In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we cover the exciting casting announcements for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Mckenna Grace will portray Maysilee Donner, Whitney Peak is taking on the role of Lenore Dove, and Joseph Zada has been cast as young Haymitch Abernathy. We also talk about what the prequel will explore, including the origin story of Haymitch and the brutal 50th Hunger Games. With the movie set for a November 2026 release, we share early impressions and personal thoughts on why this story might be the most compelling yet.

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction to Hunger Games prequel casting

• 00:03 Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner

• 00:08 Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove

• 00:12 Joseph Zada as young Haymitch Abernathy

• 00:15 Story focus on Haymitch’s origin and the 50th Hunger Games

• 00:21 Personal early thoughts and excitement for the film

• 00:26 Release date set for November 20, 2026

Key Takeaways:

• Mckenna Grace, Whitney Peak, and Joseph Zada join the Hunger Games universe.

• The movie will explore Haymitch Abernathy’s early life and his experience in the deadly 50th Games.

• Early buzz suggests Sunrise on the Reaping could become one of the strongest stories in the Hunger Games saga.

• The film is scheduled to release on November 20, 2026, in the United States.

Memorable Quotes:

• “This film is going to explore the origin of Haymitch and the 50th Hunger Games.”

• “My friends rave about how this might be the best one yet.”

Call to Action:
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Listener Questions:
Have thoughts on the new Hunger Games casting? Send us your reactions and we might feature them in a future episode!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Geek News, Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping, Mckenna Grace, Joseph Zada, Whitney Peak, Movie News, YA Adaptations, Geek Freaks Podcast, Panem Stories, New Movie Announcements

In this special solo episode, Frank shares his raw excitement about one of the biggest gaming announcements of the year — the surprise release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. He reflects on what made the original game such a cornerstone of RPG history, breaks down what’s new in the remaster, and explains why this release hits a nostalgic high note for longtime fans. Plus, he previews the upcoming Geek Freaks interview with comic writer Kyle Higgins.

00:00 Introduction and personal gaming milestones
00:20 Initial reactions to the Oblivion Remastered trailer
00:35 Unreal Engine 5 and development by Virtuos
00:47 Platforms and Game Pass availability
01:03 Visual updates and combat improvements
01:16 Story overview and map comparison with Skyrim
01:33 Included DLCs and the return of iconic horse armor
01:48 Final thoughts on the remaster’s 20-year legacy
02:01 Where to play and Frank’s own installation update
02:16 Upcoming Geek Freaks episode featuring Kyle Higgins

• Oblivion Remastered is now available as a shadowdrop across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Game Pass.

• The remaster uses Unreal Engine 5 and was developed in partnership with Virtuos.

• Visuals, lighting, character rigging, and combat have been improved while keeping the original game’s core intact.

• Includes Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, and more beloved content.

• Deluxe Edition brings back iconic horse armor, a nostalgic wink to longtime fans.

• Oblivion's map is actually larger than Skyrim’s, a detail often forgotten.

“The first RPG that I really got lost in and introduced me to the genre is Oblivion.”
“They announced it, showed these beautiful visuals, and then they just released it.”
“It's been 20 years since Oblivion came out and I hope you guys get a chance to step into it.”

If you loved today’s episode, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review, share this episode with a fellow gamer, and use the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast to join the conversation.

📰 All news discussed in today’s episode comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.com

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Got a gaming memory that Oblivion Remastered brought back? Or want to hear more about classic RPGs getting a modern upgrade? Send in your thoughts and questions to be featured in future episodes!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Elder Scrolls, Oblivion Remastered, Xbox Game Pass, Skyrim, Unreal Engine 5, Bethesda, RPG Games, Game Reviews, Geek Freaks Podcast, Video Game Nostalgia, Cyrodiil, Shivering Isles, Kyle Higgins, Radiant Black, Massive Verse, PS5 Games, Xbox Series X, Game Announcements

One of the most menacing and magnetic figures in the Star Wars universe is back. At Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, Lucasfilm revealed Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, an all-new animated series heading to Disney+ in 2026. The show will bring back Sam Witwer as the voice of Darth Maul, marking another chapter in the character’s legacy that stretches from The Phantom Menace to Clone Wars, Rebels, and even Solo: A Star Wars Story.

A Darker Chapter in Maul’s Saga

Shadow Lord picks up after the events of The Clone Wars, exploring Maul’s return to the shadows as he rebuilds his criminal empire on a remote planet still untouched by the Empire’s grip. According to footage shown at the Lucasfilm Animation panel, this is not a redemption arc. This is Maul at his most cunning and brutal—still burning with rage and ambition.

