For decades, Dragon Ball fans have wondered how Goku’s story will ultimately end. Will the legendary Saiyan unlock one final transformation? Will he ascend to an even greater level of power? Or could his final form be something much simpler?

An obscure piece of artwork from 1989 is now reigniting that discussion.

The illustration, created by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama for the Dragon Ball Z Anime Special book, depicts an elderly Goku many years into the future. While the image was originally created as a joke, fans are now revisiting it as a fascinating glimpse at what Goku’s final years could look like.

What makes the drawing even more interesting is its origin. This version of Goku was not created out of nowhere. It is based on an old sketch Akira Toriyama drew back in 1989 for the Dragon Ball Z Anime Special book. At the time, Toriyama jokingly imagined what Goku might look like as an old man after fans repeatedly asked him when the story would finally end and how Goku would look in it.

The sketch presents a much older version of the beloved hero, a stark contrast to the youthful and energetic fighter fans have followed for decades. Rather than sporting a new transformation or overwhelming aura, this Goku appears aged by time, offering a rare vision of a future that has never been explored in the manga or anime.

Goku [credit: Akira Toriyama 1989]

Since the illustration came from an obscure publication released long before the internet era, many fans had never even seen it before. Now that it has resurfaced, the image is sparking fresh conversations throughout the Dragon Ballcommunity. Some see it simply as a humorous drawing from Toriyama’s past, while others view it as an intriguing possibility for where Goku’s journey could one day end.

Of course, Dragon Ball has changed dramatically since 1989. Goku has gone on to achieve forms that Toriyama himself may never have envisioned when he first drew the sketch. From Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct, the Saiyan warrior has repeatedly surpassed expectations and rewritten his limits.

Still, there is something compelling about seeing Goku not as an unstoppable fighter chasing greater power, but as an old man who has lived a long and extraordinary life. It is a reminder that even legends grow older, and perhaps the greatest ending for Goku is not one defined by power, but by peace.

Whether Toriyama ever intended the drawing to represent Goku’s true final appearance may never be known. But more than 35 years later, fans are once again asking the question:

Could this sketch from 1989 be our first glimpse at Goku’s final form?

All Jack Reacher needs is his toothbrush, his passport, a steaming hot cup of coffee, and a bus ticket, and he’s good to go. However, the chances are that bus ticket is going to take him somewhere that needs a 6ft 5in brick wall of a human with the investigative skills of Batman and the pain tolerance of Superman to solve a problem. And now, we know when the next adventure will arrive.

Chain Reaction, the 31st Jack Reacher novel from Lee Child and Andrew Child, will be released on October 20, 2026. The book follows last year’s Exit Strategy and brings Reacher into a new investigation involving a murder, the Pentagon, and a remote Colorado town where something very clearly is not adding up.

The new novel begins when General Susan Turner tracks Reacher down after a member of her team is brutally murdered while on covert duty. Turner cannot trust anyone inside her own operation, including her deputy, so she turns to the one person who has made a career out of solving a problem and disappearing before the paperwork catches up. Turner is a recurring character in the Reacher books, and was also played by Cobie Smulders in the Tom Cruise adaptation of Never Go Back, from 2016.

What is Jack Reacher’s ‘Chain Reaction’ About?

Reacher’s intrepid investigative skills end up leading him to Summertown, Colorado, a remote settlement with one diner, one motel, five massive data centres, two giant solar farms, and a total population of just four people. Now, we’re no experts on town planning but when there are more data centres than actual residents, then something ain’t adding up. The math isn’t mathing, as the young people might say. The official synopsis states:

Jack Reacher is hard to find. It’s not easy to track him down. And he likes it that way. But General Susan Turner, based deep inside the Pentagon, has the means and the motive. She needs his help. A member of her team has been brutally murdered on covert duty. She can’t trust anyone she works with, not even her deputy. She needs someone from the outside. Someone who solves problems and disappears without a trace. Reacher heads to Summertown, Colorado. A town as remote and bizarre as it gets. One diner, one motel, five massive data centres, two giant solar farms humming away in the dust. Total population: four people. And one of them is watching him.

The TV adaptation stars Alan Ritchson (Fast X) as Jack Reacher, alongside Maria Sten (Swamp Thing) as Frances Neagley. The fourth season of the hit Prime Video series is set to arrive later this year, and will adapt Child’s novel Gone Tomorrow.

