Disney+ announced today that Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” will begin streaming on Disney+ August 2. Watch the TV spot and get ready for our beloved heroes’ arrival on the streaming service.
In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Sara Smith, and Simon Hatt serving as executive producers.
Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” comes exclusively to Disney+ on August 2, joining the other two films of the trilogy, “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
As the sequins settle from the record-breaking first season of ‘Drag Race Philippines,’ the raceway readies itself for round two. On August 2, HBO GO will premiere the much-awaited second season of the show that redefines glamour, featuring twelve of the fiercest, most fabulous Filipino drag artists from across the globe. The scintillating reality series, hosted by multi-awarded Filipino actor, model, and drag artist Paolo Ballesteros, will also see the return of celebrated judges Drag Race alum Jiggly Caliente and Filipina writer, TV personality and activist KaladKaren.
Sashaying Back to Your Screens
Every Wednesday following the premiere, a new episode of Drag Race Philippines will air alongside the official after-show, ‘Drag Race Philippines: Untucked.’ This season promises to be a dizzying whirlwind of fashion, fierceness, and first-rate performances. The shows will air at 7pm in the Philippines, with the broadcast primarily in English, interspersed with some Tagalog elements.
Meet the Queens: Season Two
Here’s a sneak peek into the fierce competitors battling it out for the coveted title of ‘Drag Race Superstar of the Philippines.’
ArizonaBrandy Arizona effortlessly fuses together a pedestrian-chic style and her own brand of humor, drawing audiences in with her irresistible presence. A self-proclaimed Adele impersonator, Arizona takes the stage by storm at Rapture, a popular drag bar in Cubao, and is a drag mother to the Rapture Royalties. With a mischievous grin, she utters her iconic catchphrase, “shot puno!” (bottoms up!) as she downs a full bottle of beer, perfectly embodying her philosophy of not taking life, or drag, too seriously.
Astrid Mercury Astrid Mercury serves up a mesmerizing array of looks that transition from pretty to absolutely stunning. With a background as a former cheerleader and a stunt queen, she fearlessly delivers performances that leave the audience wanting more. She dons a headset as a dedicated call center agent at her day job, but at night, she reigns as a magnetic performer at Nectar, Club Level and Chelu.
Bernie Bernie stands as one of the most esteemed and established queens in Manila with more than 16 years of experience in the drag scene. As a transgender woman, she has paved the way for inclusivity and acceptance within the community. Gracing the renowned O-Bar as a regular performer, she exudes an irresistible energy that draws in audiences night after night. A true pillar of strength, Bernie’s unwavering dedication to her craft not only supports her family but also fuels her own dreams.
Captivating Katkat Captivating Katkat, one of the most prominent drag queens in the Philippines, holds audiences captivated with her extraordinary talents. As a transgender woman, she has fearlessly embraced her identity and shattered boundaries in the drag world. Her claim to fame is a viral video of her rendition of ‘Let It Go,’ which garnered attention from all over the world. Countless titles have been bestowed upon her, including the coveted VP’s Choice Awards for Favorite Local Drag Queen of the Year, cementing her status as a luminary in the drag community. She currently performs at The One 690 Entertainment Bar, a cherished haven for the LGBTQ+ and drag community in Manila.
DeeDee MariéHolliday DeeDee Marié Holliday, a notable figure of the drag world for well over a decade, is celebrated not only for her enchanting performances but also for her unwavering advocacy for AIDS Awareness and LGBTQIA+ rights. Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, she temporarily withdrew from the world of drag and sought solace in the United States. Now, returning to her beloved Philippines, she rekindles her love and passion for the art of drag, ready to reignite stages with her unparalleled talent.
Hana Beshie Hana Beshie, an architect by day and a dazzling drag queen by night, effortlessly blends her creative professions. Representing the vibrant drag community, together with her sisters from the Haus of LaFeya and the queer-events managing team that is G-Spot, Hana Beshie pushes for Drag and Queer visibility in Cagayan de Oro City. Hana infuses a delightful blend of camp and creativity into the competition. With every performance, she paints a vivid picture of self-expression, adding new hues to the evolving palette of the drag world.
Matilduh From the vibrant region of Ilocos, Matilduh proudly proclaims herself a ‘Multimedia Drag Superstar,’ leaving an indelible mark across various print and digital media platforms. She channels her artistic talents as an events designer and florist, transforming her creative visions into breathtaking looks. With each dazzling appearance, Matilduh astounds the audience with a fusion of daring stunts, awe-inspiring dance moves, and an unrivaled creative spirit.
