Francis Ford Coppola’s self-financed sci-fi epic stars Adam Driver.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point’ Review: A Sweet, Nostalgic Love Letter to Suburban Holiday-Season Rituals
(Baby) It’s cold outside. Strings of gaudy rainbow lights twinkle from gables. In cozy living rooms, grandmothers and great aunts doze in their chairs while middle-aged siblings bicker and booze it up around the dining table. Little kids squirm in makeshift beds trying to stay awake for Santa, while truculent teenagers sneak out into the […]
Tennis Champ Naomi Osaka’s Company Hana Kuma Boards ‘Julie Keeps Quiet,’ Ahead of Cannes World Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)
Tennis champion Naomi Osaka’s company Hana Kuma has boarded Leonardo Van Dijl’s debut feature “Julie Keeps Quiet” ahead of its world premiere on Saturday in Cannes Critics’ Week. The film is being sold by New Europe Film Sales. Osaka and her longtime agent and business partner Stuart Duguid’s Hana Kuma, an Emmy Award-nominated creative house, […]
Captain America: Brave New World a ‘Reality-Based Superhero Movie’, The Leader Actor Says
Captain America: Brave New World actor Tim Blake Nelson has credited Marvel Studios and director Julius Onah for wanting to make a “reality-based superhero movie” with the Anthony Mackie-led sequel.
Appearing as a guest on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast, Nelson, who is reprising his Incredible Hulk role as Samuel Sterns, AKA The Leader, in the fourth Captain America film, teased a more grounded superhero outing, which also tied in with them taking a practical approach with the creation of his character.
“I’m very happy about [Brave New World]. It’s a wonderfully directed movie by Julius Onah,” Nelson said. “I can tell you, about my character, that we did everything we could, and this was entirely supported by Marvel, and I’m so grateful to Kevin Feige and [producer] Nate Moore for supporting this: they were on board 100% to do the character as practically as possible with an absence of digital stuff.
“I really credit Marvel and also Julius [Onah] for wanting to make a very much reality-based superhero movie, as oxymoronic as that sounds,” he added. “In terms of our approach to The Leader, that’s really where we went, and I was really gratified to do it that way.”
Nelson’s Samuel Sterns was last seen in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk, lying on the ground, where his transformation into someone comic fans know as The Leader seemingly began. The character was affected by Bruce Banner’s blood, greatly increasing his mental abilities, so Brave New World will likely follow-up on that.
Kevin Feige and Anthony Mackie debuted the first footage from Captain America: Brave New World at CinemaCon 2024, but plot details are still largely under wraps. However, the story will explore “what makes somebody Captain America” while tapping into Sam Wilson’s underdog status as he takes on the titular mantle.
Captain America: Brave New World will arrive in theaters on February 14, 2025, as part of the next wave of Marvel movies after Deadpool & Wolverine — which is the only MCU release on Disney’s slate this year.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter here.
Valve’s Next Game Reportedly an Overwatch-Style Hero Shooter Called Deadlock
Images and details for what is reportedly Valve’s next game have leaked online.
Valve reporter Tyler McVicker published a video to YouTube in which he claimed Deadlock is currently in closed alpha, with an announcement said to be imminent. Competitive gaming YouTubers are reportedly already playing under a non-disclosure agreement.
However, that hasn’t stopped what looks like a slew of screenshots showing off Deadlock. X/Twitter account @gabefollower was first with the details, describing Deadlock as a third-person hero-based shooter, with 6v6 battles on big maps with four lanes. There are abilities and items alongside tower defense mechanics. The setting is described as fantasy with steampunk.
Since testers started sharing Deadlock screenshots all over the place, here’s ones I can verify, featuring one of the heroes called Grey Talon. pic.twitter.com/KdZSRxObSz
— Gabe Follower (@gabefollower) May 17, 2024
These elements will be familiar to players of Valve’s multiplayer online battle area (MOBA) game Dota 2 as well as its own hero shooter, Team Fortress 2. Blizzard’s Overwatch, Riot’s Valorant, and Hi-Rez’s Smite also look like they’re in the mix.
Valve boss Gabe Newell is yet to announce Deadlock. IGN has asked Valve for comment.
Valve’s last developed game to release was competitive first-person shooter Counter-Strike 2, which effectively replaced Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Before that, in 2020, Valve released Half-Life: Alyx exclusively for virtual reality headsets. Valve has also released a Dota-themed digital card game called Artifact and a Dota auto chess game called Dota Underlords, although both have failed to find as big of an audience as the company’s previous titles.
