We had the chance to chat with Harry Francis, who portrays LeFou, about his character’s dedication to Gaston, preparations for each night’s performance, and what would happen if Gaston was gone from his life.

Check out the full video interview below:

“For me, LeFou only has a place in society in that town if he’s connected to Gaston,” Francis tells Nerd Reactor. “If people are buying drinks and they’re at the tavern, LeFou has people talking to him. He has a social life because of him being next to Gaston, being tied to Gaston. Gaston just loves the fact that he’s got someone for free who will just do whatever he wants for him, and there’s a bit when he sends me off into the woods to do his hunting for him, basically, he knows that no matter what, I will do whatever he says.”

Beauty and the Beast is a story known by many, and that includes the fate of Gaston. However, what happens to LeFou after the end of the tale?

“For me, if I’m attached to him, then people talk to me, then I’ve got some kind of personality because of him, which makes me sad, wondering what LeFou’s life is like after Gaston dies, because I think he would be a very, very lonely. I don’t think anyone would talk to him anymore. I think I think everyone would be done with him.”

About Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Musical

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast returns to the stage and brings back members of the original creative team to bring the fairy tale to life.

In the national tour, Belle is played by Kyra Belle Johnson, Fergie L. Philippe as Beast, Stephen Mark Lukas as Gaston, Danny Gardner as Lumiere, Christina Rose Hall as Mrs. Potts, Javier Ignacio as Cogsworth, and Harry Francis as LeFou.

Beauty and the Beast: The Musical is now playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles until September 6. It is headed to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA, from September 22 to October 11, 2026. Tickets are available at beautyandthebeastthemusical.com/tickets.

The post Why LeFou Needs Gaston: Harry Francis on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

We’re looking at robotic arms launching riders through simulated superhero training, rally cars bouncing over tough terrain, huge Audio-Animatronics, enormous physical sets, new coaster features and even a journey right into the Mayan Underworld.

Although Disney has also confirmed that a complete reimagining of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is underway, the most exciting announcement gave us a much clearer understanding of how Disney intends to make its new attractions stand out.

This was especially clear at Avengers Campus.

Avengers Campus Is Finally Getting Its Big E-Ticket

Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure will finally open in 2028, including two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab.

Infinity Defense is by far the larger of the two. Iman Vellani will reprise her role as Ms. Marvel and will recruit guests to join the fight against King Thanos—a version of Thanos who actually won. Then, they’ll travel across the Multiverse to gather the Avengers to stop King Thanos.

Disney is committing to creating very large physical environments that combine with similarly huge media scenes as guests travel from one place to another, such as from Wakanda to Asgard and to New York City. The ride system will use the same fundamental technology as Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure at Tokyo DisneySea. Thus, Infinity Defense may incorporate motion, physical scenery, and large-scale digital environments.

The event will also see Jeremy Renner reprise his role as Hawkeye, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and, most excitingly for me, Robert Downey Jr. return as Tony Stark.

Guests Take Flight Thanks to Stark Industries

Downey won’t be stopping there; he will also be at the Stark Flight Lab alongside Mackie and Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel.

The kind of attraction seems entirely different since guests will board two-person “gyro-kinetic pods” which travel along a track before being caught by huge robotic arms. The arms will then lift the pods and perform high-speed flight maneuvers reminiscent of those in Iron Man and The Avengers. In fact, Disney has assigned individual personalities to the robotic arms, drawing on the character of DUM-E, Tony Stark’s robotic assistant.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to, as a huge Iron Man fan, is seeing Downey reprise his role as Tony Stark. Avengers Campus takes place in the Marvel Multiverse and has no ties to the main 616 timeline. This allows Disney to place Tony Stark beside Sam Wilson’s Captain America and other heroes who, in fact, could not have coexisted at that stage in the films.

Villains Land Is Going Big

Plans for Disney’s Villains-themed expansion of its Magic Kingdom were first revealed in 2024. Still, it wasn’t until D23 2026 that the official name, Villains Land, was announced, along with its story and a great deal more detailed information about its two main attractions.

This won’t be a minor addition; Disney has compared the size and scale of Villains Land to that of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The main attraction will be a Maleficent roller coaster, along which riders will race through enchanted briars surrounding her mountain-top fortress, with Disney hinting that the coaster will include elements the Imagineers have never tried before.

The concept art makes the experience feel appropriately intimidating by depicting dragon-inspired coaster trains rushing through Maleficent’s collapsing fortress, green fire burning from the surrounding towers.

The next attraction takes you down into the ground.

Guests will go down into the catacombs under the Evil Queen’s palace, where the Magic Mirror will take them into a supernatural Mirror Realm full of Disney Villains. According to Disney, the experience will combine special effects with physical sets to bring the setting to life, and concept artwork depicts characters such as Cruella de Vil, Jafar, Dr. Facilier, Scar, and Ursula.

