Thunderbolts Color Palette Quiz
Tag: marvel
Avengers Quiz
Geekly News: April 27, 2025, Thunderbolts* Fan Screenings
Hey, hey, Geekly Gang! Kyra Kyle here. It’s another Sunday, so we have another week of Geek News. There is plenty of tariff news and updates, but we talk about that a lot. Let’s sandwich those stories with more cheerful news.
Thunderbolts* Fan Screenings
Thunderbolts* becomes the first MCU movie in history to receive advanced screenings for fans. Typically, advanced screenings are reserved for critics, who must sign a non-disclosure agreement and a gag order preventing them from leaking any information about the movie. Advance movie screenings are meant for critics to form an opinion and write a review in advance of the movie’s release. Those reviews will feature zingers the studio can use in future trailers and teasers. But Thunderbolts*’ advanced screening includes fans. Fans don’t care about a gag order.
In fact, the MCU may be banking on fans talking, generating word-of-mouth buzz. It takes a week or so for word-of-mouth to take effect. Thunderbolts* dropping advanced screenings with fans will accelerate this effect. But be careful on the internet. Thunderbolts* may become the MCU movie with the most spoilers.
Geekly has no idea what this development means for the MCU or the Thunderbolts* movie. Will this become the norm? Is Marvel so confident about Thunderbolts* that they’re comfortable with whatever fans will say? Who knows? I will say that heading into this year’s slate of films, Thunderbolts* had me intrigued. Thunderbolts* wasn’t one of the MCU’s make-or-break 2025 titles, but in our 2025 MCU Preview, I listed it as a potential sleeper hit.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Wave One Ends
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Nintendo opened United States pre-orders for its latest hybrid game console, the Switch 2. Pre-orders continued until the order quota was reached. Taking current United States trade policies into consideration, the order quota was based on how many copies the video game company thought would yield the best results.
The Switch 2’s United States pre-order wave one lasted less than one day. Customers who were able to buy a copy won’t receive their systems until June 2025. Don’t worry if you weren’t one of the lucky few who snagged a copy. Nintendo intends to run another Switch 2 pre-order within another eight months (in time for the holidays), when the company believes it can turn a profit by sending systems to the United States. Unfortunately, staged releases for the United States are the new normal.
Rising shipping costs and tariffs have caused tech companies like Nintendo to re-evaluate their business with United States customers. This has become an issue with other business types; Geekly covers geek culture, so we’re interested in video games and board games. We’ll have more on board games in the next segment. Getting back to the Switch 2, most of Geekly’s statistics are derived from an interview with a GameStop manager. I live in the greater Omaha area, and according to the GameStop manager, the Midwest quad-state region (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri) received 2,000 total Nintendo Switch 2 systems. That is 2,000 Switch 2s for a population of over 14 million. Granted, most of the 14 million people living in those four states have no desire to purchase a Switch 2 at this time, but Wal-Mart overordered and had to issue tens of thousands of refunds in the Midwest quad-state region alone.
Geekly will keep you posted on when the next waves of United States Switch 2 pre-orders will occur. Good luck to all of you who want a copy. We’ll also give updates on any new developments. Hopefully, there will be a resolution to the United States’ trade war soon.
Board Game Company Madness
We’ve discussed board game companies and the effect rising tariffs have had on them in the past; this will be a quick update. Final Frontier Games and Boardlandia have closed their doors. Greater Than Games and CMON Games have suspended all future crowdfunding campaigns and board games under development, and laid off countless employees until a viable manufacturing/shipping option becomes available. Small board game publisher, Rookie Mage Games, joined forces with three other indie board game companies in suing President Trump over his new tariffs.
According to Jordan McLaughlin, founder of Rookie Mage Games (via The Columbus Dispatch), “I will not stand by and allow my years of hard work and the hard work of many other small businesses to be ruined in a desperate political ploy for attention and ego validation.” McLaughlin continues, “Attempting to move manufacturing jobs back to the United States is a worthwhile effort. There are smart ways to do it, and there are dumb ways.” Numerous board game companies, including Stonemaier Games (producer of Wingspan and Scythe) have joined Rookie Mage Games’ lawsuit. We’ll keep you posted on this emerging story.
This War of Mine, Second Edition Launches on Gamefound
The award-winning board game adaptation of This War of Mine returns to Gamefound. This War of Mine features countless morally gray choices for players to make while they attempt to survive in a war-torn country. Since the game is fully cooperative, players share the experience and the consequences.
This War of Mine, Second Edition showcases numerous updated maps to explore. Producer Awaken Realms is known for its ornate miniatures, and This War of Mine, Second Edition includes additional scenario books. Countless hours of griping stories await. This War of Mine, Second Edition has plenty of pledge options on its Gamefound page.
Solo Game Dicemancy Releases on Gamefound
I love the increased number of great solo board games. Dicemancy looks interesting. It’s a tower defense game with plenty of combotastic abilities. That’s music to my ears. Players construct unique spells they think will help them ward off enemies. I like the domino-style spell cards players can stack for power-ups. Dicemancy plays quickly (about 45 minutes), has minimal setup, and doesn’t appear to take up too much table space.
Dicemancy features adorable art, and at $25 (plus $5 for shipping), it’s a low-cost option for a new board game. Feel free to give Dicemancy’s Gamefound page a look.
That’s all we have for Geekly News this week. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
Geekly Casting: X-Men in the MCU
Another day, another new series for JK Geekly. The X-Men will feature in the MCU’s upcoming Mutant Saga, so we’ll be discussing who could play Marvel’s mutants during this MCU Phase.
Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle here. The Geekly Gang will divide duties here with the discussion. Since Skye is our resident movie geek, she’ll cast her favorite actors for each role. I have an interesting job this week. Geekly Casting is an idea that came from one of our site’s commenters, Harper Ross. Thank you, Harper. I’ll discuss the picks Harper Ross suggests for Marvel’s Merry Mutants. Thank you again, Harper Ross.
Harper Ross’s Picks | Kyra’s Commentary
Thank you again, Harper Ross. Keep the cast suggestions coming.
I’ll preface all these lists (not just Harper Ross’s) by saying that I prefer actors who haven’t yet had their big breaks in blockbuster roles. This probably stems from watching Christopher Reeve as Superman. But we’ll most likely get more established names in these lists because actors who haven’t yet had their big break are unknown. Without further ado, let’s get to the X-Men cast.
Scott Summers/Cyclops: Sam Nivola
Yowza! Harper Ross has some great picks for potential MCU X-Men actors. Sam Nivola is on the young side, but I think that works, considering who Harper has to portray Jean Grey. Let’s face it. Whoever plays Scott Summers/Cyclops will most likely commit to ten or so films. The Summers family could and should be at the center of a Mutant Saga. While the Fox X-Men films had fun moments, the biggest shortcoming was how they treated Scott. Casting Sam Nivola in the role and giving him more to work with than James Marsden’s Cyclops will go a long way to make Cyclops cool again. I haven’t seen season three of White Lotus yet, but I’ve heard Nivola gives an amazing performance.
Jean Grey: Rhea Norwood
I love Harper Ross’s choices. Rhea Norwood is building a name for herself in Heartstopper as Imogen Heaney. She made her theater debut at London’s Playhouse Theatre as Sally Bowles in Cabaret last year. I like it when an actor is a triple threat (singing, dancing, and acting). One must be all three to portray Sally Bowles. Our next entry will continue this trend. And I like that Rhea Norwood would portray a younger Jean Grey. She, along with Nivola, could anchor the X-Men movies for a long time.
Other actors who Harper suggested include: Phoebe Dynevor, Eve Hewson, Grace Van Dien, Katherine Langford, Madelyn Cline, Sophie Thatcher, Josephine Langford, Imogen Waterhouse, Hannah Dodd, Emma Mackey, Lucy Doynton, Emma Laird, Kristine Froseth, Freya Allan, and Meg Bellamy
Wolverine: Taron Egerton
Taron Egerton has been in a lot of rumors to portray Wolverine. He’s on my personal shortlist to play the character, too. Like Hugh Jackman, Egerton is a triple threat. He can sing, dance, and act. I loved him in Rocket Man (the Elton John biopic), and he has a history of action films. Heck, he has experience portraying a comic book character in The Kingsman. Unlike Jackman, Egerton is closer to Wolverine’s canonical height. It’ll be difficult to find an actor who’s under five feet tall. At five feet, nine inches, Egerton is considerably shorter than the six-foot-tall Jackman. Egerton is also young enough to play Wolverine for a couple of decades.
Storm: Masali Baduza
Yes! Masali Baduza fits the bill of an actor who’s been close to breaking out and hasn’t yet done so. She had a significant role (Fumbe) in the great film The Woman King and guest-starred in a few Bridgerton episodes. Baduza has the acting presence for Ororo/Storm. She can play the role for a lengthy period, and she’s shown range, specifically when it comes to period-pieces. Storm should cross between the X-Men and Black Panther franchises. Whoever portrays Storm should be able to adapt. Baduza has proven she has that range.
Other actors who Harper suggested include: Denee Benton, Sophie Wilde, Kiki Layne
Rogue: Mikey Madison
Make no mistake. Mikey Madison is a phenomenal actor. Her breakout role in Anora netted her a BAFTA and an Academy Award for Best Actress. She’s the first Generation Z actor to have earned either award. Because she’s Gen Z, she’s young. She’d make a fantastic Rogue, but I’d like an older actor as Rogue. I noticed that Harper didn’t mention an actor to portray Gambit; that could mean that Channing Tatum will reprise his role. Tatum is eighteen years older than Madison. Furthermore, I like the idea X-Men ’97 explored last year of a Gambit-Rogue-Magneto love triangle. Rogue may have to be closer in age to Magneto for this love triangle to make it to the big screen.
I love Madison as an actor. She’d be amazing as Rogue. But if she were to take on the role, Marvel may need to age down Gambit and possibly Magneto.
Kwannon/Psylocke: Anna Sawai
I have heard nothing but great things about FX/Hulu’s Shōgun series, and from what I’ve heard, Anna Sawai is brilliant. Clearly, she has the gravitas to pull off Kwannon/Psylocke. The name Psylocke is better known in Marvel Comics, and the MCU could go in the direction of Betsy Braddock’s consciousness inside Kwannon’s body, but I like Harper’s idea of casting Kwannon, sans Psylocke. While Psylocke physically showed up in an X-Men movie or two, Kwannon has yet to be explored.
Jubilee: Kiawentiio
Kiawentiio aligns with my thoughts on an actor who hasn’t yet had their break. Another great pick, Harper. I also like that she’s Native American (Mohawk Wolf Clan specifically). The only sticky point I can see is that Kiawentiio voiced Whata in the season two episode of What If “What If… Kahhori Reshaped the World?.” Usually, Marvel doesn’t mind if an actor voices a different character in an animated feature than the one they portray in live-action. Kiawentiio could portray Jubilee. But Marvel could also bring Whata into the mainline MCU.
Sage: Marion Cotillard
Marion Cotillard’s Talia Al Ghul in The Dark Knight Rises left a lot to be desired, but the fault lies more with how the Nolan brothers struggled to develop her character. Marvel Comics’ Sage shares some similarities with Talia. There’s a chance for a double-cross or two. So long as Cotillard has the screen time and a good script, she can easily pull off Sage. You know what, she’d kill as Sage. Make that happen.
