Marvel Studios is gearing up for one of its most anticipated projects yet: the official introduction of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Since Kevin Feige teased the arrival of mutants back in San Diego Comic-Con 2019, fans have speculated endlessly about how Marvel will reimagine the iconic team — and who will play its most beloved members.

One name in particular has recently entered the conversation in a big way: Kirby Howell-Baptiste.

Marvel’s X-Men Reboot Begins to Take Shape

After years of quiet development, the X-Men reboot is finally gaining momentum. By 2023, Marvel was actively meeting with writers. In May 2024, Michael Lesslie entered talks to write the screenplay, a role he officially accepted a year later. Jake Schreier, praised for his work on Thunderbolts, was then announced as the film’s director.

Feige confirmed that the new X-Men film will act as a fresh start, following the multiversal reset introduced in Secret Wars. The reboot will reportedly feature a younger, tighter-knit team, aiming for a story more grounded in character and emotion.

Storm: A Fan-Favorite Role in the Spotlight

Among the many casting rumors, few have generated as much excitement as the search for Storm. As one of the most powerful and influential characters in X-Men lore, her casting carries major weight.

Earlier reports from reliable scooper MainMiddleMan suggested that both Jodie Turner-Smith and Kirby Howell-Baptiste were approached for the role. While neither actress confirmed the rumors initially, that changed when Howell-Baptiste spoke with The Disinsider.

When asked about the speculation, she replied with a teasing smile:
“Send that article. I’d love to read it. How intriguing?”
Though not a direct confirmation, the comment was enough to ignite fan discussions across social media.

Who Is Kirby Howell-Baptiste?

If her name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, her résumé definitely will. Howell-Baptiste has delivered strong performances in shows like:

• Killing Eve (2018)

• Why Women Kill (2019)

• The Good Place (2018–2020)

• Barry (2018–2023)

• The Sandman (2022–2025), where she plays Death of the Endless

• Dead Boy Detectives (2024)

• Voice work in Infinity Train as Grace Monroe

Her career blends dark comedy, fantasy, and emotional drama, giving her the kind of versatility that would suit a complex, commanding character like Storm. With poise, intensity, and charisma, she could offer a refreshing take on the legendary mutant.

What Could Storm’s Role Be in the MCU?

Given the MCU’s upcoming direction and the post-Secret Wars reset, Storm could play a central role in rebuilding the mutant narrative. Many fans speculate that she’ll be introduced not just as a member of the X-Men, but potentially as a key figure in Wakanda or a leader among Earth’s emerging mutant population.

Marvel seems intent on highlighting characters with layered identities and strong emotional arcs — and Storm, as both a goddess-like figure and a grounded revolutionary, fits that vision perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not the rumors prove true, Kirby Howell-Baptiste’s name being in the mix shows Marvel is thinking beyond traditional casting expectations. Her background in genre-heavy, character-driven stories makes her a compelling choice for Storm, one who could lead a new generation of X-Men with strength and nuance.

Nothing has been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios yet, but with the project moving forward fast, it may only be a matter of time before casting announcements begin.

Would you like to see Kirby Howell-Baptiste take on the role of Storm? Let us know in the comments.

Introduction

DreamWorks Animation is bringing Shrek back to the big screen after more than a decade. Fans have been waiting for the next chapter since Shrek Forever After in 2010, and the ogre’s return is finally on the horizon. Shrek 5 will reunite the beloved swamp dwellers and introduce new faces, promising a fresh take on the fairytale franchise. From the release schedule to the voice cast and plot rumors, here is everything we know about the upcoming film.

Release date and production timeline

According to official announcements and reporting, Shrek 5 will hit theaters on December 23, 2026. The film was originally scheduled for July 1, 2026 but was delayed to its current date. This marks the first time a Shrek film will not debut in May, and it arrives sixteen years after the last installment. Voice acting reportedly wrapped in 2024, giving the animation team time to perfect the visuals. The script was written by Michael McCullers, who has described the story as a “pretty big reinvention” for the series. The film is directed by Walt Dohrn, Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson and produced by Chris Meledandri and Gina Shay.

Returning and new cast

The core voice cast is set to return. Mike Myers will once again provide the Scottish brogue for Shrek, with Eddie Murphy voicing Donkey and Cameron Diaz reprising Princess Fiona. The couple’s teenage daughter Felicia, one of the ogre triplets introduced at the end of Shrek the Third, will play a major role and will be voiced by Zendaya. Other returning voices include Cody Cameron as Pinocchio and Chris Miller as the Magic Mirror. There is speculation that Antonio Banderas’s Puss in Boots may not appear in the fifth film because the actor has said he will not return. The casting announcement has sparked excitement over new characters who might join the franchise.

Story and plot speculation

Plot details are still under wraps, but the filmmakers have hinted that Shrek 5 will center on the next generation. The story is expected to follow Felicia as she embarks on her own adventure, stepping out of her parents’ shadow and discovering what it means to be an ogre princess. Her journey may introduce her to new parts of the kingdom and new fairy tale creatures, while also bringing back familiar faces. Co-writer Michael McCullers described the script as a reinvention, suggesting a different tone and structure that acknowledges the passage of time. The film may explore themes of legacy, family and finding one’s place in a changing world.

