Valentine’s Day week is here, and the showbiz news is spicy. Time for a round-up!
The Pokemon Company International’s Super Bowl ad (see “Super Bowl LX Commercial“) was a full minute (see below), and with 30-second ads going for $8-$10 million and the full minute tag presumably substantially higher, this was a big investment in the brand for its 30th anniversary. The theme of the ad, which starred Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, Charles Leclerc, Jisoo, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Lamine Yamal and Young Miko, was “What’s Your Favorite,” which will be carried on through the anniversary year.
HBO is developing a Baldur’s Gate drama series, according to Deadline. This series will be based on the popular Dungeons & Dragons video game series of the same name by Wizards of the Coast. Craig Mazin, who adapted The Last of Us into a streaming series (see “‘The Last of Us’“), has been attached as the main writer, executive producer, and showrunner for the series.
Netflix has announced the release date for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 as well as released a teaser trailer (see below). This new animated series (see “Animated Series in Works “), created by the Duffer Brothers, tells an untold Stranger Things story from the winter of 1985. It begins streaming on April 23, 2026 on Netflix.
Disney named a new CEO on February 3, 2026 to succeed Robert Iger, who took over for a second time as CEO in 2022 (see “Surprise Disney CEO Switch“). Disney’s new CEO will be Josh D’Amaro, who has been with the company for 28 years, and most recently served as the Chairman of Disney Experiences (appointed in 2020). His expertise is primarily in the resorts and theme parks end of the business where he had also been the President of both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park during his tenure at the company.
A24 is developing a Texas Chainsaw Massacre series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This is the first TV series based on the original 1974 horror classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Glen Powell will executive produce, and JT Mollner has been slated to direct the series. The last Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie released in 2022 (see “‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Trailer“).
Bandai Namco, Science Saru, and Kodansha will release a new The Ghost in the Shell series. It will be airing in Japan starting in July 2026; the companies have also released a teaser trailer for the series (see below). Recently, Kodansha Comics announced a Ghost in the Shell creator’s art book (see “‘Ghost in the Shell’“).
Apple TV and Legendary have released a trailer for Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 (see below). The new season of the Monsterverse series will hit streaming on February 27, 2026 (see “‘Monarch’ Prequel“).
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