M1ss Jade So M1ss Jade So, a fashion design student and a queen of impeccable style, lives life as if she were the star of her very own music video. Embracing her identity as a proud transgender woman, she stands as a beacon of unity among her fellow transwomen, viewing them not as competitors but as sisters on a shared journey. With a commanding presence as a body queen and a fierce advocate of Doll domination, this “power top na bratzy” is prepared to weave a tapestry of unforgettable fantasies that will leave an everlasting impression.
Nicole Pardaux In the realm of Cebu Drag, Nicole Pardaux shines as “The Face of Cebu Drag.” Your favorite MILF proudly represents the dynamic drag scene of The Queen City of the South. Venturing into drag during the challenging times of the pandemic, she aims to defy stereotypes and demonstrate that Cebuana Drag
Queens embody more than just their feisty and fierce attitude. Nicole Pardaux is here to showcase the depths of her artistry and captivate audiences with her unique flair.
ØV CÜNT Born in the province of Cavite, ØV CÜNT embraces her enigmatic persona as the “Enigmatic Provocateur,” fearlessly delving into the edgier realms of drag. Unafraid to showcase the darker side of her art, ØV CÜNT stands alongside fellow DRPH alums Eva Le Queen, Marina Summers, and Prince, united in their mission. Together, they envision a new era of Filipino Drag, where boundaries are shattered, and creativity knows no limits.
Tiny Deluxe Despite being a relative newcomer to the industry, Tiny Deluxe refuses to dwell in the shadow of her drag mother, Drag Race Philippines season one’s Viñas Deluxe. With two years of experience under her belt, this multi-talented queen showcases her vocal prowess, impeccable fashion sense, and razor-sharp humor to ascend to the apex of the drag world. Tiny Deluxe is a force to be reckoned with, proving that true greatness knows no boundaries of time or experience.
VeruschkaLevels Hailing from Hong Kong, Veruschka Levels is no stranger to the realms of fashion and beauty. As a skilled photographer and makeup artist, she has lent her talents to luminaries like Rita Ora, Nicky Hilton and acclaimed Filipino celebrities such as Gretchen Barretto. Having made a name for herself as a Drag Queen abroad, Veruschka Levels now sets her sights on serving an exquisite blend of C.U.N.T in her motherland, enrapturing audiences with her artistry and creative prowess.
The race is on! Stream Drag Race Philippines season 1 now and gear up for the premiere of season 2 from August 2 on HBO GO in the Philippines and WOW Presents Plus Worldwide. Subscribe to HBO GO online or via the mobile app for just ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. You can also access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable, or on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV, and Samsung Smart TV.
Ready, set, drag! The stage is set, the spotlight’s on, and the crowns are waiting. Let’s see who has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to reign supreme this season.
Embrace an unforgettable journey through Asia as Disney+ introduces a powerhouse line-up of APAC originals, including the Korean headliner “Moving” and an array of compelling dramas, riveting music-documentaries from Korea, as well as captivating Japanese live-action and anime series.
Since its lauded 2022 Content Showcase, Disney+ has been the home of over 20 must-see APAC titles. But brace yourself, as this popular streaming service is set to redefine entertainment with a curated trove of new originals and quality storytelling, exclusively streaming from late 2023 through to 2024.
Promotional stills from left to right, top to bottom: “Moving”, “Soundtrack #2”, “The Worst of Evil”, “Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc”, “BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star” and “Dragons of Wonderhatch”
Capturing Audiences with Exceptional APAC Originals
Disney’s APAC originals have garnered positive consumer response throughout the first half of the year. For instance, season two of the enthralling Korean crime-action series, Big Bet, starring the iconic actor Choi Minsik, replaced season one as the most-watched locally produced original series on Disney+ in Korea during its premiere week. Moreover, the captivating Korean drama series Dr. Romantic held the #1 spot in most APAC markets based on hours watched during its first month, while the live-action Japanese thriller Gannibal and anime Tokyo Revengers made it to the top five most-watched titles in Japan in their first week of launch.
Carol Choi, Executive Vice President of Original Content Strategy, The Walt Disney Company APAC, revealed, “With the success of our initial wave of APAC originals, we will continue to build on this momentum by delivering exceptional storytelling through the second half of 2023 and beyond.Thrillers, crime-action and fantasy, centered on strong storylines from Korea and Japan, are resonating with audiences and we look forward to continued collaboration with leading content creators and storytellers from this region.”