The clip shown in Tokyo sets the tone clearly: gritty and intense. We see Maul leading a prison break to rescue a Force-sensitive Twi’lek, whom he offers to train. The scene closes with a flurry of lightsaber combat as Maul cuts down multiple enemies with ruthless efficiency. The animation leans darker in tone and palette, clearly setting this series apart from previous entries.

The Return of Sam Witwer

Fans of Clone Wars and Rebels will be thrilled to see Sam Witwer return as Maul. His voice performance has been integral to the character’s transformation from silent assassin to tragic antihero. Witwer’s ability to convey Maul’s internal torment and calculating menace has made the character one of the most layered villains in Star Wars canon.

A New Era for Star Wars Animation

Shadow Lord arrives at a time when Lucasfilm Animation is doubling down on character-driven stories. This series promises to delve into Maul’s psychology, power struggles, and his role in the criminal underworld. It’s not about galactic conquest. It’s about survival, manipulation, and control.

With Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord set to launch in 2026, fans can expect a thrilling, emotionally charged series that finally gives Maul the center stage he deserves.

In this quick-hit episode of Geek Freaks, Frank breaks down the first wave of news from Star Wars Celebration Japan. We’re talking about the IMAX debut of The Mandalorian & Grogu, confirmed characters returning from Rebels and Jedi: Fallen Order, and the big reveal of Star Wars: Starfighter, a new film starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy. Plus, updates on Ahsoka season 2 and why Frank’s still hoping for more Fallen Order content. It’s a jam-packed Star Wars update with more news expected all weekend long!

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 — Introduction and Star Wars Celebration kickoff
00:03 — The Mandalorian & Grogu headed to IMAX
00:07 — Zeb from Rebels and BD-1 from Jedi: Fallen Order confirmed
00:17 — Hopes for a Fallen Order series or comic
00:31 — First teaser details for Star Wars: Starfighter
00:45 — Ryan Gosling stars, directed by Shawn Levy, May 2027 release
00:50 — Ahsoka Season 2 production update
00:54 — More reveals coming throughout the weekend

Key Takeaways:

• The Mandalorian & Grogu is confirmed for IMAX, with Zeb and BD-1 making appearances.

• Footage was shown to Star Wars Celebration attendees but not released publicly yet.

• Frank hopes for a Jedi: Fallen Order live-action series or comics.

• Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, will release in 2027.

• The film is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker and begins production this fall.

• Ahsoka Season 2 is confirmed to begin filming soon.

• More announcements from Star Wars Celebration Japan are expected.

Quotes:

“That’s my number one request — give us a Fallen Order series. Or comics. Something!”
“We’ve heard about Starfighter for a bit now, and now it’s finally official with Gosling leading.”
“Zeb and BD-1? Yes, please. That’s the kind of crossover I’ve been waiting for.”

Call to Action:
If you’re loving our Star Wars updates, be sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast app, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow fans using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Let’s get ready for an epic Star Wars weekend!

Links and Resources:
Catch all the latest news and updates from this episode at GeekFreaksPodcast.com – your source for everything geeky!

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Listener Questions:
What announcement are you most hyped for from Star Wars Celebration? Let us know on social media or send your thoughts to the podcast – we might feature them in an upcoming episode!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Grogu, Starfighter, Ryan Gosling, Shawn Levy, Jedi Fallen Order, Ahsoka, Star Wars Celebration, Geek Culture, Disney, Rebels, BD-1, IMAX, Lucasfilm

In this episode of the Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank reacts to the newest trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps, breaking down key moments and big reveals. From the confirmed pregnancy of Sue Storm (hinting at Franklin Richards) to Julia Garner’s striking debut as Silver Surfer, this trailer packs a ton of insight into Marvel’s next cinematic leap. We explore the moral status of Marvel’s First Family in this new MCU universe, Reed Richards’ guilt, Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch personality, and that jaw-dropping first look at Galactus. With Thunderbolts just around the corner, Frank shares why now is a great time to be a Marvel fan.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 – Introduction and trailer overview
00:10 – Fantastic Four as moral pillars of the MCU world
00:14 – Sue Storm’s pregnancy and the Franklin Richards tease
00:22 – Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch gets more personality
00:27 – Reed Richards’ stretching finally looks great
00:42 – Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer revealed
01:00 – Galactus teased as the true threat
01:10 – Reed’s guilt over calling Galactus
01:28 – Comic-accurate Galactus and scale shown
01:40 – Final thoughts and what’s next

Key Takeaways:

• The Fantastic Four are not just heroes—they’re role models in this MCU world.

• Sue Storm is pregnant, heavily teasing the future introduction of Franklin Richards.

• Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer brings a serious tone and cosmic threat to the story.

• Reed Richards may have unknowingly summoned Galactus, which sets up emotional depth.

• Galactus is teased in a massive way, ditching the cloud concept for a towering physical presence.

