The mutants are gearing up for another action-packed adventure as Marvel Animation officially brings back “X–Men ’97” for a highly anticipated second season on July 1 exclusively on Disney+. A brand-new trailer and poster have also been unveiled, giving fans an exciting preview of the chaos and conflict awaiting the legendary team.
Following its breakout debut, “X–Men ’97” quickly became one of the most-watched Disney+ Original animated series worldwide based on global streaming hours. The critically acclaimed series continues to impress audiences, currently holding a stellar 99% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The X-Men Are Scattered Across Time
Season 2 raises the stakes as the X-Men find themselves separated and stranded across multiple timelines. Forced to survive in unfamiliar eras, the mutant heroes must work their way back home while confronting unexpected dangers along the journey.
Back in the 1990s, however, things are only getting worse. With the X-Men missing, suspicious adversaries are beginning to emerge, while anti-mutant hostility continues to spread. As tensions rise, the future of mutantkind becomes increasingly uncertain.
The upcoming season will feature nine episodes, blending emotional storytelling, explosive action, and the nostalgic energy that made the original animated series a fan favorite.
Returning Cast Brings Back Iconic Marvel Heroes
Fans can expect the return of several beloved voices, including:
Their performances continue to bring depth and excitement to Marvel’s legendary mutant team.
Marvel’s Creative Team Powers the New Season
The animated series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt, Julia Lewald, Eric Lewald, Larry Houston, and Beau DeMayo.
Jake Castorena serves as supervising producer for the new season. Episodes are written by JB Ballard, Beau DeMayo, Bailey Moore, Antony Sellitti, Brian Ford Sullivan, and Mariah Wilson, while Emmett Yonemura and Chase Conley direct the episodes.
With high stakes, familiar faces, and new threats waiting around every corner, “X–Men ’97” Season 2 is shaping up to be one of Marvel Animation’s biggest releases of the year.
Music fans around the globe are in for an exciting experience as Disney+ and Hulu officially team up to livestream major music festivals, including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. For the first time, audiences worldwide will be able to tune in live through both streaming platforms and enjoy some of the biggest performances of the year in real time.
The move marks another major step in Hulu’s long-running partnership with Live Nation. Now in its sixth year of streaming live festival content, Hulu continues to expand its reach, while Disney+ adds an even larger global audience to the mix. Together, the platforms are turning music festivals into shared international events that fans can enjoy from virtually anywhere.
“Music festivals are among the most electric, can’t-miss moments in culture, and now Disney+ and Hulu subscribers around the world can experience the excitement,” said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. “As we continue to extend our live offerings, we remain committed to bringing fans the biggest, most iconic moments right as they happen, and are thrilled to bring that vision to life with Live Nation.”
Live Music Goes Global
As live entertainment continues to evolve, streaming has become an essential way for fans to stay connected to their favorite artists and events. Disney+ and Hulu are leaning further into live programming, offering audiences a steady stream of cultural moments, sports, news, and now even more live music experiences.
The growing demand for international music content is impossible to ignore. According to the 2025 Live Nation Living for Live Global Study, 73% of music fans say they are listening to more international artists than ever before. Meanwhile, 85% believe live music now connects people beyond language and geography.
Kevin Chernett, EVP and Head of Global Media Partnerships at Live Nation, emphasized how livestreaming is reshaping the festival experience.
“Music festivals used to be experiences reserved for the people who could physically be there,” said Kevin Chernett, EVP, Head of Global Media Partnerships at Live Nation. “Now they’re becoming global live moments that fans want to experience together in real time, no matter where they are in the world. Expanding this partnership with Disney+ and Hulu allows these festivals to reach music fans at an entirely different scale.”
Festival Dates to Watch
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is set to take place from June 12 to 15, while Lollapalooza returns from July 31 to August 3. More information about the livestream schedules and featured performances will be announced closer to each event.
With streaming platforms continuing to invest in live entertainment, fans can expect even more unforgettable festival moments delivered straight to their screens.
Source: Live Nation Living for Live Global Study 2025. Findings are based on responses from 42,000 participants aged 18 to 54 across 15 countries.
