The terror behind Passenger may not have stayed on camera.
A newly released featurette for the upcoming supernatural horror film reveals eerie behind-the-scenes stories from director André Øvredal and the cast, who claim strange and unsettling experiences took place while shooting the movie.
Watch the featurette, “The Set of Passenger was Haunted,” here:
Horror Followed the Cast and Crew Off Camera
“On location, a lot of people had scary experiences,” director André Øvredal shares in the chilling new video.
Filming Passenger reportedly came with an unsettling atmosphere that many on set could not ignore. Cast and crew members describe bizarre moments, unexplained disturbances, and an eerie feeling that something unseen was nearby throughout production.
For a movie centered on a demonic entity that latches onto its victims, the real-life stories from set only add another frightening layer to the experience.
A Deadly Presence Refuses to Let Go
In Passenger, a young couple’s road trip spirals into horror after witnessing a gruesome highway accident. Thinking they escaped the tragedy, they soon realize a sinister force followed them from the crash scene.
The entity, known as the Passenger, begins haunting them relentlessly, turning their dream van life adventure into a terrifying nightmare they cannot escape.
Blending psychological tension with supernatural terror, the film delivers a chilling story packed with suspense and nerve-shattering scares.
A Stellar Cast Leads the Supernatural Thriller
The film stars:
Lou Llobell (Foundation)
Jacob Scipio (Bad Boys for Life, Bad Boys: Ride or Die)
Melissa Leo (The Fighter)
At the helm is acclaimed horror director André Øvredal, known for crafting atmospheric genre films including The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
About Passenger
Executive Producers: Jenny Hinkey, Nathan Samdahl, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary
Produced by: Walter Hamada, p.g.a., Gary Dauberman, p.g.a.
The fight returns on a much bigger scale in “Mortal Kombat II,” and fans are already celebrating the sequel’s intense action, expanded mythology, and unforgettable game-inspired worlds.
“This movie is a love letter to MK fans. Fantastic sets, killer fights, and an upgrade in story telling all around. Will see multiple times! ,” raves a fan about “Mortal Kombat II” on Rotten Tomatoes.
Now showing only in cinemas and IMAX, the highly anticipated sequel pushes the franchise into thrilling new territory while staying faithful to the legendary video game series.
Expanding the Mortal Kombat Universe
After the success of the first film, director Simon McQuoid and the creative team wanted the sequel to feel larger, richer, and more immersive for longtime fans.
“My job as a director is to create, with all the elements, a tone, a very specific tone,” says director Simon McQuoid. “And that tone is to hold the audience in a state of wonder. And so all the choices – whether they be sets, lenses, costumes – it’s all to build that tone.”
That vision shaped every aspect of the production, from the costumes and cinematography to the elaborate set designs that transport viewers across multiple realms.
Producer Todd Garner revealed that the sequel finally gave the filmmakers the opportunity to fully explore the iconic environments from the games.
“The production designer, Yohei Taneda, and the art department did an incredible job on this film. During the first movie, we were very limited in the locations and sets we could shoot in. But we were given the opportunity in this movie to open the world up, go to different realms, and expand the world to include several Mortal Kombat levels and worlds that fans know and love.”
Building Four Distinct Fantasy Worlds
Acclaimed production designer Yohei Taneda, whose credits include Kill Bill Vol. 1 and The Hateful Eight, played a major role in bringing the film’s larger world to life.
According to Taneda, the chance to create several unique fantasy settings in one movie immediately captured his imagination.
“Kill Bill: Vol. 1,” “mentioned that I’d be able to create four different fantasy worlds in this one movie. And I was really inspired by that. Four different worlds in one movie! That’s a lot of work. But it gives you an idea of the scale and dimension of this film.”
Instead of relying entirely on digital concepts, Taneda preferred sketching his ideas by hand before presenting them to McQuoid.
One of the most visually ambitious locations is Edenia, designed with a blend of European and Asian influences. The realm evolves throughout the story, shifting from a vibrant kingdom into a darker and more corrupted world under Shao Kahn’s rule.
