• TUDUM: A Netflix Global Fan Event – The Biggest Stories and Trailers

    Posted on September 25, 2021 by Adam Bankhurst

    TUDUM: A Netflix Global Fan Event has arrived and it offered fans of the streaming platform a new and exciting look at Stranger Things' fourth season, The Witcher's second season, the live-action adaptation of The Sandman, and even the opening title sequence for the live-action Cowboy Bebop series.

    To ensure you didn't miss any of the biggest stories from TUDUM, we've gathered all the best announcements and trailers below.

    Stranger Things Season 4: Sneak Peek Inside the Creel House

    TUDUM gave us a new look at season 4 of Stranger Things in a teaser that was focused on the past and present of the Creel House. It gave us both a look at the original family that lived there, including Victor Creel – an inmate at Pennhurst Mental Hospital who was incarcerated there for a grisly murder he committed in the 1950s – and our favorite cast of characters.

    The Witcher Season 2: New Trailer Shows Off More of Vesemir and Grain of Truth's Nivellen

    Netflix shared a few new looks of The Witcher Season 2 and gave us our best look yet of Vesemir at Kaer Morhen and Nivellen, one of the main characters in the popular Witcher short story Grain of Truth that is being adapted for this upcoming season.

    The Witcher: Blood Origin Reveals First Look at Prequel Series

    The Witcher: Blood Origin is a prequel series to Netflix's The Witcher and TUDUM took us behind-the-scenes to meet some of the people responsible for bringing this new show to life.

    The Witcher Season 3 Announced By Netflix Alongside a Second Anime Film and a Kids Series

    Netflix also told fans of The Witcher that its universe would continue to expand on the streamer as not only will The Witcher return for a third season, but fans will also be treated to a second anime feature film and a kids and family series set in the world of Geralt.

    The Sandman: We Finally Have Our First Look at Netflix's Live-Action Series

    After a ton of teases, we've finally received our first look at Netflix's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. This clip shows off Charles Dance's Roderick and Tom Sturridge's Dream of the Endless.

    Cowboy Bebop: Netflix Reveals Opening Title Sequence for the Live-Action Series

    Ahead of its arrival on Netflix on November 19, the team behind Cowboy Bebop shared the first look at the live-action adaptation's opening title sequence. For good measure, we've also compared it to the original.

    Army of Thieves Trailer: The Zombie-less Prequel to Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead

    Netflix released the first trailer for Army of Thieves, the zombie-less prequel to Zack Snyder's Army of the Dead. Fans of Army of the Dead will recognize the German safecracker Ludwig Dieter in this new story, who is once again played by Matthias Schweighöfer. Schweighöfer is actually also directing the film.

    Arcane, Netflix's League of Legends Show Gets November Release Date

    Alongside presenting us with a brand new trailer, Netflix also revealed that the League of Legends animated show Arcane will be available to stream from November 6, 2021.

    Vikings: Valhalla First Footage Revealed

    Even though Vikings came to an end after six seasons on History Channel, its sequel series – Vikings: Valhalla – will be making its debut on Netflix in 2022. During TUDUM, Netflix released the first official footage from the show.

    Cobra Kai Season 4 Premiere Date Revealed Alongside New Trailer

    Netflix confirmed that Cobra Kai's fourth season will officially premiere on December 31, 2021. While that's still a few months away, Netflix also unveiled a brand-new trailer to give us a glimpse of what (and who!) to expect in this new season.

    Ultraman Season 2 Gets New Details and a Teaser Poster Ahead of Its 2022 Premiere on Netflix

    While Ultraman's second season may not arrive until 2022, Netflix helped us with the wait by sharing a brand-new poster and a few new details on the series that began in 2019.

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    The Witcher Season 3 Announced By Netflix Alongside a Second Anime Film and a Kids Series

    Posted on September 25, 2021 by Adam Bankhurst

    Netflix has announced that not only will The Witcher return for a third season, but that its "growing Witcher universe" will expand with a second anime feature film and a kids and family series set in its world.

