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This article contains spoilers for "Eyes of Wakanda."

Everyone knows that Achilles is gay. It's 2025. I don't care what Brad Pitt told you back in 2004, but we live in a different world now — a world where, when you see Achilles in a thing, you should know to immediately start looking for the queer rep. So that's exactly what I did when I saw the famous Greek hero pop up in episode two of Marvel's new "Eyes of Wakanda" animated series.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Achilles and queer storylines go hand in hand. But the MCU? Sort of the opposite. Yes, we all loved "Agatha All Along," which is probably the most explicit, canonical, interesting queer representation in the franchise to date. But other than that, Joe Russo's cringy cameo in "Avengers: Endgame," and a few pride pins that you have to squint to see? It's slim pickings.

The second episode of Eyes of Wakanda leans into the mythical as viewers are taken into the pages of Homer’s timeless epic, “The Iliad.” It is the final leg of the Trojan War; the Greek forces have laid siege to the fortified walls of the city of Troy for nearly a decade or so. Under the leadership of legendary strategist/general Odysseus, a faction of Greek warriors are trying to breach through the city walls. On the other hand, prolific fighters of Thessaly’s Myrmidons, led by the legendary warrior Achilles, have managed to scale the walls of Troy. However, while Achilles and Odysseus seek to capture Trojan King Priam and rescue Helen, Queen of Sparta, to restore the honor of Greece by winning the war, not everyone is motivated by the same cause.

Spoilers Ahead

Why Did Memnon Take Part in the Trojan War?

A War Dog of Wakanda,...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers about Eyes of Wakanda

Marvel’s Eyes of Wakanda expands on the lore established in Black Panther, but it also has a surprising connection to Daredevil. The second episode of the animated anthology is set during the Trojan War and focuses on Achilles’ attack on King Priam. Achilles’ army is called the Myrmidons, which is also the name of a prison in the Daredevil universe.

The Myrmidon is a private prison that is handled by Mayor Wilson Fisk after he passes the Power Act in the comics. While season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again is likely to follow a similar arc, we do not know if The Myrmidon will show up in the series. A similar prison called The Raft was shown in Captain America: Civil War.

Eyes of Wakanda Revises One of the Most Famous Mythologies of All Time Memnon in Eyes of Wakanda...

Brad Pitt’s F1 has officially zoomed past Troy at the global box office and added a new milestone to the Oscar-winning actor’s career (via The Numbers). The high-octane racing drama has so far raked in $509M, surpassing the $497M worldwide collection of Troy, a 2004 epic that was once turned down by Christopher Nolan.

Moreover, F1 did this during an insane summer brawl of giant releases like Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, and now The Fantastic Four: First Steps. So, let’s dive into how the Joseph Kosinski directorial made its way to the top!

Brad Pitt’s F1 Races Past Troy, the Epic Turned Down by Christopher Nolan Brad Pitt in Troy | Credits: Warner Bros Pictures.

In 2004, Troy stormed into theaters with an all-star cast. It was an ambitious project that wanted to retell Homer’s The Iliad, and before Wolfgang Petersen took the helm of this movie, Christopher Nolan,...

Greek — and Roman — myths remain fascinating to audiences, and no other proof is needed than to remember that Sir Christopher Nolan is bringing back "The Odyssey" with an all-star cast. Elsewhere, names may get jumbled or outright changed, due to the Roman Empire gradually cannibalizing (syncretizing) any and all religions they came across. While Egypt's mythology really got put through the wringer, Greeks saw their Gods changed as well: Zeus became Jupiter, Ares became Mars, etcetera, regardless of how well the legends fit. But centuries later, the Greeks returned to prominence, helped in no small part by how well these stories could use the new wave of special effects and color film.

Ray Harryhausen and his magical stop-motion figures brought Perseus (Harry Hamlin) to life against monstrous Medusa in "Clash of the Titans" while Italy pushed the sword and sandal epic into the foreground with a rash of movies all about Hercules.

Superman has a long history. His first appearance was in Action Comics #1, 87 years ago. He's arguably the first superhero, though it's easy to get into complicated origins between things like Campbellian Monomyth, works like Philip Wylie's Gladiator, and costumed heroes like The Shadow and The Phantom.

That's even before we have arguments about popularisation and pop-cultural impact, figures like Hercules and Achilles are still making it to screens millennia later but they've not got a John Williams' theme that still stirs. Though if one does the arithmetic, Richard Donner's iteration has been around for more than half of the character's span. Thanks to accessibility, Christopher Reeve is probably still the actor most associated with the role, though Kirk Alyn was in the suit 30 years before him.

In what we'll label as James Gunn's Superman the last son of Krypton, Kal-El, Jimmy Olsen's pal, Louis...

