Hey geeks! It's time for your weekly dose of geekiness! Get ready for an avalanche of news, trailers, scoops, and quizzes that will keep you entertained until the next issue.
Here are the highlights of the week:
Cinema and TV:
- Teen Titans in live-action
- City Hunter comes to the big screen
- Black Mirror is back
- Joe Camp passes away
- Beau DeMayo fired from Marvel Studios
- Atlas trailer is here
- Suicide Squad lands in another world
Video Games and Tech:
- Devin, the AI shaking up the giants
Let's dive in!
Tv Show
Teen Titans Descend on the Big Screen!
It's time for the Teen Titans to shine! The team of young DC superheroes, who began as teenage sidekicks to their more famous counterparts, is set to receive their own live-action film under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm of DC Studios.
The project has enlisted screenwriter Ana Nogueira, who further immerses herself in the DC universe by penning the script for this film in addition to her work on "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow."
Debuting in the mid-1960s, the Teen Titans originally included Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad alongside Wonder Girl. Speedy, Green Arrow's sidekick, also joined them in their adventures later on. Initially aimed at a younger audience, the comics did not experience major commercial success until the 1980s reboot by Marv Wolfman and George Perez.
This reboot, titled "The New Teen Titans," brought about significant changes. Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire were added to the team alongside Robin and Wonder Girl, propelling the series to huge success and making it DC's best-selling comic. This era of the Titans saw a shift towards a more mature tone, with more developed personalities and relationships, and the introduction of iconic villains. Many themes and ideas from this period continue to resonate with fans today.
The Teen Titans have undergone numerous revamps over the years, with different combinations of characters, both established and new. Currently, DC Comics publishes "Titans," which features the classic 1980s lineup, albeit with characters who are no longer teenagers.
The unexpected success of the humorous and often meta-animated series "Teen Titans Go!" further solidified the franchise's place in popular culture. The series ran for eight seasons on Cartoon Network, producing nearly 400 episodes! It even spawned a feature film, "Teen Titans Go! To the Movies," released in 2018. The characters have also appeared in video games and other media formats.
Nogueira, known for her acting roles in series like "Vampire Diaries" and "Hightown," has become a successful screenwriter. Her play "Which Way to the Stage" debuted Off-Broadway in 2022. With her involvement in "Supergirl" and now the Teen Titans film, Nogueira is establishing herself as a key contributor to DC's cinematic universe.
While details about the live-action Teen Titans film remain scarce, the project undoubtedly generates excitement among fans. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available!
City Hunter Lands on Netflix in Live-Action Film!
Get ready, urban hunters! The first teaser trailer for the Japanese live-action film adaptation of the renowned manga City Hunter has just been unveiled, announcing its upcoming release on Netflix on April 25th.
Yūichi Satō directs, with Ryohei Suzuki taking on the role of Ryo Saeba and Misato Morita portraying Kaori Makimura. The live-action adaptation was announced in December 2022, and a first glimpse was revealed in February 2024 in the form of a series of promotional images.
Here's the synopsis revealed by Netflix:
"After receiving the message 'XYZ, please find my sister,' Ryo and his partner Hideyuki set out to find Kurumi, a famous cosplayer. Meanwhile, mysterious violent incidents are occurring in Shinjuku, and Saeko, a seasoned police investigator, struggles to solve these cases. Ryo and Hideyuki collaborate to find Kurumi, but tragedy strikes when Hideyuki is killed during the investigation. Witnessing her brother's death, Kaori implores Ryo to uncover the truth behind this incident."
The City Hunter franchise is based on a manga by Tsukasa Hojo and has seen numerous adaptations for various media. The animated adaptation began in 1987 and lasted for 51 episodes. A second season aired from April 2, 1988, to July 14, 1989, followed by a third season from October 15, 1989, to January 21, 1990. The series also includes several animated films: .357 Magnum (1989), Bay City Wars (1990), Million Dollar Conspiracy (1990), The Secret Service (1996), Goodbye My Sweetheart (1997), and Death of the Vicious Criminal Ryo Saeba (1999).
The most recent animated film, City Hunter: The Movie - Angel Dust, was released on September 8, 2023. It was directed by Kenji Kodama and animated by Sunrise and The Answer Studio. The Japanese rock group TM Network also returned to perform the song "Get Wild," the film's ending theme.
The franchise has also spawned several live-action adaptations, including two Hong Kong films (1991 and 1993) and the French comedy Nicky Larson and the Cupid's Perfume (2016). A South Korean live-action series (2011) reignited the franchise's popularity with actor Lee Min-ho in the lead role.