All the while, the wait for Half-Life 3 continues. Back in 2020, a making-of for Half-Life: Alyx revealed a swathe of games developed and shelved by Valve between the release of Half-Life 2: Episode 2 and Valve’s latest VR game. That list included details on a version of Half-Life 3 that was in development for around a year, and an open-world Left 4 Dead 3.
Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Francis Ford Coppola Slams Studio System After He Self-Financed ‘Megalopolis’: Execs ‘Don’t Make Good Movies … They Pay Their Debt Obligations’
Francis Ford Coppola shared his thoughts on the current studio system during the Cannes Film Festival press conference for his self-financed epic “Megalopolis,” saying that they might not be around much longer. “I fear that the film industry has become more of a matter of people being hired to meet their debt obligations because the […]
Variety Women in Cinema Panel in Cannes to Feature Salma Abu Deif, Kiara Advani, Sarocha Chankimha (Freen), Adhwa Fahad, Aseel Omran, Ramata Toulaye-Sy
Variety will present a Women in Cinema Panel at the Cannes Film Festival in tandem with the Red Sea International Film Festival featuring top talents from Egypt, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Senegal. The panel will take place at La Plage Des Palmes on Saturday, May 18, at 12pm CET. Below is a complete list […]
Best Video Game Deals Today (May 2024)
Buying new video games, hardware, and accessories for your preferred console doesn’t need to make a massive dent in your wallet. Deals happen all the time for items like these, so you can save money while investing in your favorite hobby. We also cover hot items coming back in stock, like the PlayStation Portal which is now available again at Amazon for $199. For now, whether you play on PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC, you’ll find the very best deals listed below. And if you’ve taken advantage of lots of these deals, see our roundup on game storage ideas.
TL;DR – Our Favorite Video Game Deals
PlayStation Portal Is Finally Back In Stock
There are some amazing PS5 deals to check out right now, but more importantly, the PlayStation Portal, a surprise hit and Sony’s newest handheld device, is back in stock at Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon from $199. The stock shortage might finally be over for the PS Portal. See our PlayStation Portal review here for even more info on the handheld PS5 accessory.
Xbox Wireless Controller for Just $35.99
Verizon is offering the official Xbox Controller for Xbox Series X|S for only $35.99 shipped, which is a huge 40% discount from its original $60 MSRP. Only the Robot White color is available at this price, so if you want a fancier color you’ll have to look elsewhere.
This latest controller model was initially introduced alongside the Xbox Series X|S. It includes an improved D-Pad, a new Share button, and a USB-C charging port. Using Bluetooth, the gamepad can also be used seamlessly across Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Android iOS, and PC. Additionally, you can connect it to your Nintendo Switch or other gaming devices with a proper USB adapter. This makes it a great choice if you’re in the market for a controller this summer.
Get 3-Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $36.99 (was $49.99)
There limited time left to take advantage of this deal, so get those codes in ASAP. Woot is offering an excellent deal on three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can save $13 on a digital 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, bringing its price down from $49.99 to $36.99. It’s still stackable for up to 36 months for new or existing members – huzzah! Microsoft recently announced the second wave of games coming to Game Pass in May 2024. Highlights include Immortals of Aveum, Lords of the Fallen, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
With Xbox debating yet another price hike for Game Pass, there’s no better time to get stacking. These three month codes provide a lot of flexibility in how you choose to stack them – whether that be 6, 12, 18, or 24 months – but if you want to go all the way up to 36 you can actually save quite a bit. Admittedly, buying up 12 of these codes can put a strain on your wallet, totaling $443.88 with the link above. However, when you compare it to the cost of Game Pass Ultimate for 36 months at $16.99 per month, amounting to $611.64, you’ll realize you’re saving $167.76 on your subscription for the next three years. That’s absolutely worth the investment, especially if yet another price hike is on the horizon.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (Physical Edition) Preorder
While waiting for Nintendo’s Switch successor, you can enjoy some absolute classics with the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. This is a collection of over 150 challenges from 13 different NES games that’s coming exclusively to Switch on July 18, and you can preorder it today. We’ve included links to the physical edition’s preorder below, but if you’re looking for even more information on digital editions, check out our Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition preorder guide.
- Get it at Best Buy – $59.99
- Get it at GameStop – $59.99
- Get it at Target – $59.99
Best PC Game Deals
If you’re looking for the latest and greatest deals on PC games, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there as well. Here, you can find some excellent deals on new releases, like Dragon’s Dogma 2, and enjoy some great discounts from Green Man Gaming’s Birthday Sale. With the latter, you can use the code BDAY14 at checkout to get an additional 14% off. These excellent deals can be seen below, but to see the full list of discounted games, head to GMG’s main sale page here.
