The Ringer-Verse

Dive into the thrilling world of 'The Last of Us' as the hosts unpack the dramatic season 2 premiere! They explore Joel's fatherly dynamics, character relationships, and the emotional weight of loss. Expect laughter as they discuss the significance of stunt performers in cinema and reflect on themes of loyalty and morality. The intricate balance of protection versus independence in a post-apocalyptic landscape is examined, offering both humor and heartfelt insights. Plus, a light-hearted look at cannabis culture adds a fun twist!

The Boys are back to discuss the newest episode of ‘Daredevil: Born Again,’ which might be the best episode to date! They examine what’s going on in Matt’s head and how the reintroduction of Bullseye might be the shot in the arm that the show needed.Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve AhlmanProducers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve AhlmanAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben brings on Steve Ahlman and Jomi Adeniran to break down the box office phenomenon that is 'A Minecraft Movie': the memes, the theatrical experience, and, yes, the movie itself. Then, after Ben and Jomi rant about being betrayed by the Season 4 finale of 'Mythic Quest' (36:57), Van Lathan and Jessica Clemons come on to discuss the new Deep South–set Xbox adventure 'South of Midnight' (45:47). Finally, Matt James joins to rave about (but not spoil!) the new best-reviewed game of 2025: indie darling 'Blue Prince' (1:18:00).Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Steve Ahlman, Jomi Adeniran, Jessica Clemons, Van Lathan, and Matt JamesProducer: Devon RenaldoAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jomi and Steve are joined by Jessica Clemons for another addition of here comes the pitch! In celebration of 'The Last of Us' season 2 and 'A Minecraft Movie,' the squad is pitching their best video game adaptations.Host: Jomi Adeniran and Steve AhlmanGuest: Jessica ClemonsProducer: Jonathan KermahAdditional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh chats with Matt James, Deputy Art Lead at The Ringer, about the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling. They dive into their firsthand experiences, reactions to the features, and the design of the new console. The duo discusses concerns over the pricing strategy and its potential impact on young gamers. Exciting hands-on insights about upcoming titles like Mario Kart and Metroid Prime 4 reveal a mix of nostalgia and innovation. They also touch on the significance of exclusive games in driving Switch 2's success.

The hosts dive into the latest episode of 'Daredevil: Born Again,' dissecting character dynamics and the complexities of villainy. They humorously explore the newly announced 'Spider-Man 4' title, stirring up nostalgic discussions about comic book history and fan reactions. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they tackle race and representation in Star Wars, merging serious topics with playful banter. From vigilante misadventures to quirky pet anecdotes, the discussion is a delightful blend of humor, nostalgia, and insightful commentary.

Film critics Daniel Chin and Arjuna Ramgopal join to discuss their top movie picks for March 2025. Daniel reviews 'Mickey 17,' directed by Bong Joon-ho, highlighting its unique premise and standout performances. Arjuna recommends 'Ash,' a creative endeavor from Flying Lotus, reflecting on its blend of horror and sci-fi. They passionately advocate for supporting original films and share their thoughts on character diversity and storytelling in upcoming releases, making for an engaging conversation for film fans.

The hosts celebrate a major casting announcement for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' dissecting the surprising roster of 27 characters and what it means for the MCU's future. They dive into innovative marketing strategies likening it to an NFL draft, and share reflections on characters, especially Gambit from the X-Men. Discussion turns to the challenges of representation in Marvel films, with a focus on diverse narratives. The camaraderie among the group shines through as they speculate about upcoming projects and share humorous anecdotes.

The hosts dive into the latest 'Daredevil: Born Again' episodes, analyzing character arcs and discussing Matt Murdock's emotional struggles following Foggy's death. They critique the series' pacing and character design while highlighting themes of vigilante justice. The excitement builds around casting announcements for 'Avengers: Doomsday,' sparking playful speculation. With humor and deep analysis, they explore the Marvel Cinematic Universe's future and the evolution of beloved characters in a changing landscape.

Jessica Clemons, a devoted Assassin's Creed fan, and Arjuna Ramgopal, a senior podcast manager at The Ringer, delve into the latest game, ‘Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.’ They examine its promise to revitalize Ubisoft, discussing new gameplay mechanics and character dynamics. With insights on the iconic stealth elements, they highlight pros and cons, focusing on characters Yasuke and Naoi. The conversation also touches on Ubisoft's uncertain future and the challenges of innovating within this beloved franchise. Fans won't want to miss their engaging takes!