There is plenty to be excited about in the geek world this month: from a returning Comic Con Africa to a new season of a favourite Netflix show and the release of an all-new Disney+ live action classic, it’s one huge geek fest!
Let’s get into it:
Pinocchio:
When you wish upon a star … a star-studded live-action version of one of the ultimate classics is delivered!
Pinocchio will be released on Disney+ on Thursday 8 September 2022, only (sadly, there will be no theatrical release). Starring Tom Hanks as Geppetto, Cynthia Erivo as Blue Fairy, Luke Evans as The Coachman with voice actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jiminy Cricket, Keegan-Michael Key as Honest John and introducing Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Pinocchio, this is one magical Disney adventure you won’t want to miss!
I’ll be honest and say I am a bit apprehensive about this live-action film. I didn’t love The Lion King and Aladdin made me question a few things about what we’re teaching children with these fairytales. I do hope Pinocchio leaves me with the same sense of wonder that the live-action Beauty and the Beast does every time I watch it (and I don’t care what people say, Emma Watson did a great job as Belle).
Cobra Kai:
Are you ready to wax on, wax off with Danny LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence once again?
The fifth season of Cobra Kai, the incredibly popular sequel to the Karate Kid movie franchise, will debut on Netflix on Friday 9 September 2022.
Our frenemies Danny (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny (William Zabka) are teaming up with another of Danny’s former foes Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) to take down the awful Cobra Kai Sensei Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and show their students that good can prevail over evil, once and for all.
I’ve really enjoyed this series, especially during the lockdown when it gave me hope that life can get better. The first Karate Kid movie was released the year before I was born so, as with Stranger Things, I am enjoying being immersed in the 80s culture via the regular movie flashbacks. It is also great to see all of these actors who are in their late 50s and 60s kick some serious butt.
With Leonie competing in karate tournaments, this show has also helped me understand her passion and appreciate the sport. Now, say it with me: Cobra Kai never dies!
Comic Con Africa 2022:
It’s been nearly three years since Leonie and I wowed Comic Con attendees with our excellent cosplay in Johannesburg. While we aren’t making the geek pilgrimage to the Comic Con Africa 2022 weekend-long celebrations, plenty of you will and we wish you all of the best fun!
Celebs on this year’s schedule (which is subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances) include Tati Gabrielle (YOU and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and Selwyn Ward (Power Rangers franchise). The Artist talent is always a highlight of the Con and this year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. Be inspired by Bill Masuku (Captain South Africa and Razor Man); Zack Howard (Hell Boy); Steve Ellis (Iron and Spiderwoman); Jason Masters (Batwoman, Captain America and James Bond) and more.
NB: Please remember that while regulations have been disbanded, COVID-19 is still around so take extra precautions to keep yourselves, your loved ones, the Comic Con team, stars, artists and other attendees as safe as you can.
