Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Charles Murphy

  • ‘Black Panther 3’ No Sure Thing for Director Ryan Coogler

    ‘Black Panther 3’ No Sure Thing for Director Ryan Coogler

    Early word on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would seem to indicate that director Ryan Coogler followed up 2018’s Black Panther, which stands as Marvel Studios greatest critical success, with another well-received blockbuster. To follow up the beloved first film with another hit after losing star Chadwick Boseman to cancer would be no small feat. According to Coogler, who had to start from scratch after the death of his friend, the process has been difficult.

    In an interview with Variety, Coogler spoke about the process of making Wakanda Forever and what the future holds.

    This movie got everything I have. I’m at that place where I think I’ve got this press tour in me and then I’ve got to sit down and reflect. Probably cry a lot, because I’ve been holding that back. And then from there, figure out whatever’s next.

    Ryan Coogler

    A third Black Panther film might seem like sure thing, especially given the nature of the plot of Wakanda Forever, but at the moment, Coogler isn’t sure if he’s ready to take it on, “I have no idea what I’m doing next as a writer and director.” Though finishing the trilogy without Coogler doesn’t seem possible, Marvel Studios One-Above-All Kevin Feige admits that it has to remain a possibility. “I go back to what I said when we decided to make ‘Wakanda Forever’ after losing Chad,” said the head honcho of Marvel Studios. “This mythology and this ensemble and these characters deserve to continue and will continue after all of us are gone, I hope, and will continue forever in movies the way it has in comics for 50-plus years.“

    However, with so much time and effort invested into building the World of Wakanda for the MCU, it’s impossible to imagine that Coogler doesn’t something in mind for a third film. Feige confirmed that he and Coogler have has some “ideas pitched back and forth” and that conversations have taken place about the director returning to helm a third film. As Feige says, though he’s open to continuing without Coogler, it “wouldn’t be the preference.“

    With so much of Marvel Studios slate over the next 3+ years already determined, the good news is that there’s no rush for Coogler to make the call.

    Source: Variety

  • Ryan Coogler Has Had No Conversations about Directing ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    Ryan Coogler Has Had No Conversations about Directing ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    As Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is about to make its worldwide release, the hype and positive word of mouth about the film has fans wondering if Ryan Coogler might find himself moving into the director’s chair of what is sure to be one of Marvel Studios biggest projects. Coogler has found himself on just about everyone’s list as a potential director for Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set to end the Multiverse Saga when it hits theaters in 2026. However great of a fit Coogler might be for the project, it sounds like it might just end up in the hands of someone else.

    In an interview with Variety, Coogler called the speculation of him landing the director’s gig “crazy.” Kevin Feige backed Coogler’s declaration:

    Well, I would want Ryan to do anything at any time because he’s a singular talent and a great person to spend years with. But no, in all honesty, there’ve been no conversations. We’ve not spoken to him about Secret Wars.

    Kevin Feige

    If Coogler isn’t on the job, Marvel Studios still has other in-house candidates to consider, not to mention the likelihood that a fairly large number of directors who have not worked with them might throw their hats into the ring.

    Source: Variety

  • Marvel Studios Confirms Multiple D+ Projects from the World of Wakanda in Development

    Marvel Studios Confirms Multiple D+ Projects from the World of Wakanda in Development

    Marvel Studios Executive Producer Nate Moore has set the record straight on the number of potential Wakanda-based spinoff projects in development. In an interview with Variety, Moore, who is also a member of Marvel Studios Parliament, described the World of Wakanda as “expansive” and full of “great characters” adding that “beyond what happens with this film, there are more opportunities to go back to Wakanda.”

    The D+ streaming series Ironheart will be the first project to spin out of the Black Panther franchise but as Moore put it, “there are no shortage of ideas” about other projects. According to Moore, some of the series in mind would involve existing characters, such as the Okoye-centric project that’s been in development for some time, while others would focus on characters “that would be completely new.” With the introduction of Namor and Talokan in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the potential could exist for Coogler’s Proximity Media to develop projects based around those characters as well.

    The idea of multiple projects set within and adjacent to the World of Wakanda comes at a time when Disney Plus offers multiple options to expand on the characters and stories that make up the shared tapestry of the MCU. Nearly three years ago, WandaVision began an new age of streaming series for Marvel Studios and while 6-10 episode series seemed to be a key piece of the D+ puzzle, Werewolf By Night, the studio’s first Special Presentation, opened another gateway for new projects. Given the rich comic book history and number of characters associated with Wakanda, it wouldn’t be surprising to see all avenues explored in the future.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters on November 11th.

