Nerdist in Audio

New Footage Drops for Tom Cruise's 'Digger' in Teaser Trailer

A brand-new teaser trailer has been released for Digger, the highly anticipated new cinematic project starring Tom Cruise and directed by Oscar-winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The cryptic but intense footage showcases Cruise in a remarkably gritty, physically demanding role, stepping slightly away from his recent Mission: Impossible and Top Gun action-hero personas. While specific plot details are still being kept tightly under wraps, the trailer highlights breathtaking cinematography and promises a tense, grounded thriller featuring Cruise’s signature dedication to intense, character-driven stunt work.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/new-digger-footage-tom-cruise-movie-teaser-trailer/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Klara and the Sun' Trailer Showcases Jenna Ortega as an AI Companion

The first trailer for Klara and the Sun, the cinematic adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s heartbreaking, bestselling sci-fi novel, has officially arrived. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film stars Jenna Ortega as Klara, a solar-powered "Artificial Friend" (AF) who is purchased to be a companion for a sickly human teenager. The poignant trailer highlights Ortega's haunting, subtly robotic performance as she observes the complexities of human emotion, love, and mortality from an outsider's perspective. The footage promises a visually stunning, deeply philosophical exploration of artificial intelligence and the nature of the human heart.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/klara-and-the-sun-ai-companion-movie-trailer-jenna-ortega/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Best Movies of 2026 (So Far)

As the year marches on, Nerdist has compiled its running, definitive list of the absolute best movies of 2026. The roundup highlights the standout cinematic achievements that have defined both the box office and the critical landscape. Celebrating a massive year for theaters, the list serves as a comprehensive guide for moviegoers, spotlighting everything from massive franchise blockbusters (like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Spider-Man: Brand New Day) and sweeping historical epics (like Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey) to the year's most terrifying horror hits and breakout indie darlings.

Visit https://nerdist.com/article/best-movies-of-2026/ to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Marvel Comics History of X-Factor and its Connection to 'X-Men '97'

This deep-dive article explores the complex comic book history of the mutant team X-Factor and breaks down how the hit animated series X-Men '97 is perfectly laying the groundwork for their on-screen arrival. The piece traces the team through its distinct comic eras:

• The Original Five (1980s): The first iteration of X-Factor was formed in 1986 by the original five X-Men (Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Iceman, and Angel). To operate in secret, they posed as human "mutant hunters" who would actually rescue the mutants they were hired to capture.
• The Government Team (1990s): This is the era most relevant to X-Men '97. When the original five rejoined the X-Men, human government liaison Valerie Cooper built a new, government-sponsored mutant strike force. Led by Cyclops' brother, Havok, the fan-favorite roster included Polaris, Strong Guy, Multiple Man, Wolfsbane, and Quicksilver.
• X-Factor Investigations (2000s): The team was later reimagined by writer Peter David as a mutant detective agency led by Jamie Madrox (Multiple Man).

The article concludes by pointing out how X-Men '97 is heavily planting the seeds for the 1990s government team. With Val Cooper playing a major role in the show's political landscape, Forge operating off the grid, and brief cameos showing Havok and Polaris, the animated series is perfectly positioned to introduce X-Factor in its upcoming seasons.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/marvel-comics-x-factor-history-x-men-97/ to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sequel to 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' Reportedly in the Works

Universal Pictures is reportedly looking to return to Whoville, with a sequel to the beloved 2000 live-action holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas currently in the works. The article discusses reports that Jim Carrey is being eyed to reprise his iconic role as the green curmudgeon, with original director Ron Howard also attached to return. The news comes as a massive surprise to fans, largely because Carrey has historically been very vocal about how much he despised the grueling, hours-long prosthetic makeup process required to play the character, famously comparing it to being "buried alive."

Visit https://nerdist.com/article/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-sequel-in-works-jim-carrey-ron-howard/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DC Launches New 'Legion', 'Teen Titans', and 'Doom Patrol' Series

DC Comics has announced an exciting new publishing wave aimed at reviving and elevating some of its most beloved ensemble properties. The article breaks down the launch of brand-new comic series for the Teen Titans, the Doom Patrol, and the Legion of Super-Heroes. Promising to take these iconic misfit and legacy teams to the "next level," the upcoming titles will feature fresh creative teams, updated character rosters, and bold new storylines designed to re-establish the groups as major, foundational pillars within the ever-expanding DC comic book universe.

Visit https://nerdist.com/article/dc-launches-new-legion-teen-titans-and-doom-patrol-series-next-level/

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' New Trailer Features the Hulk

Sony and Marvel have dropped a brand-new, action-packed trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and it comes with a massive, completely unexpected MCU cameo: The Incredible Hulk. While the film has been heavily marketed as a gritty, street-level story following the memory-wiping events of No Way Home, the new footage shows an isolated Peter Parker crossing paths with Bruce Banner's green alter-ego. The article breaks down the surprise reveal, speculating on whether Hulk—who also no longer remembers Peter—will act as a reluctant ally or an unpredictable obstacle as Spider-Man navigates Mayor Wilson Fisk’s dangerous anti-vigilante crackdown in New York City.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/spider-man-brand-new-day-new-trailer-hulk/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enhanced 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' Coming to the Sphere in Las Vegas

Cult classic cinema is getting the ultimate, state-of-the-art upgrade. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is officially heading to the massive MSG Sphere in Las Vegas for a special, visually enhanced interactive run. The article details how the iconic midnight movie will utilize the venue's massive 16K wrap-around LED screen and haptic seating to create a completely immersive experience. During beloved musical numbers like "The Time Warp," the dome will project mind-bending, synchronized visual effects, completely amplifying the traditional, chaotic audience-participation elements the legendary musical is known for.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/enhanced-rocky-horror-picture-show-coming-to-sphere-las-vegas/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Exclusive First Look at IDW's 'Star Trek: Holo-Ween II' DS9 Comics

IDW Publishing is getting ready for spooky season by sharing an exclusive first look at Star Trek: Holo-Ween II. Following the massive success of the original Next Generation-focused horror miniseries, this new comic event shifts the terrifying action over to the crew of Deep Space Nine. The Nerdist exclusive reveals the eerie cover art and interior pages, detailing a plot where a mysterious holosuite malfunction unleashes classic gothic horror monsters and nightmarish scenarios onto the space station's promenade. Captain Sisko and his crew are forced to fight for survival as the deadly, terrifying holograms begin to bleed into reality.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/star-trek-holo-ween-ii-ds9-halloween-comics-idw-exclusive/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathleen Kennedy & Steven Spielberg on 'Crystal Skull' Being the Weakest in the Series

In a candid retrospective discussion, legendary filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy opened up about the complicated legacy of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Both acknowledged that the 2008 sci-fi-leaning adventure is widely considered by audiences to be the weakest entry in the beloved franchise. They discussed the behind-the-scenes creative clashes with George Lucas—specifically regarding the controversial inclusion of aliens/interdimensional beings and the infamous "nuking the fridge" scene—and reflected on the lessons learned from the fan backlash.

Visit  https://nerdist.com/article/indiana-jones-kingdom-of-the-crystal-skull-weakest-in-the-series-kathleen-kennedy-steven-spielberg/  to read or listen to the article.

Powered by Instaread (https://instaread.co/player) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.