Childish Gambino, Daisy Ridley, Natalie Portman, Gladiators & Kristen Stewart

Natalie Portman is set to star in her first TV series, “Lady in the Lake,” for Apple TV+, alongside Roland Emmerich’s new gladiator series “Those About to Die.” These are part of an exciting lineup of new content heading to streaming platforms. Here are some of the highlights selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists.

For those who enjoyed the thrill of Alex Honnold’s feats in “Free Solo,” Netflix brings “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” This documentary dives into the world of rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who scale the world’s tallest buildings, blending together heart-pounding moments and personal drama. Streaming starts on Netflix from Friday, July 19.

Daisy Ridley stars as the trailblazing swimmer Trudy Ederle in “Young Woman and the Sea,” a Disney+ film that portrays Ederle’s journey from her childhood to becoming the first woman to swim the English Channel in 1926. The film promises to be a family-friendly inspiring sports drama, available on Disney+ on Friday, July 19.

MAX also brings new intriguing options including “Love Lies Bleeding,” premiering on July 19. Directed by Rose Glass, it features Kristen Stewart as a gym manager enthralled by a bodybuilder drifter, played by Katy O’Brien. Also on MAX is “The Commandant’s Shadow,” a documentary hitting screens on Thursday, exploring the dark past of Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss through his son’s perspective.

Prime Video has “My Spy: The Eternal City,” the sequel to the original action-comedy. Dave Bautista returns as CIA agent JJ, getting embroiled in a terrorist plot during a school trip to Italy. The movie, available from Thursday, co-stars Kristen Schaal, Ken Jeong, Anna Faris, and Craig Robinson.

In the music scene, Miami rap duo City Girls recently released their third album “RAW.” However, with the duo no longer together, JT is set to release her first solo mixtape titled “City Cinderella” on Friday, July 19. The 19-track mixtape features the lead single “Okay” with Jeezy.

Additionally, Childish Gambino, the music alter ego of Donald Glover, will release his sixth studio album “Bardo Stone & the New World,” which is also the soundtrack for his forthcoming film of the same name. Expect anthemic synth-rock sounds as heard in the lead track “Lithonia.”

BTS, even amidst members serving mandatory military service, continues to deliver, with Jimin set to drop his second solo album “Muse.” His lead single “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” embodies pop songs about love and youthful crushes.

Emerging artist BLXST from LA presents his debut album “I’ll Always Come Find You,” a concept record narrating the adventures of Birdie, who takes over his late father’s chauffeur service encountering intriguing personalities. The album, spanning 20 tracks, includes collaborations with artists like 2 Chainz, Amanda Reifer, and Anderson .Paak. Meanwhile, Austin artist BLK ODYSSY’s eclectic release “1-800 FANTASY” explores a mix of R&B, hip-hop, funk, and jazz.

In new series, Kerry Washington returns with the second season of her comedy “UnPrisoned,” streaming on Hulu. She portrays Paige, a single mom and therapist dealing with her personal issues while her father moves in post-incarceration.

Roland Emmerich makes his TV debut with “Those About to Die,” a gladiator series set in the Flavian era of ancient Rome. The series features Anthony Hopkins and will be available on Peacock starting Thursday.

Netflix unveils the first part of the final season of “Cobra Kai” on Thursday, continuing the saga of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence from the original “Karate Kid” movies, now collaboratively running the Cobra Kai dojo against a common adversary.

Further captivating the TV audience, Natalie Portman’s “Lady in the Lake” debuts on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 19. Based on Laura Lippman’s book, the series is set in 1960s Baltimore, portraying Portman as a housewife turned investigative journalist due to her obsession with local murders.

Gamers have something to look forward to with EA Sports’ “College Football 25,” offering a realistic college football experience. Players can enjoy building teams or play through a character’s journey, even experiencing the traditions of 134 school teams, available from Friday, July 19.

“Path of the Goddess” by Capcom combines real-time strategy and tower defense, set on a mystical mountain under siege. This unique game, characterized by Japanese folklore-inspired visuals, lets players partake in rescuing villagers by day and defending against evil forces by night. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Source: The Associated Press