Happy Memorial Day! We’d like to take a quick moment to recap some of the major geek-related headlines as of late. Read on for our latest edition of Nerd News!

Tom Hardy is Venom for 2018

Last week, Sony announced that Tom Hardy is set to play Venom in their first Spider-Man spinoff. Tom Hardy's last foray into comic book films was in 2012, where he starred as the villain Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. The film will be directed by Ruben Fleischer, who also created Zombieland and Gangster Squad. Writers Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinker are set to write the screenplay. Venom will be the first film in a series of Spiderman spinoffs, which will also include a movie involving Silver Sable and Black Cat. Sony has announced that Venom is slated for release in October 5, 2018.

From Meme to Movie

In a classic matchup between the internet versus the world, it looks like the meme-producers have the upper hand. At Cannes Film Festival this year, Netflix has announced that they will create an original project starring singer Rihanna and Lupita Nyong'o. The twist? The entire story is based off a meme from last month. A photo was snapped featuring both Rihanna and Nyong'o at Paris Fashion Week, involving a pensive looking Lupita and enigmatic Rihanna. In April, Twitter user @1800SADGAL offered some imaginative commentary of the photo, writing, "Rihanna looks like she scams rich white men and Lupita is the computer smart best friend that helps plan the scans." Amusingly enough, Lupita tweeted to Rihanna, "I'm down if you are," to which she replied, "I'm in Pit'z". Another Twitter user rounded in directed Ava DuVernay, who said, "Lights set. Camera's up. Ready to call action for these #queens". An Ava DuVernay movie starring Rihanna and Lupita that was originally inspired by a meme? Looks like the Internet has officially won!

Director Zack Snyder steps down from Justice League

Last week, The Hollywood Reporter announced that director Zack Snyder will be taking an extended break from Justice League due to a family tragedy. In March, Snyder suffered the tragic loss of his daughter from suicide. Director Joss Whedon is set to complete work on the upcoming Warner Bros. film, Justice League. "I’ve decided to take a step back from the movie to be with my family, be with my kids, who really need me." Snyder said. Whedon, who created Marvel's Avengers films, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, will help the movie stay on course for its release date on November 17th. The studio had considered changing the release date for the film, Snyder strongly opposed that direction. “I want the movie to be amazing, and I’m a fan, but that all pales pretty quickly in comparison," Snyder said. “I know the fans are going to be worried about the movie, but there are seven other kids that need me. In the end, it’s just a movie. It’s a great movie. But it’s just a movie."

Early reviews for Wonder Woman are in!

While most everyone will have to wait until Friday to finally see Gal Gadot in action, the early reviews of Wonder Woman are officially in. DC Comics films have never achieved the widespread popularity as their Marvel counterparts, especially with films like Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad receiving heavy criticism. However, recent fans have praised the latest addition to the DC Comics film franchise as being a "blast" and calling the film "so good". For those who have been a little skeptical about having Gadot on board, many reviewers have called her presence as "absolutely phenomenal". Directed by Patty Jenkins, Wonder Woman will officially release this week. The film stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, and will open with early showings on June 1st and an official release date of Friday, June 2nd.

Uncharted Movie in the works, Tom Holland as Nathan Drake

According to Deadline, Sony Pictures has recently announced that actor Tom Holland will star in a live-action version of Uncharted. Holland will star in the upcoming Spider-Man Homecoming, set for release in July. The film will be a prequel to the popular Playstation video game series, Uncharted. Director Shawn Levy will take the helm for the film, inspired by the storyline involving a young Nathan Drake.

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Written by Jade Nicolette

Twitter: @nicolette_style