The theater went dark, but the murmurs didn’t fade. A lone spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing a group huddled around a flickering fire, their faces etched with the shared memory of…The Simpsons? It felt like the world had turned upside down, and this was the only compass left.
Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play
Remember those late nights spent dissecting every nuance of “Cape Feare?” Now, imagine that episode is all that’s left of civilization. Boots Riley, a director known for his unapologetic social commentary, is adapting Anne Washburn’s off-Broadway sensation, Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, into a feature film. Riley himself confirmed the news on Twitter (via World of Reel), setting the internet ablaze.
The play, a post-apocalyptic dark comedy, explores a future where fragments of pop culture become the primary source of entertainment for survivors clinging to the past. The story follows a group trying to reconstruct the “Cape Feare” episode of The Simpsons entirely from memory. It’s a commentary on how we memorialize storytelling, but it’s also a testament to its profound, lasting effect on culture.
This is a true thing. https://t.co/V3sH0o9292
— Boots Riley (@BootsRiley) January 11, 2026
Why Adapt a Play About Reconstructing ‘The Simpsons’ After an Apocalypse?
The beauty of Mr. Burns lies in its exploration of memory and storytelling in a world stripped bare. The play uses The Simpsons, a show so deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, as a lens to examine how we rebuild culture after a cataclysm. Think about it: what better way to reconnect to humanity than through the stories that shaped us?
Man of Tomorrow
DC is at a crucial moment, carefully laying the foundation for its new universe. Insiders @MyTimetoShineHello and Jeff Sneider on his Hot Mic podcast (via Geek Tyrant) are reporting that Wonder Woman may make her DCU debut in Man of Tomorrow, adding another layer of intrigue.
The search is reportedly on for a young, “hot” actress in her 20s, who is tall and skilled in combat. It’s a tall order, but whoever lands the role will instantly become a major player in the DCU. It’s a risk, casting such an iconic character in a reboot, but sometimes the greatest rewards require the greatest leaps.
How Will Wonder Woman’s Introduction Impact the New DCU?
Introducing Wonder Woman in Man of Tomorrow could serve as a powerful statement of intent for the new DCU. It suggests a commitment to team-ups and shared storylines from the outset. It’s like planting a seed, showing audiences that this universe is interconnected and full of potential for epic crossovers.
Avengers: Doomsday
Chris Claremont is a name synonymous with the X-Men. During a recent appearance on the Power of X-Men podcast (via Screen Rant), the legendary writer seemed to confirm Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey appears in Avengers: Doomsday.
The thing I find most wonderful about it is they’re bringing back the original cast, including Famke.
I mean, I’m not in it. And I’m telling you right now, I’m not in it. If I were in it, which I’m not, I couldn’t tell you, but I literally am not. I’m sure they already filmed it. I was here, I’m not in it. But they did scan me, so to be honest, they could put me in anything they want at this point. Who knows? I’m in the system!
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On the Reaping
Jennifer Lawrence, forever linked to Katniss Everdeen, skillfully dodged questions about her potential involvement in The Hunger Games: Sunrise On the Reaping during her recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Maybe we already have. Oh yeah it is out on the internet isn’t it.
Ghost Train
A YouTuber seeks online fame by visiting a haunted train station in the trailer for Ghost Train, coming to digital platforms February 17.
Creature Commandos
Speaking with DC Film News, James Gunn himself verified the second season of Creature Commandos is currently in production.
When do we get more Creature Commandos? When we’re done animating the new season, which is in production now.
Pluribus
Rhea Seehorn, fresh off her acclaimed performance in Better Call Saul, tempered expectations for Pluribus, telling DRM News she has “no idea when” the second season will premiere, but it’s coming “as fast as” Vince Gilligan and his team can deliver.
They are in the writers room. I have no idea when we’re going back. I know [show creator Vince Gilligan] wants us to go as soon as possible. Vince is not playing any kind of game to make people wait for this. But he wants to craft the show with all the care for his fans and the people following this story that he can. So we’ll get back as fast as we can, I promise you that.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Finally, Tig Notaro’s Jett Reno puts cadet Mir through the wringer in a clip from the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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