Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Charles Murphy

  • First ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Teaser Details Reveal More of Marvel’s Unique Rollout Plans and Confirms the Return of a Major Infinity Saga Star

    First ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Teaser Details Reveal More of Marvel’s Unique Rollout Plans and Confirms the Return of a Major Infinity Saga Star

    Over the past week, details about Marvel Studios plans to market Avengers: Doomsday have slowly emerged. While it’s been known for some time that the studio planned to attach a teaser trailer to Avatar: Fire and Ash–which hits theaters this Thursday evening–and while that remains true, it turns out the studio is taking a very unique approach in its marketing rollout.

    Industry insider Daniel Richtman revealed that Marvel has cut FOUR different teasers for Avengers: Doomsday, with a new one being released theatrically on a weekly basis. Now thanks to Cryptic HD Quality–one of the most consistently accurate sources for trailer information–a description of the first teaser has made its way online.

    Following a little dispute with My Time To Shine Hello, Cryptic revealednthat the first teaser feature footage of Steve Rogers riding a motorcycle and then arriving at what during production was referred to as the “Luke Cage” house where it is revealed he and Peggy have a young son. Text then appears on the screen that reads “Steve Rogers will return in Avengers: Doomsday” ahead of the film’s release date and a “Doomsday countdown clock.”

    https://twitter.com/i/status/2000383680464764941

    Oh, interesting, so they switched the order. Doom was supposed to go first. Okay, no reason for me to hide it then, or people would think I was BSing.

    The four ‘trailers’ aren’t really trailers, they’re four short scenes, each focusing on a different character. The one with Steve was originally supposed to be the third, but it looks like it’s going to be the first now. It shows Steve riding home on a bike. He has a baby boy. There’s a tagline that reads ‘Steve Rogers will return in Avengers: Doomsday’ followed by ‘December 2026’ and then a countdown.

    Since they changed the order, I’m ASSUMING Thor will be the second one now.

    -Teaser description from Cryptic HD Quality

    In addition to the description of the first teaser, Cryptic HD Quality also revealed that two of the remaining three teasers will feature Thor and, of course, Doctor Doom, leaving fans to theorize and speculate on what character(s) will be featured in the fourth teaser. Given that the three known teasers feature actors from the Infinity Saga–even if Robert Downey Jr. is playing a new role–perhaps Tom Hiddleston‘s Loki will be featured…or perhaps not.

  • James Gunn Shoots Down Major ‘Man of Tomorrow’ Casting Report

    James Gunn Shoots Down Major ‘Man of Tomorrow’ Casting Report

    For some time now, James Gunn‘s social media presence can be interpreted as a barometer for the DC Studios’ rumor mill. Gunn’s responses to rumors and reports often create a clearer picture of what fans can expect from upcoming projects and, interestingly enough, what he doesn’t respond to is equally interesting.

    For example, when recent reports seemed to indicate that Wonder Woman might make her all-new, all-different DCU debut in Gunn‘s next film, Man of Tomorrow, the DC Studios’ co-chair remained tight-lipped, even as the buzz intensified. Does that mean Diana will join the battle against Brainiac in the Superman sequel? Or is Brainiac even in the film?

    While Gunn has yet to confirm that the Coluan Collector of Worlds will indeed be the villain of Man of Tomorrow, recent trade reports have indicated that Brainiac will be the catalyst behind Kal-El’s team up with Lex Luthor. Following those reports, rumblings about casting for the role have begun to pop up, with Claes Bang and Matt Smith reportedly among those up for the role. More recently, Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista was mentioned as a favorite to ultimately portray Brainiac but it seems as though that’s not going to be the case.

    Shortly after Bautista’s name was thrown out by Jeff Sneider as a to contender for the sadistic supervillain, Gunn took to Threads to shoot down the report.

    Oh boy. Let’s forget a moment, I’ve never said Brainiac was in the movie. I freaking love [Dave Bautista] [and] I have many ideas for who he could play in the DCU. But he [and] I have never discussed a role in Man of Tomorrow, nor have we discussed it amongst ourselves at DC.

    -James Gunn

    Gunn‘s statement left little room for interpretation, directly addressing the actor and the role. Bautista may not have been the best fit for the role anyway but Gunn went on to explain that none of the “6-7” other names associated for the role have been screentested or offered a part in Man of Tomorrow.