For millennia, the epic poems of Homer have profoundly shaped Western literature and thought with their timeless tales of heroism, gods and the enduring human spirit. While The Iliad plunges us into the raw intensity of the Trojan War’s final weeks, unleashing the wrath of Achilles and detailing the tragic fall of a mighty city, its equally monumental successor The Odyssey unfolds a distinct, yet equally compelling, narrative. This second great epic shifts its focus from the blood-soaked battlefields to the treacherous seas and distant, mythical lands, chronicling the legendary Greek hero Odysseus’ decade-long quest to reclaim his home and family after the fall of Troy.

Director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the timeless epic, The Odyssey, is slated for release on July 17, 2026. The film will be presented in Imax with Nolan’s longtime creative partner Emma Thomas producing. The star-studded cast features Matt Damon in the lead role as the king of Ithaca,...

What happens when a superstar feels like he is trapped in the center of the frame, or when a director known for his cerebral thrillers almost trades away his logic for spears and wars? The behind-the-scenes entanglements of Troy are perhaps more interesting than the movie because two Hollywood heavyweights, Brad Pitt and Christopher Nolan, came so close to crossing paths!

If this collaboration materialized, it’s possible that their careers would have changed in ways we cannot predict now. But today we can see that Pitt starring as the movie’s lead and Nolan never directing it has only turned out to be in their favor, and here’s how!

Christopher Nolan turned down Troy and is finally making The Odyssey Christopher Nolan | Credits: @Showtime / Showtime / YouTube

Christopher Nolan’s name is synonymous with mind-blowing narratives that ace at the box office. From movies like Inception to Oppenheimer, the...

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Celebrating anyone who’s ever been called “too much”, Awe Inspired (a luxury jewelry brand centered on giving back to advocacy groups) just debuted its fifth and latest Pride campaign starring global pop icon Kim Petras as their “Queen of the Fairies” — launching just as she embarks on a worldwide Pride festival tour.

The German singer-songwriter recently performed at the 2025 World Pride Music Festival alongside Troye Sivan, Jennifer Lopez,...

Transformation Of Brad Pitt As Achilles (Photo Credit – Netflix)

Wolfgang Petersen’s directorial, Troy, is one of the most popular historical dramas, starring Brad Pitt as the Greek hero Achilles. The actor bulked up significantly for the role, delivering what many considered a new standard for Hollywood’s golden physique. The epic saga of swords and scandals was filmed over the course of a year and proved to be the most physically demanding role of Pitt’s career.

The director, Wolfgang Petersen, had only one demand: Brad Pitt had to embody the look of a warrior—with long blonde hair and a sculpted physique. And the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor did just that, transforming into a buffed and burnished Greek hero who commanded the Bronze Age battlefields, complete with bulging biceps and a leather skirt. Wondering how he achieved the physique of Achilles? Keep reading.

The 2004 epic...

I had expectations, a lot of them. Whenever I think of Blood of Zeus, I think of all the good that has come from the first two seasons and just how well the final one could have achieved the same. As an obsessive Greek mythology nerd, I know a thing or two about these myths and how tragedies go about as per Aristotle’s rules. Those patterns should have been evident to me, and yet, season 3 falls flat in many ways.

Trapped in its own predictability, I found myself unable to ignore the very glaring flaws that had bothered me throughout the season. I found a lot of what happened in it to be, unfortunately, pointless. While there were a lot of good parts too, the bad was just much too powerful. One thing was obvious, though: the final season was rushed to a point where you knew a lot was left untouched and unsaid.

Quick LinksSome Filmmakers Are Shy About MythologyHollywood Has Plenty of Grounded Retellings of MythologyThe Supernatural Is the Heart and Soul of MythologyChristopher Nolan Is Perfect For A Faithful Odyssey StoryChristopher Nolan Shouldn't Miss This Opportunity

Since the days of visionary filmmakers like Ray Harryhausen, movies like Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts have explored ancient mythology to great effect. Considering the range of budgets and varying styles of directors, some have stuck close to the original story, while others opted for different perspectives. With Christopher Nolan set to adapt Homer's epic The Odyssey to the big screen, it's time for Hollywood to abandon a tired trend.

The ancient world has given movie fans an array of stories, from wholly original epics like The Lord of the Rings to historical films like Gladiator. Mythology often represents a combination of both, delivering audiences a look at history that blends fact and fiction.

The Return, starring Ralph Fiennes as Greek hero Odysseus, is about what happens to the veteran of the Trojan War after his long journey home. As Odysseus struggles to get back his wife, Penelope (Juliette Binoche), and his son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), demons from his past and present alike continue to plague him.

It's the first time Fiennes and Binoche have appeared together on-screen since 1996's The English Patient, but The Return is as gripping and emotional as that Oscar-winning movie. In a year within which Fiennes took audiences behind the veil of the Conclave, he takes on the role of a hero in The Return. As Odysseus, he carries the long years of war and exhaustive efforts to get to his loved ones with him at every turn.

