Author: Charles Murphy

Heir to the Empire: Dave Filoni Becomes Lucasfilm’s New Creative Grand Admiral

Short of George Lucas, nobody associated with Lucasfilm understands what makes Star Wars tick quite like Dave Filoni. Now, the creator behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka will step into a new role as Chief Creative Officer.

“In the past, in a lot of projects I would be brought into it, I would see it after it had already developed a good ways,” said Filoni. His new role as CCO will change that and allow him to oversee Star Wars projects from the start. “In this new role, it’s opened up to basically everything that’s going on,” Filoni said. “When we’re planning the future of what we’re doing now, I’m involved at the inception phase. I’m not telling people what to do,” Filoni explained. “But I do feel I’m trying to help them tell the best story that they want to tell. I need to be a help across the galaxy here, like a part of a Jedi Council almost.”

Filoni is still expected to helm a New Republic-era film that will tie together the stories of Disney Plus series The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett and Skeleton Crew. He explained that his new role involves “understanding the intent of the filmmakers and being a resource to them.” After spending years working with Lucas and developing films, Filoni has established himself as a wise, old master of the galaxy far, far away. “Literally, hours now of Star Wars storytelling I have done,” he said. “See…I even phrased that like Yoda.”

Filoni hopes those hours–numbered no doubt in the hundreds–will allow him to make a major difference with the filmmakers Lucasfilm brings on to continue telling Star Wars stories. “To truly help filmmakers, it was really important for me to experience it firsthand,” he said. “I can also lend a perspective on the challenges that telling these stories will present. I feel more capable of actually being helpful outside of just saying, ‘Well, Jedi are like this, and Sith are like this…” As challenging as Star Wars fandom can be, Filoni’s experience will allow him to be a Wayfinder for future storytellers.

Source: Vanity Fair

November 23, 2023
Karate Here: Sony Finally Moves Forward with Long-Gestating ‘Karate Kid’ Film

After a year-long delay that included a pair of strikes that greatly impacted all facets of production in Hollywood, Sony is moving forward with their new Karate Kid film. Murphy’s Multiverse first broke the news of Sony developing the film with Rob Lieber on board to write.

According to THR’s Borys Kit, the new film–which he described as “positioning as the fusing and continuing the mythology of the original franchise,“–will team original Karate Kid Daniel Russo and Cobra Kai star Ralph Macchio with Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han in 2010’s The Karate Kid, and will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle.

As we first reported, the film will feature a Chinese teen lead, referred to as “Li”, who relocates to Brooklyn from Beijing with his mother.

Li is said to be struggling with a past tragedy, which drives a wedge between him and his doctor mom, who has managed to handle the same tragedy in her own way. After Li meets Mia, a student from his high school, and her father, Victor, at a local pizza restaurant, he’ll soon find his life has changed yet again – for the better. Li soon finds himself training Victor in the art of Kung Fu, despite his mother’s stance against violence and fighting, and ultimately back in the ring himself.
From our original exclusive, August 2022

In the first 24 hours after the film was announced, an open casting call for the lead role received over 10,000 submissions.

Sony hopes to begin production on the new film next Spring with Sony currently hoping it’s ready for theaters on December 13th, 2024.

Source: THR

November 23, 2023
Miss Teschmacher!! Sara Sampaio Joins ‘Superman: Legacy’ Cast

Ahead of an expected January start of production, DC Studios’ Superman: Legacy continues to add to its cast. According to a trade report, Portuguese model Sara Sampaio has signed on to play the role of Eve Teschmacher.

First introduced in Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman where the character was played by Valerie Perrine, Eve Teschmacher is an ally and possible love interest of Lex Luthor. Luthor will be played by Nicholas Hoult, who recently landed the role after months of speculation.

Superman: Legacy has been described as the “launch of the DCU” and, according to DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran, will be centered “on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” The film was written and will be directed by Safran’s partner James Gunn who explained that Superman, played by David Corenswet, “is for everyone. [Superman] four-quadrant film that should speak to everyone in the world,” explained Gunn. “With our stories, we want to take it away from good guy vs. bad guy. There are really good—almost saintly—people and Superman is among them,” added the director.

Gunn’s saintly take on Kal-El is slated to hit theaters on July 11th, 2025.

