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Brendan Fraser Stars in “Rental Family,” Screening Exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas This January 21
An Exclusive Film Event That Celebrates Human Connection

Ayala Malls Cinemas proudly unveils Rental Family, a moving cross-cultural drama-comedy starring Academy Award® winner Brendan Fraser, as part of its exclusive 2026 film lineup. Known as the go-to destination for premium and thoughtfully curated cinematic experiences, Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to champion films that inspire, comfort, and spark meaningful conversations—only on the big screen.

All the way from Tokyo, Rental Family arrives exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas, offering local audiences a rare opportunity to experience a globally celebrated story about chosen families, belonging, and empathy—magnified through immersive sights and sounds.

A Story That Resonates Across Cultures

Rental Family has touched hearts worldwide with its poignant yet uplifting exploration of human connection. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the film follows an American actor, Philip Vandarpleog (Brendan Fraser), who finds himself at a crossroads until he accepts an unconventional job at a Japanese “rental family” agency—portraying stand-in roles for strangers seeking companionship.

As scripted moments turn unexpectedly real, Philip forms genuine bonds that blur the line between performance and authenticity. Along the way, he confronts loneliness, isolation, humor, and emotional complexity—rediscovering purpose and the quiet beauty of belonging.

Cinema That Builds Empathy and Understanding

Writer-director HIKARI (Miyazaki Mitsuyo), best known for the critically acclaimed Netflix series Beef, shares her vision:

“I believe that cinema can make the world a better place. It allows us to view others with empathy, creates space for conversation, and see parts of ourselves we did not know existed. If we embrace it, walls fade, and humanity comes through.”

This philosophy mirrors Ayala Malls’ commitment to creating welcoming spaces where stories resonate deeply, allowing audiences to feel seen, understood, and comforted.

Brendan Fraser echoes this sentiment, saying, “Family is really who we include, rather than who we’re assigned to.” It’s a powerful reminder that family can be found in presence, connection, and love.

Why Watch It at Ayala Malls Cinemas

Watching Rental Family at Ayala Malls Cinemas elevates the experience. Patrons can enjoy:
- High-quality visuals with sharper images that bring every emotion to life
- Immersive audio powered by Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos
- Plush seating with generous legroom for maximum comfort
- Delicious treats from The Movie Snackbar, including must-have popcorn, burgers, hotdog sandwiches, and refreshing beverages
More than just a movie destination, Ayala Malls Cinemas offers a premium space to bond with family, friends, and colleagues—sharing moments that matter.

Film Synopsis

Set in modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) struggling to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig at a Japanese “rental family” agency. Playing stand-in roles for strangers, he gradually forms authentic connections that challenge his understanding of performance, morality, and belonging. Through these encounters, he rediscovers meaning, empathy, and the warmth of human connection.

Experience It Exclusively on the Big Screen

Unravel the many roles Philip plays in Rental Family, exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting January 21, 2026. Book tickets online at www.sureseats.com

For the latest updates, follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram.
January 16, 2026
Ghostface Comes Home: “Scream 7” Unveils New Poster and Chilling Teaser, Showing in Cinemas February 25
Every phone call echoes louder. Every shadow feels closer.

The nightmare that redefined horror is back.

Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group have officially released the brand-new poster and teaser video for Scream 7, setting the stage for the franchise’s most personal chapter yet. Opening only in cinemas on February 25, 2026, the film marks a powerful homecoming as Kevin Williamson, creator of Scream, returns to direct the latest installment.

A Teaser That Sends Shivers

The call no one wants to answer rings once more.

Watch the Teaser Video here:

Short, sharp, and deeply unsettling, the teaser delivers classic Scream tension with a modern edge. Familiar sounds trigger old fears, while haunting silences hint that Ghostface is closer than ever—and this time, the stakes feel devastatingly real.

A Poster That Signals a Reckoning

The newly unveiled poster places Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) front and center, surrounded by a compelling mix of returning characters and new faces. With Ghostface lurking in the background, the imagery speaks volumes: the past isn’t done, and survival comes at a cost.

