The screenwriter of the original 1989 Road House film is suing Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios and parent company Amazon Studios for copyright infringement. According to Variety, R. Lance Hill -- who uses the pen name David Lee Henry -- is claiming in his lawsuit that Amazon ignored his ability to reclaim rights to his original screenplay and went forward with their Road House remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal which will debut March 21st on Prime Video.

According to the specifics of the lawsuit, Hill claims that in 2021 he filed a petition with the. U.S. Copyright Office requesting that the copyright to Road House return to him once United Artists' claim expired in November 2023. The lawsuit also alleges that Amazon ignored the claims, going forward with the film and even using artificial intelligence to replicate the voices of the film's actors in order to complete ADR during the SAG-AFTRA strike so that they could finish film prior to the November 10th deadline. Hill claims that work on Road House wasn't actually completed until January 2024 -- months after the copyright deadline.

"On Nov. 11, 2023, the Screenplay's copyright thereby duly reverted to Hill under the Copyright Act. Yet, in contravention of the Act's fundamental authorial termination right, Defendants refused to acknowledge Hill's statutory termination," the suit reads. "Instead, Defendants steamrolled ahead with the production of a remake of the 1989 Film derived from Hill's Screenplay."

Interestingly, this isn't the first time there have been AI-related allegations when it comes to the Road House remake. According to Variety's report, sources alleged that producer Joel Silver, who was fired from Amazon in November over verbal abuse, was instead actually being fired over concerns regarding Amazon's use of AI to complete Road House.

Amazon denies the use of AI in making Road House and called Hill's lawsuit "without merit" in a statement.

"The lawsuit filed by R. Lance Hill regarding 'Road House' today is completely without merit and numerous allegations are categorically false. The film does not use any AI in place of actors' voices. We look forward to defending ourselves against these claims," the statement reads.

What is the Road House Reboot About?

The description for Prime Video's Road House reads, "In this adrenaline-fueled reimagining of the 80s cult classic, ex-UFC fighter Dalton (Jake Gyllenhaal) takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems."

Anthony Bagarozzi (The Nice Guys) and Charles Mondry (Doc Savage) wrote the script for the new Road House. Joel Silver, whose credits include the original Road House as well as Lethal Weapon and Predator, is producing via his Silver Pictures. JJ Hook (6 Underground, The Lost City), Alison Winter (The Wall, Chaos Walking), and Aaron Auch (Orphan, The Losers) are also executive producers. The film stars Gyllenhaal, Conor McGregor, Billy Magnussen (No Time To Die), Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad), Gbemisola Ikumelo (A League of Their Own), Lukas Gage (Euphoria), Hannah Love Lanier (The Tiny Mighty Club), Travis Van Winkle (You), B.K. Cannon (Why Women Kill), Arturo Castro (Broad City), Dominique Columbus (Ray Donovan), Beau Knapp (The Lost Symbol), Bob Menery (Full Send Podcast), Joaquim de Almeida (Fast X), Darren Barnet (Agents of SHIELD), Kevin Carroll (Showtime's Let the Right One In), and JD Pardo (Mayans M.C.).

Road House (2024) is scheduled to be released on March 21st.

One Piece has been setting up Blackbeard and his crew as most likely the final obstacle Luffy and the Straw Hats will need to overcome before it's all over, and one artist has awesome brought all of them to life through cosplay! Marshall D. Teech has steadily become one of the most interesting antagonists to watch as Eiichiro Oda has begun to set the stage for whatever grand plan he has for the finale. Blackbeard has quickly taken his place as an Emperor, and is now angling himself towards the One Piece treasure itself with the newest manga chapters and anime episodes.

One Piece has only seen Blackbeard's crew grow stronger as each of the already fearsome members have started to gain powerful Devil Fruit abilities since the last time we had seen them in action, and it's clear that they are going to be a pain to deal with if Luffy and the Straw Hats are going to have any chance of reaching Laugh Tale themselves. Reminding fans of just how fierce the members of Blackbeard's crew are is artist kappy_w on TikTok, who has awesome shown off a cosplay for each of the members. Check it out:

@kappy_w

You wanna know my gang ??? I still don't realize I cosplayed all these weirdos ahah- but hello ? #BlackbeardPirates #MarshallDTeach #OnePiece #anime #cosmaker #cosplay

? Purple Lamborghini - Skrillex & Rick Ross

How to Catch Up With One Piece Anime

Blackbeard has begun to make his move in the newest chapters of One Piece's manga, and the newest episodes of the anime so it's the best time to catch up with it all as the Final Saga continues to take shape. If you wanted to catch up with the manga, you can find the three most recent chapters of the series for free with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library (and the entire back catalog with a paid subscription). If the anime is more your speed, One Piece: Egghead Arc has begun to adapt the first arc of the final saga.

One Piece: Egghead Arc is now streaming the newest episodes of the anime with both Netflix and Crunchyroll, and with Crunchyroll you can find the entire back catalog of episodes, movies, OVA specials and more with both Japanese anf English dubbed audio offered. It's the best time to check it all out as things are going to get more intense than ever before.

What are you hoping to see from Blackbeard's crew before One Piece's anime and manga come to an end? Let us know all of your thoughts about it and everything One Piece in the comments!

One Piece has a few characters who have had a massive impact on the series like Ace, and one awesome cosplay is helping to heat him back up! First introduced to Eiichiro Oda's manga and anime franchise as Luffy's brother who went out to sea before him, Ace ended up being at the center of some of the biggest developments in the first half of the series. And as the One Piece franchise works its way through the Final Saga of its story, Ace continues to have an impact on what Luffy has planned for his own potential future as well.

One Piece continues to showcase how much Ace still leaves an impression on many characters in the franchise despite losing his life ahead of the New World saga, and it goes to show how big of a character he really was. Luffy makes his choices with the idea of it being something Ace might have done a few times throughout his fights in Wano Country arc and more, and will likely use Ace as a guidepost when things get even fiercer before it all comes to an end. Artist yuekelele on TikTok manages to burn just as bright with Ace through some awesome cosplay! Check it out:

@yuekelele

be prepared to be sick of this cosplay -- I'm so excited to wear this on Saturday for AnimeNYC!! ? #onepiece #portgasdace #onepiececosplay #firefistace #hikennoace #portgasdacecosplay

? sonido original - (Bryan's version) ?

How to Catch Up With One Piece

One Piece's anime and manga will likely continue to show love to Ace long after his death as the franchise continues, and it won't be long before we get to see a new incarnation of the character with Season 2 of the live-action series now in the works with Netflix. Ace is one of the very important characters the live-action series will be introducing with its take on the Alabasta Saga when it returns to Netflix, but a casting for this very important figure has yet to be announced as of the time of this writing.

You can catch up with the eight episode live-action One Piece now streaming with Netflix, and you can also find the newest arc of the anime, One Piece: Egghead Arc, streaming there as well. If you wanted to catch up with the anime's releases thus far (including more of the OVAs, movies, specials and more), you can also check out One Piece's back catalog (in both Japanese and English language dub) streaming on Crunchyroll.

Where does Ace rank among your favorite characters in One Piece overall? Let us know all of your thoughts about it and everything One Piece in the comments!

Mean Girls (2024) has apparently cut out a joke about Mean Girls (2004) star Lindsay Lohan, which had been the source of controversy.

The movie adaptation of the Mean Girls stage musical follows many of the same beats as the original film - but obviously has to factor in one big societal change of the last twenty years: social media. Tweets and TikToks are thrown around aggressively in Mean Girls (2024), as the school community, local community, and even online community influencers and stars all get in on the reign of queen Regina George (Rene? Rapp) and the rise of would-be challenger for the high school crown, new girl Cady Heron (Angourie Rice). Like in the original Mean Girls, the new version sees Cady's social status after a pivotal turn at the Winter Talent Show.

In the original, the Plastics' dance routine going wrong is an embarrassment limited to those in the attending audience; in Mean Girls (2024), the Plastics have to see their embarrassing moment go viral on social media. It becomes the will of the online masses that Cady becomes the new queen of the Plastics - and even Megan Thee Stallion co-signs the change in lineup.

Originally, Mean Girls (2024) featured a cut scene of social media reactions to Plastics' dance routine featuring a cameo by Megan Thee Stallion, who declares to her "Hotties" (i.e. fans) that "We are going back to red! Y2K fire crotch is back!" The line is a reference to Lindsay Lohan's infamous nickname, which began with a 2006 Papapprazzi video of Paris Hilton and friend, oil fortune heir Brandon Davis leaving a club. In that video, a seemingly inebriated Davis went on a tirade about Lindsay Lohan, grossly disparaging her body in a way that would certainly get one canceled in the era of Twitter. "Fire Crotch" became the safest soundbite from rant for publications and talk shows to run with, and Lohan soon found herself often being verbally accosted by those imitating or referencing the original video.

The Messenger reported that Lindsay Lohan was "very hurt and disappointed" that the joke from Megan Thee Stallion made it into the theatrical cut of Mean Girls (2024). Lohan makes a cameo appearance in the climax of the film, and apparently didn't know the line was in the movie until she saw it at the premiere.

Mean Girls (2024) Cuts Controversial Lindsay Lohan Joke

Popculture Planet reporter Kristen Maldonado has watched the digital release of Mean Girls (2024) and quickly spotted something different: the joke about fire crotch is gone. "It seems it has been removed for the film's digital release," Maldonado writes, "During my re-watch of the film, I noticed that Megan Thee Stallion's line now ends at "We are going back red" and jumps to her laughing, cutting out 'Y2K fire crotch is back' entirely."

By today's standards, the entire incident with Lindsay Lohan and that nickname seems grossly inappropriate - and the objections to it being a joke played for laughs are understandable. Especially if you're Lindsay Lohan.

Mean Girls (2024) is now available of VOD and digital release.

Fans attending an "immersive" Willy Wonka experience that had promised to transport them to a "magical realm" has instead resulted in calls to the police and comparisons to a meth lab. According to Consequence, the event -- which had no connection to Warner Bros' Timothee Chalamet-starring Wonka -- was held in Glasgow, Scotland and billed by organizers House of Illuminati as "a journey filled with wondrous creations and enchanting surprises at every turn" though the reality ended up being little more than warehouse with few, underwhelming decorations.

"It was basically advertised as this big, massive Willy Wonka experience with optical illusions and big chocolate fountains and sweets," attendee Eve Stewart told the BBC. "But when we got there, it was practically an abandoned, empty warehouse, with hardly anything in it."

Attendees, who had paid $40 per ticket for entry, reported that the warehouse was decorated with plastic props, a small bouncy castle, and backdrops pinned to the walls. Children were reportedly in tears and Scotland police were even called. Online, it was reported that staff at the event had been given scripts the night before and one post shared photos of a performer staffing one of the "exhibits", describing the scene as looking like a meth lab.

The Oompa Loompa from the knock off Wonka land experience looks like she's running a literal meth lab and is seriously questioning the life choices up until this point. If you scripted this, I would say it was too on the nose pic.twitter.com/WwkGO8Hjck

-- Disappointed Optimist (@disappoptimism) February 27, 2024

On Facebook, a spokesperson for House of Illuminati wrote that "Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and for that we are truly sorry. Unfortunately, at the last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue and puss through and now realise we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead," The post also pledged to provide full refunds, which are expected to take ten days to process. You can read the statement in full below.

"Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and for that we are truly sorry.

Unfortunately, last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue on and push through and now realise we probably should have cancelled first thing this morning instead.

We fully apologise for what has happened and will be giving full refunds to each and every person that purchased tickets.

We planned a fabulous event and it just did not take shape as planned and for that we are truly sorry we are devastated at how this has turned out and understand people's anger and frustration that everyone has had, refunds have already started being issued and the rest should be over the coming days, again we are truely [sic] sorry to everyone.'"

According to the Daily Mail, Billy Coull, the man behind House of Illuminati has admitted to using AI images on the event's website to promote and sell the event. Coull has previously self-published numerous novels written by ChatGPT and came under fire a few years ago when another event he was organizing, Santa's Grotto, was canceled after toys and gifts had been donated. Coull has since deleted his LinkedIn.

Halle Berry is letting social media "rediscover" one of her most epic moments in the movie business: the speech she gave at the Razzie Awards after winning the "Worst Actress" award for Catwoman at the 25th Razzie Awards in 2004.

Berry had just won the Oscar for "Best Actress" in 2002 for her performance in Marc Forster's Monster's Ball, before taking on the role of (wait for it) "Patience Phillips," the version of Catwoman created for director Pitof's 2004 superhero movie - which had nothing to do with Batman, Selina Kyle, or any DC lore outside of an Easter egg photo of Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman from Batman Returns. Instead of becoming a major superhero franchise star, Halle Berry saw her career stumble out of its 2000s heyday of X-Men, Bond girl franchise stardom and Oscars glory; she would give solid performances in hit-or-miss projects for years thereafter. At the very least, Berry got a whopping $12.5 million payday for doing Catwoman - and despite it stlll being regarded as one of the worst comic book movies ever made, Catwoman has aged into being appreciated as ironic cringe, and comes with the now-standard Film Twitter apologists.

