Sony Pictures and filmmaker Zach Cregger are gearing up for a chilling revival of the Resident Evil franchise, with Euphoria star Austin Abrams emerging as the frontrunner for the lead role.

Cregger, best known for his breakout horror hit Barbarian, has penned the script and is set to direct the upcoming film. The reboot is expected to steer the franchise deeper into horror, moving away from its previous action-heavy adaptations. Co-written by Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 4, Army of the Dead), the film is rumored to blend horror with elements of a wilderness survival thriller.

Sony is wasting no time, planning a summer shoot in Europe, with Cregger already scouting locations. The project is backed by Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions, with key producers including Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee (Barbarian), and Miri Yoon (Weapons).

If cast, Resident Evil would reunite Abrams with Cregger, as the actor also stars in the upcoming horror ensemble Weapons alongside Josh Brolin and Julia Garner. Abrams, known for roles in The Walking Dead, This Is Us, and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, has been steadily climbing Hollywood’s ranks. His latest project, Wolfs, an Apple TV action comedy starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, further cements his versatility.

Unlike past Resident Evil films, this reboot aims to deliver a darker, more terrifying experience, staying true to the survival horror roots of the original Capcom video games. With a promising cast and a visionary horror director at the helm, this new iteration could redefine the franchise.

Amazon is reportedly in discussions to bring on heavyweight producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal to oversee the future of the James Bond franchise under its studio, MGM. This strategic move marks a significant shift in Amazon’s approach to revitalizing the legendary spy series.

Hollywood Powerhouses Set to Lead Bond’s New Era

According to reports first published by Puck, senior Amazon-MGM executives, including Mike Hopkins, Jen Salke, and Courtenay Valenti, have identified Heyman and Pascal as the ideal candidates to steer the franchise forward. Negotiations with both producers are currently underway.

Heyman, best known for producing all eight Harry Potter films and the Fantastic Beasts series, has an impressive track record of adapting major intellectual properties into blockbuster successes. His portfolio also includes critically acclaimed films like Marriage Story, White Noise, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and 2023’s smash hit Barbie.

Pascal, a former chair of Sony Pictures, was instrumental in the production of Bond films such as Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall. After her departure from Sony following the infamous email hack, Pascal successfully rebooted the Spider-Man franchise with Tom Holland and spearheaded the Spider-verse animated films. She is currently producing Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia adaptation.

Amazon’s Billion-Dollar Bond Play

Amazon made waves in Hollywood by acquiring the rights to the James Bond franchise in a landmark deal worth over $1 billion. This acquisition effectively gave Amazon creative control over the future of the series, previously helmed by longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Following the deal, Amazon executive chair Jeff Bezos publicly sparked speculation about the next James Bond, asking fans on social media, “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”

What This Means for the Future of James Bond

The potential appointment of Heyman and Pascal suggests a bold new direction for the franchise, possibly expanding its storytelling approach beyond traditional films. Industry insiders speculate that Amazon could explore spin-offs, prequels, or even a high-budget Bond television series for its Prime Video platform.

With two of Hollywood’s most accomplished producers at the helm, Amazon is poised to reinvent 007 for a new generation. Fans and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see how this iconic franchise evolves under its new leadership.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, originally from Needham, Massachusetts, has safely returned to Earth after an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially planned as a brief eight-day mission, Williams’ stay was prolonged to over nine months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Williams launched to the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner for its first crewed test flight. The mission, intended to last approximately one week, encountered unforeseen challenges when propulsion system malfunctions were identified in the Starliner capsule. These issues necessitated an extended stay on the ISS to ensure astronaut safety and mission integrity.

During her 286-day tenure on the ISS, Williams participated in over 150 scientific experiments and conducted multiple spacewalks, contributing significantly to ongoing space research. Her prolonged presence aboard the station underscored the adaptability and resilience required in human spaceflight.

On March 18, 2025, Williams, along with fellow astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, returned to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. The spacecraft safely splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida after a 17-hour journey from the ISS. Notably, the capsule’s landing was accompanied by a pod of dolphins, adding a unique touch to the return.

Extended exposure to microgravity environments poses challenges to human physiology, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and fluid redistribution. Williams is expected to undergo a comprehensive 45-day rehabilitation program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. This regimen will focus on physical therapy to counteract the effects of prolonged weightlessness and facilitate her readjustment to Earth’s gravity.

Williams’ return was celebrated not only in the United States but also in her ancestral village of Jhulasan in Gujarat, India. The community expressed immense pride in her achievements, highlighting her role as an inspiration across both nations.

Following her rehabilitation, Williams is anticipated to engage in debriefings and share insights from her extended mission. Her experiences will contribute to future long-duration spaceflight planning and the ongoing pursuit of deep space exploration.

Sunita Williams’ journey exemplifies dedication and adaptability, reinforcing her status as a trailblazer in human space exploration.