart of the tension was a disagreement over the future direction of the franchise. Amazon, a volume-driven company, was keen to explore the possibility of spin-offs and an expanded universe concept, similar to Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Broccoli was resistant to this idea, believing that James Bond should remain a carefully crafted, standalone film franchise.

A New Era for 007

With Amazon MGM Studios now at the helm, the possibilities for the James Bond franchise are endless. The company has expressed its commitment to honoring the legacy of James Bond, while also exploring new creative directions. With filmmakers like Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Edward Berger expressing interest in taking on the franchise, the future of James Bond looks bright.

What's Next for James Bond?

While details of Amazon's plans for the franchise are scarce, one thing is certain: the future of James Bond is in good hands with Amazon MGM Studios. With a new era of creative control comes the possibility of new stories, new characters, and new directions for the iconic spy.

Dwayne Johnson to Lead Star Studded Martin Scorsese Crime Drama

A new, untitled crime drama is in the works, with Martin Scorsese set to direct a star-studded cast, including Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Emily Blunt, according to Deadline.

It was Blunt and Johnson who brought the idea to Scorsese and DiCaprio, and they all enlisted Nick Bilton, who’ll start writing when this gets set up.

The film is based on the true story of a ruthless Hawaiian crime boss who battled rival factions for control of organized crime in Hawaii. The story takes place in 1960s and 70s Hawaii, where the charismatic mob boss rises to build the islands' most powerful criminal empire.

This project marks another historic collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese, who recently worked together on the Best Picture nominee "Killers of the Flower Moon." The duo has a long history of working together on films like "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Gangs of New York," and "The Wolf of Wall Street."

For Johnson, this film is a personal project, as he has roots in Hawaii and has long wanted to make a movie there. Johnson had previously been kicking around a film about King Kamehameha, who united the islands to improve dealings with explorers.

This new project is still in its early stages, with multiple bids on the table. Nick Bilton is set to write the script, with production expected to begin once the project is officially greenlit. With its star-studded cast and acclaimed director, this film is poised to be a major player in the world of cinema.

Breaking News: Avatar: The Last Airbender Sequel Series in Development

Exciting news for fans of the beloved Nickelodeon series "Avatar: The Last Airbender"! A brand-new sequel series, titled "Avatar: Seven Havens," is currently in development at Nickelodeon.

"Avatar: Seven Havens" will consist of 26 half-hour episodes, spread across two thrilling seasons. The new series promises to deliver the same epic adventure and fantasy elements that made "Avatar: The Last Airbender" a global phenomenon.

The sequel series takes place after a catastrophic event that shakes the world. At the center of the story are Earthbending twins, who find themselves at the forefront of a new era. In a stunning twist, one of the twins discovers she is the reincarnation of the Avatar, succeeding the legendary Korra.

"Avatar: Seven Havens" offers a fresh perspective on the Avatar universe, exploring new themes, characters, and storylines while maintaining the essence of the original series. Fans can expect to be transported back to the richly detailed world of bending and magic, with plenty of action, suspense, and emotional depth.

Stay tuned for more updates on "Avatar: Seven Havens" as the series develops!

Daniel Craig Exits 'SGT. ROCK' Movie, Jeremy Allen Allen Emerges as Potential Replacement

The Hollywood Reports states Daniel Craig has dropped out of starring in Luca Guadagnino's 'SGT. ROCK' movie for DC, delaying his debut in the DC Comics universe.

Craig's departure from the project, which is based on the DC Comics character created by Robert Kanagihner and Joe Kubert, has sparked a search for a new lead. Jeremy Allen White is among the actors being considered for the role.

The 'SGT. ROCK' movie, which has a script from screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes, was expected to reunite Craig with Guadagnino, who directed him in the film 'Queer'. However, Craig's exit has thrown the project's casting into flux.

The reasons for Craig's departure are unclear, with some sources citing scheduling conflicts with his wife, actress Rachel Weise, while others suggest that he lost interest in the project after 'Queer' underperformed at the box office and during awards season.

Despite Craig's exit, DC is pushing forward with the project, with plans to start filming in the UK this summer. The studio has declined to comment on the casting shake-up.

'SGT. ROCK' has been in development for several years, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis previously attached to star. The character, a tough-as-nails World War II soldier, has been a staple of DC Comics since his debut in 1959.

Kitao Sakurai to Direct Live-Action Street Fighter Movie

Legendary's live-action Street Fighter movie has found a new director in Kitao Sakurai, known for his work on Netflix's "Bad Trip" and "The Eric Andre Show". Sakurai takes over the project from Danny and Michael Philippou, who were attached to direct since April 2023.

The Street Fighter movie is based on the popular Capcom video game series, which was launched in 1987. The games follow intense one-on-one battles between a diverse cast of martial artists, often centering around a global fighting tournament organized by M. Bison, the leader of the evil organization Shadaloo.

Sakurai is an Emmy-nominated director and executive producer, best known for his work on "The Eric Andre Show" and "Bad Trip", a hidden camera prank movie starring Eric Andre.

While the plot of the film and other attachments are being kept under wraps for now, the appointment of Sakurai as director brings new excitement to the project.