More than anything: no one can argue at this point that Halle Berry's Catwoman was one of the hottest superhero characters we've seen onscreen - or that the actress didn't handle the "infamy" around the film like a total champ. Case in point:

WATCH: Halle Berry's Epic Razzie Awards Speech for Catwoman

"I never in my life thought that I would be up here, winning a Razzie! It's not like I ever aspired to be here, but thank you," Berry says at the start of the speech, mockingly recreating her emotional winning speech at the Oscars. "When I was a kid, my mother told me that if you could not be a good loser, then there's no way you could be a good winner."

"I've got so many people to thank because you don't win a Razzie without a lot of help from a lot of people." Berry continued, in clear winking sarcasm. "First of all, I want to thank Warner Brothers, for putting me in a piece-of-sh*t, godawful movie. It was just what my career needed! I was at the top, and then Catwoman just plummeted me to the bottom. Love it! It's hard being on top. It's much better being on the bottom."

While Halley Berry cut the clip of her speech of there in the Twitter X post, the actual speech went to a much sharper place. Berry actually called out her manager at the time, Vincent Cirrincione, as the reason she had to do Catwoman:

"I want to thank my manager Vincent Cirrincione. This guy loves me. He loves me so much that he convinces me to do projects even when he knows they're sh*t! That's how much he really loves me. My only advice to you is next time I do a movie, if I get a chance to do another movie, maybe you should read the script. Just counting the zeros behind the one really isn't enough. You really have to read the script. I love you, man. Love you."

Cirrincione closed his agency in 2018 after receiving multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against several women. Halle Berry soon after revealed in a public statement that tshe had broken off her 25-year working relationship with Cirrincione years prior due to hearing allegations from other women in the industry about his conduct.

Given all the circumstances surrounding it, it's even more comforting to see that Halle Berry can now look at Catwoman and laugh with so many of us about it.

Catwoman (2004) is currently streaming on Max and Amazon Prime Video.

With the introduction of the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada earlier this month, Taco Bell's massive 2024 release plans are officially underway. Next up on the slate for the fast-food chain is a collaboration with Tajin resulting in three new products, including a taco this has the chance to become one of Taco Bell's most popular items in recent memory. Tuesday, the chain officially unveiled the Tajin Crunchy Taco, Tajin Twists, and the Tajin Strawberry Freeze.

The Tajin Crunchy Taco is essentially the Doritos Locos Taco but with Tajin on the shell instead of Doritos Dust. The Tajin Twists are the chain's Cinnamon Twists with Tajin instead of cinnamon, while the Tajin Strawberry Freeze is a Wild Strawberry Freeze with added mangoes, Tajin chamoy sauce, and a sprinkling of Tajin's flagship seasoning.

"We're thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Taj?n, a brand whose unique seasoning blends are revered for their versatility in the kitchen," Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Chief Food Innovations Officer, said in a press release. "This collaboration is a celebration of bold flavors and innovative pairings that showcases how Taj?n's iconic chili lime seasoning perfectly complements classic Taco Bell menu items. Together we're bringing new flavors to the taco experience and delivering an unforgettable taste adventure."

"We are absolutely thrilled to see Taco Bell and Taj?n fans come together to enjoy this exceptional limited-time offer, adding to the 1001+ ways fans can enjoy Taj?n, the top-selling chili lime seasoning in the U.S. and Mexico," added Tajin executive Haydee Fernandez. "This is an unprecedented collaboration between two iconic brands who have the privilege of having some of the most devoted fans in the world and we eagerly anticipate welcoming many more to savor and experience this one-of-a-kind menu."

As of now, the three items are only available as part of a test at a single Taco Bell location. The store in question is located at 2222 Barranca Pkwy in Irvine, CA 92606. As with past tests, it's possible this could result in a national release at a given date, though that much has yet to be confirmed by Taco Bell officials.

Sh?gun is now streaming on FX on Hulu, and there's a lot of hype surrounding the show after the first glowing reviews called it the next Game of Thrones. With many viewers coming to Shogun expecting the next big mainstream TV series hit, they may be surprised to find out that much of the series features Japanese dialogue conveyed through English subtitles.

So is there an option to watch Shogun with an English Dub instead of subtitles?

In short answer: Yes. yes there is.

How to Watch Sh?gun English Language Dub

If you want to watch Sh?gun with English Dub voices instead of the Japanese dialogue and subtitles, you just have to select that option from the menu on Hulu. The homepage for Shogun actually offers the main "Episodes" column for the standard Japanese subtitled version of the show, and then an "English Dub" column that offers the dubbed version of the series. There is also an additional column for the official podcast attached to Shogun - although, you can also get that here on our ComicBook Nation podcast!

Obviously, cinephiles and "purists" will want to advocate for the Japanese dialogue version - but it is a smart move on the part of FX and Hulu to make the English Dub available, as well. Since 2020 and the Squid Game phenomenon, television productions from the Eastern region (Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, India) have garnered exponentially more fame. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms have offered English Dub options to a lot of those TV shows and movie imports; a show like Shogun, with this much hype behind it, definitely wants to appeal to the widest audience possible - and language shouldn't be a barrier.

The two lead actors of Shogun - Cosmo Jarvis and Hiroyuki Sanada - told ComicBook.com that actors overcoming their language barriers during production only helped to enhance their performances in the show:

"In the beginning, despite the language barrier that was prevalent in the beginning, it was a good thing to use to the advantage of the scenes... because that's what they demanded," Cosmo Jarvis explained. "So there was a lot of just communicating without using language, which was very useful."

Sh?gun: How to Stream + Cast & Crew Info

Sh?gun will be a 10-episode limited series and is now streaming on Hulu.

Shogun stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura and Fumi Nikaido. It was created for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks - with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer. Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Lu and Kondo all executive produce, and Hiroyuki Sanada also serves as a producer.

Sh?gun will premiere on FX on February 27th.

Walk Disney World has announced that ticket price increases are on the way.

According to the latest updates from Disney, Single-day, single-park tickets (priced on a date-based fluctuating scale) have been increased from $109 to $119. The other scaled-value tickets have increased by $5-$10. Multi-day tickets have increased at about the same rate of $5-10 more per day.

Disney World's new ticket prices will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

This is the second price increase that Disney has announced in less than six months. Back in October, Disney announced that both Disneyland and Walt Disney World would see ticket price increases: annual pass prices for Disney World were increased by 10%; parking fees were increased by 30%; Disneyland daily pass options were increased by 9%, while parking was also hiked up to $35.

As a caveat, Disney also reversed recent restrictive policies on the Park Hopper and Annual Pass options, announcing that "Big news out of Walt Disney World Resort! Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, guests with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations). As a reminder, since returning in 2021, Park Hopper access has only been available after 2 p.m. each day. Now, there will be no more waiting - YOU can decide when it's time to visit another park."

When the previous price increases were announced, Disney had a spokesperson offer a statement about the logic behind the increase in prices:

"We are constantly adding new, innovative attractions and entertainment to our parks and, with our broad array of pricing options, the value of a theme park visit is reflected in the unique experiences that only Disney can offer."

Disney has also made it clear that its parks are not only not going to fail in the post-panddemic world - but will be expanding and evolving to keep with the changing times. As such, parks and the surrounding resort properties are being steadily overhauled, as Disney "will explore even more characters and franchises, including some that haven't been leveraged extensively to date, as it embarks on a new period of significant growth domestically and internationally in its parks and resorts."

As some consumers and investors have speculated, funding the level of growth that Disney needs for its theme parks will likely require even more increased costs for consumers - beyond the latest ones announced.

Wendy's will soon begin rolling out a new pricing feature that may be divisive with fans of the fast-food restaurant. During an earning's call earlier this month, Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner revealed the chain will start using "surge pricing" at some point in 2025. Frequent Uber users will recognize the phrase "surge pricing" as something that changes prices based on a variety of factors from availability of drivers to time of day.

"We are planning to invest approximately $20 million to roll out digital menu boards to all U.S. company-operated restaurants by the end of 2025," Tanner said on call with analysts and investors (via Nation's Restaurant News), "and approximately $10 million over the next two years to support digital menu board enhancements for the global system."

That's when the surge pricing efforts came into focus, with the executive saying the chain will further embrace the use of AI software.

"Beginning as early as 2025, we will begin testing more enhanced features like dynamic pricing and daypart offerings along with AI-enabled menu changes and suggestive selling," the executive added. "[Technology] plays a key role on our restaurant team, enabling the crew to focus on what matters: preparing fresh high-quality Wendy's favorites and building customer relationships to bring them back time and again."

A Wendy's spokesperson doubled-down on the pricing structure in a statement obtained by TODAY.

"At Wendy's, we're focused on providing great tasting, fresh, high-quality food and doing it in a way that brings value to our customers. As we've previously shared, we are making a significant investment to accelerate our digital business. In addition to evolving our loyalty program, we are leveraging technology even more with the roll out of digital menu boards in some U.S. restaurants," the statement reads. "Beginning as early as 2025, we will begin testing a variety of enhanced features on these digital menu boards like dynamic pricing, different offerings in certain parts of the day, AI-enabled menu changes and suggestive selling based on factors such as weather."

Stay tuned to ComicBook.com for the latest fast-food news.

Pokemon's most iconic starter evolution, Charizard, has come to life in a cool new way thanks to some awesome craft and cosplay! The Pokemon franchise is getting ready for what could be a massive year for the anime, video games, and more. As Pokemon readies for the full worldwide release of the next major anime series without Ash Ketchum in a starring role, Pokemon Horizons: The Series, the franchise is expanding in a whole new way with all sorts of other anime projects that had launched over the last year or so. And there are no signs of slowing down, of course.

Regardless of where the Pokemon anime franchise goes in the future, fans can count on Charizard playing a major role. Not only is Charizard still one of the most fondly remembered starter evolutions from the Kanto region, but remains one of the major fan favorites overall. It's thanks to how many incarnations of Charizard we've seen throughout the years, and now Charizard has come to life in a whole new way thanks to artist AvantGeek on TikTok. Crafting a cool puppet version of Charizard, it's such a fiery take! Check it out:

@avantgeek

My Charizard puppet is done! Well almost - he still needs legs and the fake arm needs work, but im very happy with what I made in just ONE WEEK. #dragonpuppet #pokemon

? Ghibli-style nostalgic waltz - MaSssuguMusic

Pokemon Horizons English Dub Release Date

Charizard actually plays a huge role in the new Pokemon anime as the partner to Friede, who will be voiced by Crispin Freeman in the upcoming English dub release of Pokemon Horizons: The Series. Premiering on March 7th around the world with Netflix, Pokemon Horizons has yet to reveal its full English voice cast as of the time of this writing. The new anime is the first new Pokemon anime series without Ash at the center of it all, and tells a brand new story with brand new characters.

The Pokemon Company teases Pokemon Horizons: The Series as such, "A new adventure is beginning within the wide world of Pok?mon! Arriving at Indigo Academy, a girl named Liko receives her first partner Pok?mon, Sprigatito. But she soon finds herself pursued by the Explorers, a mysterious group that's determined to take the pendant necklace she wears. Liko isn't on her own, though, as Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the other Rising Volt Tacklers offer her protection aboard their airship. Meanwhile, a boy named Roy dreams of becoming a Pok?mon Trainer, unaware of the secret hiding within the Ancient Pok? Ball he carries. As Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers set sail for new horizons, what kind of discoveries await?"

Where does Charizard rank among your favorite Pokemon? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments!

Disney Parks is adding a great benefit for guests in 2025. This week, the Walt Disney Company announced that everyone who comes to Walt Disney World and stays at one of the Disney hotels will get free access to one of the two water parks on the resort property. Anyone staying at a Disney resort hotel at some point in 2025 will have access to a complimentary water park day, but there is one key restriction.

Not only will you have to be staying on Disney property during your trip, but access to the water park has to happen on the day you check in to your hotel. You'll be able to visit either Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach for that one day.