“I sketched the entire town of Edenia and the Castle. It has a European feel to it, but I wanted to add my own touch with a bit more of an Asian feel as well, and that made a nice balance. We also see a transition in the town from the reign of King Jerrod, where it’s green and beautiful, but then it turns into something quite dead and ugly under Shao Kahn. I enjoyed being able to design both. I found it interesting that I was able to tell so much of the story just in that one set. Netherrealm began as a futuristic city, with something of a sci-fi nature. But then I had the idea of taking some inspiration from Escher, the Dutch painter.”
Meanwhile, Netherrealm was envisioned with futuristic sci-fi elements inspired by the surreal artwork of Dutch artist M.C. Escher.
Iconic Mortal Kombat Arenas Return
Fans of the games can also expect the return of some of the franchise’s most recognizable battlegrounds, including The Pit and Deadpool.
Taneda understood the importance of recreating these legendary arenas faithfully for fans.
“I didn’t want to disappoint with my design for the Pit,” says the production designer. “With Deadpool, I focused more on the sort of materials that we would use, especially the rocks and the stones, to make it as physical and as authentic as possible. And then with the Sky Temple, I didn’t want to focus on just one culture. So I added a Japanese element to the Chinese style.”
For Deadpool, the production team focused on practical textures and realistic materials to make the environment feel grounded and physical. The visually striking Sky Temple also combines Japanese and Chinese influences, adding another layer of detail to the film’s world-building.
Johnny Cage Joins the Fight
In “Mortal Kombat II,” Earthrealm’s champions face their deadliest challenge yet as the ruthless Shao Kahn threatens the survival of humanity itself.
Joining the battle is fan-favorite fighter Johnny Cage, portrayed by Karl Urban.
The film’s cast also includes:
Adeline Rudolph
Jessica McNamee
Josh Lawson
Ludi Lin
Mehcad Brooks
Tati Gabrielle
Lewis Tan
Damon Herriman
Chin Han
Tadanobu Asano as Lord Raiden
Joe Taslim as Bi-Han
Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion
Directed by Simon McQuoid, the sequel delivers larger battles, more brutal fatalities, and a deeper exploration of the franchise’s mythology.
Critics Praise the Sequel’s Action and Scale
Early reviews have highlighted the film’s commitment to delivering the intense action and spectacle fans expect from the franchise.
MovieWeb described the sequel as:
“‘Mortal Kombat II’ is a marked improvement over the first film for all the right reasons,” wrote MovieWeb in their review. “It doubles down on what made the games popular and brings in a known commodity with Urban to shoulder the acting burden. McQuoid does not disappoint in his second stab at the franchise, providing red meat to loyal legions without any attempt to stray from the fantastic source material.”
Collider also praised the movie as:
“A bloody good time and a bone-crunching spectacle.”
With jaw-dropping visuals, fierce combat, and fan-favorite characters stepping into the spotlight, “Mortal Kombat II” aims to give audiences a cinematic experience worthy of the iconic franchise. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Watch the trailer here:
“Mortal Kombat II” is now showing only in cinemas and IMAX. #MortalKombatMovie
The hard part about Mother’s Day is not the giving. It is finding something that actually says: I was paying attention. Not just to the occasion, but to her — the way her days run, what she reaches for, what would genuinely make things easier or better. This year, Xiaomi’s Mother’s Day lineup is built around that idea: gifts that fit the life she is actually living.
For the mom who runs everything: REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G
She is already three conversations deep before breakfast, and her phone needs to keep up.
The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G was made for exactly that kind of day. The battery runs two days on a regular charge (6,500mAh silicon-carbon), and when it finally does need power, 100W fast charging brings it back in under an hour. The 200MP main camera has optical image stabilisation, which is the technology that keeps photos sharp when hands are not — so the birthday, the graduation, the Sunday lunch nobody planned to document all come out worth keeping. One phone for everything she carries in a day, for only Php 27,999.
Her wellness era: Xiaomi Watch S4
She has started paying more attention to herself. A walk in the morning. Getting to bed earlier. Small, quiet intentions she is trying to make stick.
The Xiaomi Watch S4 fits that without making a fuss about it. For just Php 7,799, it looks like a proper watch — the kind she would wear to dinner or a meeting — not a fitness tracker with an identity crisis. It reads her heart rate through the day, keeps an eye on blood oxygen, and maps out her sleep at night by stage (light, deep, REM), so she wakes up knowing something more useful than just how many hours she got. Charge it once and forget about it for up to 15 days. It is the kind of gift that quietly does its job without demanding attention.
