'SQUID GAME'

Squid Game fans, it’s time to rejoice because the Netflix hit show is coming back for Season 2.

“There’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season. So I almost feel like you leave us no choice,” creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told the Associated Press on Monday. “But I will say there will indeed be a second season. It’s in my head right now. I’m in the planning process currently.”

Hwang confirmed he doesn’t have a set plot or confirmed release date for Season 2 as of yet. However, he does have big plans for the show’s protagonist, Seong Gi-Hun, played by actor Lee Jung-jae. “I do think it’s too early to say when and how that’s going to happen. So I will promise you this, Gi-hun will come back. He will do something for the world,” Hwang said.

In September, Hwang revealed he’d consider teaming up with more writers and directors for Season 2. “I don’t have well developed plans for Squid Game 2,” he told Variety at the time. “It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers room and would want multiple experienced directors.”

Watch the clip of Hwang confirming Squid Game Season 2 below.

Casetify is back with another collaboration — this time with Netflix‘s global hit series, Squid Game.

Since its release, the Korean show has taken the world by storm, with people all over the world dressing up in green and red suits for Halloween. Building on the title’s success, the tech accessories brand has designed phone cases, watch bands and more inspired by the dystopian series.

Covers made for both Apple and Samsung devices feature Squid Game-inspired motifs, such as the player tracksuit numbered from 001 to 456, as well as the Young-hee doll that shoots bullets from her eyes. Other iterations include the dalgona challenge and the circle-triangle-square invitation card. The motifs are also applied to accessories for AirPods, the Apple Watch, MagSafe wireless chargers and more.

“There’s no denying that Squid Game grabbed the world’s attention with its complex characters, riveting story-telling — it’s what inspired us as a global brand to create a collection with elements from the series that resonate with audiences all over the world, celebrating this moment in entertainment history,” Casetify’s co-founder Wes Ng shared in a press release.

Priced from $35 to $42 USD, the Squid Game x Casetify collection will launch online and in stores on December 1.

SPORTS: Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield III Has Been Confirmed

After some back-and-forth, to which Evander Holyfield‘s team allegedly pulled out of negotiations 24 hours ago, Mike Tyson has confirmed that the fight is happening. Appearing on Instagram live with Haute Living, Tyson confirmed saying, “I just want everybody to know the fight is on with me and Holyfield. Holyfield’s a humble man I know that and he’s a man of God, but I’m God’s man. Listen, I’m going to be successful May 29.”

Originally, the exhibition match was canceled as it was reported that Tyson’s camp was asking for $25 million USD and other “demands” that became “untenable” which ultimately led to the falling apart of the promotion. Whatever changed in the deal has not yet been made public but boxing fans are sure to be excited about this trilogy match. The last time these two competed against each other was in the rematch of 1997, often referred to as “The Bite Fight” as Tyson ended up biting a piece off of Holyfield’s ear during a clinch. 

Tyson, at 54 years of age, last fought in November against Roy Jones Jr. while the 58-year-old Evander Holyfield’s last professional fight was in 2011. This fight is expected to take place on May 29 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

FILM & TV: FACE/OFF & MORE:

If you can recall, the reboot to Face/Off, John Woo‘s 1997 blockbuster action flick, was first announced two years ago with little information, but new details of the project have now surfaced.

The reboot has found itself a director: Adam Wingard, the same person responsible for the much-anticiapted Godzilla vs. Kong. On top of directing the film, Wingard, alongside Simon Barrett, will be writing the script. The movie is being described as a “re-imagining” of the original movie but is also being treated as a sequel. Paramount Pictures will be producing the movie again but the original stars, Nicholas Cage and John Travolta, are likely to not return, according to sources.NBCUniversal‘s Brooklyn Nine-Nine is coming to an end with its upcoming eight season.

The sad news was announced by executive producer Dan Goor in a lengthy statement, where he expressed his gratitude to the network, the cast, crew and fans. “I’m so thankful to NBC and Universal Television for allowing us to give these characters and our fans the ending they deserve,” he wrote. “When Mike Schur and I first pitched the pilot episode to Andy, he said, ‘I’m in, but I think the only way to tell this story is over exactly 153 episodes,’ which was crazy because that was exactly the number Mike and I had envisioned. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with this amazing cast and crew for eight seasons. They are not only among the most talented people in the business, they are all good human beings who have become a family. But most of all, I feel lucky that we have had the best fans in the world. Fans who literally saved us from cancellation. Fans who fill us with joy. Ending the show was a difficult decision, but ultimately, we felt it was the best way to honor the characters, the story and our viewers. I know some people will be disappointed it’s ending so soon, but honestly, I’m grateful it lasted this long. Title of my sex tape.”

