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  • Sony Brings Mamoru Hosoda’s New Animated Masterpiece “Scarlet” to PH Cinemas This December

    Sony Brings Mamoru Hosoda’s New Animated Masterpiece “Scarlet” to PH Cinemas This December

    A Dazzling Return from an Animation Legend

    Sony Pictures proudly brings the latest animated wonder from Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosodato Philippine theaters! Scarlet will officially open on December 10, 2025, promising audiences a heartfelt and visually stunning experience that will linger long after the credits roll.

    Celebrating Mamoru Hosoda’s Brilliant Legacy

    Hosoda, beloved for his emotionally resonant and visually inventive storytelling, has crafted numerous modern classics. From the nostalgic magic of “Digimon: The Movie” (2000) to the digital adventure “Summer Wars” (2009) and the deeply touching “Mirai” (2018)—an Academy Award® nominee for Best Animated Feature—his body of work has captivated audiences worldwide.

    Now, with Scarlet, Hosoda sets out once again to enchant hearts and spark imaginations across generations.

    Scarlet poster

    What We Know About “Scarlet”

    While Sony is keeping full plot details a secret (for now!), Scarlet is teased as an emotional and visually breathtaking journey. As always, expect Hosoda’s hallmark blend of fantasy, heart, and breathtaking animation—crafted to inspire wonder, reflection, and awe.

    Fans can look forward to powerful storytelling themes around family, self-discovery, and human connection—woven into a cinematic tapestry that’s bound to mesmerize.

    Save the Date: December 10, 2025

    Movie lovers in the Philippines can catch Scarlet on the big screen starting December 10, 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard Mamoru Hosoda fan or simply seeking an extraordinary animated film to cap off the year, Scarlet promises to be one of this year’s unmissable cinematic gems.

    Stay tuned for upcoming trailers and sneak peeks—this December, a new animated legend comes alive, only from Sony Pictures and Mamoru Hosoda.

    Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

  • Get Ready for the Epic Shows, Blockbuster Movies, and the Ultimate Fan Celebration at Netflix’s TUDUM 2025!

    Get Ready for the Epic Shows, Blockbuster Movies, and the Ultimate Fan Celebration at Netflix’s TUDUM 2025!

    Get Ready for Stranger Things, Wednesday, One Piece, Squid Game, Happy Gilmore 2, Wake Up Dead Man, and So Much More!

    Streaming LIVE on Netflix May 31 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    Mark your calendars, because Netflix is about to set the stage ablaze! On May 31st, the can’t-miss Netflix TUDUM 2025 event will be streaming LIVE directly to fans worldwide. Broadcasting from the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, TUDUM promises an electric night full of exclusive reveals, jaw-dropping performances, and unforgettable moments.

    About TUDUM 2025: A Global Celebration of Fandom

    TUDUM 2025 is not just an event—it’s a phenomenon. Designed to honor the passion and creativity of fans around the globe, TUDUM brings together the biggest stars, creators, and surprises from your favorite Netflix shows and movies.

    Prepare for thrilling updates on mega-hits like:

    TUDUM 2025 Key Art

    What to Expect at TUDUM 2025

    From shocking first looks to surprise cast reunions and powerful musical performances, TUDUM 2025 will be the ultimate fan experience. Whether you’re obsessed with Hawkins, can’t get enough of Nevermore Academy, or love the twisted mysteries of Benoit Blanc, there’s something spectacular in store for everyone.

    Why You Can’t Miss TUDUM 2025

    With the world’s most passionate fans and today’s hottest stars under one roof, TUDUM 2025 is shaping up to be Netflix’s biggest celebration yet. Expect epic announcements, exclusive clips, behind-the-scenes secrets, and an atmosphere so electric you’ll feel it through the screen!

    So, grab your popcorn, rally your crew, and tune in LIVE for an unforgettable night where fandom truly comes alive.

