The idea of a Family Guy movie has been floating around for years, and according to creator Seth MacFarlane, the project remains very much on his mind, even if fans may have to wait for the perfect moment before it becomes a reality.

During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, MacFarlane was asked about the long-rumored feature film adaptation of the hit animated series. While he stopped short of announcing any concrete plans, he revealed that he has had the concept mapped out for quite some time.

“The Family Guy feature film is something that’s still always in the back of my head. I’ve always had a pretty clear idea of what it’s going to be. It’s that arrow in the quiver that I keep for when everything else goes to shit.”

When asked whether a movie could happen while Family Guy is still actively airing on television, MacFarlane made it clear that the show’s continued success wouldn’t prevent a film from happening.

“Oh, yeah. I always kind of assume that if I have a really dismal professional failure, like I produce a movie or a show that just fails so badly, the only thing that can cleanse the palette of the audience is the Family Guy movie. That’s when I’ll do it.”

While MacFarlane’s comments were delivered with his trademark humor, they also offer another reminder that a Family Guy movie isn’t off the table. In fact, the creator’s remarks suggest he has maintained a specific vision for the project for years and is simply waiting for the right opportunity to bring it to life.

Peter Griffin [credit: Hot Ones]

The prospect of a theatrical Family Guy film has been discussed for nearly two decades. Fans have long wondered what a feature-length adventure starring Peter Griffin, Stewie, Brian, and the rest of Quahog would look like on the big screen. Although the franchise released Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story in 2005, it was ultimately a direct-to-video project rather than a true theatrical movie.

With Family Guy continuing to attract audiences and remaining one of television’s most recognizable animated comedies, there is certainly no shortage of interest in seeing the franchise make the jump to theaters. Whether MacFarlane’s “arrow in the quiver” is unleashed sooner or later remains to be seen, but fans can take comfort in knowing that the idea is still alive.

For now, the long-awaited Family Guy movie remains one of the most intriguing projects that has yet to leave development limbo.

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo‘s divorce comes as a shock to many — but there were clues about their split leading up to the news.

The pair got married in 2016 before Jelly Roll became a household name. Amid his rise to stardom, Bunnie supported Jelly Roll as he used his platform to candidly address topics in his life such as incarceration, addiction and past challenges in his marriage.

“One of the worst moments of my adulthood was when I had an affair on my wife,” the singer admitted during an October 2025 episode of the “Human School” podcast. “Because it was the first time that I was like, ‘I really can’t get this right at all. I know I’m in love with this woman.’ It just really, really, really blew me back.”

Jelly Roll confessed that he put in “a lot of work to repair” their connection, which led to them being “stronger than we could have ever been,” saying, “I wish our story would’ve went in the way that it never had an affair. I’m proud of who we are today. I truly am.”

Related: Country Star Jelly Roll and Wife Bunnie XO’s Relationship Timeline

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo were brutally honest about the ups and downs of their relationship throughout their near decade-long marriage. Following two stints in jail — Jelly Roll (real name Jason Bradley DeFord) was arrested for aggravated robbery at 16 and served one year before being incarcerated for drug dealing at the age of […]

Bunnie, for her part, recalled how “hard” it was to move on from the “betrayal.”

“I don’t think anybody can just snap out of it. It is a process. You’re literally grieving and you’re heartbroken, but you’re still in love with this person. Even though the affair is a part of the book, it’s not our story,” she explained to Us Weekly in January 2026. “It’s literally what catapulted us into who we are today and I think that readers need to definitely consume it, chew on it and think about it. But they also see what we’ve made from that entire situation. It completely changed who we are as humans and how we looked at love.”

She continued: “We didn’t know how to love each other properly. We both were raised in opposite households but weren’t taught how to love correctly. A lot of that gets brushed over, [but] as a child, he wasn’t taught how to love properly and I wasn’t taught how to love or receive love.”

