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.

Check out the full video interview below, where we chat with the “actual” Cricket Green.

“There is a giant chocolate fountain, which I immediately jump into and just swim around like it’s a big old edible swimming pool, because that is what it is,” Cricket tells Nerd Reactor.

For the Marvel fans out there, audiences will get to see Cricket get powers thanks to a super soldier program.

“The gamma ray, it shot me right in the leg and made my leg really super, but not the rest of my body,” the boy explained. “So I had a super leg for like a day, and it was great, man.”

One of the episodes features the kids playing a giant meatball video game, and when asked if Cricket would prefer to be a video game streamer or an animator, he would choose being a streamer.

“I do think like me and IShowSpeed do have a lot in common,” Cricket said. “I see that. You know, we are both very charismatic and equally popular.”

Although he wouldn’t want to be an animator, he later changed his mind.

“Animators lead very sad lives,” he explained. “Okay, very sad lives. Lonely, lonely, dark room, working on one little – [impersonates tedious animation process] – that’s what they did in a day. Then they go home and they go, ‘What did I do?'”

However, after impersonating what it’s like to be an animator, he gets engaged with the arc of the motion sand says, “I take that all back, man. Animators are cool.”

About Big City Greens

Synopsis: Big City Greens follows the offbeat adventures of 10-year-old Cricket Green, a mischievous and optimistic country boy who moves to the big city with his wildly out-of-place family — older sister Tilly, father Bill and Gramma Alice. Cricket’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm lead him and his family on epic journeys and into the hearts of his new neighbors. The new season follows the family and their friends as they navigate some of their biggest adventures yet!

The series stars Chris Houghton as Cricket Green, Marieve Herington as Tilly Green, Bob Joles as Bill Green, Artemis Pebdani as Gramma Alice, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Nancy Green, Zeno Robinson as Remy, and Anna Akana as Gloria.

Season Five Guest Cast: Stephen King, Luke Combs, Dylan Sprouse, Megan Stalter, Chad Michael Murray, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Cobie Smulders, Clark Gregg, Matt Gourley, Sona Movsesian, Aaron Bleyaert, Martha Kelly, Steve Schirripa and Mike Colter.

The series is produced by Disney Television Animation, part of Disney Kids & Family, Chris and Shane Houghton are creators and executive producers. Anna O’Brian,director of “Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation,” has been elevated to executive producer for Season 5. Stephen Sandoval (“The Owl House”) is co-executive producer, and Michael Coughlin (“The Muppets”) is producer.

The first five episodes of Season 5 premieres on August 21 on Disney Channel (8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT) and next day on Disney+. Additional episodes will be released throughout 2026 and 2027.

The post ‘Big City Greens’ Season 5: Cricket Green Talks Chocolate Fountains, IShowSpeed, and Animators appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Not because I don’t love this franchise. Quite the opposite. Toy Story has been a constant companion for most of my life, and after the emotional farewell of Toy Story 3 and the unexpected meetings and partings of Toy Story 4, I genuinely wondered what was left to say. I expected another Woody and Buzz adventure, nostalgia. I expected comfort.

What I didn’t expect was Jessie.

And honestly, I’m so glad that’s the movie we got.

Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by McKenna Harris, Toy Story 5 reunites nearly every voice fans have grown up with. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Blake Clark, Annie Potts, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Keanu Reeves, Ally Maki, Melissa Villaseñor, and others return with the same warmth and chemistry that have defined this series for decades. The newcomers, including Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien, Craig Robinson, Bad Bunny, Ernie Hudson, Alan Cumming, and several more, slide naturally into this world without feeling like stunt casting.

But the real heart of the film belongs to Joan Cusack.

For years, her story in Toy Story 2 gave us one of the franchise’s most devastating moments. That fear of abandonment never truly disappeared, and Toy Story 5 wisely recognizes that trauma doesn’t simply vanish because time passes. Seeing Jessie wrestle with those lingering scars gives the film an emotional foundation I never saw coming. Joan Cusack delivers some of her strongest work in the entire series, and there were several moments where I found myself far more invested in her journey than I expected.

The “toys versus technology” premise initially seemed like the obvious hook. Trailers suggested a story about screens replacing playtime, and while that idea is certainly present, the film digs much deeper than that.

What Toy Story 5 is really asking is why so many children today feel pressured to grow up so quickly.