Villains Land is so exciting because Disney has never before devoted an entire park area of this size to its villains. It is impossible to determine whether attractions like Monsters Unchained at Universal’s Epic Universe place any extra pressure on Disney. Yet it is clear that competition has raised the expectations regarding what a modern dark-themed attraction can achieve.

The land will be as large as Galaxy’s Edge and include two main rides, indicating that Disney plans to meet those expectations vigorously.

Piston Peak Brings the Cars World into the “Wheelderness”

The idea of having Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom always seemed like an unusual way of getting Cars into Frontierland. However, the new information about the new Cars ride has made the attraction much more interesting.

Instead of building a new version of Radiator Springs Racers, Disney is focusing on off-road rally racing.

Cars Ridge Run Rally has riders speeding over rough ground that is based on America’s national parks, with them climbing Piston Peak, arriving at a frozen mountaintop, going down a camelback drop, and then finally rushing through a field of active geysers before Lightning McQueen and Mater announce the end of the race for the Racing Sports Network. Disney is emphasizing the bouncing and rough terrain as part of the experience, not just scenery riders pass by.

Since I enjoy motor racing, the idea of a rally event appealed to me. Because rally racing is inherently chaotic, fast, and very bumpy, basing the attraction on that physical sensation could make Ridge Run Rally come across as considerably different from Disney’s current Cars attractions.

The ride next to it, Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, is quite different. This family attraction brings the demolition derby from Cars 3 to life using a school-bus-sized Miss Fritter Audio-Animatronic to supervise the chaos.

The secondary attraction also seems to have an enormous physical centerpiece.

Indiana Jones Is Heading Straight to the Underworld

There has always seemed to be a certain appropriateness about this change. Since DINOSAUR and Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure use the same ride technology, it is almost as if we have come full circle, with the former becoming a completely new Indiana Jones experience.

What Disney is doing isn’t just transferring the Indy ride from Disneyland to Florida.

Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent will take place in an ancient Mayan temple close to a cenote. On this site, a local legend holds that a passage leads down to the Mayan Underworld, taking visitors into a situation much like Indiana Jones’. Various difficulties occur, causing the riders to go through a portal and leading them into encounters with monstrous bats, giant scorpions, fire, and the huge serpentine Tsukán. According to Disney, the Imagineers have been seeking advice from archaeologists, anthropologists, and experts on the Mayans while developing the attraction.

The company has also shown off a massive, hand-sculpted Audio-Animatronic replica of the creature, which towers over the Imagineers standing next to it. Harrison Ford is also officially joining the attraction, confirming that the ride will use his likeness on the Indiana Jones Audio-Animatronic. This marks the first time his face has appeared as Indy in a Disney Parks attraction.

Disney Isn’t Finished With Tomorrow

The most unexpected thing about the showcase was also the announcement that gave the least detail.

Finally, Tomorrowland at Disneyland will undergo a complete reimagining.

Disney states that the Imagineers are just at the starting stage of development and therefore there are no final attraction plans. All the company has committed to is a transformation that will include new attractions, more open areas, and a renewed emphasis on the optimism, innovation, and possibility that originally characterized the land. Unfortunately, it’s also been revealed that the Tomorrowland refresh will take precedence over the Avatar Land expansion at Disney’s California Adventure.

If current developments in robotic flight arms, rally racing, giant serpents, vast physical environments, and experimental coaster technology indicate the direction to which Imagineering is moving, what specific plans does the company have when it gets the chance to reinvent Tomorrowland completely?

It is possible that we will not know the answer for a while.

But after what Disney just showed at D23, playing it safe would almost seem out of character.

The post D23 2026: Disney’s Next Generation of Rides Is Getting Wild appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

This “world’s largest dinner party” made its grand return after 7 years. Since its first event was held in 2013 on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, it made sense that in 2026 they chose the iconic city hall building to mark the lively occasion.

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What is Diner en Blanc?

Originally created by François Pasquier in 1988 in Paris, Diner en Blanc started as a series of gatherings with his loved ones. Since his home was too small to host everyone, Pasquier moved the picnic party to local parks. To make it easier for guests to find one another in the busy crowds, they agreed to dress in white, creating the elegant and striking tradition the event is still known for today.

Today, Dîner en Blanc has evolved from a Parisian tradition into a global cultural movement. In 2012, Dîner en Blanc International was established in Montréal, Canada, to lead the global development, management and protection of the brand. Under the leadership of owner and President Sandy Safi and her team, Dîner en Blanc has expanded its international presence and, in 2026, is active in more than 60 cities around the world.

