Hollywood’s serving up quite the double feature as we roll into 2025, darlings — and this time, it’s a delightfully odd couple stealing the spotlight. Who’d have thought a mischievous sheep and a sprawling space saga would be the talk of the town?
Let’s dish about Aardman’s latest creation first. Those brilliant minds behind Wallace & Gromit are cooking up something wickedly fun with “Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.” (And honestly, could that title be any more perfect?) This Halloween-themed romp marks Shaun’s third big-screen adventure, and from what Sarah Cox — Aardman’s chief creative director — has been teasing, we’re in for a treat. Think smashed pumpkins, mad science gone hilariously wrong, and a mysterious hairy beast causing chaos.
The plot? Well, it’s absolutely delicious. Our woolly hero apparently decides to channel his inner Dr. Frankenstein after the bumbling farmer (bless his heart) destroys the farm’s pumpkin patch. Classic Aardman — taking something simple and spinning it into pure gold.
But hold onto your popcorn, because that’s just the appetizer. Apple TV+ is finally — finally! — bringing us Season 3 of “Foundation.” After keeping us waiting since what feels like the dawn of time (or at least since early 2023), they’ve blessed us with a July 11 premiere date. And darling, the wait might actually be worth it.
This season’s taking quite the temporal leap — we’re talking 152 years after Season 2’s events. The Foundation’s gone from scrappy underdog to major player, while those fabulous Cleons aren’t quite as mighty as they used to be. Just when these frenemies decide to play nice, in struts “The Mule” — think of him as a mind-controlling warlord with universal domination on his vision board. Subtle, right?
The casting department deserves a round of applause (and maybe a stiff drink). They’ve managed to snag Emmy-winner Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, and — in what might be the most inspired casting choice since, well, ever — Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur. They’ll be joining Lee Pace and Jared Harris, who continue serving us space royalty realness with every scene.
What’s fascinating about these simultaneous announcements is how they showcase the industry’s evolution. Shaun the Sheep, who first charmed us back in ’95, has become such a phenomenon that there’s literally a theme park dedicated to him in Japan. (No, seriously — look it up!) Meanwhile, “Foundation” is proving that proper sci-fi doesn’t need laser battles every five minutes to keep viewers hooked.
Speaking of success stories, Aardman’s still riding high from “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” which not only dominated the holiday ratings but snagged two BAFTAs. Their decision to embrace spooky season — something they absolutely nailed with “Were-Rabbit” — shows they know exactly how to keep their audience coming back for more.
Whether you’re in the mood for stop-motion shenanigans or space opera sophistication, 2025’s shaping up to deliver some seriously compelling entertainment. From wooly adventures to galactic drama, it’s clear Hollywood’s determined to keep us glued to our screens — and honestly? We’re not mad about it.
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