Netflix fans from around the world descended on the Kia Forum in Los Angeles for Tudum, the global fan event named after the iconic “ta-dum” sound that signals the start of every Netflix show or movie.
The celebration showcased everything Netflix, offering attendees an exclusive first look at some of the streaming giant’s most highly anticipated upcoming titles, and included concert performances from Hanumankind and Lady Gaga.
The streaming giant had Sofia Carson host the festivities, guiding fans through an electrifying evening packed with exclusive trailers and celebrity appearances from Lee Jung-jae and the cast of the third and final season of Squid Game, Jenna Ortega and the cast of Wednesday, Oscar Isaac and director Guillermo del Toro revealing a first look at their interpetation of Frankenstein, Iñaki Godoy Jasso and the cast of One Piece welcoming Tony Tony Chopper to the cast just before season 2, and, of course, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, and Caleb McLaughlin teasing a look at the fifth and final season of Stranger Things while also getting a little bit emotional.
Squid Game
The event kicked off with a bang as Squid Game Season 3 was unveiled, followed by an explosive performance of “Run It Up” by Hanumankind, backed by the show’s iconic faceless pink guards. The thrilling series, which serves as a social commentary that explores the themes of economic disparity and human desperation, has captivated audiences with its deadly play on childhood games and shocking twists. But now the game comes to an end on June 27, and fans around the world will see how Seong Gi-hun and the remaining survivors play out this final round.
One Piece
There were plenty of members of the Straw Hat crew at Tudum, as they wanted to see their first look at the fan-favorite toddler-sized cutie, Tony Tony Chopper. With Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) dreaming of becoming King of the Pirates, Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu) dreaming of becoming the greatest swordsman, Nami (Emily Rudd) dreaming of creating a complete map of the world, Usopp (Jacob Romero) dreaming of becoming a brave warrior of the sea, just like his father, Yasopp, and Sanji (Taz Skylar) dreaming of becoming the greatest chef, Tony Tony Chopper travels the world in hopes to accomplish his dream of curing any disease.
So even though there wasn’t an official trailer for One Piece season 2, we still got a look at how Tony Tony Chopper will capture the hearts of many, especially those who are fans of the show.
Frankenstein
When Frankenstein stars Isaac and co-star Mia Goth, along with director Guillermo Del Toro, took to the stage to share a first look at a new adaptation of the Mary Shelley classic novel, it was nothing short of electrifying. This adaptation sees Victor Frankenstein (Isaac), a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment (Jacob Elordi) that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. It’s a film that the Oscar-winning director has been dreaming of bringing to life since childhood.
Stranger Things
As one of Netflix’s original breakout hits, Stranger Things quickly became a cultural phenomenon by blending ’80s nostalgia with supernatural thrills. Now, after nine years, the series is set to conclude with its final episodes released in three parts. With part one on November 26, part two on December 25, and the final part on December 31. Wolfhard, Schnapp, and McLaughlin took to the stage to reflect on the show’s legacy by sharing memorable behind-the-scenes moments, such as when they saw the Demogorgon or when Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) levitated in front of her brother’s grave. It was a bittersweet moment for all.
While the first look was more or less a recap of the major events that has shaped Stranger Things to what it is now, there was a brief look at what’s to come. So get ready to return to Hawkins and the Upside down, because the world of Stranger Things is about to get a little bit more stranger.
Wednesday
The Tudum event was capped off with a special six-minute first look at Wednesday Season 2, with Jenna Ortega reprising her role as the delightfully deadpan titular character. In the exclusive preview, Wednesday takes on a summer project harnessing her newfound psychic abilities, which should suffice as a good enough distraction to keep her from slipping into anything resembling a typical summer break. So, she ventures off to hunt a serial killer (Haley Joel Osment). Though she has some trouble getting her medieval weaponry through metal detectors, the TSA gives her a hard time with Thing’s sunscreen, which exceeds the regulated amount of fluid ounces one can carry on board. She’s clearly upset that someone like Thing needs that much sunscreen. Still, they make it through, and she eventually finds her serial killer.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of it all is the announcement that Lady Gaga would have a guest starring role as a teacher in season 2. Though it’s unclear how significant the role will be, she will play Rosaline Rotwood, a teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday Addams.
While Tudum serves as Netflix’s version of Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, D23, and CCXP, it is also a means to connect fans from around the world through the shared language of storytelling — where cultural specificity, representation, and imagination intersect on a global stage. From Seoul, Korea to Los Angeles, California, and beyond, events like Tudum are a reminder that fandom knows no borders and works to connect audiences to the stories they love and each other.
