The Media Report: 2025
Summary
In this episode of The Middle of Culture, Eden and Peter discuss the current state of media in 2025, exploring the rare projects they're excited about and the overwhelming sense of disappointment surrounding most upcoming releases. From movies like Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Superman: Legacy, and Fantastic Four to gaming titles like Avowed and Doom: The Dark Ages and upcoming music from Spiritbox, Lacuna Coil, and Testament, they debate what has potential and what might be destined to flop. They also dive into the world of manga with Nichijou, food adventures, and why social media platforms like TikTok feel different in 2025. Tune in for a mix of pop culture insights, humor, and existential dread.Welcome back to The Middle of Culture. This week, we take a deep dive into the state of entertainment in 2025. From the bleak outlook of upcoming movies and TV to the rare gems in music and video games, we break down what we’re anticipating with excitement and what we’re bracing for in disappointment.
Movies and TV
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning -- The only movie Peter is planning to see opening weekend
Superman: Legacy and Fantastic Four -- Will DC's latest reboot succeed? Will Marvel recover?
Disney's live-action remakes (Lilo and Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon) -- Do we really need these?
Just how bad will Tron: Ares suck, and why is it all going to be Jared Leto's fault?
Daredevil Born Again -- The trailer has some promise, but will it deliver?
GQuuuuuuX -- A bizarre Gundam reimagining that might be brilliant or a disaster
Gaming
Avowed -- Will Obsidian continue its strong storytelling streak?
Doom: The Dark Ages -- Medieval DOOM? Yes, please
Claro Obscure Expedition 33 -- A turn-based RPG with an eerie, unique premise
Nintendo Switch 2 -- Worth it or just another console collecting dust?
Music
New albums from Spiritbox, Lacuna Coil, Testament, Mastodon, and more
The resurgence of Rebecca Black as a hyper-pop queen
Plus:
Eden's latest manga obsession Nichijou, weird food adventures, and why TikTok's vibes are now off
The increasing difficulty of finding things to truly look forward to in today's entertainment landscape
Join us for a candid, sometimes cynical, but always insightful look at what's ahead for pop culture in 2025.