As the second season of Daredevil: Born Again comes to a close, Disney+ has released a one-shot special, The Punisher: One Last Kill. The special is co-written by Jon Bernthal, who reprises his role as Frank Castle, alongside co-writer and director Reinaldo Marcus Green. Having last seen Frank Castle in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again and we have seen him in trailers for the upcoming Spider-Man movie, it is clear he remains essential to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This special interweaves itself seamlessly into the chaotic, borderline-dystopian world of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 (though, to be honest, it’s not that far off from what we see in the news sans superpowered vigilantes).
In this 51-minute special, we see Frank Castle struggling under the weight of his post-traumatic stress disorder. Having killed all the criminal families responsible for the death of his wife and children, Castle is left aimless and without purpose. He hides out in New York’s Little Sicily, which has turned into a chaotic battleground; without the mobsters running the streets, gangs roam free and attack without consequence. Castle contemplates suicide until he is confronted by Ma Gnucci (a spectacular Judith Light), the last surviving member of the Gnucci family, one of those families Frank was taking revenge on. Having tracked him down, she puts a bounty on his head and exposes his location. From there, the episode turns from a quiet, dramatic exploration of one man’s trauma and its effects into a no-holds barred, violent bloodbath with explosive action sequences and a grim renewal of Frank Castle’s sense of purpose.
The first twenty minutes are all atmosphere and mood, we really get into the mind of Frank Castle. Bernthal is so good at creating vulnerability from an otherwise terrifying very powerful man. As an intensely physical actor, he expresses the full spectrum of character’s interiority through hi body language. Seeing that he co-wrote the script, he is able to show off restraint with the dialogue, clearly knowing exactly which parts he could show through body language and his eyes. It is a riveting performance that reaffirms why Bernthal is such an excellent choice for the character.
Taking off from Daredevil: Born Again, this special puts a spotlight on lawlessness, serving as a bleak commentary on how our civilization seems to be crumbling down. Unrestrained violence and a brazen capacity to do harm take center stage here, yet The Punisher: One Last Kill also shows us how hope still flourishes even in the most violent of storms.
The special starts off slow, a good twenty minutes is there to set up the world and establishing Frank’s unwillingness to engage with it. His mission is done, his hope is depleted, and the narrative can occasionally get dragging. However, Bernthal remains such a compelling presence that he makes it bearable but you can also see that this is just a set up for an explosive final thirty minutes. What follows is a bloodbath that moves from one unit in an apartment complex down into the streets. It’s bloody, brutal, gory and relentless.
Ultimately, the special serves up the dual halves of Frank Castle’s psyche, as a character, and shows us how he continues to move on in the MCU. It will be interesting to see how this character would appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a film bound to have a more family-friendly rating. What is most important, however, is that Frank Castle is officially back as The Punisher, and One Last Kill is a great special to bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
This May, step into a world where every story is driven by legacy—shaped by love, ambition, sacrifice, and the choices that echo far beyond the present. From deeply personal journeys to larger-than-life battles across cities and galaxies, Disney+ brings together a lineup that explores the forces that define who we are. Whether it’s the influence of a parent, the weight of expectations, or the pull of destiny, these stories remind us that every action leaves a mark.
A GRIEVING FATHER’S LEGACY
The Punisher: One Last Kill Premiering May 13
Peace is a luxury Frank Castle has never truly known. In The Punisher, Jon Bernthal returns as the haunted vigilante attempting to leave behind a life defined by vengeance until circumstances pull him back into violence. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, this gripping Marvel special dives deeper into grief, justice, and the cost of never letting go.
LEGACIES ON THE LINE
NBA On Disney+
Historic. Pivotal. Defining.
With the NBA 2026 Playoffs finally tipped off, May promises a full slate of high-stakes ball action and sporting mayhem that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Witness history in the making as every game is a chance for players and teams alike to cement the legacies that will define them forever.
Watch every record-breaking, record-making moment on Disney+.
NBA Playoffs Schedule:
Late April to early May: Conference Semifunals (Best of 7 Games)
Mid to Late May: Eastern Conference Finals (Best of 7 Games) Eastern Conference Finals (Best of 7 Games)
LEGACY vs. NEPOTISM
Send Help Premiering May 7
When privilege is stripped away, true character is revealed. Dylan O’Brien and Rachel McAdams star in this darkly comedic survival thriller directed by Sam Raimi, where a corporate power struggle turns into a battle for survival on a deserted island.
