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<h3>The first look: Analyzing Hemsworth's Geralt in action</h3>

<p>The <a href="https://x.com/netflix/status/1967038089513095538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1967038089513095538%7Ctwgr%5E1b8eb33a7ec54828cc2075ac31e03e3330d0ac35%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2Fthe-witcher-season-4-trailer-liam-hemswort%2F" target="_blank">debut footage</a> immediately establishes visual continuity. Hemsworth's Geralt is seen battling a ghostly wraith, utilizing the <strong>Aard and Yrden Signs</strong> in a sequence faithful to the show's established action style. Physically, Hemsworth appears to have fully embodied the role, with reports noting his transformation brings him closer to the lankier description of Geralt from the original books. The release was accompanied by the confirmation that the series is heading toward a planned conclusion, with the already-filmed fifth season set to serve as the final chapter.</p>

<h3>Fan reception: The Cavill shadow</h3>

<p>However, the shadow of Cavill&rsquo;s exit looms large. Since his departure in October 2022, reportedly due to creative differences, a substantial portion of the fanbase has been disillusioned. Cavill had earned immense goodwill through his well-documented dedication to the source material, making his portrayal synonymous with the live-action Geralt. This has created what many see as "impossibly high regard" for any successor to match.</p>

<p>Initial reactions across social media and forums reflect this deep divide. While some viewers expressed cautious optimism about the action sequences, many responses ranged from skeptical to openly hostile. This resistance is compounded by perceptions of Hemsworth&rsquo;s own career. Commentators have noted that while he brings "adequate acting ability," he lacks the established genre credentials that helped Cavill win over fans. His public persona, shaped in part by his high-profile divorce from Miley Cyrus, further complicates the audience's ability to see him as the grizzled witcher rather than a celebrity replacing their preferred star.</p>

<h3>Production context and creative directions</h3>

<p>Beyond the recast, the series faces additional challenges in winning back fans critical of its creative direction. Reports that season four will include a "mini-musical" number have already drawn ire from purists who see it as another unnecessary deviation from the source material. The loss of Kim Bodnia (Vesemir) to scheduling conflicts further distances the new season from the original ensemble.</p>

<p>Yet, the new season also promises compelling narrative developments from Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, including the formation of the <strong>Lodge of Sorceresses</strong> and the introduction of Laurence Fishburne as the fan-favorite character <strong>Regis</strong>. These elements could provide Hemsworth with strong material to establish his own interpretation alongside established characters.</p>

<h3>Prospects for acceptance and legacy</h3>

<p>Ultimately, the brief clip shows Hemsworth can handle the physicality, but the true test will be embodying Geralt&rsquo;s trademark world-weary cynicism and dry wit. With only two seasons to make the role his own, the clock is ticking. The coming months will reveal if Hemsworth can overcome these challenges or if the series will be remembered for a controversial recasting that overshadowed its conclusion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As one outlet put it, he is "the new Butcher of Blaviken," and he now has the chance to prove he's up to the task.</p>

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<p>This strategic move finally aligns Spotify with rivals like Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited, which have offered lossless tiers for years, and Tidal, the long-time pioneer in high-fidelity streaming. However, by bundling it into existing plans, Spotify bets that convenience and ecosystem loyalty trump a competitor's spec sheet.</p>

<h3>Unlocking Lossless: a quick setup guide</h3>

<p>The new tier streams using the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format, the open-source industry standard for bit-perfect audio. Enabling it isn't automatic; it requires a manual toggle deep in the settings. Users must navigate to Settings & Privacy &rarr; Audio Quality and select "Lossless" for their preferred connection (Wi-Fi, Cellular, or Download). This tier sits above the existing "Very High" (320 kbps Ogg Vorbis) setting.</p>

<p>An indicator in the "Now Playing" view and the Connect Picker confirms when a track is streaming in Lossless, a nod to audiophiles who want verification.</p>

<h3>Can you even hear the difference?</h3>

<p>The audible difference may be negligible for most users. Still, for the influential segment of audiophiles and music enthusiasts, the vocal minority who drive brand perception, this move addresses a long-standing grievance. It eliminates a key reason for them to turn to a competitor, effectively future-proofing the Premium subscription.</p>

<p>As with any hi-res offering, the audible difference between Lossless and Spotify's high-quality 320kbps Ogg Vorbis stream is highly dependent on the listener's audio gear, environment, and own hearing acuity. The benefits are most apparent on high-end equipment in quiet listening environments.</p>

