Tom Holland Names His Spider-Man Successor, and It's Miles Morales

Dave Bautista in Talks to Play Kratos as Amazon's God of War Recasts Its Lead

Amazon's God of War series is getting a new Kratos, and it might be the exact actor fans have been calling for since day one. On this quick-hit episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank breaks down the report that Dave Bautista is in talks to replace Ryan Hurst as the God of War in Amazon MGM's live-action adaptation of the PlayStation franchise. The recast follows Ryan Hurst's on-set injury, a torn bicep suffered during a stunt that required surgery and a recovery window long enough to push Amazon and Sony toward finding a new lead rather than delaying the two-season production. Frank shares why he sees Bautista as a genuine upgrade for the role: the actor is already physically primed coming off his Highlander villain role, his pro-wrestling background makes the Spartan warrior's size an easy fit, and Frank has been a longtime fan of the guy across the board. Frank keeps plenty of respect in the room for Hurst while making the case that Bautista's build, screen presence, and existing relationship with Amazon line up almost perfectly with an older, grizzled Kratos. Nothing is signed yet, so this one stays in the "watch this space" column until the deal closes. * 0:00 Dave Bautista in talks to replace Ryan Hurst as Kratos * 0:04 Why Frank calls this recast an upgrade * 0:11 The Highlander factor and Bautista's built-in bulk * 0:18 Respect for Ryan Hurst and the case for Bautista * 0:24 Deal not final yet, more to come * 0:28 Sign-off * Dave Bautista is in negotiations to play Kratos in Amazon's God of War series, stepping in for Ryan Hurst. * Hurst exited the role after tearing his bicep in an on-set stunt, an injury serious enough to force a recast instead of a production delay. * Bautista's wrestling career and physical frame make him a natural fit for the size and presence the role demands. * He is coming off a physically demanding Highlander role, so the bulk is already there to carry over. * The deal is not locked. Talks are ongoing, and Frank will share the confirmation the moment it lands. * "Personally, I think this is a bit of an upgrade." * "He's coming off of Highlander, so he's already bulked up for a role. He could use that in God of War." * "Ryan Hurst is great, I like Reiners, I just think Batiste is even better fit." * "As soon as I know, I'll make sure to share it." If you want geek headlines like this in your feed every week, follow and subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines on your podcast app of choice. Leaving a quick rating and review helps more geeks find the show, and it takes about ten seconds. Share this episode with the God of War fan in your life using #GodOfWar and let the timeline argue about the casting. Do you think Bautista is the right call for Kratos, or should Amazon have waited for Hurst to heal up? Send in your questions and hot takes for a future episode. We read them on the show. All the headlines start at GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com]. * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] * Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast [https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast] * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast [https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast] God of War, Dave Bautista, Kratos, Ryan Hurst, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon MGM, video game adaptation, PlayStation, God of War series, Kratos casting, geek news, pop culture, gaming news, TV news, casting news, Guardians of the Galaxy, Highlander, Sony Pictures Television, Ronald D Moore, Geek Freaks, Geek Freaks Headlines TimestampsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesSubscribe, Review, ShareGot a Take?Our News SourceFollow UsApple Podcast Tags

Tom Holland Names His Spider-Man Successor, and It's Miles Morales

Tom Holland just said the quiet part out loud on the Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour, and it changes how we should think about the future of the MCU's web-slinger. Speaking to the AP, Holland confirmed that a plan to pass the baton is already in place, and it points to Miles Morales rather than another rebooted Peter Parker in the mold of Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield. In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down exactly what Holland said, why he wants to mentor the next Spider-Man the way Robert Downey Jr. once mentored him, and what it means that he also wants to keep playing Peter Parker for as long as Marvel will have him. That combination sets up something the movies have never fully committed to before: an adult Peter Parker acting as a mentor and possible leader in the MCU, with Miles Morales stepping into the suit as the fresh face. We also get into the big fan question hanging over all of this. With Beyond the Spider-Verse wrapping the animated Spider-Verse trilogy, the door is opening for Miles to cross into live action. Could Avengers: Secret Wars be the moment he arrives? We make the case for why that timing fits. * 0:00 Tom Holland Names Miles Morales as His Successor * 0:14 Holland Wants to Mentor the Next Spider-Man * 0:22 Holland's Full Quote on His Ambitions for the Character * 0:44 He Also Wants to Keep Playing Peter Parker * 0:58 What This Plan Means: An Adult Peter as Mentor and Leader * 1:14 Will Miles Debut in Secret Wars? * Tom Holland says the plan to pass the Spider-Man mantle is already in place, and it leads to Miles Morales rather than a new teenage Peter Parker. * Holland wants to shepherd the next actor into the role the same way Robert Downey Jr. guided him into the MCU. * He also wants to keep playing Peter Parker as long as Marvel will have him, which opens the door to an adult Peter mentoring Miles on screen. * This would break the pattern of recasting a younger Peter and repeating the high school years, which fans have seen twice already. * With the animated Spider-Verse trilogy wrapping up, the path clears for Miles Morales to move into live action alongside Holland's Peter. * Secret Wars is shaping up as a natural entry point for Miles, and it would be a fitting stage for his arrival. Tom Holland on his goal for the character: "I have a desire to bring Miles Morales to the screen and to shepherd whoever the lucky young kid is that gets that job, in the way that Robert Downey Jr. did for me. I think that would be a really awesome way to end my tenure as Spider-Man." Frank's take: "I personally feel like it's about damn time we get Miles Morales in live action." Do you think the MCU is ready for Miles Morales? Should Holland keep the suit while Miles suits up too, or is it time for a full handoff? And do you want to see Miles debut in Secret Wars? Send us your questions and hot takes, we read them on the show. * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] * Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast [https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast] * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast [https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast] Get all our latest geek news at GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com], our home base for everything comics, film, TV, and gaming. If you enjoyed this one, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Leave us a rating and review to help more geeks find the show, and share this episode with a friend who has been waiting years to see Miles Morales in live action. Tag your posts with #MilesMorales #SpiderMan #BrandNewDay so we can join the conversation. TimestampsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesJoin the ConversationFollow Geek Freaks HeadlinesSupport the Show

