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DUNE: PROPHECY Second Teaser Revealed Expanding On The Hit Sci-Fi Franchise For Max

Denis Villeneuve has been a godsend with his revival of Frank Herbert’s Dune for the big screen. I’m eagerly awaiting his third entry which was announced back in April, while fans of the reboot can now take a gander at another offering in the cinematic universe now heading to streaming platform Max with six-part drama, Dune: Prophecy, based on the 2012 follow-up novel to Herbert’s literary IP. From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. DUNE: PROPHECY is inspired by the novel SISTERHOOD OF DUNE, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The full cast includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie […]

Park Chan-Wook’s THE SYMPATHIZER Dares You To Pick A Face In The New Series Trailer

Lee B. Golden III

The newest trailer is out for 7-part HBO Original series drama, The Sympathizer, coming exclusively to streaming service Max on the evening of April 14. Of note is the casting led by Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, and Alan Trong, along with Emmy-winning actress Sandra Oh and the many, many faces of Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles in the show. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, THE SYMPATHIZER is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over. Park Chan-wook (Vengeance trilogy) and Don McKellar co-showrun and executive produce the series which also has Downey […]

Max Cancels WARRIOR. Here’s How We Can Save It!

Lee B. Golden III

Netflix has reportedly acquired martial arts drama Warrior for streaming in February 2024. The news comes by way of Deadline’s Rosy Cordero who also notes the show’s original platform, Max, has no plans to venture into a fourth season, and that all the actors have been released from their contracts. The show premiered in 2019 as a Cinemax Original, the latest evolution of a concept originally birthed by Bruce Lee, toplining actor Andrew Koji, who leads the series drama from Shannon Lee, Jonathan Tropper, and Justin Lin. Set in the late 1800s, the now three-season show chronicles the journey of Ah Sahm (Koji), a martial arts who quests to San Francisco where he finds himself wedged between the warring Tongs, and racial tumult within the mechanisms of the city’s political establishment, all while trying to reunite with his sister. Warrior moved to streamer Max for its third season launching back […]

Joe Taslim in WARRIOR (Credit: David Bloomer)

WARRIOR – Season 3, Episode 10 – Where We Go From Here

Kyle Wong

50 years ago, Bruce Lee left a legacy for the whole world. His philosophies, his films and his views on martial arts. Before “Kung Fu” was conceived, he pitched “Warrior” and the execs said the audience is not ready fora Chinese lead. Asians in media have dealt with playing the stereotypes and relegated to just jokes or offensive caricatures and still to this day. The world is still opening up and accepting films like “Infernal Affairs”, “Oldboy” and “Parasite.” Finally making “Crazy Rich Asians”, “Joyride”, “Gook”, “Minari” and winning best film for “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”. Asian representation… no representation does matter, our stories and our people have something to say and it’s time to be heard. It was a long 3 years, and here we are, the season 3 finale of “Warrior”. Our cold open starts with the first loose end, Mai Ling confronting Eliza for having her arrested. […]

WARRIOR – Season 3, Episode 9 – “The Harsh Reality of Who We Are”

Kyle Wong

When episode 8 ended, Lai infiltrated Strickland’s household. After dispatching Strickland’s guard Shaw, Lai faces off with the man himself in a swordfight. The aftermath has Nellie bringing the defeated Lai back to Ah Toy. Broken and fueled with rage, Nellie stands by Ah Toy, preparing to face off with Strickland themselves. Ah Sahm sees Yan Mi in private, showing her the new counterfeit bills that Young Jun’s men made. Fearful, he urges her to leave San Francisco which she pleads with him to follow. Young Jun learns that Father Jun’s condition is getting worse. The two have their words together as Father Jun urges Young Jun do what’s right, sharing their last moment as father and son. Leary learns about Strickland’s working practices, discovering that their deal is no longer valid. In retaliation, Leary has the Donahues destroy Strickland’s tracks. Strickland responds by having men fight Leary. With Atwood […]

WARRIOR – Season 3, Episode 8 – “Weddings are not for Everyone”

Kyle Wong

Weddings have different customs and traditions. In Chinese traditions, there is the tea ceremony and games are played for the groom to see the bride. These games range from the groom singing in humiliation, paying everyone with money and doing a ridiculous dance. Having your groomsmen beat you up with bo staffs and your best man fight you is something I’ve not heard of. The episode is written by Wang Chao himself: Hoon Lee and features no cold open. The Hop Wei, Ah Toy, and Chao attend Mai Ling and Li Yong’s wedding while Buckley is officially sworn in as mayor. The Long Zii elders speak with Li Yong to keep an eye out on Mai Ling, making him question what actually happened to Long Zii himself. Leary plans to get the Donahues out of jail but cannot avoid being arrested, the person he turns to is O’Hara. O’Hara goes […]

