Just as the battle among streaming services has been decided with Netflix and Disney+ seemingly secure as winners, a previously insignificant player steps into the ring: Paramount+.

Paramount is merging with Skydance, thereby gaining more funding and resources to compete head-to-head with the top two streaming services. While Netflix attracted viewers with innovative technology and Disney leaned on beloved characters, Paramount is set to take a completely different approach.

A Defiant Venture

Paramount's management is already facing a tremendous challenge, as they aim to restructure the streaming service. Layoffs will occur and a new perspective toward streaming will be adopted. Thus, the subscriber battle is about to begin.

Of course, Paramount also has a long and impressive history filled with great films like The Godfather, Titanic, Indiana Jones, and Mission Impossible. Newer additions include A Quiet Place, How to Train Your Dragon, Transformers, and Top Gun Maverick.

Changes Ahead

However, expectations indicate that they will tap into the market with live sporting events. Agreements have already been made with leagues such as the UFC and NFL. Paramount will also implement more technology and AI tools to enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, subscription bundles featuring Pluto TV are meant to combat viewer boredom.

The official trailer for the movie Frankenstein has just been released. This adaptation of Mary Shelley's well-known story is a science fiction/horror film, and the trailer gives a preview of what we can expect. You can watch the new trailer at the bottom of this article.

In the beginning of the trailer, a tower is shown, followed by the voice of the creation saying: "My creator told his story." Then we see Victor Frankenstein bringing the creation to life. The creation responds: "And I... will tell you mine."

Cast And Release

Key roles in the film are played by Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as the creation, along with Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz.



The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who creates a being from various body parts. However, he is confronted with the consequences of his actions when the being comes to life and enters the world.

Release Date

Worldwide, Frankenstein will be released in limited theaters starting October 17, followed by a Netflix release on November 7.

Netflix releases numerous blockbusters each year, but very few people could have predicted that KPop Demon Hunters would become the hit of the year for the streaming giant. It now breaks yet another record.

The animated film premiered on Netflix in June 2025. The musical, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has since become the most popular film of all time on the streaming platform, surpassing even Red Notice from 2021, which featured a star-studded cast.

Another Success

According to multiple film websites, KPop has indeed captured another record. The film has already spent 15 consecutive weeks in the Netflix Top 10. This makes it the longest running title ever in the charts for English-language films, once again surpassing Red Notice.

This action film, featuring stars like Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, held the top position for a total of 12 consecutive weeks. Despite dropping somewhat after that, it managed to secure an additional 2 weeks at the top, but this has now been overtaken by KPop.

Continues To Score

Netflix, which usually shies away from theatrical releases, saw the potential of KPop and decided to release a sing-along version in a limited number of theaters in the United States. This also turned out to be a hit.

In just one weekend, the film earned nearly 20 million dollars, making it the first Netflix film ever to achieve the number one spot at the box office that weekend. It is also the first film soundtrack to feature four songs in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.

Director Benny Safdie returns after his Netflix-hit Uncut Gems. In this true-to-life sports drama, Dwayne Johnson plays the lead role of wrestler Mark Kerr. The movie is titled The Smashing Machine. After receiving a warm initial response, many more reviews are now surfacing.

The film tells the story of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter who was at the peak of his game in the nineties. While achieving success in the ring, he struggles behind the scenes with addiction, relationships, and his mental health. Currently, on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a Tomatometer score of 77 percent.

Johnson Above All

Maddy Mussen of the London Evening Standard believes The Smashing Machine has the potential to redefine Dwayne Johnson's acting career. She describes the film as "solid", but adds: "Dwayne Johnson is fantastic." According to her, this role could even earn him an Oscar nomination.

Bill Goodykoontz of Arizona Republic agrees. He writes that Johnson is "better than the film, and the film is not bad either." Goodykoontz claims the lead actor is the main reason why the movie impresses.

Powerful Lead Role

Cary Darling of the Houston Chronicle notes that Safdie does not radically innovate the sports genre. However, he believes the film is worth watching thanks to the powerful performances. He points out that "the story is predictable, but is well-supported by the leads."



Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence especially highlights the vulnerability of Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr. She believes the actor leaves a restrained yet powerful impression without excess: "Minimal melodrama, maximum impact."

Not For Everyone

Matt Singer of ScreenCrush is less positive. He labels the film a technical achievement but finds that the story fails to engage: "A technical feat that never truly becomes a gripping sports story."

The Smashing Machine will hit theaters in the U.S. tomorrow, and will later be released worldwide.

Just a few weeks to go until HBO Max launches one of the most promising series of the year. The chilling It: Welcome to Derry is ramping up its promotional campaign and has now unveiled a brand new poster that perfectly captures the tone of the series.

The series is a prequel to the It films from 2017 and 2019, based on the iconic book by horror legend Stephen King. Once again, the terrifying clown Pennywise takes center stage as he horrifically grips the town of Derry.

Success Before Release

Expectations are sky-high, which is not surprising since the first two films by director Andy Muschietti grossed over a billion dollars worldwide and reached modern horror classic status.

It: Welcome to Derry is developed by Muschietti himself and will be globally available on HBO Max. HBO sees so much potential in the series that it will also be aired on its own television channel. As if that weren't enough, the series has already been renewed for a second season before its premiere.

They All Float…

As fans know, the evil in Derry returns every 27 years. The first season takes place in the 1960s, and the new poster captures that atmosphere by looking like a tourist promotion poster from that era.

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But those who look closely will discover more. The youngest family member on the poster receives a recognizable red balloon from a shadowy figure, a sinister detail that loyal viewers will immediately associate with It.

Skilled People Behind The Scenes

Brad Caleb Kane and Jason Fuchs, who previously co-produced It: Chapter Two, will take on the role of showrunner. Andy and Barbara Muschietti are involved again as executive producers.



The cast includes James Remar, Chris Chalk, Clara Stack, Miles Ekhardt, and of course, Bill Skarsgård, who returns to his iconic role as Pennywise. Starting Sunday, October 26, It: Welcome to Derry will be available on HBO Max.

For two weeks, a series with a striking plot has been in the Netflix Top 10: El Refugio Atómico. Known as Billionaires' Bunker, this sci-fi thriller is set on the eve of World War III.

Created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, Netflix describes El Refugio Atómico as Soap-like, Thrilling, and Intense. The main roles feature Pau Simón (Max Varela), Alícia Falcó (Asia), and Miren Ibarguren (Minerva). The first season consists of eight episodes.

Ratings And Reviews

The series holds a score of 33 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 percent on the Popcornmeter. On IMDb, it has a rating of 5.5/10, indicating a mixed reception: an enticing premise, yet not everyone is convinced by its execution.

"With eight hour-long episodes, there is ample time to explore various storylines and follow many characters. It sometimes feels a bit soap-like, but on the other hand, it’s almost kitschy entertainment." notes Karina Adelgaard from Heaven of Horror.

Now Streaming

The synopsis: Want to watch El Refugio Atómico? The Spanish series is fully available for streaming on Netflix.



The plot: As World War III is about to erupt, billionaires flee to a luxurious bunker. They watch screens showing the world above crumbling as their old lives fade away. Meanwhile, tensions rise, fractures deepen, and dangerous secrets come to light.