You don't have to have tickets for the actual Disney Parks in Walt Disney World in order to get the free water park admission, you just need to be booked for a stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Here's the full list of "Important Information" about the free water park access, according to Disney Parks:

• This benefit is exclusive to registered Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel with a check-in date from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. All Guests must be on the room reservation. View eligible Disney Resort hotels.
• This benefit is only on the day of check-in, and is valid for admission to either Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney's Blizzard Beach water park. Check the park calendar and operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.
• Usage of this benefit is subject to availability.
• At this time, a park reservation is not required to visit a water park; however, reservation requirements are subject to change.
• Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures, or may close for other reasons.
• Each of our water parks is refurbished annually. These routine maintenance periods are staggered, so our Guests should be able to enjoy at least one water park experience year-round.
• Water park admission is nontransferable, nonrefundable and has no cash value, and excludes activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public.
• Parks, attractions and other offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refund or credit given for any such changes or cancellation. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Chris Gauthier, star of shows such as Once Upon a Time and Supernatural, has passed away at the age of 48. TVLine reports that Gauthier died on February 23rd, with his manager telling TVLine that the actor "passed suddenly and unexpectedly following a short illness," though the actual illness was kept a private matter. One of Gauthier's biggest roles came as William Smee in ABC's Once Upon a Time, as well as a long stint on Syfy's Eureka as Vincent, and as shapeshifter-hunting Ronald Reznick on Supernatural. Some of Gauthier's Once Upon a Time family sent their condolences on social media, with actor Colin O'Donoghue writing, "Rest in Peace Chris! Heartbroken!" on Instagram, and Once Upon a Time co-showrunner Adam Horowitz writing, "So sad to hear of the passing of Chris Gauthier. Such a kind, sweet, and talented person. You will be missed," on X (formerly Twitter).

"We can confirm that our dear friend and client, Chris Gauthier, passed away on Friday morning, February 23, at the age of 48," a statement from TriStar Appearances/Event Horizon Talent to TVLine reads. "As a beloved Vancouver-based character actor, Chris shared his talents with so many of us both on television and in film. His loss is felt not just by his fans but by those of us who were lucky enough to know him more personally. On behalf of his family, we do ask for privacy during this time so that they are able to grieve properly."

Along with Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, and Eureka, Chris Gauthier's lengthy resume also includes other pop culture favorites like Psych, iZombie, Smallville, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Sanctuary, Watchmen, and CW's reboot of Charmed.

"Chris was the literal textbook definition of a character actor. You may not have known his name but you knew his face, you knew his voice, and you knew that if he was onscreen, you were in for a helluva ride," wrote TriStar Appearances' Chad Colvin on Facebook. "Whether he was standing toe to toe against Clark Kent on Smallville as the Toyman, tormenting Dean on Supernatural, on deck with Hook as Smee in Once Upon A Time, or in guest roles in the countless other productions he was in, he ALWAYS gave it his all when the camera was rolling."

The Lay's family is expanding by one. The chipmaker has officially announced Lay's Sweet & Spicy Honey, the company's take on the Hot Honey craze that's dominating all things fast-food and snacking. In fact, Lay's has even filed a new trademark for the flavor combination, calling it "Swicy."

"As a leader in flavor innovation, Lay's is always on the lookout for the latest trends to inspire our next potato chip flavors," Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing, PepsiCo Foods North America, offered in a press release. "From condiments to cocktails to restaurant menus, the Swicy food trend is everywhere now, so we're excited to bring this unique combination of flavors to life in potato chip form for fans of sweet heat."

And found!!

New Lay's Sweet & Spicy Honey Chips spotted at Mariano's(not exclusive).?

(Thanks Charlie??)

Yay or nay?? pic.twitter.com/pTqyHDPr4Q

-- Markie Devo (@markie_devo) February 7, 2024

Although launching after Valentine's Day, Lay's is working with Love Is Blind stars Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed-Hamilton to help promote the brand. The couple is partnering with Lay's to oversee the company's #SwicyMarryMeMeal contest, encouraging couples to create their favorite food and share it on social media with the hashtag. The winner of the campaign will receive $1,000 to put towards the "ultimate date night."

"One of our favorite things to do is get creative in the kitchen, and we're so excited to celebrate the month of love with Lay's while showcasing our sweet and spicy personalities," added Hamilton. "Trust me - amazing things can happen when a little bit of heat meets a hint of sweet, much like our relationship!"

"Our Swicy recipe perfectly embodies my spicy personality and Cameron's sweet side, making it an amazing meal for our special date nights," Speed-Hamilton continued. "I love that Lay's is bringing couples together to spice things up and inspiring them to get Swicy in the kitchen."

The contest goes through March 6th. Full details are here.

Ramona Fradon, comics artist best known for co-creating Metamorpho with writer Bob Haney as well as her long-running work on Aquaman, has died. She was 97 years old. Fradon's death was announced by comic book art dealer Catskill Comics -- which had also announced Fradon's retirement last month -- on Facebook.

"It comes with great sadness to announce that Ramona Fradon has passed away a few moments ago," the post reads. "Ramona was 97 and had a long career in the comic book industry and was still drawing just a few days ago. She was a remarkable person in so many ways. I will miss the great conversations and laughs we had. I am blessed that I was able to work with her on a professional level, but also able to call her my friend. If anyone who wishes to send a card to the family, please feel free to send them to Catskill Comics and I'll be happy to pass them along."

Fradon was born October 2, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in New York City where she graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1950 and, in 1951, was hired by DC Comics. She began her work on Aquaman that year, going on to co-create both Aqualad and Metamorpho, the latter of which is set to make their live action debut in James Gunn's upcoming Superman: Legacy. Fradon briefly left comics in 1965 to raise her daughter but returned to DC in 1972.

In addition to her work with DC, Fradon drew an issue of Fantastic Four for Marvel and in 1980 took over as lead artist on the comic strip "Brenda Starr, Reporter" where she worked until 1995 when she retired. However, even in retirement Fradon continued working, shifting to commissioned art, which she continued doing until she announced her retirement from that in January of this year.

"After an extremely long run in the comic industry, at 97 Ramona has decided it's time for her to retire," Catskill Comics shared in January about Fradon's retirement. "She will no longer be doing commissions. She apologizes to all the fans who have been waiting patiently on her wait list to get one. She did say though from time to time she'll do a drawing or two to put up for sale on the website."

Our thoughts are with Fradon's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Kenneth Mitchell, the actor who played four characters in Star Trek: Discovery's first three seasons, died at age 49. In 2020, Mitchell publicly announced that he'd been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Having already played three Klingon characters in Star Trek: Discovery's first two seasons - Kol in Season 1, then Kol-Sha and Tenavik in Season 2 - Mitchell returned in Star Trek: Discovery Season 3 as Aurellio, a character whose use of a hoverchair was designed to incorporate Mitchell's wheelchair use into his performance. Additionally, Mitchell voiced three characters in the Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 1 episode titled "Veritas": the Tweerk captain, a black ops operative, and a Romulan guard.

"Working on Lower Decks is... the last time I remember walking before having to be in a motorized wheelchair," Mitchell told Syfy Wire in 2020. "I remember walking up the stairs to go into the studio and the recording booth, and I remember having a great time with [showrunner] Mike [McMahan] and the team. And then I remember walking down the stairs but having trouble getting down. But, to be honest, that's my last memory of walking on my own. And for that to be the last memory, it's pretty damn special."

He also said of returning to Star Trek: Discovery, "For the new character in Discovery Season Three, I worked a lot with Mario [Moreira] and the props department and the special effect department, so you can interpolate that as much as you want," Mitchell hinted. "I'll just say it's pretty damn cool and very unique and something Star Trek hasn't had a lot of. I think it was special they adapted this part for me. I think it will be meaningful to the Trek community and beyond."

"Being a part of Star Trek keeps me inspired and gives me purpose," Mitchell said. "Hopefully, that will keep going."

Mitchell also had credits outside of the Star Trek franchise. He played Carol Danvers' father in the Marvel Studios film Captain Marvel. He also appeared in the movie Miracle and in the television shows Jericho, The Astronaut Wives Club, Ghost Whisperer, and Switched at Birth.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan May Pratt, and their two children, Lilah and Callum. He requested that any fits in his memory come in the form of donations towards further ALS research or to support his family. A GoFundMe campaign for the family is live now to accept such donations.

The Coke Vs. Pepsi saga has landed at Sony. According to Deadline, Sony has acquired Cola Wars, a movie about the rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola in the mid-1980s, for $1 million. The script for the film will be written by Jason Shuman and Ben Queen. Shuman, who is the co-creator and writer of Apple's Acapulco and was previously the executive producer for HBO's Winning Time, has an existing relationship with Sony. Queen was the writer for the two sequels to Pixar's Cars.

Cola Wars will follow in the footsteps of films telling the behind-the-scenes stories of products with significant pop cultural impact, such as Amazon's Ben Affleck starring Air, which told the story of Nike's efforts to bring on Michael Jordan, and Apple's The Beanie Bubble. Later this year, Netflix will also be getting in on the trend with Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story.

What Were The Cola Wars?

The so-called Cola Wars were a long-standing rivalry between The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo. While the two brands have been at odds since 1902 -- when Caleb Bradham formed the Pepsi-Cola Company just six years after Asa Griggs Candler founded The Coca-Cola Company -- things largely intensified in the mid-1970s when Pepsi and Coke began to fight for popular culture dominance. Pepsi rolled out their "Pepsi challenge" which saw consumers drink both Pepsi and Coke in a blind taste test and find Pepsi to be the winner. In 1985, Coca-Cola rolled out "New Coke". There were also numerous ad campaigns, marketing strategies, and more.

There's Also Going to Be a Pop-Tarts Movie

The Cola Wars aren't the only food item getting a movie. Netflix is releasing Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story on May 3rd. The comedy, which is directed by and stars Jerry Seinfeld, will tell the story of how the popular Pop-Tart breakfast item came to be. The film will be fiction, but Seinfeld has previously indicated that aspects of the movie are not made up and are indeed based on actual events. Seinfeld cowrote the script of Unfrosted with Seinfeld alumnus Spike Feresten, Andy Robin, and Barry Marder. Seinfeld and Feresten are listed as producers on the project as well. The film will also star Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Hugh Grant, Amy Schumer, James Marsden, and more.

What do you think? Are you interested in a movie about the Cola Wars? What is your favorite cola, Pepsi or Coke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The SAG Awards took place on Saturday night and they proved to be a big night for The Last of Us. Series star Pedro Pascal took home the award for Male Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Joel Miller in the series. The Last of Us also won the award for Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series. Pascal had some significant competition for the award, with Succession stars Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen up for the award along with The Morning Show's Billy Crudup, something that Pascal seemed to acknowledge in his acceptance speech in which he noted that he was "a little drunk" because he thought he could do so at the awards.

"This is wrong for a number of reasons. I'm a little drunk. I thought I could get drunk. Thank you, HBO. Jeez, Louise. I'm making a fool of myself. But thank you so much for this," he said. "I've been in the union since 1999. So, this is an incredible f--king honor, we're on Netflix. To the nominees, all of you, I can't remember any of your names right now. To Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann. Casey at HBO. It's very appropriate, you've given me a job because I grew up watching your network. I have no skills. I have no other interests. So, the least you could do is give me a job. Franklin and Sue who're with me here tonight. My family is maybe watching. I'm not sure. I'm going to have a panic attack and I'm gonna leave.

Season 2 of The Last of Us Is In Production

The second season of The Last of Us is currently in production, having begun filming earlier this month. The Last of Us follows survivors Joel (Pedro Pascal) and the infected-immune Ellie (Bella Ramsey) through the fungal apocalypse. Season 2 has added new cast members Kaitlyn Dever (Dopesick, Unbelievable) as Abby, a key character from The Last of Us: Part II video game, Young Mazino (Beef) as Jesse, and Isabela Merced (Madame Web) as Dina. The second season has an expected 2025 release date.

"I'm never gonna say there are things that are gonna happen in the show that happened in the game. You never know what we're gonna do," Mazin revealed in an interview last year. "But I will say that it is the adventure, the journey is the point. There are things that will shock people, things that were in the game, things that were not in the game, and that's okay. As long as they're purposeful, they're not there to just simply shock. We are not interested in creating social media fear. We just want to tell the story the way we think it should be told."

Pedro Pascal Was Recently Cast as Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four

Marvel Studios recently announced the cast of The Fantastic Four for the MCU, confirming that Pascal will play Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic. Vanessa Kirby will play Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn will play Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will play Ben Grimm/The Thing.

One Piece's Boa Hancock has had to do a lot of fighting over the years, but one awesome cosplay is gearing her up for an even bigger fight by armoring her up like another Amazonian, Wonder Woman! One Piece is currently in the midst of the first major arc of the Final Saga of Eiichiro Oda's original manga and anime franchise, and the last time fans got to see Boa, she was fighting back against both the Marines and Blackbeard following the Reverie. But it naturally will not be the last time we get to see such a fan favorite pirate in action.

One Piece will be gearing up Boa Hancock for some kind of grand purpose down the line, so it's just a matter of finding out what role she'll play in the future of the series. But until then, fans are taking matters into their own hands by imagining a whole different kind of look for Boa. Artist @becofhearts on Instagram has fused Boa Hancock together with Wonder Woman to create a whole new kind of hero that would fit right into just how intense One Piece is going to be from here on out. Check it out:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bec of Hearts (@becofhearts)

How to Watch One Piece: Egghead Arc

It will likely be some time before we get to see Boa Hancock in action again, but One Piece's anime is currently working its way through its adaptation of the Egghead Arc. You can catch up with the newest episodes of One Piece: Egghead Arc now streaming with both Crunchyroll and Netflix. You can also find the newest chapters of the One Piece manga (with the three most recent chapters being available for free) with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library if you wanted to read ahead and see what's coming next for the arc and potentially even beyond.