Fans of Greek history and myth, notably the works of Homer, know Odysseus's name. In the Iliad and the Odyssey, Odysseus is a constant.

The English actor Orlando Bloom has had astounding success in Hollywood and has been involved in some of the biggest franchises of all time. With timeless good looks, impeccable charisma, and a willingness to explore different genres and styles, Blooms career has featured collaborations with blockbuster directors right through to intimate rom-coms that showcased his talents in a more intimate setting. As a true icon of the 2000s, Bloom has perfectly encapsulated movie stardom with extraordinary roles in sweeping historical epics and grand fantasy narratives.

Blooms defining roles included Will Turner in The Pirates of the Caribbean and Legolas in Peter Jacksons The Lord of the Rings, two major franchises among the biggest movie series ever produced. From getting his breakout role in Ridley Scotts Black Hawk Down to the divisive romance of Elizabethtown, Bloom has long been at the forefront of Hollywood filmmaking. While recent years saw Bloom shift...

If someone says they're Brad Pitt contacts you online, it's more than likely too good to be true. Many people long to be close to celebrities in one way or another, and that could be why a pair of women were easily scammed by someone claiming to be the Wolfs actor, which resulted in them handing over a large chunk of money.

Per The New York Times, Spanish authorities arrested five people who now face fraud and money laundering charges for pretending to be Pitt online and scamming two women out of over $350,000. Spain's Interior Ministry announced the arrests, which began with three of the scammers being arrested last November and the other two swindlers being apprehended in July. The statement from Spain's Interior Ministry goes into detail as to how the scammers took on Pitt's persona to lure the women out of their money.

"The statement said the...

The box office game is not always so straightforward, and many popular actors' highest-grossing movies would surprise their fans. The reasons that Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga flopped illustrate bigger challenges than ever for movies hoping for a traditional theatrical release, especially in the age of swift streaming releases. What makes a movie a financial success is a complex combination of timing, widespread appeal, industry tastes, and some luck.

Beloved 2000s movies that flopped demonstrate the phenomenon of the cult classic, where what now is regarded as an actor's best movie probably wasn't a hit at the box office. Sci-fi and fantasy are the genres with the greatest potential for massive movie events, but the existence of great fantasy movies that flopped proves that even good movies of these genres aren't guaranteed profits. With many moving pieces, an actor's most famous or best movie might not be their most financially successful one,...

When he introduced the world premiere of “The Return” at the Toronto Film Festival on Saturday night, director Uberto Pasolini pointed out that nobody has made a film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” since 1955, when Italian director Mario Camerini made a version with Kirk Douglas as Odysseus. He skipped over a couple of other versions as well as works by Theo Angelopoulos and the Coen brothers that borrowed elements from Homer’s tale, but the point remains: One of the first great works of Western literature is not marketable IP these days.

But it’s still a hell of a tale, as “The Return” proves. The film leaves out the first two-thirds of the book, the part that includes the cyclops and the Sirens and the six-headed sea monster and lots of meddling by the gods. Instead, it sticks with the final section in which Odysseus returns...

James Bond has been played by some iconic actors, but there are plenty of other classic performers who could have easily been definitive in the role themselves. The early James Bond films established the tone and style of the series, which continues well into the 21st century. While discussions are still being held at the time of this writing over who will replace Daniel Craig in the upcoming James Bond 26 following his swan song in No Time to Die, those kinds of debates have been waged for decades.

Even looking back at the era of Sean Connery's James Bond films, several classically trained actors of the stage and screen would have made fitting additions to the franchise. Many of them were even actively considered or offered the part, but all ultimately turned it down for various reasons. Still, it's worth looking back at some of the most interesting classic...

Wolfgang Petersen's 2004 peplum film "Troy" told the age-old tale of the Trojan War but with a realistic sheen. In Homer's worn old rendition of "The Iliad," the gods played a major role in the outcome of the war between Troy and the Achaeans, and they regularly appeared on the battlefield alongside the story's many human warriors. The bulk of "The Iliad," as any 10th grader can tell you, focuses on the wrathful Achilles, the greatest Achaean warrior who refused to fight after his lover, Patroclus, was killed. His participation was key, as the war was drawing to a close, and the Achaeans were close to victory. As we all know, they ultimately infiltrated the walls of Troy using a large wooden horse with soldiers hidden inside.

Achilles was said to be invulnerable after his mother, Thetis, dipped him in the waters of the River Styx when he was an infant.

With his huge plethora of movies and shows, Brad Pitt can easily be considered one of Hollywood’s finest actors. While initially struggling to establish himself as an actor, Pitt is currently among the highest-paid actors in the world of Tinsel Town.

However, with popularity comes several challenges and criticisms. For Pitt, it was the cult classic Fight Club, which garnered a lukewarm reception from the public when it was released in 1999.

