Apple TV+ Brings History with CHIEF OF WAR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from directors Justin Chon, Anders Engstrom and Jason Momoa is the series telling the history of CHIEF OF WAR.

It is the 19^th century and there are four major kingdoms in the Hawaiian Islands. Ka’iana (Jason Momoa) is a man unafraid of the ocean and what lies beneath. Hunting for food, he lands to share with others into the village. Originally from the island of Maui and son of a king, Ka’iana and his woman Kupuohi (Te Ao o Hinepehinga) have found refuge on the island of Kaua’i. That doesn’t last as a boat arrives from Maui as the men request Ka’iana’s return to speak with King Kahekili (Temuera Morrison).

On Maui, Ka’iana is taken before his uncle the King and sees Prince Kupule (Brandon Finn) but also met by those who see him as a deserter. Happy for his return, Ka’iana makes it clear he has no plans to stay. Explaining why he has been summoned to Maui, Ka’iana is told that an army is being raised on O’ahu and the seer has foretold of people becoming enslaved. The King also believes that Ka’iana is part of a prophecy and the battle can only be one with warrior at his side.

After seeing a desecration, Ka’iana, Kupuohi and brothers Nahi (Siua Ikale’o) and Namake (Te Kohe Tuhaka) must make a decision. Ka’iana dons his feathered cape wearing his father’s necklace and stands before Kahekili. Plans are made to take down the young king of O’ahu. Warriors land on the shore as both men and women warrior’s fight. King Kahekili lands further down the beach and another fight begins as the young King is captured. Ka’iana is disgusted by what has happened and feels deceived and an anger wells up in him and now, there is no turning back.

Momoa as Ka’iana is stellar in this role because it requires not only a presence that is unmistakable but looks that make every intention clear. Ka’iana is a character that believes in his people and their way of life but not at the cost of those who abuse the power given them by the very same people. From the moment Momoa takes up the screen, there is such power and intensity that it lets the viewer know the entire story being told is going to be equally powerful and intense. 

Hinepehinga as Kupuohi is a woman who clearly believes in what Ka’iana has decided to do in regards to living in Maui. She doesn’t just follow him; there is no issue what so ever fighting alongside the men with the same fierceness. What I saw in this character is someone who cleverly watched and listened to the goings on looking for anything that might keep them all one step ahead. Hinepehinga is just stunning! Morrison as Chief Kahekili clearly has the belief that he is something mighty and no one can stand in his way of getting what he wants. Every decision this character makes is for his own desire for more power and Morrison takes us on Kahekili’s power trip with his foot flooring the gas pedal.

Finn as the prince is a mixture of being his father’s son and cousin to Ka’iana. The violence he is a part of pushes him further and further away from the relationship they once had. Believing his father’s idea of a prophecy, the loyalty is strong. Ikale’o and Tuhaka as brothers Nahi and Namake follow their brother through every phase of his decision making. Supporting the move away from Maui and the return, they are also strong in their belief in who they are and who they are willing to follow – and it’s their brother. These actors not only portray strength in their own characters but they are amazing with Momoa while telling their story.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv.

Co-created and written by Momoa and showrunner Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, the initial idea was for the story to be a film in theatres but realized the full story needed to be told in a series. “Jason and I never intended on this just staying a singular season, but we do know the responsibility that comes with it. This is a story that’s never been told and I don’t mean just the story. It is a culture, a language that has never been exposed to the world.”

The high point of Sibbett talking about the series is saying about expanding the story, “if the audiences can respond to that, then we absolutely will tell more, because the story only gets bigger and the story only gets better.” The first two episodes bring such authenticity such as the characters speaking Olelo Hawai’. The series is inspired by real events and warrior Ka’iana who was a chief and warrior for Kamehameha I. Working with Native Hawaiian and Polynesian advisors, doing so brought an accuracy for not only the language but customs and traditions while giving voice to their perspective.

Momoa says of his work, “If we don’t get this right, we don’t get to come home. If we don’t do this for our people – take that weight, that responsibility, it’s not just another job, you know? I’m not coming home where people would be ashamed That’s something that weighs on us (along with Sibbett) This is everything I have, you know? The importance is next level. It’s not just as an actor; it’s as a director and looking out for the whole show.”