• The Human Torch, played by Joseph Quinn, gets to show more personality and action.

• This trailer marks a tonal shift and sets the stage for Marvel’s next major story arc.

Quotes:

“Sue Storm is pregnant, which means we’re going to Franklin Richards in the future—talk about a powerful superhero.”
“Reed Richards gave the signal for Galactus to come. He was pushing the boundaries of space, and it was like a beacon.”
“Galactus is not just some weird cloud in the sky. It’s good to see them take this seriously.”

Call to Action:
Love the Fantastic Four? Hyped for Silver Surfer? Subscribe to the Geek Freaks Podcast on your favorite app, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Your support helps us reach even more fans of geek culture!

Links and Resources:
All the news and updates discussed in this episode are available at GeekFreaksPodcast.com

Follow Us:
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Listener Questions:
Got thoughts about the Silver Surfer reveal? Predictions for Galactus or Franklin Richards? Send your questions or comments our way—we’d love to include them in an upcoming episode!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Marvel, Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, Galactus, MCU, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Julia Garner, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Marvel trailer reaction, superhero podcast, comic book podcast, geek culture

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we're breaking down the freshly confirmed cast for the Max Harry Potter TV series. The series promises a decade-long deep dive into the wizarding world, with a focus on staying true to the books. We go through the full list of cast announcements, including veteran actors and exciting new faces. Plus, we preview what’s next as casting continues for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Don’t miss our thoughts on this bold new take on a beloved franchise!

00:00 – Introduction and casting announcement
00:05 – John Lithgow as Dumbledore
00:06 – Janet McTeer as McGonagall
00:07 – Paapa Essiedu as Snape
00:08 – Nick Frost as Hagrid
00:10 – New additions: Luke Thallon as Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Filch
00:18 – Quick series recap: 10-year plan, faithful to the books, Francesca Gardiner as showrunner
00:23 – Casting search ongoing for Harry, Ron, and Hermione (looking for kids aged 9–11)
00:31 – Closing thoughts and listener invite to discuss the casting

• Max’s Harry Potter series confirms major casting decisions.

• John Lithgow steps in as Dumbledore, bringing heavyweight acting talent.

• Janet McTeer is cast as McGonagall, promising a strong presence at Hogwarts.

• Paapa Essiedu takes on Snape, adding depth to the fan-favorite character.

• Nick Frost brings his charm to Hagrid.

• Newcomers Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse join as Quirrell and Filch.

• The series will span 10 years, closely following the original novels.

• Casting continues for the lead trio, targeting young actors between 9 and 11.

• Geek Freaks will continue coverage as the series develops.

"Luke Thallon is going to be playing Quirrell, this weird dude that everybody hates."

"This is going to be a ten-year project trying to stay closer to the books."

"Let me know what you guys think about this cast so far and have a great week!"

If you enjoyed this breakdown, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines! Leave a review on your favorite podcast app, and share this episode with your fellow Potterheads using #GeekFreaksPodcast.

For all the latest geek news, head over to GeekFreaksPodcast.com.

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Got thoughts on this casting? Send us your reactions and we might feature them in an upcoming episode!

Harry Potter, Max TV series, John Lithgow, Nick Frost, Geek Culture, Casting News, Entertainment News, Wizarding World, Geek Freaks Podcast

In this fast update, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Marvel Rivals Season 2! From the arrival of Emma Frost to the brand-new Krakoa map and major ranked mode changes, this quick-hit episode covers all the essentials. Whether you're a veteran player or jumping in fresh, here's what’s new in the Marvel universe’s most exciting shooter.

Timestamps:
00:00 — Season 2 Launch Day
00:15 — New Hero: Emma Frost
00:30 — New Map: Hellfire Gala - Krakoa
00:45 — Ranked Mode Reset & Updates
01:05 — Battle Pass, Skins & Cerebro Event
01:20 — Final Thoughts and What’s Next

Key Takeaways:

• Emma Frost arrives as a powerful new Vanguard hero

• Hellfire Gala: Krakoa brings fresh map dynamics

• Full rank reset and hero bans added at Gold tier

• Flower of Krakoa Battle Pass launches with 10 new skins

• New Cerebro Database event and mission system overhaul

Quote:
"NetEase packed this season with major changes — it really feels like the most competitive push yet for Marvel Rivals."

Call to Action:
Love quick updates like this? Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share the episode with your Marvel and gaming friends! Keep up with all our coverage at GeekFreaksPodcast.com.