  • It’s Confirmed: Get FREE Chicken McDo on April 28

    It’s Confirmed: Get FREE Chicken McDo on April 28

    McDonald’s Philippines is celebrating the launch of its Much Malaki, Much Pinasarap Chicken McDo with a special treat for customers nationwide: a FREE Chicken McDo basta naka-apron ka sa McDonald’s!

    Happening on April 28, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the giveaway is McDonald’s way of letting more people taste the juicier, tastier Chicken McDo for themselves. Each customer wearing an apron can only avail of the FREE Chicken McDo once — no repeat transactions allowed.

    KV FREE Chicken McDo

    How to get your FREE Chicken McDo?

    1. Just wear ANY apron—printed or plain!

    2. Go to any McDonald’s store nationwide from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

    3. Claim your free Chicken McDo and enjoy the much pinasarap experience!

    This one-day-only promo is McDonald’s way of letting everyone taste the difference and see why the leveled up Chicken McDo is winning hearts (and taste buds) all over the country.

    To know more, visit: https://tinyurl.com/FREEChickenMcDoPromo

    Don’t miss out—get your apron ready and taste the Much Malaki, Much Pinasarap Chicken McDo for FREE!

    Promo runs on April 28, 2025 from 2:00–4:00 PM only.
    Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-222320, Series of 2025

    For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow @McDo.ph on Facebook, and @McDo_ph on Instagram.

  • The Mission Begins: Unmask the Cast of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” In Cinemas May 17

    The Mission Begins: Unmask the Cast of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” In Cinemas May 17

    In Philippine cinemas starting Saturday, May 17, 2025

    The countdown is on for the highly anticipated release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth installment in the iconic action franchise. Filipino fans are in for a treat, as the film premieres in the Philippines on May 17, 2025, six days ahead of its global release . To heighten the excitement, Paramount Pictures has unveiled 15 striking character posters, spotlighting the ensemble cast that joins Ethan Hunt on his most perilous mission yet .​

    The IMF Team and Allies

    TOM 4X5

    Leading the charge is Tom Cruise, reprising his role as the indefatigable Ethan Hunt. Joining him are familiar faces and new allies:​

    HAYLEY 4X5

    Hayley Atwell as Grace, a skilled thief with a mysterious past.

    VING 4X5

    Ving Rhames returns as Luther Stickell, the tech-savvy IMF veteran.

    SIMON 4X5

    Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, the team’s reliable field agent and hacker.

    HENRY 4X5

    Henry Czerny reprises his role as Eugene Kittridge, the enigmatic former IMF director.

    ANGELA 4X5

    Angela Bassett as Erika Sloane, the determined CIA Director.

    SHEA

    Shea Whigham portrays Jasper Briggs, a relentless government operative.

    TARZAN 4X5

    Greg Tarzan Davis as Degas, a skilled field agent.​

    New Faces and Formidable Foes

    ESAI 4X5

    Esai Morales as Gabriel, a formidable adversary with a personal vendetta.

    POM

    Pom Klementieff as Paris, a deadly assassin with a complex agenda.

    NICK 4X5

    Nick Offerman steps in as Sydney, a high-ranking government official.

    HANNAH 4X5

    Hannah Waddingham as Adele, a powerful figure with ambiguous motives.

    TRAMELL 4X5

    Tramell Tillman portrays Owen, a tech expert with critical information.

    ROLF 4X5

    Rolf Saxon returns as William Donloe, a character from the original film, adding a nostalgic touch.

    LUCY 4X5

    Lucy Tulugarjuk joins the cast in a pivotal role that remains under wraps.​

    Mark Your Calendars

    Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning promises a thrilling cinematic experience, blending high-octane action with intricate storytelling. With its early release in the Philippines, local audiences will be among the first to witness Ethan Hunt’s latest adventure. Tickets go on sale starting Monday, April 28, 2025.

