RIP David Lynch.

RIP David Lynch. We will never have a director quite like you again. May you go directly to the White Lodge.

 

“Ghost of Tsushima” The series will premiere exclusively on Crunchyroll in 2027.

 Las Vegas, Nevada – January 6, 2025 – Crunchyroll, the global anime brand, together with Aniplex, Sony Music, and PlayStation Productions, today announced a new anime series adapted from Sucker Punch Productions’ award-winning “Ghost of Tsushima” video game and its “Legends” cooperative multiplayer experience inspired by Japanese folktales and mythology.

The Ghost of Tsushima anime will be produced in collaboration with Aniplex, the studio behind globally celebrated series such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Solo Leveling, and Sword Art Online. The adaptation will be helmed by Director Takanobu Mizuno, with Gen Urobuchi (NITRO PLUS) for Story Composition and animation by KAMIKAZE DOUGA. Together, the team will bring Ghost of Tsushima: Legends’ traditional samurai aesthetics to life with cinematic storytelling and striking visuals. Sony Music will serve as the strategic music and soundtrack partner for the series.

“This project is a testament to the creative synergy within the Sony family, uniting the expertise of PlayStation Studios and PlayStation Productions; the creative team of Sucker Punch Productions and Aniplex; Sony Music’s iconic global artist roster; and Crunchyroll’s fan-first global marketing and distribution footprint,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “The Ghost of Tsushima anime will offer fans an exciting new way to experience the game in an anime style that will be bold and groundbreaking.”

“Having already proven the immense quality and versatility of our gaming properties across multiple successful film and television projects, we couldn’t be more excited to announce our first ever anime adaptation,” said Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions. “Ghost of Tsushima’s rich, immersive world and its fantastical Legends mode based on Japanese mythology provide the perfect canvas for this project, and Aniplex is the perfect partner to translate Sucker Punch Productions’ hit video game into a stunning new anime series.”

“We are excited to create new opportunities for our artists to engage with such incredible global IP,” said Tom Mackay, President, Premium Content, Sony Music Entertainment. “Music plays such a key role in the overall audience viewing experience and we are thrilled to be working alongside our Sony partners to develop compelling content for fans around the world.”    

The series will premiere exclusively on Crunchyroll in 2027. More details, including the creative team and cast, will be revealed in the future. The announcement was made as part of Sony Group Corporation’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show) press conference in Las Vegas.

###

About Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game set in feudal Japan, developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Since its debut in 2020, it has captivated players worldwide with its breathtaking visuals, dynamic combat, and powerful storytelling. The game has sold over 13 million copies globally across console and PC, as of August 11, 2024, and won numerous awards, including the Player’s Voice Award at The Game Awards 2020. Its Legends cooperative multiplayer experience is inspired by Japanese folk tales and mythology.

  
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the global anime brand that fuels fans’ love of anime. With the ambition to make anime an even bigger part of pop culture, Crunchyroll offers fans the ultimate anime experience and destination centered around a premium streaming service. Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library, an immersive world of events, exciting theatrical releases, unique games, must-have merchandise, timely news, and more. Anime is for everyone and is accessible to stream across territories through Crunchyroll—whether on the go on mobile, through gaming consoles and big-screen devices at home, or on desktops anywhere.

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

About Aniplex
Aniplex Inc. is a diversified entertainment company operating worldwide with focus on the planning and production of anime video and music content, its distribution in theaters and broadcast syndication as well as their respective physical and digital products, development of related game apps and merchandise such as figurines and apparel, stage production of musicals and live events, and operating the online store “Aniplex Online” which provides hand-picked items for sale.

About PlayStation Productions
Formed in 2019, PlayStation Productions is a production studio dedicated to adapting beloved PlayStation IPs to television and film in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment. In order to deliver high-quality content, PlayStation Productions focuses on partnering with leading creatives that have a strong appreciation for PlayStation Studios IP. Since its inception, PlayStation Productions has been integral in the development of multiple hit projects, including feature length films based on Uncharted and Gran Turismo, and TV series based on Twisted Metal and The Last of Us.

About Sucker Punch Productions
Sucker Punch Productions is the award-winning studio behind the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, inFAMOUS, and Sly Cooper series. Founded in 1997 and based in Bellevue, Washington, the studio is a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment and remains dedicated to creating immersive, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant gaming experiences.