The fact that these two gentlemen recognize that CHIEF OF WAR needed to be a series is impressive, knowing that there is more of the story to tell is absolutely stunning. The cinematography is so beautiful and feels so authentic to the era. Filmed in both Hawaii and Bay of Islands, New Zealand, both spots allowing the series-makers places that look untouched and natural as Hawaii might have looked in the 1700s. The story itself is compelling, riveting and gorgeous to watch. I found myself actually looking into the story of Ka’iana and his family and it is even richer than I could have imagined.   

Apple TV+ should pat themselves on the back for working with Momoa, Chon, Engstrom and Sibbett on this project. It is a winner from beginning to end and has absolutely everything from rich characters, in-depth storytelling and a history that is finally being shared. It is not just a story that islanders need to see, although I have many friends in Hawaii eager to experience the series, but it is also a story that the world needs to see as well. CHIEF OF WAR begins this Friday with the first two episodes and running weekly through September 19th.

 

 

They are Back in THE BAD GUYS 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Pierre Perifel and DreamWorks Animation is the return of crackerjack one-time criminals in THE BAD GUYS 2.

Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell) has given up his life of crime after service a sentence with pals Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranah (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). Now they are all trying to be hard working citizens of a community with Governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz). The problem is no one seems to want reformed criminals working for them. The only one that seems happy is Mr. Snake who is out living his best slithering life.

When Mr. Shark shows Mr. Wolf the news of a mastermind stealing, all of them see how it could easily point to the reformed group. Deciding not to stand for it, they turn to Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein), the newest police commissioner offering to help. Piecing the puzzle together, they realize that the clue leads them to the possible thieves! Once there, some of the group is shocked to see that Mr. Snake has been seeing Susan (Naasha Lyonne), a cute raven that has someone all coiled up in love. After a few chuckles, the gang jumps into a wrestling match with Pigtail Petrova (Maria Bakalova).

The problem is, it is made to look once again as if the bad guys were back into crime. Mr. Wolf calls the governor to ask for help and Diane knows who to get answers from. While waiting, the gang it taken by Susan and Pigtail to Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks) who has information about the Governor and if the group doesn’t help, it becomes a weapon. Meanwhile, Diane visits Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade) to get more answers.

Once the group learns what Kitty Kat wants, it may be to late to not only save the Governor but stop an evil plan that is laced in greed!

Rockwell lends his voice to Mr. Wolf, a smooth talker who always seems to have a Plan B in his Tony Manero suit (Google it kids!) pocket. Even when he panics, it seems as if there is an angel on his shoulder because the mayhem works in his favor. I actually love this character (as does my granddaughter) who makes me laugh a lot and that’s always a good thing. Beetz as Governor Foxington has a secret of her own and the bad guys have no problem keep it, that is until Kitty Kat gets her hands on it. Beetz is calm, cool, collected and moves with catlike reflexes which surely upsets the other feline in the game.

Robinson as Mr. Shark is, for me, is so adorable with his insecurities and loves being part of the gang. It seems there is no place he’d rather be than with the gang doing gang stuff. Ramos as Mr. Piranah has an attitude in his little body filled with teeth and has only one weapon that everyone is afraid of and it stinks. Maron as Mr. Snake, in this film, is in love and a coil of mush. That won’t stop him from figuring out who is trying to frame them all. Awkwafina as Tarantula is the tech genius of the group, but a keyboard in her long legs and she could rule the world.

Borstein as Commission Luggins wants nothing more than to put the bad guys back in jail and the robberies are giving her reasons, even if her bangs should be considered a criminal offense. Bakalova as Pigtail has all the right moved as part of the Bad Girls club. Lyonne as Susan is a raven who is taken by Mr. Snake and his adoration of her. Brooks as Kitty Kat has a goal and no one is going to stop her from obtaining it, not on earth or in space! Her character is shrewd and can not be trusted but looks cute with her leopard self.

Shout out to Ayoade as Professor Marmalade who looks a little different from the first film but also has a plan of his own so don’t let his little furry size fool you!

Other cast includes Lilly Singh as reporter Tiffany Fluffit, Omid Djalili as the Billionaire, and Katherine Ryan as Maureen.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

THE BAD GUYS 2 is a charming story that is full of fun, adventure, and laughs for everybody. There is finally a bit of romance that has finally bubbled to the surface and is kind of cute. The animation itself it absolutely stunning and my granddaughter just loved it letting me know several times during the film. It works so well and looks seamless which is what I look for in really good animation but then again, from DreamWorks I’d expect nothing less.

