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Prime Video’s $1 Billion Fantasy Franchise Is Facing an Even Bigger Risk With Its Season 3 Return

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Robert Aramayo as Elron in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'

Prime Video has poured everything it could into the ambitious fantasy series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, making it the streamer’s most expensive show, but it isn’t without risk. As beloved as J. R. R. Tolkien’s stories are, The Rings of Power has not been embraced by the fandom at large and has not maintained viewership between the first and second seasons. So, as Season 3 prepares for its release, fans are watching closely to see if The Rings of Power will defy the odds or fall victim to the string of premature cancellations that haunt the fantasy genre. This attention makes Prime Video’s recent announcement about The Rings of Power all the more interesting.

While Season 2 ended in October 2024, Season 3 wasn’t expected until 2027. But in a shocking update, The Rings of Power Season 3 will be premiering much sooner. Now expected in 2026 (specifically this November, as of this week’s announcement), the show’s wait between seasons will remain more consistent, which can only be a good thing. Although longer gaps between seasons are slowly becoming standard, especially in the fantasy genre, they often come with a drop in momentum, and The Rings of Power Season 3’s new release date could serve as a test for the series’ long-term future.

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‘The Rings of Power’ Returning This Fall Is Better for the Series

With a sprawling narrative and extensive special effects, it’s no wonder that The Rings of Power needs more time to create each new season. Like any show, The Rings of Power requires a dedicated audience, and the more time that passes between seasons, the higher the risk of losing viewers. The epic fantasy started strong, but Season 2’s viewership reportedly decreased by half. Of course, there are many factors involved, but Season 2 premiered almost exactly two years after Season 1’s release, which is part of the problem.

The Rings of Power isn’t the only show to encounter this problem. As the wait for new episodes has grown, some streaming shows have lost momentum in attracting or even keeping viewers. However, The Rings of Power can’t afford another major dip, especially given the show’s production cost. When the wait for Season 3 was originally reported to be longer than two years, this was especially concerning because it would dilute audience interest even further. Now, the series seems to be following a similar release pattern to previous seasons, which is a move in the right direction, but that doesn’t guarantee success.


Robert Aramayo as Elron in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power'

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As a Lord of the Rings Fan, These Are the 10 Best ‘Rings of Power’ Episodes

“Sometimes to find the light, we must first touch the darkness.”

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Season 3 Will Test ‘The Rings of Power’s Longevity

Prime Video has already expressed its commitment to The Rings of Power, putting it in a better position than most shows, but that only lasts as long as people tune in. As such, the series’ change in release represents a test for the future. As much as Prime Video wants The Rings of Power to become an undeniable sensation, it hasn’t reached those heights, and the fantasy genre is a risky one on streaming. Recently, many fantasy shows have ended early, with Prime Video itself canceling The Wheel of Time, Carnival Row, and My Lady Jane within the last few years. With fantasy series failing around it, Season 3 will determine if The Rings of Power can really last.

The Rings of Power has a lot of story left to tell, already setting up the fall of Númenor and an epic battle against Sauron (Charlie Vickers), but to get that far, the series must cement its audience. Season 3 will prove its longevity, with the show either reinforcing or defying recent trends in viewership. If those numbers stabilize, the show can secure its safety, especially with Prime Video’s previous confirmation of a five-season plan. The Rings of Power returning sooner, rather than later, is a good sign for the series, but Prime Video may have to do more to hold on to its audience. Fortunately, the epic story that lies ahead for The Rings of Power gives it a good chance of defying the odds.


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Release Date

September 1, 2022

Network

Amazon Prime Video

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Showrunner

John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip

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Writers

Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, J.R.R. Tolkien, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Stephany Folsom, Nicholas Adams

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Young and Restless Next Week: Jack Makes Dangerous Gamble – Victoria Fears for Nikki’s Life!

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Young and the Restless Spoilers: Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) - Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle)

Young and the Restless spoilers for next week thrill when July sweeps kicks off, including Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) taking a big risk and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) is terrified after her mom gets an absolutely horrifying medical diagnosis that could actually be fatal.

We’ve got the latest Y&R spoilers for the week of June 22nd, including Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) taking a big step that we honestly expected was coming and Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) warns somebody.

Young and the Restless: Matt Clark’s Clumsy Scheme

And now, let’s get right to it. First, let’s talk about Matt Clark. So, at the end of this week, Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) overhears Matt talking to Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn), and he’s asking Matt why he is fanboying all over him. And of course, we know it is because Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) ordered Matt to get really close to Cane. And that way, he can feed Victor info that he can use to destroy Cane. But so far, honestly, Matt’s not doing a great job because he’s not being subtle at all. And Cane already guesses that Victor is somehow involved. And Cane is demanding to know what is his agenda.

But Matt persists. He keeps working on Cane. And then Matt lies and says he worked on Adam Newman’s (Mark Grossman) mom’s farm in Kansas. Cane doesn’t buy that Matt’s a horse guy. Obviously, Victor has fed Matt a bunch of info and backstory because then he tells Cane that his dad got sick and he took care of him until he died, which is super sneaky because Victor knows Cane went through the same thing with his dad, Colin Atkinson (Tristan Rogers). And then Matt claims that he somehow heard how Cane was with his dad, Colin, near the end of his life. And Matt’s talking about how that moved him. This is all just Victor being so horrible.

