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Disney Adult on Disney Adult Action!

Disney Adults can’t even! We talk about a new book that sheds light on the Disney Adult scene, and digs into the clique mentality and politics of doing Disney for a living. Grab popcorn.

Hollywood Writers FAFO: Their Jobs are GONE!

Hollywood writers pushed for higher pay when streaming was on the decline, and the studios pushed back by cancelling shows and movies. Now fewer writers are working in Hollywood than any time in recent memory, and it’s about to get so much worse for them…

South Park Just Kicked Paramount in the Nuts…

The South Park creators — Trey Parker and Matt Stone — just kicked Paramount where it hurts. They’re claiming that the Skydance deal is messing with them being able to sell the show to different streaming platforms, and now they’re suing…

Don’t miss out on ORCS ARE A-HOLES, funding now on BackerKit from Nydaria Entertainment!

Test footage of the original 2020 “Ugly Sonic” design has surfaced, reigniting discussion around one of Hollywood’s most infamous animation missteps. More than a relic, the footage underscores the cultural and industry impact of fan backlash and the evolution of video game movie adaptations.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Test footage of the scrapped “Ugly Sonic” design leaked on June 28, 2025.

• The footage revives the 2019 backlash that led to a $5 million redesign.

• Ugly Sonic’s cameo in Rescue Rangers and fan-driven influence on film remain part of his legacy.

The Test Footage: A Cursed Relic Resurfaces

On June 28, X user Doctor Caboose (@joe44951318) posted a thread (Post ID: 1939004244427973114) revealing rare clips of the original “Ugly Sonic” design. The 20.97-second video and four stills depict the infamous version of Sonic with human-like teeth, elongated limbs, and jarring facial features. It’s a design long purged from promotional materials but vividly remembered for its backlash.

According to a 2019 Journal of Digital Humanities study, 78% of pre-release film footage is typically discarded, making the leak a rare case of preservation. This discovery offers an unfiltered look at the design that triggered one of the most expensive course-corrections in recent Hollywood history.

The Backstory: Ugly Sonic’s Debacle

When the first Sonic the Hedgehog trailer dropped in April 2019, the internet recoiled. Sonic’s oddly human teeth and proportions led to an uproar, with over 300,000 fans signing a Change.org petition demanding a redesign. Paramount delayed the film from November 2019 to February 2020 and reportedly invested $5 million to fix the character—a redesign led by Tyson Hesse.

As Variety reported at the time (May 2, 2019), the design was approved by Sega’s Sonic Team and the film’s director Jeff Fowler but proved incompatible with fan expectations. The new footage confirms just how far the original look deviated from the franchise’s style.

Cultural Impact: Ugly Sonic’s Comeback Tour

Ugly Sonic became more than a meme when he reappeared as a character in Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022), voiced by Tim Robinson. In an interview with Polygon (May 20, 2022), director Akiva Schaffer said the inclusion was a meta-commentary on internet backlash and licensing headaches: “You don’t usually come out of a movie and want to thank the lawyers.”

A 2022 Media Psychology study found that controversial design choices like Ugly Sonic’s can increase fan engagement by up to 34%. His appearance in Rescue Rangers helped cement the character’s oddball legacy, transforming a PR nightmare into an unexpected comeback.

Influence on Moviemaking: Fan Input and IP Fidelity

The Ugly Sonic debacle reset how studios approach video game adaptations. It emphasized the importance of staying visually faithful to beloved IP. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) avoided similar backlash by sticking closely to Mario’s traditional design—a deliberate choice influenced by Sonic’s early mistake, according to Variety (April 5, 2023).

In 2022, Sonic producer Tim Miller told ScreenRant the original design failed because it didn’t obey “animation rules” that align a character with their universe. The Evolution of Video Game Movies (Daniel Dinosaur, 2024) identifies the redesign as a turning point that ushered in a new era of adaptation transparency.

Why It Matters: The Legacy of a Cautionary Tale

The footage leak proves Ugly Sonic is still part of the conversation—not just as a failed design but as a symbol of fan influence. It highlights archival blind spots in filmmaking and serves as a reminder that audiences care deeply about how their favorite characters are treated on screen.

As of June 29, 2025, the video continues to circulate online. What began as a botched character reveal is now a textbook case of cultural course correction.