As summer draws to a close and kids go back to school, the film offers families another weekend of spending time together.

In the end – they are back in badness!

 

 

 

 

Her Life When SHE RIDES SHOTGUN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Nick Rowland and Lionsgate is the story of a father and daughter trying to reconnect with SHE RIDES SHOTGUN.

Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) is a young girl waiting for her mom after school. To her surprise, dad Nate (Taron Egerton) picks her up instead but she suspects something is not right. Recently out of jail, he seems to be wary of everything around him. It soon becomes clear from a news report that Polly is now considered a missing child with an Ambert Alert out. Holly also learns what has happened to her mother and it has to do with Nate’s past history.

Detective John Park (Rob Young) and Detective Jimmy Callum (David Lyons) are looking for the girl as the police attempt to narrow their search. Polly and Nate hit the road trying to find a place to rest until plans can be made. Charlotte (Odessa A’zion) is a friend that reminds Nate that what is happening is because of something he has done. It isn’t long before problems show up at the door. Polly witnesses the violence that her parent’s actions have brought and now she has a target on her.

Both law enforcement and a hit from the wrong side of the law, Polly is getting a crash course in both. Det. Park reaches out to Sherrif Hauser (John Carroll Lynch) to find out more about Nate but feels there is something more he isn’t saying. Nate realizes he is going to have to make a deal to keep Polly safe but the question is who are the real bad guys and who can they trust?

Heger as Polly is absolutely amazing playing the role of a young girl caught up in the choices adults around her have made. This character is strong and extremely smart but has the knowledge to not let on to either. She learns quickly about being trusting and Heger is just amazing at giving everything to this role. This young actress has what it takes on screen and I am looking forward to seeing so much more from her.

Egerton as Nate is a man who has had his run-ins with the law and now, as they say, it has all come home to roost. Taking Polly on the run, dad isn’t exactly ready for all that comes with that. Egerton has moments of pure fatherly but riding on the edges is clearly a man who isn’t afraid to draw a gun and use it. The duality comes off perfectly by Egerton and every moment of that fight to do what’s right is intense.

Young as Det. Park throws himself totally into finding Polly and seems to always be one step behind Nate. The more he follows the more he realizes there is so much more behind the little girl’s absence. Young gives his character the right amount of calm in order to piece together what is missing in the whole affair. He has the same problem in knowing who to trust. Lynch as Sherrif Hauser is, as always, a force to be reckoned with on the screen. In all of the characters this actor has played, he has proven time and time again he is formidable and exceptional.

Shout out to A’zion and Lyons as they both has a part to play in what Nate and Polly are up against while on the run.

Other cast include Kiko Sanchez as Diego, Edgar Damatian as Mitchell King, Esodie Geiger as Maya, Matt Roszak as A-Rod, Santiago Segura as Luis and Keith Jardine as Magic.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

SHE RIDES SHOTGUN is an intense story of a father with a criminal past and a young girl who has been raised around bad choices. Heger shows us the resilience of a kids who has very few choices and Egerton shows us the repercussions of choices and the damage that follows and both of these actors are amazing. The story is so driven and compelling because yes, it is a crime thriller but, deeper than that is a father and daughter who have moments of love and affection. If one can peel away the horror of violence, they learn to lean on one another and learn from one another.

The film is cinematically simple which I appreciate when telling this story. It comes in telling a story and leaves a footprint right in the middle of your chest. Love and redemption are at the top of the feels list with jaw dropping characters bringing author Jordan Harper 2017 novel to life.

In the end – all a father needs is a fighting chance!

 

 

 

 

 

 

They Have the SITE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and Digital from writer/director Jason Eric Perlman and Blue Fox Entertainment comes the mind-bending story of SITE.

Neil Bardo (Jake McLaughlin) is a proud father of boy Wylie (Carson Minnear) but struggling in his marriage with wife Elena (Arielle Kebbel). At work, he and boss Garrison (Theo Rossi) are off to inspect a building that has been purchased by clients to build a new school. Gaining entry, they manage to turn on the power to inspect everything only to discover an odd structure in the lower level. Walking closer to the light, Neil begins to feel strange and he can not even begin to explain it.

Spending time with his son, Neil sees an accident in tunnel vision but can not stop it from happening as Wylie ends up in the hospital. Now he must come up with the funds for the intense medical attention his son needs as wife Elena is furious. As the days pass, Neil continues to see more strange things that are unexplainable along with the feeling he is being watched. Trying to explain it to both Elena and boss Garrison, it seems to just cause more problems.