Whichever city you’re attending, expect to dress in all white and bring your own food, decor, white tablecloths, dishware, and utensils, along with a folding table and chairs. You can also rent or order items ahead of time if you don’t want to bring everything.

The location is also secret until the very last minute, as guests are notified where to meet at assigned departure points, along with the event’s table leader. Meet-ups happen all around the city, and guests converge at the secret location to set up their tables for the night.

Keeping Los Angeles Mysterious

We spoke with Monica Castaneda, event host, and she said the masquerade theme will stay with Los Angeles because of its Hollywood roots. It’s sexy, it’s mysterious, it’s very LA.

It also took a year of working together with the city to find the right location and gather permits. On the day itself, they put in a lot of effort, with preparations starting at 6 AM for the 7 PM event.

A sea of white took shape as around 1,500 guests gathered to set up their tables and elaborate decor. We saw many creative tables, with quite a few Eiffel Towers, plus added height from arches and garlands. They held contests for Best Tablescape and Best Costumes, with recognition given before dancing and sparklers commenced.

Overall, an extremely fun night, and the hosts are looking to come back to Los Angeles in March 2027!

The post A Magical Night in White: Diner en Blanc Los Angeles appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Delusion: Den of the Mosquito opens on select nights from September 17th to November 8th.

“This is a homecoming,” Braver tells Nerd Reactor. “This is cool because we’ve gone through this fun evolution of trying out different stories and different formats and different things, and then now we’re like, ‘Okay, it’s time!’ After last year, which was a big spectacle with fun stuff, we’re bringing it back to its roots and the stuff that really made it what it is today. So, coming back to the original Delusion mansion from 2011 and 2012.”

The Beckett Mansion, built in 1905, is the perfect location for a horrifying show thanks to its Neoclassical style. It was designed by John C. Austin, known for Los Angeles landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and the Shrine Auditorium. The 12,000-square-foot interior will take attendees on a wild adventure. The property has been maintained and renovated thanks to the owner, IDEG Construction, and the company’s CEO, Marisela Nuno, a Mexican-born entrepreneur raised in South Central Los Angeles.

Braver is even more excited than the previous year.

“I am the number one Delusion fan,” the creator said. “I know what works and what doesn’t most of the time. I know some of the strengths from last year, some of the weaknesses from last year, and that will help dictate the story that I’m writing this year.”

Because of the nature of these immersive, interactive plays, they are indeed rare. For example, Sleep No More’s show in New York closed after 14 years.

“These are very special projects,” he explained. “They’re very unique. It doesn’t really exist in that many places around the world, if any. These tickets aren’t cheap. They’re not that expensive either for what you’re getting. You’re getting every dollar’s worth because of the intimacy of it and all the craft that goes into it. I mean, it’s like nothing you will ever experience. So to me, there’s no question these kinds of things are worth it, not just financially, but just for your soul, just to go on adventures.”

This year’s show will be more intimate, with the most limited ticket availability in Delusion history. The full 50-minute experience will feature more interactivity and split paths.

Tickets for Delusion: Den of the Mosquito are available via https://enterdelusion.com/.

The post Delusion Returns to Its Roots With Den of the Mosquito, Says Creator Jon Braver appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The event promises to be bigger and badder than ever, and if you have been to previous shows, it starts with a terrifying haunted maze that then takes you to a unique variety show with dark and twisted humor. Speaking of Midsummer Scream, Urban Death will have a sneak peek show on August 7-9.

DETAILS:
WHEN: October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 & Nov 1
7:00p (Sat & Sunday only)
8:00p, 9:00p, 10:00p, 10:45p, 11:30p (Fri, Sat, & Sunday)

WHERE: 4850 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA

TICKET LINK: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/zombiejoes/4552

PRICE : $24.00 ($28.00 at the door)

Urban Death: Tour of Terror Ultra is directed by Denise Devin and produced by Zombie Joe with performances at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group.

The show is 17+ for dark humor and nudity. Wheelchair accessible.

The post Urban Death: Tour of Terror Ultra Returns to Los Angeles for Halloween 2026 appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Nerd Reactor spoke with Lazlow and Bond about the comic’s absurd humor, world-building, and why American Caper is shaking up the comic book world.

“One of the things Dan and I love doing is fake ads,” Lazlow tells Nerd Reactor. “We did a lot of that for the in-game radio and TV in all the GTAs. As part of this comic book, we have fake ads. There are no real ads inside, they’re all fake, and they’re tied into story content.”

The fake ads make the world feel alive, and it’s one of the charms of the Grand Theft Auto games and American Caper comics.

“It’s world building, and so you have to do all the same things,” he added. “What does the town look like? What are the advertisements? What are the billboards? What are the brands? What’s the soda pop? What’s the beer? It’s been fun because it’s a different kind of world-building.”