  • Scarlett Johansson’s ‘The Batman-Part II’ Role Reportedly Tied to a Major Batman Villain

    Scarlett Johansson’s ‘The Batman-Part II’ Role Reportedly Tied to a Major Batman Villain

    In early December, trades confirmed a report by Nexus Point News that Scarlett Johansson was set to join the cast of the long-awaited sequel to 2022’s The Batman. As further details about the character emerged, fans began to theorize that Johansson would be portraying The Phantasm, an original character created Alan Burnett and Paul Dini for the 1993 animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. As exciting as that idea was, it turns out it may not be the case.

    According to a new report from longtime industry scoopster Jeff “The In” Sneider–who first reported that Johansson would be a love interest for Robert Pattinson‘s Bruce Wayne before being revealed as a baddie–ScarJo will be playing a different femme fatale in The Batman-Part II.

    Sneider’s latest claim is that Johansson will be playing Gilda Gold, aka Gilda Dent.

    Gilda is most famous for her role in Jeoh Loeb’s seminal graphic novel The Long Halloween (which heavily influenced Matt Reeves’ first film). In a shocking twist at the end of that story, it is implied (and confessed by her) that she was the original “Holiday” killer.  She is a tragic figure, deeply in love with Harvey but constantly terrified of his dangerous work fighting the mob. In The Long Halloween, she secretly murdered gangsters on holidays to thin out the mob’s ranks. Her goal was not power, but to lighten Harvey’s caseload so he could finally retire, and they could start a family.

    Matt Reeves’ Gotham is grounded, noir-heavy, and focused on detective work. Gilda Gold fits this world perfectly while also allowing for the introduction of Harvey Dent into the Batman Epic Crime Saga. If the sequel leans into the noir genre, as most expect it will, Gilda could play the classic femme fatale—a mysterious woman from Harvey’s past or a socialite with deep secrets who draws Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent into a conflict and, ultimately, serve as a tragic catalyst for the rise of Two-Face.

  • ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ to Feature One of Marvel’s Most Fascinating Secret Societies

    ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ to Feature One of Marvel’s Most Fascinating Secret Societies

    As was the case with Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be one wild ride. While it doesn’t appear as though director Destin Daniel Cretton is adapting any one particular story arc or beloved Spidey comic, he seems to be pulling from the character’s greatest hits.

    From what can be gleaned about the film from set photos and well-sourced reports, Tom Holland’s Spidey will be overwhelmed in the film, dealing not only with a slew of street-level thugs and crime bosses but also with a bloodthirsty Frank Castle and a rampaging Hulk. And now…undead ninjas.

    Following up on previous reports that a horde of ninjas were involved in a prison break scene filmed some time ago, insider Daniel Richtman has confirmed the identity of the group and they are who we thought they were: The Hand.

    One of Marvel Comics’ most well-declveloped and fascinating secret societies, The Hand played an overarching role in Netflix’s Defenders-verse series, though they weren’t portrayed particularly true to their comic book counterparts. Given Cretton’s ambitious approach to Brand New Day, it seems likely that will be rectified. Richtman’s report indicates that they’ll be decked out in their traditional red shinobi shōzoku in the film, which will be a big jump from barely being able to see them on screen in Daredevil. But, who’s in charge of the occult assassins these days?

  • ‘Supergirl’ Trailer Description Teases Intergalactic Action

    DC Studios held a “launch event” in New York City to unveil the first teaser trailer for Supergirl ahead of its release sometime this week. The film’s star, Milly Alcock, was joined by director Craig Gillespie and studio co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran.

    As expected from such an event, a description of the teaser quickly made its way online and while it sounds as though the new film will have comedic beats, it also seems to be very much a “road trip” film in which Kara Zor-El will come to terms with her past traumas.

    The description below comes via social media scooper My Time To Shine Hello. The teaser will be released online this week, though no date has been confirmed by DC Studios at this time.

    The trailer opens with Krypto peeing on a newspaper with Superman on the cover.

    Kara wakes up hungover, and we then see her boarding a space bus.

    She’s shown celebrating her 23rd birthday alone at a bar, really emphasizing her isolation.

    The trailer then moves into a montage of her and Ruthye traveling across the galaxy to different locations.