Months after Bunnie reflected on the couple’s highs and lows in her memoir, Stripped Down, news broke in June 2026 that Jelly Roll filed to end their marriage. Keep scrolling for the signs that Bunnie and Jelly Roll were headed for divorce:

Cryptic Posts

Hours before Jelly Roll’s divorce paperwork made headlines in June 2026, Bunnie posed in lingerie on her Instagram Story, writing, “She’s getting her sparkle back.” In a separate Story, she shared the quote, “Come here, let me show you what love feels like.”

Ditching His Wedding Ring

In footage from the 2026 CMA Fest, which took place in Nashville weeks before the pair’s divorce made headlines, Jelly Roll was seen on stage without his wedding ring on his finger.

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Related: Celebrity Splits of 2026: Ariane Grande, Ethan Slater and More Breakups

A slew of breakups rocked the celebrity world throughout 2026, beginning with Bill Hader and Ali Wong in January. In March, NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, called it quits. News broke in April that The Real Housewives of New York City stars Sai De Silva and her husband, David Craig, were […]

Missing From the Public Eye

Bunnie and Jelly Roll’s last public appearance was in February 2026 when she supported him at the Grammys. She was photographed with Jelly Roll after, despite discussing their marriage — and defending her now-estranged husband — on her podcast.

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“All he is saying is, ‘Hey, Jesus is for everybody. Jesus does not belong to one political party. Jesus loves you,’” she said on a February 2026 episode of her “Dumb Blonde” podcast following backlash to Jelly Roll’s Grammys acceptance speech. “And the internet lost their minds.”

Split Rumors

The duo faced their fair share of split speculation over the years — and Bunnie clapped back at rumors that her marriage was in trouble.

“Someone said the other day, ‘They used to always be together, and now you never see them together,’” she said on her podcast in August 2025. “I’m like, ‘Do you guys not know that for the past six months [that] I’ve been trying to make a baby?’”

Jason Momoa is finally getting the chance to play one of his favorite DC characters, but if the actor ever headlines a solo Lobo film, he already has one non-negotiable demand.

While speaking with Collider, Momoa made it clear that he has no interest in a watered-down version of the infamous intergalactic bounty hunter.

“It’s all I want, and I promise — I’m just going to put this out there right now — I do not have any interest in making a Lobo PG-13 movie. So, will he be a part of some other movies? If they want me, I’ll be there. But if I make a solo movie, I’m not doing it unless it’s rated R.”

The statement is likely to be welcomed by longtime DC fans. Since his debut in the comics, Lobo has earned a reputation as one of the publisher’s most outrageous antiheroes. Known for his brutal violence, dark humor, and complete disregard for authority, the character has often been viewed as a natural fit for an R-rated adaptation.

Momoa has spent years expressing his desire to play the Main Man. Long before his casting was officially announced, the actor frequently mentioned Lobo as a dream role and one he felt personally connected to. That dream finally becomes reality with his upcoming appearance in Supergirl, where audiences will get their first look at the new DC Universe’s version of the character.

The casting has generated significant excitement among fans, many of whom believe Momoa’s larger-than-life personality, physical presence, and love of the source material make him an ideal choice for the role. Unlike many comic book castings that take fans by surprise, Momoa’s portrayal of Lobo feels like a pairing that has been years in the making.

Although DC Studios has not announced a standalone Lobo movie, Momoa’s comments suggest he is more than willing to continue playing the character across multiple projects. However, he drew a clear line when it comes to a solo adventure. While he is open to appearing in other DCU films, he believes a proper Lobo movie should embrace the character’s mature roots rather than tone them down for a broader audience.

The idea may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed. Under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios has shown a willingness to explore projects aimed at different audiences. With R-rated comic book films continuing to find success both critically and commercially, an adult-oriented Lobo film could fit comfortably within the evolving DC Universe.

For now, fans will have to wait and see how audiences respond to Momoa’s debut in Supergirl. But if the actor ultimately gets his wish, the Main Man’s first solo outing will likely be every bit as loud, violent, and unapologetically over-the-top as fans have always imagined.