    This news was revealed at TUDUM: A Netflix Global Fan Event alongside a new trailer and two scenes from The Witcher's second season and a behind-the-scenes featurette from its prequel series The Witcher: Blood Origin.

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    The Witcher: Blood Origin Reveals Behind the Scenes First Look at Prequel Series

    Posted on September 25, 2021 by David Griffin

    Netflix has released a first-look featurette for its upcoming Witcher prequel series, The Witcher: Blood Origin, which is currently in production.

    This new behind-the-scenes look of The Witcher: Blood Origin started with a look at a table read of the show's first episode – 'Of Ballads and Bloody Blades' – which is being written by Declan De Barra and directed by Sarah O'Gorman. De Barra is also the showrunner and he gave a tour of the set where the prequel series is being filmed.

    De Barra also took the time to show one of the underwater sets and joke that Blood Origin would be totally underwater and that elves have gills in this world and that the set will be repurposed for The Witcher's sixth season as a Drowner bar. He also joked that they are using "genetically engineered beasts" for the show, no CGI or anything. Hey, wilder things have happened.

    The clip also showed a bit of an Icelandic location where the series will be partially filmed, as they needed a place that looked like "the Earth has vomited up mountains out of nowhere."

    Here's how Netflix describes the series: "In an elven world 1,200 years before Geralt of Rivia, the worlds of monsters, men and elves merge to become one — and the very first Witcher arises.

    The six-part limited series will be brought to life by showrunner and executive producer Declan de Barra (The Witcher, Iron Fist), alongside Witcher creator Andrzej Sapkowski, who will serve as a creative consultant. Sarah O’Gorman (Cursed) and Vicky Jewson (Close) will direct three episodes each.

    The Witcher: Blood Origin also features an impressive lineup of actors, including Star Trek Discovery's Michelle Yeoh as Scian, Sophia Brown as Éile, and Laurence O'Fuarain as Fjall.

    In a recent Twitter thread, Netflix revealed the names of 10 new characters joining the live-action series, including Mirren Mack as Merwyn, Lenny Henry as Balor, Dylan Moran as Uthrok One-Nut, Jacob Collins-Levy as Eredin, Lizzie Annis as Zacaré, Huw Novelli as Brother Death, Francesca Mills as Meldof, Amy Murray as Fenrik, Nathaniel Curtis as Brían, and Zach Wyatt as Syndril.

    For more on the world of the White Wolf, be sure to check out our review of Nightmare of the Wolf, find out what Witcher showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich said about a potential Season 3, and new story details from Season 2 of The Witcher, which is set to premiere on Netflix on December 17, 2021.

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    Vikings: Valhalla – Who’s Who in Netflix’s Sequel Series

    Posted on September 25, 2021 by Jim Vejvoda

    During Saturday’s Tudum event, Netflix revealed the first footage from Vikings: Valhalla, their upcoming sequel series to Vikings, which ran from 2013 to 2020. Vikings, however, was made by the History Channel while Valhalla is a Netflix production, meaning it can be even bloodier and more adult than its predecessor was allowed to be on American basic cable television.

    Cast members Sam Corlett, Frida Gustavsoon, and Leo Suter presented the sneak peek at the series, which is set roughly 100 years after the events depicted in Vikings. Like its predecessor, Vikings: Valhalla will weave in fictional characters with actual historical figures, including some of the most famous Vikings who ever lived.

    Netflix’s series will explore the legacy of the original series’ characters by making their descendants the protagonists.

    Let’s break down then who’s who in Vikings: Valhalla, from the historical to the fictional. (Editor's note: Names are spelled according to Netflix's official character descriptions.)

    Spoilers ahead for the original Vikings series as well as, um, history!