APAC Originals: Korea’s Contributions
In the second half of 2023 through 2024, Disney will be launching some of its most anticipated local APAC originals and stories, including:
From Korea:
Moving – Adapted from the smash webtoon of the same name by famed Korean author Kangfull, Moving stars Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo and Zo Insung in a captivating story about a group of superpowered individuals on the run from government forces and a mysterious assassin who has been dispatched to take them all out. Moving is slated to debut exclusively on Disney+on August 9.
The Worst of Evil– In 1990s Seoul, a former DJ seizes control of a gang and begins pushing a potent new drug (nicknamed “Gangnam Crystal”) in the city’s nightclubs. With little known about the source of this drug, rural police officer Park Joonmo is recruited to bring down the trafficking triangle from the inside. Slated to debut later this year exclusively on Disney+, this new series stars Ji Changwook; Squid Game actor Wi Hajun, and Lim Semi.
Vigilante – A star student at the police academy, Jiyong is a burgeoning martial arts master and a bookish academic who has spent over a decade haunted by the image of his mother being murdered in front of him by a stranger. Exacting his revenge on the non-repentant offender, Jiyong is set along a path that will see him target other offenders, using the knowledge gained at the police academy to avoid being caught in Vigilante
Soundtrack #2 – In 2022, Soundtrack #1 captured audiences with its touching story of unrequited love and emotionally poignant score. With Soundtrack #2, this fan-favorite series returns late 2023 with a new storyline of two young sweethearts who break up after six years together, only to be reconnected again. Starring Keum Saerok and Steve Sanghyun Noh, Soundtrack #2 will also see the return of Kim Heewon, the director behind the show’s hit first series.
BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star – An exclusive Disney+ original and part of Disney’s collaboration with HYBE, this music docu-series will chart the incredible journey of 21st century pop icons BTS. With unprecedented access to a vast library of music and footage over the past nine years, the series will feature the daily lives, thoughts and plans of BTS members, as they prepare for their second chapter.
Han River Police – Starring Kwone Sangwoo and Kim Hiewon, this upcoming Korean fictional comedy action series follows the crazy antics of Seoul’s Han River Police Force as they patrol the waterways and respond to emergency situations including terrorist incidents, accidents and more.
From Japan:
Dragons of Wonderhatch – A hybrid story set in both the “real world” and an anime land called Upananta where dragons and humans coexist, Dragons of Wonderhatch tells the cross-dimensional story of Nagi, a high school student who feels out of place; Thaim, a dragon rider who communicates with dragons in Upananta, and Aktha, a dragon rider hero. Dragons of Wonderhatch stars Sena Nakajima, Daiken Okudaira and Mackenyu.
A Town Without Seasons – When the Nani disaster hit Japan 12 years ago, countless residents had their lives turned upside down and were bundled into temporary housing left to rebuild their lives. This Japanese live action original tells the story of Hansuke, recruited to spy on the remaining residents but ends up recognizing the makeshift town as his new home and coming to terms with the disaster that took almost everything from him.
Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku Arc – The popular anime series, part of Disney’s collaboration with Japanese publishing house Kodansha, returns with the fan-favorite Tenjiku Arc depicting the “Kanto Incident” and the last war between the Tokyo Manji Gang, led by Manjiro Sano; and the Tenjiku, led by Izana Kurokawa. Will Takemichi, the former bad boy turned time traveler, be able to stop a tragedy in the past to save the present? Tune in this October to find out!
PHOENIX: EDEN17 – Produced by STUDIO4°C and based on the legendary manga “PHOENIX” by Osamu Tezuka, this series follows Romi and her partner as they flee the dystopian hellscape of earth in the hope of a better life on the planet Eden, only to discover that Eden no longer exists.
Wrapping up 2023 will be the music docu-series NCT 127: The Lost Boys, Japanese anime SYNDUALITY Noir, and an ice show performance by Japanese ice-skater Yuzuru Hanyu. As we step into 2024, viewers can anticipate more thrilling narratives such as Korea’s A Shop For Killers and Red Swan, and Japan’s House of the Owl and Murai In Love. This promises a future filled with an ever-expanding collection of gripping stories from APAC, ready to capture the hearts of audiences globally.