GMG Birthday Sale:
More PC Game Deals:
Alienware Aurora Ryzen RTX 4090 Gaming PC for $2519.99
Do you prefer to play on a dedicated tower? Navigating the options online can be quite the ordeal. Desk space, portability, and price point are often factors in the decision. However, there are some great PC deals that pop up every now and again that are worth jumping on. One of our favorite deals at the moment is on this Alienware Aurora Ryzen RTX 4090 Gaming PC, which is down 35% to $2519.99 (after using the code ‘10AMD‘ at checkout). To see even more PC deals, check out our roundup of the best gaming PC deals.
More PC Deals:
Our Favorite Micro SD Cards for Switch and Steam Deck Are On Sale
The best Switch or Steam Deck SD card should be fast, reliable, and as future-proof as possible. That last one is important, as it was recently revealed a Switch successor will be announced within the fiscal year. Therefore, you’re going to want to opt for the latest in SD card tech, which is a micro SDXC UHS-I U3 A2 V30 memory card. That’s a lot of random letters, so to save you a bit of time we’ve left our top suggestions and deals just below for your convenience. To see even more SD card deals, make sure to check out our roundup of the best SD card deals.
More SD Card Deals
Our Favorite Power Bank for Steam Deck is Discounted Right Now
Some excellent power banks are discounted at the moment that are perfectly portable and packing plenty of power to keep you going. In particular, the fantastic Anker 737 is down a whopping 40% to $90.09 (after clipping the 15% off coupon) and the Anker Prime Power Bank is down to $89.98. These are great discounts on reliable power banks that likely won’t last long, so grab ’em at these prices while you can!
Meta Quest 2 (128GB) is Down to $199
Amazon is offering a very nice discount at the moment on the 128GB Meta Quest 2. This is one of the best Meta Quest deals available right now, and well worth considering for anyone interested in VR. Normally, this VR headset retails for $249.99, but you can grab it for $199 right now, which is a great price for such a high-quality headset. We gave it a 9/10 in our review back when it was released, stating that it “improves an already amazing VR headset with better resolution, refresh rate, and a lower price tag.”
Perfect PS5 4TB SSD with Heatsink for $269.99 at Amazon
Looking to completely maximize your PS5 storage capabilities? Then this is the deal for you. For a limited time only, this PS5 4TB SSD is available at Amazon for $269.99 (see here). It has an MSRP of $699.99, which is rather dramatic, but in reality, this and many other 4TB SSDs have been sitting around $280-$300 recently. The 1TB version is also down to just $84.99 as well. Again, we’re unlikely to see better deals than this until Prime Day in the summer. You can also check out more PS5 SSD deals here.
Steam Deck Internal SSD: Big Discount on the WD_BLACK SSD
If a micro SD card deal isn’t floating your boat for Steam Deck, how about a new internal SSD instead? The WD_BLACK 1TB SN770M M.2 2230 NVMe SSD is currently down to $109.99, which is a nice 15% discount from its $129.99 MSRP.
Score 2 Free Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (New Members Only)
Walmart is now offering two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free for any current or new Walmart+ members. If you’re not currently a member of Walmart+, the retailer offers a 30-day free trial (which will make you eligible for the Game Pass offer), alongside plans for $12.95 paid monthly, or $98 paid annually.
For those interested in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer, it is worth qualifying that this code will only apply to those who currently don’t have an active Game Pass Ultimate membership, and Walmart stresses that this is for new members only. If you’re on Game Pass Core, it should be fine to apply to your account. Otherwise, if you’re a current Game Pass Ultimate member, the code won’t be applicable. If you do qualify, it’s a pretty simple process if you’re looking to bag the two-month free trial, here’s how:
Steps:
- Visit the Walmart+ Offer Page and select ‘Get Offer’ next to the 2 free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate listing
- On the ‘Offer Page’ you will see a unique promo code, copy this code and keep a record of it
- Hit the ‘Redeem Offer’ button on the page to go to the Xbox Site
- Sign in to Your Account
- Your promo code will autofill — if it does not then paste/type
- Redeem your offer and receive your 2 Free Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Disable auto-renewal afterward to avoid being charged at the end of the trial — this can be located in ‘Services & Subscriptions’ in your Microsoft account. You should also do this for Walmart+ if you used a free trial to access the Game Pass offer
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
Best Xbox Deals Today (May 2024)
There’s a whole score of incredible Xbox deals to check out right now, including three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $36.99, an Xbox Controller for just $35.99, a 2TB Seagate Expansion Card for $249.99, and so much more. Here, we’ll keep you updated on all of the latest discounts for Xbox, from games to controllers and so much more. Let’s dig into the best Xbox deals that are happening right now.
