Marvel Unleashes Two Blockbusters on Home Media and in Cinemas
Special Editions of “Thunderbolts” Arrive in Japan*
Marvel fans in Japan can look forward to a wave of exclusive home entertainment releases this summer. On 8 August 2025, Thunderbolts — the latest Marvel action film directed by Jake Schreier — will be released on physical media by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, distributed via Leonine. The film will be available on Blu-ray with a German Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 soundtrack and in a limited 4K Ultra HD Steelbook Edition featuring Dolby Vision and an included HD version.
This release follows the usual Marvel tradition of packing their home editions with bonus content. Extras include deleted scenes, bloopers, a full-length audio commentary, and four featurettes. As is often the case with MCU releases in Japan, fans can also expect special collector’s editions with various add-ons. Notably, many of these versions will include the film in Blu-ray 3D format.
Plot Overview: A Mission Turned Trap
In Thunderbolts, Valentina de Fontaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) assembles a covert strike team — Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) — to extract the powerful super soldier Robert Reynolds (Lewis Pullman) from a high-security military facility.
However, once inside, the team discovers they’ve been set up. The mission was a calculated betrayal by Valentina, designed to paint them as terrorists targeting Reynolds. Her goal? To seize his powers. Despite the ambush, the squad survives and turns against their manipulative leader. But Valentina has one more card to play: she releases Reynolds’ alter ego, Sentry, whose unleashed power awakens a dark force capable of global destruction. It’s now up to this team of outcasts to stop the looming threat — but to do so, they’ll need serious reinforcements.
A New Chapter for the Fantastic Four
Marvel is also breathing new life into one of its most iconic franchises. The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the official entry of the superhero quartet into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it comes with a bold, retro-futuristic style straight out of the 1960s.
In this thrilling new storyline, Earth faces annihilation from the cosmic god Galactus, who is joined by the Silver Surfer — now reimagined as the powerful Shalla-Bal, played by Julia Garner. The Fantastic Four must rely on both their powers and their familial bond to counter the threat. As the danger grows more personal, the team’s unity is put to the ultimate test.
A Reboot with Fresh Faces and Big Names
This isn’t the first time Marvel’s First Family has been adapted for the screen, but it’s the first time they’ve officially joined the MCU. And they’re doing it with a fresh cast and modern vision.
Here’s the main lineup for The Fantastic Four: First Steps:
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Pedro Pascal (49) as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
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Vanessa Kirby (36) as Sue Storm / The Invisible Woman
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Joseph Quinn (31) as Johnny Storm / The Human Torch
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach (48) as Ben Grimm / The Thing
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Ralph Ineson (55) as Galactus
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Julia Garner (31) as Shalla-Bal / Silver Surfer
Additional confirmed cast members whose roles are yet to be revealed include:
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Natasha Lyonne (46)
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Sarah Niles (38)
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Paul Walter Hauser (38)
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John Malkovich (71)
Female Power Takes the Lead
One of the most notable changes is the gender swap of the Silver Surfer. Traditionally portrayed as male, the character is now being reimagined as a powerful female presence. Julia Garner’s portrayal of Shalla-Bal reflects Marvel’s evolving narrative, where female characters no longer play supporting roles — they lead.
With Thunderbolts hitting home screens and Fantastic Four redefining the MCU’s future, Marvel continues to expand its universe while honouring the legacy of its beloved characters. Both releases signal a bold new era for superhero storytelling.
Where to Watch The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live in the UK
The undead rise again in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, the latest addition to the ever-expanding universe of The Walking Dead. This new spin-off, set to premiere in the UK from Friday, brings back fan-favourite characters and answers long-awaited questions about Rick Grimes’ fate.
The six-episode mini-series picks up the story after Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln) disappeared in season nine of the original show. Although many believed he had died, it was later revealed that he was rescued — or possibly taken — by unknown figures aboard a mysterious helicopter.
His wife, Michonne (Danai Gurira), learns he is still alive during the Walking Dead series finale. Determined to reunite with him, she embarks on a journey to locate her long-lost partner. Unbeknownst to her, Rick has been held within a heavily fortified zone controlled by the Civic Republic Military (CRM), a secretive organisation with extreme security measures that prevent him from escaping.
Despite the CRM’s restrictions, Rick hasn’t given up hope. His resolve to find his family remains unshaken, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to break free and return to those he loves.
The cast includes more than just Lincoln and Gurira. Pollyanna McIntosh reprises her role as Jadis Stokes, while Terry O’Quinn, known from Lost, and Lesley-Ann Brandt from Lucifer, also join the ensemble. The series is also expected to feature some surprise appearances from familiar faces within the Walking Dead universe.
Originally envisioned as a series of feature-length films, The Ones Who Live evolved into a six-part series developed by The Walking Dead’s former showrunner Scott M. Gimple, alongside Lincoln and Gurira.