If you wanted to go back and check out more of the One Piece anime from the very beginning instead (along with various OVAs, movies, and other specials) you can find the entire back catalog streaming with Crunchyroll in Japanese and English language dubbed audio. The dub release is quickly catch up with the original Japanese language release, so it won't be long before all anime fans are on the same page around the world.

What are you hoping to see from Boa Hancock in One Piece's future? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments!

Weeks after a new bill passed requiring the National Archives to collect and keep a record of UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) sightings, the organization has launched a website database for public to view. As a part of the Archives' new "Records Related to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs)" web page, the National Archives has started to catalog UAP/UFO photos, videos, and other assorted documents.

As of now, the site itself has a few dozen documents hosted on it. The page was created as a result of Congress' passage of the 2024 Defense Authorization Act. After the bill's passage, Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) heralded it as a big win for UAP transparency.

"This is a major, major win for government transparency on U.A.P.s, and it gives us a strong foundation for more action in the future," Schumer said (via the New York Times) at the time.

Schumer has been one of the many Congresspeople hoping to pass laws to allow the public better access on what the government does with potential UAP/UFO sightings and discoveries.

"For decades, many Americans have been fascinated by objects mysterious and unexplained and it's long past time they get some answers," Schumer said in a statement released by his office. "The American public has a right to learn about technologies of unknown origins, non-human intelligence, and unexplainable phenomena."

Schumer's statement continued, "We are not only working to declassify what the government has previously learned about these phenomena but to create a pipeline for future research to be made public. I am honored to carry on the legacy of my mentor and dear friend, Harry Reid and fight for the transparency that the public has long demanded surround these unexplained phenomena."

Schumer's initial amendment was a bipartisan effort authored by he and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD).

"Our goal is to assure credibility with regard to any investigation or record keeping of materials associated with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs)," added Senator Rounds. "Relevant documents related to this issue should be preserved. Providing a central collection location and reputable review board to maintain the records adds to the credibility of any future investigations."

For additional space and cosmic stories, check out our ComicBook Invasion hub here.

Chizza is coming to the United States. After finding much success at Kentucky Fried Chicken locations abroad, the chicken chain's take on chicken parmesan is coming stateside for a limited time. Pronounced "Cheet-za" according to the restaurant, the meal features two KFC chicken tenders topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.

"Fried chicken and pizza collaborated to create something even better - the Chizza," KFC chief marketer Nick Chavez said in a press release. "The fan favorite mashup is finally available in the U.S. after making its way around the world - try it while you can!"

KFC to launch a new chicken-pizza "Chizza" ? ? pic.twitter.com/4mgd1s1Hq5

-- SAY CHEESE! ?? (@SaycheeseDGTL) February 24, 2024

KFC's Chizza has been on the menus for nearly a decade in the Phillipines, where it first saw release in 2015. Since then, the chain has introduced it to KFC locations in Korea, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Germany, Spain, and Mexico. Chizza will be available at participating KFC locations in the United States beginning Monday, February 26th and can be purchased as part of a meal in addition to being available a la carte.

KFC's new Famous Bowls

The Chizza is the second biggest launch of 2024 for KFC. Earlier this year, the chain unveiled an updated take on Famous Bowls that use french fries instead of mashed potatoes.

"Now you can smash your hunger with our new Smash'd Potato Bowls, which take comfort to an 11 with a unique twist on all your favorite KFC flavors smashed together. If you like our Famous Bowls, you're going to love this new bowl," KFC chief marketer Nick Chavez offered in a press release. "At just $3.49, it's a comforting meal deal. Are you ready to smash it?"

The Smash'd Potato Bowls are now available nationally after a successful test period in Pittsburgh last year.

Dunkin' might have been one of the highlights of the 2024 Super Bowl commercial, with the coffee chain's advertisement taking on a life of its own in the weeks since the game. The advertisement introduced the world to "The DunKings", a supergroup consisting of Dunkin' superfan Ben Affleck as well as Matt Damon, Tom Brady, Jack Harlow, and Fat Joe. The commercial was definitely met with a lot of positivity, but it looks like one fellow Bostonian felt excluded from the campaign. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, actor Mark Wahlberg addressed his absence from the DunKings, joking that he "will actually, of course" talk to Affleck about it.

"It's pretty damn funny," Wahlberg said of the commercial. You know what? I didn't get the call. Maybe the next time... There's always a next time. I could be in the sequel. They need the lefty? Just call me. Always on the bench waiting."

What Was Dunkin's 2024 Super Bowl Ad?

The DunKings commercial, which debuted during the Super Bowl's second quarter, was a sequel of sorts to Affleck's viral advertisement from 2023, which saw him working in one of the company's drive-thrus to the chagrin of his wife, Jennifer Lopez. This time around, the commercial sees Affleck trying to impress Lopez in her place of work, recruiting his friends to form their pop supergroup and perform for her. The DunKings commercial launched a merchandise drop, a collaboration with Funko, and even a real single on music streaming platforms titled "Don't Dunk Away at My Heart."

"There's no way to watch this campaign and its many outtakes, to try The DunKings Iced Coffee with the fun MUNCHKINS(R) skewer, or to wear the pink and orange tracksuits without smiling. That's the genuine, lighthearted connection we want people to feel when they think about Dunkin'," said Jill McVicar Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer at Dunkin'. "You can chase your dreams, aim high, and have a laugh while doing it all as part of the Dunkin' family. Dunkin' fuels your passions, no matter how ambitious or out there they may seem."

What Is Dunkin's DunKings Menu?

Soon after the Super Bowl, Dunkin' unveiled the The DunKings Iced Coffee and Munchkins Skewer in celebration of the advertisement. The DunKings Iced Coffee is Affleck's go-to order, and is described as "classic iced coffee with notes of vanilla combined with cream, topped with Sweet Cold Foam and a dusting of cinnamon sugar." It will be offered with the Munchkins Skewer, three assorted MUNCHKINS(R) conveniently placed on a skewer, which can be added to any beverage.

Additionally, Dunkin' Mobile App users are able to unlock a new limited-edition menu that includes the following items:

• Everything Encore Breakfast Sandwich: Everything Bagel with Sweet Black Pepper Seasoned Bacon, white cheddar cheese and egg.

• Hazelnut Heartthrob Iced CoTee: Hot or iced co>ee blended with sweet caramel, notes of hazelnut and whole milk.

• Mixed Berry Beats Dunkin' Refresher: Strawberry Dragonfruit Dunkin' Refresher with an extra shot of raspberry flavor.

What do you think of Mark Wahlberg's reaction to Dunkin's 2024 Super Bowl commercial? Do you hope he appears in the sequel? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Sylvester Stallone infamously suffered a major back injury while filming The Expendables in 2009, and now he's letting fans know that he never truly recovered from it.

Stallone has his reality show The Family Stone airing its second season right now; in an episode of the new season, Stallone addressed what happened on the set of The Expendables and how much that injury cost him:

"I did stupid stuff," Stallone said on the show, referencing the punishing stunt work in his films. "I was directing Expendables and, like an idiot, I'm doing take 10, take whatever, and I remember one slam and I could actually feel one bang... I never recovered from [Expendables]."

If you don't know your cinematic history, Stallone was filming a third-act sequence in Expendables where his character, Barney Ross, has a major final fight with villain henchman "Paine" (Steve Austin). Barney's forte is gunplay, but Paine forces him into a hand-to-hand wrestling bout where the two mercenaries are literally throwing each other into rock walls. Stallone really did a lot of those tumbles and falls - including a slam that injured everything in the backside of his body. Stallone dislocated his shoulders, fractured his neck and multiple vertebrae, and has required multiple operations over the last fourteen years, including having a metal plate inserted into his neck and spinal fusion surgery; during the same episode of The Family Stone Season 2, we also witness Stallone preparing for his seventh back surgery in as many years, still hoping to relieve years of pain and related health complications.

"After that film, I was literally, physically, never the same," Stallone shares during the show. "So, I warn people, don't do your own stunts... There's something kind of romantic about 'doing your own stunts. There's something very unromantic about after doing your own stunts."

The Family Stone also features Stallone's wife Jennifer Flavin and his daughters with her, Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet. It's pretty clear in the episode (if you had to still wonder) that making Expendables was not worth the long-term cost Stallone has had to pay:

"He doesn't like people to know he's had so many back surgeries," she said during a confessional scene. "It's a very scary for our family every time Sly has to go through surgery, because you never know . . . no one knows. I hope this is the one to help him live a more comfortable life."

We wish Sly Stallone the best with his continued recovery. The Family Stone streams on Paramount+

As expected following the success of the Jason Kelce Pop figure, Funko is continuing their experiments with limited time promotions inspired by pop culture phenomenon. However, they're sticking with the Super Bowl theme by partnering with Dunkin' for a Pop Yourself promotion that will allow you to join the DunKings boy band alongside Ben Affleck, Tom Brady, and Matt Damon.

If you're unfamiliar, Pop Yourself allows fans to make a customized Funko Pop figure of themselves, friends, or loved ones. In this case, you can create a DunKings Funko Pop of yourself decked out in a crazy tracksuit with a coffee accessory complete with Dunkin'-themed packaging. Each DunKings Pop Yourself figure will cost $30, and you can make yours happen right here at the Funko Shop. Just keep in mind that this promotion will only run until Friday, March 1st.

"After facing critiques from Bronx-born musical icons J.Lo and Fat Joe, and preceded by a cautionary note from rap superstar Jack Harlow, The DunKings find solace in their setback with the anticipation of finally earning a spot on the Dunkin' menu. This ambition leads to the creation of a drink and donut duo as whimsical as their distinctive tracksuits -- a combination that captures the brand's vibrant energy. Introducing The DunKings Iced Coffee and MUNCHKINS Skewer, an inventive pairing that invites fans to enjoy the taste of The DunKings' dream realized. The MUNCHKINS skewer, much like the olive in a martini, offers a playful bite to every sip."

Funko had the following to say about the DunKings PopYourself promotion:

"Ben Affleck, Tom Brady and Matt Damon debuted The DunKings to the world while rocking outrageous tracksuits at Super Bowl LVIII. Funko, the leading pop culture lifestyle brand, has partnered with Dunkin' to offer fans a chance to become a DunKing through a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Pop! Yourself customizable program.

Available exclusively at Funko.com for one week only, fans can officially join Ben, Matt and Tom as honorary DunKings with custom Pops! decked out in the band's gear. The partnership between Funko and Dunkin' marks the first dedicated Pop! Yourself collaboration."

AT&T's network has experienced massive outages across the United States this morning, leading to widespread outages for cell phone and internet services around the country. More than 73,000 AT&T customers reported outages on DownDetector, a website that allows users to report various services and website outages, but obviously that isn't comprehensive, since it requires internet access to be able to report your outage. There are also around 1,000 people on Verizon and T-Mobile who have apparently reported issues, but those companies say they aren't impacted by the AT&T outage. It seems likely the outages are either coincidental, or come from people who would ordinarily be "roaming" on the AT&T network, or trying to connect to someone using AT&T.

According to CNN, emergency services officials in at least five states reported either experiencing or receiving reports of outages, including AT&T customers who were unable to contact 911. At present, the recommendation is to either use a land line, or find someone to help you who doesn't use AT&T.

"Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. We are working urgently to restore service to them," AT&T said in a statement. "We encourage the use of Wi-Fi calling until service is restored."

A source told CNN that the outage appears to be related to how the network is (mis)handling a process called "peering," which relates to how the network transfers calls. CNN's source said it did not appear to be the result of a cyber attack or any other intentional event, although they otherwise declined to provide details or theories.

In their statement, Verizon said, "Verizon's network is operating normally. Some customers experienced issues this morning when calling or texting with customers served by another carrier. We are continuing to monitor the situation." T-Mobile mirrored this sentiment, suggesting that users reporting T-Mobile outages to DownDetector and on social media were likely trying to connect with other users or services hosted on an affected [AT&T] network.

An awesome Dragon Ball Z cosplay has gone viral for transforming Imperfect Cell to his second, Semi-Perfect form! Dragon Ball is gearing up to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Akira Toriyama's manga hitting the pages of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine later this Fall, and that means it's now the perfect time to look back and think of all of the moments from the past that still stand out to this day. This of course means looking back on some of the biggest fights and villains, and there are few with more impact on fans than Cell.