Amanda Seyfried portrays a woman who dared to challenge the norms of her time. This musical biopic traces Ann Lee’s journey as she builds a faith rooted in equality and conviction, redefining what it means to lead and inspire.
POWER. AMBITION. LOVE
Perfect Crown (Series Finale) Premiering May 16
Starring Byeon Woo-seok and IU, this sweeping finale brings a story of political strategy and unexpected romance to a thrilling close—where love may be the most dangerous move of all.
THE MAY-HEM FILES
Crime, mystery, and high-stakes drama take over this month with returning series pushing their characters to the brink.
Tracker Season 3 Batch 2 Premiering May 6
Justin Hartley returns as Colter Shaw, now forced to confront a past that turns him into the very target he once chased.
Will Trent Season 4 Batch 2 Premiering May 20
WILL TRENT – “Studio 4B” – When a model is murdered, Will and Faith dive into a twisted art-world conspiracy, aided by Ava, his former flame. Meanwhile, Betty’s instincts turn a routine neighborhood check for Ormewood, Angie and Nico into a critical lead on a dangerous case. TUESDAY, JAN. 20 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST) on ABC. (Disney/Wilford Harewood) RAMÓN RODRIGUEZ
In Will Trent, personal history collides with present danger, raising the stakes like never before.
Criminal Minds Season 19 Premiering May 29
The team from Criminal Minds faces evolving threats and shifting alliances in one of its most intense seasons yet.
NEXT GEN-LEGACY BUILDERS
The next generation steps up whether they’re ready or not.
Deli Boys Season 2 Premiering May 28
Saagar Shaikh and Asif Ali lead this chaotic comedy about inheriting more trouble than success.
Welcome to Wrexham Season 5 Premiering May 15
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continue their inspiring journey of rebuilding a football club and community.
Travis Japan Summer Vacation in The USA Premiering May 1
Travis Japan takes on new adventures in a docuseries about growth, friendship, and global ambition.
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU: A GALACTIC LEGACY
Celebrate the enduring universe of Star Wars with iconic titles like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Ahsoka, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope—where every battle shapes the fate of the galaxy.
Now Available
Celebrating Our May-Triarch: A Mother’s Day Special
Honor the heart of every family with touching stories like Turning Red, Freaky Friday, Bao, and Coco—each celebrating a mother’s enduring love.
Now Available.
Miniature May-Hems
Family-friendly fun continues with Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir Chibi (May 8) and Sofia the First: Royal Magic (May 26).
As the stories unfold, one truth remains: legacies are not simply passed down—they are earned, challenged, and redefined with every choice we make. This May, discover stories that inspire, thrill, and stay with you long after the screen fades to black—because the most powerful legacies are the ones that continue to shape the future.
Unlike other virtual press conferences I’ve attended, the media launch for the new Disney+ crime drama series Gold Land carried a notably more somber tone than usual. It was more serious, this time, mirroring the show’s dark theme of desire and greed. While the cast member Lee Kwang-soo brought flashes of his signature comic timing to the proceedings, he felt more like a “troublemaker” than a comedian this time, a fitting energy as he takes another turn as a villain in this series.
Written by Hwang Jo-yoon and directed by Kim Sung-hoon, the story of Gold Land follows Hee-ju (Park Bo-young), an airport security screening agent whose life is upended when her boyfriend Lee Do-kyung (Lee Hyun-wook), gets her entangled in a smuggling operation involving a dangerous gang. While on transit, Do-kyung attempts to steal the shipment but is caught by the ruthless Park Ho-cheol (Lee Kwang-soo).
Disney+ Gold Land
When Hee-ju discovers the hidden shipment, she realizes the stakes are astronomical: 100 ten-kilogram bars of gold worth a staggering 150 billion won. To survive, Hee-ju must team up with a gangster gone rogue, Woogy (Kim Sung-cheol) and reconnect with her estranged mother, Yeo Sun-ok (Moon Jeong-hee), who she has a serious love-hate relationship, while a corrupt detective in on her tail played by Kim Hee-won.
