Spider-Man: Brand New Day Gives The MCU A Much-Needed Spark + Violent Night 2 Trailer (Interviews: Tommy Wirkola and Kelly McCormick)

On the August 5, 2026 episode of /Film Weekly, /Film editor Ben Pearson is joined by multiple people to talk about the latest film and TV news, dig into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, talk about the Violent Night 2 trailer, and present interviews with that movie’s director and producer.

(~00:18) News

• https://deadline.com/2026/08/paramount-warner-bros-trial-1237016438/
• https://www.slashfilm.com/2227987/samara-weaving-emma-frost-marvel-x-men-reboot-casting/
• https://www.slashfilm.com/2229048/marvel-x-men-reboot-cailee-spaeny-drew-starkey-rogue-cyclops-professor-x-casting/
• https://www.slashfilm.com/2228002/marvel-blade-star-mahershala-ali-movie-canceled/
• https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wonder-man-canceled-disney-plus-no-season-2-1236660321/
• https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/action-man-movie-in-the-works-from-hasbro-working-title-1236660406/
• https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/stephen-king-movie-desperation-in-the-works-sam-raimi-1236495430/
• https://variety.com/2026/film/news/barbie-2-margot-robbie-ryan-gosling-david-zaslav-1236825405/

(~04:38) Shout-out to the new Sing Street 4K release and VHS

(~06:51) Spider-Man: Brand New Day Review: Tom Holland's Best Outing Yet Puts The Marvel Hero Through The Wringer

(~42:18) Violent Night 2 Trailer Brings In Kristen Bell And A Big Sword To Save Santa Claus

(~49:22) Tommy Wirkola interview

(~01:00:16) Kelly McCormick interview

All the other stuff you need to know:

• You can find more about some of the stories we mentioned on today’s show at slashfilm.com, and linked in the show notes.
• You can subscribe to /Film Weekly onApple Podcasts,Overcast,Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
• Check outpatreon.com/popcultured to hear more from many of the folks you heard on this episode!
• Send your feedback, questions, comments, concerns, and mailbag topics to us at bpearson@slashfilm.com. Make sure to leave your name and general geographic location in case we mention your e-mail on the air.
• Don’t forget to take a minute to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - that helps us out a lot. And tell your friends about the show!

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy