A new year means new entries for the Marvel Cinematic Universe are on the way. First up will be Anthony Mackie taking center stage as the new Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. The movie went into production in March of 2023, with filming lasting through June. But in December of ’23, another screenwriter was brought onto the project to write new material for reshoots, and those reshoots seemed to be quite substantial, lasting from May 2024 through November. We know that the story still involves the Serpent Society; in fact, the reshoots added Giancarlo Esposito into the mix as Sidewinder, the leader of the Serpent Society.
Marvel is now gearing up for their big film release since last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine with a final trailer and brand new posters for specific premium theater screens. This includes posters for IMAX, Dolby Theaters, 4DX theaters, Real D 3D screenings, Screen X theaters and a poster for Fandango ticket sales. These posters are playing up the big showdown between Captain America and Red Hulk. Check them out below!
Here’s the official information on Captain America: Brave New World, straight from Marvel: Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero, who’s officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. Harrison Ford makes his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as newly-elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, a role originated by the late William Hurt. Ross and Sam have a bit of a history: In his previous role as Secretary of State, Ross was responsible for arresting Sam and his fellow Avengers during the events of Captain America: Civil War. Now as president, Ross is eager to work with Sam, hoping to make Captain America an official military position. But that tentative alliance is jeopardized when Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident, with friend and retired super-soldier Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) as the prime suspect. Sam’s investigation send him on a dangerous chase, and (leading to) a deadly showdown and a tease of the menacing Red Hulk. Danny Ramirez returns as former Air Force lieutenant Joaquin Torres, who’s picked up Sam’s old wings and taken on the role of Falcon. Tim Blake Nelson is also back as Samuel Sterns, AKA The Leader, appearing in the MCU for the first time since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. New to the cast is Shira Haas, who joins as Ruth Bat-Seraph. A former Black Widow, Ruth is now a high-ranking U.S. government official who has the trust of President Ross. Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, and Xosha Roquemore also star. The film is directed by Julius Onah and produced by Kevin Feige and Nate Moore. Louis D’Esposito and Charles Newirth serve as executive producers. Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, and Rob Edwards crafted the story for the film. Onah receives screenplay credit alongside Peter Glanz and Matthew Orton (Orton being the writer who was brought on for the reshoots).
Jimmy Donaldson, better known by his online persona MrBeast, is a household name in the digital entertainment sphere, or as the kids call it, the YouTubes. Born ON HIS BIRTHDAY May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, MrBeast has grown from a curious teen dabbling in YouTube videos to a global icon known for his groundbreaking content and massive philanthropic efforts. His journey is a blend of awe-inspiring achievements, calculated risks, and controversies that shine a spotlight on the complexities of modern-day success.
MrBeast began his YouTube career in 2012, posting gaming videos, like everyone else at the time, and attempts at humorous content under the username “MrBeast6000.” These early uploads, ranging from Let’s Plays of Minecraft and Call of Duty to speculative commentary on YouTube personalities’ net worth, were far from the spectacle-driven productions he’s now famous for. His big break came in 2017, when he uploaded “Counting to 100,000,” a video that was as much a test of endurance as it was a statement about standing out in a crowded space. The stunt, which took him over 40 hours, went viral and set the tone for his future content: ambitious, unconventional, and impossible to ignore.
From counting large numbers to giving away millions, MrBeast’s content rapidly evolved. His decision to start giving away large sums of money—sometimes to strangers, sometimes to his friends, and often to those in need—struck a chord with viewers. By 2018, his brand of philanthropy had become his signature, earning him both a loyal audience and growing influence on YouTube.
MrBeast’s innovative style has inspired countless creators to emulate his success. From attention-grabbing challenges to philanthropy-driven content, his impact is seen in channels like Airrack, Ryan Trahan, and ZHC, who have built their own followings by taking cues from his formula. MrBeast’s influence is not limited to YouTube; his focus on over-the-top stunts and storytelling has created a ripple effect across other platforms, driving creators to think bigger and more creatively. He’s also openly mentored some up-and-coming YouTubers, offering tips on how to maximize engagement and audience retention, which has cemented his role as a community leader within the creator ecosystem.