Good food, less fuss: Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L
She knows what she wants to make. She just does not always have the hour it would normally take.
The Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L runs hot and fast with up to 220°C with 360° circulating heat so chicken wings come out crisp, meats stay juicy inside, and the whole thing happens with little to no oil. Big enough to do a whole chicken in one go (6.5 liters), with 12 built-in cooking modes and over 100 recipes through the app, so she is not improvising temperatures at 7 pm on a Tuesday. When cooking finishes, it holds the food warm automatically. Dinner is done when she is ready, not when the fryer is, all for just Php 4,499.
Give her the weekend back: Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20
Say this part clearly when you give it: this is not a cleaning gift. It is a Saturday morning, she does not have to spend time cleaning.
The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 priced at Php 19,599 handles the floor on its own — suction strong enough for pet hair, dust, and debris on both hard surfaces and rugs (5,000Pa, for those who want the number), guided by laser navigation that maps the whole home before it starts so it covers every room properly. The base empties itself and goes up to 75 days between bag changes. The mop pads clean and dry themselves. She sets a schedule once, and after that the floor just gets done — whether she is home, out, or asleep.
For the pet mom: Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2
Anyone who has a pet mom in their life knows: she thinks about them the way other people think about their kids. Fed? Okay? Lonely?
The Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2 takes at least one of those off the list. The hopper holds enough dry food to last roughly 30 days for one cat (5 liters), so she is not topping it up constantly. She sets a feeding schedule in the app, the feeder sticks to it, and infrared sensors track how much food is left — sending her an alert when it is running low. If the power goes out, a battery backup keeps the schedule going for up to two weeks. For only 4,399, the pets eat on time. She stops worrying about it. That is the whole gift.
Finally, some quiet: REDMI Buds 8 Pro
She has a playlist for the commute, a podcast she saves for herself, and earphones she reaches for the moment the house finally goes quiet.
The REDMI Buds 8 Pro makes those moments sound a lot better. The active noise cancellation (up to 55dB) is strong enough that a packed MRT or a noisy mall genuinely fades out — not muffled, actually gone. A triple driver system inside each earbud handles the audio, which means music sounds like music rather than a compressed file. One charge lasts up to 8 hours; the case keeps it going for 33 hours total. And if she forgets to charge before leaving the house, five minutes is enough for two more hours. A small gift for only Php 3,999. She will use it every day.
She will know you thought about it
Xiaomi’s Mother’s Day collection is available now at Xiaomi Authorized Stores and official Xiaomi stores on Shopee and Lazada.
Prime Video has officially released the teaser trailer, key art, and exclusive first-look images for Elle, the upcoming prequel series inspired by the beloved Legally Blonde franchise. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios alongside Hello Sunshine, the series is set to premiere globally on July 1 in more than 240 countries and territories.
Even before its highly anticipated launch, the streaming platform has already renewed Elle for a second season — signaling strong confidence in the series’ bright future.
A Young Elle Woods Takes Center Stage
Set years before Elle Woods became one of pop culture’s most iconic law students, Elle introduces audiences to her teenage years in 1995. Long before Harvard and courtroom victories, Elle is simply a high school student trying to survive friendships, romance, and the emotional whirlwind of growing up.
While navigating awkward trends and complicated social dynamics, Elle leans heavily on the unwavering support of her family, especially her mother. Their close bond becomes the emotional heart of the story, helping shape the confident and determined woman fans eventually meet in Legally Blonde.
Packed with nostalgic charm and heartfelt moments, the series offers a refreshing new chapter for longtime fans and first-time viewers alike.
Behind the Scenes of Elle
The series was created by Laura Kittrell, known for her work on High School and Insecure. Kittrell also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Caroline Dries.
Executive producers include:
Reese Witherspoon
Lauren Neustadter
Amanda Brown
Marc Platt
Jason Moore, best known for directing Pitch Perfect, directed the first two episodes and also joins the project as an executive producer.
Bryan J. Raber and Asmita Paranjape serve as producers, while Josie Craven and Jen Regan are attached as supervising producers.
Meet the Cast
Lexi Minetree leads the series as young Elle Woods, stepping into the role made famous by Reese Witherspoon.
