Top 5 Must-Watch Paramount+ Shows This Week: Dec 29–Jan 2, 2026

As a total film buff, I’m excited to share some great streaming picks to kick off the new year! Ebaster’s got you covered across platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. Right now, I’m absolutely recommending this new crime thriller – it’s getting rave reviews with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, so you have to check it out!

MCU Star Simu Liu Reveals His Choices for ‘Shang-Chi’ Sequel Director

During a conversation on X (formerly Twitter) about his new show, The Copenhagen Test, Simu Liu was asked who he’d like to see direct a potential Shang-Chi 2 if Destin Daniel Cretton wasn’t available. Cretton is currently directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day and is rumored to be in line to direct another Spider-Man film for Sony and Marvel, as well as a live-action Naruto movie. Liu responded by suggesting three directors: Chloé Zhao (known for Eternals), The Daniels (who directed Everything Everywhere All At Once), and Lee Isaac Chung (Twisters).

Original Plans for Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’ Sequel Revealed

In an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (as reported by Comic Book Movie), director Ryan Coogler discussed his initial ideas for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He explained that the original script featured T’Challa and his young son – born during T’Challa’s five-year absence – participating in a Wakandan bonding ritual just as Namor launched his attack on the nation. According to Coogler,

Spider-Man: Sony Prevented [Spoiler] from Appearing in 1 of the Best MCU Movies

In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz, Ryan Coogler confirmed a rumor that he had considered including Kraven the Hunter in the 2018 film Black Panther. He explained that his initial vision for the movie drew inspiration from Christopher Priest’s Black Panther comic book series, and specifically included a fight scene between Black Panther and Kraven.

‘He Was Too Sick To Read’: Ryan Coogler Gets Real About How Far Black Panther 2 Got Before Chadwick Boseman’s Death

Coogler opened up during a recent conversation on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, a clip of which was later shared to Instagram. In it, the Fruitvale Station filmmaker explained that Boseman’s health had declined to the point where he was physically unable to read the sequel’s script. The admission underscores just how limited the creative process was on Wakanda Forever before Boseman passed away in August 2020. As Coogler put it:

X-Files Reboot: Ryan Coogler Shares Exciting Plot Update

I’m so excited to hear Ryan Coogler is working on a new take on The X-Files! It was such a groundbreaking show – two FBI agents delving into all sorts of strange, unexplained mysteries they called the “X-Files.” Chris Carter, the creator, really nailed the format. Each episode was usually a self-contained story with a creepy monster or unusual event, but there was always a bigger, season-long storyline unfolding in the background too. It was a perfect blend of spooky and suspenseful!