    Source: Variety

  • New Rumor Supports Joe Locke’s Casting as Wiccan in ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    New Rumor Supports Joe Locke’s Casting as Wiccan in ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    Marvel Studios WandaVision spinoff, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, is preparing for the early 2023 start of principal photography and the cast is seemingly growing by the day. One of the major additions to the Kathryn Hahn-led streamer was Heartstopper actor Joe Locke, who was cast as an unnamed gay, lead character for the 9-episode series. Locke’s casting came shortly after a report indicated that Agatha: Coven of Chaos looked to be set to introduce Billy Kaplan to the MCU, but a prevailing alternate theory as the actor playing Agatha’s son, Nicholas Scratch. Now, a new rumor seems to add fuel to the Wiccan fire.

    According to one YouTube channel, Locke’s role in the upcoming series is indeed that of Billy Kaplan/Wiccan. Of course, given everything that is known about the character(and the fact that Locke is a near-perfect match for the character’s physical appearance in the comics), Wiccan is the most obvious choice. Though Hahn’s character is the lead in Agatha: Coven of Chaos, the title would lead one to believe that the series will be dealing with the fallout of Wanda Maximoff’s time as the Scarlet Witch and her use of Chaos Magic. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may also have given some hints as to the pending arrival of Wiccan as a representation of him was seen etched into the walls of Mount Wundagore.

    In the comics, Billy Kaplan is the son of a Jewish couple living in New York who is ultimately revealed to be the “reborn soul” of Billy Maximoff. Kaplan, who becomes a founding member of the Young Avengers. Destined to become the all-powerful Demiurge, Billy often found himself the target of schemes by other magic-wielders, including Loki, who sought his power for themselves. Given Agatha has lived by siphoning the power from others for so long, it would stand to reason that if she were somehow able to break free from Wanda’s spell, perhaps with the assistance of a group of other witches, she might take a keen interest in someone like Billy Kaplan.

    Marvel Studios has had no official comment on Locke’s role. Hahn and Locke have recently been joined in the series by Aubrey Plaza, Ali Ahn and Maria Dizzia, whose role as a witch in the series has been misreported. Principal photography is expected to kick off in January and wrap in May and the series is currently on the schedule for a late-2023/early-2024 release on Disney Plus.

    Source: YouTube

  • REVIEW: ‘Andor’ Episode 10

    REVIEW: ‘Andor’ Episode 10

    Sacrifice for the greater good has always been a central theme of Star Wars. From Obi-Wan becoming one with the Force in his duel with Vader in a New Hope, to Luke doing the same in The Last Jedi and Ben Solo giving his life for Rey in The Rise of Skywalker, sacrifice has been consistently present in the franchise. Episode 10 of Andor, “One Way Out”, continues that thematic resonance while illuminating just how circumstantial the nature of sacrifice can be. Andor isn’t about a fantastic moment where a Jedi becomes one with the Force for the good of the Rebellion; it is in large part, about much less spectacular characters losing bits of themselves by the day. And no episode of Andor hammers that point home more than “One Way Out.”

    Thought the prison break serves as the beautiful center of the episode, it’s the back alley conversation between Luthen Rael and his Imperial spy, Lonni, that stands out not only in the episode and the series, but also the franchise as arguably one of the most inspired and impassioned explanations of the true cost of the Rebellion. At this point, it’s hard not to think of Rael, a character new to fans just a couple of months ago, as one of the most integral figures in the Rebellion. Per his own words, however, his choices have damned him and he knows that he is fighting “to make sunrise” he knows he will never see. So when the galaxy celebrates its heroes at the end of A New Hope, nobody will to be grateful to Rael, nor to poor Lonni, nor to Anto Kreegyr, who Rael is so willing to sacrifice to keep things on track. While it’s ultimately heroes such as Luke, Leia, Han and Chewy who become the face of the Rebellion, Rael now must stand as its backbone. Stellan Skarsgård‘s work as Rael is among the most complex and brilliant in recent memory in a franchise that has all too often dipped into the well of bringing back familiar faces. In Rael, Tony Gilroy has created a new character that’s given more the the future of the galaxy than anyone will ever know.