The first four episodes are explosive, suspenseful, and thrilling. Most notably, Park Bo-young showing a different side of herself never before seen on screen; this marks her first foray into gritty genre drama.
Disney+ Gold Land
Throughout the press conference, the cast remained calm and cool, staying anchored in their characters’ serious personalities, save for Lee Kwang-soo, who couldn’t resist hamming it up for the photographers. Kim Sung-cheol, meanwhile, seemed the most prepared with many different poses. His interactions with Park Bo-young brought a smile to her face and showed off their brilliant chemistry that plays really well to the screen.
Director Kim Sung-hoon, when asked about the show, says it’s about “greed and desire” and that audiences will see Hee-ju’s morality truly tested as we watch her go from being afraid of the gold to being consumed by it. “She wants the gold for herself,” he says, which is interesting, considering that’s not in play in the first four episodes of the ten-episode thriller.
Disney+ Gold Land
On doing the show, Park Bo-young shared that she has always wanted to do a crime show. When she was talking to Kim Sung-hoon, he told her that she would be perfect for the role because her appearance and her public persona would make people believe she would do the right thing and return the gold but that’s not what’s going to happen. The unexpectedness of it is what makes it so compelling on screen. Kim Sung-hoon continues by saying, “Park Bo-young is a very courageous actor. Showing greed is not something you do externally. It’s an interior emotion but she gives such a nuanced performance that you can see her change.” He praised her for her ability to show her character’s evolution throughout the series.
She was praised for not using any make-up to help deglamorize her and to portray Hee-ju as a woman who is exhausted with life and with no hope. She even had to lose weight for the role.
Disney+ Gold Land
Echoing this, Kim Sung-cheol also shared about not needing any make up to play the gangster, Woogy. “It took me five minutes to get ready,” he says. “I would just put sunscreen on and then go straight to set.” Oozing with charm during the press conference, Kim Sung-cheol described his character as someone “without any charisma. He is unafraid of his own desires and he is blunt and frank and shallow.” But he adds that he has a quality to the character that makes him interesting to watch in a show like this.
In the show, the two actors form an unlikely partnership. They don’t trust each other and Hee-ju is really afraid of him but they have history together and as the show progresses, she starts to rely on him and it would make an interesting dynamic to see. The two admit to having a brother-sister bond on set, with Park Bo-young saying, “If I had a little brother, I wish he would be like Kim Sung Cheol.”
Disney+ Gold Land
The director is quick to point out that in this show, “no one is really good or bad.” It seems that the gold bars tempt each character forcing them away from their moral center and the series explores this aspect of humanity.
This is a pervasive theme that is discussed throughout the press conference, and it is Lee Kwang-su who brings in the levity; saying his character has no backstory at play in the show itself so he was given free reign to provide input to his character.
Disney+ Gold Land
In a hilarious exchange that became a running joke of the media launch, Lee Kwang-soo shared that he personally bought his own accessories to adorn Park Ho-cheol, to imply a dark past, and teases the director that he has yet to be reimbursed for the expenses. He even joked saying putting gold plates on his teeth was his idea and that director Kim Sung-hoon liked it so much he told everyone it was his.
Disney+ Gold Land
Jokes aside, Kim Sung-hoon is most grateful to Kim Hee Won, whose character plays a vital role in the ending. He claimed that if it wasn’t for Kim Hee-won, his show wouldn’t work because – while all the characters are important – Kim Hee-won’s detective, Jin-man, whose life collapses as he gives in to his own greed and which gives the show the proper weight near the show’s finale.
The first four episodes of ‘Gold Land’ are now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes dropping each week.
A beloved literary phenomenon is making its way to the screen—this time with a magical twist. The Miracles of the Namiya General Store, the internationally acclaimed novel by Keigo Higashino, is officially being adapted into a live-action series, set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ in 2027. And yes, anticipation is already building!
A Story That Transcends Time and Kindness
At its heart, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store is a deeply moving tale about compassion, redemption, and the unseen connections that bind people together across time. The narrative follows three troubled young men who, after a botched crime, seek refuge in what appears to be an abandoned general store.
But this is no ordinary hideout.
Once owned by a kind-hearted man known for offering life advice, the store begins receiving mysterious letters from strangers seeking guidance. As the trio reluctantly responds, they uncover a stunning revelation: their replies are reaching people living decades in the past. With each letter sent, their own lives begin to shift in unexpected and meaningful ways.