Sources:

• Doctor Caboose (@joe44951318), Post ID: 1939004244427973114, June 28, 2025

• Dexerto, Article accompanying tweet, June 27, 2025

• Journal of Digital Humanities, “Pre-Release Film Footage Retention Study,” 2019

• Media Psychology, “Impact of Controversial Character Designs on Franchise Engagement,” 2022

• Variety, “Sonic the Hedgehog Delayed to Allow for Redesign After Fan Backlash,” May 2, 2019

• Change.org, “Redesign Sonic the Hedgehog,” 2019

• Polygon, “Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers director explains the ‘Ugly Sonic’ cameo,” May 20, 2022

• Variety, “How The Super Mario Bros. Movie Avoided Sonic’s Mistakes,” April 5, 2023

• ScreenRant, “Sonic The Hedgehog Producer Opens Up On What Went Wrong With Ugly Sonic,” October 8, 2022

• Daniel Dinosaur, The Evolution of Video Game Movies, 2024

• X, #UglySonic, June 29, 2025

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 29, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Hold onto your Chocobos, because Nobuo Uematsu just dropped a bombshell more dramatic than a Final Fantasy plot twist: Square-Enix “collapsed” after Sakaguchi left. Here’s how the post-merger chaos unfolded—and how the company rose from the ashes.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Nobuo Uematsu says Square-Enix “collapsed” after Sakaguchi quit in 2003

• His comments highlight the post-merger confusion and lack of leadership

• Despite early chaos, Square-Enix eventually recovered with major hits like FFXIV

Uematsu’s Quotes: “The Situation Was Awful”

Legendary Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu didn’t hold back on the June 25, 2025, episode of his podcast NOBIYO To Isshoni (Together with NOBIYO). As reported by AUTOMATON WEST and Wccftech, Uematsu described Square’s state after Hironobu Sakaguchi left in 2003 as nothing short of a corporate meltdown:

“The situation at Square was awful after he quit. He left, and the organisation suddenly collapsed. I thought to myself—Oh no, I should get away from here.”

The legendary composer credited Sakaguchi’s natural leadership:

“We didn’t even have a proper corporate organisation, yet everybody listened to him. It’s a kind of quality you just have to be born with.”

His words offer a rare, candid glimpse into the disarray that followed one of the most influential resignations in gaming history.

The 2003 Merger: A Union on Shaky Ground

Square and Enix officially merged in April 2003, with Enix technically absorbing Square. At the time, Square was still reeling from the massive financial failure of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001), which lost over $50 million. That flop pushed Sakaguchi to step down from his role as a game designer. According to Gamerant and Wikipedia, around 80% of the staff in the newly formed Square-Enix came from Square.

Uematsu’s claim that “the organisation suddenly collapsed” appears to coincide with this transitional period. His firsthand account suggests that morale and direction hit an all-time low despite the merger’s intended goal of stabilization.

Sakaguchi’s Role: The Heart of Square

Hironobu Sakaguchi founded the Final Fantasy series and had been Square’s creative backbone since the 1980s. His influence was monumental—Final Fantasy VII alone sold over 10 million copies, setting new standards for JRPGs and 3D storytelling.

Uematsu’s podcast underscored how much Sakaguchi’s presence held the team together:

“We didn’t even have a proper corporate organisation, yet everybody listened to him.”

His departure left a creative and strategic vacuum that, according to Uematsu, triggered Square’s internal crisis. The company’s identity had been so intertwined with Sakaguchi that losing him was, for many, a breaking point.

Square-Enix’s Recovery: Rising from the Ashes

Despite Uematsu’s dire assessment, Square-Enix ultimately found its footing. Under the leadership of Yoichi Wada, the company restructured and adopted a “polymorphic content” strategy that focused on cross-platform development and media franchises.

Hits like Final Fantasy XIV and Kingdom Hearts III played a major role in the company’s revival, supported by strong financial performance throughout the 2010s and beyond. Uematsu even acknowledged the recovery:

“It got back on track,” he said, though his earlier comment—“I should get away from here”—shows how bleak things initially looked from the inside.

Cultural and Industry Impact: A Legacy Tested

Uematsu’s remarks reignited debate among fans and critics alike about the value of creative leadership. Sakaguchi’s departure is now seen not just as the end of an era, but a case study in how fragile even the biggest names in gaming can be.

Discussion boards like r/FinalFantasy have lit up with renewed interest in the company’s history. Analysts point to Square-Enix’s survival as a rare case of a studio pulling itself back from the brink.