Official Synopsis

When a new Ghostface killer terrorizes the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her worst fears resurface as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes the next target. Forced to confront her darkest memories, Sidney fights to protect her family and stop the violence once and for all.

Fear becomes personal. Hope becomes essential.

About Scream 7
- Directed by: Kevin Williamson
- Screenplay by: Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick
- Story by: James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick
- Produced by: William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein
- Based on Characters Created by: Kevin Williamson
Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons, and Mark Consuelos.

A Return That Feels Earned

With its original creator guiding the story, Scream 7 blends emotional depth with relentless suspense. It’s a confident continuation that respects the franchise’s legacy while pushing the story into darker, more intimate territory. Familiar scares return, but the heart of the film lies in family, resilience, and the cost of never truly escaping fear.

Scream 7 opens only in cinemas on February 25, 2026.

#Scream7
@paramountpicsph

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}
January 16, 2026
Watch the New Trailer for Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!” Starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale
Something Wicked—and Wonderful—Is Alive

Lightning flashes. Machines hum. A heartbeat begins.

From Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Bride! rises as a striking, rebellious reinvention of one of cinema’s most enduring myths. Written, directed, and produced by Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter), the film stars Golden Globe winner Jessie Buckley as The Bride and Academy Award winner Christian Bale as Frankenstein.

This is Frankenstein as you’ve never seen it before—restless, romantic, and roaring with cultural fire.

Watch the Official Trailer:

Love, Creation, and Chaos in 1930s Chicago

Set in the shadowy streets of 1930s Chicago, the story follows a lonely Frankenstein (Bale) on a desperate mission. Seeking connection, he turns to the brilliant and unorthodox Dr. Euphronious (five-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening) to create a companion.

Together, they resurrect a murdered young woman—and The Bride (Buckley) awakens.

What unfolds is thrillingly unpredictable: murder, possession, rebellion, and the birth of a radical cultural movement. Bound by desire yet driven by independence, The Bride becomes something far greater than her creators ever intended. Dangling between love and liberation, her journey ignites a wild, combustible romance that refuses to be contained.

A Cast and Creative Team That Commands Attention

Joining Buckley and Bale is an exceptional ensemble featuring Peter Sarsgaard, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz. Behind the scenes, Gyllenhaal collaborates with a powerhouse team of acclaimed artists, including:
- Lawrence Sher, Director of Photography
- Karen Murphy, Production Designer
- Dylan Tichenor, Editor
- Hildur Guðnadóttir, Composer
- Sandy Powell, Costume Designer
Produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Talia Kleinhendler, and Osnat Handelsman Keren, The Bride! is a First Love Films / In The Current Company production, presented by Warner Bros. Pictures.

When to Watch

The Bride! opens internationally on March 4, 2026, and in North America on March 6, 2026, exclusively in theaters and IMAX. Distributed locally by Warner Bros Philippines.

She’s alive. She’s defiant.
And she’s ready to be heard.
#TheBrideMovie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}
January 16, 2026
Cillian Murphy and Danny Boyle’s Reunion Shines at “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” World Premiere, Now in Cinemas

A Full-Circle Moment for a Genre-Defining Franchise

More than two decades after redefining modern horror, Cillian Murphy and Danny Boyle found themselves side by side once again—this time at the world premiere of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Held at the BFI IMAX Theatre in London on January 16, the event marked a meaningful reunion that thrilled fans of the iconic 28 Days Later universe.

Left photo: Cillian Murphy strikes a pose at the world premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” | Right photo: Danny Boyle take a photo at the world premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”

Murphy, who starred in the original 2002 film and now serves as an executive producer for the new trilogy, walked the red carpet with confidence. He joined the film’s cast, director Nia DaCosta, and writer-producer Danny Boyle, creating one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

Watch the Official Trailer

Get a glimpse of the terror and tension here:

A New Chapter, A Darker Future

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple serves as the second installment in the 28 Years Later trilogy, expanding the haunting world first envisioned by Alex Garland and Danny Boyle. With DaCosta at the helm, the film pushes the franchise into more unsettling and emotionally charged territory.