Videos such as “I Gave $1,000,000 To Random People” and “Last To Leave Circle Wins $500,000” typify his mix of altruism and spectacle. These videos often blur the line between genuine charity and calculated content. Over the years, MrBeast has produced some truly unforgettable videos that define his career. His recreation of the popular Netflix series Squid Game was a landmark project, reportedly costing over $3.5 million to produce and garnering over 400 million views. This video not only showcased his ability to tap into trending cultural phenomena but also raised the bar for YouTube production quality. Similarly, his “Planting 20,000,000 Trees” video for #TeamTrees and “I Opened A Free Bank” pushed boundaries in terms of both scale and impact. These videos highlight his knack for creating content that resonates across demographics, balancing spectacle with heart.
While they undeniably help individuals and causes, they also rake in millions of views, leading some to question whether the philanthropy is primarily for profit. In the age of social media, where clicks equal dollars, MrBeast has arguably perfected a model where doing good is also very, very good business. He seems like a genuine guy who largely lives below his sizable means, but business is, as they say, a boomin’.
MrBeast’s philanthropic ventures are monumental in scale. In 2019, he co-launched the #TeamTrees campaign with former NASA engineer and fellow YouTuber Mark Rober, aiming to plant 20 million trees. The campaign surpassed its target, raising over $23 million—a testament to his ability to mobilize his audience for a cause. Similarly, in 2021, he spearheaded #TeamSeas to remove 30 million pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, and beaches, again exceeding the goal.
But here’s where the debate intensifies: Are these campaigns altruistic at their core, or are they profit-driven initiatives disguised as goodwill?
Consider the parallels to major corporations that engage in philanthropy for the sake of positive PR. For example, brands like TOMS Shoes or Patagonia position themselves as socially conscious to bolster consumer loyalty. Similarly, MrBeast’s acts of charity—while undeniably impactful—feed directly into his content machine. Every donation video garners millions of views, which translate to ad revenue and sponsorships that likely replenish the initial outlay many times over. And then there are slightly less overt approaches, like major companies maximizing tax incentives and endearing themselves to consumers and employees through charitable efforts.
This isn’t to downplay the good Jimmy’s done. If anything, MrBeast’s model is refreshingly transparent. He openly acknowledges that the revenue generated from his videos funds more ambitious projects. It’s a feedback loop of giving that works for everyone involved—especially him.
MrBeast’s ventures aren’t limited to YouTube. In December 2020, he launched MrBeast Burger, a virtual restaurant brand operating through ghost kitchens. Customers could order via an app, and the brand exploded in popularity, opening at hundreds of locations across the U.S. However, this venture hasn’t been without its problems.
In 2023, Donaldson filed a $100 million lawsuit against Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC), the company responsible for managing MrBeast Burger. He alleged that VDC’s failure to maintain quality standards damaged his brand and reputation. In response, VDC countersued, claiming that Donaldson’s public criticism of the brand’s quality constituted breach of contract and defamation. Donaldson had taken to social media to call out the poor quality of the burgers being delivered under his name, accusing VDC of prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction. The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges of managing a brand at such a massive scale, especially when your name is synonymous with perfection in the eyes of some fans. It seems like the brand is in a very slow decline.
Another significant legal challenge surfaced in 2024, tied to the production of his Amazon Prime series, “Beast Games.” Marketed as a high-stakes game show with a $5 million grand prize, the show faced backlash when allegations of unsafe working conditions emerged. Contestants reported issues ranging from inadequate resources to medical emergencies due to the extreme nature of the challenges. Critics argued that the production was rushed and chaotic, prioritizing spectacle over safety. While Donaldson’s team responded by emphasizing their commitment to contestant welfare, the controversy underscored the difficulties of scaling his unique content style to a traditional TV format. For Jimmy’s part, he has called the accusations largely fake news.