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Cane Blasts Matt on Y&R

But then Cane calls BS on everything that Matt is saying to him. He’s not a fool and he tries claiming that he just wanted to talk to him because he needs advice from Cane. So, while this was going on, Phyllis Summers is eavesdropping. And then she butts into Matt and Cane’s conversation and Phyllis asks what they’re doing together. Matt says that Adam introduced him to Cane. And Cane thinks that’s awfully convenient. Then Matt tells Cane he met Phyllis at the GCAC. That’s the point Cane decides this is all way too suspicious and he walks out.

Young and the Restless: Phyllis Warns Matt and a Potential Romance

After he goes, Phyllis asks Matt what is he doing? And she tells him that Victor asks her not to rat him out. She’s not going to. But Phyllis is warning Matt that Cane is already suspicious and Phyllis is afraid this is all going to come back to bite Matt. We know Phyllis feels protective of Matt because he saved Nick Newman’s (Joshua Morrow) life and Phyllis thinks Matt is a hero and she tells him.

And he tells Phyllis that he just wants to make up for all the bad things he’s done. But Phyllis warns him that Victor’s taking advantage of him and will stab him in the back. But Matt reminds Phyllis that she was also manipulating him. And she circles back around and tells Matt, “Look, I know that you’re not a psycho anymore.” And Phyllis again is warning Matt to watch his back with Victor.

Young and the Restless: Matt & Phyllis May Heat Up

We recently did a video about some couple swaps and new couples forming. And it looks like one of the new pairs that we predicted could actually be kicking off next week because Phyllis is with Matt over at the GCAC. Then things get a little bizarre as he tells Phyllis, “Once upon a time there was a man who had no memory.” And then Matt says, “And he met a woman and he asked her out on a date.” So yeah, Matt’s being weird, but he is asking Phyllis out on a date. That is definite. So, we’ll see.

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You know, Phyllis hesitates, but even if she says no the first time that Matt asks, I think that Phyllis will cave and will go out with Matt soon. But on the other hand, Phyllis might just go ahead and say yes the very first time that Matt asks. This romance, of course, is going to shock Genoa City. And honestly, it’s just ick to think about Phyllis dating Sharon Newman’s (Sharon Case) rapist. Just so much ick.

Young and the Restless: Jack’s Plan to Find Diane

Also, this past week, we had Jack Abbott worried sick because Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) has done something bad to Diane Jenkins Abbott (Susan Walters) and she’s stuck in Dr. Markham’s (Jere Burns) house. So, this is our next topic. Jack keeps asking Patty to put him in contact with Diane’s psychiatrist, but Patty keeps putting him off. And now it looks like Jack doubts that Patty’s being honest about another doctor being involved. And Jack may suspect that her shrink Dr. Markham is the one who is holding Diane, which is accurate. So hopefully since this is moving along, they’re not going to drag this messiness out too long. I expect Jack to find Diane during July sweeps that kicks off on Thursday, June 25th.

So, next week, Jack is telling Billy about this, catching him up and saying what he needs to do is lure the doctor away from his house. But Billy’s worried and claps back at Jack. What happens when the doctor gets suspicious? So, it sounds almost like Jack wants to get Billy to lure the doctor away so that Jack can go in there. Or maybe he’s going to lure him and Billy goes in there to see if Diane’s there. So, it’s interesting.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) - Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle)Young and the Restless Spoilers: Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) - Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle)
Young and the Restless Spoilers: Jack Abbott – Victoria Newman 

Young and Restless: Nikki’s Terrifying Diagnosis

And last but not least, we’re going to talk about Nikki Newman’s (Melody Thomas Scott) terrifying diagnosis. So, at the end of this week, Victoria is really worried about Nikki. She told her the headaches were getting worse and that she had a vision issue. And then Victoria turns around and tells Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) that she’s really worried. And Victoria says she is particularly worried about this stress that Nikki’s under. Her mom also doesn’t have her best friend Jack to lean on because of all the stuff he’s dealing with in his life.

And when Claire asks if they maybe should try to push Nikki and Victor to reconcile, Victoria says, “No, we just can’t interfere.” And says that Nikki and Victor have been through rough times before. They’ve split before, but this breakup is hitting Nikki very hard. Claire asks if there’s more to it. And finally, Victoria opens up and tells Claire about Nikki’s headaches.

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And Victoria thinks it’s maybe more than just stress that’s affecting her mom. She brings up Nikki’s alcoholism, which is ironic since Claire pushed her grandma off the wagon. Victoria is also worried about her mom’s multiple sclerosis. And she says that all these health concerns of Nikki are always playing in the back of Victoria’s mind.

Young and the Restless: Victoria Struggling with Her Trauma & Grief

And Claire’s worried that Victoria is being all doom and gloom about Nikki because Cole Howard (J. Eddie Peck) came up and died unexpectedly. And Victoria admits Claire’s probably right. She’s worried that she might lose Nikki as well. So that brings us to what happens next week with Victoria and her mom. We’re not going to have to wait long because on Monday, Nikki gets her diagnosis.