    Prepare for an exhilarating ride as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning unfolds in theaters. With a compelling cast and heart-pounding action, this installment is set to be an unforgettable chapter in the franchise.​

  • Movie Review: American Terror in ‘Warfare’

    Movie Review: American Terror in ‘Warfare’

    There’s something visceral and authentic about ‘Warfare,’ the film written and directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, Mendoza being one of the US Navy SEALs who had experienced first-hand the events that transpire in the movie. The film reenacts the conflict in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006 by two Navy SEAL platoons as they faced heavy fire from the locals who wanted them out of their land. On one hand, it is a battle of survival, showing the tactical strategies and the battle instincts of American soldiers in times of conflict and it is thrilling to see how a platoon managed to get out despite being surrounded by a whole city of hostiles. But as a non-American, the film ends up becoming a cautionary tale of the horrors of war and imperialism. It plays off as an anti-war film when you can see, without filters, the damage that wars cause both on human lives and ways of living.

    The plot is simple: a platoon of Navy SEALs sneaks in under the cover of night into a two-story house in Ramadi. They take the families living there into one room and force them to cooperate as they use the house as a watchtower over the central plaza. The film remains quite obtuse about why they are there and what exactly they are doing.

    WARFARE STILL 7

    Later on, they are discovered, and as the city begins to quiet down, locals start to arrive, surround them, and begin their attack on the soldiers. As two members are wounded and need to evacuate, they come across heavy fire and suffer heavier injuries and losses and urgently need to get to safety. 

    WARFARE STILL 2

    The film’s script is based solely on the testimonies of the soldiers present in the house and with Mendoza as co-screenwriter and co-director, he was able to recreate the events as it was shared by everyone involved. The drama and tension of being caught in that moment are laid bare for all to see. The effects of shell-shock, seeing and hearing your companion scream in pain as his legs are torn to the bone, surrounded by the sounds of gunfire are devastating. It’s a compelling cinematic approach that brings us as close as possible to the heart of an armed conflict. It’s brutal, chaotic, and unforgiving. It would be thrilling if it weren’t based on real events.

    WARFARE STILL 8

    What’s interesting about this depiction is how there’s so little context that’s in the film. It wasn’t until after the movie ended that I researched the conflict and discovered it depicted a rescue attempt in the wake of the Second Battle of Ramadi. Apparently, Ramadi was the capital of the insurgent forces of the Islamic State of Iraq during the American occupation. None of this context was made clear in the film and, so what I saw, as a non-American, was a bunch of American soldiers traipsing around in lands that were not their own (after all, it’s been argued that the American occupation of Iraq was motivated by faulty intelligence and questions about the legality of that war have been expressed) and causing chaos to everyone around them.

    Warfare

    Mendoza and Garland take every opportunity to try and make each character recognizable – easily done by casting some very prominent young actors in these roles including Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Charles Melton, Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, and D’Pharaoh Woon-a-Tai – giving them close-ups and calling them out by name. The directors humanize these people so that when the bullets start falling and people start to get hurt, we feel strong enough to care. It’s a complex emotion, for me, knowing that the filmmaking is making me empathize with these people, who in my understanding, are not where they are supposed to be and are bringing the danger to their own selves.

    WARFARE STILL 4

    But that’s the thing about war: it’s fought by soldiers who are just following orders. Absent from the film are the people whose decisions it was that put this conflict into action in the first place. The ones who get hurt or die, whose houses are shot at by guns and tanks, they are the ones at the frontlines and dying but on whose say so?

    WARFARE STILL 9

    This is how ‘Warfare’ becomes an anti-war movie for me because there’s a lingering shot at the end of the film, when the soldiers finally retreat and are evacuated and all we see are the empty streets of Ramadi with all the debris on the streets, the house from the house shot at by tanks, and the locals stepping out to assess the damage.

    It’s the final shot of this film, which omits crucial context, poses a profound question: who was terrorizing whom?