Sometimes a movie’s story doesn’t end when it leaves theaters.

After struggling at the box office earlier this year, They Will Kill You is experiencing an impressive resurgence on streaming. The horror action comedy starring Zazie Beetz has climbed to the No. 1 spot on HBO Max in the United States, proving that audiences are finally discovering the overlooked film.

According to streaming tracking service FlixPatrol, They Will Kill You currently sits at the top of HBO Max’s movie rankings in the U.S., beating out films including Contagion and The Bride! for the top position. The movie was only added to the service on June 12, making its rise even more impressive.

Directed by Kirill Sokolov, They Will Kill You follows Asia Reaves, played by Beetz, an ex-convict who takes a housekeeping job at a mysterious New York high-rise. What initially seems like an opportunity for a fresh start quickly becomes a nightmare when she discovers the building is controlled by a demonic cult that uses ritual sacrifices to maintain its power.

Despite its unique blend of horror, action, and dark comedy, the film struggled during its theatrical run, grossing roughly $19 million worldwide against a reported $20 million budget. The movie opened in a crowded marketplace and never quite found the audience many genre fans believed it deserved.

That story appears to be changing on streaming.

The film’s rapid climb to the top of HBO Max suggests viewers are embracing its over-the-top action, brutal gore, and Beetz’s commanding lead performance. Critics were divided, but audiences have responded more positively, with many praising the film’s wild energy and unapologetic style.

Hollywood has seen more than a few movies find redemption on streaming after disappointing theatrical runs, and They Will Kill You may be the latest example. What was once viewed as a box office misfire is now one of the hottest movies on HBO Max.

For fans of horror comedies packed with action, dark humor, and outrageous violence, They Will Kill You is finally getting the attention it was hoping for all along.

When the world first learned about Erin Strotman, many likened her story to a horror movie plot. The former NICU nurse had been accused of physically harming, including breaking the bones, of nine premature babies in Virginia. On January 15, more than a year after Strotman’s arrest, a court found her guilty of nine counts of felony child abuse. Earlier this month, she was sentenced to 45 years in prison. However, that sentence was reduced to only three years and here’s why.

RELATED: Virginia NICU Nurse Accused Of Breaking Babies’ Bones On Purpose | TSR Investigates

Details About Erin Strotman’s Sentencing For Child Abuse

Three years. That’s all the time Erin Strotman will have to serve in prison after harming premature children entrusted to her care at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital between 2023 and 2024. Her arrest on January 3, 2025, was in connection with one incident involving a baby in November 2024. She reportedly posted bond and spent time on house arrest.

After the hospital’s internal investigation uncovered multiple similar incidents, Strotman was criminally charged. Surveillance footage showed the NICU nurse mishandling the babies and committing other abusive actions during routine diaper changes and cleanings, leading to broken bones and other injuries. In fact, the Virginia Board of Nursing accused Strotman of using “excessive force,” including heavy pressure on babies’ legs and abdomens and lifting them by only their heads. Some babies were as young as 23 weeks, weighing as little as 11 ounces, per WRIC.

So, on January 15, she was found guilty of nine counts of abuse. Then, about five months later on June 5, Strotman was back in court for sentencing. A judge handed her the maximum sentence in the case: 45 years — five for each baby she allegedly abused. However, the judge ultimately suspended the sentence to three years, four months for each baby harmed.

Reportedly, that’s the maximum time allowed under the plea agreement between Erin, her lawyer and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. She will serve the time consecutively. Additionally, her nursing license is gone and she is permanently barred from working as a nurse or in healthcare, including home care. She’s also never allowed to be a caregiver for anyone under 18 or vulnerable adults. Also, she cannot have unsupervised contact with a child under 18 years old who is not related to her for five years after her release from prison.