So, get ready to reunite with Ryo Saeba, the top cleaner of Shinjuku, for new explosive adventures on Netflix!
Black Mirror Returns in 2025 with USS Callister Sequel!
While we are still trying to untangle our thoughts and feelings about the sixth season of Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker's dark and satirical anthology series is already in production for six new episodes for season 7, set to premiere on Netflix in 2025.
Brooker and the creative team behind Black Mirror aren't giving away any specific spoilers, but they do give us a major clue: one of the episodes will be a sequel to the now-classic first episode of season 4, USS Callister.
This memorable episode starred Jesse Plemons as Robert Daly, a brilliant but troubled programmer and co-founder of a popular online video game. Dissatisfied with the lack of recognition he perceives within his gaming company, Robert created a simulated reality inside the game, casting himself as a Captain Kirk-like figure aboard a spaceship and leading an admiring crew - based on his real-life colleagues - in wild science fiction adventures. Of course, being Black Mirror, things took an unexpected and sinister turn.
Captain Robert Daly may have met his end in the original episode, but for the crew of the USS Callister, the troubles are only just beginning...
Get ready to dive back into the dystopian world of Black Mirror in 2025 for more haunting and thought-provoking stories, as well as the long-awaited return of the USS Callister crew!
Joe Camp, Creator of the "Benji" Franchise, Passes Away at 84
Joe Camp, the creator, director, and screenwriter behind the "Benji" films, passed away on March 15 at the age of 84.
According to his son Brandon Camp, filmmaker and screenwriter of the 2018 "Benji" reboot, Mr. Camp passed away Friday morning at his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, following an illness.
Before venturing into filmmaking, Joe Camp had little to no experience in Hollywood. By pooling together $500,000, he was able to create the first "Benji," a family film featuring an adorable mutt who rescues two children from kidnappers. The title role was played by Higgins, a dog already known for appearing in the CBS sitcom "Petticoat Junction."
Encountering difficulties in finding a distributor, Joe Camp established his own distribution company, Mulberry Square Releasing, in 1974 to release the film independently. "Benji" went on to gross nearly $40 million (equivalent to $250 million adjusted for inflation).
The success of the initial film spawned several sequels: "For the Love of Benji" in 1977, "Oh! Heavenly Dog" in 1980 (featuring Chevy Chase as a detective reincarnated as a heroic dog), a Christmas television special in 1978, and a television series in 1983 titled "Benji, Zax & the Alien Prince." The final two installments of the franchise were released in 1987, a collaboration with Disney titled "Benji the Hunted," and in 2004, "Benji: Off the Leash!"
Beyond filmmaking, Joe Camp was an advocate for animal welfare and a successful author. In 2008, he published his book "The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd," recounting his experiences and lessons learned from working with these majestic animals. He also served on the boards of several charitable organizations, advocacy groups, and schools, including the Piney Woods School in Mississippi.
Joe Camp is survived by his wife Kathleen, his two sons Joe and Brandon, and his stepchildren David, Dylan, and Allegra.
Blow to X-Men ’97: Creator Beau DeMayo Fired Weeks Before Premiere
It's an unusual situation unfolding on the eve of a project's launch. The writer and producer, known for his work on "Moon Knight" and "Blade," will no longer be promoting the series or involved in future seasons.
At the beginning of the month, Beau DeMayo was deeply involved with Marvel Studios. The writer-producer was gearing up for the release of X-Men ’97, the Disney+ series he created as a continuation of the beloved 1990s animated show aired on Fox Kids.
DeMayo, a Marvel regular who had previously written for the live-action series Moon Knight and the delayed but still relevant vampire thriller Blade, had completed writing the second season of X-Men ’97, was handling press relations, and was planning to attend the Hollywood premiere of the series on March 13. He even loosely discussed ideas for a third season with members of his team.
However, early last week, Marvel and DeMayo suddenly parted ways. His work email was deactivated, and the cast and crew were informed that he was no longer part of the project. DeMayo's Instagram account, once a source of X-Men-related updates, was deleted. No reason was given for his dismissal.
Marvel declined to comment. Representatives for DeMayo did not respond to inquiries, and emails sent to the showrunner went unanswered.
This turn of events is surprising on the eve of the series' premiere, slated for March 20. While parting ways with writers is commonplace for Marvel or any studio, it's unusual for a prominent creative on a Marvel project to miss a premiere or cancel press plans last minute, even if they've been let go. Most Marvel premieres feature multiple writers walking the red carpet, some of whom may have been rewritten by other present writers.
