“Star Wars: The Acolyte
Coming June 5th on Disney+
Though we might be more familiar with the Star Wars realm than our personal environment, dedicated Star Wars followers are still keen to explore new live-action derivatives. Expect to see Jedi warriors, lightsabers and a fresh gaggle of intergalactic vessels – rumour has it Lego is ready with Christmas gift sets. Will The Acolyte be able to rival The Mandalorian’s grandeur and delight Disney clientele? Lee Jung-jae features as a Jedi master detective on the trail of brutal crimes, leading him to cross paths with his intimidating ex-apprentice, or padawan, depicted by Amandla Stenberg. But they are up against greater forces, and the Jedi master and padawan must unite their might or suffer the fate of a Stormtrooper from the original Star Wars series.
Sweet Tooth
Launching June 6th on Netflix
In a future world, a pernicious virus known as the Sick threatens human survival. As the Sick rages, Hybrids emerge – children appearing as though decked out in masks of endearing creatures for Halloween. Gus, the first Hybrid, boasting a magnificent pair of antlers, needs to tread cautiously with his friends in this increasingly suspicious and hostile environment. In the climactic third season, Gus realises his crucial role in conquering the Sick and must vouch for a voyage to Alaska to find Birdie, his mother, and hopefully a solution to control the virus. After triumphing over the malicious General Abbott, a more dangerous adversary emerges: Helen Zhang, Sweet Tooth’s own villain, who aspires to get rid of Hybrids like misbehaving Dalmatians.
Becoming Karl Lagerfeld
Premiering June 7th on Disney+”
Daniel Brühl depicts the life of the renowned fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in this origin tale, which harks back to Lagerfield’s early days in the world of fashion during the 1970s. At the time, he was an unrecognized figure in the Parisian fashion industry, but he aimed to reach the top of the fashion world and overtake his competitor, Yves Saint Laurent. As Brühl portrays Lagerfeld’s intricate persona, he illustrates his bold journey through the realm of high fashion. This journey includes a tumultuous relationship with Jacques de Bascher and the creation of Lagerfeld’s own fashion brand, complete with his trademark hairstyle. The stunning six-part French series was shot in Paris, Rome, and Monaco promising glamour and glitz in its fullest.
Presumed Innocent, coming on Apple TV+ from the 12th of June, features Jake Gyllenhaal in this courtroom drama series which is based on Scott Turow’s novel of the same name. Those familiar with the 1990 movie adaptation might recall Harrison Ford in the lead role. Now, Gyllenhaal steps in to portray the character of Deputy Chief Prosecutor Rusty Sabich in this eight-part miniseries, joined by Ruth Negga and Alexander Sarsgaard in the cast. Rusty, reputed for being adept at convicting criminals, finds the roles reversed as he becomes the prime suspect in murdering his co-worker Carolyn (played by Renate Reinsve). Throughout his trial, he struggles to retain the support of his wife Barbara (played by Negga) and his family. His situation becomes more precarious as it is revealed that he had an affair with the deceased and was slightly obsessed with her, even stalking her at times.
Under the Bridge will be available on Disney+ from the same date, the 12th of June.
Lily Gladstone, recently nominated for an Oscar for Killers of the Flower Moon, takes on the role of a policewoman in British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. She investigates the murder of local teenager Reena, revealing deeper secrets of the community. The series is influenced by Rebecca Godfrey’s authentic crime book, with Riley Keough portraying the writer as she enters the town to interview Reena’s accused friends and uncover the truth.
The Boys
Begins June 13th, Prime Video
The fourth series in the visceral anti-superhero saga continues the bloody killings from the first three series. Navigating through this universe, a fair distance from the Marvel cosmos, the so-called superheroes are portrayed as villains. Antony Starr plays the repulsive Homelander, a self-absorbed, Trump-like character with strong disdain for mankind. His adversary, Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), an ordinary mortal determined to defeat these powerful psychopaths, rallies support from a team called The Boys. As Homelander tightens his grip on power in this fourth part, with Victoria Neuman likely heading for the White House, Butcher finds himself expelled from The Boys and on borrowed time. But then, he uncovers a potentially game-changing data: a virus that can exterminate the supes.
We Were the Lucky Ones
Starts Wednesday June 19th, Disney+
While exploring her ancestry for a school assignment, Georgia Hunter stumbled upon an astounding tale that inspired her to pen a New York Times bestselling novel. The narrative revolves around a well-off Jewish family from Poland, the Kurcs, who were forced to separate and escape Nazi persecution during World War II. Ultimately, the series follows the family members as they escape to safety or are tragically sent to concentration camps, their wealth offering no safeguard against anti-Semitism. It will document their struggle to reunite and rebuild their family ties.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
From the 20th of June, Netflix introduces a series that takes viewers off the field and into the sidelines of the NFL to feature the strenuous physical and mental regime of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Through tears, tantrums, and physical hurdles, these women push their boundaries to be part of the renowned cheerleading group, delivering thrilling performances on the gridiron to fans’ delight. However, not all aspirants make the cut, only those with sheer willpower and tenacity earn the privilege to don the team uniform and high-kick their way to glory.
From the 27th June, Disney+ is set to release a third season of the comedy-drama set in ‘The Bear’, a once unsophisticated beef stand that has risen to be a fine dining establishment. This season sees the return of Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, reprising their roles as Carmy, Sydney, and Richie. These characters grapple with keeping The Bear afloat and maintaining its gourmet standards, although challenges often push the crew to their breaking point.
Later in the month, Prime Video on the 27th of June, brings to its platform an alternative historical series, ‘My Lady Jane’. The eight-part series spins the tale of Lady Jane Grey, who, in reality, was a short-lived Tudor queen. However, in this reimagined series, Lady Jane dodges her would-be executioners, and fearlessly battles forces trying to remove her from the throne, stirring up a revolution in 16th-century English society all the while. Emily Bader leads the cast in the title role, joined by Anna Chancellor, Dominic Cooper, Rob Brydon, and Jim Broadbent. Viewers can anticipate high-octane action, romance, and even some teenage fun.