About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship. Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies. 

Season Two Of The HBO Original Drama Series THE LAST OF US Debuts This April

 

Today during Sony’s press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES®), co-creator, writer, and executive producer Neil Druckmann announced that the seven-episode second season of HBO’s Emmy®-winning drama original series THE LAST OF US will debut this April on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.   Season 2 logline: Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.   Season 2 cast: Season two returning cast includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Maria. Previously announced new cast includes Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Catherine O’Hara also guest stars.   Season 2 credits: THE LAST OF US, based on the acclaimed video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation® consoles, is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and is also executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells; with writer/co-executive producer Halley Gross. Production companies: PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

And Happy Holidays!

Max Renews Original Adult Animated Series CREATURE COMMANDOS, From DC Studios, For Second Season.

 

• The critically acclaimed and fan-favorite Max Original adult animated series CREATURE COMMANDOS, written and executive produced by filmmaker and DC Studios Co-Chair James Gunn, has been renewed for a second season. New episodes debut weekly every Thursday on Max, with the season one finale dropping January 9.
   
• Season 1 logline: CREATURE COMMANDOS tracks a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for missions deemed too dangerous for humans. When all else fails… they’re your last, worst option.
   
• TheWrap labeled the series as “a fun, endearing start to a new cinematic universe that offers gore, thrills, laughs, and emotions galore.” IGN called CREATURE COMMANDOS “a really rad show” and noted the “performances are an across-the-boardhighlight.”  Collider emphasizes “the new series has all the laughs, emotion, and memorable characters that have already established Gunn as one of the biggest and most reliable names in the genre.”
   
• Amy Gravitt, Executive Vice President, HBO & Max Comedy Programming, quote: “Only James Gunn could have conjured this wild band of misfit monsters who tug at your heart and force you to root passionately for them. We couldn’t be more delighted to continue their stories with James, Dean Lorey, Peter Safran and our fantastic partners at DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation.”
   
• James Gunn and Peter Safran, Co-Chairs, DC Studios quote: “We're thrilled to team up with Max for another season of Creature Commandos mayhem. From our spectacular first season of Peacemaker to the astonishing run of The Penguin to the record-breaking launch of Creature Commandos, Max has consistently delivered above industry expectations and beyond our wildest imaginings.  Thank you, Casey, Sarah, Pia, Sono and the entire team for your tremendous support of DC Studios. We are proud to call Max home.”
   
• Peter Girardi, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Warner Bros. Animation quote: “Thanks to the brilliant imagination of James and the talent of our amazing artists, DC fans fell in love with this new family of heroes. We are excited to continue this wild ride with our partners at Max. You want more monsters, you’re getting more monsters!”
   
• Season 1 cast: Steve Agee as Economos, Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana, Anya Chalotra as Circe, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as GI Robot & Weasel, David Harbour as Frankenstein, Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus, Indira Varma as The Bride, and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller.
   
• Season 1 credits: CREATURE COMMANDOS is written and executive produced by James Gunn. Based on DC characters and produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation; additional executive producers include Peter Safran, Dean Lorey, and Sam Register; Rick Morales serves as a supervising producer.

Gladiator II Debuts on Digital December 24th and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray on March 4th.

Director Ridley Scott’s action-packed epicGLADIATOR II continues to thrill audiences around the world, having already earned over $416 million at the global box office.  Fans will be able to relive the astonishing spectacle at home—along with a wealth of behind-the-scenes bonus content—when it arrives to purchase on Digital December 24, 2024 from Paramount Home Entertainment. 

 

Hailed as “the single greatest movie of the year” (Dave Morales, FOX TV) and “an epic sequel worthy of its Oscar®-winning predecessor” (Scott Mantz, KTLA), GLADIATOR II boasts breathtaking action and sensational performances from a star-powered cast, including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and the sublime Denzel Washington in “one of his most charismatic and riveting performances” (Clayton Davis, Variety). 

 

Fans who purchase the film on Digital^* or 4K Ultra HD will have access to over 100 minutes of fascinating behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.  Discover the epic journey of the highly anticipated film as the cast and filmmakers share their personal experiences.  Explore some of the exotic filming locations, including Malta and Morocco, and see the extraordinary sets that brought the Roman Empire back to life.  Plus, enter the arena to find out how carefully choreographed combat and visual effects combined to deliver mind-blowing battles on a truly epic scale.

