Everyone loves a birthday party, and America is about to experience a celebration like no other.

250 years since its founding fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, the United States of America will celebrate a quarter-millennium of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

And what better way to celebrate than by staying at home and watching Paramount+?

The streamer always has tons of new and exciting content, but it has outdone itself for the 4th of July by curating star-spangled collections of popular TV shows like Dutton Ranch, Landman and Yellowstone, as well as blockbuster films like Top Gun: Maverick, Saving Private Ryan and more.

Watch With Us has all the details below, plus some brief recommendations of what to watch on the streamer.

America’s Story: 250 Years in the Making

A collection of films, series and documentaries that explore the people, events and turning points that shaped the nation.

1883
1923
Becoming King
The Green Book Guide to Freedom
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Selma
One Thousand Years of Slavery
Picturing the Presidents
Picturing the President: George Washington
Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters

Watch With Us recommends: 1923. The Yellowstone prequel is a riveting portrait of a nation still being settled, and it features outstanding work by stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.

Celebrating the Heartland

Celebrate the frontier, expansion and mythology of the American West, then and now.

1883
1923
Dutton Ranch
Gunsmoke
Landman
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Marshals
The Madison
Yellowstone

Watch With Us recommends: The Madison. The 2026 show is one of creator Taylor Sheridan‘s best series, and it features one of lead star Michelle Pfeiffer‘s best performances in years.

America at War

Stories of service, sacrifice and leadership across generations.

13 Hours
100 Missions: Surviving Vietnam
Air Warriors
Battle of Midway: The True Story
Battle of Okinawa in Color
Carrier at War: The USS Enterprise
Flags of Our Fathers
Hacksaw Ridge
Saving Private Ryan
We Were Soldiers

Watch With Us recommends: Saving Private Ryan. Nearly 30 years after its premiere, it remains one of Steven Spielberg’s best works ever and the greatest modern World War II movie.

The American Presidency

A look at the leaders who shaped the nation.

The Day Kennedy Died
First Ladies Revealed
Jefferson’s Secret Bible
Lincoln’s Last Day
Lincoln’s Washington at War
Picturing the Presidents
Picturing the President: George Washington
Obama Years: The Power of Words
Through the Fire: The Legacy of Barack Obama
White House Revealed

America’s Greatest Places

Explore the landscapes that define America.

America’s Greatest Monuments
America’s Treasures
America’s Wild Seasons
Epic Yellowstone
The National Parks
Wild Rockies

American Icons

The shows and movies that helped define American pop culture.

The Andy Griffith Show
The Brady Bunch
Forrest Gump
Friday Night Lights
Grease
I Love Lucy
Top Gun
Top Gun: Maverick
Wayne’s World

Watch With Us recommends: Wayne’s World. What’s more American than two nerds, Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey), dreaming of a better life that involves hosting a cable access TV show and dating a hot woman?

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Hidden Histories of America

Stories often left out of traditional history books.

America’s Hidden Stories
America’s Hidden Stories: The Black Wild West
Birthing a Nation: The Resistance of Mary Gaffney
The Green Book Guide to Freedom
One Thousand Years of Slavery
Pocahontas: Beyond the Myth
Reclaiming History: Our Native Daughters

This is just a taste of what Paramount+ is offering right now. To view the entire collection, click here.

Millie Bobby Brown and her Stranger Things costar David Harbour have plans to work together again after squashing on-set drama surrounding bullying claims.

During a Wednesday, June 24, live recording of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast at New York City’s 92nd Street Y, Brown, 22, hinted that she had a “concrete” project with Harbour, 51, in development.

“Father-daughter is where we live, but Netflix will always be our home,” Brown coyly teased, per Variety. “The David Harbour project is sooner than expected, and it’s David’s idea, so kudos to him.”

Brown and Harbour notably played Eleven and Hopper, respectively, on Netflix’s Stranger Things. Despite playing adopted father and daughter, news broke during the final season that Brown accused Harbour of harassment and bullying in a complaint with the network. (Neither Harbour, Brown nor Netflix addressed the alleged report at the time.)