The story follows Dr. Kelson (played by Ralph Fiennes), whose shocking discovery places him at the center of events that could reshape the fate of humanity. Along the way, Spike (Alfie Williams) encounters the deeply disturbing cult leader Jimmy Crystal, portrayed with chilling intensity by Jack O’Connell. As their paths collide, the line between survival and belief becomes dangerously thin.

Director Nia DaCosta interacts with fans at the world premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”

Now Showing in Philippine Cinemas

With its powerful performances, intense atmosphere, and fearless storytelling, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple proves the franchise still has sharp teeth. Horror fans in the Philippines can catch the latest chapter now, as the film is currently showing in cinemas nationwide. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

January 16, 2026
Safeguard and Havas Ortega Turn Local Voices into a New Tool for Public Health

Safeguard Philippines and creative agency Havas Ortega are taking a new approach to hygiene advocacy by transforming everyday community voices into a living public health tool.

Through a campaign called “Voices of Protection,” the brand is embedding handwashing reminders into the soundscape of communities — broadcasting locally voiced messages in schools, public markets, and health facilities to encourage proper hygiene at the moments when it matters most.

Currently piloted in Marikina City, the initiative features three community representatives delivering handwashing reminders in their own voices and language, now playing across Marikina Elementary School, Parang Market, and the Marikina City Health Office — places where daily routines intersect directly with hygiene risk.

“This is one of the ways we’re actively engaging with and involving communities through the Safe Wash, Safeguard Pinas program,” said Lester Estrada, Vice President for Beauty and Brand Function at Procter & Gamble Philippines. “It’s a simple yet powerful way to help keep communities safe and protected.”

Sound as a Medium for Behavior Change

Produced by Havas Ortega, the campaign uses sound as a behavioral intervention — moving beyond posters and passive reminders, and instead placing prompts directly into people’s daily environments.

“There have been many hygiene campaigns that say the same thing, in the same way,” said Angie Tijam-Tohid, Executive Creative Director at Havas Ortega. “So we designed this to be real-time, urgent, and impossible to ignore — using familiar voices in familiar places to create what we call a live germ-alert system.”

By turning local sound into a public health channel, the campaign aims to make handwashing not just a health message, but a social habit embedded into everyday life.

Expanding Beyond Marikina

Following its initial rollout, Safeguard and Havas Ortega plan to expand Voices of Protection to more cities across the Philippines — recruiting local voices and tailoring messages to different communities nationwide.

The initiative is part of Safeguard’s broader Safe Wash, Safeguard Pinas program, which works with partners to improve hygiene access and education, particularly in public schools and community facilities.

Through this approach, Safeguard and Havas Ortega are redefining how public health communication works — not by broadcasting louder, but by broadcasting closer.

January 15, 2026
A Bold Filipino Culinary Experience Awaits at Siklab+

Siklab Brings Filipino Flavor to Conrad SMaison With Its Biggest Branch this January 8; Pursues Aggressive Expansion Plans in 2026

Following the strong reception of The Bistro Group’s Filipino concept, Siklab, the company announces the brand’s aggressive expansion plan for 2026.

This January 8, Siklab turns up the heat as it opens its biggest branch to date at S’Maison. Offering more than just great food, it’s a new destination for social and corporate events. The space sits 265 guests and features three fully equipped function rooms designed to accommodate 30 to over 100 guests. From birthdays, reunions, and weddings to meetings and corporate events, everything guests need is thoughtfully in place for a seamless experience with access to accredited event suppliers, curated and customizable party food packages and on-ground logistical assistance.

Siklab at S’Maison reflects the brand’s aggressive expansion plans with successive openings expected on the 1^st quarter of this year: along Kamagong St. in Makati City, Park Triangle in BGC, Vermosa in Cavite and at Evia Lifestyle Mall in Las Pinas, bringing its bold and vibrant take on Filipino dining to even more locations.

This expansion aligns with The Bistro Group’s strategic priorities ofscaling high-performingbrands, enhancing customer experience and strengthening market presence while responding to evolving consumer demand.