TL;DR – Our Favorite Xbox Deals
Navigate to:
- Xbox Controller Deals: $35.99
- Best Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Deal
- Xbox Expansion Card Deals
- Xbox Video Game Deals
- Xbox Console Bundle Deals
Xbox Wireless Controller for Just $35.99
Verizon is offering the official Xbox Controller for Xbox Series X|S for only $35.99 shipped, which is a huge 40% discount from its original $60 MSRP. Only the Robot White color is available at this price, so if you want a fancier color you’ll have to look elsewhere.
This latest controller model was initially introduced alongside the Xbox Series X|S. It includes an improved D-Pad, a new Share button, and a USB-C charging port. Using Bluetooth, the gamepad can also be used seamlessly across Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Android iOS, and PC. Additionally, you can connect it to your Nintendo Switch or other gaming devices with a proper USB adapter. This makes it a great choice if you’re in the market for a controller this summer.
Get 3-Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $36.99 (was $49.99)
This is your last chance to take advantage of this deal, so get those codes in ASAP. Woot is offering an excellent deal on three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can save $13 on a digital 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, bringing its price down from $49.99 to $36.99. It’s still stackable for up to 36 months for new or existing members – huzzah! Microsoft recently announced the second wave of games coming to Game Pass in May 2024. Highlights include Immortals of Aveum, Lords of the Fallen, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
With Xbox debating yet another price hike for Game Pass, there’s no better time to get stacking. These three month codes provide a lot of flexibility in how you choose to stack them – whether that be 6, 12, 18, or 24 months – but if you want to go all the way up to 36 you can actually save quite a bit. Admittedly, buying up 12 of these codes can put a strain on your wallet, totaling $443.88 with the link above. However, when you compare it to the cost of Game Pass Ultimate for 36 months at $16.99 per month, amounting to $611.64, you’ll realize you’re saving $167.76 on your subscription for the next three years. That’s absolutely worth the investment, especially if yet another price hike is on the horizon.
Score 2 Free Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (New Members Only)
Walmart is now offering two months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free for any current or new Walmart+ members. If you’re not currently a member of Walmart+, the retailer offers a 30-day free trial (which will make you eligible for the Game Pass offer), alongside plans for $12.95 paid monthly, or $98 paid annually.
For those interested in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer, it is worth qualifying that this code will only apply to those who currently don’t have an active Game Pass Ultimate membership, and Walmart stresses that this is for new members only. If you’re on Game Pass Core, it should be fine to apply to your account. Otherwise, if you’re a current Game Pass Ultimate member, the code won’t be applicable. If you do qualify, it’s a pretty simple process if you’re looking to bag the two-month free trial, here’s how:
Steps:
- Visit the Walmart+ Offer Page and select ‘Get Offer’ next to the 2 free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate listing
- On the ‘Offer Page’ you will see a unique promo code, copy this code and keep a record of it
- Hit the ‘Redeem Offer’ button on the page to go to the Xbox Site
- Sign in to Your Account
- Your promo code will autofill — if it does not then paste/type
- Redeem your offer and receive your 2 Free Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Disable auto-renewal afterward to avoid being charged at the end of the trial — this can be located in ‘Services & Subscriptions’ in your Microsoft account. You should also do this for Walmart+ if you used a free trial to access the Game Pass offer
Get Over 50% Off the Xbox Series S Toaster & Xbox Series X Mini Fridge
It looks like a fridge, and it kinda is a fridge (mini), and it’s also down to $39.94 at Walmart. Plus, c’mon, who doesn’t want the Xbox Series S toaster for their kitchen as well? Not only is it a fun addition to have in your home, but this is a discount you definitely don’t want to miss out on, either! It’s currently marked down over 50% at Walmart to just $40, which is an excellent deal. What better time to pick it up?
1TB Expansion Card for Xbox for $139.99
Amazon is offering the officially licensed Seagate 1TB Expansion Card for Xbox Series consoles at a nice little discount. Right now it’s only $139.99, a reasonable price drop from its original $160 MSRP. This is one of the best SSDs for the Xbox, which isn’t surprising since your options are pretty limited. There’s also the 2TB version for $249.99 and the 8TB Seagate Starfield Special Edition Game Drive for $189.99.