After a scuffle with Garrison, Neil believes he must return to the building where all of his episodes began. Along with journalist friend Naomi (Miki Ishikawa), Neil takes her to the strange machine and she starts experiencing the same things. Determined to find out the connection between the building, its effects and history – it is going to take him on a journey of terror. The past and present begin to collide as connections between the treachery in a war-time prison camp and Neil’s family become more and more evident.

There is one chance to change it all!

McLaughlin as Neil is a man who clearly loves his family even if he and wife Elena are having issues. Working hard to provide for them both, he works closely with his boss until he realizes that mixing friendship with employment can be a problem. It is when he enters the building that his world is turned upside down and McLaughlin portrays that mash up extremely well. The special effects play into his story and it is actually cool to watch.

Rossi as Garrison gets a chance to portray a boss that most of us can not stand. He knows what he is doing wrong but manages to manipulate those around him for his own gain. The best part is that Rossi has that amazing side glare to let the viewer know when he’s up to no good and Derek is always up to no good.

Kebbel as Elena is having issues with her husband but knows that he loves his son. When he tries to explain what is happening to him, it is more frightening than she cares to admit. Kebbel’s takes her character into instant mama-bear mode and stays that way until the very end. Ishikawa as Naomi is the only person Neil can turn to with what he knows. Using her journalist skills, they track down what the building was used for and how to find the people in it, even as its mysteries begin to hit her as well.

Other cast include Yoson An as Jian, Danni Wang as Xifeng, Corey Jung as Guang, Hiroshi Otaguru as Ichiro, Neagheen Homaifar as Aravane, Ronish Nanda as Kavi and Eric Whitten as Tobin.   

Blue Fox Entertainment is a global film distribution and sales company specializing in connecting filmmakers to audiences and buyers in the United States and around the world internationally. For more of what Blue Fox Entertainment has to offer please visit www.bluefoxentertainment.com.

SITE is a mixture of history, science fiction, technology and the belief that we are all connected. The special effects are absolutely stunning and becomes another character in the story director Perlman has put together. Each step McLaughlin’s character takes brings us deeper and deeper into two storylines. One is present day and the deception that now can’t be stopped and the past as a family comes to terms with war and those who are evil because of it.

The special effects are wildly fantastic and my favorite is the tunnel itself. It actually reminds me of the 1966 series THE TIME TUNNEL and the 1994 film STARGATE but with the added twist of melding the present and the past. It also feels a bit on the reincarnation or karma side and I am absolutely here for every minute of it. Dealing with all of it against the backdrop of an injured son, the film is also about choices and the reverberation of consequences for those choices.

In the end - we are part of a great ocean!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Day of San Diego Comic Con 2025 is Historic

 

     

Jeri Jacquin

The final day is here and to once again say it all flew by so fast is an understatement. Packed with panels and activities, the final days is always a chance to catch up to things I didn’t get to see earlier in the week and spend a little time watching the kids come and explore as families have an opportunity for free fun. My own family did their part to participate with granddaughter Jaycie dressed as Coraline and daughter Jenise dressing as Other Mother. They were well received and spent a lot of time having their picture taken!

Me? Well, I was here for one thing and one thing only. The panel for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the last for Hall H. Everyone there wanted to be a part of something unique and iconic as George Lucas arrives to the loud cheer and love of fans. Trust me when I say 7,000 people is LOUD. Queen Latifah began his introduction saying, “he revolutionized film making, not just through spectacle but through a deeply human lens. His magnum opus STAR WARS has saved our lives for generations and taught us to trust our instincts. One person can change the course of history and the Force is always within us. His imagination has led the path for generations of fans and filmmakers alike – he’s the reason we are here today. Please welcome for the first time, ever, at Comic Con, give it up for the one, the only George Lucas!!

Of course, there were light savers everywhere and a warm welcome from Queen Latifah, Guillermo del Torro who is a board member for the Lucas Museum, along with illustrator and production designer Doug Chiang. He came to talk about the museum where so much of the work he has kept with him will finally have a new home for all of us to see opening in 2026 in Exposition Park on 11-acres which 81-year-old Lucas, himself, calls a “cultural fantasy”. The audience was treated to a tour of what it will look like inside and narrated by who else – Samuel L. Jackson. There will be works by Norman Rockell, Frida Kahlo, Jack Kirby and R. Crumb along with drawings from 1934 and Flash Gordon and original Peanuts sketches from the 50s and 60s. My favorite is a 1968 drawing of Iron Man and Black Panther.

