Moana 2 Sets Sail for Streaming as It Gets a Confirmed Disney+ Release Date
Moana 2 arrives on Disney+ on March 12. The sequel was a huge box-office success, taking $1.05 billion. Moana 2 is setting course for Disney+, and you'll be able to watch it from the comfort of your living room when it arrives on March 12.
As the most-streamed movie of the past five years, Moana's enduring popularity suggests that the franchise has tapped into a timeless appeal that transcends its nostalgic value, speaking to audiences across generations.
With a live-action remake of the first movie in the works, how will this new iteration influence the future of Disney's animation department and shape the next chapter in the Moana saga?
Disney Plus has announced a 40% discount on its annual Premium subscription in Singapore, with the offer available until March 31, 2025. The deal brings down the annual price from SG$189.98 to just SG$113.98, making it an attractive option for Disney fans. This promotion comes at a time when popular shows like Daredevil: Born Again and Moana 2 are set to release on the platform.
The timing of this offer couldn't be more strategic, as it coincides with the highly anticipated releases of two popular Marvel and Disney shows, potentially boosting subscriber numbers and driving engagement.
How will this promotional push influence Disney's long-term strategy for expanding its subscriber base in the Asian market?
Anora, Sean Baker's Oscar-winning drama, will soon be available to stream on Hulu, following its recent Best Picture win. The film's five Oscar wins, including Best Actress for Mikey Madison and Best Director, solidify its place as a standout title in the 2025 awards season. As a result, fans can look forward to watching Anora on March 17, either by signing up for Hulu or renting/buying it through other platforms.
The streaming landscape is rapidly evolving, with services like Hulu and Disney+ offering exclusive content and features that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
How will the proliferation of high-quality streaming options impact the way we consume and engage with movies and TV shows in the years to come?
There are five new movies coming to Paramount Plus in March 2025 that have garnered over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, offering viewers a chance to stream some of the most iconic filmmakers' works. These films are perfect for relaxing into during a weekend, providing both nostalgic value and new experiences. Each movie has been critically acclaimed, showcasing exceptional performances and storytelling.
The upcoming release of these movies marks an interesting trend in the streaming industry, where prestige content is being prioritized over blockbuster action flicks, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences.
How will this newfound focus on quality programming impact the future of Hollywood, potentially leading to a more homogenized film landscape dominated by critically acclaimed works?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is generating significant excitement among gamers, with insider billbil-kun suggesting that a release date announcement could be imminent alongside pre-order details. The sequel is anticipated to retain the unique storyline and gameplay mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new features, including asynchronous multiplayer elements. As fans eagerly await confirmation, the pricing for the Standard and Collector's Editions has also been leaked, sparking further interest in the upcoming title.
The mounting anticipation for Death Stranding 2 highlights the powerful impact of unique storytelling and innovative gameplay in cultivating a dedicated fanbase within the gaming community.
Will the sequel successfully expand on the original's narrative depth, or will it struggle to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor?
Seven Oscar-winning movies are set to arrive on Hulu on March 1, including The Social Network, Birdman, Jojo Rabbit, and Bohemian Rhapsody. These films have made a lasting impact on the film industry, with many taking home prestigious awards at the Oscars. From biographical dramas like Jojo Rabbit and Bohemian Rhapsody to critically-acclaimed thrillers like The Social Network, these movies are sure to captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations.
As streaming services continue to democratize access to high-quality content, it raises questions about the long-term effects on traditional cinematic experiences and the role of awards in driving cultural relevance.
How will the simultaneous release of Oscar-winning films on a streaming platform like Hulu influence their critical reception and Oscar voting patterns?
As the streaming giant refreshes its library, subscribers can look forward to a slate of critically acclaimed titles that will appeal to fans of sci-fi, classics, and action thrillers. A definitive edition of a legendary sci-fi film, a Spike Lee classic, and a modern thriller that launched the career of one of Hollywood's biggest directors are just a few of the exciting additions. With over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, these movies promise to deliver engaging stories and impressive performances.