The film quietly examines the expectations placed on kids, the fear of not fitting in, and the way structured lives sometimes leave very little room for imagination. Technology becomes less of a villain and more of a symptom. The real issue is a world that often forgets how important play actually is.

That message hit me harder than I expected.

As someone who grew up creating stories with toys scattered across the floor, I found myself thinking about how much those moments shaped who I became. Toy Story 5 understands that play isn’t wasted time. It’s how children process emotions, discover themselves, and learn to connect with others. That’s a surprisingly profound idea for a movie about talking toys.

And thankfully, the film never forgets to have fun.

The comedy lands beautifully. The returning cast still feels like a family, and the chemistry between everyone remains one of Pixar’s greatest strengths. Whether it’s Rex spiraling into panic, Hamm delivering dry observations, or Duke Caboom stealing scenes once again, the movie balances humor and emotion with remarkable confidence.

Visually, Pixar continues to impress. The animation is stunning, but what stood out to me most were the smaller details. Expressions carry so much feeling. Quiet moments are allowed to breathe. There is a maturity to the filmmaking that trusts the audience without ever losing the wonder that made the original film special back in 1995.

By the time the credits rolled, I found myself smiling for a reason I never expected.

Toy Story 5 didn’t try to recreate the past. It didn’t chase nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, it found a new story worth telling and gave one of the franchise’s most beloved characters the spotlight she deserved.

And somehow, against all my expectations, I think this movie was one of the best Toy Story films ever made.

That was perhaps the biggest surprise of all.

After thirty years, this franchise still understands something many films forget: growing up doesn’t mean leaving play behind. It means carrying the lessons, friendships, and imagination we discovered through it into the next chapter of our lives. Toy Story 5 celebrates that idea with sincerity, humor, and a tremendous amount of heart.

I walked into the theater wondering why this movie existed.

I walked out grateful that it does.

Rating: 5/5 atoms

Toy Story 5 comes alive in theaters this Friday, June 19th.

The post Toy Story 5 Review – Celebrating the Power of Play appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The trailers didn’t quite sell me. They made it look like light chaos, bright colors, maybe a few solid jokes, and not much else. I mean, even though it’s mentioned in the film, it ACTUALLY felt like it was going to be Avatar for kids. Pixar has built a reputation on emotional storytelling, but the marketing here felt like it was holding something back. I’m very glad I ignored my doubts.

Hoppers isn’t just fun; it’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and far more layered than its previews suggest.

Directed by Daniel Chong and written by Jesse Andrews, the film follows an animal lover named Mabel who uses new technology to transfer her consciousness into a life-like robotic beaver. She goes undercover in the animal kingdom, befriending a beaver named King George to save their habitat from the city’s development-focused Mayor. Piper Curda leads the ensemble with warmth, sincerity, and genuine compassion, bringing a vulnerability that anchors the film’s emotional core, while giving space for the character’s personal revelations.

Bobby Moynihan delivers steady humor that never undercuts the heart, but adds to it. He is an honest-to-goodness ray of sunshine who endures throughout the film. Jon Hamm brings a surprising amount of fun stubbornness to his performance, which marries well with the cast. Kathy Najimy adds a sense of chaotic fun as the professor, and Dave Franco rounds things out with a lively and nefarious energy as the Caligula-like Insect King.

The chemistry within this vocal cast is what truly makes the film soar. These performances feel connected. Conversations bounce naturally, emotional exchanges land without feeling forced, and the humor comes from developed character rather than punchlines. It feels like a group that actually knows one another, and that makes every moment resonate more deeply.

Visually, Pixar remains in a class of its own. The animation bursts with texture and light. Landscapes feel lived in. Expressions are layered and nuanced. The world of Hoppers carries a sense of movement that feels both playful and intentional. There are sequences that shimmer with imagination, yet it’s the quiet character beats that linger the longest.

What surprised me most was how confidently the story leans into its emotional themes, despite the heavy emphasis on zany antics based on the trailers. It explores community, insecurity, ambition, and the courage to embrace who you are without becoming heavy-handed. The humor keeps things buoyant, but the sincerity gives the story weight. I found myself laughing one moment and sitting quietly reflective the next.

Going in, I was uncertain. Walking out, I felt genuinely grateful that I had given it a chance.

Hoppers is the kind of animated film that sneaks up on you. It looks playful on the surface, then reveals a depth that feels earned and honest. It reminded me why Pixar remains such a powerful storyteller when it trusts its characters and lets them breathe.