As we draw the curtain on this grand spectacle of upcoming APAC content, it’s clear that Disney+ continues to redefine our entertainment experience, delivering unmatched storytelling from every corner of the world. From heart-thumping Korean dramas, soul-stirring music documentaries, to the mesmerizing blend of Japanese live-action and anime, the thrill is only beginning. So why wait? Embark on an unforgettable journey of extraordinary tales and captivating characters. Head over to Disney+ and start streaming now! It’s your turn to dive into a world where magic comes alive and dreams never end. Join Disney+ and become a part of the story that never stops unfolding.
Who doesn’t get swept away by a captivating romance story? The roller-coaster ride of emotions, the tantalizing thrill of kilig moments, heart-wrenching hugot lines, and moments that bring on the waterworks – these are the elements that make us Pinoy rom-com aficionados. Now, with a dash of star power, the perfect mix for a streaming sensation is complete. “Seasons,” the upcoming Netflix film featuring Lovi Poe and Carlo Aquino, promises to deliver all this and more. The movie revolves around best friends Charlie and Kurt, who, after a series of failed relationships, make a pact to take risks and search for love once again. However, they might just discover that true love has been right in front of them all along. It’s coming to Netflix on July 7 and deserves a spot on your Netflix ‘My List.’ Read on for more compelling reasons why ‘Seasons’ is a must-watch.
Can Best Friends Find Love in Each Other?
We love a good conflict. Being best friends first before becoming lovers is, arguably, a natural relationship process. Seasons explores the journey of best friends trying to find their person. Many times we often think we could never fall in love with our best friend and it will remain platonic. However, as time passes, one will realize, unexpectedly, that after failing so many relationships, the only one that remains with you is your best friend and this will bloom into “LOVE”.
Photos courtesy of Netflix
Star Power with an Extra Kick of Chemistry
Combine Carlo Aquino’s award-winning dramatic prowess with Lovi Poe’s multifaceted talents, and what do you get? Together, they’re a deliciously perfect combo – think chocolate-dipped strawberries! They breathe life into Kurt and Charlie, delivering a spectrum of emotions that’ll leave you rooting for them.
Photos courtesy of Netflix
The Kilig Factor
It wouldn’t be a Filipino romance film without the kilig! The sparks flying between Charlie and Kurt are sure to ignite all the kilig vibes you’ve been craving. Rewind button at the ready!
Heart-wrenching Hugot Lines
No Pinoy love story is complete without a little heartbreak. Packed with emotion and ‘hugot,’ “Seasons” guarantees to stir your feelings. Get ready to ride the emotional rollercoaster this film is all set to unleash. With its emotionally charged dialogues, “Seasons” packs the kind of dramatic punch that lands straight to the heart.
Photos courtesy of Netflix
Friendship Goals
Beyond the romance, ‘Seasons’ showcases the joys of friendship through relatable hangouts, playful nicknames, and heart-to-heart talks. Kurt, Charlie, and their barkada set the bar high for friendship goals.
LOL trip
In the trailer, we see some of Seasons lighthearted moments like Kurt making a funny face and the best friends trying to make long promises. Expect more funny moments and playful characters as Charlie and Kurt navigate through their relationship.
Photos courtesy of Netflix
Lovi Sings!
Lovi fans, rejoice! Besides showcasing her stellar acting skills, Lovi also lends her voice to two beautiful songs, “Lifetime” and “Panaginip,” amplifying the emotional connection to her character, Charlie.
A Proud Pinoy Production
Netflix has become a platform for showcasing Filipino talent to a global audience. With a lineup that includes “Trese,” “My Amanda,” and “Doll House,” “Seasons” is another local gem we eagerly anticipate!
‘Seasons’ arrives on Netflix on July 7. It’s time to stream, download, and indulge in a new tale of love and friendship, available anytime, anywhere on Netflix.
After captivating global audiences and conquering charts, the K-pop phenomenon TOMORROW X TOGETHER (or TXT, pronounced “tomorrow by together”) is set to embark on their maiden world tour in ‘TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer’. This intriguing, behind-the-scenes documentary, exclusive to Disney+, is set to premiere on July 28.
Making History and Gearing Up for the Next Chapter
Back in 2019, TOMORROW X TOGETHER shattered records by becoming the first K-pop group to enter the U.S. Billboard 200 chart with their debut album. Now, ‘TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer’ offers fans an intimate glimpse into the lives of band members SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI as they unite to rehearse for their first international tour.
With the anticipation mounting and the pressure to deliver an unforgettable performance, the group gears up to take the stage at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the renowned Lollapalooza. Tune in to this highly anticipated documentary to get an insider’s view of the group’s electrifying journey, premiering July 28, exclusively on Disney+.