Here’s What Erin Said During Her Sentencing Hearing

Attorneys for the former NICU nurse argued that she didn’t intend to harm the babies in question. Instead, they claimed, she was using practices she had allegedly learned while working in the NICU. The sentencing hearing on June 5 marked the first time she publicly addressed the case.

“I’m sorry for the years of stress that each of you and your children endured,” Strotman said in court, according to WRIC. “For a long time, I did not think I was responsible… I realize I am responsible and that weighs on me every day.”

The judge denied the attorneys’ request for home confinement, arguing that the former NICU would not be safe in prison due to the high-profile case. At the time of the latest hearing, she was in Henrico County Jail. Her attorney, Ted Bruns, claimed the former NICU nurse could serve as little as 65% of her three-year sentence, depending on her behavior.

Parents Tell Former NICU Nurse She Betrayed Them

Also, five parents of babies Erin Strotman allegedly abused spoke at her sentencing. Their messages echoed sentiments of betrayal and standing mistrust of medical professionals. Ashli Mason, who works in healthcare and whose baby suffered 12 fractures,  reportedly said no sentence will ever make her or other parents feel whole. “You and I took the same oath,” she directed at Erin in court.

Dominique Hackey, whose twins were under Strotman’s care in 2023, said he felt violated and suffered with the “guilt of failure.” One of his sons suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left tibia. Outside the courthouse, he admitted to only feeling “anger.”

“And I think anybody would looking in the face of their child’s abuser and all you’re able to do is just tell them how you feel and these are emotions that I’ve been feeling for almost three years now,” Hackey reportedly said.

All the parents who spoke said their children are happy and healthy now, despite Erin Strotman.

RELATED: New Details Surface In “Rope Jumping” Death Of 21-Year-Old Woman In Brazil As Three Instructors Are Charged (UPDATE)

Social media users are cuttin’ UP after Chris Brown announced the “clothing theme” for his and Usher‘s upcoming tour.

RELATED: Standing On Business? Diamond Brown’s Recent Social Media Message Has Internet Users Strongly Divided & Mentioning Chris Brown

Chris Brown Announced The “Clothing Theme” For His & Usher’s Upcoming Tour

On Tuesday, June 16, Chris Brown took to his Instagram Story to share a post with his more than 140 million followers. Furthermore, Brown wrote, “YALL CLOTHING Theme for this tour… JUST BE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT [red heart emoji]”

Social Media Users Are Cuttin’ UP At The “Clothing Theme”

Social media users entered TSR’s comment section, cuttin’ UP at the “clothing theme” for Chris Brown and Usher’s tour.

More On Chris Brown & Usher’s Upcoming Tour

As The Shade Room previously reported, in April, Chris Brown and Usher announced their upcoming joint tour, “The R&B tour.” According to Ticketmaster, the tour features 50 domestic stops and kicks off on June 26 in Denver, Colorado. Additionally, it concludes on December 12 in Tampa, Florida.

RELATED: Oop! Diamond Brown Calls Chris Brown An “IG Dad” While Airing OUT Their Alleged Text Messages (PHOTOS)

The sequel to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has received an exciting update after 5 years of silence. The project entered development in 2021, following the success of the Simu Liu-led film, and its director, Destin Daniel Cretton, has been tied to other Marvel Studios projects, like Wonder Man (which earned a rare Season 2 renewal) and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. With Shang-Chi confirmed to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, will fans be seeing more of this Marvel hero?

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings follows Shang-Chi (Liu), who’s hunted down by an ancient criminal organization called the Ten Rings, led by his father, Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung), revealing to him, his sister, Xu Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), and best friend, Katy (Awkwafina), that his mother could be held captive by Ta Lo behind a sealed gate. Since its release, it has generated over $432 million worldwide, and a follow-up is still in the works despite few updates. Five years later, the Marvel filmmaker has revealed an update on the sequel’s development.