Right now, it stands as the best animated film I have seen this year.

Rating: 5/5 atoms

Hoppers, starring Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, and Dave Franco, hops its way into theaters this Friday, March 6th.

The post Hoppers Review – A Beautiful Surprise That Leaps Straight for the Heart appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

On the board game side, Ravensburger has produced the strategy card/board game Disney Villainous, which launched in 2018. Players are tasked with becoming a Disney villain, each with special abilities and challenges, and the one who completes their objectives wins the game. The games featured characters from classic Disney animated films, including Captain Hook, Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula, Hades, Scar, Cruella de Vil, and Shere Khan. Live-action villains also received some love, including Davy Jones.

Marvel also joined, with players getting to become supervillains like Thanos, Ultron, or Loki.

There’s also a Star Wars edition with iconic bad guys like Darth Vader and General Grievous. This year, we saw the release of Star Wars Villainous: Cold Tactics, with the option of playing as Grand Admiral Thrawn or Count Dooku. As Thrawn, you are tasked with taking over and controlling planets for the Empire. As Count Dooku, you are tasked with convincing an organization to join him in the Separatist Movement. Cold Tactics can be used with other Star Wars Villainous games, including Power of the Dark Side, Scum and Villainy, and Revenge at Last.

Here are the available Villainous Board Games (prices shown as of January 1, 2026). A few are sold out and are available via resellers, as you can tell from the marked-up prices.

Nerd Reactor may earn a commission from purchases through links on our site.

Villainous Board Games

• Disney Villainous (Base Game) – $29.99
• Wicked to the Core – $29.49
• Evil Comes Prepared – $70 (Reseller Price)
• Perfectly Wretched – $28.61
• Despicable Plots – $96.18 (Reseller Price)
• Bigger and Badder – $23.99
• Filled with Fright – $17.99
• Sugar & Spite – $9.47
• Treacherous Tides – $22.99

Marvel Villainous Games

• Marvel Villainous: Infinite Power (Base Game) – $35.99
• Marvel Villainous: Mischief and Malice – $32.95
• Marvel Villainous: Twisted Ambitions – $19.98
• Marvel Villainous: We Are Venom – $17.99

Star Wars Villainous Games

• Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side (Base Game) – $22.49
• Star Wars Villainous: Revenge at Last – $17.53
• Star Wars Villainous: Scum and Villainy – $27.62
• Star Wars Villainous: Cold Tactics – $19.99

The post From Scar to Darth Vader: The Evolution of Disney Villainous Board Game appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Casey Hudson Returns

The biggest gripe people have with Hudson is how he left the Mass Effect series and the disaster that was, is, Anthem (Anthem is shutting down in January of 2026). However, I beg you to “come, stay a while, and listen” (yes, I know that is from Diablo 2). I will regale you on why Fate of the Old Republic is the game that Star Wars fans have been waiting looking forward to for a while.

First, I would like to say that yes, we were all disappointed by the ending in Mass Effect 3. It felt rushed and like your choices earlier did not matter. However, game development has certainly changed since Mass Effect 3 was released. Fans are now more involved in game development. They play the games before they come out in alphas and betas. Developers look at social media more to see what fans are saying. There are more chances to show off your game and more people to get eyeballs on it through that same social media. Hudson and the folks at Arcanaut will know if the fans are happy before the game even releases.

Also, remember, Hudson had nothing to do with the 4th game in the series. He did, however, have a hand in Anthem. My argument for this was that the game industry was starting a shift to live service, and everyone was trying it. Having played Anthem, in what we want to call its prime, I actually enjoyed the gameplay and doing the missions with my friends. The game has not aged well, which is why it is shutting down, but Hudson is not at fault for that either. Now that we have squashed the negatives about Hudson, let’s move on to the game itself.

Death Star Plans Acquired

The year is 2004, and you just popped Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic into your original Xbox, Duke controller in hand. You marvel at the graphics, squeal at the story, and cheer at the gameplay. Fast forward 20 years, and the game, while still fun, has not aged well. The controls are archaic, and the cameras and graphics are janky. All of this reminds me of another game. This, too, is an amazing game, but it did not age the best, as many games do not. If you guess that I was speaking about Final Fantasy VII, you get yourself a gold star.

Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth reinvented a game that is almost 30 years old. Modern technology allowed it to look beautiful and play smoothly. The switch to ARPG really helped open the game to players who are not keen on traditional turn-based mechanics. Plus, with modern technology, Square Enix was able to throw in award-winning motion capture and voice acting. Hudson and Co. have their blueprint for Fate of the Old Republic.

