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entertainmentTuesday, August 18, 2026

Pixar's horror debut, Phantom Blade Zero shines

While D23 fallout continues, today's entertainment news is a mixed bag: Pixar's first horror film is teased, Phantom Blade Zero gets a deep dive, and a few notable interviews and reviews stand out. The thread is about pushing boundaries, whether in animation, gaming, or celebrity discourse.

Sources

Pixar's Dark Turn

Pixar's first horror film is a big swing for the family-friendly studio, and it's the kind of news that makes you do a double-take.

#01theindustry.coAug 18

Pixar’s First Horror Film

Pixar's first horror film is a major departure for the studio, and the D23 announcement has everyone talking. It's a bold move that could redefine what audiences expect from the animation giant.

by The Industry12 min readRead original

Gaming's Big Moments

Gaming had a strong day with Phantom Blade Zero's deep dive and Mortal Shell 2's critical acclaim, showing the genre's evolution.

#02www.gematsu.comAug 18

Phantom Blade Zero State of Play deep dives into gameplay and story

Phantom Blade Zero's State of Play presentation revealed new gameplay systems and Donnie Yen's involvement, making it a must-watch for action RPG fans. The game's focus on authentic kung fu could set it apart.

#03www.polygon.comAug 18

Mortal Shell 2 Reviews Say It's One of 2026's Best New Soulslikes

Mortal Shell 2 is earning rave reviews, with critics calling it one of the best Soulslikes of 2026. That's a big improvement over the original, and it signals the series has found its footing.

Voices and Reviews

Interviews and reviews today give a platform to underrepresented voices and take stock of pop culture's latest offerings.

#04variety.comAug 18

'Furious': Steve Way on Disability in Hollywood, Serial Killer Romance

Steve Way's interview is a raw, unfiltered look at disability in Hollywood. He names names and calls for systemic change, which is rare and refreshing in an industry that often pays lip service to inclusion.

#05pitchfork.comAug 18

KATSEYE: Wild EP

Pitchfork's review of KATSEYE's EP digs into the tension between manufactured pop and authenticity, a theme that resonates beyond this group. The campier direction on tracks like 'Gnarly' suggests they're trying to break the mold.

Also today14

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Brings Duck King To The Rosterbleedingcool.com
SNK has revealed Duck King as the latest DLC character for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, marking his return to the franchise after more than two decades. The character's last full playable appearance without restrictions was in The King of Fighters XI, making this a significant
New Guns N’ Roses Funko Pop! Collectibles Drop Online In Final Weeks of Band’s World Tourwww.rollingstone.com
Funko is expanding its Guns N' Roses collection with three new vinyl Pop! figurines celebrating different eras of the iconic rock band. The new collectibles drop online during the final weeks of the band's world tour. This follows Funko's earlier Deluxe Pop! Album collection, whi
Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter Rolls Out Legacy Patch, Here Are The Full Detailswww.nintendolife.com
Nihon Falcom has released Version 1.0.7, a "Legacy Patch" for Trails In The Sky 1st Chapter, which arrived last year. The update aligns key terminology and English pronunciations with other entries in the Trails series, aiming to ease the transition between the 1st chapter and la
Rosie O’Donnell Hosts ‘Kimmel,' Slams Trump as ‘Mango Mussolini’variety.com
Rosie O'Donnell made her guest-hosting debut on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" during Jimmy Kimmel's summer vacation, and used the platform to take aim at her longtime nemesis Donald Trump, calling him "Mango Mussolini." The article notes that Kimmel teased the guest-hosting stint as "a spe
Karol G: NO ME ARREPIENTO DE SENTIR TANTOpitchfork.com
A review of Karol G's 2023 album "Mañana Será Bonito," which contributes to the recent trend of Latin pop artists channeling heartbreak into confessional songwriting. The album follows Karol G's breakup with Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA, and the review highlights how she transfor
Charles Esten Recounts Sweet First Encounter With Hayden Panettiere During ‘Nashville’ Audition: “What A Great Gift It Was To Act With You”deadline.com
Following the death of Hayden Panettiere at age 36, her Nashville co-star Charles Esten shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute recounting their first encounter during his audition for the show. Esten was a late addition to the Nashville pilot and the last series regular announced i
Enjoy a Vegas-style casino night while supporting local familieswww.phillyvoice.com
The Haddon Foundation, a nonprofit that helps people navigate the Social Security and disability benefits process, is hosting "Betting on a Better Future," a Vegas-style casino night fundraiser on Oct. 7 at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees. The event will feature profession
Jorja Smith Exits Her Relationship In ‘I Lied, You Lied’soulbounce.com
Jorja Smith releases "I Lied, You Lied," the third single from her upcoming album "What Are The Odds," which drops Friday, August 21st. Following the singles "What's Done Is Done" and "Alive" (featuring Wizkid), this new track finds Smith ending a relationship and dancing her way