The Conjuring: Last Rites – Box Office Performance and Audience Reception

The MCU underwent one of its biggest back-end shakeups in recent memory, with massive ramifications for not only the direction of Phase 6 but the entire Multiverse Saga. What started as a grand design revolving around Kang the Conqueror has shifted into an entirely different story, with Doctor Doom emerging as the main Villain.

Jonathan Majors and the Fall of Kang

The change began with dire legal problems for Jonathan Majors, who was set to be the MCU’s next big villain after Thanos. In March 2023, Majors was taken into custody on charges of assault and harassment against his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. The matter intensified when in December 2023 he was convicted by a New York jury of reckless assault and second-degree harassment, The Guardians stated.

Marvel Studios’ Toughest Decision Yet

Marvel Studios fired Jonathan Majors just hours after his conviction to be charged with assault and harassment in his ex-girlfriend’s case associated their charges Jonathan Majors was facing a similar hammer blow to his career as the next MCU big bad villain after Thanos. The actor had already played multiple Kang variants in Loki seasons 1 and 2, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. His termination presented a monumental storytelling issue for Marvel, as Kang was supposed to be the overarching menace throughout Phases 4, 5 and 6.

A New Overarching Villain Emerges

The consequences of Majors’ termination were much more than the removal of a single actor. Marvel entirely dropped the Kang-centric plotline which had been developing since 2021. The fifth Avengers movie, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, was renamed Avengers: Doomsday. This was a radical departure from multiversal villainy centered on Kang to dealing with a more “realistic” but just as threatening antagonist.

From The Kang Dynasty to Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel had originally centered the entire Multiverse Saga on Kang after being impressed with Majors’ turn as He Who Remains in Loki. The time-traveling, reality-altering villain’s age made him a perfect choice for a story that would take place across multiple timelines and dimensions. However, it has been reported that Marvel Studios had reservations about Kang and the Multiverse Saga even prior to Majors’ legal troubles, suggesting there were some doubts internally as to the direction.

Robert Downey Jr. Returns as Doctor Doom

In one of the most surprising MCU news of all time, Robert Downey Jr. was confirmed to be returning to the franchise as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Downey’s dramatic unmasking of himself onstage during the announcement sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

The casting decision is a “daring creative pivot” as the former Iron Man actor now embodies one of Marvel’s most iconic villains. Iron Man 3 director Shane Black predicts this casting will “singlehandedly reignite the entire comic book movie industry”. Black said, “I think he’s going to singlehandedly reinvigorate the entire comic book movie industry with that. At first, it seemed like a cynical move, you know, like “Oh, let’s just go back to the well of the one guy that seems to always save us.” But it’s going to be. It’s going to be great.

The Ripple Effect: Industry and Fan Responses

The entertainment industry has been cautiously optimistic about these seismic shifts. Marvel waited until Majors was convicted to fire him, an act of restraint compared to the industry norm of immediately dismissing actors on the basis of accusations as shared.

A number of MCU alumni have voiced their enthusiasm at Downey’s return, although many were surprised by the news. Jeremy Renner disclosed that he had “no idea” about the casting, and that Downey “said nothing” to his MCU colleagues. Tom Hiddleston described the casting as “remarkable” and “absolutely extraordinary”.

Some fans have complained about the casting, fearful of Doom being given a revised origin that includes Tony Stark.Still, the bar is set extremely high, with a lot of people seeing this as Marvel’s shot at recapturing the magic of the Infinity Saga.

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Phase 6 Takes a Drastic New Turn

Doctor Doom will be the main villain of Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027). The Russo Brothers, who helmed Infinity War and Endgame, are back to direct both movies. This is a massive deviation from the original Kang-centric narrative, however there are rumors that Marvel might still find a way to finish off the story for Kang via a potential recast.

The changes are not just about swapping out the villain. Marvel is slashing its content output drastically`, with as few as two films a year, rather than up to four in recent years shared by Screenrant. The change is part of a larger Disney strategy to prioritize quality over quantity after some mixed feelings about recent MCU offerings.