DeMayo was announced as part of the project by Marvel in November 2021. His involvement generated excitement as the writer brought his identity as a Black and gay man to the project, emphasizing in press discussions how growing up as an adoptive son of white parents with a Korean sister in the South made him empathetic to the struggles of the X-Men characters to be accepted by society. His social media silence was noted, as he had previously been a prolific user, sharing X-Men anecdotes and shirtless gym photos. He also ran a non-explicit OnlyFans account for a time, prompting LGBTQ publication Out to label him "Marvel's sexy gay writer and showrunner to follow."
However, social media has sometimes posed challenges during the series' production. In May 2023, DeMayo announced he was deleting his Twitter account after being attacked by users accusing X-Men ’97 of "whitewashing" the character Sunspot with the casting of Brazilian actor Gui Agustini in the role.
X-Men ’97 continues the story of X-Men: The Animated Series, which aired from 1992 to 1997. The series is credited with introducing mutants to a generation of children and laying the groundwork for the early 2000s X-Men films. Several original series voice actors are returning, and nostalgia has contributed to making the first trailer the most-watched promotion for a Disney+ animated series.
DeMayo was one of the kids who grew up watching the series. The showrunner said in June 2022, "For anyone who feels different, we all have a Magneto in us, and we all have a Charles Xavier. We all have a part of us that wants to burn it all down, and a part that wants to find compromise and rebuild. And these comics really helped me understand my identity."
Jennifer Lopez Takes the Helm of Mecha in Netflix's Atlas First Trailer!
It's been a while since we've had a good live-action action movie centered around humans piloting futuristic robots, but Netflix's Atlas, directed by Brad Peyton, seems poised to be the next big hit in the mecha genre, judging by its first trailer.
Set in a chaotic future where humanity has begun using massive AI-powered robots to wage wars, Atlas tells the story of Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez), a data analyst forced to collaborate with a rogue machine to save Earth. Despite the widespread use of mechas worldwide, Shepherd can't shake her deep mistrust of these sentient machines, designed to operate autonomously or under human pilot control.
But when Shepherd is chosen to take part in a secret mission to eliminate a rogue mecha, she finds herself thrust into danger only a machine can protect her from. While the new Atlas trailer doesn't give a clear idea of the plot or the scope of the film, it's evident that Peyton and cinematographer John Schwartzman are aiming for an epic feel, judging by the shots of Atlas plummeting to the ground in its robot from an exploding spaceship.
It also looks like Sterling K. Brown and Simu Liu will steal the spotlight when they're not busy engaging in the action themselves. But what will likely determine the success or failure of Atlas upon its premiere on May 24th is undoubtedly the time the film devotes to its robots performing impressive acrobatic feats for our visual pleasure.
Suicide Squad ISEKAI Anime: 3rd Trailer, Visual, and Ending Revealed
The Suicide Squad ISEKAI anime reveals more with its 3rd trailer, a new visual, and the announcement of Mori Calliope as the ending performer.
Release in July 2024
It's in July 2024 that the DC Comics anti-heroes will land in a world of swords and magic in the Suicide Squad ISEKAI anime. WIT Studio (Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga) is producing this unique adaptation.
An Explosive New Trailer
The 3rd trailer of the anime gives us a more complete glimpse of the plot and the action that awaits. We see Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark battling orcs, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. The trailer also shows the characters in their daily lives in Gotham City, as well as the tensions between them.
A Fresh Visual
A new key visual has also been revealed. It shows the members of the Suicide Squad in armor, ready to face the dangers of the ISEKAI world.
Mori Calliope Sings the Ending
VTuber and singer Mori Calliope will perform the ending theme of the anime, titled "Go-Getters."
Production Team
The anime is directed by Eri Osada (The Promised Neverland) at WIT Studio. Original character designs are by Akira Amano (PSYCHO-PASS), and the scripts are written by Tappei Nagatsuki and Eiji Umehara (Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song-). The music is composed by Kenichiro Suehiro (Re:ZERO).
Synopsis
In the crime-ridden city of Gotham, Amanda Waller, the head of A.R.G.U.S., has assembled a group of notorious criminals for a mission: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark. These supervillains are sent to a kingdom in another world, connected to this one by a portal. It's a world of swords and magic where orcs rampage and dragons reign in the skies - an "ISEKAI"!
With deadly explosives implanted in their necks, there's no escaping or hiding, and failing the mission means a one-way trip to the afterlife! Can Harley Quinn and her team conquer this dangerous ISEKAI realm?
Airing in 2024
Tech
Forget Copilot: Meet Devin, the Revolutionary AI Software Engineer!
Cognition, an AI startup backed by Peter Thiel, has unveiled Devin, a groundbreaking AI software engineer promising to disrupt development as we know it.