Chain Reaction by Lee Child and Andrew Child arrives October 20, 2026.

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Release Date

February 3, 2022

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Prime Video

Showrunner

Nick Santora

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Directors

Omar Madha, Carol Banker, Julian Holmes, Lin Oeding, M.J. Bassett, Norberto Barba, Stephen Surjik, Thomas Vincent

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Writers

Cait Duffy

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If you happened to be in Malibu, California, recently and spotted a total bombshell on the beach in a floral bikini, it might’ve been Brooke Burke. The television host is inspiring us to step outside our comfort zones and try a string bikini this summer. Luckily for us, Amazon has a similar style that reviewers can’t stop talking about how flattering it is.

Burke was all smiles in her turquoise two-piece with orange flowers. The bright design certainly brought the vacation-ready vibes, and we’re getting similar feels from the Moshengqi String Bikini, except this one is $27 on Amazon. So, you can catch some rays on the beach or by the pool in model-worthy style.

Get the Moshengqi String Bikini for $27 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Amazon find is slightly different from Burke’s, as it has a blue base with red flowers. It has adjustable bottoms, so you can tie them as tight as you’d like for an optimal fit. Many shoppers said that they’re just cheeky enough without making you feel too exposed. And the triangular top has similar coverage to Burke’s, and both the back strap and halter strap are adjustable, too.

Related: This Trendy One-Piece Swimsuit Is as Cute as It Is Flattering

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While NYC living is truly an epic experience, as a South Florida native, there’s nothing better than being in the great outdoors. And when I say ‘outdoors,’ what I really mean in the beach (or pool or hot tub). If there’s a body of water nearby, you best believe I’m there — well, only if […]

Funny enough, while this is a two-piece swimsuit, you’ll get three pieces in your order. You see, the bikini comes with a matching scrunchy to complete your look. So, if you get the Burke-inspired combination, you’ll get a blue and red floral accessory. The black bikini comes with a black scrunchie, the hot pink bikini comes with a hot pink scrunchie and so on for the different colors and patterns.

Real-life shoppers love how this bikini accentuates their curves while the soft material feels good on the skin. “I ordered the black two-piece and was immediately impressed with how well it fits and flatters. The spaghetti straps and Brazilian cut give it a sleek, modern look that feels both sexy and empowering without being over the top,” a five-star reviewer shared.

“This is my favorite bikini ever bought from Amazon. The bottoms are cheeky, but they are so flattering. I got an XS, and it’s true to size. Also, the strings make it adjustable, and the material is [the] perfect thickness and not too thin or thick,” another happy shopper wrote.

No matter your age or body type, you deserve to wear a bathing suit that makes you feel your best. And who knows? Just because you’ve never tried a string bikini doesn’t mean you shouldn’t (and something tells us that Burke would agree)!

Get the Moshengqi String Bikini for $27 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

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Related: Jennifer Lopez’s Poolside Bikini Style Is a Classic for a Reason

Jennifer Lopez seriously soaked up the sun this past Memorial Day, and took to Instagram to share some behind-the-scene snaps. She looked gorgeous (as always), hanging by the pool in a stunning white bikini style that totally feels like a summer classic. We’re ready to channel the same look for pool days and beach hangs, […]

Young and the Restless spoilers for June 22 – July 03, 2026 include crazy Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk) amping up her threats. And we’ll also see a softer, cuddlier side of Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) as he gets romantic with the one woman in town who actually tolerates him.

We are going to get into the latest spoilers for the two weeks that start June 22nd, including July sweeps kicking off this coming Thursday and then kicking into high gear the following week.

Young and the Restless: Patty’s Threats and Jack’s Desperation – Week of June 22nd-26th

All right, on Monday, June 22nd, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) is cranky because he didn’t sleep well. He was worried that Patty was going to creep into his bed and molest him, which is valid, but she tells Jack she will wait to be invited. Patty changed his work schedule and said that Diane Jenkins Abbott’s (Susan Walters) doctor is coming by to see him.