“In a short time, Siklab has resonated deeply with guests who are looking for bold yet familiar Filipino food. The brand has become a key driver of Bistro’s growth, reflecting both the strength of the concept and the growing appetite for proudly local flavors. With the consistent support from our guests, we are excited to build on Siklab’s momentum and make it more accessible,” says Guia Abuel, Chief Operating Officer of The Bistro Group. “Our biggest branch is more than just a restaurant. It is where Filipino food brings people together, sharing precious experiences, in a spacious and welcoming ambiance.”

Classic, Bold Flavors

At the heart of it all is Siklab’s well-loved Filipino menu, crafted to feel both familiar and exciting; whether it’s locals craving comfort food, tourists exploring Filipino dishes, or balikbayans reconnecting with tastes of home.

Siklab stokes the fire and fuels the market for Filipino food, serving up favorites like Kuhol ni Tanggol, Gising Gising Na!, Paboritong Pork Sisig, Trio Sinigang na Baboy, merienda staples like pancit, palitaw, bibingka, along with new surprises that are equally as delicious.

Rooted in Filipino tradition and flavors, Siklab speaks to every generation, young and old alike, because it is a place to celebrate Filipino culture and cuisine. The restaurant fuses rustic local charm with contemporary design, giving diners a taste of tradition in a vibrant, modern setting.

Stay in the loop on opening dates, special events, and promos. Follow @siklabph.

January 15, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Following directly after the events of 28 Years Later, the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, pretty much pulls back from the infected to the crazy people who have been forced to survive in a ravaged world. Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) shows a wide range of emotions as he makes contact with the Alpha (Chi Lewis-Parry). Through Kelson and Alpha’s interactions, we find vestiges of hope.

Meanwhile, Spike (Alfie Williams) has now joined the brutal group called The Fingers, led by Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). Spike’s storyline is where all the brutality and gore kicks in, as Jimmy and his gang (each member also named Jimmy), raid the surrounding camps, killing the infected with ease and torturing anyone who gets in their way.

Alex Garland’s screenplay with direction by Nia DaCosta, borrows themes from the first film, 28 Days Later, to explore the dark soul of human nature when faced with an apocalyptic situation. Jimmy Crystal’s gang eat up every word of his dark gospel, claiming that the infected are creatures of Satan and that Jimmy himself is the son of all that is evil. All of Spike’s innocence and warmth is slowly dwindling under such gruesome company.

The film highlights human nature’s tendency to rule with might once all agents of order have ceased to exert their influence. There’s an allegory here that harkens to current world events, though I may be overreaching.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures

On the other hand, Kelson’s attempts to connect and communicate with Alpha brings the franchise into a whole new chapter, echoing the messages of hope of the second film, 28 Weeks Later. This half of the film is filled with tenderness and, surprisingly, moment of great humor. The dread and fear is always hang over these scenes, but Fiennes infuses Dr. Kelson with such quiet power that we trust that he can find a way to calm the rage virus.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures

What is incredible about this movie (and the franchise as a whole) is how it keeps us guessing. I really enjoyed 28 Years Later for its sense of duality (as I mentioned in my review), and while this film also shares that same dual tone, its messaging is very different.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures

While 28 Years Later is about the role of parents during times of crisis, and how the youth must come of age too early during periods of stress and constant danger, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple dissects the duality of human nature. One path is set to destroy, remake the world in the image that they think the world has become; whereas the other clings to the things that make us human – knowledge, science, medicine, culture – and uses empathy to try and fix what is broken.

Everyone is pushing out strong performances, left and right. Erin Kellyman, one of the Jimmys who begins to question the veracity of Jimmy Crystal’s claims of being the son of Satan, is an arresting actress. Acting through the outrageous wig and the bursts of violence, she creates an almost safe space for Spike to remember what it means to be human. But make no mistake, she is very dangerous and deeply unpredictable.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures

O’Connell and Williams also deliver strong performances that heighten the tension in their scenes together, with O’Connell providing both danger and charm. Lewis-Parry is a powerful presence who gets to do a lot more in this installment. But the real MVP of this film is Fiennes. We get to see more of Dr. Kelson and the kind of person that he is and was. He shifts from nurturing to little moments of whimsy that turn Dr. Kelson from an interesting character to an unforgettable one.