Binge-worthy Music Documentaries on Disney+
For all the music documentary enthusiasts, you can sign up for Disney+ today for immediate access to ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ – a riveting exploration of BTS star SUGA’s creative process; and ‘j-hope IN THE BOX’, a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of BTS star j-hope’s first solo album. K-pop fans can also relive the magic of ‘BTS: PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LA’, an exclusive 4K concert film showcasing BTS’ live performance at Los Angeles’ Sofi Stadium in November 2021.
Gear Up for an Unforgettable Journey
Catch ‘TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer’ streaming from July 28, only on Disney+. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with TOMORROW X TOGETHER, capturing their spirit, their dreams, and their determination as they prepare to take the world by storm.
So, are you ready to see these K-pop sensations in a new light? Sign up for Disney+ today, and let the music guide your way!
Stream TOMORROW X TOGETHER: OUR LOST SUMMER from July 28 only on Disney+.
Belly used to count down the days until she could return to Cousins Beach, but with Conrad and Jeremiah fighting over her heart and the return of Susannah’s cancer, she’s not sure summer will ever be the same. When an unexpected visitor threatens the future of Susannah’s beloved house, Belly has to rally the gang to come together—and to decide once and for all where her heart lies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7KrN-Nx7ME
Season Two of The Summer I Turned Pretty is led by showrunners Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka. Han, Kucserka, Karen Rosenfelt, and Gabrielle Stanton serve as executive producers, along with Hope Hartman, Mads Hansen, and Paul Lee for wiip. The series is a co-production of Amazon Studios and wiip.
Jenny Han is the No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Summer I Turned Pretty series. Her books have been published in more than 30 languages. For television, she created two new series based on her books—Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, which she executive produces and co-showruns, and the Netflix series XO, Kitty, a spinoff of the To All the Boys universe, which she also executive produces and co-showruns. For film, she executive produced all three films in Netflix’s global hit To All the Boys trilogy. Han lives in Brooklyn, New York.
I have to admit that the first two episodes of the Disney+ original series ‘American Born Chinese’ was a strange watch. It was a mix of what seemed like a bad wuxia or kung-fu film and a generic coming-of-age high school story. The wire work in the first fight scene in episode one looked a bit awkward and the overall design was a bit strange to me. It felt very American (bright colours, more for effect than for use) when compared to things like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ or ‘House of Flying Daggers’ or even the 80s kung-fu shows I used to watch (whose title escapes me at the moment and can’t seem to find via Google search).
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE – “What Guy Are You” (Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja)
It’s the story of the son of Sun Wukong, the famed Monkey King that is immortalized from the classic novel ‘Journey to the West.’ The son, Wei Chen, finds his way to earth, in a middle school in the US, to find a guide to help guide him to discover a magical fourth scroll. Disguised as an exchange student from China, he is partnered with Jin Wang, a typical Asian-American student with typical dreams. Despite being a big fan of manga, he wants to upgrade his status from being friends with the cosplay group and joining the soccer team. But being saddled with Wei Chen is putting a damper on his attempts at climbing the social ladder.
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE – “What Guy Are You” (Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja) BEN WANG, JIM LIU
But, to his own surprise, Wei Chen has identified Jin as his guide and in the 8 episodes of ‘American Born Chinese,’ we are introduced into a world that is as heavy into its mysticism and adventure as it is in its social commentary on race relations in America.
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE – “What Guy Are You” (Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja)
The first two episodes was really just a set-up for a much more complicated dissection of typical narrative tropes found in American stories about Asia (specifically the Chinese) as well as deconstructing and analyzing the relationships between old and younger Asian Americans in the United States.
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE – “What Guy Are You” (Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja)
Because while the main story follows Wei Chen and Jin, it also takes it time to focus on the stories of Sun Wukong and his nemesis Niu Mowang, the Bull Demon; the stories of Jin’s parents as their marriage reaches a crossroads; and even side stories of the goddess of compassion, Guanyin, as she interacts with various supernatural beings hiding away in America in efforts to help Wei Chen in his attempt to discover the fourth scroll.
Once ‘American Born Chinese’ manages to settle into all of its various tonal shifts – from coming-of-age comedy, to mystical martial arts adventure, to a biting social commentary – it starts to show off how very much aware the show is of itself and what it is trying to do. The first two episodes looked off because it was off, and it feels it’s done on purpose. This is most evident in episode four when the whole episode is devoted to the history of Sun Wukong and Niu Mowang. Executed in the form of a 70s comedy show, the very tongue-in-cheek, very Americanized way by which they portray the Chinese world of the gods and goddesses, you understand the whole show itself is pushing back against the years of misrepresentation of American media on Asian American stories.