Don’t think for a moment he forgot his loyal and generational Star Wars fans as there will be a Naboo starfighter and speeder bikes and I’m hoping THAT will be interactive because me on a speeder bike has to happen! The past 50 years, Lucas has collected quite a bit and says, “I’ve been doing this for 50 years now and it occurred to me, what am I going to do with it all. I’m not going to sell it. I would never do that. It’s not what art is … It doesn’t work that way. If you have an emotional connection, then it’s art.”

He continues, “I’ve worked with hundreds of illustrators in my life and they’re all brilliant, but they don’t get recognized for anything. This museum is a temple to the people.” There will be a section of the museum for science fiction artworks. “It’s one thing that this kind of art will celebrate because of science fiction. Science fiction is a myth, but we have made it real. Humans made it real because of science fictions books and art that makes people say, ‘Oh we could go to the moon’, and once that idea is implemented, then we believe we could do it.”

Reflecting on Lucas, Chiang says his own work will be in the museum halls as “George leads from the heart, and this museum is him. My hope is that it will inspire the next Rockell or Frazetta.” Del Torro spoke of the wildfires early this year in Los Angeles that came “frighteningly close” to his own at-home collection adding, “Now that the museum exists, a lot of it may go there. Comics were the first one to punch Nazis before movies” saying the political importance of comics has been their since the beginning.

I found myself being quite moved sitting so close to someone who changed my life and view of films in so many ways back in 1983 when STAR WARS hit theatres. The scope and visuals of what was on the screen, the depth of storyline and characters became engrained into my being and I passed that on to my family and grandkids. It must be said that my collection of ‘toys’ has not been altered one bit. Over the years, there have been additions and as more stories came to the little screen, my Yoda has a companion sitting next to him in Grogu. Since they all mean something to me, I suppose that means they are my art. The person responsible for that is George Lucas and I will forever be grateful to him.  

 

 

 

Saturday Brings Animation and Space from Comic Con 2025

 

Jeri Jacquin

It is day three of San Diego Comic Con 2025 and if animation is your thing, then Hall H and Ballroom 20 have plenty for you. The sun is shining; the weather is amazing so let’s get to it. Ballroom 20 has a total line up of shows including BOB’S BURGERS, FUTURAMA, THE SIMPSONS, AMERICAN DAD and FAMILY GUY. All the shows that are fit to test your funny bone to the max.

In Hall H this morning, more animation of familiar ‘faces’ comes with the film COYOTE VS. ACME. Coming the summer of 2026 from Ketchup Entertainment, the panel includes moderator Paul Scheer who is interrupted by Bill Pellicano (P.J. Byrne) yelling that he has ‘cease and desist’ papers claiming the movie is anti-ACME. Eric Bauza, Dave Green and Martha Kelly. The film is the legal push by Wile E. Coyote against Acme claiming he has suffered under their hands. Trying to capture the Road Runner and feeling ‘Hurt’ (thanks Johnny Cash), Wile sees a commercial for a personal injury attorney with the question, “Have you ever pulled the ripcord to your parachute and only silverware fell out?”

It's off to court with attorney’s Avery (Will Forte) and Crane (John Cena) as the judge (Luis Guzman) hears the case. As a Road Runner-Wile E. Coyote fan since infancy, I love this twist and can’t wait to see how Wile’s court case comes out when the truth about Acme fires off like a rocket skate!

Later today, my granddaughter and I will be off to see THE BAD GUYS 2 from DreamWorks Animation. Until then, moderator by Kevin McCarthy, brings the voices of Sam Rockwell returning as Mr. Wolf, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark, Marc Maron as Mr. Snack, Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha, and Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula to the screen. Clips from the film get the actors to talk about the difficulties of doing voice over work. The new characters to the film are Natasha Lyonne as Doom, Maria Bakalova as Pigtail and Danielle Brooks as Kitty Kat, also knows as The Bad Girls! I think the best part was the cast letting the fans know this was their full trip to Comic Con and Hall H. Nothing like experiencing it all with 7,000 of your closest friends, right?