Source: Variety

November 23, 2023
‘Superman: Legacy’ Finds Its Jimmy Olsen

The Righteous Gemstones and Santa Clarita Diet actor Skyler Gisondo has landed a key role in James Gunn‘s Superman: Legacy. Gisondo will play cub reporter, photojournalist and–most importantly–Superman’s pal in the 2025 film.

After the character was rumored to be part of the Man of Steel’s latest theatrical reboot, Gunn–as is his way–confirmed the speculation on Twitter earlier this year. Multiple actors have brought Olsen to life over the years with Gisondo set to be the ninth live-action version of the character. Given his acting resume, Gisondo seems very likely to be much more in line with the “Jeepers Mr. Kent” version of the character than the Snyderverse’s version played by Michael Cassidy.

Gisondo joins new Kal-El David Corenswet, new Lois Lane Rachel Brosnahan along with Nathan Fillion, Isabel Merced, Anthony Carrigan, Edi Gathegi and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Superman: Legacy is slated to start production early in 2024 ahead of a July 11, 2025 release.

Source: THR

November 22, 2023
Daisy Ridley on What She Expects from Her New Jedi Order Film

This past April, Lucasfilm made quite a splash at Star Wars Celebration 2023 by announcing three new Star Wars films set in three all-new eras of storytelling. One of those films will be set following the events of the sequel trilogy and will see Daisy Ridley reprise her role as Rey who will be attempting to resurrect the Jedi Order. While there have been no official updates on the film from Lucasfilm’s new CCO, Dave Filoni, Ridley gave some insight into the film in an interview with Collider.

“I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited,” said Ridley who explained that she was “shitting” herself ahead of her appearance at Star Wars Celebration 2023, “because no one knew I was going to that.“

The New Jedi Order film began as a top-secret project co-written by Lost and HBO’s Watchmen Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, who left the project in the Spring of 2023, just a few months after Lucasfilm had hired Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy to direct it. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight came on to continue developing the film, allowing it to be part of Lucasfilm’s big announcement that Star Wars would finally be returning to theaters. In the Summer of 2023, Disney added two new Star Wars films to its upcoming theatrical slate (May 22nd, 2026 and December 18th, 2026) and it’s long been expected that Ridley’s Rey film, which will pick up 15 years after Star Wars: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker, would be the first of the trio to hit screens.

While Ridley’s not quite ready to reveal everything about her next appearance as Rey, she did reiterate that she expects it to be the film that puts Star Wars back in theaters, though she’s not quite as sure that those 2026 dates will hold in this post-strike world.

“I know the storyline for one film,” said Ridley when asked if this new film might kick off her own trilogy. “That’s not to say that that’s all it is, but that’s what I was told about,” she added. “And I imagine it will be the next film, I think. I mean, again, I don’t know, post strikes and everything, how quickly everything will start up again. But yes, so far, I know the story of one film and I think people will be very excited.“

Given the deluge of projects that are backed up at this point, there’s no certainty that any of Disney’s previously slated films will make their dates; however, their most recent update showed two Star Wars films still on the docket for 2026 and one for 2027, so Ridley may make it back to the big screen on time after all!

Source: Collider

November 22, 2023
Following His Uncanny Cameo in ‘The Marvels’, Kelsey Grammer Reveals the Future of Beast

As is too often the case, the post-credit scene for Marvel Studios’ latest MCU installment, The Marvels, has generated more hype than the events of the film. The tag, which revealed what happened to Monica Rambeau following her universe-saving actions in the film’s climax, took place in another universe where Monica’s mother, Maria, was the costumed hero Binary and where Charles Xavier had put together a team of X-Men. One member of that team, Dr. Henry McCoy, was voiced by Kelsey Grammer, who first played the role in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand and the scene seemed to hold some promise that it might not be the last time Grammer would reprise the role, though as we’ve learned from Marvel Studios litany of unfulfilled stingers, nothing is certain.

While Grammer’s return to the role in The Marvels was surprising to fans, it’s something the actor had hoped might happen. And, in an interview with The Wrap, Grammer has expressed his desire to return as Beast again…and perhaps teased that his return is imminent. “It is my hope that you will,” replied Grammer when asked if audiences might see him as the furry, blue genius. However, as is refreshingly becoming more and more common with actors working with the studio, Grammer went a bit further, adding, “I can say with a certain amount of confidence that you will. I would love to.”

