The entertainment landscape is shifting quickly this February, with updates arriving on several highly anticipated projects. From a new animated series starring Brian Tyree Henry to developments in established franchises like “Predator” and “Face/Off,” and a chilling new horror project led by Brie Larson, here’s a rundown of the latest news. The breadth of these announcements—spanning animation, action, and horror—highlights the diverse tastes of today’s audiences and the continued demand for compelling storytelling across all genres.
Netflix is adding another high-profile adult animated series to its roster with “Bass X Machina,” slated to debut on October 6, 2026. The show boasts an impressive voice cast, including Brian Tyree Henry in the title role, alongside Janelle Monáe, Tati Gabrielle, Cree Summer, Chaske Spencer, Currie Graham, and Starletta DuPois. This project marks a significant expansion for Henry, who will also executive produce, into the world of animated television, building on his previous voice work in the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” films. The series promises a unique blend of genres, set in a lawless steampunk West filled with outlaws, machines, and supernatural threats.
A Gritty Western with a Steampunk Twist
“Bass X Machina” centers around a father forced to accept on the roles of judge, jury, and executioner in a desperate attempt to protect his family. According to Variety, the narrative explores the heavy cost of justice, suggesting that every act of protection could jeopardize those he’s fighting to save. The show’s original music will be crafted by Roman GianArthur and Nate Wonder at Wondaland, while animation will be handled by South Korea’s Studio Mir, known for its work on projects like “The Legend of Korra.”
“Predator: Badlands” Dominates Hulu Viewership
On the film front, “Predator: Badlands” has quickly become a streaming success for Hulu. The film garnered 9 million views within its first five days of release, surpassing the performance of its predecessor, “Prey,” and becoming Hulu’s most-watched film premiere since that 2022 release. This success follows a strong theatrical run for the franchise, with “Predator: Badlands” earning $184.5 million at the worldwide box office, according to The Wrap. The strong performance suggests continued interest in the “Predator” universe and its blend of science fiction and action-horror.
“Face/Off 2” Searches for a Director
The long-awaited sequel to John Woo’s 1997 action classic, “Face/Off,” is facing a setback. Adam Wingard, who had been attached to direct the project for nearly five years, has reportedly exited the production due to his commitments to “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Collider reports that Paramount Pictures has now opened the directing assignment, inviting other filmmakers to pitch their visions for the sequel. This shift indicates a potential creative re-evaluation for the project, which has been in development for an extended period.
Brie Larson to Star in New Horror Feature “Skeletons”
Brie Larson is set to lead the cast of “Skeletons,” a new genre feature from Sony Pictures. J.J. Abrams is producing the film, with JT Mollner (“Strange Darling”) directing. The story, penned by Brian Duffield (“No One Will Save You”), is based on a short story by Philip Fracassi and centers on a young boy discovering a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature. According to Deadline, casting for the roles of the son and father is currently underway, with filming anticipated to begin this summer. This project marks Larson’s continued exploration of diverse roles within the genre space.
These developments across animation, action, and horror demonstrate the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry. Production on “Skeletons” is expected to begin this summer, while audiences can glance forward to the premiere of “Bass X Machina” on Netflix in October. Further updates regarding the director search for “Face/Off 2” are anticipated as Paramount Pictures evaluates new pitches.
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