Related: Millie Bobby Brown Gushes Over Costar David Harbour After Bullying Claims

There is nothing strange going on between Stranger Things costars Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour despite recent claims of on-set issues between the actors. Extra caught up with Brown, 21, at the world premiere of Stranger Things season 5 on Thursday, November 6, where the actress gushed over her on-screen dad. “It’s been amazing,” Brown […]

Harbour broke his silence on the alleged complaint earlier this month, telling Variety the situation was “a weird thing” and “came out in a weird way.”

“It’s a show that went on for 10 years. We worked together for 10 years during her formative teenage years, playing father and daughter,” Harbour told the outlet. “I don’t know if people have families and friends that you spend a lot of time with for 10 years — you occasionally get in arguments [or] disagreements.”

He continued, “In families, it’s OK because you’re just in a disagreement and then you come back together. The problem with a billion-dollar show is that there’s just hundreds of people who want to get involved.”

According to Harbour, the situation with Brown was “a simple rupture-and-repair thing.”

“Once we cleared everybody out of the way and talked to each other, we’re fine,” he explained at the time. “Everyone nowadays is very scared of talking about things. People are very scared of being human. It’s unfortunate, because I don’t know how to navigate this weird media world. But it was completely normal, and we adore each other and always have.”

Related: Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s Quotes About Working Together

Stranger Things costars Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour have a long and complicated relationship. The two have worked closely on the show in their roles as Eleven and her adoptive father, Jim Hopper, respectively, for a decade, starting when Brown was 11 years old. Now, Brown and Harbour’s offscreen relationship is being dissected following […]

At the time, Harbour hinted that he and Brown were even “working on several” additional projects post-Stranger Things.

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“You’ll see more of me and Millie. 10 years wasn’t enough,” Harbour teased. “There is a special bond there. I love her, she loves me.”

As for Brown, she stressed on Wednesday that any fractured friendships have been repaired.

“It was very hard for me. I would not have expected that coming off of the show. I’m a very happy-go-lucky person,” she said of the show’s conclusion, noting she spent January reconnecting with her costars to “mend” friendships. “They probably thought I was crazy. I was like, ‘We’re still friends, right? Like, you’re not gonna stop talking to me anymore?’ I was like, ‘I’m sorry if I ever upset you,’ and was just trying to mend anything. ‘It’s been 10 years, and I really want to be friends. You’re my sibling.’”

If Drew Barrymore‘s glowing complexion has ever made you wonder what’s in her skincare routine, one product she reaches for regularly is the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum.

In an Instagram post, the actress revealed she uses Good Genes one to two nights per week as part of her evening routine and loves the results. Considering the serum has been a beauty editor’s favorite for years, her endorsement only adds to the hype. Best part? It’s currently 40% off for Amazon Prime Day.

Get the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum for $51 (was $85) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

At the heart of Good Genes is lactic acid, an AHA that gently exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells sitting on the surface. As those dull, rough cells are swept away, fresher and more radiant-looking skin is revealed underneath. Unlike some stronger exfoliating acids that can leave skin feeling irritated, lactic acid is often praised for delivering noticeable results while being gentler on the skin, making it a popular choice for those looking to improve texture and brightness.

One of the biggest benefits is the treatment’s ability to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Whether you’re dealing with lingering post-breakout marks, sun damage or general dullness, regular exfoliation can help skin look more even and luminous over time. With Sunday Riley Lactic Acid Treatment, you’ll notice an immediate glow after application. Long-term benefits include less discoloration and an overall clearer-looking complexion.

To use, apply one to two pumps onto clean, dry skin in the evening after cleansing. The serum can be used alone or layered underneath moisturizer. If you’re new to exfoliating acids, use it once or twice a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. And because exfoliants can increase sun sensitivity, daily sunscreen use is essential.

One Amazon user called it “magic” from the “first use,” noting it’s “magnificent” and “worth every penny.” Another shopper said it’s “game-changing” and “definitely a holy grail,” adding that it gets rid of any “break outs” or “rough skin texture.”

If your skin has been looking dull, uneven or textured lately, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum deserves a spot in your beauty cabinet while it’s 40% off.