Production team and creative vision

Shrek 5 brings together experienced hands from the franchise and new collaborators. Walt Dohrn, who worked on the previous films and directed Trolls World Tour, is joined by Conrad Vernon and Brad Ableson in the director’s chair. Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination and producer of Despicable Me, is producing alongside long-time Shrek producer Gina Shay. Their goal is to preserve the humor and heart that made Shrek a phenomenon while pushing the story in new directions. The extended production timeline reflects their commitment to quality animation and a story that resonates with audiences old and new.

What to expect

The recently released teaser poster shows a giant green number 5 with ogre ears and the tagline “The All-Star Returns.” The poster emphasizes that the film arrives in theaters on December 23, 2026. With a returning voice cast, the debut of Felicia as a central heroine and hints of a reinvention, Shrek 5 aims to breathe new life into the franchise. Fans can expect familiar fairy tale parody humor, catchy musical sequences and heartfelt lessons about identity and acceptance. As more details emerge, Shrek 5 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated films of the decade.

Final thoughts

After years of rumors and delays, Shrek 5 is finally becoming a reality. The sequel will celebrate the franchise’s legacy while introducing a new chapter for the ogre family. With its holiday release date, star-studded cast and promise of a “big reinvention,” the film is poised to draw longtime fans and new viewers alike. Keep checking back for updates as DreamWorks reveals more about the swamp and its inhabitants.

The Predator franchise is heading into uncharted territory. Following the success of Prey, director Dan Trachtenberg returns with Predator: Badlands, a theatrical sci-fi epic that flips the narrative and puts the alien hunter front and center. Set on a deadly planet centuries in the future, this new installment promises a fresh perspective, emotional stakes, and brutal survival.

Release Date and Theatrical Rollout

Predator: Badlands will debut in U.S. and U.K. theaters on November 7, 2025. Select European countries including France and Italy will see it a day earlier on November 6, while some territories like Germany, Australia and Brazil will get it on November 5. The film will screen exclusively in cinemas and IMAX before moving to streaming platforms. U.S. viewers can expect it to land on Hulu in early 2026, while international audiences will find it on Disney+.

Plot and Setting

The story unfolds on a hostile alien planet where the ecosystem itself is lethal. Dek, a young Predator cast out by his tribe for failing a crucial rite of passage, must prove himself by capturing an unkillable monster. The planet he chooses is so dangerous that even veteran Predators avoid it. After a failed hunt, Dek becomes an outcast — unwanted even by his own father, a legendary warrior who sees him as weak.

While struggling to survive, Dek forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synthetic. Together, they journey across the treacherous landscape in search of the ultimate adversary. Their bond deepens as they face vicious creatures, poisonous plants and inner doubts. For the first time in the series, the story is told from the Predator’s point of view, offering a deeper look into Yautja society, honor codes and exile.

Cast and Characters

Elle Fanning stars as Thia, the android who becomes Dek’s partner. Director Dan Trachtenberg confirmed that Fanning plays two versions of Thia throughout the film, adding narrative complexity. Newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi takes on the physically demanding role of Dek, brought to life through a combination of practical suit work and motion-capture facial animation developed by FX legend Alex Gillis.

While most of the supporting cast is still under wraps, speculation continues about cameos. Arnold Schwarzenegger has reportedly seen the film and approved footage, though no official confirmation of his appearance has been made.

Creative Team and Direction

Dan Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey, directs from a script he co-wrote with Patrick Aison. The production team includes John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor. Jeff Cutter handles cinematography, while production design comes from Ra Vincent. Art direction is led by Zahra Archer and Sam Storey.

This team is committed to evolving the franchise without abandoning its roots. Badlands trades Earth for a wild alien frontier and puts world-building at the forefront, combining lore from the Predator comics and video games into a coherent, grounded cinematic universe.

Alien Connections and Franchise Potential

The presence of a Weyland-Yutani android, along with nods to the company’s tech and insignia, immediately invites comparisons to the Alien franchise. Though Trachtenberg stopped short of confirming an Alien vs. Predator reboot, he didn’t deny the possibility either. For now, Badlands remains a standalone story, but the door is clearly open for future crossover opportunities.

Importantly, the film avoids the controversial gene-splicing and lore changes seen in earlier sequels, instead returning to a focus on ritual, honor and survival.

Final Thoughts

Predator: Badlands could mark a turning point for the franchise. By centering the Predator as a flawed protagonist and setting the story on a vicious alien world, the film reinvigorates the mythology with emotional resonance and high-stakes action. The November 2025 release positions it as a major fall tentpole, and with its IMAX rollout and cinematic scope, it may become the most immersive Predator experience yet.

For fans craving something new from this legendary series — without losing the primal thrill of the hunt — Badlands might just deliver.