Today : Mar 26, 2025
Arts & Culture
24 March 2025

Will Smith Returns With New Album And Animated Prequel Mufasa Debuts

This week features exciting new streaming content including Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and the docuseries First to Finish.

In a week filled with new entertainment options, Will Smith is making a grand return by releasing his first album in two decades, while movie enthusiasts can anticipate the debut of "Mufasa: The Lion King," a photorealistic prequel that dives deep into the beloved tale.

Among the highlights of the upcoming streaming releases are Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire, "The Studio," Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in the drama "A Complete Unknown," and the thrilling video game "Atomfall," which examines the consequences of a nuclear disaster that occurred in the UK in 1957.

On March 28, 2025, Barry Jenkins' "Mufasa: The Lion King" hits Disney+, after proving a box office success by grossing $717 million worldwide. The film presents an origin story narrated by Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre), recounting his early adventures after being washed away from the Pride Lands by a flood.

As highlighted by Lindsey Bahr, an AP Film Writer, “Mufasa isn’t simply checking off fan service boxes and overexplaining origins that never needed them: It’s actually good.” This assertion reflects the film's ability to evoke nostalgia while presenting fresh narratives.

Also premiering on Hulu on March 27 is "A Complete Unknown," directed by James Mangold. Based on Bob Dylan’s early years in New York, it charts his evolution leading to his pivotal performance at the Newport Folk Festival. Despite receiving eight Academy Award nominations without a win, the film has garnered critical acclaim, with AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy noting, “It’s not who Dylan is but what he does to us.”

On the musical front, Smith’s album titled "Based on a True Story" features a 14-track lineup and will be available on March 28. Songs like "You Can Make It," debuted during the 2024 BET Awards, hint at the rich content in the album. Collaborations include tracks with Joyner Lucas and Big Sean, revealing a mix of themes from Smith's life and career.

Another anticipated musical release is Perfume Genius’s new album, "Glory," which will simultaneously drop on March 28. The album is marked by its exploration of the dichotomy between ambition and isolation, encapsulated in the single “It’s A Mirror.”

For avid gamers, the British studio Rebellion has produced "Atomfall," which launches on March 27 on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC. The game immerses players in a world following a nuclear reactor fire in 1957, offering challenges that include mutated creatures, rogue government agencies, and strange cults.

Women in motorsports feature prominently in a new docuseries, "First to Finish," debuting on March 25 on Prime Video. This series spotlights Katherine Legge, alongside Heather Hadley and Sally Mott, as they take part in the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship.

On the same day, March 26, watch for the premiere of "The Studio." Rogen stars as Matt Remick, the head of a Hollywood studio, navigating the contrast between his passion for filmmaking and the financial demands of the industry, underlining the evolving landscape of modern media.

March 27 also marks the return of "Bosch: Legacy,' the third and final season of the popular sequel to the series "Bosch," where Titus Welliver reprises his role as Harry Bosch, now a private investigator, demonstrating that even a fictional detective can evolve post-retirement.

Additionally, Hulu's new comedy, "Mid-Century Modern," is slated for a March 28 premiere, telling the story of three gay men who move in together after the loss of a close friend, blending humor and poignant themes.

Finally, Guy Ritchie’s mafia series "MobLand," featuring an array of star talent including Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan, lands on Paramount+ on March 30, sure to intrigue fans of the crime genre.

This week’s releases span a broad canvas of genres, promising something for everyone to enjoy in the world of entertainment.