    My Rating:

    stars 4 0



    Warfare is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

  • Ayala Malls Cinemas Unveils “Black Bag”: A Thrilling Spy Drama Starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender

    Ayala Malls Cinemas Unveils “Black Bag”: A Thrilling Spy Drama Starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender

    Ayala Malls Cinemas, the undisputed haven for movie lovers, once again sets the gold standard with its newest exclusive release—Black Bag. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh and featuring an all-star cast, this sleek, suspense-packed spy drama premieres exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on May 7.

    BlackBag Blanchett

    Step into a world of intrigue, deception, and emotional stakes that unravel inside the high-stakes corridors of British intelligence—brought vividly to life by the dynamic performances of Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett.

    An Espionage Thriller That Cuts Deep

    At the heart of Black Bag is George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), a steely British intelligence officer tasked with investigating a devastating security breach within the National Cybersecurity Center. The twist? One of the suspects is his own wife, fellow agent Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett).

    As secrets unfold and loyalties are tested, audiences will find themselves questioning every motive and connection—exactly the kind of cerebral thrill ride that keeps you hooked until the final frame.

    Powerhouse Performances from Hollywood Royalty

    Writer David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh knew they needed actors who could deliver soul-stirring performances with subtlety and power. Fassbender and Blanchett deliver just that.

    “Both Michael and Cate bring exceptional acting skill, which is easy to say, but difficult to find,” Koepp says. “They both have a powerful understanding of screen acting and how to do more with less. George’s job is to withhold, to be steely. Michael’s performance is a masterpiece of minimalism. Cate’s role is much more expressive, but you often wonder what’s really going on behind her eyes.”

    Both stars have worked with Soderbergh before, creating a seamless on-set chemistry that elevates this gripping tale of betrayal and passion.

    BlackBag FassbenderBlanchett

    Why Black Bag is a Must-Watch—Only at Ayala Malls Cinemas

    Ayala Malls Cinemas delivers more than just a movie. Featuring Dolby ATMOS audio, state-of-the-art visuals, and ultra-comfy seating, each screening is designed for full immersion.

    Feeling peckish during your cinematic escape? Grab a gourmet snack or classic treat at The Movie Snackbar, where everything from juicy burgers to your favorite popcorn is waiting to complement your movie night.

    Star-Studded Cast, World-Class Talent

    Black Bag is packed with A-list power and rising stars:

    The film is produced by Casey Silver and Gregory Jacobs, with executive producer David Koepp, and boasts a creative team stacked with talent from iconic titles like Ocean’s Eleven, Stranger Things, and Oppenheimer.

    Black Bag 4x5 1

    Mark Your Calendars: May 7

    Don’t miss the chance to experience Black Bag where it belongs—on the big screen at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Let the mystery unravel, the tension build, and the drama explode in stunning cinematic style.

    Your mission? Grab your tickets, settle into your seat, and prepare for a thriller that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

    Photo & Video Credit: “Universal Pictures”

  • New Movies This Week — The Accountant 2, The Legend of Ochi, Until Dawn, and More!

    New Movies This Week — The Accountant 2, The Legend of Ochi, Until Dawn, and More!

    It’s New Movie Wednesday! Whether you’re in the mood for edge-of-your-seat action, eerie twists, or a heartfelt fantasy with creatures you’ve never seen before, there’s a big-screen adventure waiting for you. Three new releases lead the pack—The Accountant 2 returns with bone-crunching action, The Legend of Ochi whisks us into a lush, mythical world, and Until Dawn keeps the horror crowd on their toes. Tag your crew, grab some extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-see picks—your midweek just got a major upgrade!

    Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:

    April 25 2025 New Movies The Accountant 2

    The Accountant 2

    2025 • R-13 • 2 hrs 4 mins
    ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    Ben Affleck is back as Christian Wolff, the number-crunching vigilante with a knack for cracking skulls and solving mysteries. In The Accountant 2, a murder pulls Wolff into a deadly conspiracy, and this time, he’s not alone. Teaming up with his estranged, trigger-happy brother Brax (Jon Bernthal) and sharp-witted Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), Wolff faces a network of ruthless killers. Expect heart-pounding action, slick fight scenes, and a plot that keeps you guessing. Perfect for fans of gritty thrillers—will you be on the edge of your seat? 