Get the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum for $51 (was $85) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more lactic acid treatments here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Kelly Ripa Uses the $20 Serum That Shoppers Say Results in ‘Fewer Fine Lines’

Kelly Ripa isn’t just casually name-dropping her skincare — she’s fully sold on it. The one product that she claims has “changed her entire routine?” The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Age-Defying Face Serum. The 53-year-old TV host and L’Oréal Paris partner recently shared on Instagram that the serum has been the “skin savior of […]

Rumors surrounding KATSEYE have reached a fever pitch as group member Manon’s mysterious absence stretches into its fourth month with no clear timeline for her return. 

While the global girl group continues to break records as a five-member act, fresh insider claims suggest the behind-the-scenes dynamic may have shifted more than fans realized. 

Amid cryptic social media activity, conflicting explanations about her hiatus, and growing speculation about her future, questions about whether Manon will ever rejoin KATSEYE are only getting louder.

When KATSEYE unveiled its upcoming world tour last month, fans immediately noticed one glaring omission. The promotional artwork featured only five members, with Manon nowhere to be seen.

The absence marked another chapter in what has become a four-month hiatus for the Swiss-born singer, who stepped away earlier this year for what the group described as her “health and wellbeing.” 

At the time, many supporters believed it would be a brief break, especially after the 23-year-old had posted an emotional Instagram tribute in December saying she still lived in “disbelief” that the members were fulfilling their dreams together before signing off with “Kats forever.”

Instead, she has now missed headline appearances at Coachella and Governor’s Ball, while her absence from promotional material for KATSEYE’s sold-out Wildworld tour has only intensified concerns.

According to a Daily Mail insider, the situation has evolved considerably behind the scenes. “What was and has been originally described as a temporary break has increasingly started to feel like something much bigger,” the source claimed.

KATSEYE Allegedly Found A New Rhythm Without Manon

Behind the scenes, insiders claim the group’s internal dynamic shifted long before fans realized something was wrong.

According to one source, some members felt Manon “wasn’t putting in the same level of effort as everyone else.” Whether those feelings were justified or not, the insider said they created growing tension within the group.

The hiatus was reportedly intended to “give everyone some breathing room” and reset the group’s atmosphere. Instead, the source alleged the opposite happened.

“They got back on track, the chemistry improved, and they became more comfortable operating as they are now. Which now makes it look like there isn’t much urgency or interest in bringing Manon back into the fold,” the insider explained.

Ironically, KATSEYE’s biggest commercial successes have come during Manon’s absence. Earlier this year, the members earned Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance before performing “Gnarly” during the ceremony.

Since then, the remaining five members, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung, have continued breaking records. 

They delivered one of Coachella’s most-streamed performances, won three American Music Awards, and saw “Pinky Up” become their first release without Manon. 

The momentum continues with their EP “Wild” arriving August 14 and an appearance scheduled at Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival.

Even as the label maintains Manon is away recovering, her own online activity has sparked even more speculation.

She recently liked an Instagram post from commentator Simply Simone, who argued the singer had been subjected to “abhorrent hate” because of her skin color while also discussing racism faced by Black members of mixed-race girl groups.

Another Instagram upload quickly became a talking point after Manon posted a photo of a friend holding up a pinky finger in the air while traveling by plane.

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Some fans immediately connected the gesture to KATSEYE’s latest single. “Not you trying to shade Katseye with that pinky up,” one follower commented.

Confusion only deepened after she personally addressed concerns about her health on WeVerse. “I want you to hear this from me, I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself,” she wrote.

She added, “Thank u for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to see you again.”

Meanwhile, fans noticed she quietly removed KATSEYE from her Instagram bio, prompting another wave of rumors that she could be preparing to leave permanently.

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KATSEYE Continues Presenting A United Front As Questions Persist

Publicly, the remaining members have continued emphasizing unity. During a recent visit to Australia, the five singers shared photos from a zoo outing while cuddling stuffed koalas. 

Days later, fan videos showed them enjoying Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine concert together in Los Angeles.

However, the appearance did little to quiet speculation after it emerged Manon had attended the same concert separately with friends, including musician The Kid LAROI.

Still, when asked about her during an April appearance on “The Zane Lowe Show,” the members spoke warmly about their absent bandmate.

“At the end of the day, we just all want each other to win. And to be good,” Laforteza said. Lara Raj echoed those sentiments, adding, “I think we also want to say like she’s our sister forever… So we just want to give her all the space and love she needs right now.”