Star Trek Universe has a place in the big hall today as moderator Robert Picardo who played The Doctor in STAR TREK: Voyager and will be returning for STAR TREK: Strange New World and STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy, along with co-show runners and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau. Always full of surprises, Hall H fans got a screening to an upcoming episode A Space Adventure Hour and an episode with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop puppets. The list was long for this panel of Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Paul Wesley and executive producers Akiva Goldsman who says, “We think of you all the time when we are in the writer’s room and what would the fans want and love”, Henry Meyers and Alex Kurtzman.  

A trailer for STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy gives fan a look at Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake and Paul Giamatti as the evil Nus Braka. The cadets include Sandro Rosta, Karim Diane, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins and Bella Shepard. If you need something more of Star Trek, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter and step inside the immersive Strange New Spectacle and go into different worlds brought about by Strange New Worlds.  

The upcoming film PROJECT HAIL MARY brings directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, along with author Any Weird and THE MARTIAN screenwriter Drew Goddard to the panel in Hall H. Don’t think for a moment that last night lightshow was the one any only because galactic maps look absolutely stunning in the stretchy screens. The film tells the story of Ryan Gosling’s character Ryland Grace who is a school teacher who becomes an astronaut. Up in space, he suddenly wakes up on a space station and doesn’t remember who he is or what he is suppose to be doing. Twelve light years from Earth, he has to use duct tape and a table knife (figurately speaking) to do what needs done.

Gosling, who received a very loud reception by the audience and gives a shout out to Hall H, says the film is, “about a scared guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing and I was a scared guy who didn’t know what I was doing, trying to turn it into a movie.” It explains why he wanted Andy Weird as part of the project calling him the greatest science fiction writer, I’d blush! Amazon MGM Studios is set to release the film March 2026. As a fan of THE MARTIAN, I can’t wait to see how this looks on screen and plays out.

For Season 2 of HBOMax’s PEACEMAKER, moderator Josh Horowitz returns hyping up fans after we see a trailer. James Gunn’s universe brings the panel Tim Meadows, Frank Grillo, Steve Agee, Freddy Stroma, Jennifer Holland, executive producer James Gunn and, of course, John Cena who comes out in costume. After chugging a full bottle of water, Cena makes his apologies for any ‘mishaps’ that may follow warning he needed to stay hydrated. Meadows wanted to make it clear that he thinks the fans are so nice shouting “I love you too Mom” to a fan in the audience.

Cena says wearing a costume is what he is needed because it’s Comic Con! The crowd then goes wild when Horowitz mentions SUPERMAN as Cena gives a standing ovation next to Gunn. So, PEACEMAKER Season Two falls under the guise of the new DCU as Gunn explains, “The SUPERMAN leads directly to the show, the show happens a month after the events of Superman. A lot of the characters return from season one and there is a lot more as we go down the line. It is part of the DCU now.” When asked about working in the Gunn universe, Grillo says quite loudly, “It’s FUN!” Holland says, “The most unique thing for me is that James’ improv writes while we are filming so he is throwing improv lines while we are filming and he is laughing the whole time he’s doing it. It is a lot of fun.”

Gunn continues, “I like television shows where there is growth and sometimes regression. Peacemaker is a different guy this year, he is dealing with the demons and has uncovered from the first season and the world isn’t accepting him. They aren’t accepting him as a hero, he’s in love with Amelia Harcourt and she isn’t accepting him. He isn’t getting anything he wants so he discovers another universe and he thinks it’s the perfect universe and it goes from there.” Cena adds, “I’m doing great! Gosh, I applaud James for his ability to tell stories through super circumstances and make material we can all relate to is so important. When we watch these larger-than-life characters go through their journey, it needs to be something we can root for. I never want to tell the audience how to feel but what I see is someone going through a rough patch in life and thinks the grass is greener on the other side. I think people will enjoy that lane of the season.”

Tim Meadows (of SNL fame and other films) gets the call to be a part of the comic universe and says, “I was very excited and my manager said James wanted to facetime with me. I didn’t want to fan-boy out to hard but he explained to me the character and the arc and it was the easiest negotiating ever.” Gunn says, “we were desperate! We interviewed so many and none of them fit the character and I thought Meadows might be good. He came in day one and the role was written for him, he was perfect.” Grillo adds, “When James Gunn calls you and says ‘I got this’, it isn’t like ‘okay send me the script’, it’s okay – you don’t have to send me anything, just tell me where to show up. When that call comes, there is no question that you are going to do it. It is about the captain!”