Uematsu’s Career: The Soundtrack to a Generation

After going freelance in 2004, Nobuo Uematsu continued composing for titles like Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, and Fantasian Neo Dimension (2024), expanding his legacy beyond Final Fantasy. His unique style and emotional range have made him one of the most celebrated composers in video game history.

Even now, his words carry weight. And when he says Square-Enix “collapsed,” you can almost hear the somber piano notes swelling behind the drama.

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 29, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Sources:

• AUTOMATON WEST, “Square collapsed after he left,” June 25, 2025 (Uematsu quotes: “The situation at Square was awful after he quit,” “He left, and the organisation suddenly collapsed,” “I thought to myself – Oh no, I should get away from here,” “We didn’t even have a proper corporate organisation, yet everybody listened to him,” “It’s a kind of quality you just have to be born with”)

• Wccftech, “Final Fantasy Creator Hironobu Sakaguchi’s Departure Led to Square’s Collapse, Series Composer Says,” June 25, 2025 (Uematsu quotes as above)

• Wikipedia, “Square Enix,” June 18, 2025

• Gamerant, “Final Fantasy Composer Says Square Almost Collapsed After Franchise Creator Left,” June 25, 2025

• Wikipedia, “Hironobu Sakaguchi,” June 25, 2025

• Square-Enix, “Final Fantasy VII – Sales Figures,” 1997

• Daniel Robson, “Square-Enix’s Post-Merger Strategy,” 2005

• IGN, “Square-Enix’s Post-Merger Struggles Revisited,” June 26, 2025

• r/FinalFantasy, June 2025

• John Szczepaniak, “Square-Enix: A Corporate History,” 2020

• Wikipedia, “Nobuo Uematsu,” May 26, 2025

McDonald’s is shrinking Halloween nostalgia down to size with the launch of Lil McBoo Buckets, hitting Happy Meals this July. Smaller than a Happy Meal fry but packed with collector appeal, these pint-sized pails are part of a broader mini brands trend captivating kids and adults alike.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Lil McBoo Buckets Launch July 1: Part of the Lil McDonald’s toy line, these micro pails mimic 2024’s Boo Buckets in miniature.

• Boo Bucket History: First introduced in 1986, discontinued, then resurrected in 2022 to adult collector acclaim.

• Mini Brands Craze: Adults are driving demand for palm-sized collectibles—and McDonald’s is capitalizing.

Lil McBoo Buckets: The 2025 Mini Makeover

Announced on June 25, 2025, McDonald’s Lil McBoo Buckets debut July 1 as part of its Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal toy series. These thumb-sized Halloween pails—ghost, witch, skeleton, and vampire—shrink down the beloved 2022 Boo Bucket designs. A companion digital game, Drive Thru Dash, accessible via QR codes on Happy Meal boxes, adds a playful interactive layer.

Joining Lil McNuggets and Lil McFlurries, the McBoo Buckets tap into a mini brands movement where even the tiniest toy triggers big nostalgia. Though aimed at children, they’re also targeting collectors who won’t blink at hoarding plastic pails smaller than a cookie.

Boo Buckets: From 1986 to Cult Status

The original Boo Buckets launched in 1986 as Halloween-themed Happy Meal pails, featuring pumpkin, ghost, and witch designs. After being phased out in the ’90s due to safety concerns, they reappeared in 2000 and sporadically returned until their full-blown 2022 resurgence.

That year’s buckets flew off shelves between October 15–31, driven in part by nostalgic adults reliving childhoods and swapping stories in forums like r/McDonaldsCollectibles. Designs became brighter, more collectible—and harder to find.

Collectors Are Losing It (Again)

The 2022 comeback saw adult collectors snatching Boo Buckets by the dozen, reminiscent of the Beanie Baby craze. According to CNN and The New York Times, nostalgia and perceived rarity fueled bidding wars, with some vintage 1986 pails fetching over $100 on eBay.

With the 2025 Lil McBoo Buckets labeled as limited-edition and miniaturized, anticipation is high. Collector’s Weekly warns these could be “the next shelf-space dominators” in adult toy rooms already packed with Funko Pops and retro Happy Meal memorabilia.

Mini Brands: Shrinking for Profit

Lil McBoo Buckets are part of a wider strategy: 21 Lil McDonald’s toys are rolling out July 1. Inspired by Zuru’s Mini Brands, which hit $1 billion in sales by 2023, McDonald’s is betting on the adult appetite for bite-sized collectibles.

Each Lil toy, priced at $1.99 with a Happy Meal, is designed to fit in the palm of your hand. It’s absurdly small, absurdly popular, and absurdly on-trend. The buckets, being Halloween-themed, only boost the hype.

