John Wick franchise writer Derek Kolstad is teaming up with Amazon Studios to develop a live-action Hellsing movie. Deadline reports that the iconic Japanese manga series Hellsing is being given the live-action adaptation treatment, with Kolstad on board as the screenwriter and producer. The project's other producers include Automatik's Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger, Ranger 7 Films' Mike Callaghan and Reuben Liber, together with Soluble Fish Productions' Jason Lust. Hellsing is an action-horror manga series written and illustrated by Kouta Hirano and published by Shōnen Gahōsha. The original run started back in 1997 and continued all the way through to 2008, with each new volume delving deeper into the story of Alucard, a powerful vampire who is bound to the mysterious Hellsing Organization, working to combat vampires, ghouls, and other supernatural threats. [caption id="attachment_2482764" align="alignnone" width="1400"] Image credit: Kouta Hirano / Shōnen Gahōsha[/caption] "Ever since my brother introduced me to the Hellsing manga and anime some years ago, I've been obsessed with adapting it," Kolstad said, referencing the forthcoming project. "And when Mike Callaghan and his team managed to secure the rights to then partner us up with Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Amazon, I mean -damn, dude- this is a dream." "I've always loved the vampire genre, especially when a creator is able to put their own unique spin on it, so when Derek introduced me to Alucard and the Hellsing Organization, I knew we had something special in that tradition," Callaghan added. "Kouta Hirano's gonzo reimagining of the Dracula-Van Helsing mythology is an exhilarating, quirky mashup of action and horror that's unlike anything we've seen before. We are incredibly excited to partner with Brian and Fred at Automatik and that Amazon is on board to help us bring the wit and madness of Hellsing to life on screen." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-live-action-anime-remake-currently-in-development&captions=true"] As well as bringing Aculard to the screen, Kolstad recently penned the upcoming action-thriller Nobody starring Bob Odenkirk, and featured on the writing team for Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series, coming to Disney+ on March 19. He is also returning to write the scripts for John Wick: Chapter 4 and 5, as well as the Paramount-set Dungeons & Dragons movie. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

John Wick franchise writer Derek Kolstad is teaming up with Amazon Studios to develop a live-action Hellsing movie. Deadline reports that the iconic Japanese manga series Hellsing is being given the live-action adaptation treatment, with Kolstad on board as the screenwriter and producer. The project's other producers include Automatik's Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger, Ranger 7 Films' Mike Callaghan and Reuben Liber, together with Soluble Fish Productions' Jason Lust. Hellsing is an action-horror manga series written and illustrated by Kouta Hirano and published by Shōnen Gahōsha. The original run started back in 1997 and continued all the way through to 2008, with each new volume delving deeper into the story of Alucard, a powerful vampire who is bound to the mysterious Hellsing Organization, working to combat vampires, ghouls, and other supernatural threats. [caption id="attachment_2482764" align="alignnone" width="1400"] Image credit: Kouta Hirano / Shōnen Gahōsha[/caption] "Ever since my brother introduced me to the Hellsing manga and anime some years ago, I've been obsessed with adapting it," Kolstad said, referencing the forthcoming project. "And when Mike Callaghan and his team managed to secure the rights to then partner us up with Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Amazon, I mean -damn, dude- this is a dream." "I've always loved the vampire genre, especially when a creator is able to put their own unique spin on it, so when Derek introduced me to Alucard and the Hellsing Organization, I knew we had something special in that tradition," Callaghan added. "Kouta Hirano's gonzo reimagining of the Dracula-Van Helsing mythology is an exhilarating, quirky mashup of action and horror that's unlike anything we've seen before. We are incredibly excited to partner with Brian and Fred at Automatik and that Amazon is on board to help us bring the wit and madness of Hellsing to life on screen." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-live-action-anime-remake-currently-in-development&captions=true"] As well as bringing Aculard to the screen, Kolstad recently penned the upcoming action-thriller Nobody starring Bob Odenkirk, and featured on the writing team for Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series, coming to Disney+ on March 19. He is also returning to write the scripts for John Wick: Chapter 4 and 5, as well as the Paramount-set Dungeons & Dragons movie. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Update 03/15/2021: Troy Leavitt has released a video explaining his decision to leave Avalanche Studios and the Hogwarts Legacy project. The video explains that Leavitt has retired from the industry due to health-related family issues, and that controversy over his YouTube channel was a catalyst for retiring now, "but not the cause". The video, which is an edited version of a Zoom presentation given to ex-colleagues at Avalanche, features Leavitt explaining that he had retired in August of 2020, but rejoined the company in October. In early February 2021, "family matters took [a] sharp turn" – seemingly before reports about Leavitt's controversial YouTube output initially emerged. Leavitt says WB applied no pressure to him over the situation, but Leavitt made the decision to re-retire this month. Leavitt labelled press coverage of the controversy as feeling like "cancel culture", thanked those who defended him on YouTube, and announced that he'd like to work in indie development, and will continue work on a fantasy novel series. Leavitt shared a resignation letter, which says, "I leave with only the warmest of feelings towards both the Avalanche team and the WB organization." Later in the video, he said he believes "Avalanche is the right studio to make this game," pointing to its work on licensed IPs, in-house talent, and partnerships. He also said he appreciates the studio's player-centric design team, adding that it's focused on "what's good for the player, without trying to push any other agendas into the game" – a phrase which appears to tacitly reference the ongoing controversy around Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling's transphobic views. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Hogwarts Legacy lead designer Troy Leavitt has left developer Avalanche Software and quit the project, following controversy around his YouTube channel. Update: Leavitt points out in the video discussed above that he has been Hogwarts Legacy's senior producer since 2019, after beginning the project as lead designer. Leavitt became the centre of controversy two weeks ago, when journalist Liam Robertson pointed out that the designer had previously uploaded a number of videos in the past that, among other subjects, expressed support for the Gamergate movement and downplayed high-profile cases of sexual harassment. Leavitt has now explained on Twitter that he has left Avalanche Software, adding that he has "nothing but good things to say about the game, the dev team, and WB Games." In a follow-up, Leavitt says that he felt "absolutely secure" in his position at Avalanche, but made the choice to resign.