God of War Season 2 Recasts Atreus and Thrud: Time Jump Confirmed and Filming Restarts in October

Amazon Prime Video's God of War series is shaking up its cast again, and this time it's by design. On this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank breaks down the report (via Polygon) that Atreus and Thrud are being recast for Season 2. The Season 2 casting call lists "Joshua" and "Ruth," the same codenames used for these characters in Season 1, but with the age range pushed up to 17 when it previously topped out at 12. Frank explains what that age bump signals: the show is doing a time jump between seasons, just like the games did, and rather than letting the young actors grow into the older roles, production is simply casting new performers. It also points to a clear structure for the series: one game per season. Season 1 covers the first game, Season 2 moves into the sequel, no stretching a single game across multiple years of TV. Plus, the Kratos situation is still unresolved after Ryan Hurst's injury, but there's good news on the production front: cameras roll again in October. * 00:00 Casting update: Atreus and Thrud recast for Season 2, per Polygon * 00:24 Why the recast points to a time jump, new actors instead of aging up, and the "one game per season" structure * 00:38 Kratos still uncast after Ryan Hurst's injury, filming resumes in October * Atreus and Thrud are being recast for God of War Season 2 * The Season 2 casting call uses the Season 1 codenames "Joshua" (Atreus) and "Ruth" (Thrud) * The listed age range now goes up to 17, where it previously topped out at 12 * The jump points to a time skip between seasons, matching the gap between the two games * Production is casting new actors rather than letting the current young cast age into the roles * The series looks set to do one game per season: Season 1 for the first game, Season 2 for the sequel * Kratos still needs to be recast following Ryan Hurst's injury * Filming resumes in October after a pause tied to that injury * "Atreus and Thrud are both being recast." * "Instead of letting the actors age up, they're just going to be casting new ones." * "Season one, game one. Season two, game two." * "It looks like it's full steam ahead for filming on this." If you like your geek news fast and to the point, hit subscribe so you never miss a Geek Freaks Headlines drop. Leave us a rating and review to help more geeks find the show, and share this episode with the God of War fan in your life using #GeekFreaksHeadlines. Full story and more geek news: https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com] * Website: GeekFreaksPodcast.com * Handle: @franklourence79 * Email: thegeekfreakspodcast@gmail.com [thegeekfreakspodcast@gmail.com] Have a take on the God of War recasts, or a story you want covered on a future episode? Send it our way and we might read it on the show. Drop it in the comments or email thegeekfreakspodcast@gmail.com [thegeekfreakspodcast@gmail.com]. God of War, God of War TV show, Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video, Atreus, Thrud, Kratos, Ryan Hurst, God of War Ragnarok, Santa Monica Studio, video game adaptation, geek news, gaming news, entertainment news, casting news, Geek Freaks, Geek Freaks Headlines, pop culture, TV news, Norse mythology TimestampsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall to ActionSourceFollow UsGot a Question?Apple Podcast Tags

