It seems that Netflix is aiming for a nostalgic cult classic from the nineties. The animated series Captain Planet, once popular among environmentally conscious youth, is getting a live-action adaptation. The development of this project has officially begun, with notable names on board.

The new version is being written by Tara Hernandez, known as the co-creator of Mrs. Davis. She will be working on the script and tone of the series. Production is in the hands of Warner Bros. Television, Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way.

Return Of An Ecological Hero

In the original animated series, five young people from around the world received magical rings that allowed each of them to control a natural element. By combining their powers, they could summon Captain Planet: a superhero fighting against pollution, deforestation, and other ecological dangers. The series originally ran for six seasons.

Previously, Appian Way attempted to get a film version off the ground with Paramount, featuring Glen Powell as a potential lead actor and co-writer. However, that project did not progress beyond the development stage. The rights have now reverted to Warner Bros. Discovery, which is now teaming up with Netflix for a series adaptation.

When

When the live-action version of Captain Planet will be released on Netflix is still unknown. But with this combination of nostalgia, current events, and big names, the stage seems set for a remarkable return of a forgotten icon.

Director Akiva Goldsman, known for his work on Fringe and Star Trek: Picard, returns with a new set of episodes in the perhaps most famous science fiction universe. Once again, he leads the crew of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The series premieres on Paramount+ in the US the day after tomorrow. Initial reviews are very strong!

The third season again follows Captain Pike and his crew on their adventures throughout the universe. The combination of stand-alone adventures, returning characters, and the nostalgic feeling of classic Star Trek continues to be the hallmark of this season. Currently, the new season has a Tomatometer score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Humor and Nostalgia
Rachel Hulshult of Screen Rant states that this season creatively combines genres with the classic Star Trek formula once again. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds boldly merges genres with emotional character stories creating a tremendously entertaining third season."

Alex Maidy from JoBlo’s Movie Network praises the series' accessibility. According to him, both new viewers and long-time fans would greatly enjoy it. He describes it as "a bold and fun exploration of the farthest reaches of our galaxy."

Entertainment at the Core
Callie Hanna from FandomWire also emphasizes the light-hearted nature of the season. She suggests that the creators seem to fully understand the series' strength: "Strange New Worlds is all about fun, and this season perfectly captures that."

Christian Blauvelt from IndieWire has a mixed view. He appreciates the entertainment value but feels it lacks depth. "What remains is the fun. And who complains about that? Yet, Star Trek has always had more to offer – and this series does too."

Fast-Paced
Jacob Hall from Slashfilm is positive about the series' pace. He believes that the third season doesn't slow down for a moment: "The third season never pauses or stumbles but confidently zooms through it all."



Less enthusiastic is Samantha Coley from Collider. She feels the series is less daring than previous seasons: "In a franchise known for its boldness, Strange New Worlds seems to have taken its foot off the gas in season three."

It's no secret that Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz are stars with impressive resumes. However, no one expected their film Back in Action to become the most watched Netflix film in the first half of 2025.

Earlier this week, Netflix released its well-known semi-annual Engagement Report. It revealed that Back in Action garnered an astounding 165 million views worldwide. This action-comedy has left competitors like Tyler Perry's Straw (103 million) and The Life List (96 million) far behind.

Diaz's Comeback

The film centers around a former spy couple who are forced to come out of retirement when their children are kidnapped by an international crime organization. Foxx and Diaz portray an ex-couple with a complicated past, where sparks fly both professionally and personally.

For Diaz, Back in Action marked her significant return to the big screen after years away from Hollywood. Despite this, the film received a tepid reception from critics upon release, who cited the humor as predictable and the action as unoriginal.

Viewership Hit

However, it seems the public has no issue with this. With a star-studded cast, a lighthearted tone, and a simple yet entertaining plot, the film has become a true favorite among audiences. This success comes at a time when Netflix faces more competition than ever.

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It's still unknown whether Back in Action will stand the test of time creatively, but one thing is clear: by the numbers, this comeback film is solid as a rock.

Universal has released an explosive new trailer for the action thriller Nobody 2, featuring Bob Odenkirk reprising his role as Hutch, the unassuming father who is also a workaholic hitman.

Four years after unintentionally taking on the Russian mafia, Hutch is trying to pay off his 30 million dollar debt to the crime organization by eliminating villains from around the world, which takes a lot of energy.

Plummerville Is Summerville!

That's why Hutch and his wife Becca, played by Connie Nielsen, decide to take their kids on vacation to 'Wild Bill's Majestic Midway & Waterpark', a place where Hutch and his brother vacationed as children.

With Hutch's father, played by Christopher Lloyd, joining them, the family arrives in the small tourist town of Plummerville, ready to soak up the sun, but they encounter more than just sunshine.

The Target

"After an incident with some bullies, the family becomes the target of a corrupt amusement park owner, played by John Ortiz, his shady sheriff, played by Colin Hanks, and a bloodthirsty gang leader, played by Sharon Stone," according to the official synopsis. Nobody 2, directed by Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto, hits cinemas on August 15th.

Recently, DC made headlines with Superman, putting the pressure on Marvel to shine brightly. The long-awaited reboot, Fantastic Four: First Steps, hits theaters this month, and the first online reactions are in. Overall, they are pretty positive.

Critics praise the spectacular visual effects, the atmospheric retro-futuristic style, and the strong team dynamics among the four main characters. Film critics are especially impressed with Galactus.

Strong Villain

While Marvel has managed to create some compelling villains, such as Thanos and Killmonger, many antagonists often disappoint. Fortunately, this is not the case with Galactus, whose threatening presence leaves an impact.

Film critic Chris Killian from ComicBook says, "Ralph Ineson truly shines as Galactus. His voice resonates deep in your bones. You should really see this movie in IMAX". Other actors are also receiving accolades.

More

Vanessa Kirby is frequently mentioned as a standout in her role as Sue Storm. Anthony Gagliardi from The Movie Podcast praises Joseph Quinn as Ben Grimm/The Thing: "He is the heart of the film, and everything just works. Marvel's first family exudes chemistry and charisma that Stan Lee would be proud of".

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Although some critics express concerns about the antagonists and the somewhat heavy family theme, the prevailing impression is that Marvel is back on track with this film. With such praise, Fantastic Four: First Steps appears to be a successful reboot for Marvel's 'First Family'.