    As Rael readily accepts that there’s no way off the path he’s chosen, Mon Mothma finds herself at a crossroads from where it seems there is no gentle path for her to take. Desperate for funding, the Senator finds herself in league with the gangster Davo who proves more than willing to provide her with the money she needs, but in exchange for a detestable cost: the apparent betrothal of her daughter to Davo’s son. Though Mon is quick to dismiss it, Davo doesn’t believe she’s quite as disgusted as she puts on. The series has gone to some lengths to show that Mon’s work has already come at the cost of familial relationships but Episode 10 leaves the audience to wonder just how far she’ll go to finance the Rebellion. Andor’s creatives have done fascinating work with Mon. Originally a minor character who seemed to stand out as a beacon of everything bright and shiny about the Rebellion, the series has fleshed her out and painted her in a much different light.

    Given the way the episode laid bare grim repercussions for Rael and Mothma, Cassian’s time in prison hardly seems like much of a sacrifice at all. In fact, it’s Andy Serkis‘ Kino Loy who had the most interesting journey in the prison arc. Initially a “company man”, it’s Loy who makes the episode’s most grandiose example of sacrifice, risking his life to lead the prison break with the knowledge that the “one way out” meant he would never be free. Unable to swim, Loy stands back while the other, including Cassian and Melshi, who turns up alongside his escape buddy in Rogue One, swim to freedom. The final shot of the episode, which shows Cassian and Melshi running across barren plains, is rich with symbolism. Cassian has no prospects ahead of him as he runs from his past. He has no safe haven to which he can return. The entire galaxy is after him. What comes next over the final two episodes will almost certainly remedy that and cement his place in the Rebellion, but given the job the series has done setting up the fractured nature of the fledgling alliance, it’ll be most interesting to see in which group he finds his way.

  • RUMOR: Owen Wilson Joins the Cast of ‘Deadpool 3’

    RUMOR: Owen Wilson Joins the Cast of ‘Deadpool 3’

    With Deadpool 3 now deeply entrenched in the pre-production process, casting and plot leaks and rumors are sure to become more prevalent. While nobody has an idea of what to expect from the upcoming film, the idea that it’ll somehow connect the Fox X-Men-verse to the MCU is a prevalent one amongst theorists. Now, an interesting bit of casting information might make that theory a little more believable.

    According to insider Daniel RPK, Owen Wilson will reprise his role as TVA Agent Mobius in Deadpool 3. It would mark the character’s first cinematic debut after being a prominent member of the Disney+ Loki series. His addition would also imply that this storyline will lead Deadpool out of his original Fox X-Men universe into the main Marvel Cinematic Universe, as his role also changed in the finale of the series.

    According to RPK, Wilson’s role is a fairly meaty one which would seem to make quite a bit of sense if Deadpool and Wolverine started any multiversal shenanigans over the course of the film. It’ll be interesting to see if this implies that the version of Wolverine we meet is even from the original universe or a new version altogether. Hopefully, whatever direction they go, he’ll get to finally wear the iconic yellow suit that he never was able to wear during his tenure as Logan in the 20th Century Fox films.

    Source: Twitter

  • Early Returns on Rotten Tomatoes Have ‘Wakanda Forever’ Flying High

    Early Returns on Rotten Tomatoes Have ‘Wakanda Forever’ Flying High

    Ryan Coogler’s emotion-packed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters this weekend but critics, including our own Hunter Radesi, have had ample time to screen the film ahead of its wide release. With the expiration of the embargo, dozens of reviews are making their way online and onto Rotten Tomatoes and the early returns are very promising for the film.

    Though it’s not quite Certified Fresh yet because there are not enough reviews, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opened up with an impressive 94% through the first 84 reviews. The balance between a powerfully emotional tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and a plot that advances the story of the nation of Wakanda are among the most commonly mentioned strengths. Others who were less high on the film called into question the film’s hefty run time, its pacing and convoluted plot.

    2018’s Black Panther stands as Marvel Studios’ highest-rated film to date with a Certified Fresh rating of 96% with over 529 reviews. For the sequel to be so well-received following the tragic loss of Boseman and a complete rewrite of the script is a testament to Ryan Coogler and the team behind the sequel.