The cast also features Amy Pietz, June Diane Raphael as Eva Woods, Tom Everett Scott as Wyatt Woods, Jacob Moskovitz, Gabrielle Policano, Chandler Kinney and Zac Looker.
Recurring cast members include Jessica Belkin, Danielle Chand, Matt Oberg, Chloe Wepper, Logan Shroyer, Sharon Taylor, David Burtka, Brad Harder, Kayla Maisonet, Lisa Yamada, and James Van Der Beek.
The Teaser Brings Major ’90s Energy
The newly released teaser trailer gives viewers a stylish glimpse into Elle’s teenage world, complete with vibrant fashion, school drama, emotional family moments, and plenty of signature Elle Woods charm.
With its nostalgic setting, colorful visuals, and empowering themes, Elle is shaping up to become one of Prime Video’s standout series of the year.
The screams, the chaos, and the outrageous comedy are back. A brand-new poster for Scary Movie has officially been unveiled, teasing the return of one of the most iconic parody franchises in movie history.
Opening in Philippine cinemas on June 10, the latest installment reunites original stars Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall for the first time in 25 years — a comeback horror-comedy fans have been eagerly waiting for.
This time around, absolutely no horror franchise is safe.
The Core Four Return for More Madness
After decades away from the franchise, the beloved cast returns to face another round of terrifying — and hilariously ridiculous — situations. Whether it’s masked killers, supernatural nightmares, or modern “elevated horror,” Scary Movie is ready to parody every trend dominating cinemas today.
The newly released poster hints at a blood-soaked, laugh-out-loud adventure packed with the over-the-top humor and fearless energy that made the original films global hits.
Alongside the returning stars are Kenan Thompson, Damon Wayans Jr., Sydney Park, Heidi Gardner, and several fresh faces joining the mayhem.
Every Horror Trope Is Fair Game
The official synopsis reads:
Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe. Marlon Wayans (“Shorty”), Shawn Wayans (“Ray”), Anna Faris (“Cindy”), and Regina Hall (“Brenda”) reunite in Scary Movie alongside returning favorites and fresh faces to slash through reboots, remakes, requels, prequels, sequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, anything with the word legacy in it, and every “final chapter” that absolutely isn’t final. Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. Every line gets crossed. The Wayans are back to cancel the Cancel Culture.
With sharp comedy and relentless pop culture references, the movie aims to deliver the same wildly entertaining formula that helped define early 2000s parody films.
A Reunion Behind the Scenes
The film also marks a reunion for the Wayans family creatives who shaped the original franchise. Produced by Rick Alvarez, Craig Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Keenen Ivory Wayans, the movie is directed by Michael Tiddes.
Cast:
Marlon Wayans
Shawn Wayans
Anna Faris
Regina Hall
Kenan Thompson
Dave Sheridan
Lochlyn Munro
Kim Wayans
Cheri Oteri
Chris Elliott
Damon Wayans Jr.
Heidi Gardner
Olivia Rose Keegan
Cameron Scott Roberts
Savannah Lee Nassif
Sydney Park
Gregg Wayans
Benny Zielke
Ruby Snowber
Only in Cinemas June 10
Loaded with outrageous humor, nostalgic throwbacks, and nonstop horror spoofs, Scary Movie is set to bring big laughs back to the big screen.
Have you ever dreamed of wandering through the cobblestone streets of Madrid in search of the perfect midnight snack? You can officially put your passport away because the gold standard of Spanish treats is right here in the heart of Ortigas. Chocolatería San Ginés officially opened its Asian flagship at The Podium, bringing over 130 years of sweet, chocolatey history to our local food scene.
San Ginés The Podium
A Century of Tradition in Every Bite
Since its start in 1894, San Ginés has been a Madrid institution, serving as the ultimate destination for locals and travelers alike.
Now, that same legacy is being recreated for Manila. This isn’t just another dessert shop; it is a refined yet vibrant café experience.
The star of the show is, of course, the Churros con Chocolate. These aren’t your average mall snacks. We are talking about churros that are freshly made to be perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. They are served with the brand’s world-famous Signature Hot Chocolate, a rich, velvety, and deeply comforting recipe that hasn’t changed for over 132 years. Is there anything more satisfying than that first dip?