The resurgence of classic films on Netflix highlights the ongoing demand for nostalgia-driven content, underscoring the power of well-crafted storytelling in reinvigorating both old and new audiences.
Will the emphasis on critically acclaimed titles like Blade Runner: The Final Cut lead to a shift towards more sophisticated, awards-season-friendly content on the platform?
Hideo Kojima has unveiled the release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set for June 26th, 2024, during a presentation at SXSW, alongside a captivating new trailer. The sequel promises to retain the surreal and haunting atmosphere of its predecessor, featuring returning characters and new faces in a postapocalyptic world filled with challenges and monstrous threats. Additionally, Kojima announced "The Strands of Harmony World Tour," showcasing the game's music performed live, further expanding the Death Stranding universe.
This sequel not only reinforces Kojima's unique storytelling and game design but also illustrates the growing trend of multimedia experiences that extend beyond traditional gaming into live events and concerts.
How might the integration of live performances and other media influence the way gamers engage with video game narratives in the future?
Max is expanding its vast library of movies with five new titles set to arrive in March 2025, all boasting over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. The upcoming releases include two powerful A24 dramas, a slapstick comedy, and an old Hollywood classic. Heretic and Sing Sing are expected to be fan favorites among Max subscribers.
This influx of new titles underscores the importance of diverse streaming services in keeping up with changing viewer tastes and demands for unique content.
Will these new releases help Max maintain its competitive edge against other popular streaming platforms?
Disney+ has canned its offshoot animation series of The Princess and the Frog due to production costs. A shortform project inspired by The Princess and the Frog movie is in early development instead. Disney+ has reportedly axed its animated musical series Tiana, an offshoot of The Princess and the Frog movie, but there's more projects being shelved by the streaming service.
This decision highlights the challenges of balancing creative ambitions with financial realities in the highly competitive world of streaming content production.
What role will nostalgia play in Disney's continued success, as it shifts its focus away from longform animated series and towards theatrical releases that rely on established intellectual properties?
Paramount Plus is the underdog out of all the best streaming services, offering a vast library of classic movies and popular series like The Good Wife, Yellowstone, and its spin-off 1883. With its March 2025 schedule arriving, the platform's extensive collection of titles is set to get even better with brand new TV titles, including a true crime series called Happy Face, alongside old favorites from Hollywood legends. Paramount Plus is poised to revamp viewers' watchlists this month.
The streaming service's diverse lineup of classic films and modern hits will appeal to a broad audience, potentially disrupting the market dynamics of streaming services in favor of more niche offerings.
How will the expansion of content offerings on Paramount Plus impact its ability to compete with established players like Netflix and Amazon Prime in terms of user engagement and retention?
Netflix's monthly changeover is now underway, bringing some beloved titles back to the streaming services. However, for those who missed out on them earlier, there's still time to catch these movies before they disappear for good. Unfortunately, this month's clean-out means that some of Netflix's best films will be leaving the platform soon, including Inception and Mad Max: Fury Road. While the company is adding plenty of new content to replace them, it won't be enough to fill the void left by these classics.
The nostalgia factor surrounding these titles highlights the ephemeral nature of streaming services, where popular movies can disappear in an instant.
What role will streaming services play in preserving our collective cultural heritage, and how can they balance their commitment to new content with the need to preserve existing classics?
The Last of Us season 2's final trailer has been released, teasing a major confrontation between Ellie and Joel, setting up some big plot threads for the upcoming season. The incident from last season's finale will eventually be revealed to Ellie, potentially leading to a cliffhanger ending. The show's sophomore outing will be released on Sunday, April 12 in the US.
This highly anticipated showdown could redefine how we perceive character development and relationships within the world of The Last of Us.
How will the revelations about Joel's past actions affect the dynamics between Ellie and other characters in subsequent seasons?
