Pop Culture Check: Entertainment News You Need to Know Right Now

Grab your popcorn, because all this entertainment news is juicy.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The world of entertainment and pop culture is ever-evolving, delivering a steady stream of new movies, TV shows, and buzzworthy moments that keep us on the edge of our seats. From local gems to global blockbusters, there’s always something exciting to dive into.

From breakout streaming hits to award-winning cinema and headline-making celebrity news, the entertainment world keeps our feeds buzzing with excitement.

Got a snack at the ready? Let’s dig in!

Dumbledore (Image Credit: IMDB)

Cast Announced for Upcoming Harry Potter TV Series

Yes, you read that correctly—a Harry Potter TV series is officially in the works and will be hitting our screens sooner than you think. The upcoming series is part of a decade-long deal between Warner Bros. and HBO, spanning 10 seasons, with filming set to begin this summer (winter for us Australians). It’s expected to premiere on HBO Max in late 2026 or 2027, and the first part of the highly anticipated Harry Potter cast has finally been announced. The cast is as follows:

  • John Lithgow as Dumbledore
  • Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
  • Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
  • Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
  • Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
  • Paul Whitehouse as play Argus Filch

More cast announcements are to come. Harry, Ron and Hermione are predicted to be newcomers to the acting industry after Warner Bros. launched an open casting call looking for children between ages nine and 11. There are also rumours that Cilian Murphy is to play Voldemort, although nothing has been confirmed. However, after the Nick Frost rumours to play Hagrid proved to be true, we’re staying hopeful.

Behind the scenes, Succession alums Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod will serve as executive producers, with Gardiner also stepping in  as  showrunner and Mylod directing multiple episodes. Adding to the excitement, Holly Waddington—Oscar winner for Best Costume Design for Poor Things—has been announced as the TV series’ costume designer, so we’re in for a real treat in the wardrobe department!

Watch this space, more updates are sure to come.

Amazon Prime Releases Trailor for Another Simple Favor

A Simple Favor (2018) is getting a sequel, courtesy of Amazon Prime. Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite after Emily is released from prison for attempted murder, and Emily has another favour to ask: if Stephanie will be her aid of honour in Emily’s upcoming wedding in Capri. There’ll be twists, turns, murder and betrayal in this thrilling new film, and we can’t wait to watch it.

Streaming 1st May on Amazon Prime

The Housemaid (Image Credit: @mingey)

‘The Housemaid’ Reveals Star-Studded Cast and Promising New Thrills

The buzz around The Housemaid intensifies as Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried lead an electrifying cast in the upcoming film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling psychological thriller. Sweeney, embodying the role of Millie, finds herself ensnared in a dangerous web of secrets within a wealthy family, while Seyfried takes on the chilling role of Nina, the family’s enigmatic matriarch. Directed by Paul Feig, the film promises a stylish, suspense-filled narrative. With an impeccable ensemble and a release set for December 2025, this psychological drama is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. 

Set for release December 2025

No Other Land still at Palestinian Film Festival
‘No Other Land’

Palestinian Film Festival Program Announced

The Palestinian Film Festival will be returning to Australia in May for its 13th season, and its bold program of exciting and emotional new cinema has been released. The films that grace this year’s lineup are nothing short of powerful, exploring themes of resilience, love, war and freedom.

“This year’s program is guided by a deep emotional pulse,” said Festival Director Naser Shakhtour. “It’s about the power of Palestinian cinema to speak from the rubble, to conjure memory, and to imagine freedom. These films reflect not just the struggles, but the resilience, beauty, and strength of Palestinian culture”.

With feature highlights including The Teacher, a gripping tale of a Palestinian schoolteacher torn between compassion and resistance, and From Ground Zero, an evocative new documentary comprising 22 short works by displaced Palestinian artists working under the pressures of the war, the Palestinian Film Festival is bound to leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends. Held in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Canberra, the festival offers audiences across Australia the chance to engage with Palestinian stories, voices, and perspectives through unforgettable film.