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Producer Nate Moore on Storm’s Future in Wakanda

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Producer Nate Moore on Storm’s Future in Wakanda

    From the moment Disney’s merger with Fox Studios was complete, fans began theorizing about how one of Marvel Comics’ most powerful mutants, Storm, might fit into the story of the Black Panther sequel. Once the wife of T’Challa and the Queen of Wakanda, Storm’s connection to Wakanda remains strong in the present day despite no longer being married to T’Challa. While her duties to the X-Men had her busy on Mars, Ororo still found herself playing a role in current Black Panther writer John Ridley’s series. Even though T’Challa’s relationship with Nakia was clearly prioritized in Black Panther, fans were still adamant that Storm could find her way into the sequel and even as the film was reworked following the death of Chadwick Boseman, the Storm theories never stopped coming.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens this week and, to nobody’s actual surprise, Storm is not in the film. However, with at least one more Wakanda-based streaming series on the way and a third film in the series all but a sure thing, fans are still looking to the future for hope that the character might show up in Wakanda, reflecting the strong connection she has to the nation in the pages of Marvel Comics. In an interview with Screen Rant, Marvel Studios Parliament member and Wakanda Forever Executive Producer Nate Moore may have dashed those hopes. When asked about the chances of Storm showing up in Wakanda down the road, Moore certainly didn’t seem optimistic saying, “Well, Storm’s relationship with Wakanda in publishing is pretty interesting. Obviously, we might be a few years out from the X-Men, so I’m not sure we’re there yet.“

    The quote certainly doesn’t inspire confidence that Ororo will find her way to Wakanda any time soon, though it doesn’t completely rule it out of the question. While there are plenty of ways that Storm could be worked into Black Panther 3, the unfortunate reality is that the strength of the character’s connection to Wakanda came from her relationship with T’Challa and that’s sadly not something that the MCU can replicate at the moment. Perhaps down the road after Avengers: Secret Wars, new possibilities for the pair to unite on screen might emerge but until then, it sounds like Storm may not be part of the plans to continue to story of Wakanda.

    Source: Screen Rant

  • Ryan Reynolds Reveals Production Timeline for ‘Deadpool 3’

    Ryan Reynolds Reveals Production Timeline for ‘Deadpool 3’

    After taking some time to get the pieces in place for it, Deadpool 3 now seems to be making steady progress. Hugh Jackman agreed to return to the role of Wolverine, which he believed he’d left behind with 2017’s Logan, and the film was finally put on the Marvel Studios slate with a release date of November 8, 2024. Obviously, that means production on the film must be getting underway at some point in 2023 and in a recent interview, star Ryan Reynolds gave a little clarity to when that should be.

    In an interview with Sirius XM’s Stars, Reynolds explained that he, Jackman and director Shawn Levy are “up to our necks in prep” and that the film is still being written, and that he will be wrapped up in production on it for the next two years. The actor then added that shooting on the film, which he called “the easy part”, is expected to take place “just before Summer.”

    Reynolds also noted that he only fully revealed the film’s plot to Jackman after he’d agreed to return, adding he can’t wait to “unleash” the movie to audiences. Though there have been no details released about what to expect from the threequel, plenty of theories have made their way around, including one that ponders the idea of the film adapting the Marvel Comics’ miniseries Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe.

  • ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Taking Over New York City in 2023

    ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Taking Over New York City in 2023

    The announcement of Daredevil: Born Again as an 18-episode streaming series brought a lot of questions with it. Would the series stream for 18 consecutive weeks? Would the episodes be broken into groups or pods? How long will it take to film something like that? Thanks to a report from The Illuminerdi, it looks like we have an answer to one of those questions.

    Daredevil: Born Again is one of three Disney Plus streaming series set to film in the first half of 2023, joining Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Wonder Man. Early word had the Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio-led Daredevil series headed to New York City for production, returning to the familiar locations fans grew accustomed to over 3 seasons of the Netflix series. The new report from the Illuminderdi confirms that and adds that production is expected to last nearly all of 2023, beginning in February and wrapping in December. A short break is scheduled in August, but it looks like fans will have plenty of time to catch a glimpse of the production as it goes on.

    While Marvel Studios uses the Atlanta area for much of their stateside productions, Daredevil: Born Again won’t be the first project to be out and about on the streets of New York City. Hawkeye filmed a significant portion of its six episodes in the Big Apple, allowing for fans and paps to catch actors on set, including the first look at Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. There’s no way of knowing just how much fans can expect to see Cox and D’Onofrio on the streets, or across the skyline, but regardless of that filming in New York City rather than turning the streets of Atlanta into a replica will bring a bit of verisimilitude to the project, which is expected to stream on Disney Plus in 2024.

    Source: The Illuminderdi