The comedy cop show’s final season will consist of 10 episodes and will see Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Lo Truglio, Dirk Blocker and Joel McKinnon Miller reprise their roles one last time as the core group of the NYPD’s fictional 99th precinct.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine premiered on FOX in 2013 but was infamously cancelled after its fifth season in 2018. Much to the relief of viewers, NBC picked it up the day after its cancellation. The series managed to tackle sensitive topics such as sexuality, racism and sexual assault, but received backlash for not focusing on police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Goor ended up scrapping four new episodes after Floyd’s death and the cast and crew donated $100,000 USD to the National Bail Fund Network in June 2020. They also previously confirmed that the final season will address the issues.

Stay tuned for a season eight trailer and release date.

The latest Godzilla vs. Kong trailer features new footage of the epic smackdown between Legendary Pictures‘ two titans.

Audiences see geologist Nathan Lind reintroduced at the beginning of the clip, enlisting Kong to save the world from the atomic lizard, Godzilla. The fight shifts to the Hong Kong cityscape, where both behemoths fight it out between the towering skyscrapers for the tile of King of the Kaiju.

Though the latest trailer presents a streamlined version of the initial debut trailer, fans are treated to snippets of additional footage. Audiences see a different side to the legendary battle, as Kong struggles to hold on after Godzilla capsizes the boat in the first attack. Kong is also seen with the young girl, who is able to use sign language to communicate to Kong, begging him to be careful.

The original trailer set new records for Warner Bros., amassing over 25.6 million viewers across all platforms. Godzilla vs. Kong is directed by Adam Wingard and written by Max Borenstein and Eric Pearson. The film stars Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry.

Watch the latest trailer from Godzilla vs. Kong below.

The movie is set to premier in theaters and stream exclusively on HBO Max on March 31.

TV: TAKE A FIRST LOOK AT 'BATWOMAN' ACTRESS JAVICIA LESLIE IN HER NEW BATSUIT / A REBOOT OF 1983 MOVIE ‘FLASHDANCE’ IS IN THE WORKS

“I felt it was important that viewers could tell by the silhouette that Batwoman was a Black girl.”

UPDATE (October 27, 2020): The CW has finally unveiled a first look at the re-designed Batsuit for Javicia Leslie‘s character, Ryan Wilder, in the coming second season of Batwoman. Conceptualized by Maya Mani and produced by Ocean Drive Leather, the costume features red gauntlets over the forearms and laser etching to provide more visual depth and deliver a stronger silhouette.

“I was asked by Caroline Dries to design a Batsuit that was unique to the character of Ryan Wilder; as she is a highly-skilled fighter, encapsulating her raw, athletic, and passionate nature was imperative,” Mani said in a press release. “As Batwoman, Javicia Leslie not only brings a fresh perspective but physical strength to the role. It was important for the new suit to define Javicia’s commanding presence while showcasing her athleticism and allowing her the freedom to express the physical nature of Batwoman, all while looking ultra-cool in the process.”

Other notable changes include Ryan’s natural-looking curly wig highlighted with red streaks, which was created by Janice Workman. “I love the fact that Ryan is becoming her own Batwoman — it’s her style, her swag, and her moment,” Leslie added. “It was an honor to be able to collaborate with Caroline and Maya. I felt it was important that viewers could tell by the silhouette that Batwoman was a Black girl. With the form-fitting suit and beautiful Afro, we definitely nailed it.”

Take a closer look at the outfit above, which will debut during the third episode of Season 2.

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UPDATE (September 28, 2020): Last weekend, Javicia Leslie took to Instagram to give fans a sneak peek of her wearing her Batsuit as the new Batwoman. The actress wrote in her caption: “Look out, Gotham, I’m suited up and ready to go… But just wait until Ryan Wilder puts her own spin on the Batsuit.” Back in July, The CW confirmed that Leslie would take on the lead of Batwoman Season 2 after the departure of Ruby Rose, making her the first Black woman to portray the DC Comics character.

According to Variety, the second season is currently in production in Vancouver and is scheduled to return on The CW in January 2021. Stay tuned while we wait for more information to surface.

