Taking ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ with Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell

September 3, 2025September 3, 2025 Sophia Soto

Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell star as Sarah and David in Kogonada’s A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, set to be released in theaters on September 19. I had the opportunity to speak with the actors about why it’s never too late and how they remember the past moments that made them who they are today, while still continuing to open new doors for the future.

Animation, Fantasy, Interview

An Epic Conversation with the Stars of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’

December 10, 2024December 11, 2024 Mike Manalo

Get ready to return to Middle-Earth! The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is hitting theaters this Friday, December 13, and while it’s been a few years since we’ve seen Middle-Earth on the big screen, we couldn’t be more delighted.

Animation, Interview, Movies

The Filmmaking Team of ‘Spellbound’ on Fairy Tales and Bringing the Story to Life

November 30, 2024December 1, 2024 Sophia Soto

On behalf of The Nerds of Color, I had the opportunity to attend a virtual presentation with Spellbound Director Vicky Jenson, Editor Susan Fitzer, Head of Story Brian Pimental, Production Designer Brett Nystul, and Character Art Director Guillermo Ramirez to hear about the filmmaking process.

Animation, Interview, Streaming1 Comment

Vicky Jenson and the Stars of ‘Spellbound’ Discuss the Movie’s Ending and Themes

November 25, 2024November 29, 2024 Sophia Soto

With Spellbound now streaming on Netflix, I’m thrilled to share my spoiler-filled interviews with director Vicky Jenson and cast members Rachel Zegler, Javier Bardem, Jenifer Lewis, Tituss Burgess, and Nathan Lane.

Anime, Fantasy, Music

Check Out Paris Paloma’s New Single from ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’

November 2, 2024November 2, 2024 Mike Manalo

“The Rider” is coming. That probably sounds more ominous than it should. But it’s the epic title for artist Paris Paloma’s new single for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. And today, we got our very first sample of the exciting new song.

Animation, Fantasy, Movies

New Posters for ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’

September 22, 2024September 23, 2024 Mike Manalo

Something about Lord of the Rings and Christmas feels right. Coming this December is the new animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Today, we just got some new artwork for the highly anticipated release!

Interview, Movies, Streaming2 Comments

Scott Westerfeld and the Cast of ‘Uglies’ Discuss Bringing the Story to Life On-Screen

September 13, 2024 Sophia Soto

Uglies, which is based on the novel by Scott Westerfeld, is finally streaming on Netflix! I had the opportunity to speak with the author, who serves as an executive producer on the movie, along with cast members Joey King, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, and Laverne Cox all about the adaptation. Please note: these interviews will contain spoilers.

Anime, Fantasy, Movies

The Official Trailer for ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’ is Here

August 22, 2024August 22, 2024 Mike Manalo

Ever since it was first announced two years ago, Tolkien fans have been clamoring to return to Middle-Earth in the new film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. At long last, this Holiday season, the battle will be finally coming to the big screen!

Fantasy, Interview, Streaming

Edward Bluemel on the Season 1 Finale and Beautiful Love Story of ‘My Lady Jane’

August 7, 2024August 8, 2024 Sophia Soto

Edward Bluemel stars as Lord Guildford Dudley in My Lady Jane, which is inspired by the best-selling book. All episodes of season one are currently streaming on Prime Video.

Fantasy, Streaming

Five Finale Facts from ‘House of the Dragon’ Showrunner Ryan Condal

August 7, 2024August 7, 2024 Mike Manalo

Another year in Westeros has officially passed, as Season 2 of House of the Dragon drew to a close on Sunday. The phenomenal HBO blockbuster has spent a full season keeping everyone in suspense about the coming war between Team Black and Team Green, and it sounds like that suspense will continue well into the next season! But don’t worry! We’re at least getting some answers today, as we were able to attend a press conference with showrunner Ryan Condal on this exciting season of House of the Dragon!

Animation, Fantasy, Movies

New Image from ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of The Rohirrim’ Rides Online

July 4, 2024July 8, 2024 Mike Manalo

Anime Expo is in full swing, and in addition to all the manga and anime goodness, Warner Bros. Animation also debuted a new image for The Lord of the Rings: The War of The Rohirrim.

Fantasy, Streaming, Television

Betting on Black for ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2

June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 Mike Manalo

When it comes to journalistic integrity, one should aspire to remain as unbiased as possible. However, when it comes to House of the Dragon and the Targaryen dynasty, unfortunately, I have to go Team Black! Rhaenyra is the one true king of Westros, and everyone knows it!