Why It Matters

Beyond the novelty, the Lil McBoo Buckets represent a cultural touchstone. From their 1986 debut to their 2022 revival, Boo Buckets are part of McDonald’s branding DNA. The 2025 mini version speaks to an era where nostalgia, absurdity, and novelty converge—and go viral.

With the Drive Thru Dash digital component and collectors already buzzing under #LilMcBoo on X, McDonald’s latest toy line may not just be for kids. It’s also for the grown-ups reclaiming a slice of spooky season, one tiny bucket at a time.

Sources:

• McDonald’s, “Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys – Press Release,” June 2025

• ABC News, “Supershrink it! McDonald’s launching mini Happy Meal toys,” June 25, 2025

• Taste of Home, “McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets Are Returning for 2024,” October 7, 2024

• Nightmare Nostalgia, “Celebrating The Wonderful History Of McDonald’s Halloween Buckets,” September 28, 2023

• The Hollywood Reporter, “McDonald’s Halloween Boo Buckets Sell Out Amid Adult Collector Frenzy,” October 31, 2024

• r/McDonaldsCollectibles, June 2025

• CNN, “Adult Collectors Drive McDonald’s Boo Bucket Resurgence,” November 1, 2024

• The New York Times, “The Return of the Boo Bucket: A Collector’s Perspective,” October 29, 2024

• eBay, “McDonald’s Boo Buckets – Completed Listings,” June 2025

• Collector’s Weekly, “The Mini Brands Phenomenon and Adult Collectors,” June 2025

• Forbes, “Why Adults Are Obsessed With Mini Brands,” May 2025

• Bloomberg, “Zuru’s Mini Brands Hit $1 Billion in Sales,” December 2023

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 28, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

With inflation hitting everything from groceries to graphics cards, it’s no surprise that gamers are side-eyeing the $449 price tag on the Nintendo Switch 2. But here’s the twist: consoles have always been expensive—especially when adjusted for inflation. From the Atari 2600 to the NES and beyond, what seemed affordable back then would cost a small fortune today. So before we break out the pitchforks, let’s put things in perspective.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• The Switch 2’s $449 launch price seems steep—until you realize the Atari 2600 would cost $1,012 today.

• Even the NES and SNES adjusted for inflation hit $503 and $460 respectively—more than the Switch 2.

• Modern consoles are cheaper in real terms, making the Switch 2 a deal by historical standards.

The Complaint: Switch 2’s $449 Price Tag

The Nintendo Switch 2, unveiled at $449, has drawn ire from gamers bemoaning its cost, especially with inflation biting hard. Critics point to the original Switch’s $299 (2017) price, adjusted to $366 in 2025, arguing the jump is unjustified. But new console launches often carry premium prices, especially when viewed through a historical lens.

Magnavox Odyssey (1972)

• Original Price: $100

• Adjusted for 2025: $741

The first console ever made you pay the equivalent of over $700 for a couple of knobs and tennis.

Atari 2600 (1977)

• Original Price: $199

• Adjusted for 2025: $1,012

Let that sink in. Over a grand in today’s money for pixelated pong and a joystick.

NES (1985)

• Original Price: $180

• Adjusted for 2025: $503

A cultural icon, sure. But if the NES launched today, it’d still cost $54 more than the Switch 2.

SNES (1991)

• Original Price: $199

• Adjusted for 2025: $460

Beloved and legendary, yes—but also more expensive than the Switch 2 if launched today.

PlayStation (1994)

• Original Price: $299

• Adjusted for 2025: $606

A breakout hit, but your 1994 wallet would’ve needed deep pockets.

PlayStation 2 (2000)

• Original Price: $299

• Adjusted for 2025: $529

Still the best-selling console of all time, and still more expensive than today’s Switch 2.

Wii (2006)

• Original Price: $249

• Adjusted for 2025: $390

Cheaper than the Switch 2, yes—but also way less powerful.

Nintendo Switch (2017)

• Original Price: $299

• Adjusted for 2025: $366

Not too far off, but still under today’s asking price.

Nintendo Switch 2 (2025)

• Launch Price: $449

• Inflation Adjustment: Not applicable yet—it’s current.

For less than the adjusted cost of a SNES, NES, PS1 or Atari 2600, you get a hybrid console with modern graphics, OLED display, and games like Tears of the Kingdom 2.