Professor X: Daniel Day-Lewis
Ah! I’d love to see Daniel Day-Lewis as either Professor X or Magneto. He could pull off either role. Unfortunately, Day-Lewis has retired from acting. I don’t know if an MCU role would coax him out of retirement. Knowing Daniel Day-Lewis, he’s probably in some exotic corner of the world learning a niche skill. I do agree with Harper that Day-Lewis would be amazing as Professor X.
Lilandra Neramani: Michelle Monaghan
I know a lot about Michelle Monaghan’s work (she’s featured in the Mission: Impossible series), but I’ll admit that I haven’t watched too many of her more prominent roles. Monaghan is one of those actors I’ve seen in plenty of TV shows and movies. She’s a consummate character (True Detective, The Path, and The White Lotus) and could easily take on Professor X’s main squeeze Lilandra.
Magneto: Ralph Fiennes
Fiennes is another great choice to portray Magneto. Fortunately, he’s very much active. He’ll star in the follow-up to 28 Days Later, 28 Years Later in 2025. He was also excellent in the Netflix adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short stories: The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More. Fiennes has the acting chops to pull off Magneto. It also helps that he’s a similar age to Day-Lewis.
Mystique/Raven Darkholme: Rosamund Pike
I see the vision here. Rosamund Pike could portray a Mystique with a focus on espionage. The Fox X-Men series’ Raven Darkholme dabbled with infiltration but never committed. While I think Jennifer Laurence could reprise the role (and there are some rumors that she could), Rosamund Pike has taken on plenty of layered roles like Gone Girl and I Care a Lot. I’d like to see Pike’s take on the character. Great pick.
Emma Frost (White Queen): Samara Weaving
I like Harper’s call of Samara Weaving playing Emma Frost. First off, she looks the part. Emma Frost has a distinct look that comic fans expect to see. Secondly, Weaving has been involved in a ton of great and award-winning ensemble casts. She’s an actor’s actor. She’s able to fit into just about any cast, and she’s ready to break out. Emma Frost could be that breakout role for Weaving. I also like that Weaving and the actor who Harper suggested should portray the Black Queen (next on this list) have an age difference, but it isn’t as significant as one might think. Weaving should be capable of holding her own while also showing the White Queen to be the upstart to a more established Black Queen.
Selene Gallio (Black Queen): Demi Moore
Demi Moore has had a career resurgence with the body horror flick The Substance. She showed a vulnerability to the role that gave The Substance weight and parodied her former image as a Hollywood star. Oddly, Selene Gallio could continue that trend. Forever in the White Queen’s (Emma Frost’s) shadow, Moore could grant the role of Gallio some much-needed nuance.
Mystique/Raven Darkholme: Rosamund Pike
I see the vision here. Rosamund Pike could portray a Mystique with a focus on espionage. The Fox X-Men series’ Raven Darkholme dabbled with infiltration but never committed. While I think Jennifer Laurence could reprise the role (and there are some rumors that she could), Rosamund Pike has taken on plenty of layered roles like Gone Girl and I Care a Lot. I’d like to see Pike’s take on the character. Great pick!
That’s all we have from Harper Ross in terms of MCU X-Men roles. This is by no means the only casting thoughts we received. We’re well on our way to an Inhumans and Alpha Flight movie/show for next month. Thanks again for submitting your thoughts, Harper.
Skye has made some fan castings of her own. She insists that she has a surprise or two. I can’t wait to see what she has in store.
Skye’s Picks
Thanks again to Harper Ross for suggesting this post. I hadn’t thought about this topic much until you brought it up. Ever since the release of the MCU, I’ve been wondering when the X-Men will show up in the MCU. I don’t watch movies for specific actors, but there are some actors I think would be great fits.
To clarify, these are actors I’d like to see. Just for fun, I will include actors who have passed away. Bottom line: if I think an actor would’ve been a good fit, I’mma mention it. Cool? Cool.
Wolverine: Charlton Heston (Posthumously)
Whaddya know? I’m starting off with an actor who’s passed. Don’t you tell me who I can and can’t pick. Rewatching both The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur for my Christian films post made me think, “Wow, Charlton Heston was shredded back in the day.” That aside, not only did Heston have the physique for Wolverine, his acting would’ve been a great match. Charlton Heston has had plenty of experience with characters with tragic and complex backgrounds like Wolverine. He’s got the looks, the personality, and the beard. Nuff said, bub.
Professor X: Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman may not be English (like Patrick Stewart or James McAvoy), but personality-wise, he’s spot-on for Professor X. Morgan Freeman hasn’t made it to the MCU yet. That has to change! If y’all have ever seen a Morgan Freeman movie before, you probably know how much he exudes Professor X energy.
This shouldn’t be a choice I have to defend. Come on, y’all. You see it, right?
Cyclops: Tye Sheridan
Tye Sheridan has played Cyclops before, but I’d like to see him again. He deserves a second chance after a less-than-stellar performance as Cyclops. He and James Marsden in the original X-Men film series didn’t have great scripts that represented their acting ability. I decided to go with Tye Sheridan due to his age. While I believe James Marsden could’ve done better as Cyclops the second time, he’s already in his 50s. If Marvel intends to keep the love triangle with him, Wolverine and Jean Grey, it’d be hard to do if Cyclops was already over 50. Tye Sheridan could be a great Cyclops if he had a better script.
Jean Grey: Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning would be a good fit since I expect Marvel to keep the love triangle (Jean Grey-Cyclops-Wolverine) going. While Fanning wouldn’t be most folks’ first choice, she has potential. She’s played several innocent and loving characters, which could translate to a proper cinematic Jean Grey. Previous Jeans have flubbed this aspect. All of them were setting up The Phoenix first before trying to get a good Jean Grey. If you want a good Phoenix, you must get a good Jean Grey. Because of that, Elle Fanning could be sympathetic, realistic, and relatable.