And Patty again threatens Diane’s safety if Jack doesn’t behave himself. He texts Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) when Patty’s out of the room and tells Kyle, “Come to the house and follow the doctor home.” And he doesn’t know at this point that it’s Dr. Markham (Jere Burns). He wants him to see if he can find out where Diane is stashed.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Jack Meets Markham

So, then Dr. Markham shows up, lies, and says that Diane’s doctor had an emergency, so he’s filling in. Markham blames Jack for Diane’s breakdown, and says she doesn’t want to see him, but he says that Diane is safe and recovering, and Markham reminds Jack that Diane left him.

Jack grills Markham about Patty getting out of the psych hospital, and Markham claims Patty showed genuine remorse and says she was ready to be released into society. And Markham says Patty is as sane as him. That’s a scary thought. Jack cannot accept that Diane would go so far as to cut Kyle out of her life and Patty says Diane never really loved Jack and he denies that. Then Patty starts with crazier talk about how Jack’s going to love her instead of Diane and that Patty’s going to be his wife and Jack is just stunned.

Y&R Spoilers: Nikki’s Diagnosis and Victor’s Response

We’ve got Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) talking about work. Victor wants Claire to set up a new publishing division now that they have Newman back. She tried to get Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) to meet them for brunch, but she was at the doctor. Claire talks about them reconciling, but Victor says Nikki didn’t even show up for brunch. And Claire tells Victor that she promised not to say anything, but then she blabs about Nikki’s headaches and that she’s at the doctor.

Speaking of, Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) is there with Nikki when she’s diagnosed with a mass on her optic nerve that will make her blind, but the surgery could also blind her. Victoria reassures Nikki that they will get a second opinion and she’s going to have Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) look at her MRI. And of course, Nikki is scared, but she makes Victoria promise again that she will not tell Victor about this. Nikki doesn’t want Victor’s pity or him seeing her as weak.

Diane tries to unlock Markham’s phone, which is dumb. 911 still works on locked phones. Josh Griffith needs a clue. Diane asks about going out for fresh air, but Markham says no. Use the gym downstairs. And then Diane tells Markham she’s having nightmares and she asks for sleeping pills. He says he’ll consider it. And Diane talks to herself about playing Markham, letting him think he’s in charge and then escaping.

Young and the Restless: Matt’s Romantic Side and Sweeps Approach

Tuesday, June 23rd, Nate is let in on a secret. And I expect this is Victoria telling Nate about Nikki’s diagnosis. Also, looks like Nikki has a run-in with Victor, but she does not tell him her scary news. Kyle pursues a new lead on his mom, Diane. So, it looks like Kyle did exactly as Jack asked, and he followed and found out where Markham lives, but likely did not spot Diane.

Wednesday, June 24th, Victoria begs Nikki to please tell Victor about her diagnosis, but Nikki won’t do it. Noah Newman (Lucas Adams) is pushing Matt’s buttons, and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) gets between them at the Shadow Room when Noah is goading Matt and trying to provoke him.

Also, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) is struggling and really wants pills again. Next week at the Genoa City Athletic Club, Matt is wooing Phyllis with a once upon a time themed date request. Matt says there was a man with no memory who met a woman and asked her out. So, will she say yes? We’ll see.

Young and the Restless: July Sweeps Kicks Off – June 25th and Beyond

Thursday, June 25th is the first day of July sweeps. Nikki’s health plummets and Victor leaps into action, taking great measures to help her. He may find a specialist, an expert in Nikki’s condition or some experimental therapy. We’ll also see Jill Abbott (Lauren Koslow) back in Genoa City with a new face. Daytime icon Lauren Koslow fills in as Jill for five episodes during July sweeps.

And this week, Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) is talking to Jill. I’m sure they’re going to discuss Chancellor and Victor giving it to Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) and Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn) being made CEO. And oh yeah, Jill learns she’s going to be a grandma again because Billy and Sally Spectra (Courtney Hope) have a new baby on the way. And they are also engaged to be married. I’m sure Jill’s going to be excited about all of it.

Jack mulls over the options he has to save Diane and bring her home. This week, Jack tells Billy he’s going to lure Dr. Markham away from his house, but Billy worries what could happen if Markham gets suspicious. So, this might be an all hands-on deck Abbott plan to save Diane. Of course, Kyle’s on board. I’m sure Billy would be happy to help.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victor Makes a Discovery

Friday, June 26, Victor learns something new about Nikki’s condition. So, fortunately, Victor is stepping up in a big way after being awful to Nikki for months. I’m sure if Victor didn’t step up, all his kids would be so mad at him. Jack and Kyle do something risky to deal with Patty and try and save Diane.