Star Wars on the big and small screens has been somewhat shaky recently. However, Star Wars games over the past decade have been pretty on point. Sure, there have been a few misses or two (eg, Star Wars Hunters and the Battlefront 2 lootbox debacle), but overall, Star Wars titles have had good stories and great gameplay. From the Fallen Order series to Outlaws, the longevity of Star Wars: The Old Republic, plus all the great LEGO games, gamers heading to a galaxy far, far away have rarely been disappointed.

What also really helps the case for Fate of the Old Republic is how many modern spiritual successor games are successful. Games like Bioshock (System Shock), Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild (Ocarina of Time), Elden Ring (Dark Souls/Demon Souls) come to mind. They all took games that had limited technology, moved the story forward while also creating new experiences with modern mechanics. Hudson aims to do the same.

A Game for All Fans

Casey Hudson and Arcanaut Studios have a big task ahead of them. With the model of the recent Final Fantasy VII games, the modern technology at their disposal, and the voice of the fans, the model for how to make a modern RPG that fans love is right in front of them. Making a game like Knights of the Old Republic but for the modern gamer with modern mechanics that anybody can pick up and play, is a winning formula. As a long-time gamer, I grew up on turn-based RPGs. I understand they are not for everyone, and the menus can often be overwhelming in battle. So, all gamers and every Star Wars nerd rejoice! We are getting the game we deserve.

Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic still has no release date. Check out the website and stay with Nerd Reactor for more updates on the game as they are given to us.

The post Why Fate of the Old Republic Is the Modern Star Wars RPG Gamers Deserve appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

“Traditionally in any of the LEGO content, we just see the minifigs, the really, really small characters,” Eckstein tells Nerd Reactor. “This is one of the first times that they’ve actually had a BrickHead interact with minifigs. So when they first told me, it was just like, ‘Oh okay, that’s different. I was excited. But while she looks different, it’s still Ahsoka’s spirit. It’s still her heart. It’s still the same Ahsoka. She’s just in BrickHead form.”

Rey is portrayed by Daisy Ridley in the live-action films, but in the series, she is voiced by Helen Sadler. With that said, there is a connection between Eckstein and Ridley, and surprisingly, it’s not Star Wars-related.

“I think one thing that a lot of people don’t know, and it kind of slipped under the radar, is I have worked with Daisy Ridley before,” Eckstein explained. “You know, some people might think like, ‘Oh, yeah, you voiced Ahsoka in Rise of Skywalker,’ but actually not that. I play Daisy Ridley’s sister in the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s film Only Yesterday.

“And so that was just such a huge honor to get to do a voice in a Studio Ghibli film. But then to get to play Daisy Ridley’s sister, that was really, really cool. So when I actually met Daisy Ridley for the first time, I don’t think she knew who Ahsoka was because this was a long time ago. And so someone introduced her and they said, ‘Oh, this is Ashley Eckstein, and she’s a voice of Ahsoka.

“And I could tell that didn’t register. And I said, ‘But I’m also your sister in Only Yesterday.’ And she got so excited. She’s like, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ And we hugged and we took photos and she just couldn’t have been nicer. And so, yeah, that’s one thing that I think a lot of people don’t know that I did.”

The Pieces of the Past subtitle is a reference to LEGO and Star Wars, taking place a long time ago. For Ahsoka, we get a familiar version of her.

“We are forever one,” she said. “BrickHead Ahsoka, she’s in her season seven kind of Mandalore outfit. So I had to go back to my past and kind of age her in season seven, which I’m always very mindful of. ‘OK, what age is she? So how does she sound?’ So I did have to go back to the past and make sure she sounded like season seven. I’ve been voicing her since 2006. They may say it’s a piece of my past, but she’ll always be a piece of my heart.”

About LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past

Synopsis: A continuation of the story that began in 2024 with LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, Pieces of the Past introduces a new threat rising in the galaxy, forcing Sig Greebling and Dev Greebling to combine their powers of Force Building and Sith Breaking to stop it. Alongside Jedi Bob, Yesi Scala, and Servo, they journey into the deepest corners of LEGO Star Wars lore, uncovering pieces of all the galaxies that have come before.