The Reality Check: Inflation’s the Real Boss Fight

Gamers complaining about the Switch 2’s $449 might want to check their history. The Atari 2600’s $1,012, NES’s $503, and PlayStation’s $606 all top it. While the Wii and original Switch were lower in real terms, most consoles cost more when adjusted.

Inflation’s a real boss fight—and today’s gamers might actually have it relatively easy.

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 28, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Marge Simpson may have met her maker—again—but longtime fans of The Simpsons know better than to trust a Springfield funeral. The Season 36 finale teases Marge’s death, but history suggests it’s just another entry in the show’s long tradition of mortality fakeouts.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• The Simpsons’ Season 36 finale depicts Marge’s “death” in a future timeline, sparking online speculation.

• The show has a history of fakeout deaths (like Ned Flanders and Homer) and real ones (like Maude and Edna).

• This latest twist reinforces The Simpsons’ tradition of resetting its world—and its staying power after 37 seasons.

Marge’s Death: A Season 36 Shocker

Pour one out for Marge Simpson—or don’t, because she’s probably fine. The Season 36 finale of The Simpsons, titled “Estranger Things,” aired on May 18, 2025, and shocked fans with a flash-forward revealing Marge’s death. The episode included a funeral and a heaven reunion scene with Ringo Starr, giving viewers just enough to trigger panic before pulling back, typical of the show’s flair for dramatics.

Despite the dramatic tone, longtime fans know better. The Simpsons is famous for teasing tragedy and then returning to the status quo. Marge’s “death” is likely another bait-and-switch, echoing the show’s fondness for fleeting mortality.

Fakeout Deaths: Marge’s Not the First

The Simpsons has faked us out before. Season 11’s “Missionary: Impossible” showed Ned Flanders seemingly perish in a volcano—only to show up later, just fine. In Season 25’s “The Kid is All Right,” Homer stages his own funeral to escape creditors. Each time, the stakes vanish as quickly as they appear. Marge’s trip to heaven, complete with celebrity cameos, fits squarely into this fakeout formula.

Real Deaths: When The Simpsons Means It

Sometimes, though, the deaths stick. Maude Flanders’ demise in Season 11’s “Alone Again, Natura-Diddily” was permanent. Likewise, Edna Krabappel’s departure in Season 25 followed the real-life passing of voice actress Marcia Wallace. These events changed the show’s fabric and were treated with lasting impact—unlike Marge’s blink-and-you-miss-it funeral.

The Simpsons’ Mortality Tradition: Kill ‘Em and Bring ‘Em Back

Fake deaths are a staple of the show’s structure. Homer has “died” multiple times, including in Treehouse of Horror episodes and surreal one-offs like Season 20’s “Four Great Women and a Manicure.” Even Mr. Burns has met dramatic ends, only to be revived later. The reset button is always nearby, which is why Marge’s current predicament feels familiar—and temporary.

Why It Matters: A Show That Can’t Die

Whether Marge stays in the afterlife or returns next season with no explanation, her “death” has reignited conversations around The Simpsons’’ cultural staying power. Now in its 37th season, the show continues to evolve—and recycle—keeping viewers talking. This latest fakeout isn’t just about Marge; it’s about a show that remains immortal, even as its characters occasionally aren’t.

Sources:

• CBC News, “Why Marge Simpson’s death suddenly has viewers talking about The Simpsons again,” June 26, 2025

• The Guardian, “Did The Simpsons really just kill off a major character?,” June 26, 2025

• Wikipedia, “In-show deaths,” June 25, 2025

• The Hollywood Reporter, “Marcia Wallace Dead: ‘The Simpsons’ Edna Krabappel Voice Actress Was 70,” October 26, 2013

• IMDb, “The Simpsons – Seasons,” June 2025

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 28, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Get ready to command pixelated warlords—a new Minecraft mod has arrived, and it’s bringing real-time strategy to the blocky battlefield.

Key Points:

• Reign of Nether is a new Minecraft mod that transforms the game into a full RTS (Real-time Strategy), complete with factions, base-building, and tactical combat.

• The mod launches during Minecraft’s 15th anniversary and taps into a rising wave of RTS nostalgia.

• It already has 1,000+ downloads and reflects larger trends in modding, corporate support, and Minecraft’s evolving community.

Reign of Nether: A Mod That Builds Empires

Reign of Nether is the brainchild of modder SoLegendary and is available now on Modrinth. The mod radically reimagines Minecraft as a real-time strategy game. Players can lead factions like Villagers, Monsters, and Piglins, build fortresses, manage resources, and launch assaults on rival armies.