Beyond the Chocolate: A Full Spanish Feast
While the churros might get you through the door, the rest of the menu will keep you in your seat. San Ginés Manila is going beyond the sweets to offer a curated selection of Spanish tapas. Whether you are looking for a solo snack or a spread to share with the squad, these dishes celebrate bold flavors and time-honored techniques.
If you are coming in with a serious appetite, you have to try their paellas. From seafood-heavy variations to savory meat options, these are built on rich, layered flavors and premium ingredients.
It’s the kind of communal dining that Filipinos love, making it a perfect destination for family Sundays or catching up with friends over a shared pan of rice.
A Coffee Culture Worth Staying For
Need a caffeine fix? The flagship also boasts a specialty coffee program designed to pair perfectly with both their sweet churros and savory tapas. Whether you’re an espresso purist or someone who loves a milky latte, the attention to detail here matches the high standards of their chocolate. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a cup and feel the pulse of Madrid’s vibrant café culture right in the heart of Manila.
Manila has always had a deep appreciation for Spanish heritage, but San Ginés brings a level of prestige and history that is hard to match. It isn’t just another café; it is a landmark destination bringing timeless flavors closer to home.
The experience continues with a curated selection of specialty coffees, designed to complement both the sweet and savory sides of the menu.
The menu goes beyond churros. A thoughtfully curated selection of Spanish tapas takes the spotlight, ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo.
Guests can expect classic favorites that celebrate bold flavors and time-honored techniques, all served with a casual yet refined approach to dining reminiscent of the café culture that has defined San Ginés for generations.
And here is an insider tip: this is just the beginning. The brand has already teased new flavors and offerings in the works, alongside plans to open more San Ginés locations across Manila in the future. Is your neighborhood next on the list?
San Ginés stands out by keeping things simple and authentic. It is the perfect destination for everything from a first date to a catch-up session with your barkada. The atmosphere is refined yet vibrant, capturing that European café vibe without the pretension.
Your Table is Ready
The wait is over and the chocolate is pouring. You can find San Ginés on the Ground Floor of The Podium, ready to serve you a piece of Madrid’s culinary soul.
If you have been looking for an excuse to visit SM Podium, this is it. Whether you are there for the iconic chocolate dip or a full Spanish feast, San Ginés is set to be your new favorite hangout.
A legendary adventure comes to life as Christopher Nolan takes audiences on an extraordinary cinematic journey in The Odyssey, the acclaimed filmmaker’s ambitious adaptation of Homer’s iconic Greek epic.
Leading the film is Matt Damon as Odysseus, the fearless king of Ithaca whose long and dangerous voyage home begins after the Trojan War. Joining Damon is an impressive ensemble cast featuring Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.
Watch the Official Trailer
Set against breathtaking global locations and filmed using brand-new IMAX® film technology, The Odyssey promises a visually spectacular experience crafted specifically for the big screen.
Christopher Nolan, known for blockbuster masterpieces such as Interstellar, Inception, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer, writes and directs the mythic action epic, bringing fresh scale and emotional depth to one of literature’s most enduring tales.
Homer’s Legendary Tale Reimagined
For centuries, Homer’s The Odyssey has captivated audiences with its themes of courage, survival, temptation, and destiny. Now, Nolan transforms the timeless saga into a monumental cinematic event designed to immerse viewers in Odysseus’ perilous quest across land and sea.
Meanwhile, anticipation continues to grow as moviegoers eagerly await Nolan’s newest large-scale spectacle, which marks the first time the classic story will be presented on IMAX® film screens.
Produced by Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan through their production company Syncopy, the film combines cutting-edge filmmaking technology with an emotionally gripping narrative that is expected to become one of 2026’s biggest theatrical releases.
Opening in Philippine Cinemas July 15
Experience The Odyssey in Philippine theaters, including IMAX, beginning July 15, 2026.
About “The Odyssey”
Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron
Written and Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Produced by: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan
Executive Producer: Thomas Hayslip
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a mythic action epic filmed across the world using groundbreaking new IMAX® film technology. The film brings Homer’s legendary saga to IMAX® screens for the very first time and opens in theaters on July 15, 2026. Distributed locally by Universal Pictures.
Get ready for bone-crushing battles, jaw-dropping stunts, and the brutal tournament fans have been waiting for.