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KATSEYE Sources Disagree On Whether Manon Is Really Done

While one insider believes the group has largely accepted moving forward without Manon, another sees things differently.

“They will have to address it soon and before they go out on tour,” one source said, adding, “They all need to move forward for the benefit of all of them and their fans.”

Another insider insisted Manon “does not want to leave the band” and remains frustrated by how Netflix’s “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE” portrayed her journey.

Unlike several of her fellow members, Manon entered the competition with a modeling background rather than formal singing or dance experience. 

Throughout the series, she was frequently shown ranking near the bottom of evaluations and facing criticism for allegedly missing rehearsals.

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Despite that portrayal, a source close to the singer argued that she remains “the member who is most in touch with what the audience wants because of her background as an influencer.”

According to that insider, she simply “took the break to work out what she wanted to do next.” Even so, another source believes the group’s current direction has become increasingly clear.

“All the girls understand that groups like this rarely last forever. Eventually, everyone starts thinking about solo projects and what comes next,” the insider said.

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Amy Adams learned some valuable life skills after playing a nurse on a short-lived TV show.

During an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast on Monday, June 22, the Oscar nominee revealed how she sprang into action after coming across a stabbing victim while out with her family.

Adams, 51, knew just what to do after playing nurse Alice Doherty in CBS’ Dr. Vegas, which starred Rob Lowe and aired for just five episodes in 2004. To prepare for the role, the actress said she shadowed an emergency room doctor.

“I’ve come across a couple of scenes where we’ve been sort of the first people on the scene,” she said. “We were in Santa Monica and coming out of our favorite restaurant and I was with my dad and these people were screaming and a guy was walking and they’re yelling, ‘He’s dying!’ and my husband’s like, ‘That’s blood.’”

After directing her husband, Darren Le Gallo, to stay put with their daughter Aviana, 16, Adams and her dad rushed to the man’s aid.

“We ran over, and he’d been stabbed in the neck,” the Enchanted actress recalled. “So he was bleeding and his friends were freaking out. So luckily we were going to the beach. We grabbed towels. My dad has been on lots of scenes — I guess he attracts them as well — and applied pressure.”

“And I’m sitting there somehow going, ‘You need to calm your pulse rate. Take a deep breath in.’ I literally was just so focused. I was like, ‘The more you struggle, the faster you’re going to bleed. Just lay down. Let’s elevate this,’” she continued.

As for how the man ended up wounded, Adams said, “I mean, as far as I could make out, they had run into an old college friend and had some drinks and then went to the liquor store. They were going to go back to someone’s house, and he just freaked out. I don’t know kind of what the whole story is.”

A year after her heroic efforts, the Man of Steel actor said she ran into the person she saved.

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“A guy walks up to me in the restaurant. He’s like, ‘I heard a story that you and your dad were on the scene of a guy getting stabbed,’” she remembered. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, yeah, that’s so funny you heard that story.’”

The man then showed Adams the scar on his neck.

“And I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s you.’ And it was him, and he was like all teary, and he had his son with him. It was so crazy,” the actress said.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 47 seconds ago

It’s a weird time to be a sci-fi fan. The biggest franchises keep stumbling through divisive sequels, endless streaming series, and cinematic universes running on fumes. Fortunately, streaming also gives us a chance to revisit the genre at its best, and you don’t need a multipass, just a Netflix subscription. There, you can stream The Fifth Element, a sci-fi action classic that is still blowing our minds nearly 30 years after its release.

Anchors Far-Out Plot With Grounded Characters

What is it that makes The Fifth Element so great? For one thing, the film finds the right balance between special effects and the human element. Sure, each scene is full of sci-fi splendor, but this is a movie anchored by its performers. None of those performances are quite as confident and iconic as Bruce Willis, whose Korben Dallas character feels instantly fresh in a sci-fi genre filled with boring carbon copies of famous protagonists like Captain Kirk and Luke Skywalker.

The Everyman Charm

If you’ve never seen The Fifth Element and need a mental picture, Willis plays Dallas like a cockier version of his famous John McClane character. Part of what made McClane so compelling in Die Hard is that he was always on the back foot, and he seemed believably out of his depth while fighting through a Christmas party turned terrorist attack.