    Leif Eriksson

    One major real-life Viking depicted in Valhalla is Leif Eriksson. He’s portrayed by Sam Corlett, the Aussie actor who portrayed Caliban on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The series’ official description of Leif calls him a Greenlander raised in the old pagan beliefs on the outer fringes of the known world. A sailor and explorer, Leif Eriksson will be the series’ “entry” into the Viking world as it undergoes violent changes.

    The historical Leif Eriksson founded the North American settlement of Vinland hundreds of years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue. The real Leif was the son of Erik the Red, a figure who Vikings fans suspected was the same Erik portrayed in Vikings Season 6. However, the math on that doesn’t work out as Valhalla is set a century after that show. While there are certainly similarities between the Erik of Vikings Season 6 and Erik the Red, his fate on the show and the timeframe of Valhalla make it virtually impossible for him to be THE Erik the Red.

    One other difference between the real Leif Eriksson and the character in Valhalla is their birthplace. The real Leif’s birthplace is not definitively known while the show has him growing up in the Norse settlement of Greenland, which is considered to have been founded by Erik the Red. Vikings Season 6, however, depicted the founding of Greenland by Ragnar’s son Ubbe and his settlers. We’ll have to see how or even if Vikings: Valhalla addresses this discrepancy.

    Considering Leif Eriksson is believed to have died circa 1020 AD, it stands to reason that the character won’t appear throughout the entire run of the series for chronological reasons that will become clear.

    Freydis Eriksdotter

    The sister of Leif Eriksson and, historically, the daughter of explorer Erik the Red, Freydis is officially described as “a staunch believer in the ‘old gods’.” The show’s plot description says she first comes to Kattegat as an outsider but “becomes an inspiration to those of the old ways.” She’s played by Swedish actress Frida Gustavsson.

    The historical Freydis appears in the Vinland sagas that chronicle her father’s exploits: the Greenland saga and the Saga of Erik the Red. In the Saga of the Greenlanders, Freydis is portrayed as being so treacherous and murderous that her descendants were tarnished by her bloody actions. She’s depicted more favorably in the Saga of Erik the Red as a fearless warrior who fought off a bunch of Vinland natives all by herself — and while eight months pregnant at that.

    Like the aforementioned Erik, there was also a character named Freydis who appeared on History Channel’s Vikings, but the character appears to be similar in name only to the historical Freydis who will appear on Valhalla.

    Harald Sigurdsson

    Known to history as Harald Hardrada, the series’ official description of Harald Sigurdsson calls him “one of the last Viking berserkers.” Hailing from Viking nobility, Harald is described as a charismatic, ambitious, and handsome leader who unites both followers of Odin and Christians. He’s played by Sanditon actor Leo Suter.

    The historical Harald was an exiled mercenary, military commander in the Kievan Rus, and a leader of the Byzantine Varangian Guard in the years preceding his rule as King of Norway. He spent years unsuccessfully pursuing the Danish throne before invading England.

    While he initially enjoyed success in that campaign, Harald ultimately perished at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, where he was defeated by the English army led by King Harold Godwinson. Harald’s death is often pointed to by historians as the end of the Viking Age.

    King Canute

    The King of Denmark, the show calls Canute “a wise, savvy, and ruthless Viking leader” whose ambitions “will mold the course of history in the 11th century and make him a defining figure of the Viking age.” He’s played by Keeping Faith actor Bradley Freegard.

    The historical Canute conquered England, becoming its king in 1017. His reign would last nearly two decades and history remembers him as a generally wise and successful monarch. In addition to Denmark and England, Canute was also king of Norway and part of Sweden. He died in 1035.

    Olaf “The Holy” Haraldson

    Harald Sigurdsson’s older half-brother, Olaf is described by the show as “physically huge and ambitious … a stern and unforgiving Viking … [and] an ‘Old Testament’ Christian.” He’s portrayed by Jóhannes Jóhannesson (Bloodshot, Atomic Blonde).

    The historical Olaf is best known as Saint Olaf, the patron saint of Norway … but don’t let that fool you. Olaf was known for his brutality in enforcing the Christian faith although the extent of his reputation for bringing Catholicism to Norway is disputed now by historians. Olaf was slain at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1040 and posthumously canonized. His deeds are chronicled by Icelandic sagas and hagiographic sources.