A Defining Moment for Marvel’s Future

The Phase 6 overhaul is arguably the most significant plot twist the MCU has ever seen. What was meant to be a multiverse story focused on Kang has now become something else entirely, with Doctor Doom seemingly going to end the Multiverse Saga. Early reviews from the cast are that Downey’s performance as Doom is outstanding, with Vanessa Kirby calling it “some of the most amazing work I’ve seen” in. The success of this recalibration will ultimately dictate the MCU’s future path. With Marvel now proceeding with Avengers: Doomsday in December 2026, the entertainment world wonders if the breathtaking turn of events behind the scenes is going to lead to a resurgence of creativity or become a cautionary tale about the perils of planning franchise far ahead in a volatile world.

Final Thoughts

The Marvel Phase 6 storyline changes entirely and gives everyone a big shock with its new plot. The decision of changing the biggest villain of the Multiverse Saga is tough for Russo Brother but they came back with a surprise casting after Jonathan Majors got fired, Robert Downey Jr. is returned as a villain in Avengers next film Avengers: Doomsday. Marvel entirely dropped the Kang-centric plotline that was supposed to be the overarching menace throughout Phases 4, 5 and 6 and adopt renamed it with Doomsday. 

If you feel the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was a bit all over the place lately, well, you’re not alone. With multiverse shenanigans, quantum realms and whatnot, things have become a bit messy. But there’s a pattern if you look at the Phase Six schedule along with Fantastic Four: First Steps and the latest spoilers in Agatha All Along. Marvel is turning its back on political thrillers and sci-fi brawls to focus on high-concept metaphysics and passion plays. 

The two players at the center of this shift? Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, and Mistress Death, now unveiled as the fierce and compelling Rio Vidal. 

Casual fans might view them as two separate “Big Bads” (the first a sci-fi giant, the second a supernatural weird witch), but comic history and deep lore reports tell us they are really the “parents” of the next cosmic saga. If you want to know why their eventual encounter is going to change everything, read on! 

Galactus & Death is More Than Just Villains

In order to understand why this matters, we need to examine the source material. Comics-wise, particularly the legendary Fantastic Four — the relationship of Galactus and Death is described in terms that boggle the mind. 

Death refers to Galactus as her “husband and father, brother and son.”

It seems like a contradiction, but it’s a statement of cosmic truth. They’re not enemies; they’re symbiotic. Galactus is the “Great Filter” of the universe. He isn’t randomly demolishing worlds because he’s malevolent; he’s doing it to tend the cosmic garden, so that life does not turn into a cancer on the face of existence. 

He makes the nutrition that feeds Death’s being. In an eternal, symbiotic dance, his job is to create and hers is to eat. They form a deep, quasi-sacred union, vastly more complex and profound than Thanos’s adolescent crush on Death that can best be described as a momentary juvenile fantasy.  

The “Cosmic Gothic” Aesthetic

The MCU seems to be aiming for a particular aesthetic in this union: “Cosmic Gothic.” For one, we’ve got Ralph Ineson cast as Galactus. Known for his bone-chilling, folk horror work in The Witch, Ineson lends a weight that implies that Galactus will be more of an Old Testament god than a mechanical antagonist.

Then there’s Aubrey Plaza’s Rio Vidal. Rather than being the quiet skeleton featured in the comics, Plaza’s Death is loquacious, possessive, and chaotic. She is rooted in “Green Witch” tradition, seeing death as a natural return to the earth. When you combine Ineson’s golden, high-tech horror and Plaza’s rotting, totemic witchcraft, you end up with a cinematic mood we’ve never seen in Marvel. 

The Franklin Richards Sparks This Theory 

So how do they come together? The latest rumors about The Fantastic Four: First Steps suggest a particular catalyst: Franklin Richards.

Galactus is arriving on Earth not for a bite but to enslave the reality-warping son of Reed and Sue Richards as a long-term power source, according to leaks. The speculation is that Sue Storm dies to stop Galactus and then that Franklin uses his god-like powers to bring her back to life. 