Dragon Ball's Cell left such an impact on the franchise that he's been seen in many forms since his initial debut (with Cell Max being the most recent appearance in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero), but there are a few that still stand out for one reason or another. That initial transformation from his first to second forms after absorbing Android 17 is still a majorly creepy moment for the manga and anime, and now it's come to life once more through a viral cosplay video spotted by kawarimanjyu_ on TikTok. Check it out below:

@kawarimanjyu_

#dragonball #??????? #??

? ??????? - user722022236058 - ???

What's Next for Dragon Ball in 2024?

Dragon Ball's 40th Anniversary celebration will be kicking off in full with the upcoming release of a brand new anime, Dragon Ball Daima, which is currently scheduled to launch around the world some time later this Fall. Original series creator Akira Toriyama is providing the original story and new character designs for the upcoming anime, and it will feature a newly de-aged Goku in the central role. Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki are directing Dragon Ball Daima for Toei Animation with Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru adapting Toriyama's designs for animation, and Yuuko Kakihara supervising and writing the scripts.

Akira Toriyama teases what to expect from the original story of the Dragon Ball Daima anime as such, "Due to a conspiracy, Goku and his friends are turned small. In order to fix things, they'll head off to a new world! It's a grand adventure with intense action in an unknown and mysterious world. Since Goku has to make up for his petite size, he uses his Power Pole to fight, something not seen in a long time."

Where does Cell's transformation rank among your favorites in Dragon Ball Z overall? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer came to an end back in 2003, but the beloved supernatural series was brought back to life last year in a unique way. Slayers: A Buffyverse Story was a nine-episode audio series that debuted on Audible in October. The series brought back many fan-favorites from Buffy, including Spike (James Marsters), Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), Tara Maclay (Amber Benson), Anya Jenkins (Emma Caulfield), Drusilla (Juliet Landau), Rupert Giles (Anthony Head), and more. The show was written by Benson and Christopher Golden and had success on Audible. Despite previous talks of a second season, the show will not be moving forward.

"Hugely disappointed to share that, despite its enormous success, Disney has refused to allow Audible to proceed with future seasons of SLAYERS: A BUFFYVERSE STORY. To my knowledge, they have provided no explanation," Golden shared on Twitter. "Working with this cast, the production team, and the folks at Audible UK--and seeing the joy in the fan community--has been one of the happiest experiences of my career. I'm sorry we won't be able to continue on, but I'm so glad we were able to bring these characters back to you." You can view his post below:

Working with this cast, the production team, and the folks at Audible UK--and seeing the joy in the fan community--has been one of the happiest experiences of my career. I'm sorry we won't be able to continue on, but I'm so glad we were able to bring these characters back to you.

-- Christopher Golden (@ChristophGolden) February 21, 2024

ComicBook.com spoke with Caulfield back in December, and she shared her hopes for a second season.

"We're all for it. It's not up to us. Everybody wants to, oh yeah," Caulfield said. "We were clamoring for it while we were still doing the first one. And I've said this before: I really feel like any of the Anyas need to have secret journals that have, like, Taylor Swift poems and lyrics and need to sing about it. It's about the only thing I didn't do this time around. I'm like, 'I need to bust some.'"

Caulfield also confirmed that Benson already had thoughts on a sequel that she shared with the cast.

"Oh yeah, lots of them," Caulfield says. And while she doesn't know if a second Slayers season will happen or if the ideas Benson shared will make it in, she does say that the cast "all seem to be vibing on the same wavelength."

Caulfield also spoke to ComicBook.com ahead of Slayers release and described how much she enjoyed the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunion.

"It was the most fun I've had on a job in years," Caulfield shared. "It's one of my top, top, top, top favorite projects I've ever done. Loved it. And I never thought I would revisit that show in a million years. Never. But then knock, knock, and it's Amber, and I was like, 'Hmm, what are you doing? What's up? What is this?' And that was enough for me."

Slayers: A Buffyverse Story is available now on Audible. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is currently streaming on Hulu.

There's been a lot of news about Warner Bros. Discovery lately ranging from their development deal with Tom Cruise to erasing various projects for tax credits. There have been rumors over the past few months that the company could be sold, and a new report suggests a merger or sale could be coming very soon. Variety shared a lot of news about Warner Bros. Discovery today, including the big budget for Joker: Folie A Deux, and teased a possible change for the company.

According to the report, Warner Bros. Discovery can "entertain offers to buy, sell or merge" starting in April, which is when the two-year lock-up period that was as part of the deal between WarnerMedia and Discovery ends. NBCUniversal was name-dropped in the article as a potential buyer, and it was said that people who work for Warner Bros. Discovery suspect a deal is on the horizon.

Variety uses examples such as the recent first-look deal between the studio and Margot Robbie's LuckyChap as a move that's "akin to painting a house before it hits the market." With productions like Joker 2 spending lots of money on huge names like Lady Gaga, it's being argued that "spending big is essential" when releasing a film in theaters.

"There's only so much top talent in Hollywood, and it's very competitive and stretched thin because a lot of talent have deals in streaming," Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations explained to Variety. "If theatrical is going to work, you need the A-lister like Tom and Leo, and Warner Bros. is spending what they need to spend to keep this talent."

Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group chiefs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy "seem unwilling to push back on talent asks" as a potential merger becomes more likely. "Despite the pressure to acquiesce to demands from top talent, De Luca and Abdy can still say no," Variety writes.

"The bottom line is they need to get DC to work whether [David] Zaslav owns it, whether Brian Roberts owns it, whether somebody else owns it," LightShed's Rich Greenfield, a Wall Street analyst and venture capitalist, explained back in October while speaking with Variety.

The article from October also explained that there is confusion regarding who is calling the shots for DC Studios. James Gunn and Peter Safran are the co-CEOs of DC Studios, but Max also has a hand in the creative. However, a Max source stated that the collaboration between Gunn, Safran, and Max executives Sarah Aubrey and Casey Bloy has been seamless so far.

Stay tuned for more updates about Warner Bros. Discovery.

It might still be a bit chilly in many parts of the country, but it won't stay that way for long, especially with Dunkin' unveiling its exciting menu of all-new items to get customers in the spirit of spring. Cinnamon lovers will be thrilled to hear about a number of items inspired by delicious churro flavors, from lattes to donuts, while those who want to get an extra kick of energy can check out the SPARKD' Energy drink in multiple flavors. The all-new items will start rolling out at Dunkin' locations nationwide starting today and in the coming weeks.

"America turns to Dunkin', from sunrise to sunset, to help them power through their day," Beth Turenne, Dunkin's Vice President of Category Management, shared in a statement. "With the introduction of SPARKD' Energy by Dunkin', we set out to create a deliciously unique option for our guests. It's not just another energy drink; it's a totally new way to run on Dunkin', incorporating the flavors that we know our fans enjoy."

Per press release, "As warmer weather approaches, Dunkin' is announcing an innovation in energizing iced beverages with the debut of SPARKD' Energy by Dunkin' -- a new, fruit-flavored way to run on Dunkin'. Alongside SPARKD' Energy, Dunkin' is doubling down on spring with a collection of delectable, seasonal offerings. This spring's lineup includes never-before-seen menu items, from cinnamon-forward sips and Churro Donuts to Dunkin's first-ever Breakfast Empanada and Banana Chocolate Chip Bread.SPARKD' Energy and the full spring menu will be available for a limited time at Dunkin' restaurants nationwide starting today, February 21st.

"For the brand that keeps America running, SPARKD' Energy is a new iced sip at Dunkin' that provides a revitalizing burst of energy, made with vitamins, minerals, and a kick of caffeine. Rolling out in two sparkling, fruit flavors -- Berry Burst with raspberry and strawberry flavors and Peach Sunshine with vibrant lychee and peach flavors -- SPARKD' Energy brings a fresh perspective on the classic idea of an energy drink. Crafted to offer a boost, SPARKD' Energy is bursting with delicious flavors to give fans a new way to power through their day.

"Along with the debut of SPARKD' Energy, Dunkin' is expanding its seasonal coffee offerings with the new Churro Signature Latte and Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee -- two sips that are sure to keep guests fueled as the spring days stretch out.

• The Churro Signature Latte, available iced or hot, combines smooth espresso with a sweet churro flavor, topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
• Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee is the perfect blend of Dunkin's original coffee and cream, studded with notes of churro and vanilla flavors, enjoyed iced or hot.
  

"Dunkin' is also introducing an ode to a classic with the Churro Donut, the perfect pairing to the Churro Signature Latte. Rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior, this deep-fried cake donut offers a soft, pillowy interior to contrast the rich, cinnamon sweetness on the outside.

"As winter begins to melt away, Dunkin' is also debuting two convenient pick-me-ups to keep guests fueled at the first sign of spring with the new Breakfast Empanada and Banana Chocolate Chip Bread.

"Served hot, Dunkin's Breakfast Empanada features scrambled eggs, sausage, and melty cheddar cheese inside a flaky, butter-rich crust. Whether fans are looking for a quick breakfast or midday bite, the Breakfast Empanada is a portable way to conquer cravings.

"Launching just in time for National Banana Bread Day on February 23rd, Dunkin' is unveiling its own take on a beloved bakery treat with a Banana Chocolate Chip Bread, made even better with the addition of chocolate chips. This rich banana bread is served prepackaged to ensure a tender, moist crumb. Dunkin' Rewards members can celebrate National Banana Bread Day by trying the new Banana Chocolate Chip Bread and earning an additional 250 bonus points."

The all-new items will start rolling out at Dunkin' locations nationwide starting today and in the coming weeks.

Which items are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

Coca-Cola Creations has dropped its latest innovation. Known for being the soda label to introduce an AI-generated drink, Coca-Cola Creations announced Tuesday its latest flavor is Coca-Cola K-Wave. Inspired by the K-pop phenomenon, Coca-Cola says K-Wave is a fruit-flavored twist on regular Coke.

"We are excited to celebrate one of the most passionate fan communities in the world and create new experiences that we hope will bring Coca-Cola(R) magic to fans across the globe," Coca-Cola global strategy head Oana Vladsaid in a press release. "In the Coke Creations spirit, the experience starts with an amazing Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste accompanied by a dash of fruity K-Pop magic. The beverage then unlocks other experiences like the AI-powered journey for fans to customize a music video as well as the unique collaboration with JYP Entertainment and three beloved K-Pop groups."

The new soda flavor, despite being a limited-time offering, includes major endorsements from K-Pop stars like Stray Kids, ITZY, and NMIXX. The flavor was also created with the help of JY Park, the founder of Seoul's JYP Entertainment.

"The world of K-Pop exists because of the fans, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate fans' devotion to the artists and music that they love, through this unique Creation," Park added. "We hope fans feel the love and appreciation we have for their support through the launch of a new Coca-Cola(R) flavor dedicated to their fandom and digital and physical experiences that connect them even more to their favorite artists."

Coca-Cola K-Wave, available only in a Zero Sugar variety, will be available in the United States, Spain, Singapore, and South Korea. A frozen version will also be available in additional markets. The soda drop coincided with the release of an original song created by the three aforementioned groups titled "Like Magic." Not even 20 hours after its release, the song's music video has already garnered 1.5 million views on YouTube.

My Hero Academia's young heroes are gearing up to return for Season 7 of the anime later this year, and one awesome cosplay has Momo Yaoyorozu ready for the big battles to come! My Hero Academia Season 7 is one of the big franchises returning for new episodes later this Spring, and with the new episodes will kick off its adaptation of the final battles between the heroes and villains. These fights are still working their way through the newest chapters of Kohei Horikoshi's manga, and each of them has big moments for all of the heroes and villains involved in the fights.

My Hero Academia will be bringing back Izuku Midoriya and the other heroes of Class 1-A as they are going to launch their final offensive effort against All For One and Tomura Shigaraki, and each of the heroes will have a crucial role in the plan moving forward. This, of course, includes Yaoyorozu as she's in the midst of one of the battlefields to come and now she's come to life ahead of the new season with some perfect cosplay from artist krisbeads on TikTok. Check it out in action below.

@krisbeards

#momoyayorozucosplay #bokunoheroacademiaedit #????? #mwahchallenge

? ???????????? ???? - scar1exa

My Hero Academia Season 7 Release Date

My Hero Academia Season 7 will officially premiere on May 4th with its adaptation of the final war between the heroes and villains. The anime will actually be returning earlier in the Spring with the start of the Spring 2024 anime schedule this April. Premiering on April 6th and continuing through until April 27th, "My Hero Academia Memories" is a special slate of four planned recap episodes touting some new footage to help fans catch up with everything that's happened in the anime before the final battles begin.

My Hero Academia's fourth movie will also be releasing across Japan on August 2nd, but has yet to announce an international release date as of the time of this writing. Titled My Hero Academia: You're Next, this film will feature a story taking place in between the events of Season 6 and 7 as a villain takes advantage of how much damage has been done to Japan following the fight against Tomura Shigaraki last season. You can catch up with all six seasons of My Hero Academia (along with the OVA specials) now streaming on Crunchyroll.

