Pop Culture Check: Entertainment News You Need to Know Right Now
Grab your popcorn, because all this entertainment news is juicy.
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!
Meet the New Harry, Ron & Hermione: Casting Revealed for the Harry Potter Reboot
The Harry Potter reboot nobody saw coming has cast its new trio: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. After 32,000 auditions, fresh faces are stepping into these legendary roles.
Staying true to the books, the series has sparked controversy, with J.K. Rowling’s involvement being an obvious curse. Either way, the HBO Max series arrives in 2026 — and the buzz is undeniable.
The Devil Wears Prada Sequel is Coming Sooner Than We Thought
It’s been a long time coming, but The Devil Wears Prada sequel has finally been confirmed — and it’s arriving sooner than we expected. Disney has locked in a release date of May 1st, 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next for Miranda Priestly, Andrea Sachs, and Emily Charlton.
While no cast members have been officially confirmed just yet, The Puck previously reported that Meryl Streep will return as the iconic (and still terrifying) Miranda Priestly — and Emily Blunt is also said to be back. As for Stanley Tucci? He’s ready. Speaking to Variety, he shared: “I know they’re working on it. If it happens, I would be so happy, but I cannot give you any information.”
Behind the scenes, David Frankel, who directed the original, is set to return, alongside producer Wendy Finerman, with Aline Brosh McKenna once again penning the script.
It’s time to dust off your cerulean sweaters — fashion’s favourite film is making a comeback.
Trailer for New Hulu Series Adults is Released — Is This the Friends of the New Generation?
Adults might just be the chaotic coming-of-age comedy we’ve been waiting for. Think nervous twenty-somethings, chronic hangouts, and the beautiful mess of figuring life out—together. With its fun, unserious vibe and relatable friendships, it’s giving major Friends-for-a-new-generation energy.
Set to premiere May 28th on FX, the entire season will be ready to binge May 29th on Hulu — and we’re already obsessed.
Stream on hulu from 29th May
New Series Mix Tape Comes to Binge 12th June
Get ready to press play — Mix Tape, the brand-new series that’s equal parts nostalgia and heart, hits Binge on the 12th June. This heart-throbbing, emotional rollercoaster dives into the power of music, memory, and connection, following a love story told through the songs that shaped it. With a killer soundtrack and gut-punch storytelling, it’s set to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever made—or received—a mixtape. Plus, with a great cast starring Tereasa Palmer, Jim Sturgess, and Florence Hunt (Hyacinth in Bridgerton), this one’s a must-watch. Get your tissues ready, because Mix Tape is bound to put you in your feels.
Stream on Binge from 12th June
Nobody Wants This Wraps Filming for Season Two — Here’s Everything We Know
Netflix’s hit romantic comedy Nobody Wants This has officially wrapped filming for Season 2 — and the excitement is real. Jackie Tohn, who plays Esther, shared the news on Instagram alongside a heartfelt caption and fun behind-the-scenes photos. Kristen Bell is back leading the beloved ensemble cast, with more laughs, emotional twists, and chaotic charm on the way.
New episode titles hint at what’s to come, including “Dinner Party,” “The Taker,” “The Unethical Therapist,” “Leave It At The Tree,” “Valentine’s Day,” and “A Better Rabbi.” Whether it’s therapy gone wrong or awkward family moments, this season promises it all. While Netflix hasn’t confirmed the exact premiere date, Season 2 is expected to arrive in October 2025 — mark your calendars!
The Bear Season 4 Is Coming In Hot — Here’s What’s Cooking
Pack your patience and your appetite—The Bear is back for a fourth helping, and it’s set to drop all ten episodes in one go on 26th June (via Disney+ in Australia). Carmy, Sydney, and Richie return to the kitchen chaos we all love, with more pressure, more perfectionism, and possibly (definitely) more emotional breakdowns. The trailer has dropped, and it’s full of the drama, inspiration, and heart that we know and love from the previous three seasons.
Expect new challenges, elevated plates, and the kind of tension that makes you forget to breathe. With the full cast returning and whispers of guest stars, it’s shaping up to be unmissable telly. Consider this your cue to clear your calendar and fire up the group chat.