 

Bonus content is detailed below:

 

• A Dream That Was Rome: Origins—Director Ridley Scott and producers delve into the history behind Gladiator II and how the story developed over many years before coming to the screen.

 

• What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity: The Cast—Take an inside look into Ridley Scott's casting process.

 

• In The Arena: Filmmakers—Go behind the scenes as the cast and crew journey to Malta, Morocco, and the UK for the epic production.

 

• To Those About To Die, We Salute You: Combat—Discover how Ridley Scott and his team combined choreographed combat with cutting-edge visual effects to take the action to a whole new level.

 

• Building An Empire: Post-Production—Join the filmmakers for insights into the fascinating process of crafting the finished movie, which includes a scoring session led by composer Harry Gregson-Williams.

 

• The Making Of Gladiator II—Explore how Ridley Scott, the cast, and crew worked to bringGladiator II to life.

 

• Deleted Scenes

 

GLADIATOR II will also be available on Digital as part of a two-movie collection with the original GLADIATORand will arrive on 4K Ultra HD, in a 4K Ultra HD SteelBook®, and on DVD March 4, 2025.

 

Synopsis

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator IIcontinues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

 

GLADIATOR II is rated R for strong bloody violence.

 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES Presents

A SCOTT FREE Production A LUCY FISHER / DOUGLAS WICK Production

A RIDLEY SCOTT Film “GLADIATOR II”

PAUL MESCAL PEDRO PASCAL JOSEPH QUINN FRED HECHINGER

with CONNIE NIELSEN and DENZEL WASHINGTON

Music by HARRY GREGSON-WILLIAMS

Costume Designer JANTY YATES Costume Designer - Military Costumes DAVE CROSSMAN

Edited by CLAIRE SIMPSON SAM RESTIVO

Production Designer ARTHUR MAX Director of Photography JOHN MATHIESON, BSC

Executive Producers WALTER PARKES LAURIE MACDONALD RAYMOND KIRK AIDAN ELLIOTT

Produced by DOUGLAS WICK, p.g.a. RIDLEY SCOTT, p.g.a. LUCY FISHER, p.g.a.

MICHAEL PRUSS, p.g.a. DAVID FRANZONI

Based on Characters Created by DAVID FRANZONI

Story by PETER CRAIG and DAVID SCARPA Screenplay by DAVID SCARPA

Directed by RIDLEY SCOTT

 

HBO Renews DUNE: PROPHECY For A Second Season

 

• The HBO Original drama series DUNE: PROPHECY, co-produced with Legendary Television, has been renewed for a second season, ahead of the season one finale debuting SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Across Max territories, the first episode has amassed approximately 15 million viewers.
• Logline: From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. DUNE: PROPHECY is inspired by the novel SISTERHOOD OF DUNE written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
   
• Cast: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Camilla Beeput, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, Yerin Ha, and Barbara Marten. 
   
• Sarah Aubrey, Head of Max Original Programming, quote: “DUNE: PROPHECY has captivated audiences around the globe thanks to the visionary leadership of showrunner and executive producer Alison Schapker, who will continue to guide this grand tale of truth and power. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Legendary and to our extraordinary cast and crew for their service to the Imperium. We’re excited to collaborate with this team again to see what they have in store.”
   
• Jason Clodfelter, Legendary’s President of Television, quote: “This new season will allow us to continue building out the groundbreaking, epic DUNE franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide across its installments. We look forward to continuing our incredible partnership with HBO and are thrilled for Alison Schapker, her team, and the cast and crew who have worked so passionately to bring this world-class source material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson to life."
   
• Season one of DUNE: PROPHECY has been deemed a “deliciously epic showstopper” (Mashable) with “thrilling, masterful performances” (Entertainment Weekly). Hailed as “bold, stellar sci-fi” (TheWrap), the series has been described as “emotionally rich” (Paste) and “visually grand” (The Wall Street Journal). Collider declared it “incredibly cinematic” and said “Emily Watson and Olivia Williams are absolute powerhouses.”
   
• Credits: Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first. Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with New York Times bestselling author Brian Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson serves as co-producer. The series is co-produced by HBO and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise that has released two installments to critical acclaim, the first of which garnered six Academy Awards^®.