The full ToB Crew is here this week to break down the latest in genre movie and television news. On the docket this week: the Aladdin live action remake gets a teaser trailer, James Gunn is in talks with Warner Brothers to write and possibly direct Suicide Squad 2, Jon Favreau’s live action Star Wars show is revealed to be called The Mandalorian, along with an official image and announcements of the who will be directing the episodes. Plus, Titans first episode premieres and Julian and Jeremy give their impressions of what turned out to be a show with a lot of potential. All that and much more on this week’s Tower of Babble Podcast!

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Show Notes

Movies

Trailers:
- Aladdin Teaser (Plus Disney remake discussion)
- Aquaman Trailer #2
Chronicles of Narnia coming to Netflix
Ryan Coogler is officially coming back to write and direct Black Panther 2 with production set to begin in late 2019/early 2020.
Morbius is officially the next film in the “Sony Spider-Man Universe” with filming beginning in February.
The Kraven the Hunter movie will apparently include Spider-Man… maybe.
Flash movie delayed at DC.
James Gunn in talks with Warner Brothers to work on Suicide Squad 2.
Zach Snyder wanted to eventually kill batman in the DCEU.
Warner Brothers is bringing back some of their classic cartoons for new movies, including Flintstones, Jetsons, Tom and Jerry and Scooby Doo.
Rambo 5 has an official name - Rambo 5: Last Blood.

TV

Jon Favreau's Star Wars streaming TV show is revealed to be called The Mandalorian.
- Official image, short synopsis and episode directors were also announced.
Iron Fist has been cancelled at Netflix
Gotham Season 5 NYCC trailer impressions.
A Dracula series in the works at Netflix and BBC from the Sherlock creators, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

What We've Been Watching

Titans S1E1 impressions.

Apr 9, 2026

SSSW - Maul: Shadow Lord - Chapter 1 & 2

It's been some time since we've been able to sink our pointy teeth into a meaty Star Wars animated project. Since the finale of 'The Bad Batch' all the way back in May of 2024, all we've had to tie us over were anthology installments of varying quality. Praise the Force, that wait is finally over with the release of 'Maul: Shadow Lord', the latest full length series from Lucasfilm Animation. The series marks another technical leap forward for the animation studio, taking their patented visual style and adding another layer of detail and artistry that jumps off the screen. The story follows the titular, Maul shortly after the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, he's looking for revenge and the series wastes no time dropping us right into the thick of things (3 car/speeder chases in 40 mins is impressive). And while we know much of Maul's criminal dealings (and most of the rest of his life actually), the introduction of a new Padawan into the mix, another apprentice-to-be for Maul, adds a layer of intrigue to an otherwise underworld focused story. Join Julian and Rachel as they unpack Chapter 1: "The Dark Revenge" and Chapter 2: "Sinister Schemes", in intricate detail.

Apr 8, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Slap Shot (1977) - Review + Commentary Track

In honour of Matt strapping on the goalie pads again for the first time in many years (and not completely pulling his groin), it only made sense to revisit the classic hockey comedy, 'Slap Shot' from 1977. This isn't the first time seeing the movie for either Julian or Matt but it's been a long time so there are plenty of questions still to answer. Here's a few examples: How well shot are the hockey scenes? Does the movie feature more or less actual hockey than 'Heated Revelry'? Does the plot and/or humour hold up all these years later? All these questions are answered in time, but we're also trying something new this month. Instead of a traditional movie review, Julian and Matt decided to go a layer deeper and add a full commentary track for the movie as well. So enjoy the full review, which takes place, before, during, and after the movie itself, and sync up your own copy of the movie (there's a countdown before we start) to get the full experience!

Mar 20, 2026

Bonus Episode - 2026 Oscars Recap

Matt and Julian are back to unpack the results from last Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. While the show itself had few surprises (there was a tie though so that's something!), between Conan's bits, the winners, and the losers, there is plenty to discuss. Congrats to 'One Battle After Another', PTA and all the winners ('Sinners' probably deserved a better fate, but respect to MBJ for his ascension)! Plus, I still can't believe the bit about making Leo into a meme actually made another meme. Join us for the full deep dive!

Mar 14, 2026

Bonus Episode - 2026 Oscars Preview Show

Julian is back from vacation just in time or the 98th Academy Awards! Airing tomorrow (Match 15th), hosted once again by Conan O’Brien, it’s the most prestigious night in Hollywood (after the Tobies of course). This is Matt’s first time on the preview show, so the format is tweaked a bit from our traditional reviews of Oscar noms, though there is still some of that. A broader approach is taken, with a larger focus on the ceremony itself, a peak at the front runners in each category, as well as the betting odds. It’s not all new-school though, find Julian’s traditional “will win”/’want to win” ballots below (Matt will put his together privately) for those curious. Lastly, look for a follow-up show discussing the ceremonies, unpacking the winners, and scoring the ballots next week. Until then, grab your tux, hit the red carpet, rub elbows with the celebs, and enjoy the 2026 Oscars!

Episode 123 - Titans, The Mandalorian and More!

Show Notes

Movies

TV

What We've Been Watching

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