Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson thought Black Adam would be his ticket to running the DC Universe — complete with Henry Cavill, power lunches, and a potential executive role for his producing partner. But when the global box office fell short, Warner Bros. passed the baton to James Gunn, ending one of the boldest behind-the-scenes plays in franchise history.
Why Superman Needs to Fly Higher Than Just Ticket Sales
Superman (2025) isn’t just a reboot—it’s a stress test for the entire future of the DC Universe. With massive expectations, polarizing fan reactions, and sky-high financial pressure, the film needs to be more than just a box office hit. From inflated comparisons to Man of Steel to the unexpected merchandising push behind Krypto the Superdog, this post dives into why the movie’s real battle isn’t just on the screen—it’s for the survival of a franchise.
Mark Hamill Just Confirmed What We Knew About The Last Jedi
Nearly eight years after The Last Jedi, Mark Hamill is still rewriting Luke Skywalker in his own head—and honestly, can you blame him? In the latest Hollywood After Dark, we break down Hamill’s tragic personal headcanon, what it reveals about the failures of the sequel trilogy, and why "Jake Skywalker" might have been the most honest thing he ever said.
Superman Slows Down + South Park Explodes + Odyssey Leaks | HWAD 07.02.25
Welcome back to Hollywood After Dark, your nightly breakdown of the wild, weird, and just plain unpredictable world of movies and TV. Tonight’s episode dives headfirst into six massive stories shaking up the entertainment industry, and none of them are pulling punches. First up, Christopher Nolan’s next epic The Odyssey has had its teaser trailer … Continue reading Superman Slows Down + South Park Explodes + Odyssey Leaks | HWAD 07.02.25
Jurassic World Rebirth: A Messy Start, a Thrilling Finish
There’s something inherently magical about watching dinosaurs on the big screen. From the moment the first Jurassic Park film roared into theaters in 1993, audiences have been captivated by the blend of science, spectacle, and survival. With Jurassic World Rebirth, director Gareth Edwards (Rogue One, Godzilla) brings a fresh perspective to the long-running franchise—one that … Continue reading Jurassic World Rebirth: A Messy Start, a Thrilling Finish
James Gunn’s Superman Might Be Too Silly to Survive
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) might look bright and nostalgic, but underneath the Silver Age aesthetics and sci-fi polish, there’s a troubling lack of grounding. As a Xennial raised on sincerity and spectacle, I want this movie to work—but so far, it just feels like cosplay with a budget.
As Long As Spielberg Works, There’s Hope for Cinema
Steven Spielberg says he’ll never retire, and I believe him. At 78, the man is still creating, still evolving, and still inspiring generations of storytellers. As long as he’s directing, a part of Hollywood’s soul remains intact—and I hope he never stops.
Denis Villeneuve Is Everything Bond Needs Right Now
Denis Villeneuve isn’t too serious for James Bond—he’s exactly what the franchise needs. The Hollywood Reporter’s take is trash, and the nostalgia for campy 007 misses the point. Bond doesn’t need more jokes. It needs someone with vision. Let Villeneuve cook.
Spielberg Won’t Retire, Superman Feels Off, and Villeneuve Gets Dragged | HWAD 06.29.25
It’s another loaded episode of Hollywood After Dark, and this one’s got range—from living legends refusing to quit to billion-dollar franchises fumbling their tone. Here’s a breakdown of everything we covered in the June 29th episode: Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker Headcanon Hits HardNearly eight years after The Last Jedi, Mark Hamill is still having to … Continue reading Spielberg Won’t Retire, Superman Feels Off, and Villeneuve Gets Dragged | HWAD 06.29.25
Akira Collapses, Batman Rises, Bond Gets Dune’d, Bay Reloads, and Cameron Fires at Nolan | HWAD 06.28.25
On today’s episode of Hollywood After Dark, we break down the end of Taika Waititi’s Akira, the return of Michael Bay to Transformers, Villeneuve joining Bond, Batman’s sequel script, and Cameron calling out Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Hollywood After Dark 