Young and the Restless: July Sweeps in Full Gear – June 29th Through July 3rd

June 29th through July 3rd is the first full week of July sweeps, by the way. So, we should see things really picking up momentum. But also, Friday, July 3rd is a federal holiday for Independence Day, which falls on Saturday this year. So, there is a chance of a Y&R rerun. Keep an eye on your DVR just in case.

We’ll find out what happens with Jack and Kyle after the risky move they make. They are desperate to get Diane out of the hands of psycho Dr. Markham and get Jack away from crazy Patty. Victor and Nikki get closer after he finds out about her diagnosis and takes extraordinary steps to help save her sight. So, Victor may bring Nikki back to the Newman ranch soon because she really shouldn’t be at the Genoa City Athletic Club going through a medical crisis. And Victor should bring her to her home that he never should have kicked her out of.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nate May be Involved on Nikki’s Treatment

We’ll find out if anyone helps Nate play a role in Nikki’s treatment. And I’m curious to see if she is annoyed with Claire for blabbing to Victor that she is sick because Nikki knows not a lot of people knew. There’s Claire, there’s Victoria. She may not be burdening Nick because of his drugs. So, it’s got to be one of them. We could see a first date for Matt and Phyllis if Matt is able to convince Phyllis to give him a go. Also, Nick has a relapse coming soon. He will be popping some pills. Plus, Jack is going to be able to get Patty out of his house before too long, and Diane will be back home soon.

But I expect Patty to try some last minute scheme, and it could prove dangerous because she is so obsessive about Jack. We will learn more about Dr. Markham. Fans think he’s got a tie to some mysterious connection since he’s got interesting books in his house, which is kind of strange.

Plus, he’s creepy and crazy. Obviously, Jill’s going to leave Genoa City and we have Lauren Koslow wrapping her recast run as Billy’s mom in this second week. We will see Cane settling in as CEO of Chancellor with Lily as his boss, which of course Cane absolutely loves because he likes flirting with the woman he works for. And we’ll have more of Matt trying to slide his way closer to Cane, but maybe Victor is distracted from his revenge plan because of Nikki’s poor health.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 13 seconds ago

Disney is pretty inconsistent when it comes to what kind of media on their platform they find problematic enough to require a disclaimer. For instance, 18 episodes of The Muppet Show have a 12-second content warning, stating, “This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.”

It’s a great way for Disney to say they have a problem with content on their platform while still making money off of it. But after having it brought to my attention that 1994’s Blank Check has a third-act scene in which Karen Duffy, who was 31 years old at the time of the movie’s production, shares a romantic kiss with lead actor Brian Bonsall, who was just 11 years old, I was surprised they didn’t have a disclaimer here, if only to save face.

My first thought before firing up Blank Check in bad faith was, “is it like Big, where the boy looks like a fully grown Tom Hanks, and she doesn’t know?” Nope. She’s an FBI agent posing as a bank teller named Shay Stanley, who, in the process of taking down a money laundering ring, falls in love with a young millionaire named Preston Waters.

Listen, I’m not outraged by this weird little romance plot that happens in Blank Check. You can tell that the writers were just trying a little too hard to be subversive and simply failed to give the room a proper read. I’m more offended by how awful this movie is in every other regard.

It Ain’t Easy Growing Up Anywhere

In Blank Check, Preston Waters is a total mope show because his older brothers, Damien (Chris Demetral) and Ralph (Michael Faustino), are allowed by their white-collar father, Fred (James Rebhorn), to convert his bedroom into an office space. Basically, dad is a Froogal McDoogal, and the older brothers are entrepreneurs, meaning they all love money more than each other. Preston, who’s only 11, gets a laughably low allowance, which leaves him feeling like an outsider whenever money enters the conversation. 

Everything changes when an ex-convict named Carl Quigley (Miguel Ferrer) runs over Preston’s bike and writes him a blank check to buy his silence. Preston fills it out for a million dollars, and thanks to a mix-up involving Quigley’s courier, Juice (Tone Loc), bank manager Edward Biderman (Michael Lerner) actually cashes it. Naturally, Biderman loses his mind when the real Juice shows up looking for the laundered money. 