And it sounds extremely dangerous, potentially fatal, if it’s not treated promptly. Once she finds out, she confides in Victoria, who’s going to tell Nikki that we’re going to do everything we can to fix it. And Victoria’s mom is crying, saying this can’t be happening. We know it’s very serious and Nikki is debating not telling Victor about her diagnosis at all, but Victoria might actually spill to her dad.

We’ll see. Be sure to come back tomorrow for our complete weekly spoilers video for the week of June 22nd, including lots more good stuff for sweeps, plus our weekly predictions, two spoilers, casting news, and so much more.

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Babylon 5 Paid Tribute To Its Earliest Fans In The Nerdiest Way Possible

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Babylon 5 Paid Tribute To Its Earliest Fans In The Nerdiest Way Possible

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published

The best part of the early days of the internet was logging in, and finding people like you with the same interests. America Online, Prodigy, Compuserve, all had incredibly active forums devoted to everything from roleplaying a Moogle from Final Fantasy, to talking about Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was on a fan message board where J. Michael Straczynski went for help during the production of Babylon 5’s first season when he needed some names. In return, he snuck in a subtle tribute to the fan who helped him out. 

Asking The Fans For Help

Quantum-40 Powers The Jumpgates In Babylon 5

JMS was a part of the Science Fiction Round Table on GEnie, the online service that predates the rollout of “www,” long before he brought Babylon 5 to life. Accessing the GEnie service required a specific modem setting, dialing into the service, and then entering a specific prompt once connected. We used to have to jump through hoops to talk to complete strangers about how annoying Wesley Crusher was. 

After Warner Bros. legal team denied some names during the production of the first season, JMS took to GEnie for new names. One user, who would go on to tell the story on Reddit multiple times over the years, said he looked down at his desk and saw a disc for Quantum Link sitting there, and played around with Quantum as the element that powered jumpgates. Season 1 Episode 6, “Mind War,” is the first time that the element  “Quantum-40” is mentioned by name. 

JMS Said Thanks In The Best Way

JMS Namedropped A Fan In “Parliament Of Dreams”

In “Parliament of Dreams,” Sinclair (Michael O’Hare) takes his on-again off-again love interest Catherine to Fresh Air, where the Maitre’d takes them to their table, and says that “David will be your waiter tonight.” That’s the real name of the user who named Quantum-40, and when he asked JMS if it was a coincidence, the coy answer he received from the Babylon 5 creator was: “Freud says there’s no coincidences.” 

Babylon 5 isn’t the first show to pay tribute to a fan, and it won’t be the last. It was one of the first where the creator would directly talk to fans. Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, and Babylon 5 were among the first shows that reached new levels of success thanks to their online popularity. The “virtual town square,” as most print media referred to online forums at the time, was a new frontier allowing sci-fi fans thousands of miles apart to connect over shared interests. 

Babylon 5 Fandom Is Over 30 Years Old And Still Going Strong

Today it’s easy to talk to actors on social media, Wil Wheaton is especially active, as is Stargate Universe’s David Blue, Battlestar Galactica’s Katee Sackhoff and Tricia Helfer, and countless others. It’s both a good thing, as it’s fun to see what your favorite stars are up to, and they often will post behind the scenes from their projects, but also a bad thing because what if, well, your favorite star is a jerk? 

The Babylon 5 fandom has had its up and downs over the years. It’s grown and evolved alongside the internet, enduring disappointments (Crusade) and a comeback (Babylon 5: The Road Home), while keeping the flame lit for any news of a revival or a legacy series. 

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Meghan Markle Could Face Hostile UK Return Over Past Deeds

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex drive in an electric Jaguar car

Meghan Markle could face a mixed reception if she returns to the UK, as a royal expert warns that parts of the public still blame her for the fallout following her and Prince Harry’s exit from royal duties.

The Sussexes are expected next month in Birmingham for a pre-2027 Invictus Games event with their children, though questions remain over royal meetings.

The planned visit has reignited debate among commentators, with some suggesting it reflects a push by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to maintain ties with the monarchy.

Meghan Markle’s UK Visit Raises Questions Over Security, Royal Reunion, And Public Mood

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex drive in an electric Jaguar car
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Meghan might face some challenges when she arrives in the UK next month, with one royal commentator warning that some members of the public have not forgiven her for the events that followed her and Harry’s departure from royal life.

It’s been confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex will accompany Harry to Birmingham in July for the “One Year to Go” celebrations ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games.

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Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are also expected to join the visit, marking a rare family trip to Britain.

Questions remain over whether King Charles will meet his youngest grandchildren during the visit. In the past, Harry has said he wanted to bring his children to the UK but felt unable to do so because of concerns surrounding security arrangements.

Recent reports, however, suggest he has received assurances that suitable protection will be provided during the trip.

Royal Expert Warns Sussexes’ UK Visit Could Spark Mixed Public Reaction: ‘Many Will Still Not Forgive Her’

The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, UK, on the 19th May 2018.
WPA Pool/MEGA

Despite that, royal commentator Phil Dampier believes the Sussexes may still encounter resistance from sections of the British public.

According to The Express, he argued that while many people in the UK are fair-minded, others continue to blame Meghan for Harry’s split from royal duties and the tensions that followed.