A Japanese financial services company analyst has offered a forecast of how many units the Nintendo Switch 2 may sell within its first full quarter of release, and it's surprising to see the console taking on the potential sales might of the PlayStation 6. The Switch 2 will be released in 2025, with an expected production rate of six jets per month, aiming to surpass 20 million units sold in the first year. Nintendo's inventory is looking strong, with a clear increase in stock numbers over the last few quarters.
The analyst's prediction highlights the importance of timely delivery and sufficient stock for console manufacturers, as seen in the PlayStation 5's supply chain issues, which may impact the Switch 2's competitive position in the market.
How will Nintendo's ability to meet or exceed its sales projections influence the company's strategy for future console generations and the role of the Switch 2 in shaping the gaming industry's future?
Despite increasing competition, Netflix continues to cement its place as one of the best streaming services, starting 2025 with a bang by bringing a whole host of titles that Rotten Tomatoes has dubbed near perfect, awarding a 100% score. From true crime docs to classic animation, it's a broad range of offerings that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The company's latest efforts demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
This surge in critically acclaimed titles suggests that Netflix has successfully recalibrated its focus on storytelling and genre diversity, potentially reinvigorating the platform's growth prospects.
How will these new releases contribute to a shift in viewer behavior, particularly among cord-cutters and streaming enthusiasts seeking authentic entertainment experiences?
The Nintendo Company is making a last-dash retail push for its aging Switch console with a new $349 bundle featuring the Switch OLED model, a copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and a three-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. This limited-time offer marks a strategic shift as Nintendo prepares to unveil its successor, the Switch 2, which has already taken a significant production hit due to manufacturing setbacks. The company's bold move aims to revitalize sales ahead of the Switch 2's release.
As Nintendo takes risks on the next generation of gaming consoles, it remains to be seen whether this strategic shift will pay off in terms of revitalizing the brand's market position and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive gaming industry.
What implications do these retail push strategies have for the company's future relationships with major retailers, such as Best Buy and GameStop, which are already struggling with declining console sales?
Andor season 2 is set to capture the hearts of audiences with its well-crafted storytelling, memorable characters, and a universe that fans of the original trilogy will appreciate. The show's creator has stated that the second season will explore the complexities of rebellion and loyalty, adding depth to the narrative that was missing from other Star Wars films. Andor's success also highlights the importance of quality over quantity in the production of TV shows.
The Andor model could be a game-changer for Disney's future investments in the Star Wars franchise, offering a more mature and engaging viewing experience that appeals to both old and new fans.
How will other Star Wars spin-offs measure up to Andor's standard, and what can we expect from upcoming releases like Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2 and The Book of Boba Fett?
Binge is offering a limited-time deal for its Basic plan at AU$4.99 per month, positioning itself amid uncertainty as HBO's Max streaming service prepares to enter the Australian market. While concerns loom over the future availability of HBO content on Binge, the platform still provides significant value with its diverse library, including popular series like Mr Inbetween and Colin From Accounts. As Binge navigates this transitional period, it remains to be seen how the service will adapt to maintain its subscriber base and content offerings.
This situation highlights the competitive nature of the streaming industry, where platforms must continuously innovate and adapt to retain viewers in the face of new entrants and shifting content landscapes.
What strategies will Binge implement to differentiate itself and retain subscribers once Max fully launches in Australia?
Death Stranding 2 has been confirmed to debut on June 26, with pre-orders starting on March 17. The game will be a PS5 exclusive, but details about its pricing remain unknown. A trailer unveiled during the SXSW 2025 panel showcased cinematics and combat, featuring returning characters from the first game.
The inclusion of Solid Snake, a character from Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear series, raises intriguing questions about potential crossovers or nods to other iconic franchises in Death Stranding 2.
How will the new gameplay mechanics and environments expand upon the narrative and themes established in the original Death Stranding game?
Daredevil: Born Again is set to premiere on Disney+ on March 4, 2024, marking a direct continuation of the story from Netflix's Daredevil series. The show features a returning cast, including Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk, and promises to delve into darker themes while maintaining the gritty essence of its predecessor. With season 2 already in development, anticipation grows over how this series will integrate into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe and address the evolving dynamics of its characters.