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ORIGINAL STORY (July 9, 2020): The CW has found its new lead for Season 2 of Batwoman after Ruby Rose’s departure at the end of the first season. Actress Javicia Leslie has been signed on as the new Batwoman, making her the first Black woman to take on the role. Deadline reported the description of Leslie’s character Ryan Wilder and said:

“She’s likable, messy, a little goofy and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and also could kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical All-American hero.”

“I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community,” Leslie said in a statement. Following the announcement, Rose took to Instagram to congratulate Leslie: “I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman. I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape. You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing.”

Produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Batwoman Season 2 is scheduled to return in January 2021 on The CW.From Pretty Little Liars to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the world of TV reboots continues, now with the iconic ’80s film Flashdance. The universally-loved title, returning as a television series, is reportedly in the early stages of production via CBS All Access, which will be rebranded as Paramount+ next year.

For those who haven’t seen the film, Flashdance illustrates the story of teen Alex Owens, played by Jennifer Beals, and her struggles to become a successful ballet dancer. The title brought Beals to stardom, marking the third highest-grossing film in the U.S. in 1983 and amassing over $200 million USD worldwide.

The movie’s original associate producer Lynda Obst is currently working alongside Angela Robinson as co-executive producers, while the script will be written by Tracy McMillan, the executive producer behind Good Girls Revolt. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new series will spotlight a “young Black woman with ballet dreams and a strip club reality who struggles to find her place in the world while navigating romance, money, art, friendship and how to love herself.”

See the trailer for the original film down below as we wait for more information to surface.

POWER 6 TRAILER

Power makes its return on August 25th.

ART: Eric Haze Launches Limited Edition 'Game of Thrones' Monoprint / Fender Debuts Limited-Edition 'Game of Thrones'-Inspired Stark, Targaryen & Lannister Guitars

Iconic NYC-based graffiti artist Eric Haze will release a special edition monoprint this Monday in partnership with BEYOND THE STREETS NEW YORK. Entitled Game of Thrones, the 22 x 30-inch artwork features Haze’s signature asterisk motif in black and white tones. The overall composition takes inspiration from the American flag. Altogether, each print is signed, hand-numbered, dated, and arriving in a small edition run of 100.

Take a look at the Game of Thrones print above which is only available exclusively at BEYOND THE STREETS NEW YORK and online.

Elsewhere in art, Nina Chanel Abney recently launched a massive exhibition entitled “PUNCH” at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery in Los Angeles.

BEYOND THE STREETS NEW YORK
25 Kent Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11249

Fender has given its iconic Telecaster, Jaguar and Stratocaster models a Game of Thrones rework, seeing the guitars sport custom, handcrafted designs celebrating three houses from the hit HBO series. Emulating the sigils associated with House Stark, House Targaryen and House Lannister, each guitar will be built-to-order under Fender’s Custom Shop service and come complete with a host of ornate features.

The House Stark Telecaster guitar is agrey model consisting of a maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. The Telecaster also receives a heavy dose of decorative inlaid sterling silver that represents the stark surroundings of Winterfell, as well as direwolf sigils depicted in silver on the first fret and the embossed nickel silver pickguard.

The House Lannister Jaguar features a 24k gold leaf design that showcases the Lannister coat of arms and a nod to the Red Keep on Aegon’s Hill in King’s Landing. Featuring gold hardware and a gold-plated pickguard which is engraved with the Lannister sigil, the Jaguar is finished with a hand-cut and engraved brass lion sigil, rounding off its regal design.

The final design sees the legendary Fender Stratocaster adorn a Targaryen-inspired design. Drawing inspiration from the Daenerys-lead House, the Stratocaster is completely reworked with a carved dragon scale body and an engraved sterling silver three-headed dragon sigil. The Targaryen model is finished with a hand-tooled stained leather pickguard which features the House’s sigil and an etched neck plate.

Planned for two years, the collection stems from a friendship between GoT creator D.B. Weiss and Fender CEO Andy Mooney.  Pricing for the Fender x Game of Thrones Sigil Collection ranges from $25,000 USD to $35,000 USD. Each guitar takes over 100 hours to make at the hands of Ron Thorn, a Fender Custom Shop expert known for his inlaying skills. Each guitar will be accompanied by a complementing House-themed carrying case.

Head over to the Fender Custom Shop website to find out more about the collection.