<h3>The tech limitations you&rsquo;ll face</h3>

<p>The rollout highlights the nuanced reality of high-res audio, where software is only part of the equation.</p>

<p><strong>The Bluetooth bottleneck:</strong> This is the biggest caveat. Standard Bluetooth codecs (even AAC and SBC) are lossy by nature and cannot transmit a full lossless signal. The promise of true wireless lossless hinges on future adoption of new codecs like LE Audio and LC3, which Spotify will likely support down the line. For now, the experience requires wired headphones or a Spotify Connect-enabled setup.</p>

<p><strong>The ecosystem play:</strong> <a href="https://support.spotify.com/article/spotify-connect/" target="_blank">Spotify Connect</a> is crucial to their strategy. The company is leveraging partnerships with major brands like Sony, Bose, Samsung, and Sennheiser, with support for Sonos and Amazon devices coming soon. This pushes users toward a connected, Wi-Fi-based listening environment that Spotify controls, potentially locking them deeper into its ecosystem.</p>

<p><strong>The data trade-off:</strong> Lossless files are massive. A single minute can consume 5-10x the data of a "Very High" stream. Spotify's new data usage metrics are an essential tool, not just a nice-to-have, for anyone on a metered mobile plan.</p>

<h3>A checkmark, not a revolution</h3>

<p>Ultimately, Spotify's Lossless launch is a catch-up feature, but a critically important one. It closes a glaring gap in its service specification and aligns its offering with the modern streaming standard. The real differentiators for Spotify remain its industry-leading discovery algorithms, personalized playlists, and social features.</p>

<p>For more articles like this, visit our <a href="https://several.com/news/tag/tech" target="_blank">tech news page</a>!</p>


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<h3>The unprecedented speed of the Superman sequel</h3>

<p>Gunn's approach to the DCU is anything but conventional. While most studios would let a <a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt5950044/" target="_blank">successful film</a> like 2025's <em>Superman</em> ($614 million worldwide) breathe before greenlighting a sequel, Gunn has already written the treatment and plans to start shooting early next year. This timeline is remarkably aggressive, especially compared to the typical three-to-four-year gap between superhero films. Gunn himself has teased that <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> is "as much a Lex movie as it is a Superman movie," signaling a deeper exploration of their dynamic.</p>

<p>This speed is reminiscent of the MCU's early strategy: <em>Iron Man</em> (2008) was followed by <em>Iron Man 2 </em>in 2010, which served as a backbone for the nascent universe before <em>The Avengers</em> (2012). Similarly, Gunn is using Superman as the foundational pillar for the DCU, with <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> acting as a catalyst for broader universe-building. However, this approach comes with risks&mdash;namely, the potential to over-rely on a single character while others languish in development hell.</p>

<h3>The Lex Luthor factor: A narrative masterstroke?</h3>

<p>The decision to pit Superman and Lex Luthor against a common enemy is a narrative gamble that could pay dividends. Traditionally depicted as archenemies, their forced alliance introduces moral complexity and fresh dynamics to their relationship. This plotline allows Gunn to explore Luthor's character beyond one-dimensional villainy, potentially making him a more nuanced figure in the DCU.</p>

<p>The "much bigger threat" remains shrouded in mystery, but speculation points to <strong>Brainiac</strong> or another cosmic-level adversary. This aligns with Gunn's preference for high-stakes, intergalactic stories (<em>Guardians of the Galaxy</em>, <em>Supergirl</em>) and could naturally involve other DCU heroes like Supergirl or the Green Lantern Corps. By centering the sequel on this alliance, Gunn may be laying the groundwork for a broader conflict that necessitates the introduction of new characters.</p>

<h3>The DCU's unbalanced universe: Where's Batman?</h3>

<p>While Superman's world expands rapidly, other key DC characters remain conspicuously absent. No Batman casting has been announced, let alone a film start date, despite the character's cultural and box office significance. This imbalance echoes the DCEU's missteps, where Superman and Batman were prioritized while other heroes, such as &nbsp;Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter, were neglected. Gunn risks repeating this error if the <em>Superman</em> sequel overshadows other projects.</p>

<p>However, the sequel could serve as a stealth universe-builder. Reports suggest that <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> will feature Supergirl (Milly Alcock), Lobo (Jason Momoa), and Peacemaker (John Cena) in supporting roles. Additionally, the events of <em>Peacemaker</em> Season 2 will directly tie into the film, acting as a "prequel". This indicates that Gunn views the Superman saga as a vehicle for introducing other characters, a strategy that could balance focused storytelling with universe expansion.</p>

