On this episode of Collider Movie Talk (August 05, 2025) Dennis Tzeng, Kristian Harloff, Perri Nemiroff and Sinead DeVries discuss the following:
We know a lot about theAlien: Covenantcast which includesMichael Fassbender,Katherine Waterston,Billy CrudupandDanny McBride, however, we don’t have much to go on in regards to story and characters. Now, according to the Playlist, we might have our biggest character twist that will tie directly to the original filmRidley Scottcreated back in 1979. So for that, we have to issue aspoiler alert. You’ve been warned. As of now, there is no confirmation from either the filmmakers or the studio so we’ll have to see what happens whenAlien: Covenantcomes to theatres on June 01, 2025.
According to a report from Variety,Hunger GamesdirectorFrancis Lawrenceis in early discussions to helm theBattlestar Galacticareboot at Universal, withWestworldscribeLisa Joyset to write.Bryan Singerhad been attached to direct, but has since moved on. This new version of the property at one point was said to not be related to the critically acclaimed series that aired on the Syfy network between 2003 and 2009. However, a report from The Wrap says the filmmakers are, in fact, taking into account the popular series. No release date has been set.
According to The Hollywood Reporter,Mel Gibsonand hisBraveheartwriterRandall Wallaceare working on a sequel toThe Passion of the Christ,in a story about the resurrection of Jesus. Wallace (reluctantly) confirmed the rumors that he has begun to write a script for a story about the resurrection, telling THR that the project was becoming too difficult to keep under wraps. Wallace said he and Gibson began getting serious about a sequel while makingHacksaw Ridge, which Gibson directed and Wallace co-wrote. No studio or financial backing has been lined up for thePassionsequel at this time.
BUY OR SELL
One of Disney’s most anticipated upcoming releases,Moana,has finally been given an official poster, withDwayne Johnsontaking to his Twitter account to unveil the exclusive, also teasing that the trailer will debut — via him, naturally — this coming Sunday.Moanatells the story of a brave teenage girl from 2,000 years ago who sets out on a voyage to prove that she is as capable as the explorers of old, who sailed around the islands of Oceania as master navigators and seafarers. The Rock will be voicing the demigod Maui, who joins Moana on her quest out into the open ocean, where she will surely meet a host of obstacles to overcome.Moanacomes to theatres this November 23rd.
According to a new report from Showbiz 411, Warner Bros. has recruited two more for itsOcean’s Elevenspinoff, tappingMindy KalingandHelena Bonham Carterto joinSandra BullockandCate Blanchettin the heist film, which is being directed by TheHunger Games’Gary Ross. Bullock is expected to be the Danny Ocean counterpart (that’s the lead role played byGeorge Clooneyin the 2001 film), while Blanchett will be the Rusty figure (played byBrad Pittin the 2001 movie). There’s no word yet on what parts Kaling and Bonham Carter will be filling. The site also confirms thatJennifer Lawrence, who was rumored for the project last month, will not be joining after all, with the site giving scheduling conflicts as the reason. Reports are now calling thisOcean’s Eleven-Ocean’s Ocho, and that it’ll be a spinoff rather than a reboot, with Bullock’s character believed to be Danny Ocean’s sister, and the plot reportedly revolving around her plan to steal a necklace from the Met Ball to frame a crooked gallery owner.
At a recent panel at Wizard World Philadelphia, Tom Hiddleston was asked about reprising his role as Loki inThor: Ragnarok, which begins shooting in July and reuniting him withChris Hemsworthas Thor andMark Ruffaloas The Hulk. It will be the first time Hiddleston has played Loki sinceThor: The Dark Worldin 2012 and the fourth time he has played the character in the MCU. Via a report from Comicbook.com, Hiddleston spoke about what he expected about the role in the second sequel toThor, and also how he might still have a bone to pick with the Hulk based on the last time the two characters met back in the Avengers. Hiddleston said, Loki’s got a few chips on his shoulder, so you’ll have to wait and see what happens when Loki snd Hulk meet up.Thor: Ragnarokhits theaters on August 21, 2025.
BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS
Now it’s time for Box Office Predictions brought to you by our friends at AMC Theatres. This is the part of the show where we make our predictions on what movies are opening this weekend and in what order they will top the weekend’s box office.
Jason Dolan writes:
Dear Collider,
Love the show, the shit rats, the spilled nachos, Mova’s eyebrows, all of it.
My question regards the girth of releases every year… with so many movies that come out, its easy to let one slip through the cracks. Last night I saw the trailer forMargaret, starringAnna Paquin,Matt DamonandMark Ruffaloand I totally missed that movie when it was released. It felt like I was in an alternate universe. Is there a movie you completely missed and years later saw the trailer and were like, when did that come out? What movie did you miss on its initial release (probably before you started being the Sportscenter for movies) that really surprised you when you finally saw the trailer?
Thanks, and sweat away!
Brian Knight writes:
Collider Movie Talk,
You have pointed out how many anticipated movies become just average because of a weak Act III.
Would you rather watch a movie with a great Act I and II, but a weak Act III or a weak Act I but gets better with a strong Act II and Act III?
