Johnny Depp is stepping back into the Hollywood spotlight as Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount’s dark new take on A Christmas Carol.

One critic has pushed back against celebrations surrounding Depp’s return, arguing that the film’s marketing glosses over the controversies that derailed his career. Much of the backlash stems from his bitter legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, which damaged his reputation and cost him several major roles.

Johnny Depp is set to return to major Hollywood studio filmmaking in Paramount’s dark reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The actor unveiled the first trailer for Ebenezer after making a surprise appearance in full costume as Ebenezer Scrooge at San Diego Comic-Con, staying in character as the famously bitter miser throughout.

Directed by horror filmmaker Ti West, the movie puts a darker spin on the classic holiday tale, with Scrooge haunted by terrifying versions of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The film also boasts a star-studded cast that includes Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Daisy Ridley, and Sam Claflin.

Ebenezer is scheduled to hit theaters on November 13 and is being positioned as Depp’s first major studio release in years. The trailer even features the pointed line, “I’m back,” a moment many fans have interpreted as a nod to both Scrooge’s story and the actor’s Hollywood comeback.

Guardian Critic Questions Johnny Depp’s Hollywood Return

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Not everyone is celebrating Depp’s return to Hollywood. In a sharply critical review for The Guardian, columnist Stuart Heritage argued that the actor’s new role as Ebenezer Scrooge asks audiences to overlook the controversies that have defined his recent years.

Heritage pointed to the trailer’s emphasis on Depp’s comeback, including the tagline calling him the “master of misfits” and the line, “I’m back.” He argued that, rather than simply promoting a new film, the marketing deliberately positions Ebenezer as Depp’s return to mainstream Hollywood.

The columnist also questioned whether enough time has passed since Depp’s court cases and abuse allegations for such a comeback to feel comfortable. While acknowledging that the film’s horror elements under director Ti West could suit the actor’s public image, Heritage suggested a darker role may be easier for audiences to embrace than a conventional redemption story. Even so, he conceded that the movie’s box office performance in November will ultimately determine whether the comeback succeeds.

Amber Heard Case Reshaped Johnny Depp’s Career

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Depp’s public downfall was largely driven by his bitter legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. She accused him of domestic abuse, allegations he repeatedly denied. In 2020, Depp lost his UK libel case against The Sun, with the judge finding the newspaper’s description of him as a “wife beater” was “substantially true,” according to Reuters.

Two years later, a Virginia jury largely sided with Depp in the former couple’s dueling defamation claims. Heard was ordered to pay him damages, while Depp was also found liable over one statement made by his attorney.

His controversies extend beyond the marriage. City of Lies crew member Gregg Brooks accused Depp of punching him on set, though the actor denied the allegation and the lawsuit was later settled. His lavish spending and legal disputes with former financial managers have also generated years of damaging headlines.

Depp’s Legal Problems Cost Him Roles

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At the height of his legal battles, Depp’s standing in Hollywood suffered a significant hit as major studios began moving away from him. After the UK libel case in 2020, Warner Bros. asked him to step down from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, replacing him as dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

His future as Captain Jack Sparrow also became uncertain. During the 2022 Virginia defamation trial, Depp’s longtime agent testified that Disney had moved in “a different direction” with the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise following the allegations against the actor, although the company has never publicly confirmed that was the reason.

Speaking to The Telegraph last year, Depp said he felt “shunned, dumped, booted, deep-sixed, canceled” by the industry after losing the role. While he continued making films overseas, his upcoming turn as Scrooge in “Ebenezer” is widely being viewed as one of his most serious attempts yet to reestablish himself in mainstream Hollywood.

Johnny Depp Says Hollywood Tried To ‘Retire’ Him

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After years spent largely working outside the studio system, Depp spoke candidly about how his departure from the Fantastic Beasts franchise affected him.

In his interview with The Telegraph, he claimed Warner Bros.’ request that he resign felt less like a casting change and more like an attempt to force him into retirement. Rather than stepping away, Depp said the experience only strengthened his resolve to keep acting, insisting he never considered giving up.

With his return in Lionsgate’s Day Drinker opposite Penélope Cruz, followed by his starring role in Ebenezer, Depp appears to be making a gradual but steady return to major Hollywood productions after spending several years on the industry’s sidelines.

Kelly Clarkson’s first Las Vegas residency show quickly became about more than her music after the singer made a series of playful remarks that appeared to reference her departure from NBC. 