<h3>Learning from past mistakes</h3>

<p>Gunn's rapid sequel announcement is a vote of confidence in the new DCU's direction. The 2025 <em>Superman</em> film was critically praised for its hopeful tone and strong performances, particularly David Corenswet's Superman and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor. By capitalizing on this momentum, Gunn aims to maintain audience engagement and avoid the "start-stop" nature of the DCEU, which suffered from prolonged gaps between films and inconsistent vision.</p>

<p>This strategy also reflects Gunn's hands-on approach as DC Studios co-head. Unlike the DCEU, which often felt reactive and disjointed, the DCU appears to be following a meticulously planned roadmap. Gunn has already outlined a "Superman Saga" that extends beyond <em>Man of Tomorrow</em>, suggesting a long-term narrative arc that integrates with other projects like <em>Supergirl</em> and <em>Lanterns</em>.</p>

<h3>Potential pitfalls: Overloading and overexposure</h3>

<p>Despite its advantages, the rapid-fire approach carries risks. Superman fatigue could set in if the character is overexposed, especially if other heroes remain underdeveloped. Additionally, <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> might become overstuffed with characters, echoing <em>Batman v Superman</em>'s criticized overcrowding. Gunn must ensure that the sequel remains a cohesive story rather than a mere setup for future films.</p>

<p>Moreover, the DCU's success hinges on diversity of storytelling. While Superman is an iconic figure, the universe needs standalone hits for lesser-known characters (e.g., <em>The Authority</em>, <em>Swamp Thing</em>) to thrive. Gunn must balance his focus on Superman with investments in other properties to avoid replicating the MCU's early Iron Man dependency.</p>

<h3>A calculated risk worth taking</h3>

<p>James Gunn's decision to fast-track <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> is a bold bet on Superman's enduring appeal, and one that could define the DCU's future. By leveraging the character's success to introduce new heroes and conflicts, Gunn is building a universe organically rather than through forced connectivity. This approach mirrors the MCU's phased development but with a tighter narrative focus.</p>

<p>However, the DCU's longevity requires more than just Superman. Gunn must soon unveil plans for Batman, Wonder Woman, and other A-list heroes to assure fans that the universe is expanding beyond Metropolis. If <em>Man of Tomorrow</em> can balance its character-driven story with broader world-building, it could set a new standard for superhero sequels&mdash;one where quality and continuity coexist without compromise.</p>

<p>For now, Superman fans have every reason to rejoice. The Man of Steel is back, and he&rsquo;s leading the DCU into a promising, if uncertain, future.</p>


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<h3>The agreement: Terms and transaction</h3>

<p>The meticulously negotiated deal establishes a new family trust with Lachlan Murdoch at its helm, effectively replacing the previous irrevocable trust that would have distributed voting power equally among Rupert's four eldest children. Under the arrangement, Lachlan's siblings&mdash;Prudence, Elisabeth, and James&mdash;will receive approximately $1.1 billion each in exchange for relinquishing their stakes in the family businesses. The massive payout, funded through stock sales totaling approximately $1.37 billion, represents roughly 80% of the value of their shares at market close on September 5th.</p>

<p>The new trust will include Lachlan and his two younger sisters, Grace and Chloe Murdoch (from Rupert's marriage to Wendi Deng), though voting control will rest "solely with Lachlan." This structure will maintain approximately 36% of Fox's Class B common stock and 33% of News Corp's Class B shares under family control, though this represents a dilution from the previous roughly 40% stake. The agreement includes a standstill provision preventing the three older siblings from acquiring shares in either company in the future.</p>

<h3>Ensuring the conservative lean continues</h3>

<p>The settlement is explicitly designed to preserve what Rupert Murdoch has long described as "the protector of the conservative voice in the English-speaking world." This institutional safeguarding of a right-leaning ideology represents the agreement's most significant outcome. Lachlan, widely viewed as more ideologically aligned with his father than his siblings, is now positioned to maintain the established editorial course for decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new trust agreement is structured to remain in effect until 2050, providing exceptional stability and ensuring the companies' conservative orientation is legally protected from internal challenges. This continuity in leadership and vision means outlets like Fox News and the editorial pages of The Wall Street Journal are expected to maintain their influential role in conservative media without a perceptible shift in tone or bias.</p>