Storm: Viola Davis
I shouldn’t have to defend Viola Davis as Storm. If you’re familiar with Viola Davis, you know what I mean. After her amazing performance in The Woman King, it’s hard to see anyone else filling the role of Ororo Munroe with as much passion, confidence, and leadership. Honestly, my first choice was Danai Gurira, but she’s preoccupied playing Okoye in the MCU. Viola Davis is by no means a downgrade.
What more can I say? Fight me! …Please don’t.
Gambit: Channing Tatum
After Channing Tatum’s performance as Gambit in Deadpool and Wolverine, it’s hard for me to imagine anyone else portraying Gambit in the MCU. He wasn’t the best Gambit I’ve ever seen, but he’s the most authentic in a film. You know what, no, Channing Tatum is the best Gambit I’ve ever seen. What am I basing that on anyway? X-Men Origins: Wolverine? I hate that I said that. I’m sorry for reminding you that X-Men Origins: Wolverine exists.
Rogue: Debbie Reynolds (Posthumously)
We have another actor who’s passed. I’ve wanted an authentic Rogue in film. Debbie Reynolds is a classic film alumna. She’s gone through several film roles and character personality types, has a strong resemblance to Rogue in comics, and is all around cool. I could easily imagine Debbie Reynolds as the take-charge, no-nonsense, badass Rogue from both the comics and the original X-Men Animated Series.
Beast: Kelsey Grammer
I’ve adored Kelsey Grammer as Beast since X-Men: The Last Stand. From minute one, I felt less like he was an actor playing a role and like Beast come to life. Despite the other issues with X-Men: The Last Stand, Beast was the one element they nailed.
I love it when the MCU pays homage to what came before. As Marvel changes, it’s important to remember where it began, for better and worse. Sorry, I got philosophical there for no reason. Where was I? Oh yeah, Kelsey Grammer would be a great Beast.
Magneto: Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington’s Magneto would be a great contrast to Morgan Freeman’s Professor X. I’ve learned (from Geekly News) that the MCU may be considering Denzel Washington for the part of Magneto. If this is the case, that’s absolutely genius.
Not only does Denzel Washington have experience with dark, conflicted roles, but Magneto’s personality was originally based on Malcolm X. This is too perfect because Denzel Washington has already portrayed Malcolm X. The idea that this could come around full circle is too much for me to resist.
Emma Frost: Samara Weaving
Harper, you nailed this one. I’m familiar with Samara Weaving from her role in Ready or Not, so I know she can be elegant, selfish, powerful, and intimidating. After seeing your suggestion, I can’t imagine any other actress in this role. Thanks again for your suggestions, Harper. I hope Marvel is listening.
Mr. Sinister: Robert Pattinson
Considering Robert Pattinson’s increasingly dark film roles, he could pull off Mister Sinister. Since his Twilight days, Pattinson has scored some solid film roles: The Lighthouse and The Batman. Pattinson has lent himself to suspenseful and dark themes. Enter Mister Sinister. First, there’s never been a cinematic Mr. Sinister. That needs to change. Second, if that does happen, make him like a horror movie monster. That would be memorable and unique to his character. Given those requirements, Robert Pattinson’s career turnaround is dying for this surefire blockbuster hit.
Juggernaut: John Cena
This is less what I want, and more what I’ve accepted modern Hollywood will likely do. What’s the deal with John Cena? Why is he in so many movies now? Maybe I should be asking the same question about The Rock, but I don’t want to give Marvel any more ideas. For whatever reason, Hollywood has started putting Cena in everything. With Marvel, I feel like it’s only a matter of time.
Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle again. Those were some interesting picks, Skye. You may have given Marvel more than one idea. Since you mentioned Charlton Heston and Debbie Reynolds, I expect Marvel to superimpose their faces on other actors’ bodies, Rogue One style. Samara Weaving may have competition with Marilyn Monroe. Real soon, we’re going to see Marilyn in everything.
JK…I hope. Thank you again, Harper. Keep the casting ideas flowing, and if anyone else wants to participate, join the party in the comments. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
MCU Phase One Timeline Quiz
Geekly News: April 20, 2025, 2nd Fantastic Four Trailer
Happy Easter if you celebrate the holiday. If not, happy Sunday. We have another week of geek news. What better way to celebrate than to cover the second Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer and reveal its Easter eggs?
Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle here. We may go light on geek news this week, Geekly Gang. I’m not going to lie. I’ll be eating my body weight in sweets, but the MCU dropped the second Fantastic Four trailer, so let’s dish.
Fantastic Four: First Steps Second Official Trailer
The biggest reveal the second Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer gave us was the upcoming movie’s basic plot. Speculate no further. The movie will revolve around Galactus visiting this version of Earth. This story looks like it may parallel the Avengers’ Battle of New York during their first movie. Aliens invade. The world’s protectors need to intervene. But while the Avengers were either unknowns or distrusted, the Fantastic Four are treated as celebrities, as evidenced by their appearance on the Ted Gilbert Show and how civilians treat them. I love the interactions we see during this montage. Gilbert says, We can never repay them, but we can celebrate them. And the Fantastic Four are celebrated.
I also like that the show host’s name is Ted Gilbert, which is an obvious play on the Ed Sullivan Show. We mentioned in our post about the first trailer that the Fantastic Four are introduced on a stage similar to the Beatles when they played on the Ed Sullivan Show. Ted Gilbert is the perfect name for an alternate timeline Ed Sullivan. I love the Gilbert and Sullivan reference. I may have to rewatch The Pirates of Penzance.