View full program here

1st to 11th May

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Cast of Severance
Severance

Severance Confirmed for Season Three

Severance fans, rejoice! The cult-favourite Apple TV+ show has been renewed for its third season, with the announcement coming on the same date as the season two finale was released. Creator Dan Erickson has said that season three of Severance should hit screens quicker than the gruelling three-year wait it took for season two to reach fans due to roadblocks including the pandemic and disagreements in the writers’ room. While filming hasn’t commenced yet, tell your innies and outies to get excited!

Stream season one and two on Apple TV+

Cinna, Haymitch and Peeta in The Hunger Games

Actor Shortlist for Haymitch in New Hunger Games Film Revealed

Exciting new details have been announced for the latest upcoming film in the Hunger Games series: Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Casting is well and truly underway, and while no actors have been confirmed for roles, a shortlist of contenders for the lead role, Haymitch Abernathy, has been released. And when we tell you it’s a long list of heartthrobs, we aren’t lying:

  • Drew Starkey
  • Nicholas Galitzine
  • Mike Faist
  • Tom Holland
  • Jacob Elordi
  • Austin Butler
  • Callum Turner
  • Noah Lalonde
  • Jack Lawden
  • Danny Griffin
  • Tom Glynn-Carney
  • Louis Hofman

Our top pick is Noah Lalonde, there’s something about him that gives off perfect nonchalant Haymitch vibes.

Billy Ray, the screenwriter for the original Hunger Games film in 2012 will be writing the series’ latest adaptation from Suzanne Collins’ recently released novel, and we couldn’t be more excited. Set to be released in November 2026, we won’t be seeing a trailer any time soon. But the second it drops, we’ll be sat.

Jimmy Carr
Jimmy Carr

Jimmy Carr Announces Australian Shows for 2026

Jimmy Carr is coming down under! The UK comedian will be touring Australia from February to May next year with his new show, Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny. Making his way through Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Geelong, Ballarat, Perth, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, and more, Jimmy Carr is covering a lot of ground during his multi-month tour, allowing Aussies far and wide to collapse in a laughing heap.

Tickets go on sale 7th April, 2pm local time

Book here

Beatles Biopic Cast Revealed (Image Credit: John Russo)

The Internet’s Boyfriends Unite for Sam Mendes’ Beatles Biopics

Sam Mendes is set to break new ground with not one, but four Beatles biopics, all dropping in 2028, each focusing on one of the iconic band members. At CinemaCon, Mendes revealed the star-studded cast: Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. Swoon! With the bold plan of releasing all four films as a cohesive cinematic experience, Sony is tapping into the band’s massive fanbase with what they’re calling “the first binge-able theatrical experience.” Prepare for an epic, multi-film deep dive into the lives of the Fab Four.

In theatres April 2028

Friday Just Got a Whole Lot Freakier With Freakier Friday Teaser Trailer

Everyone’s favourite mother-daughter duo is back for round two! It’s been years since Anna and Tess had their body-swapping identity crisis, but lightning strikes again. The Freakier Friday teaser trailer has been released—backed by an iconic Chappell Roan soundtrack—and this time, there’s more people involved. Anna’s daughter and soon-to-be stepdaughter are somehow also thrown into the mix, resulting in a large, confusing, ‘who’s who’ conundrum that must be sorted out in order for their lives to go back to normal.

We can’t wait to see Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis starring side-by-side in an exciting sequel to one of our favourite coming-of-age comedies, and will be waiting with popcorn at the ready for this to hit cinemas.

In cinemas 8th August

Happy Gilmore 2 Releases New Trailer and Release Date

Get your golf clubs out and start practicing your swing, because Adam Sandler is set to be back on screens later this year with the release of Happy Gilmore 2. Arriving on the 25th of July on Netflix, the sequel comes almost 30 years after the original cult-fvaourite film. Happy Gilmore 2 follows Happy’s return to the pro golf scene as he faces new rivals, unexpected challenges, and a whole lot of hilarious antics on and off the green.