A Stellar Cast Brings the Magic to Life
Bringing this emotional journey to the screen is an impressive ensemble of Korean talent. Veteran actor Ryu Seungryong(Moving, Low Life) takes on the role of Go Minjoong, the wise and compassionate store owner whose legacy lingers.
Joining him are rising stars Kim Hyeyoon (Lovely Runner), Moon Sangmin (Pavane), and Lee Chaemin (Bon Appetit, Your Majesty), portraying individuals touched by the store’s mysterious advice. Meanwhile, Kang Youseok (Resident Playbook), Park Jungwoo (20th Century Girl), and Kim Seongjeong (The Woodcutter and the Fairy) play the three young men whose lives are forever altered by their extraordinary experience.
Behind the camera, director Park Youngju (Citizen of a Kind) helms the project, while production is handled by The LAMP ltd, the company behind the critically acclaimed A Taxi Driver. With such a strong creative team, expectations are understandably high.
From Global Bestseller to Must-Watch Series
The original novel has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, cementing its place as a modern classic. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling and subtle fantasy has resonated with readers across cultures, making it a perfect fit for adaptation.
Notably, this series joins Disney+’s expanding lineup of Korean content—a slate that continues to captivate global audiences. Alongside this upcoming release, viewers can look forward to new seasons of A Shop for Killers and Made in Korea, as well as currently streaming titles like Tempest, The Manipulated, Low Life, and Light Shop.
A New Chapter for Korean Storytelling on Disney+
With its emotionally rich narrative and universal themes, The Miracles of the Namiya General Store promises to be a standout addition to Disney+’s growing catalog. It’s the kind of story that lingers—one that gently reminds us how even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple across time.
Set your calendars for 2027, because this is one series you won’t want to miss.
In a striking reveal that instantly sparks excitement, Disney+ has released the first images from Made In Korea Season 2—and the tone is unmistakably darker, sharper, and more charged than ever. Returning leads Hyun Bin, Jung Woosung, and Woo Dohwan step back into a world where power is fragile and loyalty comes at a cost.
With anticipation already building, the series has earned a spot on TIME’s list of “most anticipated K-dramas of 2026,” signaling a major comeback for the gripping political thriller.
The Story Picks Up—Years Later
Set nine years after the explosive events of Season 1, the new installment finds Baek Kitae at the height of his dominance. Wealthy, influential, and deeply entrenched in the corridors of power, he appears untouchable. Yet, beneath the surface, tension simmers.
Enter Jang Geonyoung—the relentless prosecutor who refuses to let the past stay buried. Though previously imprisoned, his resolve remains unbroken, setting the stage for a collision that feels both inevitable and dangerous.
An unstoppable rise meets unwavering resistance. As their paths cross once again, the foundations of Korea’s power structure begin to tremble, hinting at consequences that could change everything.
Familiar Faces, Elevated Performances
Hyun Bin (Crash Landing On You, Confidential Assignment) returns with commanding presence as Baek Kitae, portraying a man shaped by ambition and shadowy choices. Opposite him, Jung Woosung (12.12: The Day, Hunt) delivers intensity as Jang Geonyoung, a figure driven by justice at any cost.
Woo Dohwan (Bloodhounds, Mr. Plankton) reprises his role as Baek Kihyun, bringing emotional depth to the story as Kitae’s brother and closest ally.
Behind the camera, the original creative team reunites, adding continuity and depth to the narrative. Writer Park Eunkyo and director Woo Minho once again collaborate, with Hive Media Corp steering production—ensuring the same cinematic quality that defined the first season.
Revisiting a Record-Breaking Beginning
Season 1 left a lasting impression, becoming the most viewed Korean Original premiere on Disney+ in the APAC region in 2025 (based on 28-day viewership). Its layered storytelling and morally complex characters resonated widely.
At the heart of it all was Baek Kitae—a man balancing life as a KCIA agent while secretly running an illegal empire. His calculated ascent was matched by the persistence of Jang Geonyoung, a prosecutor immune to corruption. Their battle unfolded as a tense game of strategy, where every move carried weight.