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE – “Hot Stuff” (Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja) KE HUY QUAN
There’s even a magnificent side story about Jamie Yao, a former actor who played a very offensive stereotypical portrayal of a Chinese character in a fictional show called Beyond Repair. The snippets of ’s story intersects wonderfully into the show, as do all the varying subplots, that manages to become completely interconnected by the last two episodes.
What felt like a hodgepodge of different shows with different styles and genres come crashing together to tell a really strong story about a young man (Jin and Wei Cheng) who has to come to terms with the world and what their stake in it is.
Despite its uneven opening, I watched for the very precise performances of all its stars including Michelle Yeoh as Guanyin, Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong, Leonard Wu as Niu Mowang, and even Ke Huy Quan as Jamie Yao. The younger actors like Ben Wang (Jin Wang) and Jimmy Liu (Wei Chen) are still a bit awkward in carrying the whole show but it works so well as their characters are also still getting in tune with their surroundings. They are instantly elevated anyway by their co-stars. A big stand out is Yeo Yann Yann as Jin’s mother.
While the wire work in the first episode looked awkward, in later episodes it gets better, especially when Michelle Yeoh joins the fight. Leonard Wu and Daniel Wu have exceptional fight scenes later on in the show as well. There’s an equal play of English and Chinese, which I appreciated. It never felt like it rallied towards English just to satisfy its American audiences. When scenes needed to be in Chinese, they did so, and very generously.
AMERICAN BORN CHINESE – “A Monkey on a Quest” (Disney/Carlos Lopez-Calleja)
At the same time, there were many instances when I thought they would resort to typical bullying character tropes, especially with Jin and his white soccer friends but it never does. It doesn’t deny that bullying does happen and there’s even a short subplot about it, but by and large, Jin is surrounded by ordinary people with nuanced relationships with race.
Overall, ‘American Born Chinese’ is a very surprising and refreshing show that is light and easy to watch but carries with it some really tough lessons if you dig deep enough. It’s refreshing and doesn’t feel like it’s pandering to its intended audience.
Discover Disney+’s June 2023 lineup in our comprehensive watchlist. Featuring unmissable premieres like ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and ‘Secret Invasion,’ to highly anticipated season finales of ‘True Lies’ and ‘Dr. Romantic 3,’ there’s plenty to look forward to. Also, explore binge-worthy newcomers like ‘Saint X’ and ‘Class of ‘09’ and revisit classics like ‘Home Improvement.’ Dive into the world of Disney+ this June for a captivating entertainment experience!
Snuggle up to your screens and get ready to journey through uncharted territories, unravel mysteries, and say farewell to some beloved characters with Disney+. From the most-awaited new releases to the epic conclusions of your favorite shows, Disney+ has curated an exciting lineup for your viewing pleasure. So, what’s on the menu this month?
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana Premiering June 7
Leading the pack of new arrivals, prepare for an immersive journey back to Pandora with “Avatar: The Way of Water.” From James Cameron, the mind behind the original Avatar film, the sequel promises a cinematic experience like no other.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally packed action adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. All of this against the breathtaking backdrop of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na’vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures that populate the majestic oceans. Nominated for numerous Academy Awards® including Best Picture, the James Cameron-directed film became the third highest-grossing box office film of all-time and set a new benchmark for visual effects.
Starring: Yu Jaeseok, Lee Kwangsoo, Kwon Yuri Premiering June 14
If adrenaline rushes are your thing, buckle up for “The Zone: Survival Mission 2.” With higher stakes and tougher challenges, this survival series will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Hosted by top Korean TV personalities Yu Jaeseok, Lee Kwangsoo, and Kwon Yuri, the second series of this hit Korean variety show promises more puzzles, laughs, and hilarious situations than ever before.
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Martin Freeman, Emilia Clarke Premiering on June 21
Enter the world of Marvel’s most covert with “Secret Invasion.” With an intricate plot that promises to blur the lines between heroes and villains, this series is a must-watch for every Marvel fan.
Set in the present-day MCU, Nick Fury learns of a clandestine invasion of Earth by a villainous faction of shapeshifting Skrulls. Fury joins his allies, including Everett Ross, Maria Hill and the Skrull Talos, who has made a life for himself on Earth. Together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.