While fans laughed at the onstage jokes, a new insider account suggests the comments reflected long-standing tensions behind the scenes, where Clarkson’s tendency to stray from the script reportedly kept executives on their toes throughout her run on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

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While chatting with concertgoers during the opening night of her residency on July 17, Kelly Clarkson delivered a couple of comments that quickly spread online.

As Us Weekly reported, after briefly stroking a fan’s jacket, she laughed, “I would get fired at NBC, but I don’t work there anymore.”

The audience responded with even louder cheers when she followed it up by joking, “No more HR meetings!”

Although many fans viewed the remarks as harmless fun, one insider claimed they echoed experiences that had become commonplace throughout Clarkson’s years hosting her daytime talk show.

“Kelly’s comments come as no surprise to those who were aware of what was going on behind the scenes,” the source told the Daily Mail, adding that meetings involving executives and human resources were simply part of the job.

Clarkson’s Improvised Style Reportedly Frustrated Producers

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According to the insider, Kelly Clarkson’s biggest challenge wasn’t her relationship with colleagues but her tendency to abandon the script.

The source claimed producers expected the 44-year-old to follow a structured rundown, yet Clarkson frequently let conversations unfold naturally instead.

“She had to stick to the script to a certain extent, but most of the time would actually go off script — and then she’d hear it from producers afterwards,” the insider alleged.

While that spontaneity reportedly created extra work behind the scenes, it also became one of the defining qualities of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” giving interviews and audience interactions a relaxed, unscripted feel that resonated with viewers.

The source suggested that the same candid personality audiences saw in Las Vegas was the one producers dealt with throughout her time at NBC.

Kelly Clarkson Never Lost The Down-To-Earth Personality Fans Loved

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Despite the reported friction over her unscripted style, the insider insisted Clarkson remained widely admired by the people who worked with her every day.

“It’s not easy for anyone to take on this role but she did a great job and everyone who worked with her really did enjoy working with her,” the source said, adding that many members of her original team chose to stay with her throughout the show’s run.

The insider attributed that loyalty to the “Because Of You” singer’s approachable nature, saying she never let fame change who she was.

“Just like they say — you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl,” they explained, adding, “That was very much Kelly.”

According to the insider, Clarkson remained grounded despite years in the spotlight, preferring authenticity over Hollywood expectations and never losing the values she developed long before becoming a television star.

Kelly Clarkson Called Leaving NBC An Emotional Decision

Long before joking about HR meetings from the stage, Clarkson addressed her departure from “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in a far more emotional statement.

Announcing that the current season would be her last, the singer expressed gratitude to the network, her crew, guests, and loyal viewers.

“I am forever grateful and honored to have worked alongside the greatest band and crew you could hope for, all the talent and inspiring people who have shared their time and lives with us, all the fans who have supported our show, and to NBC for always being such a supportive and incredible partner,” she wrote on Instagram in February.

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Clarkson explained that ending the show would allow her to devote more time to her children, River Rose and Remington, following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, in 2025 after a private battle with cancer.

Kelly Clarkson Made Another Candid Confession During Her Vegas Residency

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Kelly Clarkson’s children aren’t the only priority in her life these days. The singer has also become increasingly intentional about what she wants from her personal relationships.

The Grammy winner recently offered fans an unexpectedly honest update on her love life during her Las Vegas residency, admitting she’s perfectly content with where she is emotionally. 

Addressing one of the questions she gets asked most often, Clarkson joked per Page Six, “There are a lot of people out here making single look real good,” before confessing that seeing some couples makes her think, “I am so glad I’m going home alone.”

Despite the laughs, Clarkson acknowledged that maintaining a healthy relationship required ongoing effort. 

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“If you are in a relationship, the hardest part is just keeping that fire alive and still dating, and like still making it feel magical and not monotonous,” she told the audience. 

While Clarkson hasn’t ruled out finding love again, she suggested she’s enjoying this season of independence as she focuses on her children, career, and personal happiness.

An unlucky-in-love Olivia Colman finds romance in the strangest place in the new trailer for Wicker. Alexander Skarsgård, Peter Dinklage, and Elizabeth Debicki also star in the comedic fantasy film, which is set to be released by Black Bear this fall. It will open in select theaters on October 23, before getting a wider release on October 30.

Wicker made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year to great acclaim from critics; it currently holds a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Collider’s Therese Lacson contributed to the critical consensus; in her review, she praised the film’s performances and special effects, calling it “an exploration of human connection, a criticism of the patriarchy, and a fun exploration of just how far one ridiculous concept can be taken.”

