This week has been packed to the brim with tons of nerdy developments. Here’s our recap of the biggest geek-related headlines. Catch up on everything you missed with our latest edition of Nerd News!

True Blood actor Nelsan Ellis dies at 39

According to an official statement, actor Nelsan Ellis passed away at the age of 39. Ellis will be remembered for playing a fan favorite from the HBO television series, True Blood. In the series, Ellis starred as Lafayette, a cook at Merlotte's Bar and Grill. Yesterday, reports were released that Ellis had struggled with alcohol and drug abuse over the years. Fellow True Blood stars have taken to social media and tweeted their condolences, all heartbroken at the recent news.

Could Katheryn Winnick join the DCEU as Black Canary?

DC Comics fans have been wildly speculating about the upcoming DCEU announcements slated for San Diego Comic Con this year. Actress Katheryn Winnick has only added to the surrounding curiosity, telling fans about an upcoming "secret project" that's currently to be announced. The actress is well known for her role as the tough shieldmaiden, Lagertha, from the hit television series, Vikings. Earlier this year, Winnick tweeted fan art featuring herself as Black Canary, and some believe that this might be a hint to a major announcement at SDCC. Next up, Warner Bros. has multiple films in the works, including The Batman, Gotham City Sirens and Batgirl. Actor Jason Momoa is currently working on filming Aquaman, while WB has also announced other stand alone films like Shazam and The Flash.

Ming Na Wen wants to be in the live action Mulan film

According to Nerdist, actress Ming-Na Wen wants in on the upcoming live-action Mulan film, and we’re totally game. Wen has recently starred as Agent May in the Marvel television series, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but who can forget her iconic role as the original voice of Mulan in Disney's animated classic. When asked if she’d like to get involved with the upcoming live-action adaptation of the tale, Wen seemed all ears. “I’m hoping. I mean, I’ve spoken to one of the producers on the film, and they’re still in the very early stages of it. So, we’re keeping an eye on it, and hopefully, yeah, It would be lovely too, I think, for the fans as well as for myself, right?” Wen has said. Wen for the win! Sorry, we couldn’t resist. “So, I want everybody to Tweet, later on, today, to Disney and let them know how you feel,” Wen told fans. She’s a girl worth fighting for.

Christopher Nolan is down to direct a Bond movie

Director Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind iconic films like Memento, The Dark Knight and Inception, is open to working on a James Bond film in the future. According to Variety, Nolan “deeply loves” the character, and would be open to creating a Bond reboot at some point. Nolan's next project, Dunkirk, is set to release next week on July 21. Focusing heavily on World War II, the film stars Fionn Whitehead, Jack Lowden, Tom Glynn-Carney and Harry Styles.

Joan Lee, wife of Stan Lee, passes away at 95 years old

For comic book fans, Stan Lee certainly needs no introduction. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stan's wife, Joan Lee, died last week at the age of 95 years old. In a statement released by Marvel, the team shared their grief, "We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Joan Lee. We lost a member of the Marvel family today and our thoughts and prayers go out to Stan and his daughter Joan in this difficult time." Stan and Joan Lee were married for 69 years, and he credits Joan for inspiring him to create the Fantastic Four.

Written by Jade Nicolette

Twitter: @nicolette_style