Butterfly Topiary

This delightful butterfly topiary, made entirely of succulents, was outside Butterfly Landing at the 2024 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. 

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom

All images: Aardman Animation

Something mysterious (and very hairy!) has appeared in Mossy Bottom. Can Shaun and his pals stop the creature and save Halloween?

Here's the official synopsis from Aardman Animation: 

"Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom" sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm looking forward to Halloween – until the clumsy Farmer trashes the Flock’s beloved pumpkin patch! When Shaun turns mad scientist to fix the problem, things rapidly spiral out of control... With The Farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, all the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives in theaters on September 18th.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

All images: Marvel & Sony

It looks like poor Peter Parker is really struggling since he erased himself from the memories of everyone. Without his support group, he's an outsider in his own world.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel & Sony:

After the record-breaking global success of "Spider-Man: No Way Home", "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" marks an entirely new chapter for Peter Parker and Spider-Man. 

Four years have passed since the events of "No Way Home", and Peter is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves. Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he's devoted himself entirely to protecting his city — a full-time Spider-Man — but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.

The cast includes: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando, and Mark Ruffalo.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in theaters on July 31st.

Maul - Shadow Lord Trailer

Lucasfilm

The first full trailer for Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord has arrived and it looks very dark. The latest animated series in the Star Wars Universe follows that unkillable rogue, Maul, as he seeks revenge on the Empire who betrayed him.

Here's the official synopsis from Lucasfilm: 

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord presents fans with a pulpy adventure that finds Maul plotting to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire. There, he crosses paths with a disillusioned young Jedi Padawan who may just be the apprentice he is seeking to aid him in his relentless pursuit for revenge.

The cast includes Sam Witwer as Maul, Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson, Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, David W. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, and Steve Blum as Icarus.

The first two episodes of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord will arrive on DisneyPlus on April 6th. Two new episodes will debut each Monday, leading up to the finale on Star Wars Day, May the 4th.

Golden - KPop Demon Hunters

Sony

"Golden", a song from the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters, won the Oscar for Best Original Song last night. It's such a fun, upbeat song. I haven't watched the movie yet, which also won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, but the kiddo is definitely a fan.

KPop Demon Hunters is available on Netflix.

Albert Schweitzer Quote

Photo by George Rodger

"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." 

- Albert Schweitzer

Toy Story Topiaries

There are so many fun topiaries to discover each year at the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. In 2024, Toy Story's Woody and Bo Peep were joined by her silly sheep: Billy, Goat, and Gruff. This year's festival runs from March 4 to June 1.