    The most notable aspect of Olaf for Vikings fans is that he’s the great-great-grandson of the Norwegian king Harald Fairhair, who was portrayed in the original Vikings series by Peter Franzén.

    Emma of Normandy

    German model-actress Laura Berlin (Ruby Red) portrays this historical figure who is officially described by the show as being young, ambitious, politically astute, and “one of the wealthiest women in Europe.” Emma hails from the Norman court and is of Viking descent.

    The real Emma of Normandy was married to both Æthelred the Unready and Cnut (the aforementioned Canute), through which she became Queen of England, Denmark and Norway. She’s deemed one of the most important of the early Medieval English queens, with her story documented in The Encomium Emmæ Reginae. Emma’s political influence is said to have expanded during her marriage to Canute and she is believed to have also wielded much power during the reigns of her sons, Edward the Confessor and Harthacnut.

    Earl Godwin

    Vikings: Valhalla bills Earl Godwin, chief counselor to Canute, King of England, as the “ultimate survivor” whose “cunning ways get him far” from the political fringes he hails from. He’s played by David Oakes (The Borgias, The Pillars of the Earth).

    This character is based on Godwin of Wessex whose political fortunes rose quickly thanks to Canute (or Cnut), who made Godwin the first Earl of Wessex. He’s also the father of King Harold II, aka Harold Godwinson, who died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Earl Godwin died suddenly in 1053.

    Jarl Haakon

    Portrayed by Danish-Swedish actress-singer Caroline Henderson, Jarl Haakon is the ruler of Kattegat, one of the key settings in the original Vikings and which served as the seat of power for Ragnar Lothbrok and his family.

    Netflix’s official description of the character calls her a “great warrior and tolerant leader” who “rules Kattegat with a steady hand. Though Pagan, she has managed to keep Kattegat a city open to all faiths in a challenging time. She will become a powerful mentor to Freydis, who is drawn to her wisdom.”

    There’s speculation Jarl Haakon may be inspired by the historical figure Haakon Ericsson, who was Earl of Lade and governor of Norway.

    Queen Ælfgifu

    The first wife of Æthelred the Unready, King of the English, Netflix describes Ælfgifu as a calculating and ambitious political player who “uses her charm and guile to great effect as she promotes the interests of her Mercian homeland and tries to assert herself in Canute's growing power structure.” She’s portrayed by Pollyanna Mcintosh from The Walking Dead.

    The historical Queen Ælfgifu of Denmark was the mother of Edmund Ironside, King of England, and Æthelstan Ætheling among others. She’s believed to have died in 1002 AD.

    Jarl Kåre

    Jarl Kåre, played by Asbjørn Krogh Nissen, is vaguely described by Netflix as a character who “presents a threat to the old pagan ways.” As of now, there’s no evidence that Kåre is based on any particular historical figure from Viking history.

    William the Conqueror

    Although not part of Netflix’s official casting announcement for Vikings, this famous Viking who led the Norman conquest of England, culminating in his history at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, has been officially announced as being one of the characters of the show.

    It should be noted that William the Conqueror is a direct descendant of Rollo, Ragnar’s brother on the original Vikings (played by Clive Standen). Considering William the Conqueror is the one who definitively vanquished the Anglo-Saxons, established the Norman rule, and their lasting impact on the evolution of England, it would stand to reason William the Conqueror probably won’t appear on Vikings: Valhalla until it’s close to the end of its run.

    For more on Vikings: Valhalla, discover why it will be on Netflix instead of History Channel, what was revealed at Comic-Con, and get the lowdown on the Vikings: Valhalla cast.

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    Cowboy Bebop: Who Are the Characters in the Netflix Teaser?