This is where Rio Vidal enters the chat. As established in Agatha All Along, Rio hates when people cheat death. If Franklin tears a soul back from her domain, he is an enemy of nature. So you’ve got a really interesting three-way battle forming here: Galactus wants the boy for energy, Death wants the boy stopped for violating her rules, and the Fantastic Four are in the middle. 

From Fantastic Four To Secret Wars

In the end, the union of Galactus and Death is what leads to Avengers: Secret Wars. As the multiverse shatters through “incursions,” the universe requires a means by which to cull expiring timelines in order to preserve others. Galactus and Death are more than villains to beat up, they’re the cosmic immune system.

We’re beyond the age when heroes battled to save a city. We are now living in a time of modern mythmaking where the basic drivers of reality, Hunger and Entropy have faces, names and story lines. When Ralph Ineson’s Galactus and Aubrey Plaza’s Death at last share the screen, it won’t just be a crossover, it will be the pulse of the new Marvel Universe.

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Conclusion

Lady Death and Galactus are far from just two scary forces – they are the core of what Marvel’s next cosmic era is going to be. Their clash lays the groundwork for a deeper, darker and more mythic MCU, one in which the fabric of reality bends, souls are traded, and the heroes we know go toe-to-toe with adversaries older than time itself. If Marvel honestly commits to this “Cosmic Gothic” era, the MCU could finally begin telling the ambitious, cohesive stories fans have been clamoring for. 

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Marvel Studios just unleashed full chaos on the internet with the first official trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. While Robert Downey Jr. (now as the threatening Doctor Doom) has been quite the recent buzz with his return, this trailer also gave us something pretty much just as exciting: a full look at the new costumes our heroes will be wearing as they take on the multiverse’s biggest menace.

From comic-accurate throwbacks to subtle “King-sized” upgrades, here’s the breakdown of the five hero suits we’ve seen so far for the next Avengers epic. 

1. Namor: The Sub-Mariner Goes Classic

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Decán’s visual was heavily inspired by Mayan and Aztec design — and it was breathtaking. But now that it’s Doomsday, DC is going back to his comic book origins.

According to Screenrant, Namor was seen wearing his signature blue suit, which includes a high, distinctive collar that fans of the ’90s comics will instantly recognize. So it’s a striking turn, and one that indicates he’s really leaning into being a global (and maybe inter-dimensional) operator. 

2. M’Baku: A King’s Ransom

Since then M’Baku has ascended as king of Wakanda too, and his new gear screams a big old “Big King Energy.” No more just traditional Gorilla Tribe armor. In the new trailer, M’Baku wears:

• A long, majestic brown cape.
• Detailed green metal strips that run through his armor.
• A silhouette which proudly proclaims “head of the strongest nation on Earth.” 

3. Shuri: The Black Panther Refined

“Shuri isn’t trying to fix what isn’t broken.” Her Black Panther suit remains largely the same as the one she debuted in Wakanda Forever, but some eagle-eyed fans spotted a handful of “tech-y” upgrades.

The suit has been updated with a few greenish hints and slightly different weaving patterns. Considering Shuri’s intelligence, these aren’t just stylistic choices — they’re probably new defensive abilities that will aid her against Doctor Doom. 

4. The Thing: Keeping it Fantastic

Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm (The Thing) got a short but significant cameo. Now fresh from the events of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, he’s donning the very same retro-futuristic team kit we first got a look at in his solo debut.

Visual continuity is looking good as the Fantastic Four at long last are introduced into the main MCU timeline. 

5. Namora: Talokan’s Finest

Rounding out the group of five is Namora. Her costume is largely unchanged from the first time we see her, but her appearance with the Wakandans emphasizes one crucial plot point: that the surface/sea alliance is still very much in existence.

They need that solidarity if they’re even going to have a chance against Doom. 

What About the X-Men?

While the trailer had a lot of the Wakandans and extends to even more with the Fantastic Four, let’s not dismiss the brief, soul-shaking sighting of James Marsden’s Cyclops. He’s dressed in a bright yellow and blue costume that looks like it was pulled right out of a ’90s comic book cover. It looks like Avengers: Doomsday is finally serving up the “Uncanny” looks we’ve been waiting decades for. 

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Conclusion 

Marvel is being very smart here. They’re merging the grounded, cultural designs of the MCU with the vibrant, brash look of classic Marvel Comics. Whether it’s Namor’s iconic collar or M’Baku’s regal cape, the message is loud and clear: the heroes are leveling up, because they have to. 

Which new suit do you like the best? Personally, having a comic-accurate Cyclops and a “King” M’Baku share the screen has us already anticipating 2026. 

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Kenan and Kel Reunion: A wave of nostalgia washed over the entertainment world when Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell announced their reunion on a Good Sports episode on Prime Video, announcing a new feature film: Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein. 

Filming is set to take place in summer 2026, and this is not simply a follow-up to their recent Good Burger 2 success, it’s a calculated bringing-back of a 77-year-old cinematic template. By situating the quintessential ’90s pair in the world of Gothic horror, producers are tapping into a burgeoning “Gothic Renaissance” and the popularity of “Comfort Horror.” 

A Contemporary Interpretation of a Classic Form

The entire film is set in a building that’s a straight-up homage to the 1948 Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” In those days, Universal Pictures revitalized its fading monster franchise by infusing it with high-octane comedy. Kenan and Kel are now following suit with the streaming age.

Ryan Jr. stated, “First it was Abbott and Costello, then Pryor and Wilder—and now it’s Kenan and Kel.” 

It’s a familiar “wrong place, wrong time” plot device, but one that’s easy to relate to: Thompson and Mitchell are delivery drivers working in the modern gig economy. A routine delivery at a secret, out-of-place castle results in the accidental reactivation of Frankenstein’s monster. 

Creative Leadership: Washed in Doom and Whimsy

Jonah Feingold, who brings grounded human emotion to ”magical realism,” is helming the project. Producer John Ryan Jr. has described the look of the film as “Shaun of the Dead meets Scooby-Doo.”

So it’s looking like this won’t be a dumb parody – it’ll be a “straight” horror comedy where the stakes feel genuine, even if the heroes are hilarious. 

The “Comfort Horror” Playbook

Why Now? The late 2020s are all about the “war of the Frankensteins.” With Guillermo del Toro’s bleak The Witches and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s stylistic The Bride! opening in theatres, viewers are hungry for a palate cleanser.

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Kenan & Kel has “comedy comfort food.” 

For Millennials, it’s a return to the “Aw, here it goes!” energy of their youth. For Gen Z, it’s two industry legends including Kenan Thompson, the longest-tenured SNL cast member taking a stab at a new genre. 

“It’s exciting to take a classic monster story and turn it on its head, and have fun doing it.”

–said Thompson

Anticipating a “Monster Universe”

This film represents a shift from “reboot culture” to “genre homage.” If it is successful, it paves the way for a possible “Kenan & Kel Monster Universe,” in which the duo could cross paths with the Mummy or the Wolf Man in future films.

By owning their production via Thompson’s Artists for Artists banner, the pair is not only pursuing nostalgia — they are establishing a permanent comedy institution. As we approach the 2026 production cycle, one thing is certain: the “schemer” and the “innocent” are introducing themselves anew, and this time, the monsters should be the ones fearing. 

Conclusion

Kenan and Kel Reunion Frankenstein isn’t returning ’90s nostalgia but the gothic horror genre that makes comfort to the audience who love these kinda silly monsters.

Restitching strands of millennial nostalgia and “comfort horror,” the film touts itself as the antithesis of that era’s darker, prestige monster films. Given a wide canvas to tell their own story and an angle that nods to classic Hollywood storytelling, Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell aren’t just looking back — they’re ensuring their past holds up over time. 

If the bet pays off, this may lead to an endlessly silly monster age where comedy, instead of terror, reigns in the night—and the monsters finally have something to fear. 

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There’s a certain magic when you’re surrounded by your best friends, the lights dim and you press play on an actually hilarious movie. Synchronized gasps, booming laughters, inside jokes that come out – it’s an experience that seals friendships and makes unforgettable memories. In a life where you may feel things are a little too serious, a good Comedy Movies to Watch with Friends is the perfect antidote. It’s a call to throw caution to the wind, embrace the ridiculous and sample the pure, simple joy of laughter.