Now showing only in cinemas and IMAX, “Mortal Kombat II” levels up the action with larger-scale fights, devastating fatalities, and fierce new warriors entering the arena. According to producer James Wan, the sequel delivers everything fans loved about the first film — only bigger and far more intense.
“This one is bigger in scope and scale,” says Wan.
The explosive sequel sees Earthrealm’s champions facing their most dangerous threat yet as they battle the terrifying forces of Shao Kahn. Joining the returning fighters is fan-favorite character Johnny Cage, played by Karl Urban, bringing even more energy and attitude into the high-stakes tournament.
Directed once again by Simon McQuoid, the film stars Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada.
Watch the Trailer Here:
Massive Fight Sequences Took Months to Prepare
With nearly 20 major fight scenes featured throughout the film, the production team spent months carefully planning every punch, kick, and finishing move.
Producer E. Bennett Walsh explains that preparation was essential to making the action sequences feel exciting while also supporting the story.
“We’ve learned that these fights take a great deal of preparation. We have about 20 fights in total and they all had to be carefully choreographed,” he says. “We made video clips so that everyone could understand how they needed to flow, and then broke them up to add in all the technical components that went into shooting them. We doubled the stunt preparation time to five months.”
The filmmakers worked closely with stunt coordinator and second unit director Kyle Gardiner to ensure each battle had its own identity and emotional weight.
“Within each fight you have to find its point of view, as well as the narrative that you need to weave into the story, so that the audience stays with it and doesn’t get fight fatigue. The fights need to have many layers, so that they don’t flatline. With enough time, we were able to design all the fights before we began shooting. That allowed us to take it to the next level and fine tune, which gave us a great advantage.”
For Gardiner, honoring the iconic video game franchise was one of the production’s top priorities.
“We stay true to the game at all times and the truth of the game itself. We have fatalities and brutalities. It’s all there. There’s blood, there’s gore, there’s everything! We pay homage to the game, but then we take it to another level entirely. It’s pretty awesome.”
The cast underwent demanding physical training throughout production, often balancing full shooting days with nonstop stunt rehearsals.
“The cast underwent a huge amount of training. It was quite brutal. They’d work all day, every day, and then if they weren’t on set, they’d be training with us. It was impressive to see them all handle the volume and really step up to the training.”
Director Simon McQuoid praised the cast’s dedication, noting that every sequence required precision, endurance, and emotional performance.
“They make it look effortless, but it’s not easy. They had to understand their performance and their character. As well as learning their actual lines, they also had to learn the fight lines of the choreography. It was a huge amount of work for each little sequence. But they all worked so very hard and I think that hard work really paid off in each and every performance. I mean, it was tough – like running a marathon. There were days where everyone was tired, but with a smile on every face.”
Karl Urban Enters the Arena as Johnny Cage
For Karl Urban, stepping into the world of Mortal Kombat meant jumping directly into stunt rehearsals from the moment he arrived.
“When I landed at the airport to start filming, they picked me up and drove me straight to a stunt rehearsal, because the stunt choreography was such a massive undertaking,” shares Urban. “So, from day one, I was thrown in at the deep end. We had an extraordinary stunt team – one of the best I’ve ever worked with.”
Urban also explored martial arts culture and tournament fighting to better understand Johnny Cage’s personality and fighting style.
Meanwhile, Tati Gabrielle, who portrays Jade, fully embraced the film’s action-heavy production.
“There were so many fight sequences, but I’m very big on stunts. I love them. I’m always like, ‘Can I do more? Can you put me on a wire? I want to do more!’ Every little step needs so many drills. But it’s so much fun. And I felt so badass all the time doing all these great stunts!”
For Adeline Rudolph, who plays Kitana, mastering the character’s signature steel fans became one of the highlights of filming.
“The fans that Kitana fights with were my favorite part. They were so much fun to play around with. Once we were in the training phase, I had a normal pair of fans to begin with, and we just started to play around with those to figure out what felt comfortable and what felt good. I love my fans! I was annoyingly obsessed with them.”
Real Martial Arts Experience Added Authenticity
Several members of the cast brought real martial arts backgrounds to the production, including Max Huang, who trained for years under the Jackie Chan stunt team.