This is also where we meet Shay Stanley (Karen Duffy), who initially appears to be a bank teller helping Preston open an account. In reality, she’s an FBI agent keeping tabs on Biderman’s money laundering operation. Preston’s sudden wealth puts him on her radar, and when he starts telling everybody he’s working for a mysterious millionaire named Mr. Macintosh, a name borrowed from his brother’s computer, Shay begins wondering if he’s somehow connected to the case. 

While blowing through his newfound fortune, Preston keeps up the Mr. Macintosh story, claiming he’s handling the finances for an insanely wealthy benefactor. Shay, convinced there might be a connection between Mr. Macintosh and Biderman’s operation, gets closer to Preston, which is where Blank Check starts making some truly baffling decisions. 

On one hand, Shay is an FBI agent following a lead. On the other hand, she hits it off just a little too well with Preston, who takes her out for burgers and fries, gets soaked with her while dancing in a fountain, and chauffeurs her around in his limo. At any point, she could have simply identified herself and asked for his help. 

Instead, the movie decides there’s some kind of mutual attraction at play. Listen, this is a movie with a PG rating, but yes, a grown woman does have a pretty blatant romantic storyline with an 11-year-old boy, and I have no idea what they were thinking here. 

There Are So Many Reasons To Not Watch Blank Check

That said, there aren’t many compelling reasons to sit down and watch Blank Check. The romance plot is weird, and the way the film frames money’s influence on family dynamics is honestly kind of depressing. Not to mention the fact that this kid buys a literal castle for something like $300,000. Meanwhile, the only houses I see for sale in 2026 cost about half a million dollars and don’t even have two bathrooms. Seeing how far a dollar went in the ’90s, even when exaggerated for comedic purposes, is enough to take the wind out of your sails.

Every character is one-dimensional, and even our hero Preston is a straight-up criminal. Sure, he’s being pursued by people who are objectively worse than he is, but his entire arc revolves around committing fraud. Good for him, I guess, but the cynic in me can’t help wondering why this movie doesn’t end with him getting thrown in jail.

As of this writing, you can stream Blank Check, with no disclaimer attached, on Disney+.

Prince William is being called out, and this time the criticism is coming from inside royal circles.

A new report has reignited debate about the future King’s approach to royal duty after questions were raised about how often he has been carrying out public engagements compared to other senior members of the Royal Family.

Prince William has been focusing on family life and projects behind the scenes, but the mounting pressure on his workload is reigniting the debate about whether or not he is doing enough to prepare for the throne.

The future King is facing renewed criticism after figures highlighted by royal author Norman Baker show a significant gap between his royal workload and that of other senior royals.

According to the publication, the Prince of Wales carried out 57 official engagements between January 1 and June 15 this year, compared to King Charles III’s 76 and Princess Anne’s 100.

The gap has led to accusations that the future King isn’t doing enough to serve the public, especially as heir to the throne. The Daily Mail also pointed to his 2024 figures: King Charles’ eldest son had completed 166 engagements, while it was reported that Princess Anne had done 474 and King Charles had done 372.

The debate has been further intensified by his absence from several high-profile royal events. This has caused people to ask if he can strike a right balance. 

The Future King Accused Of Prioritizing Private Interests Over Public Duties

While supporters argue that the King’s eldest son has chosen a more modern royal lifestyle, critics say the reduced public schedule doesn’t tell the whole story.

According to The Daily Mail, Norman Baker claimed the Prince is still very active in running the Duchy of Cornwall, contacting staff regularly and keeping an eye on its workings.

Baker argued that although the Prince often places family commitments ahead of royal appearances, he appears far more engaged when it comes to overseeing the duchy’s affairs.

The royal author also claimed that one of William’s early priorities after inheriting the estate was establishing an investment committee aimed at boosting its profitability.

This criticism arose with some observers questioning whether his focus on fewer engagements is an indication of a new normal for the royal family or a reluctance to do things the traditional way.

Inside Prince William’s Private Life Away From The Palace

Questions remain regarding his public schedule; the royal is also drawing some attention for how he’s spending his time off royal responsibilities. The future King is reported to have a small group of close friends and loves love-ins, football outings, and private get-togethers outside of the limelight.

The Blast reported that the future King recently traveled to Istanbul with friends to watch Aston Villa. Insiders also described his friendship circle as highly selective, with royal matters often left out of conversations during their time together.