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“They are, but many will still not forgive her for her role in taking Harry away and disrespecting the royals,” the expert said.

Dampier suggested the couple is taking a significant gamble by returning, warning that public reactions could be unpredictable and that some spectators may not welcome them warmly.

He noted, however, that the pair “are on safe ground at the Invictus Games event as the servicemen and their families” hold them in high regard because of their longstanding involvement with the organization.

Dampier further shared that the upcoming visit could serve as an important test of public sentiment before the Invictus Games themselves take place in Birmingham in July 2027.

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A positive reception, particularly if accompanied by a public meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla, could encourage more visits in the future.

He added: “I don’t think anyone really knows how this is going to play out long term, which makes it so fascinating, but it also has the potential to be a disaster for the royals.”

Royal Expert Questions Sussexes’ UK Trip, Suggests Move Is Driven By Royal Ties

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
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The debate intensified after television presenter Mark Dolan questioned the necessity of the Sussexes traveling from Montecito for the countdown event.

Speaking on Royal Exclusive, television presenter Mark Dolan questioned why the couple would make the trip in person for what he viewed as a relatively minor event, suggesting the move may be about more than simply supporting the Invictus Games and more about being  “back in the Royal fold.”

He said, “I mean, it’s something Harry could have jumped on a Zoom and said, okay, folks, a year to go. Good luck, let’s go for it. Why are they all coming for what is a nothing burger?”

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Dolan added, “I believe it’s an act of desperation. Meghan is impervious to shame.”

The expert further claimed that the Sussexes still benefit enormously from their royal titles and public connection to the institution, arguing that those links remain central to their profile and influence.

The Sussexes’ Return Shows That They ‘Need The Optics’ Amid Strained Family Ties

Queen Elizabeth with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry the Royal Family watch the RAF100 flypast
James Whatling / MEGA

Dolan argued that the Sussexes’ planned return is driven, at least in part, by the value that their royal connections continue to hold.

He suggested that recent challenges facing the couple’s commercial ventures have made the prestige and visibility associated with the monarchy increasingly important.

“They need the optics, they need the titles, they need the status, they need the elevated position it gives them because at the moment, we’ve seen that Meghan’s popularity is dropping in the United States,” Dolan said.

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He also predicted that Prince William would be “furious” with any development that appeared to bring Harry and Meghan closer to the Royal Family.

Prince Harry And Meghan’s UK Trip Might Not Lead To A Family Reconciliation, Experts Say

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
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During the discussion, host Bronte Coy asked whether the visit could create an opportunity for reconciliation, including the possibility of the Sussex and Wales children spending time together.

However, Daily Beast European editor-at-large Tom Sykes dismissed the idea, arguing that tensions between the two sides remain far from resolved.

He described suggestions that the couple’s estrangement is simply a source of sadness as misleading and accused them of overlooking the events that led to the family rift.

“I’ve been told very frankly, by friends of William and Catherine, that they absolutely loathe them. They completely blame Meghan for what has happened,” Sykes added.

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While the Prince and Princess of Wales might not be interested in a reunion with Harry and Meghan, reports hint that King Charles, out of everyone, might be looking forward to seeing his grandkids again.

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Queen & ClarenceNYC’s Son Stuns Kai Cenat

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Rihanna Seemingly Addresses Baby Rumors, Talks "Little Pouch"

Kai Cenat‘s Streamer University auditions have delivered plenty of viral moments, but one wholesome family interaction has social media talking for all the right reasons.

Related: Try Again?! Zoe Spencer Announces Plans To Apply For Streamer University 2 After Missing Out The First Time (WATCH)

Queen & Clarence’s Son Impresses Kai Cenat With His Math Skills

Kai Cenat’s Streamer University auditions have been keeping timelines entertained, with everyone from major creators to hopeful streamers shooting their shot for a spot in the program. However, during the Atlanta auditions, it was Queen Naija and ClarenceNYC’s 7-year-old son, Legend, who stole the show.

While auditioning, Queen and Clarence called Legend after Clarence confidently told Kai that his son could solve any math problem. Kai put him to the test, firing off several questions over the phone while Clarence double-checked the answers with a calculator.

Legend got every question right, leaving Kai visibly impressed. Queen and Clarence shared a proud hug, hoping their son’s skills would help secure their spot in Streamer University. But in a hilarious plot twist, Kai jokingly declined both of their applications and announced that Legend was the one being accepted instead.

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Social Media Reacts

The viral clip sparked thousands of reactions online.

Instagram user @danishaa___ wrote, “I think they was talking bout Cj… seems like Kai is a huge fan of Legend 😂😂😂 that baby is literally a genius ❤️ bless his heart”

Another Instagram user @_ybskiii wrote, “He do taxes??? 😭😭😭😭

While Instagram user @wylizzle wrote, “The way they hugged each other proud of him I nearly cried 🥹😂❤️”

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Instagram user @0na.mae wrote, The little sound he makes when he’s thinking 😭 lol he is too cute!”

Another Instagram user @djtwoee wrote, “Not dad up there pulling out the calculator 😂”

While Instagram user @qpharoah wrote, “Mind you some people be stuck on 7×4”

Instagram user @eternalnessss201392 wrote, “That’s an autistic super hero right there. He broke that down, something I didn’t even do.”

