Disney+ to add user-generated AI content

Disney+ will be adding user-generated artificial intelligence (AI) content as part of a major overhaul to the streaming service! Isn't there already an app for that?

“The other thing that we’re really excited about, that AI is going to give us the ability to do, is to provide users of Disney+ with a much more engaged experience, including the ability for them to create user-generated content and to consume user-generated content — mostly short-form — from others,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said at the company's recent investment call.

AI is a disruptor with untold consequences for all industries.

Disney’s latest gambit is an astonishing development, considering the company’s extensive efforts to protect its own intellectual property (IP) from misuse by AI. The House of Mouse has already utilised AI for Marvel Studios' Secret Invasion on Disney+. Prophetic, as the company was forced to concede its use of AI after being called out by eagle-eyed viewers.

This has been met with mostly derision, leading to a backlash from Disney+ subscribers (I won't be renewing an annual subscription due to the cost of living crisis) and creatives, too.

The creator of The Owl House, Dana Terrace, urged fans to unsubscribe. "If you pay us we’ll let you make your own content slop! That we will own!" Terrace wrote as she shared the news on X (formerly Twitter).

Iger implied a deepening relationship with Epic Games by adding game-like features to Disney+.

“The opportunity here, we think, is enormous in terms of increasing our engagement with Disney fans across the world,” Iger added.

What are your thoughts on user-generated AI content shared on Disney+? Is it good or bad? What safeguards should be in place? Let me know in the comments below.

The Legend of Zelda movie first look

On Monday, Nintendo released an official first look at The Legend of Zelda live-action movie, which is directed by Wes Ball (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes). The look of Link and Princess Zelda is inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who is producing, revealed the casting of Link and Zelda over the summer, writing in a social media post: “I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of ‘The Legend of Zelda,’ Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen.”

The beloved fantasy action-adventure video game franchise, drawing inspiration from Miyamoto's childhood and The Lord of the Rings, debuted on the Famicom Disk System in 1986 and holds a special place for many gamers (myself included).

Following leaked footage from the New Zealand-based production, where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed, Miyamoto has responded: "The release is some time away, so we'd appreciate it if you would wait patiently and look forward to it."

The upcoming live-action movie adaptation from Nintendo and Sony Pictures will be released in cinemas on 7th May 2027.

Are you looking forward to The Legend of Zelda movie? Let me know in the comments below.

The Sea Devils return from the depths

The Sea Devils return in more ways than one next month in The War Between the Land and the Sea, a 5-part spin-off series, on 7th December, as the original 1972 serial gets a special edition on BBC Four.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer says: “52 years after they first rose from the depths, it’s Sea Devil night across the BBC! A great idea never dies, and viewers young and old can now heed the warning: watch the seas!”

Fans are set to be transported back to 1972 with a newly re-edited version of the classic Doctor Who story The Sea Devils, airing on BBC iPlayer from 6am and BBC Four at 7pm on Sunday, 7th December, ahead of the foes’ highly-anticipated return in The War Between the Land and the Sea at 8:30pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

This new 90-minute blockbuster special condenses the original six-part adventure into a feature-length experience, with updated sound design by Mark Ayres, and an enhanced score featured in The War Between the Land and the Sea created by the legendary Lorne Balfe, which has been woven together with Malcolm Clarke’s groundbreaking 1972 music.

The Sea Devils stars Jon Pertwee, who played the Third Doctor between 1970 and 1974, alongside Katy Manning as companion Jo Grant, and features the iconic villain, the Master, played by Roger Delgado. Written by Malcolm Hulke and directed by Michael E. Briant, the story introduced audiences to the formidable aquatic species, the Sea Devils.

The War Between the Land and the Sea is available for pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to The Sea Devils and The War Between the Land and the Sea? Let me know in the comments below.

War is coming in Fallout

Prime Video has dropped an official trailer for Fallout season two.



The new season will pick up in the aftermath of season one’s epic finale and take audiences along for a journey through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. Season two will premiere this December exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. Two hundred years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind—and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird, and highly violent universe waiting for them.

The series stars Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets, Sweetpea), Aaron Moten (Emancipation, Father Stu), Walton Goggins (The White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones), Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks), Moisés Arias (The King of Staten Island), and Frances Turner (The Boys).

The dynamic between Lucy (Ella Purnell) and the Ghoul (Walton Goggins) was the beating heart of season one, and I can't wait to follow their road trip to New Vegas this holiday season.

Fallout is streaming exclusively on Prime Video (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Fallout season two? Let me know in the comments below.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens in 2026

The starship-like Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, a $1 billion passion project envisioned by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, will open to the public on 22nd September 2026, it has been announced.

“Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life,” said George Lucas, co-founder of the museum.

Exhibits include a life-size Naboo Starfighter, General Grievous on his wheel-bike and original concept art for Indiana Jones.

“This is a museum of the people’s art—the images are illustrations of beliefs we live with every day. For that reason, this art belongs to everyone,” said Lucas Museum co-founder Mellody Hobson. “Our hope is that as people move through the galleries, they will see themselves, and their humanity, reflected back.”

As a Star Wars fan since 1977, I'm hoping the tour guides are astromech and protocol droids.

Are you planning to visit the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien: Earth renewed for second season

Alien: Earth, the first spin-off series from the Alien franchise on Hulu on Disney+, premiered to rave reviews. Noah Hawley's prequel series is a blood-stained Peter Pan parable.

According to Deadline, Hawley's (Fargo) series has been renewed for a second season, with production moving to London, where it will begin filming in 2026.

“It has been our great privilege to work with Noah for more than a decade on some of FX’s best and biggest shows, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership well into the future,” said FX Chairman John Landgraf in a statement.