Returning voice cast includes Gaten Matarazzo as Sig Greebling, Tony Revolori as Dev Greebling, Bobby Moynihan as Jedi Bob, Marsai Martin as Yesi Scala, Michael Cusack as Servo, Ahmed Best as Darth Jar Jar, and a special guest appearance by Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. The four-piece sequel series welcomes Dan Stevens as Solitus, Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano, and Ben Schwartz as Jaxxon.

The series is written and executive produced by Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit and directed by Chris Buckley. James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, Josh Rimes, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, and Keith Malone are executive producers. The producers are Daniel Cavey & Dan Langlois. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past is now available on Disney+.

The post Ashley Eckstein Talks Ahsoka’s Legacy, Daisy Ridley Connection, and LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Disney+ Throwback Experience will bring to life The Cheetah Girls’ recording studio, Hannah Montana’s closet, an all-denim boutique inspired by Boy Meets World, and the Pink Slip garage from Freaky Friday.

Immersive Rooms

Here are the details for the immersive rooms:

• Cheetah Girls’ Studio (The Cheetah Girls): Rehearse in a faux fur-covered studio accented by cheetah prints, hot pink shag, and Dorinda and Chanel’s sleepover phone. Grab a mic for karaoke and belt out “Cinderella.” Know the words? Even better!
• Topanga Denim Co. (Boy Meets World): This denim-patched boutique is stitched with Topanga’s journal, Feeny’s fence clipboard, and Cory-coded flannel. Match Boy Meets World-themed props to the right character.
• Hannah Montana’s Closet (Hannah Montana): A pop star’s dream closet, packed with sequins, guitars, and secret identities.
• Pink Slip Garage (Freaky Friday): Crash into a punked-out garage cluttered with Doc Martens, demo CDs, and guitar-case stickers.

Photo Ops!

Photos are encouraged throughout, but these spots are extra camera-ready!

• Paolo’s Palace (The Princess Diaries): Glow up in a Princess Diaries glam room worthy of Paolo’s approval – complete with Mia’s tiara, wooden brush, and “Shut UP!” energy.
• Luke’s Diner (Gilmore Girls): Ultimate pit stop for nostalgia lovers, coffee drinkers, and fast talkers alike.
• Suite Life Bellhop (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody): Esteban’s Tipton turf – luggage cart ready and bellhop duties in full swing.
• The Lanai Closet (Golden Girls): Sassy pastels, Sophia’s glasses, and framed zingers make this Miami nook cheesecake-ready.
• “People Always Leave” Closet (One Tree Hill): Peyton’s sketchbook, the Naley bracelet, and Ravens gear set the mood for maximum teen angst.

Disney+ has partnered with the online thrift store ThredUp to supply and style 100 items for the pop-up experience. These items will have a QR code that links to a shopping page.

About Disney+ Throwback Experience

WHEN: Thursday, June 12 – Sunday, June 15 from 11 am – 7 pm

WHERE: Rock Etiquette | 7550 Melrose Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

TICKETS: The public can reserve entry via a ticketed time slot at https://www.showclix.com/tickets/disneyplusthrowbackexperience.

WHY: The experience is just one of many summer activations part of the first-ever Disney+ Throwback campaign. The campaign is a summer-long celebration of the ‘90s and 2000s titles that defined a generation.

The post Disney+ Throwback Experience Recreates Boy Meets World, Freaky Friday & Hannah Montana in Immersive Pop-Up Location appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

A Nostalgic Journey

The game was a Nintendo Switch timed exclusive, and it received a decent reception from several outlets with an average Metacritic score of 73. After 2 years, it has finally come to PC, Xbox and PlayStation. The game only has local multiplayer, but using Remote Play on Steam, I had some help completing this one.

Before this release, the game had enjoyed two free content updates. These came in the form of time trial and mystery solving modes. Keeper Up and Mystery of Monoth are unlocked as you play the story. This version of the game includes Diala Studios’ third update titled Cave Adventuring Scavenger Hunt, or C.A.S.H. for short.

Once you complete the main campaign, you will need to go back to the main menu and reload your save. This will prompt a cutscene where a question mark will appear on your map. Luckily, there is a mailbox right next to it so you can go ahead and teleport right by it. What you will find is a little hut in the middle of Monoth wearing a Scrooge McDuck top hat.

Inside this hut, you will find good old Scrooge himself in the feather, and Mickey and his friends are super excited to see Donald’s Uncle. As players we were excited as well, especially because he supplied us with a shovel and unlocked a roguelike coin collecting mode.