Fantasy, Interview, Television1 Comment

Going Green for ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2

June 17, 2024June 17, 2024 Mike Manalo

The war is here! House of the Dragon Season 2 has officially debuted on HBO and Max. And as you can see, so far it’s even more exciting than the first! The conflict between Team Green and Team Black has commenced. And we had a chance to hear both parties discuss the latest season. Here’s our interview with Team Green members Olivia Cooke, Phia Saban, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, and Matthew Needham.

Fantasy, Interview, Television2 Comments

Showrunner Ryan Condal on the Latest Season of ‘House of the Dragon’

June 16, 2024June 18, 2024 Mike Manalo

Get ready to return to Westros tonight! House of the Dragon is roaring back to HBO at 9 p.m. ET/PT after two years . But I assure you it’s worth the wait! Don’t believe me? Ask showrunner Ryan Condal. We had a chance to chat with him about all the stops he, along with the cast and crew, have pulled to up the ante from Season 1.

Fantasy, Television1 Comment

Fun Facts from the ‘House of the Dragon’ Press Conference

June 15, 2024June 17, 2024 Mike Manalo

On the left side, we got the Hightowers of Team Green! On the right, we have the Targaryens of Team Black! It’s the ultimate battle for power folks! And we had a front row seat for the House of the Dragon press conference! And to celebrate the season premiere of HBO’s epic series, debuting tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET/PT, we’re going to share a taste of the secrets we got from the cast and crew!

Animation, Fantasy, Movies1 Comment

First Look at ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of The Rohirrim’

June 13, 2024June 13, 2024 Mike Manalo

Middle-Earth is getting animated (again)! Back before Peter Jackson brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpieces to life, Rankin/Bass (the folks behind the Christmas time Rudolph specials) actually had created animated classics based on The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Return of the King.

Books, Podcasts

The Middle Geeks Episode 65: Author Rania Hanna on ‘The Jinn Daughter’

May 22, 2024May 21, 2024 Swara Salih

We welcome on debut author Rania Hanna to discuss her new book, The Jinn Daughter!

Books, Fantasy, Interview

LaDarrion Williams on the Themes of ‘Blood at the Root’ and Making a Difference in Fantasy

May 6, 2024May 6, 2024 Sophia Soto

Screenwriter, director, and playwright LaDarrion Williams is making his novel debut with Blood at the Root, which releases on May 7. You can hear the author speak all about his new fantasy story at his upcoming 92NY event.

Fantasy, Gaming, Interview

Matthew Lillard on Quest’s End: Sandkheg’s Hide and Working with Critical Role

April 28, 2024April 29, 2024 Sophia Soto

Matthew Lillard’s Find Familiar Spirits is teaming up with Critical Role to create Quest’s End: Sandkheg’s Hide, an in-world limited-edition super-premium whiskey with an all-new story set in the universe for fans. The presale will start on April 30 and last until May 1. Then, it will be on sale from May 2 to May 23.

Fandom, Fantasy, Gaming, Interview

Matthew Lillard Discusses Quest’s End: Rogue, the Power of Fandoms, and Storytelling

March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 Sophia Soto

Actor and co-founder of Beadle & Grimm’s Matthew Lillard is a founder of Find Familiar Spirits, which combines the storytelling acumen and influence of Hollywood with spirits craftsmanship to deliver a super-premium whiskey.

Fantasy, Interview, Movies

Millie Bobby Brown Talks the Ending of ‘Damsel’ and Elodie’s Powerful Transformation

March 8, 2024March 8, 2024 Sophia Soto

Millie Bobby Brown executive produces and stars as Elodie in Damsel, which is now streaming on Netflix. Please note: this interview will contain major spoilers.

Horror, Streaming

Trailer for ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ Announces October Release

September 13, 2023September 14, 2023 Mike Manalo

Flanagan-Fans (Flana-fans?) Assemble! The master of horror behind The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and Doctor Sleep is back! And this time, he’s bringing us a tale of Poe (Get it? Because it sounds like “woe”… Nevermind).

Anime, Movies, Reviews2 Comments

Makoto Shinkai Brings His Best in the Rollicking Adventure of ‘Suzume’

April 17, 2023September 14, 2023 Lauren Lola

Makoto Shinkai has been directing animated films for over two decades now, but it was his 2016 film, Your Name, that garnered critical acclaim both in Japan and abroad. While both Your Name and his 2019 film, Weathering with You, are notable for the creative development of their respective magic systems and intricate plots, they lack in substance of their female leads and development of the romantic tension between the male and female characters.