Brad Pitt in Fight Club (credits: 20th Century Fox Film Corp)

Based on the outstanding literature of Chuck Palahniuk, the movie showcases the Bullet Train actor in a different light; however, even that was not enough to keep the spectators interested, and the movie gathered quite a lot of booing when it debuted at the Venice Film Festival in 1999, but Brad Pitt had a different reaction.

Brad Pitt’s reaction to Fight Club getting booed

While people are...

Jacob Elordi broke into the film industry with his role in The Kissing Booth movies. His role as the ‘bad-boy jock’ went viral across the internet, making him the internet’s favorite fan crush. His subsequent role in Euphoria has only added to his appeal, helping him become one of the many heartthrobs of Hollywood.

Jacob Elordi in Saltburn | Amazon MGM Studio

While fans from all over the world admire and crush on him, the actor himself revealed who he had a crush on growing up, and surprisingly, it is none other than Brad Pitt. After Elordi admitted his feelings for the Oscar-winning star, even fans exclaimed that the actor was not wrong.

Jacob Elordi’s First Crush was Brad Pitt!

Jacob Elordi in Euphoria | HBO

Jacob Elordi has been time and again described as the classic Hollywood leading man by fans and critics. Thanks to his charming looks, engaging personality,...

Famously known for playing the Roy family patriarch in Succession, Brian Cox walked Vanity Fair through his trajectory of filmography and remarkable career, in 2022. Therein, the actor spoke fondly of his role as Agamemnon in Wolfgang Peterson’s 2004 historical epic Troy, alongside Brad Pitt’s Achilles.

Brian Cox in a still from Troy

Admitting that the role of Agamemnon was the only one that he has ever pursued in his career, Brian Cox mentioned how he lets his career fall into pieces, on its own. Meanwhile, speaking about the film and the stellar cast, Cox recalled Brad Pitt’s grandeur on set. According to Cox, watching Pitt’s performance made him believe that no other actor could ever beat his screen presence.

Brian Cox Recalled His Role in the 2004 Epic Troy

Reminiscing his career timeline with Vanity Fair in 2022, Brian Cox recalled his work in Wolfgang Peterson’s 2004 film Troy.

A historian praises Troy for capturing The Illiad's spirit, despite some historical inaccuracies. Brad Pitt's performance as Achilles helped lead Troy to a successful $497 million worldwide box office. Despite mixed reviews, Troy ranks as the third-biggest hit on Brad Pitt's career box office list.

Brad Pitt’s 2004 historical epic Troy gets high marks from a historian, who praises the movie for capturing the spirit of The Illiad. Released in the wake of Gladiator’s Oscar-winning run, Pitt’s turn as the legendary hero Achilles jumped on the suddenly-speeding sword-and-sandals bandwagon, riding it to a healthy $497 million worldwide box office gross. Critics were unfortunately not too impressed by Troy, as reflected in the film’s 53% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Troy may have performed better with audiences than with critics, but there’s one expert who thinks the movie did a good job capturing The Illiad, even if it sometimes...

Musical episodes of TV shows weren’t invented by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, nor by Xena: Warrior Princess either. But it was Xena that came up with a way of doing musical episodes that was incredibly effective, and Buffy that perfected it, producing a musical that has been a touchstone for TV ever since.

Some TV shows are designed to be a musical every week, of course, from Glee to Schmigadoon! to Flight of the Conchords. But there is also a fairly long-standing tradition of non-musical shows including musical episodes from time to time.

It might seem like having characters who do not normally sing randomly burst into song would be restricted to science fiction and fantasy, in which an invented reason can be provided for the singing, but plenty of non-sci fi and fantasy shows have done musicals either by making the whole thing take place inside someone’s...

A new upgrade is deepening the divide between Billy Batson and Shazam, putting the Shazam Family at risk. Solomon's gift of increased wisdom is causing Billy and Shazam to see themselves as distinct beings, creating conflict. The Captain's ability to take over without Billy's consent hints at a future where the hero may do away with Billy altogether.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shazam! #10!A new upgrade is putting Billy Batson and his powerful alter ego on the path to a war that's going to rock the Shazam Family. Billy's always been used to being in control, but lately, he's been losing all sense of himself.

The gods Shazam draws his powers from forced Billy to take on an upgrade that, while helpful, is deepening a divide between him and the Earth's Mightiest Mortal. With a new era coming for the Shazam Family, the more powerful Captain is taking steps...

Considering the crackdown on filmmakers (among other artists) the Iranian government has ‘indulged' into, it is by no surprise that a number of filmmakers of the country have decided to deal with the subject. Farhad Delaram also does so in his feature debut, in a film that focuses on a director, though, that has not been overly successful (as Panahi and Rasoulof for example) nor has enjoyed the ‘benefit' of martyrdom from international press. His approach is quite interesting.