A teaser shows a Nether fortress siege, mini-map UI, and overhead troop controls. Compatible with Minecraft 1.20.6 and downloaded over 1,000 times in its first 24 hours, it’s clear this is more than just a novelty mod—it’s a fully-fledged genre shift.

Minecraft’s Modding Legacy: From Blocks to Battles

Minecraft, released in 2011 and acquired by Microsoft for $2.5 billion in 2014, has thrived thanks to its modding community. Over 100,000 mods exist, from tech packs to total conversions. Reign of Nether joins these on Modrinth, a platform known for giving creators a 75% ad-revenue share. It’s also open-source (GPL-3.0), reinforcing Minecraft’s legacy of community innovation.

From Feed The Beast to Reign of Nether, mods have pushed Minecraft in wild directions. This one taps directly into the RTS vein, offering something fresh yet rooted in the game’s iconic aesthetic.

Anniversary Timing: 15 Years of Minecraft

With Minecraft celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, the mod’s release is well-timed. Mojang’s Minecraft Live 2025 event and updates have brought renewed attention to the game. Reign of Nether’s focus on the Nether dimension aligns perfectly with updates from 2020’s Nether Update and 2023’s Minecraft Legends, which first introduced strategy gameplay to the franchise.

As fans celebrate the past, this mod offers a glimpse into Minecraft’s possible future—one where players rule armies, not just mobs.

RTS Revival: Perfect Time to Strike

Reign of Nether lands amid an RTS renaissance. Age of Empires IV passed 5 million units, and Halo Wars 2 continues to draw players. Statista notes RTS market growth, and Reign of Nether bridges that interest with Minecraft’s massive audience. It could be the perfect gateway mod for both RTS veterans and Minecraft diehards.

Its design—unit production, map control, base-building—borrows from classics while remaining grounded in Minecraft’s core visuals. With Minecraft on PC, console, and mobile, cross-platform mod potential is huge.

Factions and Lore: Villagers, Monsters, Piglins

Three factions offer distinct styles: Villagers lean defensive and economy-focused, Monsters are aggressive and swarming, and Piglins bring Nether-specific strategy. These reflect Minecraft’s evolving lore, especially since the 2020 and 2022 updates.

Minecraft Legends (2023) proved players are ready for more lore-driven, strategic play. Reign of Nether delivers that in a sandbox context with limitless replayability.

Big Picture: Corporate Modding and Community Creativity

Since Microsoft acquired Mojang, it has increasingly embraced modding. Reign of Nether thrives in a world where Microsoft invests in CurseForge, Epic Games supports Fortnite modding, and Sony and Nintendo slowly open up. With platforms like Modrinth growing, there’s a push to professionalize and monetize fan creations.

Reign of Nether could be a breakout mod that not only showcases the power of community, but also how far corporate support can stretch when done right.

What’s Next: Will Reign of Nether Reign Supreme?

With over 1,000 downloads in one day, social media buzz, and potential for multiplayer and even eSports play, Reign of Nether is a serious player in the mod scene. Whether it spawns tournaments, new factions, or a standalone experience remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: in Minecraft’s kingdom, strategy now has a seat at the table.

Sources:

• Dexerto, Post ID: 1938525214129721470, June 27, 2025

• Modrinth, “Reign of Nether RTS,” June 2025

• Minecraft Wiki, “Mods,” June 2025

• The Verge, “Microsoft Buys Mojang for $2.5 Billion,” September 15, 2014

• PC Gamer, “Minecraft 15th Anniversary Celebrations,” May 17, 2025

• Minecraft Wiki, “Nether Update,” June 2025

• Microsoft, “Age of Empires IV Sales Milestone,” March 2023

• IGN, “Halo Wars 2 Sales Figures,” 2017

• Statista, “Real-Time Strategy Game Market,” June 2025

• IGN, “Cross-Platform Gaming Trends,” June 2025

• Minecraft.net, “Minecraft Legends,” 2023

• The Verge, “Microsoft’s Modding Strategy,” April 2025

• Epic Games, “Unreal Engine Modding Tools,” June 2025

• PC Gamer, “Microsoft’s Minecraft Strategy,” June 2025

• Minecraft.net, June 2025

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 28, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Toei Animation, the legendary Japanese studio behind some of anime’s biggest franchises, is under fire again—this time not for a show, but for a rainbow. A June 26 Pride Month post triggered a flurry of backlash and reignited criticism over past controversies, dropping the company into a very modern mess of culture war crossfire.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Backlash over Pride Post: Toei’s June 26, 2025, rainbow Pride message on X drew criticism and accusations of hypocrisy.

