‘Wildwood’ Teaser Proves Why Cinema Needs More Laika

May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 Mike Manalo

Art is dying. We are living in a time where consumerism and profits tend to outweigh the value we put into handcrafting unique works of beauty and human ingenuity; hence the rise of AI, and massive layoffs across the industry. It’s because of this that studios need to be reminded about the awe and wonder that comes with the strength of true artistry. Thus, what cinema needs now more than ever, are films like Wildwood, and studios like Laika, who are and have always been passionately committed to the value of creativity and absolute human craftsmanship.

Animation, Movies

First Teaser and Title for Laika’s ‘Wildwood’ Finally Revealed

August 16, 2024August 16, 2024 Mike Manalo

It’s been a long time coming folks! We’re starting to get more info about Wildwood, the latest film from Laika. Recently, we saw the first look at the upcoming film’s protagonist, Prue McKeel. But today we got our very first footage in a teaser video from the studio, and I couldn’t be more pumped!

Animation, Movies

First Official Tease at Laika’s ‘Wildwood”

July 26, 2024July 27, 2024 Mike Manalo

Great art takes time and dedication. Any passionate filmmaker who cares about craft knows this. It’s not about quantity, but quality. Such is the case for the amazing animation studio, Laika — a company that represents the best storytellers in the industry today. It’s been a while since we heard about their upcoming feature Wildwood. But at last today we got our first official peek at the future classic!

Star Wars, Television4 Comments

‘The Acolyte’ is Exactly What ‘Star Wars’ Needed

July 25, 2024July 24, 2024 Swara Salih

Before The Rise of Skywalker at the tail end 2019, I was a big Star Wars fan. The release of the singularly subpar final chapter of the Sequel Trilogy had me distraught about the franchise, severely dampening my fandom. The recidivism of Episode IX had me believe that there was no true moving forward. We would be destined to remain in the strict boundaries of Jedi vs. Sith without a critical examination and growth of what these stories could be.

Interview, Star Wars1 Comment

Amandla Stenberg Discusses Morals, Acting, and Combat Training for ‘The Acolyte’

July 23, 2024September 12, 2024 Lauren Lola

It’s been a week since the latest Star Wars live-action series, The Acolyte, wrapped up. The first production to be set in the High Republic era follows a Jedi reuniting with his former Padawan, as they investigate a series of crimes that, in time, show that not all is what it seems. While there’s yet to be word on whether or not it will continue for a second season, the stakes in which have been set up in the end definitely pose for possibilities.

Podcasts, Star Wars, Television

The Middle Geeks Episode 67: ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Season 1 Review

July 23, 2024July 23, 2024 Swara Salih

Arezou joins us once again along with new guest Noor to review one of the most riveting Star Wars series yet.

Music, Star Wars

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Victoria Monét Joins ‘Star Wars’ Universe with Original Song

June 13, 2024June 18, 2024 Laura Sirikul

Star Wars: The Acolyte is getting its own original song! Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Victoria Monét will release the song, “Power of Two,” on June 14 on all streaming platforms.

Star Wars, Streaming1 Comment

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Beautifully Explores the Grey Area of the Jedi Order

June 4, 2024June 5, 2024 Laura Sirikul

For those who don’t consume the expanded universe mediums like books and comic books, not much is known about the Jedi, Sith, or the Force in general before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. It’s genuinely an unexplored universe outside the canon-based High Republic novels. So when Lucasfilm announced The Acolyte, set a century before the Skywalker saga, many were intrigued to learn more about the Jedi institution.

Reviews, Star Wars, Streaming

‘The Acolyte’ Makes for a Fresh, Accessible Entry into ‘Star Wars’ Canon

June 4, 2024July 23, 2024 Lauren Lola

For a franchise of stories set a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, this will be the furthest back in time many Star Wars fans will be experiencing. The Acolyte is the first live-action series set during the High Republic Era; a period of time where both the Republic and the Jedi were at their best.

Interview, Star Wars

Superfan Amandla Stenberg Studied Wookiepeedia to Become Master of ‘Star Wars’ Lore

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024 Laura Sirikul

Amandla Stenberg, a true Star Wars aficionado since her childhood, has now stepped into the galaxy far, far away with her role in the new Disney+ series The Acolyte, a testament to her deep-rooted passion for the franchise.

Interview, Star Wars1 Comment

‘The Acolyte’ Showrunner Leslye Headland on Asian Leads in ‘Star Wars’

May 28, 2024May 28, 2024 Laura Sirikul

It’s no secret that George Lucas was inspired by Asian culture to form what we know as Star Wars. Eastern philosophy has also played a role in creating The Force and many of the film’s character elements, including character names and places.

Star Wars, Television

Amandla Stenberg Explored Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Ahead of ‘The Acolyte’ Debut

May 22, 2024May 23, 2024 Michael Lee

Lucasfilm’s The Acolyte is just a few short weeks away from its streaming debut on Disney+. To celebrate Amandla Stenberg, who stars in the new series, made an appearance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during Season of the Force in Disneyland Park to the delight of fans and visitors.

Hard N.O.C. Life, Star Wars

Hard NOC Life 339: Revenge of the Sixth

May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 Hard NOC Media

It’s still Star Wars Day on Hard NOC Life! Dominic and Keith celebrate the combination of AAPI Heritage Month and new Star Wars content via the latest Acolyte trailer. Keith also explains why “Revenge of the Fifth” makes zero sense when “Sixth” is the better pun. They also share their initial reactions to the first look at David Corenswet as Superman.

Star Wars, Television1 Comment

Disney+’s ‘The Acolyte’ Trailer and Poster is Full of Color

May 4, 2024May 6, 2024 Laura Sirikul

Happy May the Fourth! In honor of the Star Wars holiday, Disney+ debuted the trailer for the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte, which will premiere with two episodes on June 4.

Star Wars, Streaming, Television

First Official Trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is Here

March 19, 2024March 20, 2024 Mike Manalo

The High Republic era is among us! Hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga began, there was an era where the Jedi order was at the height of its power, during the golden age of the Galactic Republic. Only seen in animation, comics, and novels, we are finally getting our first live-action project set during this era of Star Wars this June. Coming Soon — Star Wars: The Acolyte!

Animation, Movies

Laika Announces Cast for ‘Wildwood’

August 25, 2022August 25, 2022 Mike Manalo

It’s no exaggeration to say that one of the best names in storytelling today is Laika! I’ve said it before, shouted it to the heavens, and will do so continuously and vigorously until the rest of the world sees it too. Which is why I couldn’t be more excited for their next release, Wildwood!

Movies, Theatre

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Film Adaptation’s Emotional Trailer Will Be Found Here

May 18, 2021June 11, 2021 Laura Sirikul

Universal Pictures has finally released the trailer to the anticipated film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen. Ben Platt returns to reprise his Broadway role as the troubled teen, Evan Hansen.