1. I have made the decision to part ways with Avalanche Software. I have nothing but good things to say about the game, the dev team, and WB Games.

2. I will be releasing a YouTube Video about this soon on my channel. — Troy Leavitt (@Troylus_true) March 5, 2021

Neither Avalanche Software, nor WB Games, have commented on Leavitt's departure at time of writing. IGN has contacted both for comment. Hogwarts Legacy – scheduled for release in 2022 – has seen a number of controversies since announcement, primarily centered around J.K. Rowling's transphobic views. Avalanche has previously explained that Rowling is "not directly involved" with Hogwarts Legacy (although she does earn money from WB's use of the IP), and a recent report suggested the game will allow for transgender characters to be created by players. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/hogwarts-legacy-official-reveal-trailer"] WB Interactive president David Haddad previously refused to criticise Rowling, saying that "she has the right to hold her opinions". We've previously written about how Harry Potter fans are coping with Rowling's views. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Update 03/15/2021: Troy Leavitt has released a video explaining his decision to leave Avalanche Studios and the Hogwarts Legacy project. The video explains that Leavitt has retired from the industry due to health-related family issues, and that controversy over his YouTube channel was a catalyst for retiring now, "but not the cause". The video, which is an edited version of a Zoom presentation given to ex-colleagues at Avalanche, features Leavitt explaining that he had retired in August of 2020, but rejoined the company in October. In early February 2021, "family matters took [a] sharp turn" – seemingly before reports about Leavitt's controversial YouTube output initially emerged. Leavitt says WB applied no pressure to him over the situation, but Leavitt made the decision to re-retire this month. Leavitt labelled press coverage of the controversy as feeling like "cancel culture", thanked those who defended him on YouTube, and announced that he'd like to work in indie development, and will continue work on a fantasy novel series. Leavitt shared a resignation letter, which says, "I leave with only the warmest of feelings towards both the Avalanche team and the WB organization." Later in the video, he said he believes "Avalanche is the right studio to make this game," pointing to its work on licensed IPs, in-house talent, and partnerships. He also said he appreciates the studio's player-centric design team, adding that it's focused on "what's good for the player, without trying to push any other agendas into the game" – a phrase which appears to tacitly reference the ongoing controversy around Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling's transphobic views. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Hogwarts Legacy lead designer Troy Leavitt has left developer Avalanche Software and quit the project, following controversy around his YouTube channel. Update: Leavitt points out in the video discussed above that he has been Hogwarts Legacy's senior producer since 2019, after beginning the project as lead designer. Leavitt became the centre of controversy two weeks ago, when journalist Liam Robertson pointed out that the designer had previously uploaded a number of videos in the past that, among other subjects, expressed support for the Gamergate movement and downplayed high-profile cases of sexual harassment. Leavitt has now explained on Twitter that he has left Avalanche Software, adding that he has "nothing but good things to say about the game, the dev team, and WB Games." In a follow-up, Leavitt says that he felt "absolutely secure" in his position at Avalanche, but made the choice to resign.

1. I have made the decision to part ways with Avalanche Software. I have nothing but good things to say about the game, the dev team, and WB Games.