Season 4 drops on 26th June 2025
Stranger Things Final Season Is Almost Here — Here’s What You Need to Know
Get ready, Stranger Things fans — the beloved sci-fi horror rollercoaster is gearing up for its epic final ride. Season 5 drops starting 10th October 2025, with eight episodes set to bring the saga to a nail-biting close by 27th November. The first six episodes will hit Netflix all at once, followed by a dramatic two-part finale that promises to leave us breathless.
We’ve got tantalising episode titles like The Crawl, Sorcerer, and Escape from Camazotz — enough mystery to keep you guessing all the way through. The usual gang is back: Eleven, Mike, Hopper, Joyce, and the rest of Hawkins’ finest (but oh, how we miss you, Eddie Munson). Expect the supernatural thrills, emotional twists, and heart-stopping moments that made this series a cultural phenomenon.
With the storylines ramping up and secrets finally spilling, it’s the perfect time to binge the earlier seasons and prepare yourself for the emotional rollercoaster ahead. Whether you’re Team Eleven or Team Hopper, this finale is shaping up to be everything we hoped for — and more. Keep your snacks ready, your theories brewing, and your phone charged. This is one season you’ll want to watch twice in quick succession.
Final season drops 10th October 2025
Kim Kardashian’s Out for Revenge in the ‘All’s Fair’ Teaser Trailer
Kim Kardashian may not yet be a lawyer, but she’s playing one in the new Ryan Murphy created series All’s Fair, which dropped it’s first teaser trailer this morning.
The reality star-turned-actress appears alongside a star-studded cast that includes Aussie Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Teyana Taylor and Sarah Paulson in the highly-anticipated legal drama that follows a team of female divorce attorneys who open their own “powerhouse practice” in Los Angeles.
Taking the stance that a girl’s best friend isn’t diamonds, but instead her divorce lawyers, the series appears to have everything we’d expect from a Ryan Murphy backed show: high fashion, luxury lifestyles and plenty of over-the-top drama. (He was, after all, the mastermind behind Glee, American Horror Story and Nip/Tuck).
While no exact release date has been announced, it’s due to drop in the US later this year, so we can expect to see it on Disney Plus at the same time.
Honey, Don’t! Trailer has Been Released
The first trailer for Honey Don’t! has arrived, reuniting Margaret Qualley with director Ethan Coen after last year’s Drive-Away Dolls. This dark comedy follows Honey O’Donahue, a sharp but chaotic private investigator whose latest case—a string of suspicious deaths—leads her straight into the heart of a bizarre church. Think small-town noir meets cult mystery, with a dash of deadpan absurdity. Aubrey Plaza and Chris Evans co-star, and yes, there’s a new hot priest (hello, Fleabag) type in town—it’s wrong, but it’s right. Strap in. Honey Don’t! hits cinemas on August 21st and it’s looking like your next offbeat winter obsession.
August 21st release
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock Reunite for ‘Practical Magic 2’—Witchy Sequel Set for 2026
The spell is cast: Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reunite as the Owens sisters in Practical Magic 2, premiering in cinemas on 18th September, 2026. Directed by Susanne Bier and written by Akiva Goldsman, the sequel draws inspiration from Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic, promising a fresh chapter in the beloved saga. Fans can expect a return to the enchanting mix of sisterhood, romance, and supernatural intrigue that made the original a cult classic. With both stars also on board as producers, the sequel is set to rekindle the magic for a new generation.
See the teaser here
Set for 18th September 2026 release
Popcorn Picks: 6 Must-See Movies This May
May’s cinema lineup is a wild ride—vampires, unicorns, Vatican secrets, and more. Here are six films you won’t want to miss:
Sinners
Michael B. Jordan plays twin bootleggers facing Irish vampires in 1930s Mississippi.
Why we’re keen: A Southern Gothic vampire musical with swagger and soul. It’s haunting, gorgeous, and strangely prophetic—we went once, and we’re going again.
Death of a Unicorn
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega accidentally kill a unicorn; chaos ensues.
Why we’re keen: A dark comedy that skewers capitalism and fantasy tropes—unhinged in the best way.
