The Nerds of Color

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Amadeus’ Despite a golden missed opportunity to cast global majority actors for the main roles of Mozart/Salieri/Constanze that would have richly amplified the narrative, there is a lot to love about the Pasadena Playhouse production of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus with the fantastic set & lighting design, the incredible ensemble cast, and the powerhouse performances of their lead actors Jefferson Mays and Sam Clemmett as Salieri and Mozart respectively. The stage is set for a riveting rivalry between two composers: Antonio Salieri, the court’s celebrated musician, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the vulgar prodigy whose brilliance threatens everything Salieri holds dear.  

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Amadeus’

Despite a golden missed opportunity to cast global majority actors for the main roles of Mozart/Salieri/Constanze that would have richly amplified the narrative, there is a lot to love about the Pasadena Playhouse production of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus with…

YouTube video by 12 Valentines - Topic Pretty Enigma Trope (P.E.T.)

New 12 VALENTINES tune! A song for all the problems. Working titles were "Since Prince Died" "F--k Those Guys" "Pretty Good Elegy" but anyways, now it's called "Pretty Enigma Trope." I was feeling mad at the bros and wrote lyrics and Rowan sings em so beautiful.
#newmusicfriday #Prince #altpop

Feeling the Love with ‘Kissing is the Easy Part’ Stars Asher Angel and Paris Berelc Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and so is another YA rom-com from Tubi. Directed by Fawzia Mirza, Kissing is the Easy Part follows straight-A student Sean (Asher Angel), who agrees to tutor the rebellious Flora (Paris Berelc) in exchange for a recommendation letter to MIT. Opposites attract, so naturally, it doesn't take long for sparks to fly between the study buddies — but with great chemistry also comes great complications.

Feeling the Love with ‘Kissing is the Easy Part’ Stars Asher Angel and Paris Berelc

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and so is another YA rom-com from Tubi. Directed by Fawzia Mirza, Kissing is the Easy Part follows straight-A student Sean (Asher Angel), who agrees to tutor the…

Ben Watkins, Matthew Lillard, and Wes Chatham on Expanding ‘Cross’ for Season 2 While covering New York Comic Con 2025, I attended the press conference for the second season of Cross and asked executive producer/showrunner Ben Watkins, Matthew Lillard, and Wes Chatham about bringing new characters and dynamics to the crime-thriller. The show is based on James Patterson’s best-selling book series.

NOC Interview: Ben Watkins, Matthew Lillard, and Wes Chatham on Expanding ‘Cross’ for Season 2

@matthewlillard @_benipedia_ @crossonprime @primevideo #CrossOnPrime

Destin Daniel Cretton Discusses ‘Wonder Man’ and its First-Gen Influences Wonder Man co-creator, writer, and director Destin Daniel Cretton speaks with The Nerds of Color and shares the process of bringing Simon Williams' backstory to life.

Destin Daniel Cretton Discusses 'Wonder Man' and its First-Gen Influences

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience’ With the West Coast premiere of Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience at the Fountain Theatre, this uniquely moving and stirring choreopoem honors the work and life of June Jordan, one of America’s most fearless writers and human rights activists. Amongst many wonderful things about this play led by such a strong ensemble cast, what makes this special and also true to Jordan's fearless spirit is that it does not leave out her realization of the interconnected struggles between Black people and Palestinians. What does resistance sound like?

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience’

With the West Coast premiere of Poetry for the People: The June Jordan Experience at the Fountain Theatre, this uniquely moving and stirring choreopoem honors the work and life of June Jordan, one of America’s most…

Luc Besson and the Cast of ‘Dracula’ Discuss its Recontextualization of Romance The whimsy-goth fever dream from the mind of Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) gives its classic heroine more romantic agency than any other version of the story put to screen.

Luc Besson and the Cast of ‘Dracula’ Discuss its Recontextualization of Romance

NOC Review: Toxic Love Entices and Torments in ‘Wuthering Heights’ Why are so many drawn to toxic love? Like an addiction, many cling to the idea that only a single person can complete their soul and possess their very being, holding on to the feeling of euphoria that exists when that person is by your side. However for any and all purity that might seemingly be derived from love, sometimes it can be utterly poisonous if the obsession consumes you.