In the trailer, Colman plays the fisherwoman of a medieval village; thanks to her perpetually piscine odor, she’s been stymied in her attempts to secure a husband. In desperation, she turns to the village basket-weaver (Dinklage) to manufacture what she can’t find; he delivers, and then some, producing a living wicker man who thankfully does not contain either Edward Woodward or Nicolas Cage. Instead, he’s brought to life by the acting talents of Skarsgård and the magic of special effects artist Joe Dunckley and the Wētā Workshop. Unlike so many of the other village men, he’s kind, considerate, and, yes, fully functional. As you might imagine, a woman making passionate love to a literal stick figure raises some hackles with the townsfolk; can their love endure, or is he destined to become kindling? You’ll have to hit the theater this October to find out.

Who Are the Creatives Behind ‘Wicker’?

Wicker is adapted from the short story “The Wicker Husband” by Ursula Wills; it was previously adapted as a stage musical. The film was written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson; it is the second feature for the duo, after the acclaimed 2020 science fiction comedy Save Yourselves! It features cinematography by Lol Crawley (The Brutalist), production design by Renátó Cseh (Poor Things), costumes by Tóth András Dániel and Attila Godena-Juhász (The Uprising), and music by Anna Meredith (The End We Start From).

Image via Black Bear.

Wicker will be released in select theaters on October 23, then nationwide on October 30. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

January 24, 2026

Runtime

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105 minutes

Director

Eleanor Wilson, Alex Huston Fischer

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Writers

Eleanor Wilson, Alex Huston Fischer

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Producers

Brent Stiefel, Olivia Colman, David Michôd, Lia Buman, Tim Headington, Justin Lothrop, Brad Zimmerman, Ryan Heller, Ed Sinclair, Tom Carver

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If you’ve been longing for Maika Monroe to return to the horror sphere, look no further than her new film: Victorian Psycho. The Bleecker Street movie stars Monroe as an eccentric governess who goes to a Gothic manor to tend to the children there, including Hamnet star Jacobi Jupe. And in a new trailer for the film, which also stars Ruth Wilson, Thomasin McKenzie, and Jason Isaacs, we get to see just how “eccentric” Monroe gets to be with the demon who lives inside of her named “Fred.” Directed by Zachary Wigon and written by Virginia Feito, the film looks deliciously twisted!

Victorian Psycho is produced by Wigon as well as Dan Kagan, Sébastien Raybaud, and Nick Shumaker. And the trailer shows Monroe covered in blood, just a little bit unhinged, and allowing herself to be the seeming “villain” of the story, differing from her other horror movies like the Osgood Perkins’ film Longlegs and the David Robert Mitchell film It Follows, which put Monroe on the horror film map.Victorian Psycho is described as follows: “Set in Victorian England, Victorian Psycho sees an eccentric governess arrive at a remote gothic manor, where strange happenings stir suspicion that she’s not what she seems.”

In the newly released trailer, Winifred Notty (Monroe) is teaching her two students of her version of comparison. “When you come across an animal in pain, the merciful thing to do is to kill it,” Winifred tells them. Even when one tries to tell her that the animal is still alive. A lot of the trailer is Monroe with blood splattered on her face and acting just a little unhinged in the best of ways, and it really helps to paint what kind of brilliant chaos awaits in Victorian Psycho.

Maika Monroe Is a Perfect Modern Day Scream Queen

Monroe’s filmography bounces back and forth in genre. Most recently, she was in the Colleen Hoover film Reminders of Him and was in the follow-up film to the 1996 film Independence Day. Her work though often takes her back into the horror genre. Victorian Psycho though is unique in how it is using Monroe. Both It Follows and Longlegs had her as the audience’s “final girl” but the trailer paints a pretty clear picture of the kind of character Monroe is playing. Maybe her villainous ways will be explained but it is exciting to see her take on a new kind of horror role.

Victorian Psycho is set to hit theaters this fall.

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Release Date

September 25, 2026

Runtime

90 minutes

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Director

Zachary Wigon

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With Spider-Man: Brand New Day now in theaters, excitement for the future of Marvel’s web-slinger has never been higher. While fans are enjoying Tom Holland’s latest adventure as Peter Parker, many are already looking ahead to the next Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has confirmed that a live action Miles Morales is part of the studio’s future plans following the conclusion of Sony’s Spider-Verse trilogy. At the same time, Holland has made it clear that he’s eager to help introduce the fan favorite hero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Speaking about the future of the franchise, Holland said:

“I know that I have aspirations to bring Miles Morales into the universe, however that works out. We’ve got a lot of work to do to bring that to life. But yeah, I feel really strongly about it… I would love to kind of return that favor to the next generation of people that get the luxury of making these movies. So that is definitely something that I’m really working towards.”