    Posted on September 25, 2021 by Jesse Schedeen

    Thanks to Netflix's Tudum event, we've finally gotten our first look at the live-action Cowboy Bebop series. Netflix debuted the intro sequence for the show, one which sticks surprisingly close to the iconic anime version. But at the same time, this intro also offers glimpses of the various bounty hunters, gangsters and other cosmic riffraff who will be at the heart of the series. Even Mad Pierrot is showing up for Season 1.

    Don't worry if you've never seen the anime or are having trouble placing these characters. Let's break down the new footage, along with some of the new images Netflix released, to see which Cowboy Bebop favorites will be appearing in Season 1. And while we're at it, there's one character who's conspicuous by their absence.

    John Cho as Spike Spiegel

    Cho stars as Spike Spiegel, a bounty hunter and martial arts whiz with a dark, tragic past as a member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate.

    Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black

    Jet is Spike's partner and the captain of the good ship Bebop. Jet was once a cop before pivoting to the bounty hunting life, and his cybernetic arm hints at the scars he carries.

    Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine

    Faye makes her debut early in the anime, quickly joining a reluctant Spike and Jet. Like her new partners, Faye has a tragic back-story, and a massive debt hanging over her head to boot.

    Alex Hassell as Vicious

    Vicious is ostensibly the main villain of Cowboy Bebop. Formerly a close friend of Spike, he's no a high-ranking member of the Red Dragon who will stop at nothing to settle old scores.

    Interestingly, one of the shots in the intro recreates an iconic moment from "Ballad of Fallen Angels," showing just how closely the new series will follow the source material at times.

    Ann Truong and Hoa Xuande as Shin and Lin

    One shot from the intro shows Vicious will again be accompanied by Shin and Lin, his twin enforcers in the Red Dragon.

    Elena Satine as Julia

    Julia is another relic of Spike's past. This former lover returns at a dangerous time and puts the seemingly carefree Spike on a collision course with his past.

    Tamara Tunie as Ana

    Ana is the owner of a jazz club on Mars, and she's about the closest thing Spike has to a mother in this solar system.

    Mason Alexander Park as Gren

    Gren is a singer who works in Ana's club. They also have a bloody history with Vicious and play a key role in Spike's search for Julia. Gren has been reimagined as a nonbinary character for the live-action series.

    Asimov and Katerina

    Asimov and Katerina are a couple who figure prominently in the first episode of the anime, and it appears the live-action series will be adapting that storyline. These two are on the run after Asimov betrays his gang and steals vials of a dangerous super-drug. Thy could either be a badly needed payday for the Bebop crew or simply another source of misery.

    Abdul Hakim

    Abdul is introduced in the second episode of the anime. Spike and Jet set out to bring Abdul to justice when he steals a valuable lab animal. That animal is none other than…

    A Very Good Boy as Ein

    Ein is a seemingly ordinary Welsh Corgi who has been given extremely high intelligence. He becomes a permanent resident on the Bebop after the Abdul Hakim assignment goes bad.

    Mad Pierrot Tongpu

    Mad Pierrot is a failed attempt at creating the ultimate super-soldier assassin. While practically indestructible, his mind was warped by the process, turning him into a clown-like figure with the mind of a child.

    Punch and Judy

    Punch and Judy play a small, recurring role over the course of the anime. This comedic duo host Big Shots, a TV show that advertises all the new fugitives with bounties on their heads.

    Where's Ed?

    One major Cowboy Bebop character is conspicuously absent in these new materials. Notorious, underage computer hacker Ed (or Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivruski IV, if you're feeling fancy) is the fourth pillar of the series, and quickly becomes BFFs with Ein after joining the Bebop crew. Netflix has confirmed Ed will appear in the series, but the character's complete absence suggests they either won't be popping up in Season 1, or will be drastically re-imagined when they do.

    We've previously seen very little of the live-action show, aside from some first-look images and a series of stunning tie-in comic book covers. While it adapts the original anime, showrunner André Nemec has made clear that this will be an "expansion to the canon", not exactly the same story.

    Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

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