Conclave
Ralph Fiennes investigates Vatican secrets during a high-stakes papal election.
Why we’re keen: Cloistered power games, divine mysteries, and Fiennes in full slow-burn mode. Holy thriller, indeed.
Small Things Like These
Cillian Murphy uncovers horrors in a Magdalene laundry in 1980s Ireland.
Why we’re keen: Quiet, devastating, and necessary. A study in moral courage, perfectly performed.
Drop
A widowed mother’s first date turns into a nightmare when anonymous messages threaten her family.
Why we’re keen: A claustrophobic techno-thriller that blends suspense with sharp commentary on digital vulnerability. Meghann Fahy delivers a gripping performance.
Warfare
A Navy SEAL team endures a harrowing mission in Ramadi, Iraq, portrayed in real-time.
Why we’re keen: A raw, immersive experience that captures the chaos and brotherhood of combat. Plus, the ensemble cast is packed with talent: Cosmo Jarvis, Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Noah Centineo, Charles Melton, and more.
You’ll find most (if not all) lighting up screens at the big three: Village Cinemas (VIC, NSW, TAS), Event Cinemas (QLD, NSW, SA, WA, NT), HOYTS (ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA)
Aussie Actor Announced as Haymitch in New Hunger Games Film
Exciting new details have been announced for the latest upcoming film in the Hunger Games series: Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. The Hunger Games Instagram account is rolling out casting announcements, and we officially have our Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove! While the shortlist released earlier this year had heartthrobs including Jacob Elordi, Tom Holland, Drew Starkey and Mike Faist as contenders for Haymitch, it was 20-year-old Australian actor, Joseph Zada (also known as Jo Cumpston), who secured the position. Best known for his roles in Invisible Boys and We Were Liars, this will be Joseph’s first role in a major blockbuster film. Joining him will be Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove, Haymitch’s rebellious love interest. You may recognise Whitney Peak from the 2021 Gossip Girl reboot, wherein she starred as Zoya Lott. Two more cast members have been announced: Mckenna Grace to play Maysilee Donner, another District 12 tribute and Haymitch’s ally, and Jesse Plemons to play a younger Plutarch Heavensbee.
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’re feverish with excitement. 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.
Emma Mackey Cast as White Witch in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia
Emma Mackey (Sex Education) has been cast as the villainous White Witch in Netflix and Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. This evil spellcaster is responsible for plunging Narnia into an endless winter, and for turning her enemies into stone, and is the main villain in both Magician’s Nephew and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Mackey will likely be joined by Meryl Streep, who is currently in talks to play Aslan, the talking lion who is a vital character in the Chronicles. Set to be released late 2026, more casting details are yet to be announced.
Dolly Alderton to Write New Pride and Prejudice Series
Netflix has teamed up with best-selling author Dolly Alderton to create a new adaptation of the classic, Pride and Prejudice. Why is this being adapted yet again, you might ask? Because Dolly Alderton is writing the script and Euros Lyn (Heartstopper) is directing, we argue! Plus, who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy? Pride and Prejudice will be a six-part limited series and is said to closely follow the original text, which is filled with juicy drama, heart-wrenching romance and haunting twists. While no release date has been announced, several cast members have been confirmed. BAFTA-winning actor Jack Lowden is set to play Mr. Darcy, Golden Globe-winning actress Emma Corrin will take the role of Elizabeth Bennett, and Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman will be assuming the role of Mrs. Bennett. It’s a star-studded cast, that’s for sure!
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt Are Back in I Know What You Did Last Summer
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt are reprising their roles in the cult-favourite 1997 slasher, I Know What You Did Last Summer, for a sequel of the same name coming to cinemas 18th July. Following a similar plot—five friends bound by a tragic accident—the sequel promises a fresh twist and new cast members including Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Chase Sui Wonders (Bodies Bodies Bodies), Jonah Hauer-King (The Little Mermaid), Tyriq Withers (Him), and Sarah Pidgeon (The Wilds). Set to be filled with spine-chilling suspense, I Know What You Did Last Summer will entertain nostalgic fans and first-time viewers alike.
In cinemas 18th July
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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’ 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
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
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+
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
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
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.
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
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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