The show saw high initial viewership numbers, bolstered by MrBeast’s immense popularity, that quickly tapered off. Criticisms centered around the games being basic and shallow for a supposed game show. It could also have been an issue of timing. It’s harder to watch people backstab each other for a chance at millions, when you don’t know if you’ll be able to able to pay your rent that month.
These legal and logistical hurdles are compounded by the pressure of maintaining his image as the “nice guy” of YouTube. MrBeast’s empire involves hundreds of employees, dozens of brand deals, and a relentless content schedule. Mistakes are inevitable, but in the court of public opinion, every misstep is magnified. Whether it’s a lawsuit or allegations of workplace discontent, the stakes are higher when you’re seen as the gold standard of internet philanthropy.
As of January 2025, MrBeast’s main YouTube channel boasts over 336 million subscribers. His influence extends beyond YouTube, with ventures like Feastables—his line of chocolate bars—and his philanthropy-focused channel, Beast Philanthropy, which donates 100% of its revenue to charitable causes. Despite controversies, his popularity remains largely intact, a testament to his ability to connect with audiences.
Beyond his main channel, MrBeast has diversified his content with several spin-offs. Channels like MrBeast Gaming, MrBeast Reacts, and Beast Philanthropy cater to niche audiences while maintaining his overarching brand ethos. MrBeast Gaming, for instance, capitalizes on the gaming community with massive in-game challenges and giveaways, while Beast Philanthropy focuses exclusively on charitable endeavors, showcasing the real-world impact of his generosity. Each of these channels has millions of subscribers, proving that his appeal extends far beyond a single type of content. This multi-channel strategy not only strengthens his empire but also ensures a steady stream of engagement from various audience segments.
Looking ahead, the challenges he faces are as monumental as his achievements. Scaling his operations while maintaining authenticity will be a delicate balancing act. Legal battles and production controversies have already shown that even someone as meticulous as MrBeast can’t control every variable in his sprawling empire. Yet, his ability to adapt and innovate suggests he’s far from finished rewriting the rules of entertainment and philanthropy.
MrBeast’s fame has recently transcended the digital world, as he’s dipped his toes into Hollywood’s vibrant animation scene. His blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in Kung Fu Panda 4 served as a selling point for the massive hit film. He staged a fake FaceTime auction with Jack Black to promote it to his 64 million Instagram followers. They even spent the time and money to animate his goofy-ass smile onto Panda Pig. This wasn’t his first foray into voice work. He was busy in 2023, when he lent his voice to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Migration, and Under the Boardwalk. His roles in these films demonstrate his versatility and appeal.
MrBeast’s story is one of contrasts. He’s a philanthropist who profits from giving, a YouTube star who’s redefining traditional media, and a businessman navigating the pitfalls of rapid expansion. Whether you view him as a modern-day Robin Hood or a savvy capitalist who’s mastered the art of monetized altruism, there’s no denying his impact. And as he continues to push boundaries, the world will be watching—clicking, liking, and debating every step of the way.
Here’s one story you can’t make up about Dick Turpin: his show is dead. Despite a successful and acclaimed first season on Apple TV+, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin won’t be returning for a sophomore outing. And according to reports, there’s one man to pin it on: the star of the series, Noel Fielding.
As it stands, Noel Fielding – who plays the titular character and truly broke out as part of The Mighty Boosh troupe – is at the center for why The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin won’t press on. As reports claim, Fielding didn’t return after the holiday break in production and headed for France, with a rep for the actor coyly stating, “One of the main cast members who has not been well is not recovered enough to complete the filming.” As vague as that is, everything has been pointing directly to Fielding, who evidently ditched the production around three quarters of the way in.
That leaves The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin in a tailspin, with the cast and crew seeing what we can imagine will be no future for the show that they have put so much time and effort into. Considering that “millions of pounds” went into the making of season two, there could be legal ramifications as well.
And then there is the matter of Noel Fielding. It’s a bad move to ditch a production at any point, but we do hope he is OK healthwise. If so, there’s also now the question as to where that leaves him with game show Never Mind the Buzzcocks and competition series The Great British Bake Off.