Achilles is screening at Museum of the Moving Image, as part of the First Look 2024 program

Having abandoned filmmaking, Farid has been forced to work nights as an unlicensed orthodontist in a clinic, with the help of his doctor friend, Masoud. In there he enjoys the anonymity he needs, which has also led him, though, to alienating his wife, and to a constant anger about his situation, which he frequently channels...

Zack Snyder is a prolific screenwriter, director, and producer who made his directorial debut with the 2004 movie, Dawn of the Dead. He came into the limelight with movies like 300 (2006) and Watchmen (2009), and then went on to establish the Dceu with movies like Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and the directorial cut of the 2017 release, Justice League. Recently, he sat with Joe Rogan for the latter’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, where Snyder shared many stories about his career.

Zack Snyder with Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience podcast

During the podcast, he talked about how if he got to make The Dark Knight Returns, that would be it for him – his legacy. He won’t need or want to make any more comic book movies if he gets to make Tdkr. He also said that though Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had...

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 7 and the original Percy Jackson book series.

Percy Jackson episode 7 teases the Curse of Achilles, a major storyline in the books in which people who bathe in the River Styx become immortal. The River Styx is mentioned as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover travel through the Underworld which plays a vital role in granting the Curse of Achilles. Changes from the book in the Percy Jackson TV show suggest the Curse of Achilles may be altered in the TV show, adding dramatic weight to Percy's story.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 7 includes one seemingly inconsequential line that teases a major storyline in the future. After Percy Jackson episode 6's detour to Las Vegas, the trio of Percy, Annabeth, and Grover finally make their way into the Underworld. In the realm of Percy Jackson's Greek god Hades, the children...

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 4.

Percy Jackson encounters mythological creatures and villainous presences in episode 4, including a Nereid messenger. Nereids are sea nymphs in Greek mythology, symbolizing the beauty and kindness of the sea, and are often associated with sailors and fishermen. Percy's backstory with the Nereids is not fully explored in episode 4, but hints suggest it may be revealed in future episodes.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 4 introduces a Nereid, a messenger dedicated to Poseidon. In the world of the Disney+ show, Percy Jackson encounters several mythological creatures, with episode 4 being no different. Percy Jackson and the Olympians episode 4 takes the titular character to St. Louis where he encounters more villainous presences such as Echidna and the Chimera. After the shocking story reveals of Percy Jackson episode 3, episode 4 continues the journey to find Zeus' master bolt that was outlined in the...

Internal schism in Shazam causes Billy Batson to struggle with his heroic alter ego. Upgrade to divine gift may intensify inner conflict. Shazam Family fights to save Billy from becoming gods' servant. Solomon warns that wisdom boost may worsen divide between Billy and the Captain. Captain may decide to permanently stay in transformed form, leaving Billy powerless. Champion of Shazam's wisdom could lead to betrayal of mortal self.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Shazam #6!An internal schism within Shazam could be driving Billy Batson away from his heroic alter ego. After taking on the gods to regain his independence, the Captain is finally taking back control of his powers. But an upgrade to one of his divine gifts might lead to a devastating inner struggle.

In Shazam #6 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, Freddy Freeman and the rest of the Shazam Family spring into action to save Shazam from becoming the gods' servant.

The ongoing plights of Iranian filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof — who were both released from prison earlier this year after months of detainment for crimes relating to their criticisms of the nation’s government — prompted renewed concerns about Iran’s authoritarian policies from the global film community. But the larger philosophical and geopolitical concerns about censoring filmmakers can make it tempting to view these men as mere symbols, ignoring the spiritual price they end up paying for their work.

Panahi’s latest film, “No Bears,” made the rounds on the international festival circuit in 2022, and he used the platform to issue frequent statements about the dangers faced by Iranian filmmakers who try to express themselves freely. Panahi and his many supporters often spoke about the paradoxical reasoning that allowed filmmakers to keep focusing on the very art that was putting their freedom in jeopardy. Being creative in an environment...

Iranian director Farhad Delaram was in the midst of shooting his subversive road movie “Achilles” when Mahsa Amini died in Tehran on Sept. 16, 2022, while being detained for allegedly violating the country’s hijab law that mandates covered hair.

Amini’s death triggered months of nationwide demonstrations and riots under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom.” The ongoing protests mark the most serious challenge to the country’s regime since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979.

The fallout from Amini’s death came crashing onto the Iranian set of “Achilles,” in which a former filmmaker turned medic nicknamed Achilles decides to help a female political prisoner named Hedieh escape from a psych ward. Due to the nationwide protests “Everyone on set was having trouble concentrating,” Delaram recounts.

Roughly a year later, the director is in Toronto launching his timely drama that will now segue to San Sebastian and other European fests. Visit Films is selling “Achilles” internationally.