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Another Instagram user @yamiilenaa wrote, They named him legend not knowing he was about to be a math legend fr ✨👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🔥”

While Instagram user @gumby_licious wrote, “Decline both of y’all I’ll take Legend 😂😂”

Streamer University Auditions Draw Massive Crowds

The viral family moment came during Kai Cenat’s Atlanta Streamer University auditions on Wednesday. The event followed previous audition stops in New York and Los Angeles.

However, Atlanta’s turnout proved to be the largest yet.

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Thousands of aspiring creators packed the area surrounding State Farm Arena in hopes of earning a spot in the program. Due to the overwhelming crowd, arena officials were eventually forced to shut down the auditions early and stop additional attendees from entering the venue. Those still waiting outside were instructed to leave the area as no more participants would be admitted.

Related: Soulja Boy Announces ‘Rapper University’ After Calling Out Kai Cenat Over ‘Streamer University 2’ & His Ties To DDG (VIDEO)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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The Underrated Dark Thriller With The Best Action Star Ever Is Streaming For Free

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jackie chan

By Steven Nelson
| Published

jackie chan

Step into a world where action meets drama as you queue up 2017’s The Foreigner, featuring none other than the martial arts maestro, Jackie Chan. In this intense thriller, Chan sheds his typically cheerful on-screen persona to deliver a performance that’s riddled with depth, showcasing a grieving father’s relentless pursuit of justice.

Directed by Martin Campbell, the man behind iconic James Bond films, The Foreigner is a gripping tale that unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue and explosive action sequences. If you’re ready for a side of Jackie Chan you’ve rarely seen, this film promises an exhilarating ride.

A Chilling Revenge Arc

The Foreigner 2017

The Foreigner, starring the legendary Jackie Chan, is a riveting action thriller that revolves around the character of Ngoc Minh Quan, a humble London-based businessman with a haunting past. Quan’s world is turned upside down when his teenage daughter, Fan, is killed in a politically-motivated terrorist bombing. Devastated by his loss, Quan embarks on a relentless pursuit of justice, vowing to bring those responsible to account.

As Quan digs deeper, he discovers that the bombing is linked to a group of rogue Irish terrorists. He targets Liam Hennessy (played by Pierce Brosnan), a government official with former ties to the terrorists, believing him to hold the key to the identities of the bombers. Quan’s quest for vengeance takes him into a shadowy world of political conspiracy, power struggles, and hidden agendas.

The Foreigner 2017

Quan employs his skills, honed during his time as a special forces operative in the Vietnam War, to uncover the truth. He faces numerous obstacles and challenges as he unravels a complex web of intrigue involving British and Northern Irish politics, all while Hennessy struggles to manage political tensions and maintain his own grip on power.

The film’s narrative is imbued with themes of revenge, redemption, and the moral complexities of justice. Jackie Chan delivers a poignant and compelling performance, portraying a man driven by grief, grappling with loss, and seeking closure, while Pierce Brosnan excellently embodies the role of a conflicted and morally ambiguous politician.

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A Hard-Hitting Blend Of Action And Drama

The Foreigner 2017

The Foreigner succeeds because it balances explosive action with a surprisingly emotional story. The film keeps the tension high throughout, blending political intrigue, revenge, and suspense while giving its lead character far more depth than audiences might expect from a traditional action thriller.

Critics gave the film a mixed-to-positive reception, and it currently holds a 66 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Much of the praise centered on the lead performance, which traded familiar action-comedy beats for a more restrained and dramatic approach. While some reviewers felt the political plotlines occasionally became overly complicated, many appreciated the film’s willingness to pair hard-hitting action with genuine emotional weight.

The Foreigner 2017

Fans were even more receptive, embracing the combination of intense set pieces, gripping drama, and a darker, more mature tone than viewers were expecting. The result is an underrated thriller that delivers both as an action movie and as a story about grief, vengeance, and the personal cost of pursuing justice.

For anybody looking for a tense, well-crafted thriller with strong performances and plenty of action, The Foreigner remains an easy recommendation.

The Foreigner 2017

As of this writing, The Foreigner is streaming for free on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and The CW.


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Goku’s Final Form May Have Been Revealed All The Way Back In 1989 : Coastal House Media

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Avatar Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Use of Actress Q'orianka Kilcher’s Likeness : Coastal House Media

Right off the bat, I want to say, that Mufasa: The Lion King is superior to its 2019 predecessor. But the unfortunate truth is, that bar is very low. Like many people, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Jon Favreau’s The Lion King adaptation which felt soulless even though it was a massive box office success, it left people with a bitter taste in their mouth. So it was likely that we wouldn’t get a continuation of Simmba’s story, so that doesn’t leave many ways to tell another story in this universe. A prequel with a largely original story sounded like a decent direction to go in after The Lion King.

 

Barry Jenkins was certainly an unexpected but exciting choice for a blockbuster like this. He tries his best to breathe new life into the iconic Pride Lands by exploring the origins of Mufasa and Taka (who eventually goes on to become Scar). Jenkins, known for Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, brings surprising emotional depth to what could have easily been a soulless cash grab. The facial emotions are significantly better this time and we actually get an idea of what the characters are going through. This also takes the weight off voice actors who had to do all the heavy lifting in the last one.

