Hollywood studios often invest heavily in a film meant to kick off a new franchise. It frequently happens that grand plans completely derail, as the 'first' film simply fails. A good example of this is Jumper featuring Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson.

Jumper is an adaptation of Steven Gould's novel of the same name. Director Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow) and producer Lucas Foster had visions for a trilogy, but that never materialized.

Story

David Rice (Hayden Christensen) has the ability to teleport anywhere he wants in an instant. He uses this power to travel the world and lives off the money he steals by "jumping" into bank vaults.

He gets captured by the sinister Roland Cox (Samuel L. Jackson), who knows how to prevent David from jumping. David escapes and is reunited with his childhood sweetheart Millie (Rachel Bilson). He then teams up with fellow jumper Griffin (Jamie Bell) to prepare for a life-or-death battle against Cox.

Grand Plans

Before the release of Jumper, Lucas voiced the following about the future of the intended franchise: "The ideas became so expansive that they couldn't actually fit into one or two films. They had to unfold over at least three films. So we planned the storyline across three films and then divided it in a way that left room for the other two films."



Liman had all sorts of grand ideas he wanted to explore in the sequels, including showing that Jumpers could reach other planets, travel through time, and have the capability to spy.

Falling Through The Cracks

Although Jumper certainly has a fan base, the film is generally considered a failure. It did not resonate with critics, scoring only 15% on Rotten Tomatoes. Financially, however, Jumper wasn't a massive flop. With a production budget of 85 million dollars, the film grossed 225 million worldwide. Nonetheless, the planned sci-fi franchise was cut short early on.

The crime series Duster, set in the 1970s, has been canceled by HBO Max after just one season. The finale of the first season aired last week, marking the definitive end of the show.

The series premiered in May and followed a talented getaway driver in the American southwest. Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson starred in the lead roles, while J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan were attached as creators and executive producers of the project.

Bad Robot

Duster was announced in 2020 as part of the collaboration between Abrams’ Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television. It was only three years later that the series was actually ordered, and the first season began in early 2024.

It is the only series that actually aired under the multi-million dollar deal Bad Robot made with Warner Bros. in 2019. Other projects, such as a Justice League Dark series and a Stephen King adaptation, did not make it to the development phase.

No Sequel

Both HBO Max and Warner Bros. Television spoke highly of the cast and crew of Duster. According to a statement from the studio: "J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan delivered an exciting crime drama with layered characters that took the audience to the 1970s in an innovative way."



The series revolved around a driver for a crime syndicate whose life was turned upside down by a determined FBI agent. Alongside Holloway and Hilson, the cast included Keith David, Greg Grunberg, and Camille Guaty.

Last Collaboration

With the cancellation of Duster, it seems an era is coming to an end for Bad Robot on HBO Max. The animated series Batman: Caped Crusader, also led by Abrams, has already moved to Prime Video.

Netflix Cancels No Less Than Three (!) Popular Series

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Actress Denise Richards and her husband Aaron Phypers are separating after nearly seven years of marriage. The split was officially filed on July 7. However, there is a striking detail: Phypers is requesting spousal support.

This could mean that he is claiming a share of Richards' income from OnlyFans. Richards, known for blockbusters such as Starship Troopers and the James Bond film The World is Not Enough, is reportedly making a considerable amount of money from OnlyFans.

A Lot Of Money, No Job

Phyphers claims that his ex earns about $250,000 monthly through her 'spicy' posts and photos. However, Phypers has been unemployed since October 2024 and, lacking income, wants to be 'supported' by Richards.

But that's not all. Phypers asserts that he spends over $100,000 every month, thus requiring a considerable sum of money. He claims to spend $20,000 on clothing, $18,000 on rent, and $15,000 on restaurants and 'entertainment' each month.

'Unexpected Divorce'

The breakup between the two is unexpected, as Richards said just a few months ago that she would never divorce again. "Even if we hate each other, I am not getting divorced again. We can just live apart or something".

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That plan now seems to be off the table. In his request, Phypers asks for spousal support, which means he wants to share in Richards' income, possibly including her earnings from the popular platform where she is active alongside her daughter.

The DC Universe officially kicks off this week with the release of Superman and fans are eagerly waiting for the box office results. Wil it be a massive hit, or will it be another Man of Steel?

In any case, the next solo adventure of his famous cousin, Supergirl, has already been filmed and fans have now seen leading actress Milly Alcock (Game of Thrones) in costume for the first time.

Caution: SPOILERS!

Although Alcock had been cast as Supergirl for a while, we had not yet seen her in promotional images. However, she briefly appears (and possibly drunk?) in at the ending of the new Superman.

Her look has been quickly praised (naturally, it aligns well with David Corenswet’s suit, featuring a red skirt instead of shorts) and many are excited. Check out the video below.

Previously 'Woman Of Tomorrow'

Supergirl is based on Tom King's comic book series from 2021-2022, illustrated by Bilquis Evely. The movie is directed by Craig Gillespie. The release date is currently set for late June 2026.

Wednesday was the Netflix hit of 2022. Now, the second season of the popular series is just around the corner. The first part of the new season will be available on the streaming service next month.

Wednesday is a supernatural comedy drama series created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The first season premiered in November 2022, and within three weeks, it became the second most-watched English-language series on Netflix.

Nevermore Academy

In the first season, we see Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega), the iconic character from The Addams Family, expelled from school after a grim stunt and forced to enroll at Nevermore Academy. There, she discovers she possesses paranormal abilities.

This not only helps her solve a series of mysterious murders but also uncovers secrets within her own family. However, at the academy, she must also navigate her eccentric classmates, forming friendships and developing rivalries.

Family

Season 2 revolves around Wednesday's second year at Nevermore Academy. In a teaser that Netflix shared during Tudum, we see that she embarks on a journey to pursue her obsession: unmasking the Kansas City Scalper.



We will also see more of the Addams family in the new season, revealed executive producer Tim Burton to Netflix. They come to her school, much to Wednesday's horror. First, her brother Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez) arrives, followed by her parents.

August 6

During Tudum, it was announced that Lady Gaga has a guest role this season. She got connected to the series through a viral TikTok video featuring Wednesday dancing to her hit Bloody Mary. She plays the role of the mysterious teacher Rosaline Rotwood. The first part of season 2 of Wednesday will be available starting Wednesday, August 6, on Netflix.