Anne Rice has always been one of my favorite authors and my love affair with her world begin in 1976 and Interview with a Vampire before it ever became a film with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas. AMC has been on top of her work bringing INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE to the screen for its 3^rd season changing its name to THE VAMPIRE LESTATE as well as the return of MAYFAIR WITCHES, and now THE TALAMASCA: The Secret Order which premiers in October.

Sam Reid looks exactly like the Lestat in my head and is on his way to being a rock star and going on tour along with Gabrielle, Nicholas, Marius (oh goodness read his story!) and Magnus joining Louis played by Jacob Anderson, Armand and the rest of the gang in what can only be called vampiric need for therapy. Jennifer Ehle, Christopher Heyerdahl, Damien Atkins, Ella Ballentine is Baby Jenks and Jeanine Serrales takes on the role of Christine. Reid says in Season 3, that Lestat is, “living a rock star life in its hedonistic and most authentic way. Right now, he wants to be completely engulfed in the music and it lights a fire in him.”

Moderating is Damian Holbrook as Eric Bogosian has crossed over from Interview to Talamasca portraying writer Daniel Molloy, who is being summoned to speak with Louis once again. The stars include Nicholas Denton, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Celine Buckens, William Fichtner (be still my heart) along with showrunners John Hancock, Mark Lafferty and Mark Johnson. Since finishing up her long role on Downton Abbey, Elizabeth McGovern moves on to a role in the series and I’m so thrilled for her to be a part of this new world. If you don’t know anything about the Talamasca (and I highly suggest you read about them because its awesome), this secret group basically tracks witches and vampires all over the world. Another amazing bit of it all is that Anne Rice’s son, Christopher Rice will be part of showrunning the series.  

Can you believe it? One more day and San Diego Comic Con 2025 will be coming to a close. Tomorrow is a great time for families to bring the kids and explore all the fun things to see and do both inside the exhibit hall and outside behind the Convention Center and in the Gaslamp. I have one more stop in Hall H before bidding everyone adieu till we meet again in 2026!

 

Controversy and Laughs with Comedy Central Adult Animation

 

Jeri Jacquin

Hall H was packed late Friday afternoon for Comedy’s Central’s Adult Animation panel. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (their first time in 10 years), took the stage along with Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge and Digman! Star and co-creator Andy Samberg. Moderated by Josh Horowitz, excited fans were treated to stories, laughs and what is coming next for these beloved and iconic shows. It must also be said that fans were talking before the panel began about the recent South Park Season 27 with the teeny, tiny DJT character – oh hell, the whole episode had every recalling and laughing.

Horowitz addressed Parker and Stone with the unbelievable apology of “we’re terribly sorry”. Personally, I don’t think they have anything to apologize for since signing their $1.5 billion (with a b) deal with Paramount to continue South Park which means that neither writer is afraid of Oompa Loompas!

Samberg said South Park was a college get together, as well as Beavis and Butt-Head and it meant everything to him. Judge talks about how he thought he would be recognized for his work for Beavis and Butt-Head, but he wasn’t. Stone and Parker agree but also say that Comic Con fans are so nice. They also admit they may use their character voices from time to time.

Asking about their influences, Stone and Parker met over MONTY PYTHON’s Flying Circus on PBS on a Thursday night. Meeting in film school, the two guys were in classes and they were the only two that wanted to do comedy. “The internet was just coming out but it was the VHS that went ‘viral’ yet me and Matt were sleeping on couches to get to meetings”, says Parker.

Judge agrees that it was the PBS series and that Terry Gilliams animation was everything. He also mentioned National Lampoons Magazine saying the animation in the 80s was bad unless you went to creative festivals. A personal note, Judge does sound like Beavis! He tells the story of the Beavis-laugh inspired by a student crushing on a calculous teacher who was a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.

