Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Marvel’s next phase is still a while away, but that hasn’t stopped the internet from throwing out wild guesses about who might join the X-Men reboot. The latest chatter? Daniel Day-Lewis, Bryan Cranston, Cynthia Erivo, and Henry Cavill are apparently being considered for some of the biggest mutant roles.
But let’s be real: most of these rumours are pure speculation. But they’re gaining attention because the names are so unexpected.
— (@)
Day-Lewis, a three-time Oscar winner who retired from acting in 2017, is reportedly being eyed to play Magneto. He hasn’t done a major film since Phantom Thread, and while he's set to return for a film directed by his son, a long-term superhero contract seems unlikely. That hasn’t stopped fans from getting excited or confused about the idea. If he were cast, it would be the first time a Jewish actor portrays Magneto, a character whose backstory is deeply tied to his Jewish identity.
Daniel Day-Lewis is rumoured to be in talks for Magneto in Marvel’s X-Men rebootGetty Images
Meanwhile, Bryan Cranston is being floated for Professor X. Sure, he's got the bald look down thanks to Breaking Bad, but the idea feels off-brand for someone who thrives in darker, morally grey roles. Ironically, Cranston himself has previously expressed interest in playing X-Men villain Mr. Sinister, which would arguably suit him better.
Bryan Cranston sparks debate online as a possible Professor X pickGetty Images
On the Storm front, multiple names have surfaced. Cynthia Erivo, who has openly shown interest in the role, is among them. Others include Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jodie Turner-Smith. The studio seems to be aiming for a more age-appropriate Storm in her mid-30s, aligning with a fresh take while still nodding to the comics.
Cynthia Erivo joins the fan wishlist for a modern take on StormGetty Images
Henry Cavill’s name is also doing the rounds this time not for Superman, but for Wolverine. It’s unclear how serious that is, especially since Hugh Jackman is reportedly still in the picture post-Deadpool & Wolverine.
Henry Cavill’s name trends as fans imagine him as the next WolverineGetty Images
To add to the chaos, there are rumours about Patrick Schwarzenegger as Cyclops and even a possible return of legacy actors like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in Avengers: Doomsday before the new line-up takes over.
Patrick Schwarzenegger as Cyclops is another rumour making the rounds Getty Images
None of this is confirmed, and Marvel is keeping things quiet for now. But with fan theories flooding social media, one thing is certain: expect more of these wild casting guesses before anything official drops.
Ranveer Singh’s rugged new look anchors the high-energy music video.
Rapper Hanumankind makes his official Bollywood début with a fierce verse.
Modern take on the classic Punjabi folk tune 'Jogi'.
Glimpses of Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal in the mix.
The full trailer lands next month.
The Dhurandhar title track just hit the internet, and the noise around this spy thriller just went up a few notches. This is the track that pulls rapper Hanumankind into his first proper Bollywood playback moment. They have taken the old folk number 'Jogi' and built a power-packed version around it, a mix of earthy roots and straight-up aggressive energy that hits like a truck. It fits, honestly. It mirrors the film's whole gritty vibe and Ranveer Singh's battle-hardened look with that wild beard.
Hanumankind brings raw rap fire while Ranveer Singh owns 'Dhurandhar' music video Getty Images/ Youtube Screengrab/Saregama Music
What is the Dhurandhar title track about?
You get a proper blast of the film’s atmosphere from this track. The music video cuts fast between shots of a heavily bearded and muscular Ranveer Singh, looking every bit the part of a hardened operative. The video cuts to the other big names in the cast as well. Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal are all there in what appears to be a tense, dark situation. The music includes traditional Punjabi folk with a stronger, cinematic rhythm.
How did Hanumankind get involved in the Dhurandhar song?
It turns out his involvement was a pretty organic, almost spontaneous thing. Music composer Shashwat Sachdev opened up about how the rap section came together. Apparently, it happened during a late-night studio session with director Aditya Dhar and Hanumankind himself. They captured an impromptu performance that just clicked, bringing what Sachdev called a "raw, instinctive fire" to the whole track. For an artist known for his independent work, this Dhurandhar feature is a major step into the mainstream film scene.
All this build-up is heading towards a definite date. The makers confirmed it right at the end of the title track video. Dhurandhar is locked in for a worldwide theatrical release on 5 December of this year. For those who need more than a song to tide them over, the official trailer is promised for 12 November.
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