Season 2 builds on this foundation, raising the stakes with deeper conflicts and sharper twists.
What to Expect Next
The newly released images hint at a season filled with intrigue, shifting alliances, and high-impact confrontations. Every glance, every shadow, suggests that the balance of power is about to shift once more.
Details remain under wraps for now, but one thing is clear—Made In Korea Season 2 is gearing up for a compelling return that fans won’t want to miss.
Watch and Catch Up
While waiting for the next chapter, viewers can stream Made In Korea Season 1 exclusively on Disney+. It’s the perfect way to revisit the story before the tension rises again in Season 2.
In just a matter of days, Perfect Crown has proven it’s more than just another romantic comedy—it’s a global phenomenon.
Disney+ recently confirmed that the series has become the most-watched Korean series premiere worldwide, based on its first five days of streaming. The achievement highlights the growing international appetite for Korean content and solidifies the show’s status as a standout hit.
Where Strategy Meets Unexpected Love
Premiering on April 10, Perfect Crown introduces viewers to a world of royal expectations, corporate ambition, and unpredictable romance.
The story centers on Grand Prince I-AN, a well-loved royal who suddenly finds himself entangled in an intense family power struggle. With mounting pressure to settle down, he enters a calculated marriage arrangement with Huiju, a sharp and composed heiress to a powerful Korean conglomerate.
What starts as a mutually beneficial plan soon becomes complicated. Emotions surface, intentions blur, and their carefully structured agreement begins to shift in surprising—and often entertaining—ways.
Top-Tier Cast and Creative Team
Fueling the series’ success is a dynamic cast paired with an accomplished creative team.
IU (When Life Gives You Tangerines, My Mister) delivers a compelling performance as Huiju, blending strength and vulnerability with ease. Opposite her, Byeon Wooseok (Lovely Runner, Strong Girl Nam-soon) brings depth and charm to the role of Grand Prince I-AN.
The series is directed by Park Joonhwa (Alchemy of Souls, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim), while Yoo Jiwon crafts the screenplay, resulting in a polished and emotionally engaging narrative.
Streaming Schedule You Shouldn’t Miss
Fans can already watch the first two episodes of Perfect Crown on Disney+, with new episodes released every Friday and Saturday at 10:20 PM (Philippine Time).
The series will continue its run until the finale airs on May 16, giving viewers plenty to anticipate each week.
More Korean Content to Watch Out For
Perfect Crown is just one of many exciting Korean titles lined up on Disney+.
Viewers can also look forward to:
A Shop For Killers Season 2
Made In Korea Season 2
Portraits of Delusion (working title), starring Suzy and Kim Seonho
The Remarried Empress, featuring Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk, and Lee Seyoung
Alongside these upcoming releases, a rich library of binge-worthy APAC content is already available on the platform.
Join the Global Craze
With its mix of romance, humor, and palace intrigue, Perfect Crown continues to win over audiences across the globe.
Stream Perfect Crown now on Disney+ and see why everyone’s talking about this captivating series.
On April 6, the star-studded cast and the hit director of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Alchemy of Souls gathered to discuss their highly anticipated Disney+ series, Perfect Crown. ClickTheCity was invited to attend the virtual press event, and these are the highlights from the event.
Host Park Gyu-min wasn’t kidding when she called this “the most anticipated show of the year.” IU is a global superstar, with a string of hit shows and chart-topping songs, she’s practically South Korean entertainment royalty. Byeon Woo-seok, is no stranger to success either, just coming off the massive hit Lovely Runner. Their pairing in a rom-com by hit-making director Park Joon-hwa, is the talk of the streaming town.
Perfect Crown
Perfect Crown imagines an alternate reality where 21st-century South Korea is a constitutional monarchy. IU plays Song Hee-ju, the second daughter of a chaebol family who has everything – intelligence, looks, and wealth – yet her status as commoner has become an obstacle for her grand ambitions. Byeon Woo-seok plays Prince Yian, the King’s second son, who possesses nothing but his royal heritage. When the two find in each other a chance to complete what is missing in their lives, things begin to change. But as the trailer suggests: is love also on the table?