• 2021 Labor Dispute Resurfaces: Critics cited a past dispute involving a non-binary union member to question the sincerity of Toei’s support.

• Wider Virtue Signaling Debate: The incident reflects growing U.S. backlash against corporate branding around Pride and social causes.

The Backlash: X Reactions to Toei’s Pride Post

Toei’s post, shared on X at 18:00 UTC (Post ID: 1938296324497060214), featured a rainbow backdrop, their cat logo, and the message: “Hope you all are having a great Pride Month!” But the reaction wasn’t quite celebratory.

One user scoffed, “Yet they’ll still rebrand themselves with the flag for Pride month this year like they did in 2019 for publicity, it’s as inevitable as the rise of the sun.” Another fumed, “Companies that promote woke nonsense like this need to start facing heavy fines.”

While some users rolled their eyes at the backlash itself—”All these replies are triggered… BY SOME COLORS”—others pointed to Toei’s rocky history with LGBTQ+ representation and labor rights. Chief among them: a 2021 incident in which Toei reportedly refused to negotiate with a non-binary union member.

Context: Pride Post vs. Company History

Founded in 1948 and acquired by Toei Company in 1956, Toei Animation has been a fixture in anime history, from Sally the Witch to Dragon Ball to Sailor Moon. Their legacy includes pioneering entire genres and helping grow anime into a $34 billion global industry (Grandview Research, 2023).

But their record on progressive causes has been mixed. The 2021 labor dispute saw Toei accused of discriminating against an “X-gender” employee—a case that resurfaced after the Pride post. In a country where 40% of parents disapprove of homosexuality (University of Tokyo, 2020), but where youth support is growing (NHK, 2021), Toei’s move may play differently at home and abroad.

The Corporate Virtue Signaling Problem

If this all feels familiar, it should. Toei’s Pride post is the latest flashpoint in a broader backlash against corporate virtue signaling. In the U.S., Pride Month has become a branding blitz, with companies slapping rainbows on logos while often failing to follow through on policy or support.

According to The Week, Pride branding is now seen by many as hollow, while some industry analysts have observed that “woke-washing” is starting to backfire.

Wikipedia defines “virtue signaling” as expressing support for social causes to appear morally good, not necessarily to enact change.

Toei’s situation echoes that trend: bold statements, but baggage underneath.

A Legacy Studio, A Modern Misstep?

Toei hasn’t issued a statement as of 10:24 PM EDT on June 27, 2025. But whether they respond or not, the damage is done. The 2021 labor issue was already a stain. The rainbow post? For some, it rubbed salt in it. For the majority on X? Stick to making anime.

As more fans question whether Pride posts are genuine or just a way to stay trendy, the whole thing starts to feel less like support and more like seasonal marketing. For legacy brands like Toei, that can turn even a simple tweet into a PR landmine.

Sources:

• Toei Animation, Post ID: 1938296324497060214, June 26, 2025

• r/TwoBestFriendsPlay, “Toei Animation Refuses Labor Negotiations With LGBT Union Member,” January 27, 2021

• The Week, “Pride month: the virtue signals of corporate America,” June 9, 2023

• Medium, “Virtue Signaling Is Starting To Backfire On Corporations,” May 21, 2022

• Wikipedia, “Virtue signalling,” June 25, 2025

• Wikipedia, “Toei Animation – Wikipedia,” June 25, 2025

• Toei Animation, “History | COMPANY,” corp.toei-anim.co.jp

• University of Tokyo, “Social Attitudes Survey,” 2020

• NHK, “Public Opinion Survey on Social Issues,” 2021

• Grandview Research, “Anime Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report,” April 2023

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 27, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Nickelodeon may have canceled The Tiny Chef Show, but fans aren’t letting the little guy go down without a fight. As of June 27, 2025, the show’s creators have raised over $500,000 in crowdfunding to keep the Emmy-winning stop-motion series cooking.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• The Show Was Canceled June 24, 2025: Nickelodeon pulled the plug after three seasons and an Emmy win, citing low viewership and new IP priorities.

• Internet Backlash Fueled a Crowdfunding Boom: Viral fan support and trending hashtags helped the creators raise over $500,000 to revive the show.

