Alamo Drafthouse and Toho International Announce ‘Godzilla’ In-Theater Collaboration (Film News in Brief)

The long-awaited sequel to Death Stranding, one of the most talked-about games of 2019, is finally here. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has just launched for the PlayStation 5, giving fans a chance to dive back into its surreal, post-apocalyptic world. Priced at $69, it’s landing as one of the year’s most anticipated releases—six years after the original left players hooked (or scratching their heads).

Editor’s Note: If you’re into immersive, weirdly beautiful games with deep storytelling, this is a big deal. The first Death Stranding was polarizing but unforgettable, and this sequel could either double down on that magic or surprise us all. Either way, it’s a major moment for PlayStation fans and a test of whether Hideo Kojima’s vision still captivates. Plus, at $70 a pop, it’s a reminder that blockbuster games aren’t getting any cheaper.

In a controversial statement, former President Donald Trump likened recent U.S. military strikes on Iran to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, suggesting such actions can force conflicts to a swift end. The comparison has drawn sharp reactions, given the catastrophic human toll of those bombings and the sensitivity of modern geopolitical tensions with Iran.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s analogy isn’t just a historical reference—it’s a loaded statement that could escalate diplomatic tensions. Comparing modern military actions to one of the deadliest events in history risks normalizing extreme measures and could further strain already fragile U.S.-Iran relations. It’s the kind of rhetoric that makes analysts nervous about how future conflicts might be framed—or justified.

A group of rising film producers, featured on Variety’s "10 Producers to Watch" list, got real about the messy, unpredictable side of Hollywood at the Bentonville Film Festival. They shared war stories—like getting fired, dealing with hacked footage, and even pitching the "Costco hot dog model" (cheap, reliable, and crowd-pleasing) as a metaphor for sustainable filmmaking. Trevor Wall, one of the panelists, reminisced about his humble beginnings as an intern at Will Smith’s company, highlighting the scrappy hustle behind the glamour.

Editor’s Note: Behind every polished movie, there’s chaos, creative problem-solving, and a lot of hot-dog-level pragmatism. This panel pulls back the curtain on how today’s producers navigate Hollywood’s highs and lows—useful for aspiring filmmakers or anyone curious about the gritty reality of making art in a profit-driven system.

Tony-winning director Diane Paulus, known for hits like Pippin and Waitress, is taking the helm of Masquerade, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new immersive spin-off of The Phantom of the Opera. While details like exact run dates are still under wraps, tickets for the production go on sale soon—so theater fans should keep an eye out.

Editor’s Note: This is a big deal for Broadway enthusiasts. Paulus has a stellar track record, and Webber’s Phantom is a cultural juggernaut. An immersive take on that world could be a fresh, exciting twist—or at the very least, a must-see for die-hard fans. Plus, with Paulus involved, expectations are high for something visually stunning and emotionally gripping.

The sequel M3gan 2.0 brings back the murderous AI doll, this time with even more chaotic upgrades, as she squares off against another rogue android in a darkly funny showdown. Allison Williams returns in this horror-comedy that doubles down on the original’s mix of campy thrills and tech-terror satire.

Editor’s Note: If you loved the first M3gan—or just enjoy horror that doesn’t take itself too seriously—this sequel seems like a wild, self-aware ride. It’s also a cheeky nod to our real-world AI anxieties, wrapped in a glossy, blood-splattered package.