I’ve rounded up a selection of absolute gems – from all-time classics to modern wonders – that will secure a night of laughter until your sides hurt.  

The Classic Comedy: Timeless Laughs That Never Get Old

The following are comedies which have been proven to stand the test of time, demonstrating that what is funny comes true in all generations. Share these with friends who may not have ever had the pleasure, or revisit them with your debutante debauchery partners for old-times-sake laughs. 

Overview of Classic Comedies

Monty Python & the Holy-Grail (92%)

If you haven’t watched Monty Python & the Holy-Grail yet then drop everything and round up your friends now. This film is a great demonstration of the logic behind absurdist humor, constantly parodying King Arthur myth with infinitely memorable lines and scenes (the Black Knight!) and an absurdity level that is literally unmatched. You’ll be quoting it for weeks. 

Airplane! 

Brace yourself for nonstop gags, puns and visual jokes. This film alone is what defined parody. Every frame is stuffed with something funny — from background shenanigans to deadpan delivery of the dumbest lines. It’s a comedy offensives, but in the best sense. 

When Harry Met Sally… 

A romantic-comedy with some actual laughs, thanks to Nora Ephron’s witty script and the perfect chemistry of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. It’s a smart commentary on friendship, romantic love, and the age-old question of whether men and women can really be just “friends.” That diner scene alone is legendary.  

Ferris Bueller’s Day–Off (Comedy & Drama)

It’s the ultimate celebration of teen defiance and carpe diem. Ferris Bueller is the charming King Beaureaucrat we all wanted to be, gracefully gliding through a day of playing truant with confidence, charisma, and an endless array of slick schemes. It’s just pure joyous escapism.  

Ghostbusters

The ultimate mix of ghostly terror and comedic brilliance. The brilliance between Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson is plain to see. It’s clever, eerie and completely hilarious – what more could you want from a slightly scary but mostly funny movie night? 

Modern Comedy Movies That Hit Different

The last several decades have been a new wave of comedic talent and fresh perspectives. These movies regularly challenge norms, tap into relatable contemporary fears or just take advantage of styles of comedy that the current audience just happen to love.  

Overview of Modern Comedies:

Bridesmaids 

A trailblazing movie that showed women could be at the helm of raunchy, side-splitting comedies as much, if not more, than men. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and the rest of the cast are perfectly pitched in a film that’s as hysterically gross as it is genuinely heartfelt. 

The Hangover

There’s no better “what happened last night?” movie. This movie is a lesson in spiraling out of control, as four pals attempts to retrace their steps after a disastrous bachelor party in Vegas. The mystery, the absurd situations and the memorable characters turn it into a roller coaster from beginning to end. 

21 Jump Street 

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill make an improbable but ultimately brilliant pairing in this very clever, very self-aware reboot. It’s an action-comedy that really knows how to get laughs at its cost, runs the premise a bit too seriously, and surprises you with character moments that are surprisingly strong and really rattle your cage. 

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy is a cultural icon and this film is packed with lines and scenes that you can shout and remember for all time. It’s a fantastic send-up of ’70s male chauvinism and news, climaxing in an environment so wildly surreal you can’t help but laugh. 

Booksmart 

A gut-bustingly hilarious and flat-out intelligent tell all about two nerds who find they’ve been so busy studying they forgot to do any of that high school stuff. It’s a to girl friendship film, with razor sharp dialogue, an array of relatable anxieties and a real heart which means it’s funny and emotional. 

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Conclusion

The best part of Comedy Movies to Watch with Friends after all isn’t just the writing or the performances—it’s the ambiance. It’s that shared roar of laughter that echoes in the room, the friendly arguments over who was the funniest character and how a single line from a movie can become an inside joke that lasts for years.

Laughter is one of the easiest and most accessible points of connection among humans. Whether you’re wincing collectively at a painfully awkward moment in Bridesmaids or racing to keep up with the lightning-fast wordplay in Airplane!, you’re forming a shared history. 

Dive into the comedy genre with this movie list created by Fandomfans, our goal is to deliver details from movies & series.