Geek Freaks Headlines

God of War Series Casts Atreus: Callum Vinson Joins Ryan Hurst as Kratos

In this quick Geek Freaks Headlines update, we talk about the casting of Atreus for the upcoming live-action God of War series and why his age matters for the character’s story. Frank also highlights Callum Vinson’s recent run of roles (including horror) and shares a bit of personal preference on which version of Atreus he hopes the show builds toward. You’ll also hear why the broader casting has him feeling confident, and he throws it to you for your take before the next Game Fix. * 00:00 Atreus casting news for the God of War series * 00:08 Why Callum Vinson is a familiar face (recent roles and what’s next) * 00:19 The age question: does this Atreus fit the best story arc? * 00:32 Big-picture confidence in the cast (including Kratos) * 00:38 Listener prompt: your thoughts on the Atreus casting * Atreus has officially been cast, and it’s already sparking debate about what era of the games the adaptation is aiming for. * Frank’s biggest concern is whether a younger Atreus can fully sell the coming-of-age push and pull that defines the character’s best moments. * Callum Vinson’s momentum is worth noting, especially with his work in genre projects. * Even with questions about Atreus’ age, the overall casting has Frank feeling optimistic about the direction of the series. * “My favorite version of Atreus is from the second game when he’s a little bit older.” * “That coming of age push pull with your dad…” * “In the end of the day, I have to look at the casting of the whole and they have been killing it…” If you enjoyed the update, subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a review, and share the episode with #GeekFreaksHeadlines so more fans can jump into the conversation. GeekFreaksPodcast.com (source of all news discussed on our shows) Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Instagram: instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast Twitter: twitter.com/geekfreakspod Threads: threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast What do you think about Callum Vinson playing Atreus? Are you hoping the adaptation starts with a younger Atreus, or do you want the story to skew a bit older sooner? Sources: Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter , The Verge , Deadline (Crystal Lake casting) , Transcript Apple Podcast Tags: God of War, Prime Video, Callum Vinson, Atreus, Kratos, Ryan Hurst, PlayStation Productions, Video Game Adaptations, Friday the 13th, Crystal Lake, Geek Freaks Headline

Eragon Is Moving Forward at Disney+ With Showrunners Todd Harthan and Todd Helbing

The Geek Freaks Headlines host breaks down the latest update on the Eragon TV adaptation: Disney+ has officially tapped two showrunners, Todd Harthan and Todd Helbing. You’ll get quick background on both, why their track records matter, and what the next phase of development likely looks like as the series moves toward casting and production. * 00:00 The Eragon series update: two showrunners have been chosen * 00:06 Who Todd Harthan is, plus his past work on High Potential and The Resident * 00:16 Who Todd Helbing is, including Superman & Lois and The Flash * 00:31 Why this hire matters, and what it suggests about Disney’s seriousness with the adaptation * 00:46 What to watch for next: casting, development progress, and early expectations * 00:51 Closing thoughts * Eragon is still early in development, but naming showrunners is a meaningful step forward. * Todd Harthan brings network TV experience and a steady hand from series like The Resident. * Todd Helbing has genre TV experience, especially with long-running effects-heavy shows like The Flash. * The pairing hints at a practical, sustainability-focused approach: making the budget work, keeping the story moving, and planning for multiple seasons. * The next big milestone is casting, which will give fans the clearest signal yet on tone and direction. * The host frames this as part of a bigger need for Disney+ to widen its lineup beyond Marvel Studios and Star Wars releases. * There’s a clear hope that the series can deliver an adaptation people embrace after the mixed reputation of Eragon. * “What’s it all about? Longevity.” * “Using the special effects budget wisely…” * “Now we actually have showrunners.” * “Next is going to be casting and all that.” * “Try to do better than the 2006 movie…” If you enjoyed the update, subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a review, and share the episode with #GeekFreaksHeadlines. It helps more fans find the show. All news discussed on the show is sourced through Geek Freaks Podcast (our news hub). * Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast * Twitter: @geekfreakspod * Threads: @geekfreakspodcast * Facebook: The Geek Freaks Podcast * Patreon: Geek Freaks Podcast Got thoughts on the Eragon adaptation, casting hopes, or what you want from the world of Alagaësia on TV? Send your questions or topic suggestions through our socials, and we may cover them in a future episode. Transcript , https://geekfreakspodcast.com/ [https://geekfreakspodcast.com/] Eragon, Disney Plus, Disney+, Fantasy TV, Book Adaptation, YA Fantasy, Alagaesia, Todd Harthan, Todd Helbing, High Potential, The Resident, Superman & Lois, The Flash, Geek News, TV Development, Casting Updates Timestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener QuestionsSources