In a recent interview, Cretton revealed that Shang-Chi 2 is still in the works, aligning with Liu’s similar comments back in 2024. The filmmaker noted that the first movie came out at an unusual time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so not many theaters were open to showing it. He also hinted that changes in the industry may have contributed to the project’s delay:

“We are developing a second one. You know, what’s going on is what went on with the entire industry since that, you know, that movie came out, like it was successful, but it actually came out weirdly. It was successful at the time when there was, like, a new wave of COVID was hitting. So, it was still successful, but it was also, I think many countries were completely shut down to theaters at the time. So, and you know, after that, there were just crazy changes all over the place. So, it was, it’s just a result of the industry.”

Is ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Worth Watching?

When Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released in theaters, it was highly praised, earning a Certified Fresh critics’ score of 92% and a Verified Hot audience score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. It was also nominated for numerous accolades, including Academy and Satellite Awards for “Best Visual Effects” and for “Best Superhero Film” at the Saturn Awards.

According to critics, Screen Rant claimed that Wenwu isn’t an “underwhelming bad guy” churned out by previous MCU movies and that it was a “great origin story.” Meanwhile, CBR praised Liu’s performance as Shang-Chi, saying he “effortlessly inhabits the role” and balances all the different sides of the character. Collider’s Matt Goldberg gave Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings a “B-” rating in his review. He claimed the film made the most of Liu’s martial arts skills and that the cast is “incredibly likable,” noting that Marvel didn’t just make Awkwafina’s character comic relief.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is available to stream on Disney+. Follow Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

September 3, 2021

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Runtime

132 minutes

Director

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Destin Daniel Cretton

Writers

Dave Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham

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• 
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  Tony Leung Chiu-wai

  Xu Wenwu

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Tom Cruise is open to giving love another chance and has reportedly enlisted “wingman” football icon David Beckham to help set him up with “Ms. Right.”

The “Top Gun” star sparked rumors he may be reuniting with his ex, Elsina Khayrova, following his broken-down relationship with Ana de Armas.

Meanwhile, Tom Cruise’s last relationship with de Armas reportedly came crashing because they “weren’t able to figure it out as a couple.”

Tom Cruise is ready for his next mission centered around finding love, and has enlisted his close friend David Beckham to help pull it off.

The “Mission: Impossible” star has maintained close ties to Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, and was even present as the ex-football player got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star on Friday, June 12.

He has been spending more time in the US and was recently seen at one of the ongoing World Cup matches.

Now, according to a report, sources claim that he’s looking to settle for an English “Ms. Right,” especially if she comes recommended by Beckham and Victoria, as well as ticks certain boxes.

“Tom’s spending more time in America these days, but he’s still a rabid Anglophile,” the insider told a media outlet. “He loves every part of the culture and [would] do anything to top that off by finding himself a leading English lady.”

The Movie Star Has Some Serious Preferences

Reports previously emerged suggesting that the honorary Oscar winner is “ready to find someone new,” after his relationship with Ana de Armas came crashing down late last year.

At the time, insiders said he’d told his wider circle that “he’s ready to be set up,” and would ideally love to get with a “woman that is part of the British High Society,” but that has been difficult for him, unlike getting someone from the movie industry.

However, there are some boxes any potential lady must tick if they want to pique the Hollywood leading man’s interest in the first place.

“The ideal candidate must come from good stock [and] be in her late 20s or early 30s,” the first source who spoke to the news outlet said, adding that “ties to the royals” are important, as he’s determined to keep building on his friendship with Prince William and Princess Kate.

They added that he’s “thrilled to have his old wingman back in his life and may even invest in some of David’s sports initiatives too,” but for now, his top priority “is finding Ms. Right, preferably a bona fide English rose.”

Tom Cruise Was Reportedly Interested In Charlize Theron

Cruise has had his fill of Hollywood’s most dazzling ladies, having been married thrice in the past to Mimi Roger, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes.

He has also been linked to Penelope Cruz, Russian-born socialite Elsina Khayrova, and got into a short-lived romance with Ana de Armas last year.