In The Fifth Element, Willis still exudes the everyman charm and relatability of McClane, but he also has an air of unflappable cool in the face of everything from an incompetent burglar to an impending apocalypse.

A Show To Run Here And It Must Pop!

Bruce Willis could have carried this film on his own, but he fortunately didn’t have to. Milla Jovovich is a great sidekick turned love interest who later parlayed this performance as a multipass pixie dream girl into a career as an action star. Her quirked-up line deliveries are funny enough, but she can’t hold a candle to Chris Tucker, whose Ruby Rhod delivers one-liners funnier than anything Iron Man ever muttered in the MCU. 

The Banality Of Evil

All of the performances in The Fifth Element are great, and we haven’t even touched on Gary Oldman’s turn as a very different kind of villain. He is basically the banality of evil in human form, but this doesn’t keep him from being darkly hilarious. Plus, the movie’s notion that powerful leaders might sell humanity out for a piece of the action seems more prescient now than ever.

This may sound like faint praise (or copium as the kids say), but The Fifth Element is better than most modern sci-fi because of its simple plot. Everything can be summed up in a single sentence: our heroes must find and use the mysterious fifth element to save humanity from an ancient evil. Such a streamlined plot is easy for audiences to understand and gives the film more runway to focus on a narrative that, at its heart, is a love story.

Everyone Serves A Purpose

In retrospect, this is what we love most about The Fifth Element: the fancy sci-fi technology and cutting-edge special effects firmly take a backseat so the film can focus on its characters. Everyone gets a rewarding arc: cabbie to hero, ingenue to savior, clown to ally. Individually, these arcs are powerful; collectively, they are like the elements, forming a sum far greater than the individual parts.

Of course, if we praise The Fifth Element any harder, you might think we’re getting kickbacks from Ruby Rhod himself. The best thing to do is make up your own mind by streaming the movie on Netflix. Just beware of the emotional drop when you realize that we may never get another sci-fi movie like this Luc Besson classic ever again.

Alicia Brown has shared a message about “false narratives” as Big Tigger is reportedly ordered to stay away from her and their kids.

RELATED: REPORT: Big Tigger Released After Being Arrested On Battery & Cruelty To Children Charges Following Assault Claims From Wife

Alicia Brown Shares Message About “False Narratives”

On Thursday, June 25, Alicia Brown took to her Instagram Story to share a message. Furthermore, Brown wrote, “These last few weeks have sucked. I hate this for everyone involved. The amount of false narratives that have been displayed and attacks on everyone hurts…”

“I take full responsibility for posting the video of my face. The lack of accountability, remorse and acknowledgement has also been weighing heavy on me. Now it is time for me to address it,” she continued.

Before concluding the message, Brown asked for patience as she identifies “the appropriate platform” and works with her legal team.

Big Tigger Is Reportedly Ordered To Stay Away From Her & Their Kids

According to TMZ, hours before Alicia Brown shared her message, a Fulton County judge granted her a temporary protective order against her husband. Per the outlet, in her petition, Brown cited the May incident where Tigger allegedly pushed her, and she slammed her head into a door. Additionally, she alleged that Tigger pressured her to deny the incident, threatening that she would “lose everything” if she spoke out.

In her petition, Brown also alleged that Tigger “cut off her access to the home’s cameras and gate controls.”

Per the outlet, Tigger must stay 200 yards away from Brown and their kids. Additionally, he must have no contact with them. And Brown has been given temporary custody of their minor kids and exclusive use of their home.

A hearing in their case is scheduled for July 13.

More On What’s Happening Between Alicia Brown & Big Tigger

As The Shade Room previously reported, Alicia Brown made headlines when she shared footage of her battered face, seemingly accusing Tigger and alleging he cheated on her with his radio co-host, Francesca Amiker.

Francesca Amiker denied the allegations. But Tigger was ultimately named a suspect in an assault investigation. Subsequently, Brown alleged that she never called her husband an “abuser.”

Meanwhile, Big Tigger broke his silence on the entire ordeal.

Then, on June 20, Tigger was taken into custody and hit with battery and cruelty to children charges. Ultimately, it was revealed that his arrest was made in connection with the alleged May incident that injured his wife.