In The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, the character “sets out on a journey of wildly absurd escapades when he’s made the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws — and tasked with outwitting corrupt lawman and self-appointed thief-taker Jonathan Wilde. In this irreverent retelling set in the 18th century, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. Together with his gang of lovable rogues, Turpin rides the highs and lows of his new endeavors, including a brush with celebrity, all whilst trying to escape the clutches of the thief-taker.”
Apple TV+ has been kind of a secret home to amazing shows. While Ted Lasso took off and Severance has made it known it’s an Emmy presence for the foreseeable future, there are so many others that are killing it: Shrinking, The Morning Show, Silo, Slow Horses, etc. And, really, there was no reason not to put The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin in the conversation. It’s just too bad we’ll likely never see how far it could have gone…
Since it launched last year, Pokémon TCG Pocket players have been eager to get to do the “trading” part of the game’s title. Well, the feature is finally coming to the hit mobile adaptation later this month, and the developers have revealed how that system will actually work in practice. Will you be able to instantly…
It’s time for another episode of the WTF Happened to This Horror Movie? video series, and with this one we’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of the serial killer thriller Se7en (watch it HERE)! To hear all about it, check out the video embedded above.
Directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker, Se7en – or Seven, if you prefer – has the following synopsis: When retiring police Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) tackles a final case with the aid of newly transferred David Mills (Brad Pitt), they discover a number of elaborate and grizzly murders. They soon realize they are dealing with a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who is targeting people he thinks represent one of the seven deadly sins. Somerset also befriends Mills’ wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is pregnant and afraid to raise her child in the crime-riddled city.
This is what the WTF Happened to This Horror Movie series is all about: Hollywood has had its fair share of historically troubled productions. Whether it was casting changes, actor deaths, fired directors, in-production rewrites, constant delays, budget cuts or studio edits, these films had every intention to be a blockbuster, but were beset with unforeseen disasters. Sometimes huge hits, sometimes box office bombs. Either way, we have to ask: WTF Happened To This Horror Movie?
The Se7en episode of WTF Happened to This Horror Movie? was Written, Narrated, and Edited by Tyler Nichols, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
A couple of the previous episodes of the show can be seen below. To see more, head over to our JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel – and subscribe while you’re there!
Are you a fan of Se7en? Check out the What Happened to This Horror Movie? episode, then let us know by leaving a comment below.
Since it launched last year, Pokémon TCG Pocket players have been eager to get to do the “trading” part of the game’s title. Well, the feature is finally coming to the hit mobile adaptation later this month, and the developers have revealed how that system will actually work in practice. Will you be able to instantly…
PLOT: Two rogue spies go off-grid, marry, and come under attack at their remote cabin hideaway by various intel agencies seeking a stolen hard drive.
REVIEW: Two spies get married and their bosses aren’t happy about it. Whether it’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith or… well, that’s really the major one, this trope has been tested in the world of cinema and the results can be quite fun. But any tried and true story needs interesting execution to really stand out. Especially with so many films released on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, Alarum would rather meander through moments than excite in any unique or fun way. And the story feels like a mishmash of several other, better films.
Alarum follows Joe and Laura, two spies who have been off the grid for five years. They’ve been living a happily married life but all that changes when a plane crashes in the woods nearby. They find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and other agencies are desperate to recover the hard drive in the crashed plane. There are standoffs, betrayals, and everything else you would expect from an action film. While repetition isn’t a dealbreaker, especially within the action genre, the execution needs to be top-notch to overcome any generalities.
I’m just not sure I’m convinced that Scott Eastwood is an action lead. I’ve never had a problem with him when he appears as a side character that sometimes doesn’t make it but as a lead, there’s something that just doesn’t click here. He’s not serious enough in moments when he needs to be and his attempts at levity come across as misguided. I can’t tell if they were trying for a Ryan Reynolds-type performance, but it doesn’t work. I liked his interactions with Willa Fitzgerald but that’s because she’s absolutely incredible and could probably have chemistry with a piece of wood. But she gets the short end of the stick in terms of screentime between the two spies.