Aaron Rodgers’ debut with the New York Jets lasted all of four snaps, but the veteran quarterback vows to return to the field next year.

The future Hall of Famer, who turns 40 in December, tore his Achilles tendon early in Sunday’s eventual Jets victory over the rival Buffalo Bills, costing the longtime Green Bay Packers veteran his 2023 season. He broke his silence with a social media post today, thanking “every person that has reached out” and noting: “The night is darkest before the dawn. And I shall rise yet again.”

“Thank you to every person that has reached out, called, texted, Dm’d, connected through a friend, etc. It has meant a ton to me, and I’ll try and get back to all of you soon,” Rodgers posted. “I’m completely heartbroken and moving through all of the emotions, but deeply touched and humbled by the support and love.

The ultra-powerful team of gods and mythic figures currently hounding Shazam finally have a name, as the Conclave of Shazam are fully unveiled. Shazam famously draws his powers from six patron deities - now, they've turned against him, as six of DC's most potent mythological figures unite as a single villainous union.

The team declare their name in a preview for Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez and Troy Peteri's Shazam! #3. Recently, Billy Batson has lost control of his Shazam form, leading to dangerous outbreaks of arrogance and impatience. As Freddy Freeman investigates, he discovers this is because Shazam's patron gods feel he is not bringing respect to their name, and are taking it in turns to seize control of his body while he is channeling their powers. Solomon, Hercules, Achilles, Zeus, Atlas, and Mercury have united in the common cause of puppeteering Shazam, bringing their godly flaws to DC's iconic hero.

Warning: Spoilers for Disney Villains: Hades #1

Danny DeVito's character in Disney's Hercules, Philoctetes, has long been a fan-favorite, and now Disney Villains: Hades #1 has set up the perfect opportunity to share more about Phil's tragic backstory. The comic series has introduced one of the heroes he worked with previously, and the series could go on to show his past, depicting what led to his eventual hesitation to work with new "would-be heroes."

Disney Villains: Hades #1 – by Elliot Kalan and Alessandro Ranaldi – is the start of the latest in Dynamite Comics' series of prequels, focusing on Disney's iconic animated villains. The first issue highlights Hades' plans to overthrow Olympus before Hercules could ever interfere, featuring him putting together a team to acquire the Golden Fleece of Colchis, in the hopes it will grant his wish to overthrow his brother, Zeus.

Related: Disney Officially Closes a Lion King Plot Hole After...

Iranian film director and writer Farhad Delaram is reportedly in danger due to potential criticism of the Iranian government in his upcoming film Achilles.

Per Variety, sources noted that the Iranian government has a long tradition of detaining, arresting, or even outright banning directors, writers, and actors who have taken part in films that have been branded "critical" of those currently in positions of power in Iran. A native of Tehran, Iran, Farhad Delaram and his team could be the next victims to undergo Iran's harsh treatment of citizens who appear to speak out against the government.

Related: Comics A.M. | Iranian Cartoonist Released from Prison

Achilles follows the story of Farid and Hedieh, a doctor and a political prisoner respectively. A connection forms when they meet, necessitating an escape across Iran. Aided by fellow sympathizers and chased by the authorities, Farid and Hedieh seek freedom from each of their situations together.

Warning: Spoilers for Disney Villains: Hades #1Disney's Hercules was inspired by mythology, but a larger cast has just joined its universe within comics, as Disney Villains: Hades reveals that Hades was planning his takeover of Olympus for much longer than fans believed. In fact, his plot has been in the works for so long, that another mythical hero was pitted against the Lord of the Underworld: Jason, of the Argonauts.

Disney Villains: Hades #1 – by the creative team of Elliot Kalan and Alessandro Ranaldi – continues Dynamite Comics' line of comics centered around iconic Disney villains, including Maleficent and Scar. The Hades series serves as a prequel to Hercules, depicting the Lord of the Dead's antics before Hercules was born - with the first issue revealing he had multiple plans for usurping his brother's rule of Olympus.

Related: Disney Officially Closes a Lion King Plot Hole After 29 Years

Hercules Introduces Several New...

The line-up includes Niclas Larsson’s Mother, Couch! starring Ewan McGregor, Taylor Russell and Ellen Burstyn

San Sebastian International Film Festival has unveiled the 11 first and second features competing for the New Directors award.

Among the selection is Niclas Larsson’s Mother, Couch! starring Ewan McGregor, Taylor Russell and Ellen Burstyn. The film is a co-production between the US, Sweden and Denmark and sees three estranged siblings brought back together by their mother’s bizarre behaviour.

The strand will open with Miang Ling’s second film Carefree Days which follows a 25-year-old woman with a terminal illness who embarks on...

Swedish pic Mother, Couch! starring Taylor Russell and Ewan McGregor alongside Ellen Burstyn is one of the titles San Sebastian has set to compete for its New Directors award during its 71st edition, running September 22 — 30.