A follow-up to this movie is already in the works, but in all honesty, I feel that if the story ended here, it would still work. There’s a sense of finality to it that really highlights the best and worst of human nature. It’s a strong example of the genre and one that wonderfully breaks new ground.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Thrills, terror, and a standout performance by Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson await in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Feel the fear, witness the gore, and catch the rare flashes of humanity. Check showtimes near you and see it on the big screen now.

January 15, 2026
Some Things Never Stay Buried: “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” Unleashes a Chilling Teaser Trailer
Some legends refuse to rest. Others return changed. In Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, the past doesn’t just resurface—it unravels everything it touches.

Following the record-breaking success of Evil Dead Rise, acclaimed writer-director Lee Cronin reimagines one of horror’s most enduring myths with a sinister, emotionally charged twist. Produced by genre heavyweights James Wan, Jason Blum, and John Keville, this chilling new film opens exclusively in cinemas beginning April 15, 2026.

Watch the Teaser Trailer:

When a Miracle Turns Monstrous

At the heart of Lee Cronin’s The Mummy lies a mystery rooted in grief and disbelief.

The young daughter of a journalist vanishes into the desert without a trace. Years stretch on. Hope fades. Then, eight years later, the impossible happens—she is found and returned to her family.

What should be a joyful, healing reunion slowly transforms into something far more disturbing. As strange behaviors surface and buried truths claw their way into the light, the family realizes the child who came back may not be the one who disappeared.

Ancient forces stir. Old curses awaken. And the nightmare begins.

A Fearless Cast and Creative Powerhouse

Leading the cast are Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, with Veronica Falcón, delivering raw, grounded performances that anchor the film’s escalating horror.

Behind the scenes, Cronin collaborates with a trusted team of top-tier artisans:
- Dave Garbett, Director of Photography
- Nick Bassett, Production Designer
- Bryan Shaw, Editor
- Joanna Eatwell, Costume Designer
- Stephen McKeon, Music
- Terri Taylor and Sarah Domeier Lindo, Casting
Executive producers include Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Macdara Kelleher, and Lee Cronin.

Presented by New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster, and Blumhouse, this Wicked/Good Production reshapes a classic horror icon into something bold, unnerving, and deeply human.

A Legend Reborn for the Big Screen

Distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy opens only in theaters and IMAX® in North America on April 17, 2026, and internationally starting April 15, 2026.

Some things are meant to stay buried.
This one refuses.
#LeeCroninsTheMummy

_{Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures}
January 15, 2026
Zazie Beetz Enters a Deadly Cult Nightmare in the Explosive Trailer for “They Will Kill You”
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when cult horror collides with razor-sharp comedy and relentless action—well, wonder no more. The official trailer for “They Will Kill You” is here, and it’s a gloriously twisted invitation into a night of chaos, carnage, and crowd-pleasing mayhem.

Produced by horror hitmaker Andy Muschietti (It, It Chapter Two, Mama) and directed by Kirill Sokolov, this horror-action-comedy promises outrageous kills, fearless performances, and a wicked sense of humor that refuses to behave. Everyone is welcome at The Virgil—staying alive, however, is another story.

Watch the Official Trailer:

A One-Night Stay That Turns Into a Nightmare

From New Line Cinema and Nocturna, They Will Kill You unleashes a high-octane survival story centered on a young woman trapped overnight inside The Virgil, a sinister hideout run by a demonic cult with deadly intentions.

As the clock ticks forward, the rules disappear. What follows is a savage battle for survival filled with epic confrontations, audacious kills, and wickedly dark humor that keeps the tone thrilling rather than grim. Dangling between terror and comedy, the film leans into spectacle—bold, brazen, and unapologetically fun.

Zazie Beetz Leads a Fearless Ensemble

At the center of the chaos is Zazie Beetz (Joker, Invincible), delivering a powerful, magnetic performance that grounds the madness with grit and attitude. She’s joined by an impressive cast that adds personality and unpredictability to every turn:
Together, the ensemble elevates the film’s twisted energy, balancing tension, humor, and explosive action with surprising ease.