RELATED: Big Tigger’s Mugshot Released As More Details Surface About What Allegedly Led To His Arrest On Battery & Cruelty To Children Charges

If your hair is prone to dryness, frizz or a dull texture that seems impossible to smooth out, Sarah Paulson‘s latest look may offer some inspiration. The Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream was responsible for the actress’ glossy strands at the Brazil premiere of All’s Fair. The nourishing leave-in formula helps soften strands, boost shine and improve manageability, delivering salon-worthy results at home. Bonus: It’s currently on sale for Amazon Prime Day!

The cream has earned a permanent spot in celebrity hair routines because it delivers moisture without sacrificing movement. The formula is infused with Moroccanoil’s signature argan oil, which is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. It also creates a silky finish that makes hair feel touchably soft. No frizz or that greasy, weighed-down feeling — just smooth perfection!

Get the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream for $29 (was $36) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Apply the cream on damp hair before blow-drying for a smoother finish, or work it into dry strands to refresh your style. You can also use it to tame flyaways for a sleeker look. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly or color-treated, the cream helps hair look and feel its best without leaving a sticky residue.

Beyond the immediate smoothing benefits, the hydrating ingredients help support healthier hair over time. Constant heat styling, coloring and environmental stressors can leave strands feeling rough and brittle, but adding an extra layer of moisture helps minimize that dry, straw-like texture. The result? Hair that not only looks shinier and more polished, but also feels softer and easier to style with each use.

If you’re looking for an effortless way to boost shine and fight frizz, add the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to your cart now before the price racks back up.

Get the Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream for $29 (was $36) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more hair treatments here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are no strangers to reinvention. From Saturday morning cartoons to arcade brawlers to nostalgic throwbacks like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, the franchise has thrived by adapting to new generations. But the upcoming adaptation of TMNT: The Last Ronin is shaping up to be something entirely different.

According to publisher THQ Nordic and developer Black Forest Games, The Last Ronin is being developed as a serious, story driven third person action game. More notably, early reporting around the announcement described the project as being in the vein of modern prestige action titles like God of War.

That comparison alone signals a dramatic tonal shift for the franchise.

A Darker TMNT Was Inevitable

The Last Ronin comic series already proved that audiences are ready for a mature, emotionally heavy take on the Turtles. Set in a dystopian future where only one Turtle remains, the story abandons pizza jokes and lighthearted banter in favor of loss, vengeance, and legacy.

Translating that into an interactive experience almost demands a more cinematic approach. A traditional arcade style beat em up simply would not carry the emotional weight of the source material. The God of War comparison suggests a tighter narrative focus, heavier combat mechanics, and a presentation built around character development rather than multiplayer chaos.

If that direction holds true, The Last Ronin could become the most ambitious TMNT game ever made.

God of War [credit:Santa Monica Studio]

What We Actually Know

Here is what has been officially confirmed so far:

• The game is in development at Black Forest Games and published by THQ Nordic.

• It is based directly on the The Last Ronin comic storyline.

• It is planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC.

• It has been described as a third person action experience with a strong narrative emphasis.

• There is currently no announced release date.

That is the extent of the verified information. No extended gameplay has been shown publicly. No firm launch window has been revealed.

The Risk of the God of War Comparison

Invoking God of War sets expectations sky high. That franchise redefined cinematic action games with deliberate combat, emotional storytelling, and high production values. By aligning itself with that model, The Last Ronin invites direct comparison to one of the most respected action series in modern gaming.

For longtime fans, that is exciting. It suggests depth and seriousness that matches the comic’s tone. For skeptics, it raises concerns about whether the studio can deliver on such an ambitious promise.

Black Forest Games has experience with action focused titles, but adapting one of the most beloved arcs in TMNT history comes with pressure.

Image: Inhyuk Lee/IDW Publishing

A Franchise at a Crossroads

TMNT is in a fascinating position. Nostalgia driven projects continue to succeed, but The Last Ronin represents a chance to push the brand into prestige territory. If successful, it could redefine how future TMNT games are developed.

For now, fans are left with a compelling premise and a bold comparison. Until gameplay is revealed, the conversation will revolve around one question.

Can The Last Ronin truly stand alongside God of War, or is that comparison simply aspirational?

Either way, this is not just another TMNT game. It is a statement about where the franchise wants to go next.