London, UK — The final week of March 2025, spanning March 24-29, delivered a series of notable announcements across the entertainment landscape, spanning television, gaming, and collectibles. Highlights included a first look at the upcoming season of a popular sci-fi series, major reveals from a key player in the action figure market, and confirmation of release plans for a highly anticipated video game set in a beloved fantasy world.
Television and Film Highlights
A significant reveal for science fiction enthusiasts arrived with the release of a new trailer for ‘Dr. Who’ Season 2. This glimpse into the future of the long-running series generated considerable discussion among fans, offering hints at the adventures awaiting the Doctor in the forthcoming episodes.
In cinematic news, Lionsgate provided an update on the horror genre with the announcement of the release date for “The Strangers – Chapter 2”. The film is scheduled to debut on September 26, 2025. Alongside the date confirmation, a first look image was released, featuring actress Madelaine Petsch. The production details indicate that “The Strangers – Chapter 2” is a Fifth Element production in association with Stream Media, Sherborne Media, and Lipsync, signaling collaborative efforts behind this installment of the horror franchise.
Gaming Updates
The world of gaming saw key developments, particularly for fans of fantasy and action titles. A new behind-the-scenes video was released for “Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game”. This video offered insights into the development process and the world being crafted for players. The game is slated for release on July 29, 2025, making it a summer launch for the title set within J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic universe. It will be available across multiple major platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Additionally, details emerged regarding a new action-packed 2D platformer titled “SHADOW LABYRINTH™”. The game is developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. Players will take on the role of the protagonist, Swordsman No. 8, accompanied by his companion PUCK. The core gameplay loop focuses on the characters’ efforts to escape a hostile planet, a task achieved by consuming dark creatures encountered throughout their journey.
Collectibles and Merchandise News
The collectible market, particularly for science fiction properties, also saw significant announcements. Hasbro, a leading manufacturer of toys and collectibles, revealed new figures for their popular “Star Wars” lines. These reveals included additions to both The Vintage Collection and the Black Series lines, catering to different types of collectors with distinct scales and levels of detail.
The figures scheduled for a Summer arrival feature a range of characters from the expansive “Star Wars” saga, including Carson Teva, Alexsandr Kallus, Asajj Ventress, and Dengar. In addition to individual figures, a new Landspeeder vehicle will be released, bundled with a Tatooine Luke Skywalker figure, offering collectors a vehicle and character pairing. These newly revealed items are available for pre-order through official channels such as Hasbro Pulse and Amazon, as well as other dedicated Fan Retailers.
The week’s announcements underscore the continued vibrancy and interconnected nature of the entertainment industries, with significant news emerging from diverse sectors including streaming television, theatrical film releases, video game development, and the production of licensed merchandise.