Starring: Kim Taeri, Oh Jungse Premiering on June 23
And speaking of secrets, don’t miss “Revenant,” a thrilling drama that explores the thin line between reality and the supernatural. After her estranged father dies under mysterious circumstances, Sanyoung will partner with Haesong, a man who has the ability to see the dead, in an attempt to break the curse that has ruined both of their families. Prepare for a gripping narrative that is both chilling and thought-provoking in equal measure.
Epic Endings
June brings with it heartfelt goodbyes to some of our favorite characters and stories. Prepare for the grand season finales of “True Lies” and “RACE.” With loose ends to tie and secrets to unravel, you wouldn’t want to miss the last chapter of these gripping narratives. Coming in hot, the most-awaited season and show finales this June.
True Lies Season 1 Finale June 07
Prepare for a dramatic conclusion in the True Lies Season 1 Finale. The tantalizing web of deceit and danger tightens as the characters are pushed to their limits. After a season of shocking revelations and edge-of-your-seat suspense, will the truth finally be laid bare? Can they navigate the labyrinth of lies to reveal the real culprits? Will there be redemption, or will the truth prove too damaging? Brace yourselves for an intense and unmissable season finale that promises to leave you questioning everything.
RACE Season 1 Finale June 14
The high-octane thrill ride that is RACE comes to an exhilarating end this June. RACE Season 1 Finale sees our determined and fearless racers facing the most challenging leg of their adventure yet. A season filled with sharp turns, steep hills, and unexpected detours reaches its climax. Each team must bring their A-game if they hope to cross the finish line first and claim the ultimate prize. Who will emerge victorious in this ultimate test of speed, strategy, and stamina? Fasten your seat belts for an unforgettable conclusion to a season that has kept us on the edge of our seats
Dr. Romantic 3 Finale June 17
Medical drama enthusiasts should brace for an emotional roller coaster as “Dr. Romantic 3” reaches its riveting conclusion. The drama intensifies as we approach the grand finale of Dr. Romantic 3. This June, prepare to bid farewell to the medical team you’ve grown to love and admire. As unresolved matters come to a head and critical decisions must be made, who will rise to the occasion? Will love triumph amid chaos? Will there be a happy ending for our beloved doctors? These questions and more will be answered in this climactic conclusion. Don’t miss Dr. Romantic 3’s final episode – it promises to be a heart-stopping, tear-jerking roller coaster of emotions!
Tengoku Daimakyo Finale June 24
As the series reaches its thrilling climax, expect intense battles, surprising twists, and emotional goodbyes. Will your favorite characters emerge victorious, or will they succumb to their fates? No spoilers here – just be sure to tune in for this epic finale! The stakes have never been higher in Tengoku Daimakyo. Don’t miss out!
Binge-worthy Goodness
For those who love to hunker down for a marathon viewing, a series of binge-worthy shows are coming your way. Keep an eye out for the premieres of “Saint X” and “Class of ‘09.” Both series boast engaging plots that are sure to keep you hooked from the first episode to the last. Prep the popcorn, dim the lights, and settle in for a good time—these shows will keep you glued to your screens!
Saint X Season 1 June 07
Saint X Season 1 unfolds as an intricately woven narrative, inviting viewers into a world of mystery, intrigue, and drama. It revolves around an unlikely protagonist in a society brimming with power dynamics, secrecy, and a dash of supernatural. As the layers of the plot unravel, one thing is for sure: nothing is as it seems in the complex world of Saint X. Will our hero uncover the truth?
Class of ‘09 Season 1 June 21
Class of ’09 Season 1 is a riveting new series that taps into nostalgia, crime, and the twists of fate. Set in a close-knit community, this high school reunion drama unveils a decade-old mystery that has haunted the graduating class of 2009. As the former classmates come face to face, old rivalries reignite, secrets surface, and the lingering question of what really happened in their senior year takes center stage.
Home Improvement Season 1-8 June 28
For a throwback to the good old days, Disney+ is also bringing back all eight seasons of the classic sitcom “Home Improvement.” Home Improvement, the classic sitcom that made household names of Tim Allen and Pamela Anderson, is coming to Disney+! Relive all eight seasons of this hilarious family comedy that centers around Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor. As a TV show host and a father of three boys, Tim juggles work, home, and family life with his loving wife Jill. Despite his on-screen persona as a handyman, off-screen Tim is more likely to be found causing home disasters than fixing them. From botched DIY projects to life’s everyday challenges, Home Improvement is a wholesome throwback to ’90s family values with plenty of laughs. Join the Taylor family in their funny, and often chaotic, domestic adventures this June.