The actor, who also recently returned to his career-making role as Frasier Crane, shared that he was “very pleased” by the reaction to his return as Beast. “I’ve always wanted to play him again, said Grammer. “I see him as an extraordinary character, a real character of gravitas and importance in our culture. I’m delighted Beast is back and hope he’s back in a real way.”

This certainly seems like a case where Grammer is well-aware of what’s in store for the character but is not quite willing to completely cross the line. Obviously, Monica Rambeau will be expected to reunite with at least Carol if not Kamala and find her way back to the 616 universe. Given the level of genius possessed by Hank McCoy–and his status as a member of the Illuminati during Marvel Comics Secret Wars–he seems as good of a character as any to start to figure out the just how damaging the ongoing Incursions are to the Multiverse.

Source: The Wrap

November 22, 2023
RUMOR: Marvel Studios Said to Be Reworking the 2-Part Finale to the Multiverse Saga

As Hollywood gets up and running again following a months-long work stoppage due to a pair of strikes, it’s becoming clear that the fine folks at Marvel Studios have continued to be hard at work behind the scenes. Projects such as Deadpool 3 and Marvel Spotlight’s Wonder Man are said to be resuming filming this month, casting is underway for 2025’s Fantastic Four, and there have been some changes to the creative teams behind multiple projects. Most recently, it was revealed that Destin Daniel Cretton, who directed Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, has decided to leave Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to focus on his work with Wonder Man and the sequel to Shang-Chi. As that news broke earlier this week, the rumor mill once again began to turn and it’s churned out some interesting tidbits.

Kang and the Multiverse of Madness

Paired with Jonathan Majors‘ ongoing legal troubles, Cretton’s departure from The Kang Dynasty led to some rumblings that Marvel Studios had decided to part ways with Majors and ditch their ongoing Kang storyline entirely. Part of that rumor has since been disputed by scooper Daniel RPK who explained that while Marvel is open to recasting Kang, “they’re not leaving the character aside.“

Given Loki producer Kevin Wright’s revelation that Michael Waldron, who was originally tabbed by Marvel Studios to write Avengers: Secret Wars, had taken over writing duties on Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, RPK’s information seems consistent with what the studios is saying publicly. “He loves obviously this world as he helped create it“, said Wright of Waldron, referring to the fact that the writer was behind Kang’s introduction to the MCU as the creator of the first season of Loki.

Secret Secret Wars

With Waldron taking over creative duties on both ends of the two-part Multiverse Saga finale, there’s been some speculation that the studio may scrap the title “The Kang Dynasty” altogether. Insider Jeff Sneider shared that his source indicated that might be the case and that the studio might opt for Avengers: Secret Wars, Part 1 and Avengers: Secret Wars, Part 2. That seems a little unlikely for a studio that loves to coopt comic book titles from Marvel Comics but another bit of info shared by the scooper does line up with something we’ve heard from our own sources.

Snieder indicated that, regardless of titles, the two films are a two-part story and that with the departure of Cretton, the studio was now looking for one director/team of directors to rule them all as was the cast with the Russo brothers on Avengers: Infinty War and Avengers: Endgame. As it was explained to me, Marvel was looking for a “cohesive vision for two movies” and with Waldron on board to write both, they are halfway there. This sheds some light on Cretton’s departure (how could he handle the Shang-Chi sequel–which is rumored to be part of this Saga–AND both big Avengers films?) and then opens the door to who might be available for both films. While Sneider suggested the studio might look at Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman, internet sentiment would have Kevin Feige at least consider Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead who were recently lauded for their work on Loki Season 2. Though the duo recently took over on Daredevil, their schedule might clear up afterward and just because Avengers: The Kang Dynasty is currently slated for a May 2, 2026 release doesn’t mean that’s where it will end up. At this point, the studio would happily move the film if it meant it hit as hard as Avengers: Infinty War did in 2018.

Whatever the case, evidence is mounting that Marvel Studios has evaluated and changed course a bit…just how much remains to be seen.

Source: The Insneider

November 17, 2023
‘Invincible’ Creator Robert Kirkman Goes Honey Badger on Steven Yeun’s Rumored MCU Role

While the entirety of the internet clamors over reports and rumors about who will ultimately be cast in Marvel Studios Fantastic Four, the studio’s worst kept casting secret actually belongs to another of its 2025 films. Last February, The Walking Dead and Beef star Steven Yeun joined the cast of Thunderbolts in a “mystery role” which was no mystery at all. By early March, reports revealed that Yeun had joined the MCU as the Sentry and while Yeun refused to talk to much about his role, he did share his excitement about landing a role in a Marvel Studios project.