House of the Dead Is Coming Back: Sega’s Real-Time Zombie Movie Plan

On this episode of Geek Freaks Headlines, we break down Sega’s next video game-to-movie swing: a new House of the Dead film. We cover why Sega is calling it a priority after the success of the Sonic movies, the early details around Isabela Merced starring and executive producing, and what it could mean that Paul W.S. Anderson is directing. The big hook is the “real-time” approach, and we talk through why that could actually fit the frantic, arcade-style energy of the original 1997 game, plus what it might signal for a new wave of zombie movies. * 00:00 – Sega’s new House of the Dead movie push and why it’s a “priority” * 00:08 – Isabela Merced attached as lead and executive producer * 00:14 – Paul W.S. Anderson directing and what that suggests for tone * 00:14 – The “real-time” pitch and why it could work for this franchise * 00:27 – The game’s arcade legacy, the chaos factor, and the pressure-cooker vibe * 00:42 – The old House of the Dead movie flopped, plus the bigger zombie-movie moment * 00:51 – Wrap-up and weekend sendoff * Sega is treating House of the Dead as a major film priority, likely fueled by how well game adaptations have been performing lately. * Isabela Merced being both the lead and an executive producer is a meaningful signal that she’s closely involved in shaping the project. * Paul W.S. Anderson is a very specific kind of fit for this material, which can be exciting or worrying depending on your tolerance for his style. * The “events in real time” concept is the most interesting creative angle so far, especially for a story built around constant pressure and momentum. * The original game’s identity is more “panic and pace” than deep lore, so a two-hour, continuous survival scenario could be the smartest way to translate it. * Between this and fresh Resident Evil momentum, we might be heading into another era where zombie stories get a big studio push again. * “The pitch is that this movie is going to be immersive. They’re going to show the events in real time.” * “If you are watching a movie that is, say, two hours and it’s actually a two hour slice of a zombie invasion, maybe that anxiety will play a part in it.” * “It didn’t make a House of the Dead movie back in the day. It was a flop.” If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a rating and review, and share the show with a friend who loves game and movie news. Post your thoughts using #GeekFreaksHeadlines. News source for everything we discuss: GeekFreaksPodcast.com * Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast * Twitter: @geekfreakspod * Threads: @geekfreakspodcast * Facebook: Geek Freaks Podcast * Patreon: GeekFreakspodcast Send in your questions, theories, or topics you want covered on a future episode. If it’s about upcoming adaptations, casting rumors, or what’s next for big franchises, we’ll add it to the queue. Sources: Video game movies, Sega, The House of the Dead, House of the Dead movie, Isabela Merced, Paul W.S. Anderson, Sonic the Hedgehog, Resident Evil, zombie movies, arcade games, horror movies, video game adaptations, film news Timestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener Questions