The report further claimed that the heir’s preference for an ordinary life is influenced by both Princess Diana and the Middleton family. Despite increasing royal responsibilities, sources say he remains committed to preserving that private support system.

Royal Rift Shows No Sign Of Easing

The arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the UK has sparked hopes that the Royal Family might reconcile, but the feud hasn’t yet been cleared up.

As reported by The Blast, following their public interviews and documentaries and Harry’s memoir Spare, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said that the monarch-in-waiting is “deeply betrayed” by Harry and Meghan.

Despite King Charles being reportedly more open to reconciling with his brothers, the biggest challenge is trust,” Fitzwilliams said.

Reports have also suggested that the Prince is unhappy with efforts to accommodate the Sussexes’ visit, underscoring just how deep the divide within the family remains.

Prince William And King Charles Reportedly Remain Divided Over Harry’s Future In The Royal Family

Prince William and King Charles are apparently seen to have different opinions on Prince Harry’s future in the Royal Family, despite an apparent attempt to mend the differences. While the King is said to be more willing to reconcile, William isn’t.

As reported by The Blast, sources claim the future King has little interest in rebuilding trust anytime soon. He continues to view Harry and Meghan’s actions since stepping back from royal duties as deeply damaging to the institution.

With Prince William reported to be standing firm, and King Charles calling for peace, this split opens up a bigger question: what will it be like when the crown passes to Prince William in the future? If such a split exists?

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 8 seconds ago

Sci-fi movies have a history of bombing so bad at the box office that they take down entire studios. It makes sense given the average budget is hundreds of time higher than a horror film, and even two to three times more than a slow burn drama. The risk for sci-fi is high but Disney decided that Robert Zemeckis, the mastermind behind Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, and Castaway was worth the gamble. What they received in 2011, was Mars Needs Moms, an overstuffed animated feature that is still in contention for the biggest box office bomb in history. Instead of taking down Disney, it scared Disney away from exploring new IP and put a freeze on original sci-fi from the House of Mouse. 

Mars Needs Moms Is A Historic Disaster

Mars Needs Moms imagines a universe where subterranean Martians abduct Earth moms to suck out their “mother-ness” to power their automated nanny-bots raising the next generation of Martians. The process to do so kills the human, making this immediately one of the darkest animated movies to have Walt Disney Productions attached. Seth Green provided the motion capture for Milo, a 9-year-old boy whose mother (Joan Cusack) is abducted. He launches a rescue mission to the Red Planet, coming across friendly Martians and uncovering the ancient history of the aliens in the process. 

Part of the problem with Mars Needs Moms is that to follow the plot, you need to get past the awkward animation style. Robert Zemeckis took the process used in Beowulf and The Polar Express, involving extensive motion capture combined with CGI animation layered on top. It’s rotoscoping, but taken straight to the uncanny valley. 

Disney Changed Their Approach To Sci-Fi

From the reactions to the very first trailer, Disney executives were bracing themselves for a catastrophic bomb. Mars Needs Moms was one of the first films to be savaged on nascent social media networks. The animation style, combined with the corny plot, turned off adults and most importantly, parents. The end result was a final box office total of $39 million, far short of the $150 million production budget, and that’s without mentioning the marketing. 

By the time it was all said and done, Mars Needs Moms cost Disney $144 million. The immediate impact was felt by John Carter of Mars, which became John Carter, and then the best movie to be considered a box office flop. The then-Disney CEO Bob Iger made the call to “mine the IPs” after the failure, making John Carter the last original sci-fi film from Disney. Everything since has been tied to a franchise, and the fallout was so radioactive, that even other studios have been hesitant to pursue original sci-fi. The Creator was marketed heavily as being an original story, and when that can be used as a selling point, you know the genre’s going through a tough time. 

Robert Zemeckis has had a, well, “mixed” run of movies might be a little generous, but for all its faults, Here was at least creative. Since Mars Needs Moms bombed, few films have come close to matching it, but Eli Roth’s Borderlands in 2024 managed to earn less money ($33 million), and it cost more. Thanks to tax credits and creative accounting, Lionsgate only lost $80 million, putting Disney’s staggering deficit of $144 million ahead of it. If it wasn’t for Mars Needs Moms, we could be on our sixth John Carter film by now.

Mars Needs Moms is currently streaming on Disney+, but before you watch it, ask yourself if that’s really how you want to spend your limited time on Earth.