Welcome to this week’s PUNCHLIST, where we round up the biggest news in nerd culture. It might be from the MCU, board gaming, D&D, and more. But whatever the news is this week, you can bet it will eventually separate you from your money.
7. Disney CEO Confirms October Release of The Mandalorian Season 2
COVID-19 has robbed us of much…but not this! Filming for The Mandalorian‘s second season apparently wrapped up prior to the pandemic, and a lot of the visual effects could be finalized from the artists’ homes.
+ More here: October 2020 Release for The Mandalorian, S2
6. DC Experience Massive Layoffs
Both the publishing and streaming arms of DC saw large numbers of employees, including EICs and VPs, let go this week. The acquisition by WarnerMedia and the prioritization of HBO Max didn’t help. DC Direct, their collectibles arm, was also closed down.
+ More here: DC Layoffs
5. Masters of the Universe Tabletop RPG Announced
Built utilizing the Cortex Prime rules system, the RPG will allow players to explore Eternia and its moons and features:
- A 250 page core rulebook
- Digital companion and tools
- A community content creation and sharing platform
- and organized play.
+ More here: Masters of the Universe RPG
4. D&D Dungeon Design Contest
Manticore Games announced the Design-a-Dungeon contest utilizing the new (and currently free) Core platform. Winners will split a $20,000 prize pool and have their creations played by the likes of Deborah Ann Woll and Jerry Holkins at PAX Online next month. Manticore Games is also donating $100 to Extra Life (up to $10,000) for every entry!
+ More here: Design-a-Dungeon Contest
3. John Carpenter to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
The legendary director of classics such as The Thing, Halloween, and Big Trouble in Little China is set to receive the Fantasia Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s virtual Fantasia International Film Festival, which runs from August 20 through September 2.
+ More here: John Carpenter Lifetime Achievement Award
2. New Mutants Holding on to Theatrical Release
Disney has let theaters know that they can begin selling tickets to New Mutants as early as next week. The film is still set to debut on August 28th. Here’s hoping!
+ More here: New Mutants Release Date
1. The MCU’s Next 10 Films Have Confirmed Directors
With Nia DaCosta officially confirmed for Captain Marvel 2, below is an infographic of the upcoming MCU films and directors, and here is our discussion of them, including Disney+ series.
Check back next Wednesday for more news for nerds. Better yet, scroll down just a few more inches and sign up for our newsletter, The Cable.
Tabletop Takeaways: Tips for Dungeon Masters with a Narrative Spin