NOC Review: Toxic Love Entices and Torments in ‘Wuthering Heights’

Why are so many drawn to toxic love? Like an addiction, many cling to the idea that only a single person can complete their soul and possess their very being, holding on to the feeling of euphoria that exists when that person is by…

‘Wuthering Heights’ is a Visually Stunning Retelling of a Cautionary Affair Wuthering Heights immediately whisks you away into a dark reimagined telling of Emily Brontë‘s novel. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi give us a searing portrayal of the tortured lovebirds Catherine and Heathcliff in a story filled with passion, depicted by two deeply troubled individuals. The film is cinematically stunning, and the costumes lean beautifully into a whimsically modern twist on period pieces.

‘Wuthering Heights’ is a Visually Stunning Retelling of a Cautionary Affair

Wuthering Heights immediately whisks you away into a dark reimagined telling of Emily Brontë‘s novel. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi give us a searing portrayal of the tortured lovebirds Catherine and Heathcliff in a story…

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Guards at the Taj’ Despite the usage of a dangerous Islamophobic myth that is the base for its central conflict, the Los Angeles independent remounting of Rajiv Joseph's Guards at the Taj (the last one was in 2015 at the Geffen Playhouse) is a strikingly well done and hauntingly relevant production that also utilizes fantastic genderbent casting and an endearing post finale that credits all crew involved, a practice that is rarely ever seen in theatre.

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘Guards at the Taj’

Despite the usage of a dangerous Islamophobic myth that is the base for its central conflict, the Los Angeles independent remounting of Rajiv Joseph's Guards at the Taj (the last one was in 2015 at the Geffen Playhouse) is a strikingly well done…

‘GOAT’ is an Animated Love Letter to the Game of Basketball GOAT may look like one of those underdog sports movies where you can clock the protagonist and antagonist in the first five minutes, but it has more on its mind than simply winning the big game. The animated film is a love letter to basketball and everything that comes with it. This isn’t just about the score. It’s about the plays, the chemistry, the legacy a veteran fights to protect, and the way a team can become the heartbeat of a community.

‘GOAT’ is an Animated Love Letter to the Game of Basketball

GOAT may look like one of those underdog sports movies where you can clock the protagonist and antagonist in the first five minutes, but it has more on its mind than simply winning the big game. The animated film is a love letter to…

‘The Muppets Special’ Sparks a Revival Rocket That Needs More Gonzo Fun To Fully Take Off The Muppets are back with a special that aims to reintroduce the beloved Jim Henson icons to a new generation, paying homage to their original variety show roots. Kermit leads the rest of the Muppets ensemble, including planned showstoppers from the one and only Miss Piggy with special guests Sabrina Carpenter and Seth Rogen, who serves as executive producer for the Disney+ revival.

‘The Muppets Special’ Sparks a Revival Rocket That Needs More Gonzo Fun To Fully Take Off

The Muppets are back with a special that aims to reintroduce the beloved Jim Henson icons to a new generation, paying homage to their original variety show roots. Kermit leads the rest of the Muppets…

Hope’s Still Alive in Eddie Vedder’s ‘Matter of Time’ Concert Film There’s a particular gravity to watching Eddie Vedder perform on his own. Without the band, without the familiar roar of a Pearl Jam crowd, what’s left isn’t catharsis — it's intention. Matter of Time understands that shift, and it’s why the film works. This isn’t just a concert movie, it’s a document about responsibility.

Hope’s Still Alive in Eddie Vedder’s ‘Matter of Time’ Concert Film

There’s a particular gravity to watching Eddie Vedder perform on his own. Without the band, without the familiar roar of a Pearl Jam crowd, what’s left isn’t catharsis — it's intention. Matter of Time understands that shift, and…

Leah Sava’ Jeffries on Bringing Annabeth to Life in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Leah Sava’ Jeffries stars as Annabeth Chase in season two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, based on The Sea of Monsters, which is the second installment of Rick Riordan's book series. All episodes are now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, and the show’s third season is currently in production.

NOC Interview: Leah Sava’ Jeffries on Bringing Annabeth to Life in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’

@leahsavajeffries @percyseries @disneyplus @hulu #PercyJackson

Alex Segura on ‘Enemy of My Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel’ Alex Segura has created a fascinating story focused on Matt Murdock and a major murder case fresh out of Hell's Kitchen, where he must also juggle his alter ego Daredevil while facing down familiar foes like Punisher and Bullseye. We had the chance to speak with Segura on his new novel.