 

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Technically, the movie is as stunning as expected. The breathtaking photorealistic visuals are back, with meticulous attention to every leaf, ripple of water, and blade of grass. The Pride Lands come alive in all their splendor, creating a visual experience that demands to be seen on the big screen. The character animations are fluid and much more expressive enough to evoke connection without sacrificing realism. Jenkins really tries to present a more profound emotional tone, exploring themes of family, loss, and legacy with more nuance than one might expect from a Disney blockbuster.

 

(L-R): Sarabi (voiced by Tiffany Boone), Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), and Rafiki (voiced by Kagiso Lediga) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

At its heart, the film focuses on the journey that shaped Mufasa into the king we know, and how two brothers turned into enemies. His journey takes very formulaic routes and hardly offers anything new. The brothers turned enemies story is also done multiple times and doesn’t surprise or impress at any point. The story has moments of beauty but struggles to get you invested or emotionally attached to it. The script is weak and definitely needed help from the visuals to bring the entertainment value. Thankfully the lack of novelty in the writing is partly compensated by the breath-taking visuals. There are some really impressive sequences that leave you impressed and engaged solely due to the cinematography.

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But where Mufasa truly disappoints is in its music. Lin-Manuel Miranda is nowhere near his best and the sings are decent at best. Not a single song stayed with me once I left the screening. The middle portions of the film are particularly strong, offering intriguing subplots and emotional beats that elevate the narrative. Miranda is master at his work, but here he really struggles to get the beats right. The voice cast is solid across the board. Aaron Pierre captures Mufasa’s spirit, while Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner are as charming as ever. Kelvin Harrison Jr., struggles with his British accent.

 

(L-R): Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) and Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE LION KING. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Another aspect that the script gets wrong is the structure and character usage. It shouldn’t have taken the flashback storytelling route as it doesn’t work at all and only takes you out of Mufasa‘s story. It also never justifies the inclusions or Pumba and Timon, and they feel forced into the story. The final act feels emotionally satisfying but it really messes up Taka’s arc. His origin story is surprisingly underwhelming and frankly lazy. The story of his rivalry with Mufasa will remind you a lot of Transformers: One that came out earlier this year, and they did it way better. It’s also as if the writers hesitated to take bold narrative risks, instead settling for a resolution that feels too safe and familiar.

 

Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually stunning prequel that adds compelling world-building and heartfelt moments but struggles to justify its existence. The rushed narrative underdevelops key characters, and while Barry Jenkins’ thoughtful direction adds gravitas, it can’t overcome the contrived screenplay. The voicework is solid, but the music by Lin-Manuel Miranda is surprisingly underwhelming. It is superior to its 2019 predecessor, but the film still lacks the soul needed to truly roar with life.

 

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Mufasa: The Lion King hits cinemas on December 20.

 

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Sam Raimi’s New WW2 Thriller Is Officially Coming to Netflix

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Over the last two decades, the concept of watching titles has switched from high-capacity optical storage formats like Blu-ray discs to streaming. Within that sphere, there are several options to choose from, with several major players within the streaming ecosystem. Apple TV, Peacock, and Prime Video are some of the major players on the scene. However, the biggest one is arguably Netflix, with one of the largest collection of television shows and movies globally. The streamer boasts a broad genre coverage of thrillers, horror, crime, romance, and so much more.

Year after year, Netflix has developed a reputation for delivering captivating titles that draw in large audiences. In this year alone, the streamer has overseen the arrival of several hits like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s cop thriller, The Rip, Alan Ritchson‘s all-action mechanical nightmare, War Machine, and Cillian Murphy‘s final soirée as the revered Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Despite its vast array of titles, Netflix is always on the lookout for even more films and shows to add to its collection. Upcoming titles for this month, for instance, include the Harlan Coben thriller I Will Find You starring Sam Worthington, and the feel-good, buddy comedy Little Brother featuring John Cena and Eric Andre.

Now, Netflix is looking to add a war thriller, Play Dead. According to a new report, the streamer has acquired the rights to the WWII thriller from director Jaume Collet-Serra. Collet-Serra has a standing relationship with Netflix, with the director’s 2024 thriller, Carry On, starring Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, being a memorable hit for all involved. The hope is that Play Dead will follow in the successful footsteps of Carry On, as Collet-Serra swaps a TSA checkpoint for the theater of war. Play Dead stars Noah Jupe (Hamnet) and Matthias Schweighöfer, who previously starred in another World War II mega masterpiece in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. The upcoming war thriller is produced by legendary horror filmmaker Sam Raimi.

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Collider Exclusive · Oscar Best Picture Quiz
Which Oscar Best Picture
Is Your Perfect Movie?

Parasite · Everything Everywhere · Oppenheimer · Birdman · No Country

Five Oscar Best Picture winners. Five completely different visions of what cinema can be — and what it can do to you. One of them is the film that was made for the way your mind works. Ten questions will figure out which one.

🪜Parasite

🌀Everything Everywhere

☢️Oppenheimer

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🐦Birdman

🪙No Country for Old Men

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01

What kind of film experience do you actually want?
The best movies don’t just entertain — they leave something behind.