The cast arrives on stage dressed in their signature outfits from the official poster, a coordinated look that IU later reveals was actually Byeon Woo-seok’s suggestion. IU looks every bit the princess, with the host aptly noting that she “brings the whole of spring with her.” Perfectly comfortable in front of the camera, she’s playful with the photographers, and easily gives off many poses for their pictures. Byeon Woo-seok is dressed in a Western-style prince attire, think more like Cinderella’s Prince Charming from the cartoon but in blue. While he is also at ease in front of the camera, he seems more reserved.
However, the moment the two leads share the stage for their couple pictures, Byeon Woo-seok seems to relax and get loose. He matches IU’s playfulness, constantly watching her to align with her poses. The chemistry between them is apparent.
Joining IU and Byeon Woo-seok are Noh Sang-hyun, portraying the Prime Minister and a good friend to both leads; Gong Seung-yeon as the Queen Dowager, Yoo Su-bin, who serves as Prince Yian’s aide, and Lee Yeon, playing Hee Ju’s secretary and loyal business partner.
Once the Q&A began, a lot of questions was directed towards the cast and PD Park Joon-hwa regarding the show’s concept. Park Joon-hwa expressed confidence, stating that he “believes this show is different from any show you’ve seen before. It will be fun.” He emphasized the amount of work it took to reimagine South Korea as a constitutional monarchy. “It was playing with the space,” he explained. He remarks on the way he envisioned life inside the palace and was meticulous about what the “costumes, locations, and even the food” would be like.
With the characters, IU says that the keyword for Hee Ju is “frustration.” She described her character as “greedy, adding “she wants things but she is also adorable.” IU insisted that despite her character’s ambitious nature, Hee Ju is a three-dimensional character she had a lot of fun portraying. “I had so much fun playing the role of a chaebol heiress,” she says. “I got to wear a lot of really nice clothes, but she isn’t your typical chaebol heiress.” She further explained that because her character is in the public eye but isn’t well-liked, she often becomes a target of online ridicule. “She’s turned into a meme a lot; so that was fun.”
As for Byeon Woo-seok, he felt that he really resonated with Prince Yian’s situation. “I could see scenes when I read the script,” he shared. “I wanted to flesh this character out.”
Noh Sang-hyun describes the Prime Minister as someone who is “cold. He can control himself well. But he has character development and you will see some really great changes with him.” Noh Sang-hyun appeared to be the more serious type during the event, especially as Yu Su-bin and Lee Yeon encouraged the more playful sides of IU and Byeon Woo-seok during the press conference, he later added that his character “is stiff but the character can get messy; so it was a fun role to do.”
Also taking a more serious approach is Gong Seung-yeon, who plays the Queen Dowager. On her character, she says that the Queen Dowager “feels the royal family is the most important thing and her own needs take second place. Everything she does is for the royal family.” She appears to be the primary antagonist for our two protagonists, based on the trailer, host Park Gyu-min even commended her for keeping much of her character during the press conference. She admits that her biggest challenge for playing the role was that the script had said her character was “the symbol of the royal family” which led her to work closely with the production team to truly looked the part.
Having primarily worked in genre pieces, Lee Yeon noted that taking on this role was essential for her, as she has never done a romantic comedy before. She and IU had bonded previously at an awards ceremony where they both confessed being a fans of each other. IU, who had seen her shows and said she wanted to work with her and now it’s finally happening. IU says “she’s always prepared and took the lead in forming their chemistry.”
Yoo Su-bin went to great lengths for his role, even interviewing former aides from the Blue House (the executive office and official residence of the President of South Korea). The people he interviewed told him that an aide must think like their principal and believe in the things that the person they worked for believe in. They had to be one step ahead. He noted that playing Prince Yian’s aide was made easy by his co-star’s personality. Byeon Woo-seok is a “really good guy that my affection for him grew so much. He made it easy to get into character.”
For the chemistry, PD Park Joon-hwa noted it was already evident during the script reading. IU then shared and reminded everyone that she and Byeon Woo-seok had actually worked together a decade ago in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. In that series, Byeon Woo-seok played the boyfriend who breaks up with her at the start of the show that sends her character back in time. “So, we already had a working chemistry,” she explained.