“I am the very model of a Modern Major-General…”
I’ll stop.
Ted Gilbert succinctly breaks down the Fantastic Four’s origin. Four brave astronauts head up into space and come back forever changed. We’ll probably see snippets of the Fantastic Four’s origin, but I like that First Steps won’t go into the team’s origin in great detail. I also like that Fantastic Four: First Steps takes place on an alternate Earth. Moviegoers won’t need to watch (or rewatch) hours of MCU content to prepare for Fantastic Four: First Steps. Sure. There will be nods to the multiverse. The Fantastic Four will approach this subject because they’ll need to mosey over to the main MCU timeline, but there should be little to no “MCU homework.”
The second trailer revisits the dinner scene from the first trailer, but we receive a bombshell of a plot thread. Sue is pregnant with Franklin Richards. This could be huge. First, Franklin Richards is a mutant, so he’ll fit right in with the upcoming Mutant Saga. Second, Franklin Richards would be one of the most powerful characters introduced in the MCU, and that includes Asgardians and even Galactus. Third, there is a storyline where Franklin controls Galactus.
Yes! I like that this Fantastic Four is a veteran team, and we may not need to wait too long for Franklin and Valeria (von Doom) Richards’ mayhem. Oh, yeah. Valeria has a mean streak like her godfather Victor. This should be fun. During the second trailer, Reed Richards mentions that the Fantastic Four may have stretched the boundaries of space, and they (Galactus and his heralds) heard. I like this angle. Typically, Reed gets the Fantastic Four and the Earth at large into trouble that he must then get them out of, but there may be another reason Galactus chooses to visit Earth. The MCU may be setting up a Galactus-Franklin Richards dynamic.
Galactus looks great in the little we see of him. I’m less thrilled about Shalla-Bal’s look. Shalla-Bal is the woman Silver Surfer. In the comics, Shalla-Bal is the empress of the planet Zenn-La, the planet where Norrin Radd (Silver Surfer) originates. Shalla-Bal was introduced as a character in the 1960s (she’s also in the underrated ’90s Silver Surfer cartoon, which is available on Disney+), and she’s Radd’s longtime love interest.
Shalla-Bal has powers comparable to the Silver Surfer and has served as one of Galactus’s heralds, but she is a different character. Shalla-Bal’s inclusion leaves the door open that Norrin Radd could appear in the MCU’s future. Getting back to my original point, Shalla-Bal’s CGI looks rough. I hope this is an issue with the trailer and not the movie, and the final graphics for the movie look better. Movies work on their graphics until the film is released. Fingers crossed.
The second trailer ends with Galactus taking a stroll in downtown New York City. This could be a nod to Godzilla or the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. Classic.
If you can’t tell, I’m hyped for Fantastic Four: First Steps. This second trailer introduces some great plot points but holds back enough for the audience to discover when the movie releases in July.
Quorum by Devir Games Released
In Quorum, players take on the role of Roman senators who share the power of Rome and its provinces. The goal is to be the most powerful and influential senator by gaining victory points, which are awarded in various areas of influence over twelve rounds.
Designed by Raul Franco and Fran Martinez, Quorum accommodates 2-4 players and lasts about 45 minutes. The game’s double-sided cards show a province on one side (which will score points in that province on the central board) and on the opposite side show one of four groups: military, intrigue, architecture, and commerce, which grant different bonuses when placed in the player’s personal zone. Players are presented with interesting choices each turn. Quorum is easy to learn and quick to play, but offers plenty of strategy.
Check out your local game store or Devir Games’ website.
Hutan: Life in the Rainforest Released
We have another interesting board game release this week, Hutan: Life in the Rainforest. Inspired by the Indonesian rainforest, Hutan allows players to step into the rainforest’s natural splendor.
Each player controls their own patch of rainforest, where they will plant seeds that, over time, will grow into towering trees. When a habitat is created, an iconic forest animal arrives: the orangutan, the Sumatran tiger, the rhinoceros hornbill, the cassowary, or the Sumatran rhino. Hutan plays over nine rounds. All players have two turns each round. On your turn, you may take a flower card from the shared market and place the flowers into your rainforest. If you place a flower on top of a matching flower, you grow a tree. When an area has nothing but trees, the last tree is replaced by an animal. The player with the most animals wins.
Hutan: Life in the Rainforest accommodates one to four players and lasts about 45 minutes. Check your local game store or OP Games’ website.
Nintendo Switch 2 Receives United States Release Date
After several weeks of deliberation (over tariffs and price hikes), Nintendo announced that customers in the United States can preorder their Switch 2 starting April 24, 2025. Pricing for the a la carte console and bundle with Mario Kart World will not change, but prices for accessories like extra Joy-Cons, a Switch 2 Dock, and the new pro controller received price bumps between $5 and $10.
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Screenshots Leaked
The rumored Oblivion remaster/remake that will release soon had some screenshots leaked this week on the developer’s website. An Oblivion remaster/remake has been believed to be in production for the past several years. Some wondered if the game would release last year for the holiday season. It doesn’t appear that Bethesda/Zenimax will wait for next holiday season. Check out the screenshot below.
The new rumor is that the Oblivion remaster/remake will be announced and released next week. I may have some gaming to do. If you need me, I’ll be in Cyrodiil.
That’s all the geek news we have for you this week, Geekly Gang. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
Daredevil: Born Again, “Straight to Hell”
Daredevil: Born Again wrapped up its first season this week with “Straight to Hell.” This episode sees the return of Karen Page and The Punisher. Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle here. Daredevil: Born Again’s first season was uneven but entertaining. I had guessed a week or two ago that this season would end with Kingpin leaking Daredevil’s identity, but I forgot about the MCU’s plan of turning Kingpin into the ultimate street-level threat. While I enjoyed Kingpin’s side of the story, Daredevil didn’t get the same care. In fact, this show could’ve been named Kingpin: Return of the King.