What are you hoping to see from Yaoyorozu in My Hero Academia Season 7? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments!

With February more than half over, spring is on the horizon and with the coming of warmer weather also comes new treats and snacks. Now, Pepperidge Farm is helping to usher in a season of lighter days and warmer weather with a new, limited-edition Milano cookie inspired by an iconic cafe drink, the London Fog. On Tuesday, the beloved brand announced the arrival of the new Milano London Fog cookie, inviting snack fans to "have a little taste" of spring in cookie form.

The new cookie features the delicate flavors of earl gray tea with creamy milk chocolate and just a hint of vanilla nestled between the beloved Milano cookie biscuits. The limited-edition cookie also comes in distinctive, spring-forward packaging featuring a lavender color and -- of course -- a cup of tea.

"At Pepperidge Farm, we believe that great taste is found in the details," Danielle Brown, Vice President of Cookies and Cracker Marketing, Campbell's Snacks said in a statement. "By bringing together rich milk chocolate and distinctive notes of earl grey tea, there's a new way to savor tea-time in the form of our iconic Milano cookie."

In addition to the new cookie, Pepperidge Farm also unveiled their new ad campaign on Tuesday as well, featuring Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham. For Waddingham, the cookies are a treat meant "to be savored, not inhaled".

"My pals at Pepperidge Farm and I are inviting everyone to hold their baked goods to a higher standard and to have a little taste," Waddingham said. "They make the most pillowy soft bread that is just crying out to be made into a delicious grilled cheese, and don't get me started on their cookies -- crafted to be savored, not inhaled."

If you're interested in the new Milano London Fog cookies, here's what you need to know. The cookies are a limited-edition offering so you'll want to get them when you find them on store shelves. They are set to roll out to major retailers starting in March.

What do you think? Will you be giving the Milano London Fog cookies a try? What is your go-to tea drink? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

Live streamer Fubo is suing a handful of Hollywood studios over an impending sports-centric streaming platform. Tuesday, it was revealed the platform has filed suit against Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. over the companies' plans to combine its portfolio and offer it in a single streaming platform centered on sports. According to Fubo, which specializes in live-streaming sports, the new platform violates antitrust laws.

"Each of these companies has consistently engaged in anticompetitive practices that aim to monopolize the market, stifle any form of competition, create higher pricing for subscribers and cheat consumers from deserved choice," Fubo CEO David Gandler said in a statement.

He added, "By joining together to exclusively reserve the rights to distribute a specialized live sports package, we believe these corporations are erecting insurmountable barriers that will effectively block any new competitors from entering the market. This strategy ensures that consumers desiring a dedicated sports channel lineup are left with no alternative but to subscribe to the Defendants' joint venture."

Fubo's federal lawsuit comes just days after news broke suggesting the Justice Department was already looking into the new service. In a report from Bloomberg at the time, an anonymous source within the department said it was looking into potential antitrust violations.

As it stands, the combined streaming service is expected to include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ABC, Fox, FS1, FS2, BTN, TNT, TBS, and TruTV. A name and price has yet to be unveiled for the platform.

The combined service also appears to be different from a new ESPN service announced during Disney's latest earnings call. According to Disney chief Bob Iger, this new service will livestream ESPN.

"ESPN is a differentiator for this company, is the best sports brand and television, is one of the best sports brands in sports. It continues to create real value for us," Iger said in 2023. "It is going through some obviously challenging times because of what's happened in linear programming. But the brand of ESPN is very healthy, and the programming of ESPN is very healthy. We just have to figure out how to monetize it in a disrupting and continuing disrupting world. That's it. We're not engaged in any conversations right now, or considering, a spin-off of ESPN."

With the Disney100 celebration concluded, it appears that Disney is going to be all about food in 2024. The theme started with the Stitch Attacks Snacks Collection, which will see the launch of a new plush each month through the year. They also have a larger Disney Eats Collection with a similar release schedule. In January, they dropped new apparel, accessories, home goods, and more centered around our favorite Disney Parks treats. In February, it's all about pizza.

You can shop the entire Disney Eats collection right here at the Disney Store. The pizza lineup includes a Loungefly bag, spirit jersey, and an ear headband embellished with everyone's favorite gooey, cheesy snack. Note that shipping is free at the Disney Store on orders $75 or more using the code SHIPMAGIC at checkout.

Wave 1 of the Disney Eats collection included items like Spirit Jersey, a popcorn box crossbody bag, and an ice cream sandwich scented pillow. There's even a woven shirt and Crocs clogs that are crammed with images of the following Parks treats: a pineapple swirl, turkey leg, Mickey Mouse waffle, Mickey Mouse caramel apple, pop corn, Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwich, churros, Mickey Mouse donut, pizza, Mickey Mouse burger and Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. A full breakdown of the collection can be found below.

• Disney Parks Food Spirit Jersey - Walt Disney World ($79.99)
  
• Disney Parks Food Spirit Jersey - Disneyland ($79.99)
• Disney Eats Crocs Clogs ($64.99)
• Disney Parks Food Woven Shirt for Adults ($59.99)
• Disney Parks Food T-Shirt For Adults - Walt Disney World ($32.99)
• Disney Parks Food T-Shirt For Adults - Disneyland ($32.99)
• Disney Parks Food Icons Reversible Bucket Hat for Adults ($29.99)
• Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Sandwich Scented Pillow ($44.99)
• Disney Eats Popcorn Box Crossbody Bag ($34.99)
• Disney Eats Mickey Mouse Icon Earring Set by BaubleBar ($50)
• Disney Parks Food Short Sleep Set for Women ($54.99)
• Mickey Mouse Caramel Apple Pet Bed ($59.99)
• Mickey Mouse Popcorn Planter ($39.99)
• Disney Eats PopGrip by PopSockets ($21.99)
• Disney Eats Belt Bag for Adults ($49.99)

Again, the Disney Eats Collection is a 12-month affair, with each month featuring a new theme. Look out for a macaron collection in March. You can keep tabs on all of the monthly drops at the Disney Eats hub.

Walmart is buying Vizio for $2.3 billion. The retail giant announced the move today in a press release and fans are shocked by this development. Walmart is looking to boost the ad business with the acquisition of Vizio. It seems that their SmartCast Operating System would help the retailer reach more customers in some strange fusion of their digital commerce platform with the programs offered on a TV platform. What is unknown at the moment is that Visio has 500+ direct advertiser partnerships. That 18 million active accounts using Vizio to access different services and goods. It is unknown at this time if the Onn brand of TVs will continue moving forward.

"The acquisition of Vizio and its SmartCast Operating System (OS) would enable Walmart to connect with and serve its customers in new ways including innovative television and in-home entertainment and media experiences," Walmart wrote in the press release. "It would also create new opportunities to help advertisers connect with customers, empowering brands with differentiated and compelling opportunities to engage at scale and to realize greater impact from their advertising spend with Walmart."

VIZIO Now A Walmart Brand

Vizio fared pretty well in the market for a long time. Establishing itself as a name in the budget TV space, we'd be willing to bet that a lot of the people reading this article right now got their first flat screen from the brand. However, as technology moves forward, these kinds of ad-based services are pushing to become more prevalent. Walmart announced a partnership with Innovid last year to run personalized ads on their TVs. There was also an agreement with Roku for "shoppable ads" that let people buy products right from their TV screens. Now, Vizio is probably going be a player in that.

"We believe this is the ideal next chapter in Vizio's history. By bringing our capabilities and resources together, we'll drive innovation and create even more value for our customers," argued Vizio CEO William Wang in the release. "Walmart's approach is aligned with Vizio's mission and vision, and our technology will help bring a scaled, connected TV advertising platform to Walmart Connect."

Walmart Continues Its Upward Trajectory

All of this news follows a good quarter for Walmart. Recent earnings call saw the company touting and point $.83 per share increase. That would be the largest increase in a decade for Walmart. The retail giant has had dividend increases for 51 years straight. As these numbers go up, a lot of observers anticipate Walmart leaning even more heavily into its ad-based business. Some event estimate that the digital potential of that side of the company outstrips it's utility as a physical retail space.

"Dividends continue to be a part of our diversified capital returns approach. We're proud to be increasing our annual dividend for the 51st consecutive year. This year's 9 percent increase is the largest in over a decade, and a sign of our confidence in our growth potential and cash flow" said John David Rainey, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Walmart Inc.

Are you surprised by this Vizio news? Let us know down in the comments!

Good Luck Charlie and Wizards of Waverly Place star Bridgit Mendler is taking things to the next level -- literally. On Monday, it was announced that Mendler is launching a satellite data startup, Northwood Space, that Mendler describes as a "data highway between Earth and space." Mendler serves as CEO of the new company which is seeking to mass produce ground stations that connect to satellites in space.

"Space is getting easier along so many different dimensions but still the actual exercise of sending data to and from space is difficult," Mendler said (via Deadline). "You have difficulty finding an access point for contacting your satellite."

Mendler explained that she got the idea during the pandemic when she was spending time with family in New Hampshire.

"While everybody else was making their sourdough starters, we were building antennas out of random crap we could find at Home Depot ... and receiving data from [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] satellites," she said. "For me, why the ground-side matters is because it actually is about bringing the impacts of space home to people."

While Mendler is known for her role as Teddy Duncan on Good Luck Charlie and Juliet van Heusen in Wizards of Waverly Place, she's had a widely varied career. Mendler has also released music, with her debut album, "Hello, My Name is..." released in 2012. She also studied at MIT and Harvard Law.

A Wizards of Waverly Place Sequel is In the Works

It was recently announced that Wizards of Waverly Place is getting a sequel at Disney. The pilot, executively produced by stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie, picks up with Justin who has turned in his powers for a more normal life with his wife and two sons. However, once something goes mysteriously awry at WizTech, a young and powerful wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) shows up at his door in need of training Justin must then embrace his past in order to save all of Wizard World.

Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas who are behind the That's so Raven spinoff, Raven's Home, are penning and executively producing the series alongside Gomez, Henrie, Gary Marsh (Descendants: The Rise of Red) and Andy Fickman (Race to Witch Mountain).

(Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)

FX's Shogun has earned a 100% perfect "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes after the first rounds of critics' reviews went live online today.

As always, there's a grain of salt to be taken when digesting Rotten Tomatoes aggregate scores. EWven though the overall score is "perfect," there are far more critical distinctions to be found in the actual reviews. See below:

TV Guide's Review claims that "There's a lot going on in Sh?gun - thematically, historically, and dramatically - even before factoring in the complex relationships of a dozen-plus supporting characters. This adaptation handles it all adeptly without ever surrendering the forward momentum of its compelling plot. It feels like a complete world, the kind in which, like the source material, it's easy to get lost."

Empire Magazine writes that "Sh?gun makes for gripping television. Look past the knotty bureaucracy and you'll find striking performances and stunning visuals." The review also praises the aesthetic of the series, saying that the show is "captured superbly, from swirling, surf-smacked cinematography in one moment, to gently ebbing, awe-inspiring seascapes the next... the landscapes of terror and beauty are precariously balanced. Perpetually bathed in mist, the camera regularly creeps forward through water, forests and palaces hesitantly discovering new lands, anxiously aware of the silent assassins at the frame's edge. Within it are elegantly costumed characters draped in finely detailed silks and ornate, cascading armour that glows in the fog of war - whether in a vista or a candlelit portrait, it's all very screenshot-able.

Finally, Screen Rant writes that "Sh?gun stands out in a TV landscape that is full of throwaway dramas. There are plenty of great and bloody action sequences, rotating political arrangements, great plotting and characterization... The hair, makeup, costumes and production design are top-notch, as is the score. Above all, the series is exhilarating to watch unfold. Once you step into the world, it'll be hard to leave... Sh?gun should be a priority watch, as it dazzles us with political intrigue, culture, and an intensity that brings everything together nicely."

What Is Shougn (2024) About?

FX's Sh?gun, based on James Clavell's bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. 'Lord Yoshii Toranaga' (Hiroyuki Sanada) is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village."

"Its English pilot, 'John Blackthorne' (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne's own enemies -- the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga's and Blackthorne's fates become inextricably tied to their translator, 'Toda Mariko' (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line.

While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.

Shogun will consist of 10-episode, airing on FX and streaming on FX on Hulu. Shogun stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura and Fumi Nikaido. It was created for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks - with Marks serving as showrunner and executive producer. Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Lu and Kondo all executive produce, and Hiroyuki Sanada also serves as a producer.

Shogun will premiere on FX on February 27th.

Last summer, Hostess shook up the snack world with the unexpected mashup between their iconic Ding Dongs and Twinkies and now, they're at it again. Hostess has announced the launch of their latest mashup, this time bringing the excitement to breakfast with HoneyBun Donettes. The new mashup treat will combine two of the brand's most loved snacks in one treat by bringing together the Hostess HoneyBun and the Hostess Donette.