2. I will be releasing a YouTube Video about this soon on my channel. — Troy Leavitt (@Troylus_true) March 5, 2021

Neither Avalanche Software, nor WB Games, have commented on Leavitt's departure at time of writing. IGN has contacted both for comment. Hogwarts Legacy – scheduled for release in 2022 – has seen a number of controversies since announcement, primarily centered around J.K. Rowling's transphobic views. Avalanche has previously explained that Rowling is "not directly involved" with Hogwarts Legacy (although she does earn money from WB's use of the IP), and a recent report suggested the game will allow for transgender characters to be created by players. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/hogwarts-legacy-official-reveal-trailer"] WB Interactive president David Haddad previously refused to criticise Rowling, saying that "she has the right to hold her opinions". We've previously written about how Harry Potter fans are coping with Rowling's views. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

The WandaVision season finale, Episode 9, has both mid-credits and post-credits scenes – make sure you don't switch off too early. WandaVision Episodes 7 and 8 were the only episodes of the show to include mid-credits scenes, but the finale marks the first and only time the show has included a second scene after the credits have rolled – something very familiar to Marvel Cinematic Universe fans. As is almost always the case, those credit sequences presage the future of the MCU. If you haven't watched yet, go no further – but if you want to know what was inside, we'll detail that below. Full spoilers follow for Episode 9 of WandaVision! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/wandavision-director-reveals-secrets-of-scarlet-witchs-origin"] The mid-credits scene centres on Monica Rambeau, who showed off more of her newly-gained powers in the main bulk of the show. After talking to Jimmy Woo and asking after Darcy, Monica's told to head to the Westview theater by an unknown agent. After arriving and seeing no one else, the agent reveals herself to be a Skrull, and explains that "an old friend of [Monica's mother]" would like to meet with Monica – asked where, she points upwards. This clearly references Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, who we last saw in Spider-Man: Far From Home's post-credits scene (where he also used Skrull agents to keep in contact with Peter Parker), aboard what seemed to be a space station. It seems Monica will be joining Fury in some capacity, most likely as part of the Secret Invasion series, in which Fury and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) are investigating a sect of Skrulls who’ve infiltrated the highest levels of authority in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/after-wandavision-whats-next-for-the-scarlet-witch-ign-now"] The post-credits scene is slightly less easy to interpret. We see that Wanda has moved to a remote cabin in the mountains, seemingly living a simple life alone. However, a final reveal shows what appears to be an astral projection of Scarlet Witch researching the Darkhold (the book of magic Agnes referred to in the finale). As the scene ends, we hear Billy and Tommy begging for help. With Billy and Tommy seemingly vanished, along with Wanda's memory-created version of Vision, at the end of the series, this seems to point to the idea that parts of her sons remain alive somewhere in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Or should that be Multiverse? We know that Scarlet Witch will be a part of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the projection of her reading is a callback to scenes in the original Doctor Strange film, in which Stephen Strange learned magic while his body slept. Perhaps Wanda's interest in Strange will be in learning how pass through between realities in search of her children. This could also be a link to the widely-held theory that Mephisto will become a part of the MCU in its latest phase. While the demon lord wasn't revealed to be WandaVision's Big Bad, we have seen what could be a reference to him in the trailer for the Loki series. Given Mephisto has a penchant for collecting souls, perhaps Billy and Tommy have become part of his collection – which would explain why they're begging for help, too. But before we get to any of the above, we still have the good old-fashioned action of The Falcon and Winter Soldier to come, with the series starting on Disney+ on March 19. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

The WandaVision season finale, Episode 9, has both mid-credits and post-credits scenes – make sure you don't switch off too early. WandaVision Episodes 7 and 8 were the only episodes of the show to include mid-credits scenes, but the finale marks the first and only time the show has included a second scene after the credits have rolled – something very familiar to Marvel Cinematic Universe fans. Developing...