Let’s begin with the interesting half of Daredevil: Born Again’s story. Kingpin’s rise to power plays out like a Marvel-flavored House of Cards or Breaking Bad. Kingpin wheels and deals himself into the best position. Daniel Blake’s journey to become Kingpin’s right-hand man was a joy. Sheila Rivera and Commissioner Gallo, scrambling to adapt to the changing political climate (dictated by Kingpin) and attempting to fix corruption from within, delivered plenty of tense scenes. Gallo’s story culminates in the single most violent moment in MCU history (so far), and that includes a Deadpool movie. I won’t spoil it here, but you’ll know the scene when you see it. Even Daredevil’s most aha moment comes when he figures out Kingpin’s ultimate plan: turning Red Hook into his private city-state.
Kingpin establishing a vigilante task force is the thread that can drive countless MCU television shows. This one plot point could and should affect a Punisher, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist reboot. This task force could appear in a future Spider-Man movie. Depending on where these characters reside, Hawkeye and Moon Knight could get tangled up with the task force. This is why I believe Daredevil: Born Again should’ve been a Kingpin show like Max’s The Penguin. I haven’t even mentioned Vanessa and Wilson Fisk’s complicated relationship. There’s so much meat to this half of Daredevil: Born Again’s story. By comparison, Daredevil’s story is thin.
Daredevil was an afterthought in his own show. With the exception of a few scenes, Daredevil could’ve been deleted from the show, and the show would’ve ended up the same. As a result, most of Daredevil’s story failed to capture my attention. I mentioned Heather Glenn’s lack of chemistry with Matt Murdock for weeks. She jumps on the Kingpin train quickly during “Straight to Hell.” Makes sense. I don’t know if Murdock will even miss her; he doesn’t act like he does. I never bought the two’s relationship.
I wonder how integral Kamar de los Reyes’s White Tiger was to Daredevil’s half of the original script. If Daredevil: Born Again was supposed to be a Kingpin show, it would make sense if more than one vigilante were active during the bulk of the season. It would also make sense for Daredevil to mentor White Tiger during his exploits. Daredevil: Born Again did a good job of integrating White Tiger into Daredevil’s narrative where it could. The show also managed to honor Kamar de los Reyes. Rest in peace.
The Punisher is inactive for most of this season’s run and only resumes his vigilante activities during “Straight to Hell.” It almost seemed like Daredevil: Born Again saved all its juicy Murdock/Daredevil story threads for its season finale. The show reintroduces a potential love triangle among Daredevil, Karen, and Punisher. It’s difficult to establish a love triangle like this when two-thirds of the characters receive little to no screen time until the final forty minutes. What’s worse is that the Murdock/Daredevil supporting characters like fellow attorney-at-law McDuffie and cop turned private investigator Cherry serve little more than plot devices.
Murdock, donning his new duds, was fun, and Bullseye was electric in the few episodes toward the end where he appeared. I can’t wait to see where the MCU takes Daredevil, but Daredevil: Born Again season one was more of a Kingpin show, and that’s okay. I just wish Marvel had renamed the show to reflect the show’s true main character. Daredevil: Born Again season one was the street-level version of Avengers: Infinity War with Kingpin swapped for Thanos.
Let us know your thoughts on Daredevil: Born Again’s first season and the season finale “Straight to Hell.” Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
Geekly News: April 13, 2025, Werewolf By Night’s Sequel
Hey, hey, Geekly Gang. It’s Sunday, so we have another Geekly News. We have an update about the tariffs and their impact on the board game industry, but first, let’s talk about the MCU.
Werewolf By Night Gets a Sequel
Michael Giacchino transitioned from writing scores for popular shows and movies like numerous Pixar movies (The Incredibles, Up, and Ratatouille to name a few), the Jurassic World series, Lost, and the MCU to directing the singular Werewolf By Night special. Giacchino is turning his attention to comic books. I loved the Werewolf By Night special. We’ve covered it in a previous post. According to Giacchino, this new comic book series (which will debut in summer 2025) tells an untold story from the original Werewolf By Night’s run.
Giacchino isn’t waiting for the MCU to green light a second Werewolf By Night special. He’s keeping busy with his theatrical movie debut, reimagining the 1954 monster classic Them!, which features mammoth ants invading a city and the mayhem they cause. And he continues to work within the MCU. Giacchino is the composer of the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Step’s score.
Giacchino mentioned that he’s interested in seeing Werewolf By Night return to the screen with a sequel special. This new comic book series will be a treat and could be adapted into that Werewolf By Night’s sequel. Werewolf By Night: Blood Moon Rises releases this summer and will get added to my summer reading. I can’t wait.
But Werewolf By Night fans may need to wait for a sequel. The MCU hasn’t figured out what it wants to do with the dark corner of Marvel’s universe. Recently, the Blade movie got cancelled, and while Midnight Sons remains on the horizon, the MCU hasn’t given word on which projects the characters involved (like Blade) will appear. Blood Moon Rises may need to tide fans over for a year or two until the MCU makes a Werewolf By Night sequel.
The DM Lair Cancels its Dungeon Drifters Kickstarter
Dungeons & Dragons YouTube creator the DM Lair launched its Dungeon Drifters Kickstarter campaign this past week. Dungeon Drifters is a rules-light adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons to a board game. Think of it as a quirky and fun alternative to Hero Quest. I intended to include Dungeon Drifters as an upcoming board game that recently began a crowdfunding campaign, which is something I do in most Geekly News posts. But days later, the DM Lair cancelled its Dungeon Drifters Kickstarter campaign. Here’s a link to the DM Lair’s official cancellation announcement.
