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.

The blood-soaked halls of Godolkin University are opening again. Gen V, Prime Video’s high-octane spinoff of The Boys, is back for a second season, promising more gore, power struggles and campus chaos. Following the explosive events of Season 1 and the revelations from The Boys Season 4, the stakes for young supes have never been higher.

Release Date and Weekly Rollout

Amazon has confirmed that Gen V Season 2 will premiere on September 17, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video. Episodes will follow a weekly release schedule, keeping fans engaged and theorizing week after week. This format mirrors the first season’s successful rollout and gives space for each twist to resonate.

Season 2 is expected to continue seamlessly from the events of The Boys Season 4. To fully grasp the context, viewers should catch up on the parent show’s developments — especially the growing tensions between vigilantes, supes and the all-powerful Vought International.

Returning Cast and New Characters

The majority of the main cast is back, ready for more high-stakes lectures and bloody betrayals:

• Jaz Sinclair returns as Marie Moreau, the blood-controlling supe grappling with trauma and power

• Lizze Broadway reprises her role as Emma, the size-shifting influencer

• Maddie Phillips is back as the dangerous and durable Kate

• London Thor and Derek Luh return as Jordan, the gender-shifting radioactive powerhouse

• Asa Germann continues as Sam, the unpredictable and super-strong wild card

Joining the cast is Hamish Linklater as the new dean of Godolkin University. Ruthless, strategic and backed by Vought, his arrival signals a sharp shift in campus leadership. He’s not here to educate — he’s here to militarize.

Plot: The Campus Is Now a Battlefield

After barely surviving the Season 1 finale, the students of Godolkin find themselves pawns in a much larger game. The world is no longer ignorant of what supes are capable of, and public trust is crumbling. Vought responds by rebranding the university as a training ground for future enforcers — not heroes.

Season 2 will explore how the young supes deal with this transformation. Some will fall in line, others will resist. Trust will be tested, alliances will shift, and friendships may break under the pressure. The battle lines between humanity and superhumanity are forming — and the students are stuck in the middle.

Expect more morally grey choices, experimental power use, and deeper emotional arcs. With Godolkin now a powder keg, every decision could spark a firestorm.

Why This Season Matters

Gen V isn’t just a side story anymore — it’s becoming a central pillar in The Boys universe. The show dives into themes of identity, exploitation, consent and power from a younger perspective, reflecting the real-world pressures that come with fame, trauma and systemic control.

With Season 2, the series looks set to connect more directly with events in The Boys, making it a must-watch for anyone following the larger narrative. And with the addition of new leadership and rising tensions, this could be the season where the next Homelander — or the one who stops him — begins their rise.

Final Thoughts

With its sharp satire, graphic style and emotionally charged storytelling, Gen V Season 2 is poised to raise the bar. The war for control over supes is heating up, and Godolkin is ground zero. Whether you’re here for the action, the politics or the twisted coming-of-age drama, September 17 is a date to mark in red.

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.