Holland has also spoken about wanting to mentor the actor who eventually plays Miles, much like Robert Downey Jr.helped welcome him into the MCU nearly a decade ago.

With Marvel officially moving toward introducing Miles Morales, the question has shifted from if he’ll appear to whoshould play him.

Here are the three actors who continue to dominate fan casting discussions.

1. Caleb McLaughlin

If there’s one actor whose name appears more than any other, it’s Caleb McLaughlin.

Best known for his breakout role in Stranger Things, McLaughlin has repeatedly been mentioned by fans as the ideal choice to bring Miles Morales to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor has also expressed interest in playing the character, further fueling speculation.

His combination of charisma, emotional range, and action experience makes him an easy fit for a version of Miles balancing superhero responsibilities with everyday life.

Caleb McLaughlin [getty]

2. Miles Brown

Sometimes the name is just too perfect.

Miles Brown has quietly become one of the strongest fan favorites thanks to his athletic background, youthful energy, and experience leading family-oriented productions. While he may not have the same level of mainstream recognition as McLaughlin, many Marvel fans believe he fits the age and personality of Miles Morales exceptionally well.

As Marvel continues to look toward the next generation of heroes, Brown remains one of the most frequently suggested rising stars.

Miles Brown [getty]

3. Tyrel Jackson Williams

Long before Marvel officially acknowledged plans for a live action Miles Morales, Tyrel Jackson Williams was already winning fan polls for the role.

Known for his comedic timing and natural screen presence, Williams continues to receive support from fans who envision a slightly older version of Miles entering the MCU. Even years after those early campaigns, his name remains a consistent part of the conversation whenever casting rumors surface.

Tyrel Jackson Williams [getty]

Miles Morales Is Finally Swinging Toward the MCU

Marvel hasn’t revealed when Miles Morales will officially make his live action debut, but all signs point to the character being one of the franchise’s biggest priorities after Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. With Tom Holland eager to pass the torch someday and Kevin Feige confirming that plans are already in motion, it’s only a matter of time before Marvel begins searching for the actor who will become the next Spider-Man.

Who Gets Our Vote?

If Marvel were casting today, our picks would be:

1. Caleb McLaughlin
2. Miles Brown
3. Tyrel Jackson Williams

Each actor brings something unique to the role, but all three have built passionate fan support over the past several years. Whoever ultimately lands the part will have big shoes to fill, but they’ll also inherit one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes.

The Grammys have responded to BTS’s bold decision to withhold their music from award consideration entirely.

The drama began shortly after the Recording Academy unveiled a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category to recognize excellence in the Asian markets. The move has since been interpreted as discriminatory, sparking intense backlash.

However, the Grammys insist that it is the total opposite of their intention towards K-Pop artists. 

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In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his disappointment at BTS’ refusal to compete, writing:

“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision.”

Mason, however, proceeded to clarify the award body’s motive, saying the new category was created to “celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth,” shining a bigger spotlight on the Asian pop scene. According to the Grammys, this move means more artists will be recognized.

Explaining that this truth has been “lost in the conversation,” Mason added that “It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.”

Grammys Explains Submission For Category Eligibility Rules

The CEO also noted that the creation of new classifications like the Asian, Jazz, Country, and African categories doesn’t mean artists can’t submit and be considered for General Awards like Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

“Recognition in a genre category and recognition in the General Field are not mutually exclusive. An artist can absolutely pursue both,” Mason reiterated.

The statement concluded, emphasizing that the mission statement of the Grammys is to serve music and those who listen and create it.

Fans Riot Against Grammys For ‘Tone Deaf’ Statement

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The post soon caused another eruption of backlash from the global music community, who interpreted it as dodging accountability.

“Harvey Mason Jr.’s response is a masterclass in corporate gaslighting that completely ignores how the Recording Academy actually operates,” one user penned.

Others considered why there wasn’t the creation of categories like European, Canadian, and British. Instead, the move was targeted at non-English-speaking nationalities.

Another similar remark read, “His statement just proves that the Grammys and himself are tone deaf. Rather than listen to what poc artists have been saying for years, they choose to attempt to rewrite the narrative.

BTS Wants Music To Be Heard, Not Categorized

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CEO Mason Jr.’s comment comes a day after the South Korean boy band revealed its plan not to compete in this year’s award cycle.

As The Blast reported, each member of the group, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, posted the announcement on their individual pages in solidarity.