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02

Which idea grabs you most in a film?
Great films are driven by a central obsession. What’s yours?





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03

How do you like your story told?
Form is content. The way a story is shaped changes what it means.





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04

What makes a truly great antagonist?
The opposition defines the protagonist. What kind of opposition fascinates you?





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05

What do you want from a film’s ending?
The final note is the one that lingers. What do you want it to sound like?





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06

Which setting pulls you in most?
Where a film takes place shapes everything — mood, stakes, what’s even possible.





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07

What cinematic craft impresses you most?
Every great film has a signature — a technical or artistic element that makes it unmistakable.





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08

What kind of main character do you root for?
The protagonist is the lens. Who you choose to follow says something about you.





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09

How do you feel about a film that takes its time?
Pace is a choice. Some films sprint; others let tension accumulate slowly, deliberately.





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10

What do you want to feel walking out of the cinema?
The best films leave a mark. What kind of mark do you want?





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The Academy Has Decided
Your Perfect Film Is…

Your answers have pointed to one Oscar Best Picture winner above all others. This is the film that was made for the way your mind works.

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Parasite

You are drawn to films that operate on multiple levels simultaneously — that begin in one genre and quietly, brilliantly migrate into another. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite is a film about class, desire, and the architecture of inequality that manages to be darkly funny, deeply suspenseful, and genuinely shocking across a single extraordinary running time. Your instinct is for cinema that hides its true intentions until the moment it’s ready to reveal them. Parasite is exactly that — a film that rewards close attention and punishes assumptions, right up to its devastating final image.

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Everything Everywhere All at Once

You want it all — and this film gives you all of it. The Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once is one of the most maximalist films ever made: action comedy, multiverse sci-fi, family drama, existential crisis, and a genuinely earned emotional core that sneaks up on you amid the chaos. You are someone who responds to ambition, who doesn’t want cinema to choose between being entertaining and being meaningful. This film refuses that choice entirely. It is overwhelming by design, and its overwhelming nature is precisely the point — because the feeling of being crushed by infinite possibility is exactly what it’s about.

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Oppenheimer

You are drawn to cinema on a grand scale — films that understand history not as a backdrop but as a force, and that place their characters inside that force and watch what happens. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a film about the terrifying gap between what we can do and what we should do, told with the full weight of one of the most consequential moments in human history behind it. You want your films to feel important without feeling self-important — to earn their ambition through sheer craft and the gravity of their subject. Oppenheimer does exactly that. It is enormous, complicated, and refuses easy comfort.

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Birdman

You are drawn to films that foreground their own construction — that make the how of the filmmaking part of the what it’s about. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman, shot to appear as a single continuous take, is cinema examining itself through the cracked mirror of a fading actor’s ego. You respond to formal daring, to the feeling that a film is doing something that probably shouldn’t be possible. Michael Keaton’s performance and Emmanuel Lubezki’s restless camera create something genuinely unlike anything else — a film that is simultaneously about creativity, relevance, self-destruction, and the impossibility of ever truly knowing if your work means anything at all.

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No Country for Old Men

You are drawn to cinema that trusts silence, that refuses to explain itself, and that treats dread as a form of meaning. The Coen Brothers’ No Country for Old Men is a film about the arrival of a new kind of evil — implacable, arbitrary, and utterly indifferent to the moral frameworks we use to make sense of the world. It is one of the most formally controlled films ever made, and its controlled restraint is what makes it so terrifying. You want your films to haunt you, not comfort you. You are not interested in resolution if resolution would be dishonest. No Country for Old Men is honest in a way that most cinema never dares to be.

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What Is ‘Play Dead’ About?

World War II is one of the most adapted periods in human history with a vast catalog of movies and shows based on that time period. Classics include titles like Steven Spielberg‘s Saving Private Ryan, and perhaps, Play Dead might force its way into such a conversation when it arrives on Netflix. The film follows a shell-shocked soldier who, after seeing a deadly ambush wipe out his unit in the final days of World War II, must survive the night by pretending to be dead while surrounded by an enemy battalion of Nazi soldiers. Collet-Serra directs from a script by Natalie Conway and Peter Stanley-Ward, with the project receiving high praise as it’s previously been billed as Don’t Breathe meets 1917.

Play Dead does not have a release date yet, but will debut on Netflix. Stay tuned to Collider for updates.


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Release Date

July 24, 1998

Runtime

169 minutes

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Writers

Robert Rodat

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Producers

Gary Levinsohn, Ian Bryce

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Sixpence None the Richer bassist Justin Cary dies at 50

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Justin Cary died on June 18 after suffering a “serious” stroke.

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Going Viral And Dentists Are Concerned

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Basement Braces Are Going Viral And Dentists Are Concerned

A dangerous “basement dentist” trend has picked up steam where unlicensed individuals have been installing fake braces for the low. This risks clients’ permanent tooth loss. But instead of paying upwards of $5,000, individuals are opting for “basement braces” — happy with the price tag of just $120-$300.

Now, The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is getting to the bottom of what’s going on and talking to one of the unlicensed “dentists” in the mix on ‘TSR Investigates.’

