Shang-Chi Sequel in the Works with Filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton is returning to write and direct the sequel. The director has also signed an overall deal with Marvel Studios and Hulu’s Onyx Collective, which means we should expect more from Cretton in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Right now, Cretton is working on a new Marvel Cinematic Universe series for Disney+ as part of his overall deal. “Destin is an amazing collaborator who brought a unique perspective and skill to Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings,” said Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel. “We had a fantastic time working together on the film and he has so many intriguing ideas for stories to bring to life on Disney+, so we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with him and can’t wait to get started.”
Feminist Retelling of 1984 Approved by Orwell’s Estate
A feminist retelling of George Orwell’s 1984, told from the perspective of Winston Smith’s lover Julia, has been approved by Orwell’s estate. The upcoming retelling is titled Julia, and it’s written by Sandra Newman, author of The Only Good Thing Anyone Has Ever Done and Cake. Julia as a protagonist will be much different from Winston. For one, as publisher Granta puts it, Julia understands the world of Oceania “far better than Winston and is essentially happy with her life.” Orwell’s estate has been “looking for some time” for someone to tell Julia’s story, and they think Newman “proved to be the perfect fit.”
Swedish Author Karin Smirnoff to Write Three New Sequels to Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy
Award-winning Swedish author Karin Smirnoff is writing three new sequels to Stieg Larsson’s bestselling Millennium trilogy. Author Stieg Larsson died from a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 50. This happened right after he submitted the manuscripts for his first three novels, so he never lived to see the success of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the two sequels he penned. Following Larson’s trilogy, three subsequent sequels, written by David Lagercrantz, were published between 2015 and 2019. Smirnoff will be writing the seventh, eighth, and ninth books in the series. An official release date has yet to be announced.
Book Riot Names the Best Books of 2021
The year is almost over, which means it’s time for us to round up the best books of 2021! These our picks for our favorite books over the past year, including thrillers, fantasy, romance, children’s and YA, memoir, and more.