Devin is not just a coding assistant. He can autonomously manage entire projects from design to deployment, and even work freelance on Upwork.
Here are some of Devin's capabilities:
Complete application and website development: Devin can turn an idea into a fully functional application or website, including user interface, backend logic, database integration, and deployment on a cloud server.
Ruthless bug fixing: Devin analyzes the code he generates to detect and fix syntax errors, logic errors, and inefficiencies.
Advanced tasks: Devin can fine-tune language models for specific domains, such as creating natural dialogues for video games.
Adaptability and learning: Devin can continuously learn new technologies and tools.
Success on Upwork: Devin has already tackled real-world coding challenges on platforms like Upwork.
Devin outperforms other coding AIs in tests such as SWE-Bench, where he solved 13.86% of problems independently, compared to 2.86% for Claude 2 and 0.42% for GPT-4.
The technology behind Devin relies on breakthroughs in reasoning and long-term planning, enabling him to work across multiple programming languages and stay focused on complex projects.
Devin's impact could be enormous in various fields, including video game development:
Procedural generation: Devin can automate the creation of vast landscapes, repetitive textures, and basic 3D assets.
Testing and optimization: Devin can identify bugs, issues, and performance bottlenecks in video games.
Empowering indie developers: Devin can help small studios create more ambitious and refined games.
Devin's rise raises ethical questions about the impact of AI on work. It's important to discuss concerns about employment, the value of human creativity, and the issue of bias in AI training data.
Cognition currently does not plan to make Devin publicly available. Early access is being rolled out to selected users, with a broader release likely to follow.
Devin has the potential to transform software development. While unlikely to replace human developers, he could assist them in focusing on the most creative and strategic aspects of their work.
Stay tuned for Devin, as he could be a game-changer in the world of software development!
That's all for today's news! Now let's move on to the movies and series coming out this week so you don't miss anything!
This Week's Releases
Netflix
March 18
- Love & Hip Hop New York: Seasons 1-2
- Young Royals: Season 3 (SE)
- Young Royals Forever (SE)
March 19
- Brian Simpson: Live From the Mothership
- Forever Queens: Season 2 (MX)
- Physical: 100: Season 2 (KR)
March 20
- Bodies Bodies Bodies
March 21
- 3 Body Problem
March 22
- Buying Beverly Hills: Season 2
- The Casagrandes Movie
- El Paseo 7
- On the Line
- Shirley
Disney Plus
Wednesday, March 20
- Life Below Zero (Season 22, 9 episodes)
- Morphle and the Magic Animals (Season 1, 18 episodes)
- X-Men 97
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season 3) - Episode 308 "Hostile Territory"
Prime Video
March 19
- The LEGO Batman Movie
We hope you find something interesting to watch this week!
The Geekin' Quiz
Before this week's quiz, let's check out last week's answers!
Movies
In which dystopian science fiction film from 1982 does Harrison Ford play a "replicant" hunter?
Answer: Blade Runner
TV Series
Which British science fiction TV series follows the adventures of a group of time-traveling individuals throughout history?
Answer: Doctor Who
Anime
What is the name of the Japanese animation studio behind cult films like "Akira," "Ghost in the Shell," and "My Neighbor Totoro"?
Answer: Studio Ghibli
Manga
What is the name of the horror fantasy seinen manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, published between 1989 and 2021, following a group of mercenaries battling demonic creatures?
Answer: Berserk
Video Games
What is the name of the action-RPG video game developed by FromSoftware and published in 2011, set in the fictional kingdom of Lordran?
Answer: Dark Souls
Bravo to everyone who got the right answers!
This Week's Quiz
Now that you've reviewed last week's answers, are you ready for a new challenge? This week's quiz will focus on a brand new theme...
Here are The Geekin' Riddles:
Movies
I am a science fiction film from 1981 directed by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford as a "replicant" hunter.
TV Series
I am an American fantasy TV series aired from 2011 to 2019, following the story of a group of characters battling dragons and White Walkers.
Manga
I am a horror fantasy seinen manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, published between 1989 and 2021, following the adventures of a group of mercenaries battling demonic creatures.
Anime
I am a Japanese animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001, telling the story of a young girl who discovers a magical world inhabited by spirits.
Video Games
I am an action-RPG video game developed by FromSoftware and released in 2011, set in the fictional kingdom of Lordran.
That's all for this week's edition!
We hope you've found your dose of geek culture for the week. Feel free to mention us on social media and share your suggestions for news, quizzes, or any other content you'd like to see in the next digest.
In the meantime, have a great week, and see you next week for another Geekin' Weekly Digest!
