Polygon.com - Fantasy

HBO's 8-Part "Stephen King Meets X-Files" Detective Thriller Series Is a Perfect Weekend Binge

Brian VanHooker — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:01:14 GMT

The first episode of Lanterns is now on HBO Max and it's unlike anything we’ve seen before in the superhero genre. While 2017’s Logan has Western elements just like Lanterns does, the HBO Max series is more of a rural detective story/crime thriller. This is entirely new and surprising, especially since most people associate Green Lantern with big, sweeping space adventures.

Henry Cavill's Forgotten 127-Minute Epic Dark Fantasy Officially Arrives on Free Streaming

Aimee Hart — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:00:12 GMT

One of the best (and worst) things about fantasy is that you're rarely done with a story after reading a single novel, watching just one movie, or even binging an entire season of television. Oh no, there are duologies, trilogies, spin-offs, and even 41-book franchises. Just look at Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time, and The Witcher, to name a few — all have prequels, sequels, and more.

'The Mighty Nein — Stories Untold' Review: A 10/10 Spin-Off of Critical Role's Best Campaign

Aimee Hart — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:00:12 GMT

For years, Critters have followed the adventures of Critical Role’s adventuring parties Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells. These three groups have ventured throughout the world of Exandria to kick butt and steal audiences' hearts… and they’re all out of butt. Those stories have been filled out through Critical Role’s expansion into other forms of storytelling, such as its animated adaptations, comics, and novels.

Critical Role Book Confirms a New Future for Campaign 2

Aimee Hart — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:59:25 GMT

Since Critical Role began adapting its actual-play Dungeons & Dragons campaigns into animated TV series, comics, and novels, questions have naturally arisen about what changes might be made and how these modifications might influence the canon of these Campaigns over time.

'House of the Dragon' Officially Rewrites the Saddest Downfall in Game of Thrones History

Aimee Hart — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:12 GMT

Whether you love or hate it, you can’t deny that showrunner Ryan Condal and writer Sara Hess’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Targaryen history book, Fire & Blood, has been entertaining from start to finish. The House of the Dragonseason 3 finale proved to be no exception, even if it also introduced a number of changes to the original story.

7 Years Later, Game of Thrones Finally Redeems Its Biggest Failure With a Near-Perfect Prequel

Aimee Hart — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 19:00:12 GMT

While nothing can ever truly make up for Game of Thrones' senseless finale (Daenerys Targaryen, you will always be The Prince Who Was Promised to me), one new addition to Game of Thrones may finally begin to repair that damage. Enter Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a stage play directed by Dominic Cooke and written by Duncan Macmillan. The stage adaptation is set during the waning days of Mad King Aerys' reign, the fateful jousting tournament at Harrenhal, and the eventual lead-up to Robert’s Rebellion.

Violent Night 2 director reveals a disturbing scene inspired by horror master Sam Raimi

Brian VanHooker — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 15:00:12 GMT

Director Tommy Wirkola and proucer Kelly McCormick discuss the upcoming sequel Violent Night 2, where David Harbour reprises his role as a Santa

House of the Dragon reveals the reason behind Fire & Blood’s most infamous betrayal

Aimee Hart — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 02:00:22 GMT

One of the best things about the TV adaptation of George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood is the level of intrigue, scheming, and politicking on display. In the latest House of the Dragon episode, we see how Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) placement of Torrhen Manderly (Dan Fogler) as her Master of Coin makes him the target of the smallfolk’s wrath, and how Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) uses her body to appeal to Rhaenyra’s senses. Yet, the biggest schemer of House of the Dragon season 3, episode 7, is none other than Ormund Hightower (James Norton).

Star Wars just officially changed the meaning of Rise of Skywalker's most important twist

Aimee Hart — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:00:12 GMT

The Star Wars sequel trilogy is not known for being particularly cohesive. Disney seemingly had far too many cooks in the kitchen and overreacted to angry fan feedback. By the time The Rise of Skywalker was released in 2019, the biggest question wasn't what would come next from that galaxy far away, but how a trilogy that started so promisingly ended up going so wrong.

A new Critical Role story will follow one of The Mighty Nein's most popular characters

Aimee Hart — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:12 GMT

Critters know and love the tales of Critical Role's mightiest adventuring parties, Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells. Songs are sung about their deeds and adventures where they've fought giants, dragons, and even gods — but what about the people whose lives they've impacted? What's there to know about their stories?