“To me, it’s about telling a story through movement,” says Huang. “I’ve been in the stunt and action world for many years, so it feels natural to me.”
He also praised co-star Ludi Lin for dedicating himself completely to the demanding fight choreography.
“Ludi Lin, who plays Liu Kang, was not so familiar. He trained so hard. He’d text me, ‘Let’s go down to the gym and train the choreography, train the fight.’ He put in so much hard work and I think it really paid off. It shows in our fight together.”
A Bigger, More Explosive Mortal Kombat Experience
For producer James Wan, creating unforgettable action while remaining faithful to the beloved franchise was always the mission.
“We all felt that we wanted to get the fights correct,” says James Wan. “We wanted them to feel special and unique to each of the different characters, but also to depict the characters in the correct way. We spent a lot of time designing the set pieces with the fights, focusing on each combatant’s special traits and abilities, which shaped the sequences while propelling the story forward as well.”
Packed with spectacular battles, iconic characters, and brutal finishing moves, “Mortal Kombat II” promises an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience fans won’t want to miss.
Things are about to get terrifyingly personal in “Evil Dead Burn,” the newest chapter in the iconic horror franchise that has terrified generations of moviegoers.
The freshly released trailer teases a gruesome and relentless descent into chaos as a grieving family gathering spirals into unimaginable horror. Packed with disturbing imagery, intense scares, and blood-soaked mayhem, the film promises to deliver one of the franchise’s most chilling experiences yet.
Watch the Official Trailer here:
This time, the nightmare unfolds inside a secluded family home where a widow seeks comfort after the death of her husband. But instead of healing, she finds herself trapped in a horrifying battle for survival as dark forces begin possessing her relatives one after another.
As the evil spreads, the family transforms into terrifying Deadites, turning what should have been a solemn reunion into an all-out nightmare.
Directed by Sébastien Vaniček, “Evil Dead Burn” pushes the franchise deeper into brutal psychological terror while maintaining the savage energy fans have come to expect from the legendary series. The trailer hints at horrifying creature transformations, nerve-rattling tension, and shocking sequences guaranteed to leave audiences stunned.
Leading the cast are Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Errol Shand, Maude Davey, George Pullar, and Greta Van Den Brink.
Longtime fans and horror enthusiasts alike can expect a terrifying cinematic experience loaded with suspense, carnage, and sinister Deadite chaos when the film arrives in Philippine cinemas on July 8. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.
About “Evil Dead Burn”
Evil Dead Burn unleashes the franchise’s most savage and terrifying ride to date, blazing onto big screens with an all-new chapter of carnage and demonic mayhem. After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws in their secluded family home. As one by one they are transformed into Deadites—turning the gathering into a family reunion from hell—she comes to discover that the vows she took in life… live on even in death.
Director: Sébastien Vaniček
Cast: Souheila Yacoub, Tandi Wright, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Errol Shand, Maude Davey, George Pullar, Greta Van Den Brink
The Virgin Labfest (VLF) officially comes of age in its 21st edition, stripping down all pretense of innocence while showcasing the bold Filipino voice and spirit. As it nurtures emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, it revels in the artistic and creative desires expressed through fearless storytelling.
Guided by the theme Hubo’t Hubad, this year’s VLF reflects on the many ways people reveal themselves. It invites audiences to engage with works that expose layers of identity, memory, and vulnerability.
Offering a deeper understanding of the human experience, the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns with 12 “virgin” scripts this June 3 to 28, 2026, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
Unrestrained tales of the human experience
Featuring new works by eight “virgin” playwrights and four returning playwrights, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD elaborates on the unbridled truths of humanity’s essence after blooming into a passionate community of untold narratives over the last two decades.
Anthony Kim Vergara’s PASSWORD123, PILIPINAS321 centers on Blackteam, an underground cyberspace operation disguised as a technical support center. With his cousin leading the team’s troubling methods, the lead character questions his chosen path as a cybersecurity expert and as a Filipino.
A reporter is about to receive an international award in HUMAN RIGHTS STORY OF THE YEAR by Elijah Felice Rosales. At her farewell party, a former colleague declares she does not deserve the recognition.
PATAYIN ANG MGA SUROT by Floyd Scott Tiogangco occurs on the last night of Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency. While an Oplan Tokhang operation unfolds, tension builds as a couple conducts their own extermination of bedbugs.