The DM Lair has had a history of successful Kickstarter campaigns. They’ve had numerous successful ones, even a handful of board game-like projects. During the announcement, the DM Lair listed a handful of reasons. They take full responsibility for the Kickstarter campaign’s cancellation and reassure fans that Dungeon Drifters is on hold. I like the DM Lair because of its transparency. The company claims that they lost $50,000 of upfront cost during the making of Dungeon Drifters and is offering a 50% discount on their tabletop role-playing game supplies. Check out their store and help out, if you would like. I love the title of their discount code: HolyCrap50.
One of the contributing factors the DM Lair lists for Dungeon Drifters’ cancellation is the tariffs on board game products. By no means does the DM Lair say that tariffs are the only reason the project got cancelled (or postponed), but they do cite their many Kickstarter successes and admit that the increased cost played a role. And this is by no means an isolated incident.
The above image is of Vancouver-based board game company Off The Page Games (who make board games based on indie comics like MIND MGMT, Harrow County, and Corps of Discovery), unable to make a shipment to the United States because of new tariffs.
Board Games and Tariffs…Again
We aren’t going to have any new board games on this week’s Geekly News because there aren’t as many to discuss, and the industry is scrambling to find answers for the mounting tariffs. A month and a half ago, Geekly mentioned tariffs causing havoc for Dutch indie board game company Splotter Games. One month ago, we discussed CMON’s precarious position. Like the DM Lair mentioned in their announcement, more than one factor is playing a role with fans questioning if CMON can fulfill last year’s Kickstarter campaigns. To date, CMON Games has only fulfilled smaller Kickstarter campaigns from 2024. I have my fingers crossed for DC Heroes United. Last week, we shared the CEO of Steve Jackson Games, Meredith Placko’s, thoughts.
Placko was one of several voices within the board game industry who expressed their concerns about these tariffs. Stonemaier Games co-founder Jamey Stegmaier suggested that his company’s games’ prices could leap from $60 to $100 to keep up with rising costs. I’ve heard numerous companies postpone any releases (both on crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter and retail stores like local game shops) until they learn the final cost of doing business.
I’ll paraphrase Placko here. The United States doesn’t have the industry to fill in the gaps left by this sudden inability to use outsourced labor. Many board game companies based within the United States would like to use in-country labor if it was possible. I’ll take it a step further. The United States government has made outsourcing labor a necessity. This trend began in the 1980s. It’ll take decades to build up the means (such as factories) and the labor force needed to fill the void.
Hopefully, we’ll have new Kickstarter or Gamefound releases for next week. If you have any new board game releases you’re excited about, feel free to contact us, and I’ll include them in the next Geekly News post. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
Daredevil: Born Again, “Isle of Joy”
Daredevil: Born Again ended this week’s episode, “Isle of Joy,” with a bang. Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle here. Daredevil: Born Again’s first season draws closer to its end, and “Isle of Joy” tied up numerous story threads in satisfying ways and reintroduced a fan favorite character. I do have one major gripe, but let’s start with the several positives.
Kingpin and Vanessa’s story continues to drive Daredevil: Born Again. Matt Murdock/Daredevil’s story highlights stem from Kingpin and Vanessa in some form. The power couple resolves their differences and creates a unified front. By the end of “Isle of Joy,” Kingpin and Vanessa are equal partners in the criminal underworld and politics. This story thread is organic. I don’t want to spoil the big reveal toward the end of this episode, and I don’t want to beat this drum any further. Kingpin and Vanessa scenes are a must-watch.
The same can be said of Kingpin’s rise as mayor. Guevara’s Sheila Rivera and Gandolfini’s Daniel Blake are welcome additions. Blake’s character introduced reporter BB Urich (portrayed by Genneya Walton). I like the nod to Ben Urich, BB’s uncle, who was murdered during Daredevil season 3. This builds tension between the media (working under the table), the police who don’t see eye to eye with Fisk (like Commissioner Gallo), and Mayor Kingpin. Daredevil: Born Again has done a great job constructing this power dynamic and struggle.
Furthermore, Fisk’s vigilante task force shows the city’s pulse and the government’s corruption. We get little airtime for Rivera, Blake, Urich, Gallo, and Officer Powell, but the scant moments “Isle of Joy” spares for these characters pack a punch. I really like Officer Powell in this episode. He gets two minutes but does more work in those minutes than some scenes do in fifteen or twenty. Daredevil: Born Again illustrates that it can be character-driven while progressing a plot. I’m fighting the urge to drop the one gripe I have. Must. Continue with one final positive.
Wilson Bethel returns as Dex (Bullseye). Yes! He’s worth the wait. Every scene with Bullseye is electric. Pure adrenaline. This includes the final scene that we’ll discuss in a minute. “Isle of Joy” has a shocking ending. I’ve waited long enough. I must include the one negative. I don’t believe Matt Murdock and Heather Glenn’s story.
I know. I mentioned how awful the Murdock-Glenn story is in a previous episode, but “Isle of Joy” hammers home this point. Murdock wants Glenn to admit that Fisk is one of her patients. He’s a lawyer. He should know the law, and that Glenn can’t confirm that Fisk is her patient. Any time Murdock pressed this issue–which was often–he came off as a teenager who didn’t understand how things work. Glenn wasn’t much better regarding Murdock. He’s clearly upset that she’s accepting an invitation from Mayor Fisk for a black and white ball. Adult Teenager Murdock storms off, and Glenn gets butt hurt when he shows up late to the event. What did she expect? This makes me question if she’s good at her job as a therapist.