Baldur’s Gate Heads to HBO: Craig Mazin Showruns a Post-BG3 Continuation

HBO is developing a Baldur’s Gate TV series with Craig Mazin (The Last of Us) attached, and the big twist is that it’s being described as a follow-up to Baldur’s Gate 3, not a straight adaptation. I break down why that’s both exciting and risky, especially with Larian not involved, and how the show might handle the game’s multiple endings without instantly dividing the fanbase. We also talk about what to watch for next, like casting, the returning character question, and whether HBO leans into practical locations or goes heavy on CGI. 00:00 HBO developing Baldur’s Gate TV series with Craig Mazin attached 00:13 Larian not being involved and why that worries fans 00:13 The show is a continuation after Baldur’s Gate 3, using the wider D&D rule set 00:26 The canon problem: multiple endings and how the show might handle it 00:37 Optimism check: HBO + Hasbro money, plus The Last of Us as a recent success story 00:51 What to watch for next: casting, returning names, CGI vs on-location filming * HBO is developing a Baldur’s Gate series with Craig Mazin attached in a major creative role. * The show is framed as a follow-up set after Baldur’s Gate 3, not a retelling. * Larian not being involved is the biggest immediate red flag for a lot of fans. * The biggest storytelling challenge is picking (or avoiding) a canon ending in a game built around choice. * The next real “proof it’s happening” moment will be casting and visual approach (CGI-heavy vs real-world locations). * “If you play the game, you know there are multiple endings, so what is Craig going to pick as the canon ending… it’s a little risky.” * “We’re getting a D&D series with HBO and Hasbro money back in this thing… so while I’m cautious about this, I’m trying to stay optimistic.” If you enjoyed this breakdown, subscribe to Geek Freaks Headlines, leave a quick review, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksHeadlines. GeekFreaksPodcast.com (source for all news covered on the show) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod [https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod] Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast [https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast] Got thoughts on what ending should be “canon” for a Baldur’s Gate show, or which companion absolutely has to return? Send your questions and we’ll read our favorites on a future episode. Baldur’s Gate, Baldur’s Gate 3, HBO, Craig Mazin, The Last of Us, Dungeons & Dragons, Forgotten Realms, Larian Studios, Hasbro, Video Game TV Adaptations, Fantasy TV, Geek Culture News Timestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener QuestionsApple Podcast Tags

Matchbox The Movie Gets a Date: John Cena, Sam Hargrave, and Apple’s Next Big Action Swing

Apple’s latest project showcase put a surprising headline front and center: a live-action Matchbox movie. Frank breaks down the basics, including Cena playing a CIA agent who pulls his childhood friends into a globe-hopping mission, then explains why Hargrave’s action style has him more interested than he expected. He also compares the vibe to the bigger, wilder Fast and Furious era while hoping this one stays gritty and tactile, more in line with Hargrave’s work on Extraction and the kind of hard-hitting action Frank loves in Atomic Blonde. The big date to circle: it lands on Apple TV+ on October 9. * 00:00 Apple TV event highlights and the Matchbox announcement * 00:13 Plot setup, globe-trotting mission, and the Fast Five era comparison * 00:29 Why Hargrave’s style makes this one worth watching * 00:42 Action reference points and what Apple seems to be aiming for * 01:01 Release timing notes and listener reactions * Apple’s Matchbox movie is positioned as a global action-adventure with a “friends get pulled back in” hook. * Cena plays a CIA agent recruiting his childhood crew for a mission that escalates fast. * Frank’s interest rises mainly because Hargrave tends to make action feel more grounded and physical. * The vibe is compared to the bigger, later Fast and Furious style, but with hope for a grittier execution. * The current target is an Apple TV+ release on October 9, with theatrical details still unclear in the discussion. * “Yes, Matchbox. The toys that when your mom brought them home, you said they ran out of Hot Wheels.” * “The premise is Cena’s character recruits his childhood friends for a global mission.” * “He has a way of making these action movies a little bit more gritty, a little more tactile and real feeling.” * “Let me know. Did you guys have the Matchbox movie on your radar?” If you enjoyed the quick hit, subscribe to the show and leave a rating and review. Share this episode with #GeekFreaksHeadlines and help more movie and TV fans find the feed. GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source of all news discussed on the show. Facebook: @thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: @geekfreakspodcast Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast Twitter: @geekfreakspod Patreon: GeekFreakspodcast Got a topic you want covered on the next headline drop? Send it to us on Threads, Instagram, or Twitter, or drop it in the comments where you’re listening. TimestampsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall To ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener Questions