    Krem appears briefly in a shot. Lobo is shown walking down a hallway.

    The trailer ends with Kara in full costume, fighting enemies aboard a massive space battleship.

  • Rumored Synopsis for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Teases Another Deep Dive into Legends Lore

    Rumored Synopsis for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Teases Another Deep Dive into Legends Lore

    Star Wars fans were thoroughly underwhelmed by the first teaser for The Mandalorian and Grogu; however, to be fair, Star Wars fans are thoroughly underwhelmed by anything Star Wars-related. The pulpy teaser gave almost nothing away, showing only glimpses of new characters and a few solid looking action sequences but it was also accompanied by a first synopsis which teased the idea of Din Djarin and Grogu tracking down the Shadow Council in the film.

    The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.

    -Official synopsis for The Mandalorian and Grogu

    The Shadow Council made its first canonical appearance in Chuck Wendig‘s 2017 novel Aftermath: Life Debt where, led by Admiral Gallius Rax, they planned to overthrow the New Republic. The machinations of the Shadow Council, which consisted of Rax, Rae Sloane, Brendol Hux, Ferric Obdur, Grand Moff Rand and Hodnar Borrum, were thought to be thwarted with their defeat at the Battle of Jokku, however, as seen in Chapter 23 of The Mandalorian, it has been reformed and included Moff Gideon.

    The Shadow Council

    Gideon has since been incinerated and the council has scattered but with Grand Admiral Thrawn making his way back from Peridea, they will still pose a major threat to the galaxy. Interestingly, a rumored new synopsis, discovered on a German Blu-ray site, explains that Din Djarin and Grogu will be hunting down the Imperial remnants, leading them to an powerful ancient artifact.

    The Empire has been defeated and the remnants of its force scattered to the far corners of the galaxy. Yet some of the former commanders of this dark era cling to their power and have become dangerous warlords. Din Djarin together with his apprentice Grogu track down and neutralize these cells. Several clues lead them to Khar’Zuun where they not only manage to infiltrate an almost forgotten imperial facility but Grogu also discovers an ancient artifact that functions as an amplifier of his abilities.

    -Rumored synopsis for The Mandalorian and Grogu

    While there’s been no confirmation of the recently found synopsis being official, the idea that Grogu discovers an “ancient artifact that functions as an amplifier of his abilities” is incredibly interesting and does remain consistent with the type of Legends lore that Jon Favreau has consistently mined in crafting The Mandalorian. From Dark Troopers to lightsaber-proof Beskar, Favreau has incorporated concepts from what was previously known as the expanded universe into the streaming series and, if he’s doing it yet again, there are plenty of options for what the artifact discovered by Grogu might be, including holocrons, the Great Crystal of Aantonaii or something else entirely. Whatever the case, it’s likely Favreau will use The Mandalorian and Grogu to once again dive deep into Legends lore.

    Source: bluray-disc.de

  • Lucasfilm Reveals Details of Star Wars Theatrical Re-Release

    Lucasfilm Reveals Details of Star Wars Theatrical Re-Release

    Lucasfilm has planned a year long celebration of George Lucas’ original Star Wars film for 2027, including a theatrical re-release of the original 1977 film. Now, fans can mark their calendars and plan their parties.

    In an official release via StarWars.com, Lucasfilm has revealed that Star Wars will be back in theaters beginning February 19, 2027. The film originally released on May 25, 1977.

    Though it’s long been believed Lucas would never re-release the film as it originally debuted, the site confirms that it will be “a newly restored version” of the original. Han shoots first(?)

  • Avengers…Assemble! ‘Endgame’ to Return to Theaters in 2026

    Avengers…Assemble! ‘Endgame’ to Return to Theaters in 2026

    Ahead of the release of Avengers: Doomsday–the first Avengers film in over seven-and-a-half years–Marvel Studios will re-release Avengers: Endgame in theaters next Fall.

    According to THR’s Borys Kit, Endgame, which wrapped up the studio’s Infinity Saga, will be back in theaters for an undefined window beginning on September 25, 2026. Doomsday debuts just about three months later on December 18, 2026.

    The re-release will provide Endgame with the opportunity to creep a little closer to the all-time box office champ, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, though it’s unlikely to  jump to #1.

    Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, who have returned to Marvel Studios for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, Avengers: Endgame featured the final appearances of several characters, including Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., both of whom are returning for the new film, with Downey as the main antagonist, Doctor Doom. Reports have indicated that despite dozens of projects that have released since Endgame was in theaters, Doomsday will be a sequel to that project.

    Source: THR

  • Jon Bernthal Reveals Release Window for “High -Octane” ‘The Punisher’ Special Presentation

    Jon Bernthal Reveals Release Window for “High -Octane” ‘The Punisher’ Special Presentation

    After returning to the role of Frank Castle in Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again, Jon Bernthal will make his MCU theatrical debut in 2026 in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. From what can be gleaned from set photos, Castle–and his sidekick–will serve as agents of chaos in the Destin Daniel Cretton-helmed flick, providing a foil to Tom Holland‘s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

    It’s going to be dark; Frank has no interest in breaking out the darkness. It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know if that’s the Netflix tone then that’s what it’s going to be. It will not be Punisher-lite, I promise you that.

    –Jon Bernthal on The Punisher Special Presentation

    However, before Castle brings his particular type of madness to the Spidey franchise, the character has another bit of business to attend to in The Punisher Special Presentation, set to stream on D+ in 2026. With Castle confirmed to not have a role in Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, it seems clear that the streaming special–in which he will take on monster Ma Gnucci–will be a direct follow-up to his escape from Wilson Fisk’s dungeon. However, even as Disney recently revealed its 2026 streaming slate at NYCC, the studio has kept quiet about a release window for The Punisher. Now, in an interview with Screen Rant, Bernthal provided an idea of when to expect the feature.

    While talking about his role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which hits theaters on July 31, 2026, Bernthal stated that The Punisher will stream on D+ “around that same time.”

    “Around that same time, there will also be this Punisher special that’s coming out, that I think will be as high-octane Punisher as you’ve ever seen,” said Bernthal. While it’s not officially confirmed that the special presentation is set before the events of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, there’s enough evidence to support a reasonable assumption that it is, making a June or early-July streaming debut the most likely scenario.

    It’s like a shotgun blast of a story, but also has all the pathos and emotion that you want out of a Frank Castle story.

    -Marvel Television Top Dog Brad Winderbaum

    Co-written by star Jon Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green, The Punisher will be the third Special Presentation to stream on D+, joining Werewolf By Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. All signs point to the feature being incredibly violent, which has caused some consternation about how the character could blend seamlessly into the world of a very friendly Wallcrawler. Bernthal addressed those concerns as well.

    “I think what was really important to me and to Destin and to Tom is that we believed that The Punisher could walk off of the Spider-Man set and could walk onto the special set, and I do believe that we achieved that,” Bernthal explained. Without directly stating it, Bernthal seems to be implying that, as is the case in the comics–and with Daredevil’s appearance in She-Hulk Attorney at Law–characters can be malleable in order to fit the environment in which the story is set.

    Source: Screen Rant

  • The Arrival of the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Online May be Imminent…and It’s Too Short

    The Arrival of the ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Online May be Imminent…and It’s Too Short

    If more than a decade covering this industry has taught me anything, it’s that there’s nothing more important than when a trailer for an upcoming movie will release…well, other than runtimes. Thankfully, fans have known for some time now that the wait for the first look at Avengers: Doomsday wouldn’t be much longer since it’s been confirmed to be attached to James Cameron‘s Avatar: Fire and Ash. However, it’s rare that trailers truly debut theatrically as they are almost always released online ahead of time. So when will that teaser drop on Disney’s social media channels?

    According to industry insider Daniel Richtman–who has LONG worn the trailer info crown–Disney is planning to release a teaser for a major upcoming movie on December 11th. While Richtman clearly states that he can’t be sure it will be the teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, the studio has already rolled out teasers and trailers for almost all of its major 2026 releases, increasing the odds that it will indeed be Doomsday.

    Should it be Doomsday on December 11th, fans won’t have much footage to see. According to Cryptic4KQual, who has also long been a reliable source of trailer information, the teaser will be “a bit above a minute in length.” Runtimes!

    With the film still a year away, it’s unlikely Marvel would want to give too much a way, holding onto some key bits and pieces for next summer; however, the studio also knows it needs to make sure fans are blown away by the first look to hopefully help get them back in theaters following a less than awesome year at the box office.