Speculations were rife that he’d set his eyes on Charlize Theron, and took note when she called for him to join her on the “Fast and the Furious” franchise a couple of years ago.

“He would love to work with her, and of course, it didn’t go unnoticed when she publicly called for him to join the Fast and Furious franchise alongside her a couple of years ago,” a source said, per the National Enquirer.

“People in Tom’s world have been telling him to reach out to her ever since, and he’s now saying he’s going to do it,” they added.

However, he recently sparked rumors that he and Khayrova may be giving their relationship a second chance after they were seen arriving together at David Beckham’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles.

The Actor’s Romance With Ana de Armas

Meanwhile, the actor may have some digging deep to do on his part if he’s going to thrive in a potential relationship.

When he first got linked to actress Ana de Armas, things initially progressed well as they were seen on multiple outings, frequently sharing helicopter rides together.

But their romance fizzled out after about eight months because they “weren’t able to figure it out as a couple.”

At the time, sources told the Daily Mail that they “ended up realizing that they should keep it professional,” adding that the duo “wanted to save the future of their friendship and their movie.”

“They got together to see if they would be able to work together, and that developed into something more, which neither of them expected,” the insider said.

Tom Cruise Is Sometimes ‘Too Hard To Keep Up’ With

According to the news outlet, the source described Cruise as polarizing when he’s in a relationship, saying that “people either fall in love with him or jump off the train because it’s too hard to keep up.”

The actress fell into the first category and is said to have found him hard to resist, but soon after they “realized they weren’t going to go the distance,” and that the “spark” had died.

Another issue that reportedly caused the duo to separate was Cruise’s close ties to the Church of Scientology, which appeared to have complicated their relationship.

Directed by Sam Raimi, the original Spider-Man trilogy proved that the flagship hero of Marvel Comics could be translated into the present day, courtesy of Tobey Maguire. After the third installment, released in 2007, received a negative reception — before it became a cult hit — it was time for a refresh, which came via Andrew Garfield‘s Amazing interpretation in 2012 and 2014. But Spidey couldn’t ignore the rapidly growing dominant force of the MCU, which the Friendly Neighborhood hero would inevitably have to join. His first leading role in the MCU came in 2017, as Tom Holland suited up as Peter Parker and never looked back.

After Homecoming impressed the fanbase, Far From Home delivered a billion-dollar breath of fresh air that cemented Holland’s Spidey as one of the MCU’s best-loved characters. Then came Spider-Man: No Way Home, one of the highest-grossing post-COVID movies, which brought each modern incarnation of the character together before wiping the world’s memory of Holland’s Parker. This summer, he goes head-to-head with his newfound anonymity in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which swings into theaters on July 31.

Holland is joined in a typically star-studded feature by Zendaya as MJ, Jacob Batalon as Ned, Michael Mando as Scorpion, Marvin Jones III as Tombstone, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle (AKA The Punisher), and Sadie Sink in an as-yet-unnamed role, with many looking at this movie as a fresh start for the character, as he moves from adolescence into adulthood. However, this fresh start might be the end for Spidey as we know him, according to director Destin Daniel Cretton. In a recent interview, the man behind Brand New Day was asked about the franchise’s future, to which he responded, “Is there ever a last Spider-Man? Everyone should go to this (movie) as if it’s the last Spider-Man.” This might just be tongue-in-cheek, but Cretton’s words will likely send a shiver down the spines of fans.

Tom Holland Is in Another Big Summer 2026 Blockbuster

2026 is going to be the summer of Holland, as he stars in not one but two of the biggest movies of the year. Two weeks before Brand New Day, Holland is back with Zendaya and Bernthal in Christopher Nolan‘s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey. Led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, the film also stars Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, and more.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters on July 31. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

July 31, 2026

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150 Minutes

Director

Destin Daniel Cretton

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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 23 seconds ago

It’s a pretty exciting time to be a Marvel fan. We’re getting some solid superhero television (like Daredevil: Born Again), and a new Spider-Man movie is around the corner. In December, Avengers: Doomsday will reunite Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. on the big screen in what is certain to be the biggest movie of the year. To make sure that their ambitious crossover classic has maximum impact with fans, Marvel has been doing its best to keep details about Doomsday and its plot under wraps. Unfortunately, trailers and footage for upcoming movies just keep leaking online.