Alex Segura on ‘Enemy of My Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel’

Alex Segura has created a fascinating story focused on Matt Murdock and a major murder case fresh out of Hell's Kitchen, where he must also juggle his alter ego Daredevil while facing down familiar foes like Punisher and Bullseye.…

Alex Segura on Matt Murdock’s Struggles in ‘Enemy of My Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel’ Alex Segura has created a fascinating story focused on Matt Murdock and a major murder case fresh out of Hell's Kitchen, where he must also juggle his alter ego Daredevil while facing down familiar foes like Punisher and Bullseye. We had the chance to speak with Segura on his new novel.

Alex Segura on Matt Murdock’s Struggles in ‘Enemy of My Enemy: A Daredevil Marvel Crime Novel’

Alex Segura has created a fascinating story focused on Matt Murdock and a major murder case fresh out of Hell's Kitchen, where he must also juggle his alter ego Daredevil while facing down familiar foes…

Tawny Newsome and Cirroc Lofton Honor Sisko’s Legacy in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’ We speak with returning Star Trek DS9 star Cirroc Lofton and Tawny Newsome on honoring Captain Sisko's legacy on "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy"

Tawny Newsome and Cirroc Lofton Honor Sisko’s Legacy in ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’

We speak with returning Star Trek DS9 star Cirroc Lofton and Tawny Newsome on honoring Captain Sisko's legacy on "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy"

‘School Spirits’ Star Kristian Ventura on Simon and Maddie in Season 3 The Season 2 finale of School Spirits may have left fans rattled, but no one was more shocked by the twist than Kristian Ventura himself.

‘School Spirits’ Star Kristian Ventura on Simon and Maddie in Season 3

The Season 2 finale of School Spirits may have left fans rattled, but no one was more shocked by the twist than Kristian Ventura himself.

GOAT Brings Basketball Culture to Life in Sony Animation’s Boldest Experiment Yet GOAT looks like an underdog sports story on the surface, where a goat tries to earn his place in a league built for bigger animals, but it’s really driven by something more intimate. Family, belief, legacy, and the ache to prove you belong are what actually ground the journey.

GOAT Brings Basketball Culture to Life in Sony Animation’s Boldest Experiment Yet

GOAT looks like an underdog sports story on the surface, where a goat tries to earn his place in a league built for bigger animals, but it’s really driven by something more intimate. Family, belief, legacy, and the…

Bad Bunny’s Night at the 2026 Grammy Awards Musician and global superstar Bad Bunny made waves at last night’s 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, CA. The star added three Grammy wins to his list of awards and now has a total of six Grammys.

Bad Bunny’s Night at the 2026 Grammy Awards

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘The Circle’ There is no doubt that the events of 2025 and already the first two months of 2026 have provided an unfortunate wealth of materials for playwrights to mine from. But with the world premiere of The Circle at Greenway Court Theatre, the clock rewinds back to July 2016 in Texas set during the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter protests that occurred immediately after the murder of Philando Castile. Yet despite this, Stacey Martino Rivera's play has severely misguided intentions in possibly one of the longest, most confusing, overly written, acted, and directed plays I have ever seen.

A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘The Circle’

There is no doubt that the events of 2025 and already the first two months of 2026 have provided an unfortunate wealth of materials for playwrights to mine from. But with the world premiere of The Circle at Greenway Court Theatre, the clock rewinds back…

Miyavi Makes Trouble for ‘The Wrecking Crew’ Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista are currently crushing the charts on Prime Video right now, with their new-API centric action film, The Wrecking Crew. We recently had a chance to sit down with Director, Ángel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle), as well as stars Morena Baccarin, Jacob Batalon, Temuera Morrison, Frankie Adams, and Roimata Fox. Now it's time to get a bit darker as we chat with the actor behind one of the film's most memorable villains - global music and film sensation, Miyavi!

Miyavi Makes Trouble for ‘The Wrecking Crew’

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista are currently crushing the charts on Prime Video right now, with their new-API centric action film, The Wrecking Crew. We recently had a chance to sit down with Director, Ángel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle), as well as stars…

Wreaking Havoc with the Cast and Director of ‘The Wrecking Crew’ Back in 2023, director Angel Manuel Soto brought us one of the best films in the DCEU with Blue Beetle. As a filmmaker he approaches his films with a kinetic energy and charm that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, while also laughing at the comedic chemistry of his lead actors. He also is a POC filmmaker who does tremendous things by promoting POC talent.