The original series enjoyed massive success during its 11-season run, receiving 85 awards — including two Emmys — and generating a passionate global fanbase. At its peak, season four attracted an average of 14 million viewers per episode.
Since debuting in the US in February, The Ones Who Live has received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. It currently holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to the show’s continued impact and relevance.
Now, UK fans can finally experience the next chapter in Rick and Michonne’s journey. For those wondering where to catch the action, the series is officially making its way across the Atlantic, ensuring British viewers won’t be left behind in the latest undead adventure.
Netflix Viewers Spot Familiar Mansion in Fool Me Once
Fans of the new Netflix thriller Fool Me Once have recognised a key filming location featured in the series — a historic mansion previously seen in several well-known British programmes.
Released on New Year’s Day, Fool Me Once is the latest adaptation of a novel by bestselling crime writer Harlan Coben, whose other Netflix collaborations include The Stranger and Stay Close. The eight-part series follows Maya Stern, played by Michelle Keegan, as she unravels a chilling mystery. Believing her husband Joe Burkett, portrayed by Richard Armitage, to have been murdered, Maya becomes convinced he may still be alive. Her search for answers soon exposes a deadly conspiracy rooted in the past.
Filming for the series took place across the northwest of England, particularly in Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Among the striking locations featured is Arley Hall, a stately home in Cheshire dating back to the 15th century. In the series, it stands in as Farmwood, the grand estate belonging to Joe’s mother, Judith Burkett, portrayed by Joanna Lumley.
Situated in the village of Arley, the hall is no stranger to the screen. Long-time TV fans may recognise it as the residence of Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, in the BBC drama Peaky Blinders. It has also appeared on Antiques Roadshow and CBeebies’ Something Special, making it a familiar backdrop for British audiences.
With its rich architectural heritage and cinematic appeal, Arley Hall continues to be a favoured location for film and television producers, lending its grandeur to both gripping crime dramas and classic British shows.
Robert De Niro Takes on Dual Roles in New Mafia Film The Alto Knights
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro returns to the silver screen in The Alto Knights, portraying two iconic and rival Mafia bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Once close friends, their relationship unravels into a ruthless power struggle fueled by jealousy and betrayal, shaking not only New York’s criminal underworld but also the entire nation.
The film is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Levinson (Rain Man) and penned by Mafia genre veteran Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas), promising a gripping narrative with a deep dive into the complexities of loyalty, power, and retribution.
Joining De Niro in the cast are Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Cosmo Jarvis (Shōgun), and Kathrine Narducci (The Irishman), adding depth and talent to the star-studded ensemble.
The Alto Knights is set to premiere in German cinemas on March 20, 2025, with its U.S. release following a day later on March 21. Fans of the Mafia film genre and De Niro’s iconic performances can expect a dramatic, action-packed experience that captures the tension and turmoil of a bygone era.
Tulsa King Season 2: Release Date and How to Watch for Free
Sylvester Stallone is back as Dwight “The General” Manfredi in the much-anticipated second season of Tulsa King. This crime drama, streaming on Paramount+ later this week, sees the legendary actor reprising his role as a Mafia capo from New York’s Invernizzi crime family who finds himself navigating unfamiliar territory after a 25-year prison sentence.
A New Empire in Tulsa
The series follows Dwight’s journey after being exiled by his boss to Tulsa, Oklahoma—a place far removed from the criminal underworld he once knew. Tasked with establishing operations in this foreign environment, Dwight soon realises his mob family may not have his best interests at heart. Determined to build his own empire, he assembles a ragtag crew of unlikely allies, creating a new criminal operation from scratch.
Season two picks up with Dwight and his team continuing to expand and protect their growing empire. However, their success attracts new adversaries. With threats from the Kansas City mob and a formidable local businessman, Dwight faces mounting pressure to protect his crew and family while juggling the complexities of his rising empire.
Record-Breaking Success
The first season of Tulsa King was a major hit for Paramount+, drawing in 3.7 million viewers for its premiere episode. The show also drove a record-breaking number of new subscriptions to the platform, solidifying its status as one of Paramount’s standout productions.
The Creative Minds Behind the Series
Created by Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the widely acclaimed Yellowstone, Tulsa King brings together a dynamic cast and sharp storytelling. Stallone not only stars in the series but has also co-written several episodes of the new season, marking his first leading role in a television series.
The cast includes Annabella Sciorra, Tatiana Zappardino, Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, Jay Will, Garrett Hedlund, and Dana Delany. Together, they bring a mix of talent that adds depth and intrigue to the series.
How to Watch Season 2
Fans eager to dive back into Dwight’s world can catch the new season exclusively on Paramount+. While subscription fees apply, the streaming service often offers free trial periods, allowing new users to enjoy the latest episodes without immediate cost.
With its gripping storyline, standout performances, and escalating tension, season two of Tulsa King promises to deliver more of the action and drama that made the first season a hit. Don’t miss the return of this compelling crime saga.