<h3>Family dynamics: Fractured but financially settled</h3>

<p>The settlement concludes a particularly acrimonious chapter in the Murdoch family saga, one that saw private disputes erupt into public litigation. The conflict reached its nadir when Rupert and Lachlan attempted to unilaterally change the terms of the family trust. That effort was rejected by a Nevada probate court in December 2024, describing it as a "carefully crafted charade" designed to "permanently cement Lachlan Murdoch's executive roles."</p>

<p>The ideological divisions within the family have been particularly pronounced. James Murdoch emerged as a vocal critic of the direction of Fox News and other Murdoch properties, specifically citing their coverage of the January 2021 Capitol siege, support for former President Donald Trump, and dismissal of climate change concerns. In a rare interview, James went so far as to describe his father as a "misogynist" and Fox News as a "menace" to US democracy. These tensions reportedly became so severe that James and Rupert "almost never speak."</p>

<p>Elisabeth and Prudence also felt betrayed by Rupert and Lachlan's decision to sue them "without warning" in the Nevada probate court. Despite the financial resolution, the settlement creates what one report described as a "brittle peace" within the family.</p>

<h3>Parallels to Succession: Art imitates life</h3>

<p>The Murdoch family&rsquo;s internal struggle has drawn inevitable and striking comparisons to HBO&rsquo;s <em>Succession</em>, which itself was inspired by media dynasties like theirs. The parallels are undeniable: a powerful, aging patriarch (Rupert Murdoch/Logan Roy) who pits his children against one another for control of his empire, resulting in deep-seated sibling rivalry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ideological conflict between the more conservative Lachlan and the more liberal James Murdoch mirrors the dynamic between the Roy siblings and their father's conservative enterprise. Furthermore, Fox News's role as an immensely profitable and politically powerful network closely resembles that of ATN in the fictional series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, reality has diverged from fiction in key aspects; unlike Logan Roy's abrupt demise, Rupert Murdoch has orchestrated his succession on his own terms, and the family's saga has, so far, concluded with a multi-billion-dollar financial settlement rather than a dramatic corporate takeover.</p>

<h3>Implications for the media landscape</h3>

<p>The consolidation of Murdoch media properties under Lachlan's leadership has profound implications for both the companies themselves and the broader media ecosystem:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Stability vs. stagnation</strong>: While the agreement provides leadership stability, it may also inhibit adaptation to changing media consumption patterns and evolving audience demographics</li>
	<li><strong>Continued polarization</strong>: Fox News, <em>The Wall Street Journal</em>, and other properties' maintenance of conservative editorial stances suggests that these outlets will continue to play a contentious role in political discourse</li>
	<li><strong>Industry influence</strong>: The Murdoch companies control not only news outlets but also book publishing (HarperCollins) and emerging media (streaming service Tubi), giving them substantial cultural influence beyond news</li>
</ul>

<h3>Unanswered questions</h3>

<p>While the settlement clarifies leadership, it raises several questions about the future:</p>

<ol>
	<li><strong>Editorial independence</strong>: Will Lachlan grant newsrooms like <em>The Wall Street</em> <em>Journal</em> genuine editorial independence, or will their coverage align more closely with Fox News's conservative commentary?</li>
	<li><strong>Adaptation challenges</strong>: Can Lachlan successfully navigate the digital transformation of media while maintaining the profitability of traditional properties?</li>
	<li><strong>Family reconciliation</strong>: Is financial settlement sufficient to heal familial divisions, or will tensions continue to manifest in public ways?</li>
	<li><strong>Audience evolution</strong>: As media consumption habits change, can the Murdoch properties maintain their influence with younger, more diverse audiences without moderating their conservative stance?</li>
</ol>

<h3>So, is this a legacy secured?</h3>

<p>The Murdoch succession settlement ultimately achieves Rupert Murdoch's longstanding goal: preserving his media empire as a bulwark of conservative journalism for the foreseeable future. While the resolution comes at tremendous <a href="https://several.com/debt-relief" target="_blank">financial cost</a> and familial discord, it provides unusual clarity about leadership and direction for the company's employees, audiences, and shareholders.</p>

<p>The agreement represents both an endpoint and a beginning, concluding years of uncertainty while inaugurating Lachlan Murdoch's unquestioned authority over a media landscape that continues to shape political discourse across the English-speaking world. As with the fictional Roy family, the Murdoch saga demonstrates that enormous wealth and influence often come at the price of familial harmony, leaving behind a legacy as complicated as it is powerful.</p>


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