A legion of “Descendants” fans received confirmation of the long-awaited news of a “Descendants 3” movie , via an interstitial that aired during a programming event for Disney’s “ZOMBIES” on Disney Channel. The intriguing message, featuring “Mal” (daughter of Maleficent), alludes to a new villain character – Mal’s father – joining the hugely popular story of the teenage sons and daughters of Disney’s most infamous villains. Loyal fans have suspected and even demanded a “trequel” and have skillfully tracked clues across social media and the internet of recent pre-production activities in Vancouver, Canada. “Descendants 3” will begin production there in summer for a debut next year on Disney Channel.
Emmy® and DGA Award-winning director Kenny Ortega (“Descendants,” “High School Musical” trilogy) is the director, executive producer and choreographer.
Reprising their roles are Dove Cameron as Mal, Cameron Boyce as Carlos, Sofia Carson as Evie, Booboo Stewart as Jay, Mitchell Hope as King Ben and China Anne McClain as Uma. Additional casting for “Descendants 3” will be announced at a later date.
Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “By adding a modern twist to Disney’s most treasured heritage properties, the world of ‘Descendants’ has become an instant classic. We’re thrilled that the creative team that conceived and launched this global phenomenon is back to dive deeper into these characters and the imaginative world from which they come.”
“Descendants 2” has reached more than 71.5 million total viewers across 159 countries and 32 languages. Music videos from “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” have nearly two billion global views and the “Descendants 2” soundtrack was the #1 album on iTunes and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. In the U.S. for Halloween 2017, “Descendants 2” costumes were the top three selling Halloween costumes at Disney Stores and the #1 costume at Party City. More than three million “Descendants” and “Descendants 2” dolls havebeen sold, and more than four million “Descendants” related books have been sold including three popular young adult novels that were featured on the New York Times Best Sellers List.
The primetime programming event for “ZOMBIES” was chock full, including two presentations of a new “Andi Mack” episode; announcement of the finalists of Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES” Spirit Challenge; a look at Disney Channel’s update of the American classic “Freaky Friday,” a Disney Channel musical comedy set for summer; a Black History Month message from “Raven’s Home” stars Issac Ryan Brown and Navia Robinson; and special content from Marvel Studio’s “Black Panther,” Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” Disney/Pixar’s “Incredibles 2,” and Marvel Studio’s “Avengers: Infinity Wars” introduced by actor Tom Holland.
Writers Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon (“The Starter Wife,” “Runaway Bride,” “Descendants,” “Descendants 2”), who won a 2016 Writers Guild Award for “Descendants,” are the writers of “Descendants 3” and will also serve as executive producers. Kara Saun (“Descendants,” “Descendants 2,” “Project Runway”) is the costume designer. The production designer is Mark Hofeling (“Descendants,” “Descendants 2,” “High School Musical,” “ZOMBIES”). Shawn Williamson (“Descendants 2,” “Adventures in Babysitting”) is the producer. Additional news on the creative team will be released at a later date.
Streaming
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
directed by Prashanth Neel, brings a bold and gritty spectacle to the big screen, marking a triumphant return for Prabhas in an action-heavy role. Known for his high-energy, raw style (seen in KGF), Neel continues his signature approach here, blending intense action scenes with grandiose settings reminiscent of epic sagas like Game of Thrones. The film revolves around Deva (Prabhas), a powerful yet calm figure with a complex past, and his involvement in a politically charged power struggle with Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character Varadha. This layered storyline introduces us to the fictitious city of Khansar, where betrayals and power dynamics keep viewers on edge.
Critics generally appreciate Prabhas’s magnetic performance, noting that he captures the larger-than-life heroism he’s celebrated for since Baahubali. His portrayal, paired with intense fight choreography, keeps the audience engaged, particularly during standout sequences that elevate the film’s dramatic intensity. Prithviraj’s character as Deva’s friend adds an intriguing dynamic, though Shruti Haasan’s role feels underused. While fans of action-packed cinema and Prabhas’s iconic style will enjoy the exhilarating visuals and powerful cinematography, some critics feel the plot loses momentum in the second half, with multiple subplots that dilute its emotional depth. The story is intentionally left open-ended, setting the stage for Salaar: Part 2.
Overall, Salaar is an ambitious action film that will satisfy fans of Prabhas and high-octane spectacles. However, those seeking a tight narrative or deep emotional connections might find it lacking. I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars—a solid experience for action enthusiasts, with room for a more focused storyline in its sequel.
Streaming
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Review of Kalki 2898 AD on Netflix
Rating: (4/5)
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a visually ambitious sci-fi film featuring an ensemble of Indian cinema legends, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is set in a dystopian future with a storyline that weaves mythology and science fiction, creating a unique cinematic experience for viewers.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a futuristic society where technology and ancient themes intersect. It begins with an immersive setup that introduces us to Prabhas’ character, Bhairava, who grapples with complex moral and existential questions in a world marked by political and ethical turmoil. Although the pacing can feel slow in parts, especially as it establishes the mythological underpinnings, the intensity and scope build significantly as the story progresses.
One of the most captivating aspects is the stunning visual effects. The production team, with a budget reportedly over 400 crore INR, utilized advanced CGI to craft expansive landscapes, dramatic space battles, and futuristic cityscapes that resemble scenes from Hollywood sci-fi giants. The action sequences, particularly those featuring Bachchan, stand out with their thrilling choreography and careful dramatic build-up. These sequences balance between traditional Indian cinema stylings and Hollywood’s polished sci-fi tropes.
While Kalki 2898 AD relies heavily on genre conventions, it manages to bring a fresh twist by blending mythological symbolism with modern sci-fi elements. However, some may find the film’s narrative occasionally predictable, and the focus on visual spectacle occasionally overshadows character development. Yet, the powerhouse performances from the lead cast, particularly Bachchan and Padukone, provide the emotional depth needed to keep audiences engaged.
In summary, Kalki 2898 AD is an impressive venture into the sci-fi genre for Indian cinema, successfully balancing myth with high-tech fantasy. While not without flaws, it’s an enjoyable and bold cinematic experience that’s worth a watch for fans of both Indian mythology and science fiction.
Movie
Gladiator 2 Builds On The Legacy Of Its Predecessor,
Gladiator 2 builds on the legacy of its predecessor, delivering a captivating story that honors the original while forging a compelling new path. The cast shines in their roles, with Paul Mescal delivering a powerhouse performance as Lucius, the now-grown son of Maximus. Mescal captures a blend of vulnerability and strength, embodying a character driven by both honor and revenge. Alongside him, Denzel Washington commands the screen, adding gravitas and depth to a key supporting role
The screenplay is a triumph, keeping the audience engaged at every turn. While the overarching story gives you a sense of where it’s headed, the journey remains unpredictable, and packed with twists. The film balances themes of legacy, vengeance, and redemption, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative.
Action sequences, particularly the gladiatorial combat, are visually pleasing. The fights are brutal and visceral, with just enough gore to feel authentic without veering into excess. Visually, Gladiator 2 is stunning. The production design, cinematography, and score come together to create a visceral and immersive experience.
As a follow-up to a beloved classic, Gladiator 2 meets expectations, proving to be both a thrilling spectacle and a worthy successor. It’s a 9/10—a tale of honor and legacy.