The new HoneyBun Donettes will incorporate the warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla glaze of the HoneyBuns with the soft, fluffy texture of the Donettes. Per the brand, the treat is made without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or artificial flavors.

"We know that snack lovers are increasingly seeking new flavor combinations, and the melding of distinct tastes and textures offers a unique snacking experience," Chris Balach, vice president, marketing, Sweet Baked Snacks at The J.M. Smucker Co. said in a statement. "The Hostess brand continues to lead in delivering mouthwatering innovations like HoneyBun Donettes that satisfy consumers' cravings and bring joy not only to their breakfast routine, but throughout their day."

For snack fans wanting to try this new Hostess mashup, this is what you want to know. The HoneyBun Donettes are set to start rolling out to grocery retailers and convenience stores nationwide starting in early March. They are available in both standard bagged packaging as well as in a single-serve option. Fans can find a local retailer at this website here.

This is just the latest snack innovation from Hostess. Last year, the brand introduced Kazbars to their lineup. Kazbars combine layers of soft chocolate, cake, creme, candy crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth caramel or smooth fudge all covered with a rich chocolate-flavored coating topped with a drizzle. They come in two flavors, Chocolate Caramel and Triple Chocolate.

"We know that consumers are craving multitextured snacks -- and the variety of creamy, crunchy and rich layers in our new Kazbars will make every snacking experience a more joy-filled one," Christopher Balach, general manager of Hostess Brands said in a statement. "This new kind of snack delivers on the familiar, moist Hostess cake consumers know and love with a new, delicious fusion of layers and textures. The snack has performed strongly with consumers throughout product-testing, and we're excited to see that translate in the marketplace."

What do you think? Are you excited for the HoneyBun Donettes? Will you be giving these a try? What are some other snacks you'd like to see in a mashup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!

One Piece has introduced fans to all sorts of standout princesses through its run so far, and one awesome cosplay us helping to showcase the mermaid princess, Shirahoshi! When Luffy and the Straw Hats first kicked off the New World saga of Eiichiro Oda's original manga series, they tackled new foes at Fishmen Island. This was their first island adventure together after spending a couple of years apart, and it helped to show off just how much stronger each of them had become since they last traveled together. But it also laid the groundwork for some important developments to come in the future.

The Fishmen Island arc introduced Luffy to Shirahoshi, a mermaid princess who turned out to be much more important than her introduction seemed to tease. She's likely going to be a key figure in the series' future as she is one of the Ancient Weapons, but it likely won't be until much later that we'll see how Shirahoshi factors into everything. But for now, she's been given the spotlight once more through some awesome cosplay from artist thechrissymourns on Instagram! Check it out:

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A post shared by chrissy? (@thechrissymourns)

How to Watch One Piece's Anime

It will likely be some time before we see more of Shirahoshi in One Piece's anime, unfortunately, as it's currently working through the Egghead Arc of Eiichiro Oda's original manga series. You can find the newest episodes of the One Piece anime now streaming with Crunchyroll and Netflix as the Egghead Arc continues its adaptation. This new arc introduces new additions to the cast such as Yohei Tadano as Dr. Vegapunk, Shuhei Sakaguchi as Shaka, Aya Hirano as Lilith, Ryoko Shiraishi as Edison, Tokuyoshi Kawashima as Pythagoras, Kaede Hondo as Atlas Mutsumi Tamura as York.

If you wanted to go back and check out more of the One Piece anime from the very beginning (along with various OVAs, movies, and other specials) you can find the entire back catalog streaming with Crunchyroll in Japanese and English language dubbed audio. You can also find the newest chapters of the One Piece manga (with the three most recent chapters being available for free) with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library if you wanted to read ahead and see what's next.

Where does Shirahoshi rank among your favorite One Piece princesses? Let us know all of your thoughts about it and everything One Piece in the comments!

Hot on the tail of Valentine's Day, Wingstop is bringing back one of its most popular flavors. For a limited time, the chain has brought back its Hot Honey Rub as a limited time offering. The flavoring will be available on most of the chain's offerings, including chicken sandwiches, traditional wings, boneless wings, and chicken tenders.

"Our fans have spoken and we listened. Their passion for Wingstop's Hot Honey Rub is undeniable," Wingstop CEO Michael Skipworth offered in a press release. "To show our love to our fans this Valentine's Day, we're bringing Hot Honey back for a limited time."

The Hot Honey Rub was first introduced last summer, the first of two hot-and-sweet amalgamations Wingstop released last year. Most recently, Wingstop unveiled a Maple Sriracha sauce as a separate limited time offering.

"Wingstop launched your next great love with its latest limited-time offering - Maple Sriracha," the company said at the time. "In honor of cuffing season - just like the best relationships - the new flavor attracts two opposites. The new flavor is the perfect, unexpected pairing of sweet and heat of sriracha. Creating a taste profile that's truly one-of-a-kind."

In addition to Hot Honey Rub, the Wingstop Chicken Sandwich is available in 12 other flavors: Plain, Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Mild, Louisiana Rub, Hawaiian, Gasrlic Parmesan, Spicy Korean Q, Original Hot, Cajun, Mango Habanero, and Atomic flavors. As it stands now, the sandwich will be available by itself for $5.49 or as part of a larger combo with fries and a drink for $7.99.

One Piece is now working its way through the Egghead Arc in the anime, and one awesome cosplay is helping to highlighting the newest fan-favorite Vice Admiral, Doll! One Piece: Egghead Arc has kicked off the first arc of the Final Saga of the Eiichiro Oda's original manga series, and with it has started to fill in all of the gaps in the rest of the seas while Luffy and the others had been on Wano Country. As Luffy and the Straw Hats kicked off their new island adventure, fans have gotten an update on other important characters as well.

One of those updates had been focused on Koby's whereabouts after he was revealed to be involved in the surprising fight between Blackbeard and Boa Hancock following the Reverie. With a brief look at how the Marines have been preparing to somehow rescue Koby despite all of the red tape, the One Piece anime introduced Vice Admiral Doll. She got very few lines, but her look alone was enough to make her a fan favorite for now. Showing off even more of why is artist miruqi on Instagram, who has brough Doll to life through cosplay.

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Where to Watch One Piece: Egghead Arc

It's the perfect time to catch up with One Piece: Egghead Arc as it's all only getting started. You can find the newest episodes of the One Piece anime now streaming with Crunchyroll and Netflix as the Egghead Arc continues. This new arc also introduces even more characters with new additions to the cast such as Yohei Tadano as Dr. Vegapunk, Shuhei Sakaguchi as Shaka, Aya Hirano as Lilith, Ryoko Shiraishi as Edison, Tokuyoshi Kawashima as Pythagoras, Kaede Hondo as Atlas Mutsumi Tamura as York.

If you wanted to go back and check out more of the One Piece anime from the very beginning (along with various OVAs, movies, and other specials) you can find the entire back catalog streaming with Crunchyroll in Japanese and English language dubbed audio. You can also find the newest chapters of the One Piece manga (with the three most recent chapters being available for free) with Viz Media's digital Shonen Jump library if you wanted to read ahead and see what's next.

Where does Doll rank among your favorite Vice Admirals in One Piece? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments!

Bob Marley: One Love attempts to use a pivotal time in the life of the now-legendary musician and social revolutionary to define who he was as a man, and what his time on Earth meant. With a cast that is led by Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch as Bob Marley and his wife and musical partner Rita, respectively, and heavy influence from the Marley estate, One Love is at once a touching portrait of a man, but also not entirely comprehensive (or even honest) in function as a biopic.

The "story" of Bob Marley: One Love begins in 1976 when the "Smile Jamaica" concert is being held to ease political tensions in the country. Bob and Rita's lives change forever when the couple and their manager Don Taylor all become victims of an attempted assassination before playing the concert. The near-death experience rattles Bob, provoking him to leave Jamaica for England while keeping Rita and his children safely tucked away in the United States.

Bob spends his time in Europe both reflecting on the past events that led him to this point, as well as trying to unlock a new era of Reggae music that will appeal to a global mainstream audience. To do that, Bob must be open to some new friends, and new social scenes - compromises that begin to strain his relationship with Rita, and throw his obligation to his homeland (Jamaica) into question.

That synopsis above is a more concise and focused measure of Bob Marley: One Love's story than the actual film delivers. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard) and his editor Pamela Martin create a strange, offbeat flow to the film. There is a clear fascination with Kingsley Ben-Adir's performance as Bob Marley (which is, admittedly, strong) and the "key" moments of musical creation with his band. Yet, there are also non-linear jumps into periods of Bob's childhood and his induction into the Rastafari religion that add a surrealist layer to the film, which comes and goes in strange moments that could make even the soberest viewer feel trippy. It will likely also be an issue for many mainstream viewers that One Love opts to go with authentic Jamaican dialect; unless viewers have a sharp ear (or the cultural practice) there will likely be a lot of nuance and wit that is missed in the dialogue. Still, the camerawork and cinematography by Paul Thomas Anderson collaborator Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood) is often gorgeous, subtly capturing the vast differences in worlds between Jamaica and England, while impeccably recreating the late 1970s era and visual aesthetic.

Green, with script co-writers Terence Winter (Boardwalk Empire), Zach Baylin (King Richard, Creed III), and Frank E. Flowers, all manage to get enough of a throughline in place for the story to have some kind of thematic core, using the near-assassination of Bob Marley to frame how he suddenly realized his own mortality and did something epic with the time he had left (just five years before he died in 1981). However, the impact of that time (or lack thereof) is more effectively conveyed by the captions at the end of the film than it is by the film itself, which invests a lot of time in examining the path of Marley's creative struggles, and what they were rooted in. Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch are fantastic as Bob and Rita Marley. Full stop. The two actors (and a few pairs of young actors playing the couple at younger ages) carry the film, with a strong ensemble of character actors coming together to play the key historical figures like Don Taylor (Anthony Welsh), record executive Chris Blackwell (James Norton), or writer Howard Bloom (Michael Gandolfini). Everyone sinks into character and flows together well as an ensemble, keeping scenes lively and intriguing, even in seemingly "slower" moments like marketing meetings or songwriting sessions.

One Love is also an undeniably favorable - even reverent - look at Bob Marley, skipping over many of the rougher edges of his life (not to mention the multiple women in it) except for some visual Easter eggs, dialogue references, and (just) one scene of conflict between Bob and Rita that hints at much more. The smoothed edges are not surprising, given that Rita Marley, her and Bob's son Ziggy, and daughter Cedella are all producers on the film - with the family's Tuff Gong Pictures being one of the studios behind it. Compassionate edits are expected, yes, but it results in a biopic that feels more whimsical than real. The 2012 Kevin Macdonald documentary film Marley still stands as the most comprehensive and interesting look at the man behind the myth - but no doubt, Bob Marley: One Love is a beautiful (if indulgent) celebration of that myth. And the love is definitely felt.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Bob Marley: One Love is now playing in theaters.

Evil TV series star Katja Herbes is issuing a statement about what she calls the "super sad" news that the show will be ending with the upcoming Season 4.

In a social media post, Herbers wrote: "We're all super sad @paramountplus has decided season 4 is our last. @netflix u up? Care to snatch up the goods??

It's not uncommon these days for shows facing cancellation to go knocking on Netflix's door. The streaming platform has a long tradition of 'saving' shows (Fox's Arrested Development, Star Wars: Clone Wars, AMC's The Killing, etc.); the only question is: Is Evil worth saving?

The show has always generated a dedicated cult following - but at the same time, it's been one of the worst victims of circumstance of the last few years. Evil Season 1 debuted on CBS networks in the Fall of 2019 to nearly 8 million viewers per episode; by the time the season ended (13 episodes), it was retaining nearly 6 million viewers per episode. Evil got a boost from CBS putting Season 1 on Netflix in October of 2020; however, all that new momentum was lost when the COVID pandemic hit, delaying production of Season 2 until late 2020. By the time Season 2 was released in the summer of 2021, Paramount had pulled it from CBS broadcast and made it a Paramount+ streaming exclusive - inevitably cutting down on the dedicated TV audience. Bad luck continued as Evil Season 4 got interrupted by the Writer's and Actor's Strikes last year, causing another considerable gap between Season 3 (Summer 2023) and Season 4 (Summer 2024). At this point, it's pretty easy to understand Paramount feeling like Evil has more curse attached to it than potential; but it would be ironic if Netflix picked it up and suddenly the bad streak ended. We'll see.

"Robert and Michelle King created a unique and deeply entertaining way of exploring the intersection of religion and science," Jeff Grossman, Executive Vice President of programming, Paramount+, said in a statement. "We thank Robert, Michelle and the immensely talented cast and crew of Evil and are incredibly proud of their collective work on the series. We can't wait to see what's in store for these characters, in what is sure to be a nail-biting, wild ride of a final season."