Get Gold, Get Upgrades

C.A.S.H. is broken into vertical levels. Each level has its own levels, so you will be digging in every direction. You dig to uncover and collect coins, jewels and more, and this is done while avoiding obstacles. Many of these will be recognizable from the main game, and you also have to make sure you get to an exit point which appear on every other level. If you do not make it to one, you lose all the money you have collected except for money earned via tasks. These tasks are challenges for your run, and the few we have encountered were ones like getting so many levels deep, collecting so many coins or even digging so many blocks of dirt.

Rewards from successful runs and tasks can be used to upgrade multiple aspects of your run. As you get deeper, you there you start to see three or four different colored dirt blocks that require an upgraded shovel. To get that deep though, you will most certainly need to upgrade your time. Fans of platformers and roguelikes will appreciate all the elements of these features.

Final Reaction

It is great to see a good end game mode that has a high replay value. Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends is a fantastic addition to the multiplayer Metroidvania collection. Bringing Cave Adventuring Scavenger Hunt to the mix adds a layer to the game that will keep players coming back for a long while. With 2 players it was fast chaotic fun, so one can only imagine what it would be like adding that third or fourth player.

Whether you are enjoying the game and the new mode solo, locally with friends, or via remote play, you are guaranteed for some good Disney platforming action. It is reminiscent of the genre’s great games that came before it.

Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends is available on Steam, GOG, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

The post Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends New Mode Lets You Find All the C.A.S.H. appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

Moana 2 was directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller and David Derrick Jr from a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. The Moana sequel features songs by Barlow and Bear with Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui, respectively.

Spoiler Warning for Moana 2 Ending

At the end of Moana 2, Moana becomes a demigod after being revived thanks to Maui, Tautai Vasa and Moana’s ancestors. Maui gets his powers back as a demigod and lifts the island of Motufetu above the ocean, reconnecting the people. With Moana now a demigod, what will this mean for Moana 3?

“As filmmakers, we love it when people ask questions after they see our film,” Derrick Jr. tells Nerd Reactor. “It creates conversation and even debate. We set out to make a film that would celebrate the fact that in our lives, we are always growing, evolving and changing. We never stop choosing who we are. And I love that we leave it open, but very clear that Moana has become a demigod. What that means is yet to be discovered.”

“At the end of the first film, there’s a sense of almost infinite possibilities that Moana has that she’s out there on her canoe going out,” Hand added. “What does that mean? We enjoyed the fact that there’s a similar feeling to that. It’s much different because there are more pieces to the puzzle now with her being a demigod. What does that mean when she puts that oar into the water and you see this incredible piece of magic that goes out from that? I love that there’s a possibility for us to tell more stories. What that is we’ll see.”

The sequel introduces new characters including Moni and Matangi. Moni, voiced by Hualālai Chung, is part of Moana’s wayfinding crew and a huge Maui fan. Matangi, voiced by Awhimai Fraser, serves Nalo, a storm god who sunk the island of Motufetu.

“I screamed at my seat and went, ‘Yes! Let’s see what’s going to happen,'” said Fraser. “I think it’s really fascinating to see the relationship between Matangi and Nalo and to explore the ‘deal’ that was going on there. She thought she was free but she’s now she’s not. What’s happening? I would really love to see her explore a world with Moana instead of toying with her so much. I think she could be a little bit more supportive in the next one.”

“I think for me I’m so grateful that everybody wants to see more of the story,” Chung said. “I think what I would love to see more from Moni is to actually see him build a relationship with Maui. He’s been such a fanboy on the outskirts of who Maui is this whole time, and right at the end of the movie, you actually kind of see them getting along and starting to build somewhat of a relationship. So to see how they can go back and forth and see the comedy that it brings and the warmheartedness that it brings, that would be awesome.”

Lin-Manuel Miranda was one of the songwriters for the first Moana film with songs such as “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” “You’re Welcome,” and “We Know the Way.” In Moana 2, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear were tasked with the songs, which included “Beyond,” “What Could Be Better Than This?” “Get Lost” and “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?”

“All the writing sessions,” Bear said of the songs where they had to let loose creatively. “I mean, if you get too in your head, then you’re in this vicious cycle where it’s just bad, and then you just end up going nowhere. The song ‘Get Lost’ is all about forgetting the world that you live in, letting yourself feel that uncomfortableness, and letting yourself forge a new path. Because taking all the old paths isn’t going to work, and that’s scary.”

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