Paramount Pictures has found a new captain to begin work on its next Star Trek film. Fear the Walking Dead writer and co-executive producer Kalinda Vasquez has been tapped to write a new Star Trek movie for Paramount Pictures, per Deadline. J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot is producing. If the project is greenlit, Vasquez will become the first woman to pen a Star Trek film. At the moment, it's uncertain whether the new project intends to include previously established characters from recent Star Trek movies, such as Chris Pine's Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto's Spock and Simon Pegg's Scotty. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/07/20/jj-abrams-star-trek-series-in-5-minutes"] Vasquez already has experience writing for the Star Trek franchise, having penned multiple episodes across the property's various iterations on Paramount Plus. She also wrote the Star Trek: Discovery episode Terra Firma, Part 2. Apart from Trek, Vasquez is currently writing a Marvel comics run about America Chavez and is also developing an adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novel Roadmarks for HBO. It has been nearly 5 years since the last Star Trek movie was in theaters. Star Trek Beyond released in July 2016 and went on to gross $158 million domestically. It marked a notable drop-off compared to its two predecessors Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, which grossed $257 million and $228.7 million respectively. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-trek-discovery-season-3-exclusive-character-images&captions=true"] In the years since, Paramount has made several attempts at bringing Star Trek back to theaters. Quentin Tarantino detailed his and Abrams' idea for an R-rated franchise entry, though he has since distanced himself from the project. Similarly, Fargo creator Noah Hawley was tapped to write and direct a direct sequel to Star Trek Beyond, though that project has since been shuttered. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Paramount Pictures has found a new captain to begin work on its next Star Trek film. Fear the Walking Dead writer and co-executive producer Kalinda Vasquez has been tapped to write a new Star Trek movie for Paramount Pictures, per Deadline. J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot is producing. If the project is greenlit, Vasquez will become the first woman to pen a Star Trek film. At the moment, it's uncertain whether the new project intends to include previously established characters from recent Star Trek movies, such as Chris Pine's Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto's Spock and Simon Pegg's Scotty. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/07/20/jj-abrams-star-trek-series-in-5-minutes"] Vasquez already has experience writing for the Star Trek franchise, having penned multiple episodes across the property's various iterations on Paramount Plus. She also wrote the Star Trek: Discovery episode Terra Firma, Part 2. Apart from Trek, Vasquez is currently writing a Marvel comics run about America Chavez and is also developing an adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novel Roadmarks for HBO. It has been nearly 5 years since the last Star Trek movie was in theaters. Star Trek Beyond released in July 2016 and went on to gross $158 million domestically. It marked a notable drop-off compared to its two predecessors Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, which grossed $257 million and $228.7 million respectively. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-trek-discovery-season-3-exclusive-character-images&captions=true"] In the years since, Paramount has made several attempts at bringing Star Trek back to theaters. Quentin Tarantino detailed his and Abrams' idea for an R-rated franchise entry, though he has since distanced himself from the project. Similarly, Fargo creator Noah Hawley was tapped to write and direct a direct sequel to Star Trek Beyond, though that project has since been shuttered. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer.

Party Down, the cult comedy about a group of caterers with dreams of stardom working in Hollywood is set to return as a limited-series revival at Starz. According to a press release, Starz announced it is “reviving the party” with a six-part limited series Party Down revival. There is no mention yet, however, on whether the original cast will return for the revival. Though chances seem likely. Party Down stars a crew of caterers who host parties as they wait for their big break in show business. The cast includes Adam Scott as a washed-up commercial actor, Lizzy Caplan as a struggling stand-up comic, Martin Starr as a wannabe sci-fi screenwriter, Ryan Hansen as an actor and model, Jane Lynch who is a former actress, Megan Mullally as a showbiz mom, and Ken Marino as their boss at the catering company. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=12-cancelled-tv-shows-wed-love-to-see-revived&captions=true"] Funny enough the cast has gone to have bigger roles following their stint on Party Down, with regular roles in shows like Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley, Glee, Masters of Sex, and more. Party Down creator Rob Thomas (who also created shows like Veronica Mars and iZombie) said in a statement that the cast and producers of Party Down have been looking for a way to work together again ever since a retrospective for the show was hosted by Vulture in 2019. Thomas is set to return for the Party Down revival along with showrunner John Enbom, and producers Paul Rudd and Dan Etheridge. Party Down is the latest sitcom set for a modern revival. Other shows like Saved by the Bell have already been revived, while others have been announced. Most recently a planned Frasier revival series in the works at Paramount+. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a News Editor at IGN.

Party Down, the cult comedy about a group of caterers with dreams of stardom working in Hollywood is set to return as a limited-series revival at Starz. According to a press release, Starz announced it is “reviving the party” with a six-part limited series Party Down revival. There is no mention yet, however, on whether the original cast will return for the revival. Though chances seem likely. Party Down stars a crew of caterers who host parties as they wait for their big break in show business. The cast includes Adam Scott as a washed-up commercial actor, Lizzy Caplan as a struggling stand-up comic, Martin Starr as a wannabe sci-fi screenwriter, Ryan Hansen as an actor and model, Jane Lynch who is a former actress, Megan Mullally as a showbiz mom, and Ken Marino as their boss at the catering company. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=12-cancelled-tv-shows-wed-love-to-see-revived&captions=true"] Funny enough the cast has gone to have bigger roles following their stint on Party Down, with regular roles in shows like Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley, Glee, Masters of Sex, and more. Party Down creator Rob Thomas (who also created shows like Veronica Mars and iZombie) said in a statement that the cast and producers of Party Down have been looking for a way to work together again ever since a retrospective for the show was hosted by Vulture in 2019. Thomas is set to return for the Party Down revival along with showrunner John Enbom, and producers Paul Rudd and Dan Etheridge. Party Down is the latest sitcom set for a modern revival. Other shows like Saved by the Bell have already been revived, while others have been announced. Most recently a planned Frasier revival series in the works at Paramount+. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a News Editor at IGN.