The return of beloved characters alongside new arcs highlights a strategic move by Marvel to leverage nostalgia while simultaneously innovating within the superhero genre, potentially reshaping audience expectations for future adaptations.
Will the increased violence and mature themes in Daredevil: Born Again alienate or attract a broader audience within the Marvel fanbase?
This week’s selection of free films highlights a variety of gripping genres, including sci-fi thrillers and true crime, all available on platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex. Notable titles include David Fincher's "Zodiac," which explores the obsessive hunt for the Zodiac Killer, and Rian Johnson's "Looper," a time-travel narrative that combines heart with action. The curated list emphasizes the diversity of storytelling and the artistic merit found in lesser-known films, proving that engaging cinema doesn't always come with a price tag.
The convergence of free streaming services with critically acclaimed films reflects a shift in viewer habits, suggesting that accessibility might redefine how audiences engage with cinema.
Can the rise of free streaming platforms alter the landscape of film production and distribution in a way that benefits independent filmmakers?
Roku's recent stock surge is largely due to strong quarterly results, with the company reporting 22% net revenue growth and reducing its operating loss significantly. The business has been growing steadily, and investors are optimistic about its future prospects, despite some concerns. However, it remains to be seen whether these positive trends will continue, particularly if economic conditions worsen.
The streaming industry is rapidly evolving, with new competitors emerging regularly, making it challenging for established players like Roku to maintain their market share.
How will Roku's focus on expanding its services beyond advertising, such as its games platform and voice assistant, impact its profitability in the long run?
Roku's lesser-known app, Cinema Box, now offers the original theatrical cut of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, providing fans with access to the unaltered version of the iconic film for the first time on streaming platforms. This version, known as Harmy's Despecialized Edition, aims to closely replicate the original 1977 release, which has been modified significantly over the decades by George Lucas and subsequent owners. The availability of this cut highlights a growing demand among enthusiasts for authentic cinematic experiences, contrasting sharply with the heavily altered iterations seen in theaters and home video releases.
This development reflects a broader trend in media consumption where audiences seek out original formats and versions of beloved classics, potentially reshaping how studios approach re-releases and remasters in the future.
What does the resurgence of interest in original film versions say about current cultural attitudes toward nostalgia and authenticity in entertainment?
Prime Video's new historical drama House of David has become the streamer's second most-watched show in the US, with Reacher season 3 still claiming the top spot. The show chronicles the rise of biblical figure David, who becomes the most prominent king of Israel, and follows his struggle for power after losing it to the prophet Samuel. With a 60% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics but an impressive 88% audience score, House of David is just one example of the many historical dramas available on Prime Video.
The rise of streaming services has led to a shift in ownership dynamics, with creators and producers now having more control over their content and audiences.
As the power struggle for control between established brands like Netflix and new entrants like Amazon continues, how will this impact the future of content creation and distribution?
The highly anticipated second season of Andor is building anticipation with a new featurette, which offers a glimpse into the series' expanded universe. The footage hints at a pivotal event in the Star Wars canon, one that sets the stage for the show's narrative arc. With its mix of action, politics, and character development, S2 promises to be an exciting continuation of the Andor story.
This new featurette may signal a turning point in the series' exploration of rebellion and resistance against the Empire, potentially raising questions about the true cost of revolution.
How will the show's portrayal of this canonical event shape our understanding of Mon Mothma's character development throughout the series?
I streamed more movies and shows than ever before in January 2025 and continued the momentum into February, watching new titles on services like Mubi and re-watching favorites on Letterboxd. One of my standout watches from this month was Luca Guadagnino's romance drama Queer, which is now available to stream on Mubi. The film features a strong performance from Daniel Craig, who brings depth to his character as an American immigrant traveling through Mexico.
The rise of Daniel Craig's diverse filmography has shown that he is capable of more than just action roles, and this performance in Queer may be another sign of this growth.
How will the streaming platforms' algorithms impact the discovery of new titles for viewers like me who rely on their recommendations to find new favorites?