A wounded fighter stumbles into a small Marawi hospital in Neil Arkhe Azcuna’s BALOS. Because of his arrival, four medical workers must decide between staying silent to save lives and speaking up to risk everyone’s refuge.
In Alab Usman’s HARAM, three queer Muslims struggle to manage faith and love across borders and barriers.
A former nun turned Philosophy professor and Gab Mactal’s LUALHATI meet again. Their memories of faith and romance emerge on the last night of the wake held at the Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn convent.
Dustin Celestino’s ELEHIYA is an impressionistic montage of conversations of fathers and sons that could have taken place but did not.
A former womanizer meets the love of his life in SHE’S ELECTRIC by Ron Evangelista. However, his friends make a discovery that leads to an insightful discussion on the sexual and philosophical nature of relationships.
Faith Ferrer Lacanlale’s BETAMAX follows a woman who begins to see “human pigs” after a minor road accident. As she ascends to madness, the darkness surrounding her family is brought to light.
A grieving family turns back time with a virtual archive of memories in FOOTPRINT by JEROM CANLAS. While they scramble to make sense of a tragedy, their unspoken feelings inflict a much harsher truth.
Set in Tarlac, two strangers uncover an unexpected connection by exchanging tales of love and disappointment within the walls of a rage booth in John Lapus’ TAKSYAPO!.
Gerald Manuel’s BUHAGHAG follows a young lady who is haunted by a long-haired enigma that corners her into choosing between self-preservation and self-destruction.
In addition to the new plays, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD revisits three stories from last year’s edition: Ade Valenzona’s POLAR COORDINATES, Rolin Cadallo Obina’s THE LATE MR. REAL, and Siege Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2.
Valenzona’s POLAR COORDINATES follows a confused student after he fails his Math exam. With the fate of his fragile family and strange feelings for his tutor piling on, he struggles to carve his own path.
Obina’s THE LATE MR. REAL takes place in an isolation facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a wall separating them, an estranged couple reexamines the clashing views that led to their marriage’s failure.
A senator is accused of money laundering in Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2. While she recovers from a heart attack, her children rally for the best course of action to salvage their reputations.
Peeling off innocence and refining raw talent
True to its core of celebrating both budding and veteran playwrights, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD continues to nourish its garden of talent through its educational components: Staged Readings, Writing Fellowship Program and Showcase, Theater Talks, and Playwrights’ Fair.
Script submissions from VLFXXI come to life through stripped-down reading performances in Staged Readings. Jose Victor Torres’ MGA TATSULOK,M. Manalastas’ THE DEVOURED, Dingdong Novenario’s MANANG, Rafael Jimenez’s SUOR, Juan Ekis’ KASAL(ANAN), and Jay Fernandez’s ANG HULI take the stage.
The VLF Writing Fellowship Program, a two-week mentorship on dramatic writing for the stage headed by award-winning playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, culminates in a thrilling showcase. The Taiwan International Play Reading Festival (TIPR) will also hold a special staged reading of Ihot Sinlay Cihek’s HOW ROMANTIC: A GUIDE TO MODERN PANGCAH LIFE, alongside the National Art Centre’s PRISON DANCER.
A forum series on the creative processes behind theater, Theater Talks will feature TIPR with speaker Cheng-Han Wu. Jin Yim and Cui Yin Mok of the Asian Producers’ Platform share their insights, together with Shizuoka Performing Arts Center’s Takuya Maehara.
Meanwhile, VLF founder and Palanca-awardee Rody Vera, Liza Magtoto, and Glenn Sevilla Mas host Playwrights’ Fair, peeking into the minds of veteran playwrights. Guest speakers Tanya Lopez, Dessa Quesada-Palm, and Sari Saysay explore the essence of Visayan theater, herstories, and settings in the nation’s current artistic landscape.
Uncovering new narratives charged with immense thirst for artistry, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD shows are scheduled at 2 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. gala, while its educational components are slated at 5 p.m. from June 3 to 28, 2026. Tickets are priced at Php800 (regular) and Php1000 (premium), available for purchase at the CCP Box Office and Ticket World. For more updates on the festival schedule and ticket-selling, visit the official pages of VLF, CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc., and Writers’ Bloc across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