Mike Colter is having the time of his life and he brings the only tension in the film. He’s such a loose cannon, that the screen comes alive when he’s around. I needed a full movie just based around him causing chaos. I’m sure most expected Sylvester Stallone to be taking more of a backseat here, and don’t get me wrong, he does. But he still has more to do than I expected. It’s a pretty basic part and Stallone doesn’t have a scene partner most of the time, so I’m sure his role was shot very quickly. Even still, he leaves an impact on the film, though I’m sure Stallone fans will be disappointed by his limited screen time.
There are good ideas at play but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The cinematography can look good one moment but then the blocking is stilted and makes things feel unnatural. I think the key to a good gunfight is making it feel chaotic yet everything always feels contained here. Not to mention the number of times that someone fully exposed their own body to get a shot off made my head start to spin. The action just doesn’t work in any way and, in an era where even TV can have decent shootouts, this is just inexcusable. Alarum feels like multiple spy tropes all rolled into one. There were many times when I felt like they had just aped an idea from a recent Mission: Impossible movie. This isn’t a bad thing in theory, but the execution leaves plenty to be desired as it just has you thinking about better, more accomplished films.
ALARUM will be in Theaters, On Digital and On Demand January 17, 2025.
Just as Barbie was getting great buzz, it was announced that Greta Gerwig would be helming an adaptation of The Chronicle of Narnia for Netflix. The streamer has been eyeing this epic adaptation to be one of their releases for Christmas in 2026. There has been talk that Gerwig would naturally be hoping for her new film to have a theatrical release. Perhaps it was when Barbie became the juggernaut hit of 2023 that influenced their decision, but Netflix is now giving Gerwig what she wished for. Sort of.
According to Deadline, Netflix is now set to release Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation in IMAX globally for Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026. However, the movie would be released in a limited two-week window before ultimately streaming on the platform on Christmas Day. This plan is similar to when Rian Johnson’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery was given a short theater run before streaming on Christmas of 2022. Glass Onion would actually go on to outperform other theater releases in its limited screenings.
Actor Jason Issacs may have let it slip that the book that Gerwig is adapting will be The Magician’s Nephew, which is a prequel. Issacs would say, “I loved all the Narnia books as a kid. When Peter was told he wouldn’t be coming back, I understood something devastating about mortality. I picked this one because Greta Gerwig is about to make a film of it, which I can’t wait to see.“
Netflix acquired the rights to C.S. Lewis’ series of Narnia novels way back in 2018. There are seven novels in the series: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician’s Nephew, and The Last Battle. The first four books have received multiple television adaptations over the decades since they were published in the 1950s. Walden Media made two big screen adaptations with Disney. The first, Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, was an enormous hit in 2005, grossing over $745 million worldwide, but the 2008 sequel Prince Caspian, made significantly less, $419 million. So Walden Media had to go to Fox to get a third movie made, 2010’s The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. That one made about as much as Prince Caspian.
If Gerwig is indeed making The Magician’s Nephew, the description of the book’s story reads, “Narnia… a land frozen in eternal winter… a country waiting to be set free. On a daring quest to save a life, two friends are hurled into another world, where an evil sorceress seeks to enslave them. But then the lion Aslan’s song weaves itself into the fabric of a new land, a land that will be known as Narnia. And in Narnia, all things are possible.”
There is a game that you’ve likely never heard of, yet it’s by far one of the most popular VR games ever made. What is ostensibly a simple game of multiplayer tag for pre-adolescent children is also, I have recently discovered, a wild hotbed of ludicrous in-universe conspiracies fuelling a genuine belief among its…
There is a game that you’ve likely never heard of, yet it’s by far one of the most popular VR games ever made. What is ostensibly a simple game of multiplayer tag for pre-adolescent children is also, I have recently discovered, a wild hotbed of ludicrous in-universe conspiracies fuelling a genuine belief among its…