Though they hadn’t spoken much since in the years since, IU noted that their history brought a sense of ease to the set of Perfect Crown. She then quickly jokes saying that since he broke her heart over ten years ago in Moon Lovers, that it seemed like he was making up for it on this show. She then continues to joke saying that “I enjoyed working with him so much here that I think we should work again after another ten years.”Of course, everybody laughs.
Perfect Crown is now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes arriving every week.
I’m not the most die-hard Star Wars fan. While I’m familiar with the universe – having seen all the nine core films plus Solo and Rogue One (the latter being my personal favourite in the whole franchise) and a few of the series, with Andor as my personal bet – but I’m not completely invested in it. I love science fiction, especially in film and television, so when it’s done well, I do enjoy it. But the lore surrounding this universe is not my specialty and it’s not something I closely follow.
So, coming into Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, I was concerned that I might not be able to easily enter into the story that was developed by Dave Filoni and Michnovetz. The story is set a year after the events of The Clone Wars (a series I haven’t seen), and apparently, Maul is back. The first four episodes of the show are set on the planet of Janix, where a determined Maul seeks to take revenge on the people who have betrayed him and rebuild his criminal empire. While he attempts to stay under the radar, he draws the attention of Brander Lawson, a smart and experienced detective. Meanwhile, two Jedi, Daki and Devon, are in hiding. In this point in the Star Wars timeline, the Empire holds absolute control, and the Jedi are outlaws.
The animated series boasts of gorgeous background art; Janix is depicted as a dark, foreboding, and futuristic planet. The character art takes a bit getting used to but I’m honestly thankful that it isn’t drawn anime-style and has its own distinct form that sets it apart. Being animated heightens the suspension of disbelief because the narrative moves very quickly, sometimes too easily, for the plot points to hit their mark. With each episode roughly under 30 minutes, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord moves rather quickly, not giving you much time to breathe.
The narrative shifts between Maul, Lawson, and Devon, triangulating a moral center in a reality where the Empire has cast a dark shadow has over civilization. While Maul is the center of the show, he represents the side of evil. He wants revenge and he will destroy and kill anything and anyone in his way to stop it. What is interesting about his depiction is his elegance and grace. He is eloquent, articulate, and oftentimes takes an almost spiritual attitude towards his own misdeeds. There’s an air of entitlement, a belief that his actions are justified simply because he is better and far superior to everyone else. Voiced by Sam Witwer, Maul makes for an interesting protagonist to watch, even if he’s the villain. He doesn’t see himself that way and in the four episodes of the show, it makes him fun to watch.
Bandder Lawson (voiced by Wagner Moura) represents law and order, yet this is paradoxical because while he wants peace and justice, he is not afraid to bend the rules. He has informants in the underworld and he’ll break protocol to keep the Maul sighting outside of the Empire’s radar because he doesn’t want the Empire in Janix.
Because of this, tensions arise with his droid partner, Two Boots (voiced by Richard Ayoade). Lawson is rational and dedicated, but this seems to have created distance between him and his son, Rylee (Charlie Bushnell), who appears sporadically in the show but feels like he’ll be important later.
Devon (voiced by Gideon Adlon) falls somewhere in the middle. As a Jedi-in-training, there is frustration and bitterness in having to live on the streets and in hiding. Her first scene finds her arguing with her mentor, Daki (voiced by Dennis Haysbert), over stealing food from a merchant who “won’t even miss it.”
Devon is constantly scowling, combative, and guarded. When Maul finds her, he sees a potential for an apprentice. In fact, their extended encounter in Episode 3 is the series’ most interesting part, Maul’s proposal to the disgruntled Jedi feels like a metaphor for today’s moral ambiguity. It raises the haunting question: What do justice and righteousness mean in a world where justice and righteousness don’t win?
What I also appreciate most about the series is how the Empire, though never physically shown, remains a looming presence for all the characters. Nobody wants them in Janix. It is the threat of authoritarianism, casting a dark shadow both over the planet and this story. So much so that Episode 4 cliffhanger raises the stakes so much more.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is undeniably fast-paced and action-packed. The short run time per episode means we don’t get to really fully explore these characters, but the show is good at creating tension and a dark atmosphere that keeps building and building. By the end of Episode 4, while Maul remains the central force of the story, it seems Devon has become its fulcrum. There’s a moral argument here that is presented and I’d like to see how this show intends on answering it.