Links and Resources:

• Marvel Rivals official site

• Full patch notes: NetEase developer update

• Geek Freaks for all geek culture news: GeekFreaksPodcast.com

Follow Us:
Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast
Twitter: @geekfreakspod
Threads: @geekfreakspodcast
Patreon: Geek Freaks Podcast

Listener Questions:
Got thoughts on Marvel Rivals Season 2? Send them our way, and we might feature your take in an upcoming episode!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Marvel Rivals, gaming news, Marvel games, Emma Frost, multiplayer games, competitive gaming, podcast, geek culture, quick news, NetEase, new season updates

Michael Sarnoski, the acclaimed director behind Pig and A Quiet Place: Day One, is officially set to write and direct the live-action adaptation of Death Stranding! Produced by A24, Kojima Productions, and Square Peg, this film promises to bring Hideo Kojima’s visionary post-apocalyptic world to life on the big screen.

While plot details are still under wraps, fans of the game will recognize the story of reconnecting a fractured America amid supernatural threats. The original game starred Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Mads Mikkelsen, and more — but will they return for the film? Only time will tell.

Plus, with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launching June 26, 2025, the excitement around the franchise is stronger than ever.

We’re breaking down everything we know about the Death Stranding movie and what this means for Kojima’s expanding cinematic universe!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on game-to-film adaptations, Kojima projects, and all things geek culture.

In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we're celebrating a monumental moment in adult animation: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad have each been renewed for four more seasons! We explore what this means for long-time fans, the power of streaming numbers, and how these iconic series continue to shape Fox’s Animation Domination. Plus, personal reflections on growing up with these shows and what makes them so enduring.

00:00 – Big animation renewals: Four more seasons for each
00:08 – The Simpsons heading to 40 seasons
00:14 – Streaming power: 42.4B minutes for Family Guy, 36B for Bob’s Burgers
00:28 – Impact on Hulu and Disney+
00:34 – A personal animation journey: Growing up with The Simpsons
00:50 – Love for new era shows like About Alice and The Great North
01:06 – Dreaming of a podcast just to talk about adult animation

• The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad are all renewed through the 2028–2029 season.

• Streaming is driving the longevity of these shows with billions of minutes watched.

• These series are foundational for Hulu and Disney+’s adult animation libraries.

• Fox continues expanding with new titles like About Alice and The Great North.

• The deep-rooted love for animated comedies is as personal as it is cultural.

“Adult animation is literally my number one fandom.”
“The Simpsons is heading to 40 seasons. I remember buying the DVD for the 20th.”
“Now it seems so tame, but back then I wasn’t even allowed to watch it.”
“I would make a podcast about these shows... I just don’t know the format.”

If you’re as hyped about these renewals as we are, hit that Subscribe button!
Leave a review, share this episode, and tag us using #GeekFreaksPodcast.
We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite adult animation series? Drop your thoughts in the comments or message us.

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🎧 Got a question or hot take? We want to hear from YOU! Submit your thoughts, theories, and fan memories to be featured in a future episode.

The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, American Dad, Fox Animation, Animation Domination, Hulu Streaming, Disney Plus, Adult Animation, Geek Culture, Streaming TV, Pop Culture Podcast, Animation News, GeekFreaksPodcast

Star Wars just dropped a major update in the animated universe—Tales of the Underworld is on its way! In this quick-hit Geek Freaks Headlines episode, we break down everything you need to know about the upcoming Disney+ series releasing on May 4th.
We're getting three episodes each for Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress. Bane’s episodes will explore his roots and a rivalry with a former friend-turned-soldier, while Ventress’s arc shows her shielding a Padawan from the Inquisitors. But her return sparks bigger questions—after her death in the 2015 novel Dark Disciple, why is there still no real explanation?

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Tales of the Underworld announced
00:04 – Cad Bane’s origin story preview
00:09 – Asajj Ventress protects a young Padawan
00:15 – Ventress’s return from death: where’s the explanation?
00:25 – May 4th release date + wrap-up

⭐ Key Takeaways:

• Tales of the Underworld drops May 4th on Disney+.

• Cad Bane will get a proper origin story told over three episodes.

• Asajj Ventress is back again—still without clarity on her resurrection.

• Both characters were last seen in The Bad Batch and The Clone Wars.

• The return of these fan-favorites marks a darker turn for Star Wars storytelling.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

"Personally, I would really like for them to kind of explain more about Ventress's resurrection..."
"Any more Ventress, I’m very happy."
"Both these characters are excellent Star Wars characters."

📣 Call to Action:
Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a 5-star review, and share the show with your fellow Star Wars fans using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast.
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💌 Got questions or theories?
Send them our way! We’d love to hear your take on the Ventress mystery and what you expect from Cad Bane’s origin story.

🔖 Apple Podcast Tags:
Star Wars, Disney+, Cad Bane, Asajj Ventress, Tales of the Underworld, Geek News, Sci-Fi Animation, The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch, Inquisitors, Dark Disciple