Amazon Greenlights a Warhammer 40K Animated Series and Henry Cavill Is Producing

Amazon is going all in on Warhammer 40K. On this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, Frank breaks down the newly greenlit animated series now in development alongside the previously announced live action project, with Henry Cavill producing both. The animated show expands directly off the standout Secret Level episode from 2024, the 4K entry that became a breakout hit and left fans wanting more. Frank digs into the creative team assembling behind the project. Blur Studio, the team behind Secret Level, is handling the animation. Games Workshop is involved to keep the lore locked in. Director Dave Wilson is back, and he is co-writing with Jon Orloff, whose credits include Band of Brothers. Frank also shares a personal angle: a friend is deep in the 40K universe right now, feeding him the cliff notes so he can keep up without reading every book on the shelf. The through line of the whole conversation is simple. Henry Cavill has personally made it his mission to keep Warhammer 40K in the cultural conversation, and it is paying off for fans. * 0:00 Amazon greenlights a Warhammer 40K animated series * 0:20 The creative team: Blur Studio, Games Workshop, Dave Wilson, and Jon Orloff * 0:35 Getting up to speed on 40K through a friend's cliff notes * 0:45 Why Henry Cavill deserves the credit for keeping 40K in the zeitgeist * 0:55 What are you most hyped for? Frank wants to hear from you * Amazon has greenlit a Warhammer 40K animated series, now in development alongside the live action project. * Henry Cavill is producing both the animated and live action projects. * The animated series expands off the 2024 Secret Level episode, which was a 4K breakout hit. * Blur Studio, the studio behind Secret Level, is handling the animation. * Games Workshop is directly involved to keep the lore consistent. * Director Dave Wilson returns and is co-writing with Jon Orloff of Band of Brothers. * Henry Cavill's ongoing push is a major reason Warhammer 40K keeps landing in the mainstream spotlight. * "It is a great time to be a 40K fan." * "You all need to be thanking Henry Cavill, who just took it upon himself to make sure it is in the zeitgeist." * "I do not have time for all the 40K stuff that's out there, so he's giving me the cliff notes." Read the full story and more geek headlines at GeekFreaksPodcast.com [https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com]. * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast [https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast] * Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast [https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast] * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast [https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast] * Frank: @franklourence79 What part of the 40K universe are you most hyped for as the animated and live action projects come together? Drop your questions and hot takes and we may read them on a future episode of Geek Freaks Headlines. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a rating and review to help more geeks find the show, and share it with a friend using #GeekFreaksHeadlines. Warhammer 40K, Warhammer, Amazon, Henry Cavill, animated series, Secret Level, Blur Studio, Games Workshop, Dave Wilson, Jon Orloff, geek news, geek culture, tabletop, sci fi, Geek Freaks, Geek Freaks Headlines, pop culture news, streaming, Prime Video, fandom TimestampsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesWhere to Get Your NewsFollow UsJoin the ConversationSupport the ShowApple Podcast Tags

Nettles Explained: How House of the Dragon Replaced a Fan-Favorite Character With Rhaena

House of the Dragon Season 3 just made one of its biggest departures yet from George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, cutting the fan-favorite dragonseed Nettles entirely and folding her role into Rhaena Targaryen. In this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down who Nettles is in the books, how she claims the wild dragon Sheepstealer, her complicated relationship with Daemon Targaryen, and why showrunner Ryan Condal chose to merge her arc with Rhaena's instead of adapting her directly. We also dig into what this change means for Daemon's redemption arc going forward, and whether the show just skipped past some of the richest material in the source text. **Timestamps** - 0:00 Intro, the big change to House of the Dragon - 0:12 Who is Nettles in the books - 0:28 The showrunner's reasoning for replacing her with Rhaena - 0:49 The Battle of the Gullet aftermath - 1:03 Daemon takes Nettles in as a companion - 1:26 Rhaenyra's paranoia and the hit on Nettles - 1:48 Nettles' fate in the Vale - 2:20 What this means for Daemon's redemption arc - 2:36 Final thoughts and wrap up **Key Takeaways** - Nettles is a lowborn dragonseed who claims the wild dragon Sheepstealer by feeding it dead sheep daily until it trusts her - Showrunner Ryan Condal chose to give her arc to Rhaena Targaryen to keep the story centered on the Targaryen family - Unlike Rhaena in the show, book Nettles was not responsible for Jace's death and fought valiantly in the Battle of the Gullet - Daemon takes Nettles in afterward, teaching her the ways of court, and the book leaves it ambiguous whether their bond is romantic or fatherly - Rhaenyra grows paranoid and puts a bounty on Nettles, forcing Daemon to help her flee - The show's choice to skip this material may cost us the redemption arc for Daemon that the book's ending sets up **Memorable Quotes** "She's a fighter, you know, she grew up tough. She claims Sheepstealer by feeding him dead sheep every day until the dragon trusts her." "Nettles is a great character I think really deserved to be in the show, but I understand making Rhaena more substantial." "He has not been a good dad. He's a terrible dad." **Got Thoughts on This Change?** Do you think replacing Nettles with Rhaena was the right call, or should HBO have found a way to keep both characters? Send us your take, we want to hear it. **Follow Geek Freaks Podcast** Website (our news source) https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Twitter @franklourence79 **Subscribe and Share** If you enjoyed this breakdown, subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines wherever you get your podcasts, leave us a review, and share this episode with a fellow House of the Dragon fan using #HouseOfTheDragon. **Apple Podcast Tags** House of the Dragon, Nettles, Rhaena Targaryen, Fire and Blood, Daemon Targaryen, HBO, Season 3, Sheepstealer, Battle of the Gullet, Jace death, Game of Thrones, book to screen adaptation