• The Creators Plan to Go Independent: With network backing gone, Tiny Chef may find new life on streaming or as a fan-funded series.

What’s The Tiny Chef Show? A Recipe for Popularity

Premiering on September 9, 2022, The Tiny Chef Show is a quirky hybrid of stop-motion animation and live-action, created by Rachel Larsen, Ozlem “Ozi” Akturk, and Adam Reid. The star? A tiny mouse-sized chef who whips up “weshipees” like avocado sushi with charm, humor, and a big heart.

Featuring guest voices like RuPaul and Amy Sedaris, the series won the 2023 Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Series and wrapped three seasons with 41 episodes. Its handmade aesthetic and earnest storytelling struck a chord with audiences of all ages.

Cancellation Drama: Nickelodeon’s Tough Call

Despite its critical success, Nickelodeon canceled The Tiny Chef Show on June 24, 2025. A viral video showed Tiny Chef tearfully taking the call, with creators revealing the decision stemmed from low ratings and a shift in focus to new intellectual property.

@thetinychefshowSOS Cheffers, please go to the link our bio to learn how you can help us keep Chef on social media. Tiny chefs cooking show has officially been cancelled (very unexpected) and without the support of a major network we need crowd funding to keep cookin’ over here. Yesh this es weal! We want to thank @nickelodeon for giving Chef two blamazing seasons and all the besties he made there. Chef wouldn’t want anyone to blame his friends over there, he’s just deeply sad he doesn’t get to continue hosting a show he adores. Please let cheffy know how much he means to you in the comments he’s really feelin this one.

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Nick had renewed the show for a second season in November 2023, which premiered later that month. But even the momentum of a third season and Emmy buzz wasn’t enough to save it.

Internet Reaction: A Tidal Wave of Support

Fans took to social media under the hashtag #JusticeForTinyChef, turning the cancellation into a trending topic. X users shared GIFs of Tiny dancing and crying, while creators posted a heartfelt plea encouraging support.

Posts like @ToonHive’s June 25 message confirmed the show’s end, and @SouthDallasFoodie’s viral tweet, “Justice for Tiny Chef,” helped galvanize the movement. The Express Tribune noted the response as a “viral wave of support.”

Crowdfunding Success: A Recipe for Revival

In the wake of the cancellation, the show’s creators launched a crowdfunding campaign via Venmo, PayPal, and fan club memberships. By June 27, 2025, at 9:02 PM EDT, donations had topped $500,000.

The creators plan to use the funds to independently produce new episodes, keeping the spirit of Tiny Chef alive without network oversight. Whether through YouTube, streaming, or grassroots distribution, the fan-fueled effort has kept the pilot light on.

What’s Next: A Tiny Triumph?

The Tiny Chef team isn’t backing down. With a fan-funded war chest and a viral wave of support, the show may cook up a new home soon. Independent production is on the table, and streaming platforms could be next.

This tiny titan isn’t done yet—his Emmy, loyal fanbase, and $500K in support say there’s plenty of fuel left in the oven.

Sources

• Dexerto, “Tiny Chef Creators Reveal Why Nickelodeon Canceled Beloved Show Despite Emmy Win,” June 26, 2025

• Wikipedia, “The Tiny Chef Show,” accessed June 27, 2025

• @ToonHive, Post ID: 1934042169033228538, June 25, 2025

• The Express Tribune, “Tiny Chef meltdown on cancellation sparks viral fan reactions and online crowdfunding effort,” June 25, 2025

• @SouthDallasFoodie, Post ID: (referenced in Express Tribune), June 25, 2025

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on June 27, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Today we talk to absolute LEGENDARY comic book artist John Romita Jr. about his storied career, advice for aspiring artists, the Marvel bullpen during its heyday and his new Kickstarter with Mark Millar, PSYCHIC SAM.

Mr. Romita has drawn nearly every Marvel character and is widely known for his work on Spider-Man, Daredevil, The Punisher, the X-Men and many, many more. In addition, he’s teamed up with Mark Millar on several other projects including Kick-Ass.

Check out PSYCHIC SAM on Kickstarter here.

Watch this podcast episode on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify.

CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer’s point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. D/REZZED News covers Pixels, Pop Culture, and the Paranormal! We’re an independent, opinionated entertainment news blog covering Video Games, Tech, Comics, Movies, Anime, High Strangeness, and more. As part of Clownfish TV, we strive to be balanced, based, and apolitical.