In Case You Haven’t Heard: ‘Stranger Things,’ Quentin Tarantino

The Netflix mega-hit “Stranger Things” hits the big time with an upcoming theatrical release, routine director Quentin Tarantino steps out of his comfort role and into an acting role in “Only What We Carry,” and “Star Wars” fans petitioned Disney to revive a scrapped Ben Solo movie with an airplane fly-over in this edition of “In Case You Haven’t Heard.”

If you’re trying to get a jump on New Year’s Eve plans and happen to be a fan of the show “Stranger Things” on Netflix, check out the series finale on the big screen on the last day of 2025. The nostalgic 1980’s show set in Hawkins, Ind. will also release on Netflix at the same time as the theatrical release, but how fun does an actual big screen experience sound with this iconic throwback show?

The finale is two hours long and will play on 350 screens in North America starting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. It will be available to stream on Netflix at the same time. You do have a short window though, as the event will end Jan.1, 2026.

There’s a new comedy bio pic that should interest many Wisconsinites. “A Chris Farley Story” has been sold as a pitch to New Line Cinema, who will also distribute the film. Farley will be played by Paul Walter Hauser, who was most recently seen in “The Naked Gun” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” before that. He can currently be seen in “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.” And now, he will play the iconic Farley. I already love this movie!

Normally, the headline “Quentin Tarantino is Back!” would be good news – if he were writing and directing. Unfortunately, the headline refers to his acting. Tarantino has said he will only write and direct 10 films. He has done nine so far, so his fans and Hollywood eagerly await his 10th contribution from the Director’s chair. In the meantime, Tarantino we’re stuck with his acting, as he will appear in a new film called “Only What We Carry,” according to IndieWire.

Tarantino had minor acting roles in “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction,” his first two films. He also acted opposite George Clooney in the film “From Dusk til’ Dawn,” which he wrote, but did not direct. I’m a Tarantino fan, but it was a pretty bad movie and his acting in it was… unsettling. Speaking of Tarantino, his film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is getting a sequel of sorts. Brad Pitt will reprise his role as stuntman Cliff Booth in “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” which will be directed by David Fincher. Empire reports that the film will get a theatrical release sometime in 2026. 

Here’s one of Pete’s Pics. “Truth and Treason” is a really good film set in World War II Germany. The plot follows Helmuth, a teenage boy who watches his Jewish friend taken away by the Nazis, changing his opinion about his homeland. After hearing messages from around the world on an old radio which contradicts Hitler’s propaganda, Helmuth spreads his anti-Nazi message covertly at night…until he is caught. The film is based on a true story, and the parallels to what is happening currently in America are undeniable. “Truth and Treason” got an 83 percent from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but a brilliant 96 percent from audiences. The story is inspiring, and the lead character courageous. It’s definitely worth a look! 

“Star Wars” fans are nothing if not persistent. One fan group of the franchise recently rented a plane to fly a banner over New York City and then purchased a billboard hoping to get Disney to reconsider releasing “The Hunt for Ben Solo.” Actor Adam Driver, who played Solo in the previous two films of the would-be trilogy, revealed that the film was shelved by the mouse house, forcing the hand of “Star Wars” fans to act. Driver says he would’ve loved to play the character again in the film that was to be directed by Steven Soderburgh.

“I’m 61 and I hope to remain uninterested in using AI until I croak.” Those are the paraphrased words of Director Guillermo del Toro. The director recently appeared on NPR and discussed his new film “Frankenstein.” The Oscar-winner compared the fascination around AI with the arrogance of Dr. Frankenstein, adding that his issues are not with the actual technology, but by the general stupidity of those who control it. Frankenstein drops on Netflix on Friday, Nov. 7.

There is recent news on the latest Bob Odenkirk action film. The talented, Emmy-winning “Better Call Saul” star had back-to-back action roles with “Nobody” and “Nobody 2.” Headed to the big screen next spring from Magnolia Pictures is Odenkirk’s latest action film, “Normal,” which will drop April 17 of 2026 on over 2000 screens, which is Magnolia’s largest theatrical release ever, according to Deadline. The comically brilliant Bob Odenkirk – the action hero. 

It’s been a while since Johnny Depp’s highly publicized trial and divorce from ex-wife Amber Heard, but now Jack Sparrow is making a comeback and will play another iconic character in Ebeneezer Scrooge. “Ebeneezer: A Christmas Carol” will be a darker Gothic thriller version of the classic story. It is scheduled to hit theaters November 13, 2026. Another film headed our way, compliments of Depp in 2026, will be the thriller “Day Drinker.”

In Keanu Reeves-just-keeps-getting-more-awesome news, the “Matrix” actor made an appearance on the New Heights podcast with the Kelce brothers, where he talked about his days on the set of the “Replacements” with Gene Hackman. Reeves played a quarterback, and Hackman was his coach. Reeves said he looked up to Hackman and loved how he would give actors a ‘coach like look’ if they weren’t prepared, which reminded host Travis Kelce of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid who, if you’ve seen his State Farm commercials, you’ll realize is a fine actor.

A new caper film is headed our way early next year. “Crime 101” stars Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry and Mark Ruffalo. The story is set in Los Angeles, and follows Hemsworth’s character, an elusive jewel thief. Barry plays an insurance adjuster, and Ruffalo is a grizzled detective tracking the robberies. “Crime 101” hits theaters Feb. 13. The movie has a great cast – I really hope it’s good. 

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join host Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 to 8 p.m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.