There’s something undeniably special about watching a beloved story transform from animation to flesh and blood, and Disney’s upcoming live-action Moana looks set to deliver exactly that magic when it hits UK cinemas on 10 July 2026. The first trailer has dropped, and honestly? It looks stunning.

Catherine Lagaʻaia steps into the role of the ocean-called wayfinder Moana, while Dwayne Johnson returns as the shapeshifting trickster demigod Maui. Johnson’s already proven he can nail this character, and seeing him bring Maui to life in live-action feels like the natural next step. The trailer gives us that iconic ‘I Am Moana’ moment.

John Tui brings gravitas as Chief Tui, Moana’s protective father, while Frankie Adams portrays her spirited mother Sina. Rena Owen rounds out the family as the wise Gramma Tala, the character who sets everything in motion. There’s real cultural authenticity here, with actors from Auckland, Samoa and the Bay of Islands bringing genuine Pacific representation to the screen.

Director Thomas Kail, who made waves with Hamilton, seems to understand what made the original work. The trailer showcases the majestic island of Motunui, its vibrant people, and yes, those adorable yet intimidating Kakamora warriors. It’s a stunningly beautiful film packed with singalong moments that honour the source material while forging its own path.

Johnson produces alongside Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who’s clearly invested in protecting the musical legacy of the original. Having Auliʻi Cravalho, the voice of Moana in both animated films, on board as executive producer adds another layer of authenticity.

When Moana first voyages beyond Motunui’s reef, she’s answering the Ocean’s call and she’s carrying the hopes of her entire people. That journey promises to be just as powerful in live-action, and we’re here for every moment of it.

MrBeast is back with another round of chaos, and this time he’s pitting muscle against mind in what promises to be his most divisive season yet.

Beast Games Season Two lands on Prime Video starting January 7, 2026, with the first three episodes dropping together before settling into a weekly release schedule through to the finale on February 25.

After the debut season became Prime Video’s most watched unscripted show ever, pulling in 50 million viewers within 25 days, Jimmy Donaldson clearly wasn’t interested in playing it safe. This time around, he’s assembled 200 contestants split into two distinct camps: 100 of the strongest competitors on the planet facing off against 100 of the sharpest minds. The prize? A cool $5 million.

The “Strong vs Smart” premise feels like classic MrBeast provocation, the kind of simple concept that sparks endless debate before anyone’s even watched a second of footage. Who wins when a chess grandmaster type goes head to head with someone who can deadlift a small car? That tension should make for compelling viewing, even if you’re not typically drawn to competition reality TV.

Beast City returns as the backdrop for all this mayhem, and early teaser footage suggests production values have only escalated. With a third season already greenlit following May’s Amazon upfront announcement, the show’s not going anywhere soon.

Why We’re Hooked

Look, I’ll be honest with you. Beast Games is an incredibly fun series to watch. It leaves you on the edge of your seat most of the time, and especially in those final episodes where everything comes down to the wire.

From heartwarming friendships that form in the most unlikely circumstances to the strategic alliances that keep you guessing, the show delivers drama that doesn’t feel manufactured. And then there are those moments of ultimate betrayal when someone turns on their closest ally for a shot at the jackpot.

Bring It to the UK Already

We can only hope that Beast Games makes its way to the UK at some point. Watching from across the pond is all well and good, but imagine British contestants in that Beast City environment. The dry humour, the understated competitiveness, the inevitable moment when someone puts the kettle on during a challenge. It would be television gold.

Gaming and orchestral music collide next year when BAFTA Games in Concert brings some of the most celebrated video game soundtracks to stages across the UK.

The world premiere lands at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 31st January 2026, featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Austin Wintory. The 65-piece ensemble will be joined by London Voices and BAFTA award winners Sea Power, who took home the Music gong for Disco Elysium back in 2020.

The setlist has grown considerably since the initial announcement. New additions include Helldivers 2 (composed by Wilbert Roget II), Fallout 4 (Inon Zur), Far Cry 4 (Cliff Martinez), and a world premiere performance of Returnal by Bobby Krlic. These join previously confirmed titles including Baldur’s Gate 3, Journey, Cuphead, and Assassin’s Creed.

“The London premiere of BAFTA Games in Concert is really shaping up to be something special,” said Jane Millichip, BAFTA CEO. “A celebration for both fans of video games and beautiful, inspiring music. We’re thrilled to be adding Helldivers 2, Fallout 4, Far Cry 4 and Returnal to the lineup, further showcasing the creative power of the games industry and the authenticity of its music. Each will feature exclusive orchestral suites arranged by the original composers exclusively for these concerts. We’re also delighted to confirm the 2026 UK tour dates, bringing this incredible experience to audiences nationwide.”

Composer Jesper Kyd has crafted exclusive new orchestral suites for the shows, and he’s clearly excited about the opportunity.

“BAFTA has been championing game music for over 20 years so it’s an honour to contribute to this concert and forthcoming tour,” he said. “I’m excited to share that I worked on a brand new Assassin’s Creed suite which features music from Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed II, as well as a new Hitman suite which includes music from my BAFTA winning score for Hitman Contracts. Thank you BAFTA for asking me to be part of this great celebration.”

Following London, the tour hits six more cities: Gateshead (23rd May), Bristol (31st May), Edinburgh (4th June), Glasgow (5th June), Birmingham (6th June), and Manchester (7th June). More dates are expected.

London ticket holders can also grab VIP Meet & Greet access for post-show drinks, canapes, and signings with composers Austin Wintory, Jesper Kyd, and Borislav Slavov.

Tickets start at £30. Full details at www.liveconcert.games.