He continued: “Noah never stops surprising us with truly original stories – and his unique ability to bring them to vibrant life as a director and producer as well as writer makes him extraordinary.

"We can’t wait to get to work on the next season of Alien: Earth, as well as some equally exciting future projects in advanced development.”

Set 2 years before the original Alien, the series explores corporate espionage, an age-old quest for immortality and xenomorphs! Delivering the best hour of genre television this year. What’s not to like?

Eric Schrier, President, Disney Television Studios & Global Original Television Strategy added: “I learned first-hand that Noah was a unique talent while we worked on Fargo at FX. He has gone on to make many of the best shows in television, and I couldn’t be more excited that Noah will continue his FX partnership and broaden it across Disney Entertainment Television.”

Hawley's series introduced Alien fans (myself included) to a menagerie of monsters. T. Ocellus quickly became the star of the series, leaning into Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Hawley added: “I’m thrilled that this expanded deal opens the door to new opportunities across all of Disney Entertainment Television. FX has always supported bold, character-driven storytelling. From the very beginning with Fargo, they’ve encouraged me to take creative risks and follow the story wherever it leads. I’m grateful to continue exploring the world of Alien: Earth alongside our partners, cast, and crew as we begin the next chapter.”

Did you enjoy Alien: Earth? Are you excited about a second season? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Insider to end in 2026

Star Wars Insider will cease publication after over 30 years in early 2026, Lucasfilm announced.

“Insider has been a big part of my Star Wars experience for a very long time, both as a fan and professionally,” editor Christopher Cooper shared in a statement. “It’s been an honor to explore the galaxy far, far away with our readers during my eight year tenure. But publishing has changed immeasurably since the Lucasfilm Fan Club magazine, and we live in an increasingly digital age, which sadly means that this chapter in Star Wars Insider‘s history is coming to an end.”

The publication began life as the Lucasfilm Fan Club magazine in the 1980s, following the closure of Bantha Tracks! In a world without broadband internet and iPhones, it was an invaluable official resource for fans (myself included). For years, I subscribed and was published in the letters page in 1993.

In 1997, I responded to an advert in Star Wars Insider. I was interviewed for a BBC Radio 1 documentary, Skywalker, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars. Lucasfilm decided to drop the fan segment, but it was fun to share my Star Wars story with the director. At the time, my workstation was surrounded by Power of the Force II action figures, Micro Machines and copies of Star Wars Insider.

Before Disney acquired Lucasfilm from George Lucas in 2012, Titan Entertainment approached me about an official partnership with this blog. Whilst it never came to pass, I was grateful for the opportunity.

The decision to shutter Star Wars Insider is not entirely surprising. However, with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars in 2027, the publication may return in a new guise.

Star Wars Insider issue #237 will be the magazine’s last with Titan.

What are your memories of reading Star Wars Insider? Let me know in the comments below.

Michael teaser trailer thrills

Lionsgate has released a teaser trailer for Michael, the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic from director Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson as the titular King of Pop.



Read the official synopsis:

"MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins."

The teaser trailer has become a blockbuster online, garnering 116 million views in 24 hours. It perfectly distils the high-octane energy of Michael mania during the eighties in the wake of Thriller, before controversy would overshadow his career in later life.

Growing up, my late mum introduced me to the music of the Jacksons. In my teens, I was obsessed with Doctor Who, Star Wars and Michael Jackson. Jackson embraced science fiction and fantasy in groundbreaking videos such as Can You Feel It, Disney's Captain EO and the prophetically titled Thriller. I saw him twice with friends, live in concert at the old Wembley Stadium, and it was an unforgettable experience, eclipsing everything.

The movie's production woes have been documented elsewhere, but Lionsgate is teasing the possibility of the Michael biopic being split into two parts.

Michael is exclusively in cinemas on 24th April 2026.

Have you watched the teaser trailer? Do you think it will be the most successful music biopic of all time? Are you looking forward to seeing Michael? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Trek boldly goes on Black Friday

On Thursday, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences, unveiled the highly-anticipated LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. This intricate model invites Star Trek and LEGO fans (myself included) to embark on a galactic voyage of creativity, building a detailed replica of Starfleet’s legendary flagship.

Speaking about the reveal of the LEGO Icons Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise set, actor Jonathan Frakes said, “As Commander Riker, I spent a lot of time on the bridge of the Enterprise, and now fans can take the helm themselves… in LEGO brick form!"

Additionally, shoppers who purchase the LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D (10356) between 28th November to 1st December will receive LEGO Icons Star Trek: Type-15 Shuttlepod as a Gift with Purchase, available while supplies last.

Embark on a creative voyage with this LEGO Icons Star Trek: Type-15 Shuttlepod model kit for adults and fans of the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. This minifigure-scale support craft comes with opening wing doors and a rear hatch. Exterior details include the vehicle name, Onizuka, and the interior features a depiction of an LCARS system display with the Stardate 45076.3 and a schematic of a Romulan spacecraft. This set also includes an Ensign Ro Laren minifigure.

LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D to your collection on Black Friday? Let me know in the comments below.

Bob Iger on The Rest Is History

Deadline exclusively announced Bob Iger, Disney CEO, is a guest on The Rest Is History podcast.

The two-part special, presented by historian and translator Tom Holland and historian and author Dominic Sandbrook, focuses on Walt Disney's legacy.

Iger, who returned after Bob Chapek was fired as CEO during the pandemic, will also offer up reflections on his own time at Disney ahead of his planned exit in 2026. He oversaw the successful acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, as well as the launch of Disney+.

The outgoing Disney CEO is currently in dispute with YouTube TV and is facing fallout from the cancellation of the Doctor Who deal on Disney+.

Watch or listen to The Rest Is History wherever you get your podcasts.