Some familiar faces from the first movie will be joining Adam Sandler in the sequel, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (also known as Bad Bunny) joins the cast, and a number of professional golfers will be making cameo appearances, too, including John Daly, Paige Spiranac, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and more.

Out on Netflix 25th July

Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal Fight Over Dakota Johnson in Steamy New Trailer

It’s great to see rom-coms are alive and well. Materialists is the latest film to join this beloved genre, set to hit cinemas mid June. Starring Dakota Johnson as esteemed New York City matchmaker, Lucy, Pedro Pascal as mysterious, charming and affluent Randy, and Chris Evans as John, a handsome hospitality worker from Lucy’s past. Lucy is torn between the two, and must put her matchmaking skills to the test—on herself—as she navigates the battle between her head, her heart, and distinguishing between the two.

With two of Hollywood’s most gorgeous men battling it out for love, expect sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Materialists promises to be the ultimate rom-com of the year.

In Cinemas 13th June

F1 Movie Releases New Trailer

Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for upcoming film, F1, just in time for the start of the Formula One 2025 season. This new trailer gives F1 fans an exhilarating sneak peak into the action-packed film, set to be released in cinemas in June 2025. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for “Top Gun: Maverick,” and starring Brad Pitt as “Sonny Hayes”, an ex Formula One driver returning to the circuit after a disastrous crash, the film follows his journey as he mentors a rising young driver, played by Damson Idris, while navigating intense rivalries and the high-stakes world of professional racing.

F1’s release is highly anticipated, as fans spotted scenes of the film being shot at Formula One races throughout 2024, with real F1 cars and live race footage seamlessly integrated into the film. The production team collaborated closely with Formula One, ensuring authenticity by filming on actual Grand Prix weekends and using modified F2 cars to capture high-speed action.

In Cinemas June 2025

And Just Like That (Image Credit: IMDB)

Warner Bros. Discovery Launches New Australian Streaming Service

Warner Bros. Discover has launched a brand new streaming service in Australia at the end of March called Max. This new platform will bring together film and television from production companies and channels including as HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery, Cartoon Network, TLC, ID, HGTV and more, all in the one mega streaming service. Expect to see film and television shows including Harry Potter, Euphoria, the DC Universe, The Last of Us, And Just Like That, Barbie, and much more. This means that from 31st March, competing streaming service BINGE will no longer host Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO and Max Originals productions on its platform, as reported by WhistleOut.

Stream now

Leighton Meester Joins Cast of Nobody Wants This for Season Two

Best known for her iconic performance as Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester is set to join the star-studded cast of Nobody Wants This for its sophomore season. Starring alongside her real-life husband, Adam Brody, and Kristen Bell, Meester will play Abby—Joanne’s (Kristen Bell) middle-school-nemesis-turned-influencer. 

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Bell and Meester have worked together. True fans will remember that while Meester played Blair on Gossip Girl, Bell was the infamous voice behind the show’s scandalous gossip blog. 

Shooting for season two kicks off the week of the 24th February, so we can expect to see the new season on our screens in the not-too-distant future!

Stream Season One on Netflix

Drew Starkey in Outer Banks
Drew Starkey (Image Credit: Netflix)

Outer Banks Star Drew Starkey Joins Apple TV+ Limited Series Lucky

Drew Starkey, best known for his breakout role as Rafe Cameron in Outer Banks, has joined the cast of Lucky, an upcoming limited series on Apple TV+. The project, based on the novel by Marissa Stapley, follows a gripping tale of fate, fortune, and deception. Starkey’s casting only adds to the growing anticipation for the star-studded adaptation, where he’s set to play Cary, Lucky’s (Taylor-Joy) husband. While no official release date  has been announced, the series is expected to premiere sometime in 2025.

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