“Basement Braces” Are Going Viral

According to Carter, Cherrae Wilson found herself hitting up a basement dentist. Not because she needed dental work, but because she wanted the “cosmetic” look. However, per Wilson, after she underwent the procedure, once the braces “popped off,” the space between her teeth was back.

“It’s literally just a 10-15 minute process,” Wilson explained to Carter.

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Per Carter, locating more “basement dentists” online wasn’t hard. Carter reportedly found a woman named Angelica, who goes by “Braces by Dior” on TikTok. When asked if she considers herself a “basement dentist,” she instead called herself a “one-stop shop.”

“I do the braces… I do the little monthly checkup, like X-rays and stuff… like I would say basement braces cause I got a hold to a lot of stuff, you know,” Angelica explained before Carter asked which items in particular. “I wouldn’t say too much, but I’m [going to] gatekeeper.” 

Dentists Are Concerned

Per Carter, Angelica wouldn’t share the details of her equipment. But she said that she went to a trade school. Additionally, when Carter asked if she was “fearful” about performing the procedures, Agelica said, “Yes.”

Scroll above to watch as Angelica details her experience working with clients. Additionally, she opens up about what her procedure is when clients encounter pain or bleeding. Furthermore, Carter even sits down with reality TV star and board-certified dentist Dr. Heavenly Kimes, who shares her thoughts on the dangerous practice.

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RELATED: Big Tigger’s Wife Posts Injured Face — Then It Gets More Disturbing | TSR Investigates

What Do You Think Roomies?

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The Sci-Fi Action Movie On Netflix Continues An Epic Franchise

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By Steven Nelson
| Published

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Prepare for an intergalactic showdown unlike any other. Skylines, the exhilarating third installment in the much-talked-about Skylines franchise, is now soaring its way into Netflix’s streaming galaxy. The saga continues as humanity and extraterrestrial life collide in a fight for survival, intertwining past legacies with futuristic ambitions. 

Whether you’ve been a fan since the first ship landed or are just embarking on this cosmic journey, brace yourself for a sci-fi adventure that promises to be a spectacle of thrilling confrontations, otherworldly landscapes, and mind-bending twists. Let the battle for Earth’s destiny begin!

In Search Of A Vital Artifact

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In Skylines, the story picks up after the events of the previous movies, catapulting viewers into an intensified interstellar conflict. When a virus threatens to turn Earth’s now peaceful hybrid alien population against humans, Captain Rose Corley (Lindsey Morgan), a human-alien hybrid with extraordinary abilities, is summoned.

Having proved herself in the previous encounters, Rose is the linchpin in humanity’s desperate plan to prevent the impending alien attack.

skylines 2020

Drawing from her lineage’s strengths, she assembles an elite team of soldiers to join her on a mission into the extraterrestrial world. Their objective? To retrieve an artifact from the aliens‘ home planet that is key to saving both their species. However, as they journey through space, they encounter challenges and adversaries that put their skills, determination, and alliance to the ultimate test.

While the goal is clear, the path is fraught with battles, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. The mission becomes a race against time as they navigate through the alien world, battling enhanced creatures and trying to secure the vital artifact.

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With the fate of both species hanging in the balance, Skylines is an adrenaline-pumping roller-coaster that pushes the boundaries of friendship, duty, and survival.

There Are Plans For Another Skyline Movie

skylines 2020

The Skylines saga may not be over just yet. A fourth installment, Skyline: Warpath, was originally slated for an October 2025 release, but as of 2026, the film remains unreleased and no new launch date has been announced.

While updates have been scarce, interest in the franchise remains strong among fans who have followed the series from its beginnings. Frank Grillo has previously expressed interest in returning, and the ending of Skylines leaves plenty of room for the story to continue expanding into new corners of its universe.

That said, if Skyline: Warpath never materializes, Skylines still serves as a fitting conclusion to the trilogy, bringing its central conflicts to a satisfying close while leaving the door open for future adventures.

skylines 2020

Speculating about the next Skyline movie is exciting, given the universe’s potential to expand and evolve. With the Earth somewhat stabilized after the events of Skylines, the story could further delve into the expansive universe. New planets, teeming with unknown life forms, could be discovered, presenting both opportunities and threats. As the survivors of Earth venture into the cosmos, they might seek alliances with other civilizations to fortify against shared adversaries.

Another angle could be the discovery of remnants of the alien race that had previously wreaked havoc on Earth. The survivors might unearth secrets about their adversaries, leading to potential reconciliations or fresh conflicts. Delving deeper into the origins and motivations of the aliens could add layers of complexity and empathy to the narrative.

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On a more personal note, characters that survived the past ordeals might face internal struggles. The trauma of previous battles, combined with the challenges of navigating an expansive universe, could take a toll on their mental well-being. New characters, potentially from other civilizations, could be introduced, bringing with them unique skill sets, philosophies, and technologies.

With a universe as expansive and intricate as that of Skyline, there’s no telling where the story might lead next, especially with potential future sequels on the horizon.For now, fans can immerse themselves in the spectacle and drama of Skylines on Netflix, savoring the evolution of a story that promises to remain a mainstay in contemporary sci-fi cinema. Dive in and let the celestial odyssey unfold.


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