More Xbox Expandable Storage Deals
The Best Xbox Game Deals: Get 50% Off The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 & More Game Deals
While Xbox’s Spring Sale has ended, the deals for Xbox fans continue! Check out some of the best physical game discounts available, including markdowns on titles like Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and the newly released Alone in the Dark. For more fantastic game deals, click on the links below.
More Xbox Video Game Deals:
Xbox Console & Bundle Deals
The Diablo IV Xbox Series X bundle is still holding on at Walmart, down $90.00 from its MSRP of $559.99 to $469.99. This has stood the test of time since last Black Friday as one of our favorite console bundles, and is well worth investing in before it’s all gone for good.
Get 10% Off the Official Xbox Wireless Headset & More Headset Deals
Does your family complain when you stay up playing loud shooters late into the night? They’ll stop complaining if you pick up an Xbox headset that lets no one but you hear the delightful explosions you cause on the screen. Right now, you can get 10% off the Official Xbox Wireless Headset and you can also save 20% on the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset at Amazon. To see even more gaming headsets on sale, visit our roundup of the best gaming headset deals.
More Xbox Headset Deals:
When Should I Buy an Xbox?
In general, it is advisable to keep an eye out for sales and restocks throughout the year, as availability has improved since the initial launch of the console. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, there is no specific recommendation to wait for a sale regardless of the time of year. Instead, it’s a good idea to monitor various retailers and online platforms for restock announcements and promotional offers.
However, certain events like Black Friday or other holiday seasons may bring about unique bundles, discounts, or promotional deals specifically for the Xbox Series X. These bundles may include additional games, accessories, or exclusive limited editions. While quantities for such promotions might be limited, they can provide an opportunity to get more value for your purchase. See our guide to Xbox Series X prices for more info.
Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S?
Choosing between the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S ultimately depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Let’s compare the two consoles to help you make an informed decision:
1. Performance: The Xbox Series X is the more powerful option, offering native 4K gaming, higher graphical fidelity, and faster loading times. It has more advanced hardware, including a larger storage capacity. On the other hand, the Xbox Series S targets a lower price point and offers a less powerful performance, targeting 1440p resolution gaming and upscaling to 4K.
2. Price: The Xbox Series S is more affordable compared to the Xbox Series X. If budget is a significant factor for you, the Xbox Series S provides a cost-effective option while still delivering a next-generation gaming experience. For example, the Series S can play Starfield at 1440p 30fps (vs 4K 30fps on Series X).
3. Storage: The Xbox Series X comes with a larger internal storage capacity, allowing you to store more games directly on the console. The Xbox Series S, however, has a smaller storage capacity, which means you may need to manage your game library more actively or rely on external storage solutions.
4. Disc Drive: The Xbox Series X includes a disc drive, enabling you to play physical game discs and enjoy a wider range of media options, including Blu-ray and DVD playback. The Xbox Series S, in contrast, is a digital-only console, meaning you can only play games downloaded from the digital store.
5. Graphics and Performance: While both consoles support ray tracing, the Xbox Series X provides a more immersive and visually impressive experience due to its superior hardware capabilities. If you prioritize cutting-edge graphics and want the best performance available, the Xbox Series X is the preferable choice.
Consider your gaming preferences, budget, and whether you prioritize top-of-the-line performance or cost-effectiveness. If you have a 4K TV, want the most powerful console, and are willing to invest more, the Xbox Series X is the recommended option. If you have a lower budget, a 1080p or 1440p TV, and don’t mind sacrificing some performance, the Xbox Series S offers excellent value for money.
With how expensive gaming is getting in 2024, we’re trying to save you as much money as possible on the games and other tech you actually want to buy. We’ve got great deal roundups available for all major platforms such as Switch and Xbox, and keep these updated daily with brand new offers. If you’re trying to keep costs down while maintaining your favorite hobby, stay tuned for more incredible discounts.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.
Filmax Nabs Global Rights to ‘The Light of Aisha,’ a CG Family Feature Showcasing Spain’s Rich Arab History (EXCLUSIVE)
Spanish sales, distribution, and production company Filmax has picked up international rights to the upcoming kids and family animated feature “The Light of Aisha” and is sharing the project with buyers at this year’s Marché du Film. The CG-animated film tells the story of Aisha, a young girl living in XI-century Al-Andalus in the south […]