WARRIOR – Season 3, Episode 7 – How We Belong in This World

Kyle Wong

After bringing Father Jun back to Chinatown, he suffers from PTSD. Spouting his rivalry with Long Zii and giving Young Jun deeper worry among the deal with Mai Ling. Father Jun goes missing and Young Jun has the Hop Wei search for him, only to be returned by Li Yong. Young Jun sees this and what Ah Sahm has been doing as a sense of him losing trust. The Donahue brothers are caught by the police, arresting them for robbing a Chinese grocery store and witnessed by Zimo. Zimo and two others find another Irishman near Chinatown, beating him down as a message. Leary is called to bail out the Donahues but Atwood does not budge. Learning the way Atwood dispenses justice shakes him, putting the perspective into the Irish who threaten to enter Chinatown. Leary decides to settle it his way. Leary enters Chinatown alone to find Ah Sahm. […]

WARRIOR – Season 3, Episode 6 – There is No Future in People’s Ways

Kyle Wong

—NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED— A piece of history that happened after 1870’s, which the show is set in. The Chinese has ported into Germany during this time and have built their community. With WWII happening, the Chinese was unaffected unless their ideologies were brought to light. After Pearl Harbour, the Gestapo arrested Chinese Germans and Chinese nationals, putting them into concentration camps which led to torture, assault and slavery. I haven’t brought a piece of history to these reviews since Season 2, Episode 9. This episode had me searching for anything that could have brought some historical background but this is what I only found. Why did I bring up this type of history? Also in honor of Bruce Lee’s 50th Anniversary, it was good to see his daughter Shannon, finally having a role in the show, she helped put together. Bringing her father’s vision on the screen and […]

WARRIOR – Season 3: Episode 4 – Where Do We Belong in this World

Kyle Wong

Slight segue as I was watching this episode. “Joy Ride” just released and after watching it, it’s good to have representation but it dropped the ball on the storytelling. Last night after watching the film with a friend, he stated that one character should have been the main focus over the other because it was one Asian character instantly becoming friends with another Asian character. Something felt off and it was the instant that the one character came into an all white neighborhood. That made me realize that should have been the story. The character Lolo has a full Chinese family. They enter into the new neighborhood and a white family just adopted Audrey and want them to be friends. Before I go further, much respect to Adele Lim and the rest of the cast and crew for making the film, I don’t know what went on behind the scenes […]

WARRIOR – Season 3: Episode 3 – The Grass is Never Greener

Kyle Wong

The Hop Wei try to test out their new bills out with Happy Jack, successfully settling their debt with him, giving the Hop Wei the financial advantage they need. However Young Jun starts using the bills upon their own people in Chinatown with the intent of it spreading into the rest of the city to gain back more. Ah Sahm notices this, questioning Young Jun’s motives on leading the Hop Wei. Leading to the start of the dissolution as Ah Sahm starts forming a bond with Yan Mi while Hong starts falling for a Cabaret singer named Marcel. Lee agrees to Mosley’s offer, joining the Secret Service. The two show counterfeit bills to O’Hara and his men, and they plan on visiting Chao. Lee tries to get answers but Chao brushes him and Mosley off. Mai Ling is invited to a function held by Eliza Pendleton, putting her in the […]

WARRIOR – Season 3: Episode 2 – The World is Bigger than You Think

Kyle Wong

The episode starts with two of Greer’s men stopped by Secret service agents Mosley and Donaldson. Mosley asks the men to relinquish the contents on their wagon but the men engage in a firefight with Mosley surviving, finding the hideout along with the counterfeit bills. Mosley asks the surviving Greer’s men, who tells about Chao’s involvement. This leads Mosley into working out of the San Francisco’s police department, much to Atwood’s protest. Mosley knows about the Chinatown squad, looking for one officer to help… Lee. As Atwood cleans up the streets, Buckley’s campaign is suffering. Mayor elect Thayer is succeeding with the public, giving Buckley anxiety until he meets Catherine Archer. Showing her support and pointing him in the right direction to keep true in his campaign. After taking the printing press and failed attempts, Young Jun tasks Ah Sahm to find someone who will create the bills needed. He […]