Bond helps bring Houser and Lazlow up to speed in the comic book world, including bringing in talented artists.

“When Dan and Lazlow pitched me the series, it really felt like something that was gonna shake the comic book industry to its core,” Bond said. “And it doesn’t let up. I promise you, issue 12… the double-sized issue… you are gonna be gobsmacked. The idea was so big it demanded a 48-page issue.”

About American Caper

Synopsis: Verona, Wyoming. A small town like any other. A land of hunter and hunted. Apex predators… and regulations just waiting to be broken. Culture has become a war, everyone has everything they need yet are miserable, and American life is still dominated by real estate, violence and snake oil. From the tax-avoiders in the manicured wilderness of Wyoming, to the thought police of Brooklyn, to the confused political battlegrounds of Florida, one thing is certain: This tragedy is someone else’s fault.

The crime-fiction comic book series was created and written by Dan Houser, produced and with additional writing by Lazlow, and edited by Shelly Bond and Daniel Chabon. Artists include David Lapham (story layouts and pencils), Chris Anderson (finishes), Lee Loughridge (colors), Nate Piekos (lettering), Tyler Boss (series covers), and variant covers by Simon Bisley, Martin Simmonds, Joe Quinones, Marguerite Sauvage, and more.

Issues #1-9 are now available, with issue #10 coming on August 19, 2026. Trade paperback collection volume 1 is now available, with volume 2 releasing on October 27th and volume 3 on March 2, 2027.

The post GTA Veteran Lazlow and Fables Editor Shelly Bond on How American Caper Pushes Comics to the Edge appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The UGREEN x Honkai Star Rail Yao Guang Collector’s Box includes a 65W USB-C charger, a 10000mAh magnetic power bank, a 3.3ft retractable USB-C cable, and a FineTrack Mini2 tracker. For the Yao Guang collectibles, they include the tin badge, chibi acrylic stand, power bank pouch, and holographic ticket.

Check out our unboxing video below to get a taste of what’s inside the collector’s box.

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The UGREEN x Honkai Star Rail Yao Guang Collector’s Box is now available on UGREEN and Amazon.

The post Unboxing the UGREEN × Honkai: Star Rail Yao Guang Collector’s Box appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

For those who want to experience the world of Evil Dead Burn in real life, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights is creating new haunted houses based on the sixth film in the franchise. The scares begin on September 3rd at Universal Studios Hollywood and August 28th at Universal Orlando Resort.

Tickets are now on sale for Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort.

Check out the teaser below:

The original film was released in 1981 and spawned a series and other films, making it one of the most terrifying horror properties today. It catapulted Bruce Campbell’s career, who would star in many Evil Dead projects and appear in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy.

The Evil Dead Burn haunted houses will feature the Price family’s secluded vacation home in the woods, with the Deadites scaring guests throughout.

Merchandise for the film will be available at both parks and will include t-shirts, hats, acrylic figures, and more.

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights will run from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, November 1. Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights runs from Friday, August 28 through Sunday, November 1.

For ticket information, please visit http://www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

The post Evil Dead Burn Heads to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Topics included their favorite anime, who would win in a battle royale, and the mystery behind the Prism Devices in their music videos.

Check out our video interview with cosmosy below!

cosmosy has been busy releasing a lot of new music this year, including “Paradise ~ I need you ~”, a super catchy song that features the members trying to get the Prism ring. They even channeled the music video’s aesthetic with some of their outfits in the interview.

cosmosy will be performing in Los Angeles at KCON LA 2026, which will take place at the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center from August 14 to August 16, 2026.

The post cosmosy Talks Anime, Music, and the Mystery Behind the Prism Devices at Anime Expo 2026 appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

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The case features artwork by Ina’nis and Rosuuri, with an exclusive Royal Purple colorway. It is also interactive thanks to the integrated touchscreen with Ina’nis as the centerpiece, and you can move the camera around and zoom in and out. She also comes with idle animations.

Fans can also get the Ninomae Ina’nis Keycap and Desk Pad Bundle as part of the collaboration. The Keycap set include 155 keys and is compatible with ANSI/JIS keyboards while also featuring the Royal Purple colorway and Takodachi iconography. The 900mm x 400mm Desk Pad is included and has artwork by Rosuuri.

The HYTE Y70 Touch Infinite Ninomae Ina’nis Case is now available for pre-order at HYTE.com and retails for $499.99.

The HYTE Ninomae Ina’nis Keycap and Desk Pad Bundle is now available for pre-order at HYTE.com and retails for $134.99.

The post Hololive’s Ninomae Ina’nis and HYTE Team Up for Stylish, Interactive PC Case appeared first on Nerd Reactor.