"We want to thank Paramount+ for giving us four bonus episodes to end Evil in the world in style," Evil co-creators/showrunners/executive producers Robert and Michelle King added in a statement. "We will miss this show and cast. In many ways it was a dream project, but sadly evil will outlast Evil. See you in May."

What Is Evil the TV Series About?

Evil is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series stars Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Andrea Martin, Kurt Fuller, Christine Lahti, Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray, Maddy Crocco and Dalya Knapp.

If the John Wick films ever made you wish you could enter the world of neon-soaked assassins, then you're in luck, as an all-new immersive "John Wick Experience" is set to open in Las Vegas later this year. The event will take on the look of The Continental hotels from the film franchise, and once fans enter, they'll be transported to the reality of contract killers that operate by specific codes and ethics. Director Chad Stahelski served as a collaborator on the project, which follows the announcement that he took on a role at Lionsgate that will allow him to oversee all corners of the franchise's future. A specific release date for the John Wick Experience has not yet been revealed.

The attraction is described, "The John Wick Experience an approximately 12,000-square-foot ticketed attraction located on the AREA15 campus, a curated collection of best-in-class immersive experiences, interactive attractions, events, and entertainment. The new experience blends immersive theatre and highly themed cinematic environments to create an interactive journey that transcends reality. Guests step through the doors of the Las Vegas Continental and into the fantastical underworld of John Wick, where they navigate a high-stakes adventure as well as visit a themed bar and retail shop open to the general public."

"Each group of guests will be tasked with specific missions, playing out in unique ways with characters, mythology, and iconography from the Wick universe. They may rub elbows with Continental staff, assassins, crime bosses, or other curious guests like themselves within the relative safety of the Continental. Guests will be drawn into the culture, trusted with secrets, and invited to private areas of the Continental, promising an authentic and compelling action-packed experience."

Jenefer Brown, executive vice president & head of global products and experiences at Lionsgate, shared in a statement, "One of the things I love about the John Wick franchise is the idea that there's a whole world of alliances and vengeance hiding in plain sight -- all converging within the worldwide locations of the Continental. This experience draws fans into that world like never before, and AREA15 is an ideal place for fans to live out the fantasy, action, and danger portrayed in the films."

The next chapter in the John Wick franchise, the spinoff Ballerina, is set to hit theaters on June 7th. John Wick 5 has not yet been confirmed.

Would you like to check out the attraction? Let us know in the comments!

Actor Bill Skarsg?rd has been arrested in Sweden, on charges of alleged drug possession. According to sources reportedly in law enforcement, Skarsg?rd was arrested in Stockholm, Sweden's Arlanda Airport back in October of last year, when it was found that he allegedly had nearly 2.5 grams of marijuana in his possession. He was reportedly sentenced yesterday; Skarsg?rd will not face jail time, probation, or parole - but he did have to pay a lofty fine of 40,000 Swedish krona - which equates to a bit under $4,000 USD.

Bill Skarsg?rd is best known for playing Pennywise the Clown in the recent two-part movie adaptation of Stephen King's IT; he also got his breakout playing a lead role in one of Netflix's first original series, the horror-themed Hemlock Grove. In recent years, Skarsg?rd has continued making himself a horror icon, starring in the cult-hit film Barbarian; taking on big franchise roles as the villain in John Wick 4, a mo-cap actor for the character "Kro" in Marvel's Eternals, and even a bit role in Deadpool 2. Next up, Skarsg?rd will lean back into the darker side of things, taking on the late Brandon Lee's role as Eric Draven in The Crow remake, as well as playing the iconic Count Orlok in a remake of the industry-defining silent film, Nosferatu.

Like his brother Alexander Skarsg?rd (Succession) and father Stellan Skarsg?rd (Dune: Part Two) Bil is a native of Sweden and is therefore not only subject to, but familiar with, the country's laws. On the other hand, the status of Cannabis as an illegal substance is wildly fluid right now; from country to country (or even state to state in the US) you can either freely use Cannabis, or be harshly punished for it, depending on which side of a line (read: border) you are standing. 2.5 grams is a very small amount of Cannabis, indicating that Sweden indeed has very harsh views about drug use.

In fact, according to a government website, Sweden adheres to the "Narcotic Drugs (Punishments) Act" of 1968, which states in its first section that "a drug offender as anyone who unlawfully transfers drugs, manufactures drugs intended for misuse, handles in any way drugs intended for personal use, or sells drugs." The listed punishments for drug usage in Sweden include, "a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of 6 months for persons convicted of a petty drug offense, and imprisonment for 2-10 years for a grave drug offense."

Via: TMZ

Liquid Death may have made drinking water badass, but no amount of marketing can change the fact that water is a bit boring the flavor department. Enter Death Dust electrolyte drink mix. Now you can spice up your Liquid Death with Severed Lime, Mango Chainsaw, and Convicted Melon flavors, which are the same that can be found in their sparkling water lineup. These packets include a mix of vitamins and minerals that will help give you a healthy boost and support hydration and recovery after a workout.

Each serving of Death Dust includes vitamins C, B3, B5, B6, B12 along with 300mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium and 40mg of magnesium. Note that there are 35 calories per serving with 8g of sugar from cane sugar and dextrose along with the sodium, so these packets are not something that you'll want to slam continuously throughout the day (especially if you're idle). However, if you take a look at the nutrition facts on a bottle of Gatorade you'll appreciate what Liquid Death has done here.

Of course, one of the big questions is - how do they taste? I've never tried their sparkling water lineup, so I can't comment on how similar they are. However, I can say that the flavor of these packets was pleasant and on the medium to mild side mixed with 16 oz of water. The directions suggest mixing the packets with 16-20 oz, but the flavor might be a little too mild for some on the high end. Personally, the flavor level was just right for me as I don't enjoy beverages that are overly sweet.

Death Dust packets are available here on Amazon priced at $17.99 for a 12 pack that includes all three flavors. Are there cheaper and even healthier ways to flavor your water? Yes, absolutely. Are any of those methods cooler than Death Dust? Don't be ridiculous. Just look at the artwork on the packaging in the image above. Does your Crystal Light have that? I don't think so. The only problem is that there's no point in drinking a Liquid Death product if you're not seen drinking a Liquid Death product, so we highly suggest adding a packet to a can or, shockingly, to regular uncool water in one of Liquid Death's awesome reusable bottles.

And don't forget that a portion of Liquid Death's proceeds goes to nonprofits who are helping to fight plastic pollution and bringing clean drinking water to those in need. Liquid Death may be a marketing gimmick, but it's a fun one with a positive message. If it helps you stay hydrated and avoid sugary junk beverages than it's a gimmick well worth falling for.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 really highlighted Yuji Itadori and Aoi Todo's bond as it came to an end, and one hilarious cosplay is helping to show off their teamwork! Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 adapted the Shibuya Incident arc from Gege Akutami's original manga series, and with it took on some of the biggest battles in the anime to date. It all came to a climax with a final fight against Mahito as Yuji and Todo teamed up together at the peak of their respective abilities. It was here that fans got to see the peak of their brotherly bond in action.

Todo ended up with some of the most memorable moments in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 as a result of this team up, and now fans are hoping to see some more action from the duo as the anime continues. While it's currently unclear what state Todo had been left in at the end of the Shibuya Incident arc, what is clear is that fans loved this tag team. Showing off just how hilariously well the two worked together is some perfect cosplay from artist jeffery_zang on TikTok. Check it out:

@jeffery_zang

The kind of connection only true BROTHERS have ?? #todo #aoitodo #yuji #itadoriyuuji #jujutsukaisen #jjk

? original sound - Jeff :)

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 - What to Know

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 has been announced to be in the works, but has yet to reveal a concrete release date or window as of the time of this writing. The anime will be returning with Culling Game arc from Gege Akutami's original manga series, which continues the stretch of unique fights with even more unique powers than seen in action during Season 2. If you wanted to catch up with Jujutsu Kaisen now that Season 3 is in the works, you can find the first two seasons of the TV anime and Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie streaming with Crunchyroll.

They tease the anime as such, "Yuji Itadori is a boy with tremendous physical strength, though he lives a completely ordinary high school life. One day, to save a classmate who has been attacked by curses, he eats the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, taking the curse into his own soul. From then on, he shares one body with Ryomen Sukuna. Guided by the most powerful of sorcerers, Satoru Gojo, Itadori is admitted to Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses... and thus begins the heroic tale of a boy who became a curse to exorcise a curse, a life from which he could never turn back."

What did you think of Yuji and Todo's fight in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2? Let us know all of your thoughts about it in the comments!

Taco Bell's first big release of 2024 is here. Wednesday, Taco Bell execs officially unveiled the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada, the chain's take on a chicken empanada. First revealed at Taco Bell's Live Mas event earlier this year, the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada is exactly what it sounds like--cheese and shredded chicken packed into a crispy fried empanada.

"Taco Bell's commitment to push the boundaries of food creativity and innovation is grounded in its fusion-first ethos, creating a synergy where beloved flavors and forms come together to produce something entirely new," Taco Bell says of the new offering. "The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada is a testament to Taco Bell's collaborative creativity, featuring up-leveled ingredients, unique new formats and unexpected flavors that modernize the menu while celebrating the Mexican-inspired roots that have long been at the heart of Taco Bell."

The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada will be available for a limited-time only beginning Thursday, February 15th. It's available a la carte for $3.49, though pricing may change dependent on location. The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada is also the first in a handful of major releases for the chain this year. More information on future Taco Bell releases can be found below:

• Crispy Chicken Nuggets: That's right! Taco Bell is bringing yet another chicken innovation in Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which consists of all-white meat chicken marinated in spiced jalape?o buttermilk before being breaded in a tortilla coating and fried to crispy glory. Fans can choose from two new delectable sauce options: signature Bell sauce, crafted with tomatoes, red chiles, onion, and garlic, or the hot and sweet Jalape?o Honey Mustard, featuring sweet honey mustard with a kick of jalape?o.
• Cheesy Street Chalupas: The Cheesy Street Chalupas feature a cheesy flatbread with a small tortilla that is stuffed generously with a mouthwatering blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses and fried together then filled with a choice of slow-roasted chicken or savory grilled, marinated steak, a flavorful sauce, and topped with a layer of diced onions and cilantro. Each order will come with two Cheesy Street Chalupas.
• MTN DEW BAJA BLAST(TM) Gelato: Taco Bell fans asked, and now the brand is delivering! First tested in 2023, the delectable gelato will be making its nationwide debut, giving fans more ways to celebrate the Baja Blast 20th year anniversary. The creamy and delicious treat is infused with the iconic BAJA BLAST Tropical Lime flavor and is a perfect complementary addition to any cheesy, spicy, saucy order on the Taco Bell menu.
• Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco: Building on the success of last year>s Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, Taco Bell is introducing a new version that adds inspiration from enchiladas via the Cheesy Enchilada Dipping Taco, featuring slow roasted chicken and a layered enchilada dipping sauce.
• Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights: Taco Bell is bringing more flavors to the iconic Cinnabon Delights with a new Dulce de Leche flavor.

While Comic-Con International will continue being the biggest convention on land, the organizers behind the annual are hitting the high seas. Wednesday, Comic-Con officials revealed extensive plans for the maiden voyage of Comic-Con: The Cruise, a partnership between convention organizers and Royal Caribbean.

The cruise is set to take place from February 5th until February 9, 2025, and will feature both guests and attractions reminiscent of a standard comic convention. The cruise itself is an event independent of Comic-Con, International and appears to be a licensed event using a full-ship charter aboard Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas.

"Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime where you will immerse yourself in the world of popular arts like never before," the cruise's new website reads. "Comic-Con: The Cruise is an official licensee of Comic-Con International and is excited to be part of the Comic-Con brand. This 4-day adventure at sea takes place onboard a luxury cruise ship and fuses the iconic Comic-Con experience with an unforgettable and uniquely fan-focused cruise adventure!"

Rooms on the cruise start at $990 for the four-day cruise for two guests. Two additional guests are allowed in the smallest rooms for an additional $600, a rate that increases dependent on which level of room or suite you book.

As of this writing, guests that are set to appear on the cruise include Warwick Davis, Ernie Hudson, George Takei, Mary McDonnell, Felicia Day, Michael Trucco, and Robb Pearlman with more guests expected to be announced at a later date.

"With a stellar reputation for producing fan events on the ocean, we are excited that Entertainment Cruise Productions has developed Comic-Con: The Cruise to be a truly new kind of adventure," said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the convention "The team at ECP shares our passion for transformational events and innovative programming and we are excited they are building something so amazing."

"Comic-Con is unrivaled in creating a community that brings people together for experiences you can't find anywhere else," added Greg Laubach, Executive Director of Entertainment Cruise Productions. "It's what we love to do, and we have designed Comic-Con: The Cruise to be a one-of-a-kind ultimate fan adventure."