Crafted by a Team That Knows Horror

Behind the camera, Kirill Sokolov teams up with co-writer Alex Litvak to create a cinematic experience that thrives on escalation and surprise. Produced by Andy Muschiettii, Barbara Muschietti, and Dan Kagan, the film is backed by a creative crew built for controlled chaos:
- Director of Photography: Isaac Bauman
- Production Designer: Jeremy Reed
- Editor: Luke Doolan
- Costume Designer: Neil McClean
- VFX Supervisor: Marc Smith
- Composer: Carlos Rafael Rivera
Every frame reflects a confident blend of style and savagery, amplified by music supervision from Andrea von Foersterand casting by Richard Delia.

When and Where to Watch

New Line Cinema and Nocturna present They Will Kill You, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film opens internationally on March 25, 2026, with a North American theatrical release on March 27, 2026.

So go ahead—feed your curiosity. The cult is waiting, the doors are open, and The Virgil promises a night you won’t forget… assuming you make it out. #TheyWillKillYouMovie

^{Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures}
January 15, 2026
“Pole To Pole with Will Smith” National Geographic’s Epic Docuseries Premieres on Disney+

A Landmark Premiere at the Natural History Museum

Disney+ and National Geographic marked a major moment in documentary storytelling with the London premiere of Pole To Pole with Will Smith, held at the world-famous Natural History Museum. The evening brought together explorers, scientists, creatives, and media personalities to celebrate the launch of the ambitious seven-part series, which officially premiered on Disney+ on January 14.

Five years in the making, the docuseries captures Will Smith’s extraordinary expedition across every continent on Earth. From the frozen vastness of Antarctica to the dense jungles of the Amazon, the towering Himalayas, Africa’s sweeping deserts, remote Pacific islands, and the Arctic’s towering icebergs, the series presents a raw and awe-inspiring portrait of the planet.

Explorers, Experts, and Creative Minds Unite

Will Smith was joined at the premiere by key contributors from the series, including polar athlete Richard Parks, venomologist Dr. Bryan Fry, polar ecologist Allison Fong, and linguist Dr. Mary Walworth. Also in attendance were executive producers Terence Carter and Miguel Melendez from Westbrook Studios, alongside Jane Root, Peter Lovering, Tom Williams, and Ari Handel of Nutopia.

The event drew an impressive guest list featuring broadcasters Ade Adepitan, Hannah Stitfall, Joelah Noble, and Ayo Akinwolere, as well as zoologist Megan McCubbin. National Geographic explorers Bertie Gregory, Lia Kajiki, Tamana Ayazi, Melanie Gouby, and Anastasia Taylor Lind were also among the notable attendees, reinforcing the evening’s spirit of discovery and collaboration.

A Chilling First Episode and an Insightful Discussion

Following an introduction from wildlife presenter and National Geographic explorer Liz Bonnin, guests enjoyed an exclusive screening of the first episode. The opening chapter follows Will Smith to the South Pole, where temperatures can plunge below minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Viewers watch as he skis and treks across immense icefields, battles relentless winds, and confronts towering walls of ice. With the guidance and support of elite polar athlete Richard Parks, Will pushes through extreme conditions, testing his endurance and resolve in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

After the screening, Liz Bonnin returned to host a thought-provoking panel discussion with Will Smith, Richard Parks, Dr. Bryan Fry, and Allison Fong. The conversation offered behind-the-scenes insights into the physical challenges, scientific discoveries, and personal reflections that shaped the series.

A Global Journey with Purpose

Inspired by the lessons of his late mentor, Will Smith embarks on a 100-day journey driven by curiosity and a desire to explore life’s biggest questions. Throughout the series, he takes on remarkable challenges—from skiing to the South Pole and climbing formidable mountains to encountering a giant anaconda and extracting venom from a tarantula.

Traveling from pole to pole alongside scientists, explorers, and local experts, Will’s experience becomes a powerful exploration of resilience, nature, and human connection, framed by National Geographic’s signature storytelling.

Now Streaming on Disney+

National Geographic’s Pole To Pole with Will Smith is now available exclusively on Disney+, inviting audiences to witness a bold, uplifting, and visually striking adventure that spans the entire globe.

January 15, 2026