“We decided not to submit to the Grammys this year. We want music to be heard and loved for what it is, rather than categorized by region or language,” it read.

Although the group didn’t make any reference to the Grammys’ Asian Pop Category, the timing was enough proof for their large fanbase.

The Boy Band Has Been Longing For A Grammy

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Questions soon arose about whether the category would do more harm than good, sidelining K-Pop Artists as a form of celebration, but not acknowledging them enough to make them compete alongside others.

However, the Grammys explained that it was a move to acknowledge the ever-evolving global music landscape.

Nevertheless, BTS’ decision to opt out mustn’t have come easy for the beloved boy group, given that they are yet to take home the prestigious award despite their many accolades.

In a 2020 interview, band leader RM opened up about their goal to win a Grammy because “the final part of the whole American journey.”

Since first coming on the US scene in 2017, BTS has been nominated five times. In 2021, “Dynamite” earned recognition for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The following year, their hit song, “Butter,” competed in the same category.

2023 saw the group earn three separate nominations for the Coldplay collaboration, “My Universe,” along with recognition for its appearance on “Music of the Spheres” and “Yet To Come,” in the music video categories.

Michael Mando has revealed that he was navigating life without a home while chasing his dream of becoming an actor.

He also admitted that repeated audition rejections during that period made him feel “untalented,” though he now sees those experiences as a natural part of the human journey.

The actor is best known for playing Nacho Varga in Better Call Saul and Mac Gargan in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” He is set to reprise the role in the upcoming “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” where he’ll finally transform into the mechanically enhanced version of his character, Scorpion.

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In less than 48 hours, Michael Mando will return to the Marvel universe after first earning widespread acclaim for his standout performance in “Better Call Saul.”

That success was built on years of sacrifice, as the actor revealed during a recent appearance on the “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast.

“I was homeless when I started my acting career,” the Canadian actor shared. “I used to shower at the YMCA. I used to take a bus from Montreal to Toronto overnight. I used to shower at the YMCA, go do an audition, and then take the bus back.”

The Canadian Actor Recalls Being Kicked Out By A Friend

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During that period, Mando occasionally stayed at friends’ apartments, though those living arrangements often proved difficult.

“I remember in the winter, I got kicked out of my friend’s apartment because I overslept and I burnt his sheets by accident on the heater,” the Marvel star recalled. “And he’s like, ‘Man, you got to go. We can’t both sleep on a small mattress.’”

Afterward, Mando rented an apartment with poor living conditions because it was all he could afford. He continued auditioning for roles but faced far more rejections than callbacks, leaving him to question whether he was truly meant to become an actor.

“I felt so s—ty in my life so many times,” he said. “I felt small, I felt unwanted, I felt untalented, I felt hopeless, and that’s just a part of the human experience.”

Mando Shares Hope For Anyone Facing Homelessness

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Across the six-season run of “Better Call Saul,” Mando appeared in 33 episodes, a role that helped elevate both his career and financial stability.

His role in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is also expected to be significantly larger than his appearance in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” marking another major milestone in his Hollywood career.

Looking back on his journey, Mando said he hopes his story inspires others facing similar hardships.

He said, “To everyone out there, if you’ve been broke, if you’ve been homeless, if you thought that there’s no way out, of course I felt it. And I can promise you almost every single great person, actor, anyone you’ve ever met has felt it. It’s not just you; everybody feels it.”

The ‘Elysium’ Star Hyped ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Ahead Of Premiere

Mando recently stopped by San Diego Comic-Con, where he spoke with Extra about Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

When asked what fans should be most excited about, the actor kept spoilers to a minimum while offering high praise for the film.

“I think Spider-Man: Brand New Day is arguably one of the best superhero movies, period. I hope people enjoy it as much as we have making it,” Mando said.

He also praised lead star Tom Holland and the rest of the cast.

“All the stuff I’ve seen Tom do on and off camera is just great. Phenomenal. And everybody in that—I think everybody crushes it. So, I can’t wait for the world to see it.”

Michael Mando Lands Another Iconic Comic Book Villain

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Next month, Mando will return to the superhero genre once again, this time lending his voice to Bane in the animated DC film Batman: Knightfall.

The actor revealed that the most rewarding part of playing the iconic villain came after much of the voice work had already been completed.

“I came back to do some of the grunts after they animated it, and I saw basically Bane and Batman fighting, and I had a callback to when I was a kid,” Mando recalled. “I just remember thinking, ‘Wow, imagine telling the eight-year-old me you’re going to beat up Batman and it’s going to be great.’ That was really beautiful.”