    Why Watch? The chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal is electric, and the twists are as sharp as Wolff’s pencils. 

    The Legend of Ochi

    2025 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins
    ADVENTURE, FAMILY, FANTASY
    BUY TICKETS

    Ready for a dose of wonder? The Legend of Ochi whisks you to the misty island of Carpathia, where shy farm girl Yuri (Helena Zengel) befriends a wounded baby ochi—a creature her village fears. With help from a quirky cast, including Finn Wolfhard and the legendary Willem Dafoe, Yuri embarks on a quest to save her new friend. This family-friendly fantasy brims with heart, stunning visuals, and just enough magic to spark your imagination. Got kids or a soft spot for adventure? This one’s for you. 

    Why Watch? It’s a rare gem that captivates both young dreamers and grown-up explorers. 

    Until Dawn

    2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 45 mins
    HORROR
    BUY TICKETS

    Until Dawn delivers a chilling tale of Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends, who venture into a remote valley to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance. What starts as a creepy investigation turns deadly when a masked killer starts picking them off—only for the group to wake up, trapped in a nightmarish time loop. With jump scares, clever twists, and a killer vibe, this one’s a scream. Dare to watch it alone? 

    Why Watch? The time-loop twist adds fresh frights to classic slasher thrills. 

    FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

    Missed last week’s releases? No worries—these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong: 

    Sinners

    2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 18 mins
    HORROR, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld star as twin brothers hoping for a fresh start, only to face a sinister force in their hometown. Spooky and intense, it’s a horror hit that’s still got audiences buzzing. 

    Sneaks

    2025 • PG • 1 hr 32 mins
    ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY
    BUY TICKETS

    Follow Ty, a plucky sneaker, on a wild New York City quest to save his sister. With voices like Laurence Fishburne and Anthony Mackie, this animated gem is a family favorite that’s still stepping strong. 

    The King of Kings

    2025 • PG • 1 hr 41 mins
    ANIMATION, DRAMA, FAMILY, FANTASY
    BUY TICKETS

    Oscar Isaac and Uma Thurman bring Jesus’ story to life through a child’s eyes in this heartfelt animated epic. It’s a moving tale of hope that’s keeping families coming back. 

    Samahan ng mga Makasalanan

    2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 43 mins
    COMEDY
    BUY TICKETS

    Warfare

    2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 35 mins
    ACTION, WAR
    BUY TICKETS

    D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Will Poulter lead this gritty Navy SEALs saga set in Iraq. Its raw action and brotherhood vibes are still pulling crowds. 

    Zerobaseone: The First Tour [Timeless World] in Cinemas

    2025 • PG • 1 hr 45 mins
    MUSIC
    BUY TICKETS

    K-pop fans are still flocking to this immersive concert film, featuring ZEROBASEONE’s hits like “In Bloom” in SCREENX and 4DX. Catch the energy before it’s gone! 

    A Working Man

    2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 55 mins
    ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    Drop

    2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 35 mins
    MYSTERY, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    The Amateur

    2025 • PG • 2 hrs 2 mins
    ACTION, THRILLER
    BUY TICKETS

    A Minecraft Movie

    2025 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
    ADVENTURE, COMEDY, FAMILY, FANTASY
    BUY TICKETS

    That’s a wrap, movie lovers—three new films lighting up screens this week, each dishing out a vibe for every taste. Grab your crew for The Accountant 2 and hash out those wild twists over burgers. Take the kids to The Legend of Ochi and keep the magic alive with a post-movie dessert run. Or test your nerves with Until Dawn and debrief over coffee to shake off the scares. Don’t sleep on the fan favorites that are still showing, check our Movie Section for showtimes and get your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!