WARRIOR – Season 3: Episode 1 Review – A Hard Hitting Return

Kyle Wong

On December 4th, 2020, it was the last time we saw Warrior grace our TV screens and we wanted more. Though Cinemax ceased all its original programming and the show was left in limbo. In January 2021, HBO Max picked up both seasons and streamed it for a new audience, even campaigning their support of the representation the series presents. In April 2021, Shannon Lee, the cast and crew announced they are back. With excitement and a victorious smile from the cast, crew and fans around the world, “Warrior” is coming back for season 3. In July 2022 to October 2022, filming started and completed with cast of old and new uniting to bring us what we have been waiting for. Let’s see if I can do this again. “Exactly the wrong time to get proud, now is the time to adapt or die.” – Wang Chao It’s been a […]

WARRIOR: Max Hits The Streets Of New York, San Fran and LA With AR-Imbued Murals To Promote Season Three

Lee B. Golden III

The first three episodes of Warrior finally arrived on Thursday to kick off the hotly anticipated season three. To relish in the occasion, streaming platform Max is partnering with a trio of multicultural artists to produce and promote an interactive experience using murals currently on display in three major cities: New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Each mural features an iconic image of the show’s original innovator, Bruce Lee, with select cast members on hand on Thursday for each unveiling. “Seeing Warrior return for our 3rd season during this 50th anniversary year for my father is just the ultimate celebration of his legacy.” Said Shannon Lee, Executive Producer on Max’s Warrior and president of the Bruce Lee Foundation. “I couldn’t be more proud of our show, our cast, our crew, and the impact our show continues to have and the entertainment it continues to serve up and celebrating through […]

WARRIOR Tests The Limits Of Peace In The Trailer For Season Three!

Lee B. Golden III

Back in March I attempted a lookback series of articles revisiting the hit Tong series drama, Warrior. The theme was Unsettled Scores, and while I never got around to finishing this mini column, the official series trailer is now here and clearly our mains have some axes to grind since season two. In the wake of the race riots that upended Chinatown in season two, Mai Ling uses her government connections to consolidate power, while Ah Sahm and the Hop Wei must find new ways to survive. June 29 can’t come fast enough. Boy oh boy!

WARRIOR: Enjoy This Behind-The-Scenes Fight Choreo Tease With Andrew Koji And Joe Taslim

Lee B. Golden III

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hitz International (@hitzinternational) I’m only leaving this here because I’m excited as all hell for the June 29 premiere of the third season of Warrior on Max. I also rarely share any behind-the-scenes stuff, and so given how long and hard fought this new season was to see going as efforted by the fans a few years ago and with the premiere just weeks away, I’m simply stoked. The teaser is already online which you can view here. Otherwise, check out Andrew Koji and Joe Taslim in a new Instagram post above rehearsing their long-awaited reunion in the martial arena come this summer.

WARRIOR Hints At Round Three For Andrew Koji And Joe Taslim In Season Three Teaser

Lee B. Golden III

In the wake of the race riots that upended Chinatown in season two, Mai Ling uses her government connections to consolidate power, while Ah Sahm and the Hop Wei must find new ways to survive. I actually started a little recap series about Warrior a month or so ago and wanted to continue but I ultimately got a bit overloaded with tasks and other work. The good news is that Season 3 now has a teaser ahead of two episode premiere on June 29, ripe with footage hinting at a third-round bout between Andrew Koji and Joe Taslim, as well as some returning and new faces in the mix, Olivia Cheng, Dean Jagger, Hoon Lee and Mark Dacascos to name a few. Check it out below, and sub to Max ahead of its May 23 launch! Lead image: David Bloomer/Max

MAX Series THE PENGUIN Lays Claim To Gotham In First Look Teaser For ‘The Batman’ Spin-Off

Lee B. Golden III

There are already murmurs circulating about the future of Batman following the Gunn/Safran DCU re-launch. As it stands though, the immediacy of things will sooner be revealed per The Penguin, the upcoming spin-off of Matt Reeves’ 2021 adaptation of The Batman with none other than Colin Farrell. The show now returns to the media promo marketplace of the interwebs with an in-production teaser highlighting several bits from the upcoming series. Reeves’ 6th & Idaho Productions and Dylan Clark’s Dylan Clark Productions are producing in association with Warner Bros. Television, with Reeves, Clark, and Farrell exec producing next to Lauren LeFranc, who writes and serves as showrunner, Craig Zobel, who directs the first three episodes, and Bill Carraro. 6th & Idaho’s Daniel Pipski also serves as executive producer and Rafi Crohn is co-executive producer. The series also stars Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, Shohreh Aghdashloo, and Deirdre O’Connell, with Clancy […]