Great Expectations June 28
And finally, get ready for a literary retreat with the adaptation of Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, “Great Expectations.” Step into the world of Pip, a young orphaned boy with big dreams and an even bigger heart. As Pip navigates life’s trials and tribulations, his journey is peppered with an eclectic cast of characters – from the enigmatic spinster Miss Havisham to the beautiful but cold Estella. This adaptation beautifully captures Dickens’ storytelling magic, bringing to life the themes of wealth, poverty, love, and rejection that echo throughout Pip’s story. Immerse yourself in this poignant tale of personal growth and self-discovery, and explore whether great expectations lead to great outcomes.
June is looking brighter than ever with Disney+! Get ready for endless entertainment with the variety of shows and movies coming your way. What will you be watching first?
Prime Video today announced that fantasy rom-com series HeartBeat, producedby Korean broadcaster KBS, will be available on Prime Video in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide starting Monday, June 26. New episodes of the 16-episode series will be available weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Starring multitalented actor and artist Ok Taec-yeon, who previously starred in Let’s Fight Ghost, Vincenzo, and Blind, HeartBeat features a thrilling romance between a vampire who desires to experience heart-throbbing love, and a cold-blooded woman who doesn’t have time for romance.
With an unwavering desire to become human and experience love, Seon U-hyeol sleeps in a coffin for 100 years. That goal was painstakingly cut short by only one day, as he was awakened by Joo In-hae, a cold-blooded-yet-mesmerizing woman, played by Won Ji-an. Having to fend for herself at an early age, she developed defense mechanisms, making her become hard and resilient in the process. Her encounter with the mysterious man asleep in the coffin slowly loosens her inhibitions, and an unexpected relationship between Seon U-hyeol and Joo In-hae ensues. Won Ji-an has starred in Hope or Dope, If You Wish Upon Me, and D.P.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be in partnership with one of Korea’s leading national broadcasters,” said David Simonsen, director of Prime Video, Southeast Asia. “The opportunity to work with creators from KBS marks a significant milestone for us, and we’re excited that a title such as HeartBeat, which spans multiple genres, will satisfy our audiences’ thirst for Korean content of the highest caliber. This announcement truly reaffirms our commitment to expanding our ever-growing slate of premium Korean titles on Prime Video.”
“It is with great pleasure to embark on this relationship with Prime Video, with its presence across the globe,” said Lee Hyun-suk, the director of HeartBeat. “HeartBeat explores vampires who are completely drained by humans. What would the lives of Korean vampires be like in the 21st century? This story, born from such an imagination, is expected to garner amusement, laughter, and touch the audience’s hearts. Stay tuned to see how the love between Seon U-hyeol, a vampire yearning to become human, and Joo In-hae, who is cold-blooded like a vampire, unfolds within unexpected plot twists.”
After her uncle’s unexpected death, college student Jeong Jian finds out about a mysterious online shopping mall and goes on the run from a medley of murderers and assassins in A Shop For Killers – a new Korean Original series coming exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.
Kim Hyejun
Shortly after entering college, Jian receives a call from local police informing her of her uncle’s “suicide”. Her carer since the death of her parents, uncle Jeong Jinman had always been quiet and mysterious but never suicidal. But before Jian has a chance to think, her life is turned upside down by a flurry of gunfire, murder drones and more, as a medley of highly skilled assassins inexplicably turn their focus to killing her. Pinned down in her uncle’s home, Jian will be forced to revisit some of the bizarre training her uncle gave her throughout her formative years if she hopes to survive long enough to discover what is going on.
Starring Lee Dongwook (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Tale of the Nine Tailed) as Jeong Jinman, Jian’s mysterious uncle; and Kim Hyejun (Connect, Kingdom) as Jeong Jian, a college student on the run from some of the planet’s deadliest assassins, A Shop For Killers is based on the popular original novel by Kang Jiyoung, written by Ji Hojin and Lee Kwon, and directed by Lee Kwon (Door Lock, Save Me 2).
Lee Dongwook
A Shop For Killers is the latest Korean Original series to be announced as part of the ever-expanding library of content available on Disney+. Fans of Korean dramas can subscribe today to enjoy access to hit titles including Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating; as well as other global tentpole titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, and more!