  • A Jurassic Comeback: Watch the Legacy Evolve in “Jurassic World Rebirth” Featurette

    A Jurassic Comeback: Watch the Legacy Evolve in “Jurassic World Rebirth” Featurette

    Hold onto your seats, Jurassic fans—a new era is about to roar to life!

    Universal Pictures is reigniting the blockbuster legacy of the Jurassic saga with its latest installment, Jurassic World Rebirth, and the just-released featurette is pure nostalgia and adrenaline wrapped into one.

    BailyJohansson

    Back to Where It All Began

    “It’s called Rebirth. It harkens back to the first film. It’s a survival story,” says Scarlett Johansson, who stars as Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert navigating a perilous world where dinosaurs still rule some corners of the Earth.

    From the thunderous footfalls of ancient beasts to the eerie calm before chaos, the new featurette teases a return to the thrilling survival roots of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic.

    A Star-Studded Expedition

    Joining Johansson in this pulse-pounding adventure are Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey and two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali. They lead a skilled team of specialists sent on a top-secret mission to recover vital dinosaur DNA—the key to a potential miracle drug.

    But when an unexpected mishap leaves the crew stranded on a forbidden island—once home to a hidden Jurassic Park research facility—they uncover a chilling secret buried for decades.

    A Dangerous New World

    Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecosystems have become mostly uninhabitable for dinosaurs. The few that remain have adapted to isolated, equatorial zones that mimic their prehistoric habitat.

    Three apex species—reigning across land, sea, and sky—hold the genetic code to a pharmaceutical breakthrough that could revolutionize medicine. But in true Jurassic fashion, the mission spirals into a desperate fight for survival.Three apex species—reigning across land, sea, and sky—hold the genetic code to a pharmaceutical breakthrough that could revolutionize medicine. But in true Jurassic fashion, the mission spirals into a desperate fight for survival.

    Creative Legends Unite

    Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Jurassic World Rebirth taps into the visual grandeur and storytelling grit that fans crave. The screenplay is penned by David Koepp, the original writer behind Jurassic Park and The Lost World, adding a rich layer of authenticity to this new chapter.

    Also featuring international talents Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the film is produced by longtime franchise architects Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg himself.

    JWR Johansson Bailey

    Mark Your Calendars: Jurassic World Rebirth Opens July 2 in the Philippines

    Catch the dawn of a new Jurassic age on the big screen this July 2, and prepare for a film that pays homage to its roots while charging fearlessly into the future.

    Follow Universal Pictures PH on social media to get your first look at exclusive behind-the-scenes content, cast interviews, and thrilling new trailers: Facebook: Universal Pictures PH, Instagram: @UniversalPicturesPH, TikTok: @UniversalPicsPH

  • From Game to Screen: Peter Stormare’s Chilling Role Reimagined in “Until Dawn”

    From Game to Screen: Peter Stormare’s Chilling Role Reimagined in “Until Dawn”

    A Game-Changing Return: Stormare Haunts the Big Screen Once More

    Hold on to your nerves—Peter Stormare is back to send shivers down your spine! Known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Hill in the acclaimed “Until Dawn” video game, Stormare now steps into a live-action role that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. This time, he’s not just a familiar face—he’s a key to the mystery.

    Stormare2

    In Until Dawn, a tight-knit group of friends sets out on a suspense-filled road trip to uncover the fate of Melanie (Maia Mitchell), who vanished under sinister circumstances. Their search leads them deep into an eerie valley, where a cryptic gas station attendant (Stormare) steers them toward their fate.

    The Man Behind the Curtain: Stormare’s Character Redefined

    “Initially, we really don’t know who or what he is,” Stormare elaborates. “But it is really rewarding to embody a character that you can’t nail down 100 percent. He’s both legendary and non-traditional. I was super excited to embody the character because it’s one of the coolest I’ve ever done.”

    Director David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Annabelle: Creation) expands on this mystery. “We’ll learn more about who he really is. It’s great to have that connection to the game, and it was a joy to work with Peter, as well,” he says.