During the event, Glenn complains to Vanessa that she doesn’t even know Matt anymore. First, we’ve seen these two on one date the entire series. I don’t believe she knows him at all. Second, why is she confiding personal issues with her client? Again, this smells like she isn’t good at her job. You know what? No. Heather Glenn isn’t a good therapist. During this scene, she lost all credibility.
We end with the showstopper. Major spoilers for anyone who hasn’t yet seen “Isle of Joy.” You’ve been warned. Matt discovers that Vanessa ordered the hit on Foggy and confronts her. When Murdock hears a gun cock, he knows its Bullseye aiming for Fisk. Matt jumps in front of Fisk and takes the bullet, and “Isle of Joy” ends with Murdock bleeding out on the dance floor. This sequence had an amazing pace. I don’t know if I quite buy Murdock taking a bullet for Mayor Fisk. We know Murdock won’t die. The show’s named after his alter ego. But I’m interested to see how Daredevil: Born Again season one continues after this chaotic scene.
What do you think about Daredevil: Born Again, Geekly Gang? Let us know in the comments. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
Daredevil: Born Again, “Art for Art’s Sake”
Daredevil: Born Again’s episode this week, “Art for Art’s Sake” has me torn. The pace is simultaneously fast and slow. Quick spoiler: Muse perishes during the episode. While the man behind Muse makes physical appearances earlier in the show, Daredevil: Born Again could’ve done more to develop him further. In short, “Art for Art’s Sake” sends mixed signals.
Hey, hey! Kyra Kyle here. Daredevil: Born Again’s weekly episode left me scratching my head. I don’t know what to make of its pacing. I expected the first season to end with Muse’s demise. Instead, they get right to eliminating the threat. I would’ve liked to have seen more of Muse before he left the show. While the show could travel interesting waters, Daredevil: Born Again raced to Muse’s end. I figured Heather Glenn’s strange patient was tied to Muse or was Muse. That ended up being true. He was conspicuously the next patient after Wilson Fisk and Vanessa. For what it matters, the idea of no one noticing Muse fits; I was more focused on the couple. But I wanted the show to explore Muse more.
I wouldn’t classify Muse as a villain of the week. He’s more than that. While I didn’t care for how fast Daredevil: Born Again gave him the boot, how Muse left was intense. Despite any reservations I may have, Daredevil taps the suspense vein. Is it too soon to make a blood reference? Muse met a fitting end; I hoped he would’ve stuck around longer.
So, if Muse isn’t this season’s main threat, what is? I have an idea of where Daredevil: Born Again intends to take the season finale (episode nine; thanks again for the clarification, MetalAusten of BlueSky), and if I’m right, it could be a doozy. At one point in the Daredevil comics, Kingpin reveals that Matt Murdock is Daredevil. Daredevil: Born Again looks to be building toward that end, but it’s taking its time. See what I mean by this episode’s pacing. It raced to the end of Muse while dragging its feet toward something bigger, like Daredevil’s identity getting blown.
Kingpin has been sitting on Murdock’s identity for years. He’s known Murdock and Daredevil were the same person since the original series. Why wait until now to unmask Daredevil? Sure. Kingpin did warn Murdock not to resume his “activities” as Daredevil or else there would be consequences. But two episodes remain until the break, when this bombshell (if it does happen) will occur. Does Daredevil: Born Again intend to mark time until then? Why not build the tension while Muse continues his reign of terror? The show may have missed a symbolic gesture of Kingpin holding Muse’s mask while unmasking Daredevil.
And again, I can hear a sceptic ask, but what about Heather Glenn? She’s been set up as an anti-vigilante, and Matt says her name after he rescues her. First, Glenn’s anti-vigilante stance happened in the last episode or two. We haven’t known she’s been anti-vigilante for long, and the show has had opportunities for this inclusion. Second, Daredevil: Born Again hasn’t sold me on their relationship. The only time their relationship gets brought up (since the one date right after Foggy’s death and a couple of sex scenes) is when Heather asks where Matt was overnight. This was before Matt resumed work as Daredevil. The series hasn’t shown me that they’re close.
A quick tangent. While watching Daredevil’s side of this story, I’m reminded of Jim Plath’s pet peeve: the reluctant superhero. He’d say that the reluctant superhero cliche was overplayed, and that was ten years ago. Until the last two episodes, Daredevil’s story is a reluctant superhero story.
The Vanessa and Wilson Fisk angle remains the most intriguing. Venessa all but sends a gangster to attempt Kingpin’s murder. Or did she? She could’ve warned Wilson of the threat, but something tells me Buck (Kingpin’s right-hand man) always stands in the shadows while Kingpin eats. In a previous week, I mentioned that I like Heather Glenn more as Fisk’s therapist. I can’t wait to see how she tackles the layers of this relationship. Daredevil: Born Again could build an interesting dynamic of Kingpin using Glenn to get to Murdock before he reveals Daredevil’s identity.
As much as it may sound like it, I didn’t hate “Art for Art’s Sake.” Most of the show’s better moments happen on Kingpin’s side of the ledger. Venessa and Wilson Fisk’s relationship has me wanting more. Kingpin navigating his role as mayor has been a treat. I loved Daniel Blake’s heel-turn in this episode. In one scene, Blake went from a sniveling Mayor Fisk superfan to a cold-blooded manipulator that Kingpin can and should use in the future. And it felt organic. The gangland unrest, while understated, simmers in a tasty way. And I like the inclusion of Kingpin’s anti-vigilante task force. Like many other elements (in the show), its formation was rushed, but Officer Powell galvanizes the team.
Kingpin’s rise as mayor is Daredevil: Born Again’s bright spot. While I question some of the show’s decisions, it’s done enough to hold my interest, and I can’t wait for the finale. There’s a chance we have more than one surprise in the offing. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
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