I feel good. I feel excited. I feel like a new challenge. I feel blessed to be able to play in a place that reaches so many people. I got to touch that on Walking Dead. It feels exciting to get another chance to connect with people in another way.
Steven Yeun on joining the MCU-Total Film

As expected, nobody at Marvel Studios has addressed the nature of Yeun’s role either, keeping it a “big surprise” for an official reveal at some sort of con or event. But while neither Yeun nor the powers that be at Marvel Studios want to address it, writer Robert Kirkman who created Marvel Zombies at Marvel Comics back in 2006 and both The Walking Dead and Invincible–two projects which have been adapted to TV and starred Yeun–has no problems discussing it. During a conversation with artist David Finch, Kirkman shared a fun anecdote about Yeun, attending a costume fitting for the Sentry.

“My good friend Steven Yeun in playing the Sentry in a movie,” said Kirkman. “Yeah, he called me…he went in for a costume fitting…I hope I’m not…I don’t think this is a spoiler or anything that’ll get anybody in trouble. I don’t know. Maybe. We’ll see. I don’t care. I don’t work for Marvel what are they gonna do to me?” Kirkman continued, “But he called me and he said, ‘I just came back from a costume fitting for the Sentry! I guess I only do superheroes that are yellow and blue.’ He said he was at the costume fitting and was like ‘Aw, crap! I forgot Invincible is yellow and blue.’“

Kirkman’s realization that he had potentially revealed something was quickly followed by the realization that he didn’t care at all. After more than a decade of Marvel sniper culture, it’s refreshing to see Kirkman address the studio’s chicanery in regard to these “super secret” castings.

After quite a few changes to the creative team and delays due to the WGA and SAG strikes, Thunderbolts is expected to go into production in 2024 and land in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Source: YouTube

November 17, 2023
RUMOR: Javier Bardem Emerges as the Frontrunner for a Massive ‘Fantastic Four’ Role

As it works toward a possible Spring 2024 start of production, Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four is looking to round out its cast which is already rumored to be loaded with talent. After news broke that The Mandalorian and The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal was in talks for the role of Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, rumors about the studio having settled on actors to fill the rest of the roles of Marvel Comics First Family weren’t far behind. Now, another rumor centered on one of the Fantastic Four’s most well-known antagonists has hit the web.

According to scooper Jeff Sneider, Marvel Studios is looking hard at Javier Bardem for the role of Galactus. Should Bardem’s busy schedule prevent him from filling the role of the Devourer of Worlds, the role could fall to Antonio Banderas, who was rumored to be the frontrunner for the Hunger That Does Not Cease earlier this year.

Sneider believes that the role of Galactus will mostly require Bardem to do voice work, which could ultimately make it possible for him to land the role. However, it’s possible that some motion-capture work might also be necessary which means both that the MCU’s Galactus would be more than an effervescent fart cloud and that Bardem would have to work around his schedule on F1 which co-stars Brad Pitt.

Source: The Insneider

November 16, 2023
RUMOR: The Rest of Marvel Studios First Family Has Been Cast in ‘Fantastic Four’

The resolution of the SAG strike has allowed the big wheel in Hollywood to start spinning again and over the last several days, it has spun at breakneck speed. Over the course of just a few hours on November 15th, Pedro Pascal went from a rumored front-runner for the role of Reed Richards in Marvel Studios Fantastic Four to having trade reports indicate that he’s close to signing on for the role. Now, a new rumor from a familiar source indicates that the studio has also cast Pascal’s co-stars in the 2025 film.

According to Jeff Sneider, who was among the first to report Pascal’s involvement with the film, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon-Moss Bachrach have been cast in the film as Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, respectively.

Our own sources indicated in August that Kirby had agreed to star in the film prior to the strike and that Quinn was a top choice for the studio which had concept art created of the actor as The Human Torch. Bachrach, who recently worked with Disney on Lucasfilm’s Andor and also starred as Micro in Netflix’s The Punisher, has been rumored as the front-runner for Ben Grimm/The Thing for several months.

While no deals have been announced yet, Sneider believes it’s just a matter of time before the three actors officially become part of the MCU. Fantastic Four, which is being helmed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, is scheduled to go into production in Spring 2024 and release in theaters on May 2nd, 2025.

Source: The Insneider

November 16, 2023