    Master of Ceremonies or Puppet Master? You Decide

    According to writer-producer Gary Dauberman, Stormare’s character serves as a kind of twisted narrator. “He’s the “master of ceremonies who escorts us through the story. He’s also the man behind the curtain, who knows everything that’s happening, or going to happen.”

    Producer Lotta Losten dubs him the “puppet master” of the valley’s nightmarish realm, and applauds Stormare’s delightfully creepy portrayal. “[Stormare] has this way of playing creepy that is just delightful. When, as Hill, he smiles, his cheeks make a little clicky sound. Normally, in post-production, you remove those kinds of sounds because they’re a distraction, but we tuned that up because it makes the character even better.”

    Welcome to the Valley—Where Time Rewinds and Terror Reigns

    The film’s plot is a chilling loop of survival. One year after Melanie’s disappearance, her sister Clover (Ella Rubin) and their friends venture to the remote valley where she was last seen. There, they uncover an abandoned visitor center—and become prey to a mysterious masked killer.

    But death isn’t the end. Each time they’re slain, they wake up at the start of the same cursed evening. With every cycle, the killer evolves, growing more grotesque and lethal. And the group soon realizes—they only have a few chances left to make it to morning.

    UDMichaelCimino EllaRubin 2

    Mark Your Calendars: Until Dawn Hits PH Cinemas April 25

    Get ready to be thrilled, terrified, and mesmerized. Until Dawn opens in Philippine cinemas on Friday, April 25. Watch the trailer and use the hashtag #UntilDawnMovie to share your theories and chills online.

    Follow @columbiapicph for exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and more creepy content.

    Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

  • Greatness Demands Sacrifice: Jordan Peele Produces Eerie New Horror Thriller “HIM”—Watch the Trailer Now

    Greatness Demands Sacrifice: Jordan Peele Produces Eerie New Horror Thriller “HIM”—Watch the Trailer Now

    A Terrifying Glimpse into Fame and Obsession

    Buckle up horror fans—Jordan Peele is back to unsettle your soul with HIM, a fresh horror-thriller that peels back the glossy layers of fame to reveal something sinister beneath. Directed by Justin Tipping (Kicks, Joe vs. Carole), HIM promises a psychologically intense story about sacrifice, obsession, and the true cost of greatness.

    HIM Marlon Tyriq

    A Story Written in Blood and Ambition

    From a critically acclaimed Black List script by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie (Limetown), HIM follows a rising football star who gets the chance of a lifetime—a rare invitation to train with a legendary quarterback at a mysterious, off-the-grid compound. But behind the facade of mentorship lies something much darker.

    This film doesn’t just flirt with fear—it confronts it head-on.

    Watch the trailer now:

    Marlon Wayans Like You’ve Never Seen Him

    In a bold, dramatic turn, Marlon Wayans (White Chicks, Requiem for a Dream) delivers a haunting performance as the aging QB1—a football icon whose legacy teeters on the edge of madness. Rising star Tyriq Withers (Atlanta, I Know What You Did Last Summer) plays his impressionable protégé, whose path to glory might just become his greatest nightmare.

    Adding layers to the mystery are Julia Fox (Uncut Gems), Tim Heidecker (Us), and comedian Jim Jefferies, joined by musical standouts Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack in their feature film debuts.

    From the Mind Behind Get Out and Us

    Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions—the minds that brought us Get Out, Us, Candyman, and Nope—HIM builds on a legacy of socially relevant, genre-defying horror. It’s stylish, tense, and shockingly poignant.

    Producers Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson, and executive producers David Kern and Kate Oh complete the powerhouse team bringing this eerie vision to life.

    When Does HIM Hit Theaters?

    While a release date has yet to be confirmed, the trailer has already ignited buzz across the horror community. HIM looks poised to be a must-watch for fans of psychological horror and sports thrillers alike.

    Stay tuned and subscribe to ClickTheCity for the latest updates, release date announcements, and exclusive interviews.

    Ready to face the darkness? HIM asks one question: How far would you go for greatness?