Stone says he loves animation because they don’t age. They last and it was a good creative decision for both Stone and Parker. “We got to create these characters and stick with them for a long time”, Stone says. Parker also admits that he has no idea what the next week episode is going to be and it’s “super stressful”. The timeline is admittedly unique and Judge says it has changed some and it takes time doing storyboards and vocals etc. “It’s getting a little faster”, he says. Parker says, “what is great for animators today is that it can all be done in one building so we can make changes. That’s the beauty of it”. Samberg did his at home which allowed him to make changes. “I think for us it was more about timing. SNL was people talking about it and over a period of time people would get a shirt that says “Making Copies!”. That’s why SNL did the same characters over and over. Digman!, my friend Neil Campbell wanted to do an animated show. I did Nic Cage impression on SNL but I wanted to keep doing it after so we reversed engineered it and went from there.” Asked if he was up to going to 25 to 30 seasons, Samberg replied, “Gawd, I would do anything to do that yeah. It is pretty amazing to be on here with my show but I’m going to roll with it.”

Stone says there is always competition with TikTok saying, “I’m jealous of how they can edit on their phone and what took us so much longer, people have these creative tools. It feels competitive, that’s something that keeps us going. Everyone is doing it.”

Horowitz asks if there is a keeper of the knowledge of South Park or Beavis and Butthead? And Parker points to the audience and says, “It’s them! We just go on the internet and see what people are saying and we can look at a fanbase and find out ‘oh yeah that’s who his mom is’ and the audience has said it”. Taking a break for Judge he says, “Not to bash on MTV, we had an ugly relationship for a while and we were doing too many too fast. There was no quality control but I loved doing it. I was relieved to be done but over the years I missed it. When we rebooted it, I did have all the model sheets and it was a good thing because no one else had them. I felt like I needed a break at the time but I did miss doing it and happy to do it again.”

The guests have maintained control of their projects, Parker says, “For us, we always like to think we were a band. It was like we go into a new season it’s like going into the studio together not knowing what was going to come out. WE have no idea what this album is going to sound like and every episode is a song. Even like last night, that show ended up a certain way and now we can react to that. When the season is done, okay, that’s a good album or not. It’s that creative thing. For us, we are either on or off. We have to have that energy otherwise we get lazy.”

Thoughts on being pitched live action for their characters? Judge says, “From the very beginning we were pitched and I’ve come close to wanting to do it. We did a casting session when the pandemic started, I’m open to it if something pops. There was one guy who did Beavis and it was funny. Then SNL did it with Ryan Gosling and I thought ‘that was pretty cool’ so many you never know.” Stone says they have never been approached but Parker says they have seen fan made things. Samberg believes, “In some ways the scale of things is so much less than live action which is what I like about it. It’s cartoon pace and it’s what we love and that’s why I think animation is so good for comedy. We are generation Sponge Bob now and that’s what people are coming up on. I like the jam of jokes and bigger, if it’s making us laugh, we will do it.”

Satirizing public figures over the years, Horowitz asks if each of them has a favorite? Somehow, I feel this is a loaded question but okay. Samberg believes its Nic Cage doing Nic Cage on SNL. Bringing up Matt Damon for Team America, Stone jumped in with, “Matt was super cool because he knows that all came from making puppets. They showed us the puppets and said that it didn’t look like Matt Damon. It looked like something was wrong with him! I just did the thing and oh well.”

Finally, who inspires these clearly creative geniuses? Stone was the first to chime in with, “YouTube, I will find a random person doing a random thing and it reminds me of high school and making all those movies. Chocco-dogger and I watch him eat for two hours.” Judge says, “There is a guy on TikTok who does an imitation of Tucker Carlson and it’s him reading Dr. Dre lyrics and it makes me laugh. I’m the same way; I find these funny people on Instagram etc.”

What is amazing is that the same things that make us laugh, like a dog eating sandwiches on YouTube are the very same things that make Samberg, Judge, Stone and Parker laugh. That might very well be the key to their success. The more twisted and unusual, the more we as a collective group of carbon-based units who are starving for hilarity, are going to watch their work religiously. Ren & Stimpy me started down the rabbit hole helping to look for magic nose goblins, followed by Beavis and Butthead and my teenagers (at the time) repeating lines and embracing Cornholio like the character was a member of the family! When The Simpsons aired, every t-shirt in the house had Barts face on it and gawd forbid the dryer cracked the applique or a kid would go nuts! South Park roped me in tight and Cartman felt like a brother from another mother because I felt it in my soul when he yelled, ‘you will respect my authoritaaaahhhhyy’ and gawd forbid the applique cracked in my nightshirt. Digman! keeps comedy animation moving forward alongside with the same laughs and shocks that has gently shoved me towards my Amazon cart to order a new nightshirt. Damn washer better not crack the applique!

Look, grasp that adults need their cool stuff too!