Wreaking Havoc with the Cast and Director of ‘The Wrecking Crew’

Back in 2023, director Angel Manuel Soto brought us one of the best films in the DCEU with Blue Beetle. As a filmmaker he approaches his films with a kinetic energy and charm that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, while…

Inside the Unexpected Inspirations of Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’ Hoppers, directed by We Bare Bears creator Daniel Chong, doesn’t feel like a traditional Pixar film by any stretch of the imagination. And that's what makes it so appealing. This wild and unpredictable film riffs on Avatar, Mission: Impossible, and Frogs, never loses control of its own madness, and delivers something heartfelt and timely for the masses.

Inside the Unexpected Inspirations of Pixar’s ‘Hoppers’

Hoppers, directed by We Bare Bears creator Daniel Chong, doesn’t feel like a traditional Pixar film by any stretch of the imagination. And that's what makes it so appealing. This wild and unpredictable film riffs on Avatar, Mission:…

‘Wonder Man’ Actor Béchir Sylvain on Shining a Light on Haitian Culture Béchir Sylvain stars as Sanford Williams (Simon Williams' father) in the upcoming Wonder Man series. We had the chance to speak with him and discuss how the role came to life, and what it means to highlight Haitian culture in the Marvel universe.

‘Wonder Man’ Actor Béchir Sylvain on Shining a Light on Haitian Culture

Béchir Sylvain stars as Sanford Williams (Simon Williams' father) in the upcoming Wonder Man series. We had the chance to speak with him and discuss how the role came to life, and what it means to highlight Haitian culture in…

The Relevance of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 in the Era of ICE Let's make no mistake about this. This first month of 2026 has proven to be a disgusting era in US history, with the president's ICE patrols continuing to kidnap and murder people on the streets of Minneapolis and all around the country. The irony of all of the horrors here is that it makes a Marvel Studios show, like Daredevil: Born Again…

The Relevance of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 in the Era of ICE

Let's make no mistake about this. This first month of 2026 has proven to be a disgusting era in US history, with the president's ICE patrols continuing to kidnap and murder people on the streets of Minneapolis and all around the…

Jean Elie Talks ‘Wonder Man’ as the Show’s Creative Consultant and Cast Member Wonder Man premieres this week on Disney+, based on the Marvel comic book superhero. We sat with creative consultant and actor Jean Elie to discuss what it was like working both in front of and behind the camera on this critically acclaimed show.

Jean Elie Talks ‘Wonder Man’ as the Show’s Creative Consultant and Cast Member

Wonder Man premieres this week on Disney+, based on the Marvel comic book superhero. We sat with creative consultant and actor Jean Elie to discuss what it was like working both in front of and behind the camera on this…

The Middle Geeks Episode 76: SWANA Oscar Nominations and Awesome Con 2026 Announcement The Middle Geeks discuss the SWANA films that received Oscar nominations and make an exciting announcement about this year's Awesome Con!

The Middle Geeks discuss the SWANA films that received Oscar nominations and make an exciting announcement about this year's Awesome Con!

The ‘School Spirits’ Cast Teases “Apocalyptic” Season 3 It's always spooky season in Split River. School Spirits is back and scarier than ever. The third season of the teen drama-horror, which premieres January 28 on Paramount+, follows Maddie (Peyton List) as she deals with terrifying visions and struggles to adjust back to the living world. Meanwhile, Simon (Kristian Ventura), now trapped in the afterlife, is determined to unearth the buried secrets of Split River High once and for all.

The ‘School Spirits’ Cast Teases “Apocalyptic” Season 3

It's always spooky season in Split River. School Spirits is back and scarier than ever. The third season of the teen drama-horror, which premieres January 28 on Paramount+, follows Maddie (Peyton List) as she deals with terrifying visions and…

The Cast and Creatives of ‘Mercy’ Discuss Their New Sci-Fi Thriller While covering New York Comic Con 2025, I had the chance to speak with Mercy director/producer Timur Bekmambetov, producers Charles Roven and Robert Amidon, along with stars Chris Pratt and Kali Reis. We discussed the film's unique concept, what audiences can expect, using time to create tension, and more.

NOC Interviews: The Cast and Creatives of ‘Mercy’ Discuss Their New Sci-Fi Thriller

@prattprattpratt @kali_ko_reis @bekmambetovtimur @mr_robo @amazonmgmstudios @mercymovie #MercyMovie #Mercy #NYCC