Nintendo has explained why Metroid Prime 4: Beyond did not adopt a fully open-world design, citing core franchise mechanics and long development constraints. The information comes from an interview with Famitsu, a Japanese video game magazine.
Cham Lee
Cham Lee is an educator and researcher who enjoys travel across the United States. Mrs. Lee is avid in loom knitting, as well as a purveyor in all things non-coffee at Starbucks. You'll often find her in the great outdoors, Pink Drink in hand, wearing a scarf of her own creation.
Universal Patents Ride System To Enhance Ride Experience for Disabled Guests
Universal Destinations & Experiences has filed a patent application describing a ride system intended to adjust attraction content in response to disability-related guest needs. The application, titled “Systems And Methods For Providing Enhanced Ride System...
Disneyland Shutting Down Almost a Dozen Rides This January for Refurbishment
Disneyland Resort has scheduled a series of 11 ride closures and maintenance projects for January 2026 as part of its annual refurbishment period. The updates affect attractions at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Each closure coincides with the traditional post-holiday maintenance window that follows high-volume winter travel.
Casting Rumors Fly for Rapunzel, Flynn Rider in Disney’s Live Action Tangled
Industry chatter and online casting reports have outlined several names being considered for the lead roles of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider in Disney’s live-action Tangled.
Harry Potter Fan Fiction Novel Gets Massive Seven Figure Movie Deal
Legendary Entertainment has acquired the film adaptation rights to Alchemised, a novel by SenLinYu that originated from a Harry Potter fan fiction, in a deal reported to be worth seven figures. The agreement, reached before the book’s publication, is understood to exceed $3 million and is considered one of the more notable pre-publication movie rights sales in recent industry reporting.
Universal Islands of Adventure Files Permit for New Ride From Manufacturer of VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure has filed a new construction permit that points to the possible development of a future attraction. Public records in Orange County, Florida, show that Universal City Development Partners has submitted a Notice of Commencement for work within the park. The filing lists Intamin as the contractor.
Universal Studios Exploring Theme Park Plans in Saudi Arabia
Universal Studios, part of Comcast’s global media and entertainment business, is reported to be exploring plans for a new theme park in Saudi Arabia. Sources indicate the project remains in its earliest conceptual stages, with no construction begun and no final agreement completed.
Disney+ Releases Teaser Trailer for New Muppets Show Developed by Seth Rogen
Disney+ and the ABC broadcast network have released the first official teaser trailer for an upcoming The Muppet Show special featuring Sabrina Carpenter and developed by Seth Rogen, set to premiere on February 4, 2026. The special marks the first major television event tied to the franchise in decades and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original series.
Scarlett Johansson Ditches Disney’s Tangled Remake for The Batman
Industry rumors have recently connected Scarlett Johansson to a potential change in project involvement involving Disney’s Tangled and The Batman: Part II. It seems as though Johansson stepped away from portraying a live-action version of the Disney villain Mother Gothel in favor of other projects. These include an unknown role in the Batman sequel, as well as a reboot of The Exorcist.
Disneyland Tests “Wheels” and “No Wheels” Security Screening Lanes
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is testing a revised security screening process at some park entrances that separates guests into “wheels” and “no wheels” lines.
Jenny McCarthy Claims Hollywood Conservatives Are “Hiding Out” and Secretly Support RFK Jr.’s MAHA Movement
Actress Jenny McCarthy recently asserted that many conservatives in Hollywood keep their political views private because of fear of backlash. She made these remarks during a December 11, 2025 appearance on the Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark podcast on the episode “Jenny McCarthy On Being Jesus First, Pro-Medical Freedom and Conservative.”
Lightning Lane Premiere Pass Sold Out for 8 Consecutive Days During Holiday Period
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass at Walt Disney World Resort sold out for eight consecutive days at Magic Kingdom during a peak holiday period, while also selling out for four consecutive days across all Walt Disney World parks. Magic Kingdom sellouts began on December 20th and will continue through December 27th. Resort-wide sellouts will start on December 23rd and run through December 26th.