Recently, a major trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day leaked online well before it was supposed to be officially released. Less than a week later, footage from Avengers: Doomsday found its way online. This is similar to an incident last December in which trailers for Doomsday kept leaking online before their theatrical debut. Leaks are a problem that has only been getting worse, leading many fans to ask why Marvel’s security has gotten so sloppy. However, I think the answer is simpler. Marvel is intentionally “leaking” footage as a way to build hype and defeat the greatest villain of them all: superhero fatigue.

Brand New Day, Same Old Leaks

The last week alone has been pretty terrible for Marvel when it comes to leaks. First, a major Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer got leaked that gave us early glimpses of major developments, including Gray Hulk and the fact that Sadie Sink is seemingly mind-controlling him, which may finally confirm that she’s playing Jean Grey. More recently, footage from Avengers: Doomsday leaked that shows Doctor Doom sending Sentinels to fight heroes from the Avengers, Thunderbolts, X-Men, and Fantastic Four. While this footage is soundless and wildly pixilated, it still seems to be giving away major details about one of the movie’s biggest fights.

Marvel has been having problems with leakers for a long time. In fact, a few years ago, they were taking legal action, trying to figure out which insiders were leaking summaries of then-upcoming films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Now, things have escalated to the point that we’re getting actual trailers and footage well before the studio wants us to see it. Why is this happening? It could just be that Marvel’s security has gotten really sloppy within a year of their two most-hyped films (Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday) releasing. However, it’s far likelier that these “leaks” are coming directly from Marvel.

Marvel’s Playing 4D Chess

Why the heck would Marvel start leaking its own footage after spending years trying to stop other leakers? The most obvious reason is, of course, free publicity. Marketing something like Avengers: Doomsday or Spider-Man: Brand New Day can be insanely expensive and ultimately cut into a movie’s bottom line. By leaking their own footage, Marvel doesn’t have to spend a dime; they just have to kick back and watch the rest of us effectively promote these upcoming films by sharing the leaks with our real-life friends, posting them online for our followers, and generally speculating to anyone who will listen about what the movie will be about.

The other big reason that Marvel would leak its own footage is to take control of the narrative. In recent years, there has been a glut of fake superhero trailers and footage created by AI. The creators share this footage online, hoping to gain clout by making you think it’s real; meanwhile, Marvel has to spend plenty of time and money setting the record straight about these fakes. By releasing their own footage, they can get everyone to pay attention to the real deal while generating viral hype with cool scenes (like, say, Doctor Doom siccing a bunch of Sentinels on fan-favorite characters like Thor and Captain America).

Fake Leaks Are A Win/Win For Marvel

Marvel releasing its own footage via staged “leaks” also allows them to gauge audience reactions and, if needed, edit the film. For example, the Avengers: Doomsday footage leaked more than half a year before the movie comes out. If audiences really hate what they see, there’s time for the studio to make changes to the film through creative edits and, in the worst case, reshoots. Conversely, if audiences love what they see, Marvel knows exactly what to emphasize when marketing their most expensive blockbuster. 

Obviously, there’s no way to prove this particular theory. Maybe footage keeps leaking because Marvel is filled with disgruntled employees, or maybe just employees who want to leave their own weird mark on the world. No matter what the cause, though, it seems like Marvel’s leak problem is just getting worse by the year. Will this make superhero fatigue worse and sink Avengers: Doomsday, or will it generate enough hype that Marvel laughs all the way to the bank? Without the Eye of Agomatto to help us out, we won’t know until Doomsday blasts into theaters on December 18.