The film is from the debut feature filmmaker Niclas Larsson and follows three estranged children who are brought together when their mother refuses to move from a couch in a furniture store. The previously unannounced film is a US – Danish – Swedish co-production. Unlike the other titles announced today, the mystery project had no accompanying image.

Eleven productions from nineteen countries will compete for San Sebastian’s Kutxabank-New Directors Award. Of all the selected movies, seven are debut works, while the rest are second features. The Kutxabank-New Directors Award comes with a 50,000 euro cash prize divided equally between the director and the distributor of the film in Spain. Films in the New Directors section are also...

Starring “Bones and All’s” Taylor Russell, Ewan McGregor and Ellen Burstyn, “Mother, Couch!” the feature debut of Sweden’s Niclas Larsson, features in a currently 11-title lineup of San Sebastian’s 2023 New Directors section, the most important sidebar at the highest-profile movie event in the Spanish-speaking world.

Notable in Trey Edward Shults’ raved-reviewed debut “Waves,” Russell stars in “Mother, Couch,” billed as dark dramedy that, produced by Lyrical Media and Suris/Bishop Films, has largely flown under the radar. Though “Mother, Couch!” Is his feature debut, Larsson is a high-profile short filmmaker, his Vatten (2013) earned the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Göteborg, and 2015’s “The Magic Dinner” starred Alicia Vikander and Anna Wintour.

Section’s other highest-profile title is supernatural art house drama “Last Shadow at First Light,” shot between Singapore and Japan and directed by Nicole Midori and described by Variety as examining “the intangible nature...

Shazam's powers are being defined, as his magic word gets a dark new definition. The World’s Mightiest Mortal recently returned with a brand-new ongoing series, and at the end of the first issue, he lashed out at the very public he was trying to save. Meanwhile, forces are conspiring to take the power of Shazam back from Billy, and in a first look at Shazam #4, the titular hero is redefined in a new, dark form.

DC Comics has released its solicitations for October-shipping titles, including Shazam #4, which will be written by Mark Waid and drawn by Dan Mora. The publisher also provided a look at the issue’s covers, from John Timms, Chris Samnee, Mat Lopes, Gabriele Dell'Otto, Nathan Szerdy, and Gerald Parel. Enjoy the cover art throughout and official synopsis below, which establishes that "Shazam" will no longer denote the powers of Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury,...

A weird quirk about Shazam's powers makes him way more powerful than fans realize. Every letter in the name Shazam stands for a god or mythological figure, and in 1979’s World’s Finest #254, it is revealed that one particular god, Zeus, acts as a supplement to the powers Shazam draws from other gods. This enhanced strength then allows Shazam to complete a task beyond even Hercules’ abilities.

Since his introduction over 80 years ago, Billy Batson has but to say the magic word "Shazam" and he transforms into the World's Mightiest Mortal. In his first appearance, it is explained that Shazam draws his powers from six different gods or mythological figures: The wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zues, the courage of Achilles and the speed of Mercury. When taken together, this makes Shazam one of the most powerful beings on Earth,...

The hard drives are concealed in lipstick cases and the latex face masks are now molded with the help of a 3D printer, but the considerable and surprisingly consistent pleasures of the Mission: Impossible series rely on more vintage touches: ambiguous bombshells of a classical Hollywood beauty; Cold War-era villains; and Tom Cruise’s eternal commitment to scaling buildings, escaping shackles, and crashing through plates of glass.

Mirroring phases of the star’s career, the franchise has cast Ethan Hunt as a cocksure maverick (Brian De Palma’s original), devoted romantic (John Woo’s Mission: Impossible II), and a prospective husband (J.J. Abrams’s Mission: Impossible III). Since then, a series which has never shown much interest in character-building has become the perfect embodiment of Cruise’s illegible reputation. Brad Bird’s Ghost Protocol rendered Hunt an avatar, nearly silent in his service to the director’s kinetic set pieces,...

Warning: contains spoilers for Shazam! #2!Shazam has revealed which of Superman’s powers he is actually jealous of. Since Shazam’s arrival in comics’ Golden Age, he and Superman have been both rivals and allies — and there were enough similarities between them to invite a lawsuit.

Both heroes are super-strong, both can fly and both have super endurance, but in Shazam! #2 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez, and Troy Peteri, the World’s Mightiest Mortal reveals the one power belonging to Superman that he wishes he had. In the previous issue, The Captain (Shazam’s new name) lashed out at the public on national television, and even he is not sure why. In this issue, on a walk to clear his head, Billy discovers a riot going on in a museum. Changing back into the Captain, he learns it is the work of the Psycho-Pirate.

Thanks to the courage of Achilles,...

Warning! Contains spoilers for Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods #4!The magic word Mary Bromfield uses to become Shazam has just taken on a much better meaning. After losing her powers, Mary gets a new set of abilities that fit her much better than her brother's.

In Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods #4's backup story "A Champion's Heart: Finale" by Josie Campbell and Caitlin Yarsky, Mary and Billy reflect on the war they've just been involved with. With Mary now mortal after passing on her powers to Wonder Woman, Billy summons the Wizard. Billy implores the immortal to transfer his power to Mary, saying she deserves to be the Champion more than him. But Hippolyta intervenes and offers Mary Marvel another choice.

Impressed with her spirit on the battlefield, Hippolyta wants to reward Mary with a new set of powers directly from the goddesses. The agility of Selene, the strength of Hippolyta,...

He may share their names, but that doesn't mean that Shazam's namesakes ever agreed to it. A solicitation for an upcoming issue of Shazam! reveals that the gods from which Billy Batson draws his abilities are attempting to seize his power.

DC has recently released solicitations for its numerous offerings for June. In addition to new series such as The Penguin or Steelworks, there will also be a swath of content celebrating Pride Month, such as themed variants and the latest edition of DC Pride. But hidden in among the offerings is a curious solicitation for the second issue of Shazam's latest series.

Billy Batson was given the powers of the gods by the Wizard Shazam—but Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury never gave the Wizard their permission. Displeased with how Billy is representing them, the disgruntled gods engage in a six-way fight for sole control of the World’s Mightiest Mortal…...

Warning: Spoilers for Shazam! Fury of the Gods Below!

Numerous gods and deities have appeared or been referenced in the Dceu. The newly released Shazam: Fury of the Gods lives up to its title with the young hero Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his fellow members of the Shazamily battling a trio of gods intent on unleashing vengeance upon the world. However, the antagonists of Fury of the Gods are hardly the only such deities in the Dceu.

The Dceu's early films Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Wonder Woman also each introduced numerous gods into the Dceu as both heroes and villains. Moreover, Zack Snyder's Justice League not only sees several of these same gods and demi-gods appear but also delves into DC's Fourth World with Snyder's introduction of the New Gods. Here is every god to have appeared and been referenced in the Dceu.

Related: Shazam!

During the February 28 episode of Jeopardy! hosted by Mayim Bialik, many viewers on Twitter gave their blind guesses before the game transitioned into Final Jeopardy. The category during the High School Reunion Tournament, Names In Myth, had the following question: Her brothers, Castor & Pollux, saved her after Theseus stole her away as a kid; a larger force would seek her later in life. Many users gave their guesses, using every Greek or Norse god they could muster before the question was answered. Some folks said Prometheus, Icarus, Orpheus, Eos, Odin, Achilles, and even Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk. My #blindguess is Prometheus. Category: Names of Myth#jeopardy — BarbThePostcardDiva#ProDemocracy (@MorBeeK) March 1, 2023 Who is Icarus? #blindguess #jeopardy — Donna J Czerniecki (@JCzerniecki) March 1, 2023 who is Eos?#blindguess #Jeopardy — marafish (@marafish) March 1, 2023 Who is Odin? #blindguess #jeopardy — Carla Murray (@zanzibarstar) March 1, 2023 Gilgamesh #BlindGuess #Jeopardy — Jeremy Smith (@jeremy_d_smith1) March 1, 2023 However, some had fun with the joke,...

Colombian cinema has shown a ferocious loyalty to the country’s dispossessed: to the generation that lost its lands to exploitation and its moral moorings to the drug trade, to the kids who grew up parentless on the streets or found some kind of refuge in the militias that terrorized the country. It has also proved to be a hotbed of vibrant artistic experiment. Films such as Monos (2019) and La Jauria (2022), in which myth, magic and documentary observation collide and mingle, are notable for their untethered energy and complete disregard for prescribed categories. Stories are not so much told as imaginatively experienced. Perhaps, in a country with so few visible rules, anything is possible.

Which brings us to Laura Mora’s The Kings of the World, about a volatile street hustler from Medellin who sets out to reclaim his grandmother’s stolen farm. It is a glorious film, pulsing with life.

Assassin's Creed 3 managed to introduce a feature to Ubisoft's series that not even Valhalla could pull off: homestead missions. In Assassin's Creed 3, the protagonist Connor builds a home base in the community of Davenport, turning what was originally just the manor of his mentor Achilles into a village by recruiting people and clearing forests for buildings. Similarly, Eivor helps construct a homestead out of the military camp of Ravensthorpe in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Considering that Assassin's Creed Valhalla came out eight years after Assassin's Creed 3, one would expect for the newer game's version of homestead missions to outperform those of its predecessor, but Assassin's Creed 3's homestead missions in Davenport have only grown in favor with time because of the failures of Ravensthorpe.

As the future entries in Ubisoft's series like Assassin's Creed Red and Mirage approach their release dates, Ubisoft should look at how to improve upon Assassin's...