Murphy's Multiverse

Author: dalbinosorio

  • SDCC: Crossover Incoming with Star Trek’s ‘Strange New Worlds’ & ‘Lower Decks’

    SDCC: Crossover Incoming with Star Trek’s ‘Strange New Worlds’ & ‘Lower Decks’

    Paramount+ has become the go-to streaming service for all things Star Trek. Following the success of Star Trek: Discovery, the streaming service continued to build its Star Trek library with the addition of Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The latter series, which just ended its first season to critical acclaim, chronicled Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock, and the rest of the U.S.S. Enterprise as they visited different parts of the Galaxy. It is set 10 years before Star Trek: The Original Series and is the first spin-off from Star Trek: Discovery.

    The series showed Captain Pike in his post-retirement glory gearing up to hand the Enterprise to one Captain Kirk, with Strange New Worlds finding him in his prime leading the Enterprise with new and old faces alike. When showrunner Alex Kurtzman pitched the series to then-CBS All Access, he pitched them on an ever-expanding universe that could potentially see crossovers between the different shows, ala the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We did not know when the first crossover would happen, but San Diego Comic-Con has provided that answer.

    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is officially crossing over with Star Trek: Lower Decks, which is the first animated Star Trek series since 1970 and follows the adventures of the Cerritos in the year 2380. The show is now two seasons in, and it has been revealed that Season 2 of Strange New Worlds will see a live-action crossover between the two shows. Even cooler, it will be directed by Commander William Riker, himself Jonathan Frakes. Frakes was actually one of the ones who pitched CBS on some Star Trek content before they decided Kurtzman would be the sole showrunner, so it is exciting to see him get a shot to direct this first crossover episode in the Star Trek Universe.

  • SDCC: ‘House of the Dragon’ Screenwriter Teases the Dragons

    SDCC: ‘House of the Dragon’ Screenwriter Teases the Dragons

    Continuing our coverage of San Diego Comic-Con, Hall H continues with a panel on the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff with the House of the Dragon. The first spin-off from the wildly popular adaptation of A Song Of Fire & Ice brings us to a time when the Lannisters were not in power, but rather explore the Targaryen empire. We heard these stories throughout Game of Thrones, but now we are going to see them play out on the small screen. One question that has popped up a ton as we are ready for the August premiere of House of the Dragon: how many dragons will we see?

    During the panel, screenwriter Ryan Condal was asked whether how dominant we’d see the symbol of the Targaryen and their rise to power. Given that Daenerys birthed three dragons in the original series, and we saw the skulls of dragons under Kings Landing, it does bode the question of how many would appear. He reveals that seventeen dragons are present throughout the HBO Max’s series runtime.

    Now, keep in mind that in Game of Thrones lore only a select few Targaryens can ride dragons. So, it is going to be interesting to see if there is this competitive nature between the various family members that can ride and the ones who can’t. Still, seventeen dragons are nothing to scoff at and would go a long way towards explaining the expensive budget the show is working with.

  • SDCC: ‘Shazam 2’ Star Plays Coy on Superman Cameo

    SDCC: ‘Shazam 2’ Star Plays Coy on Superman Cameo

    During the Warner Bros. and DC presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, those lucky enough to get into Hall H were treated to plenty of exciting teases. Leading man Zachary Levi and director David F. Sandberg were on hand to unveil exclusive footage for the crowd, while also teasing what they could expect when the sequel hits theaters. While fans had the ability to ask questions, there was one question, in particular, that is sure to interest most fans.

    One fan asked if we could expect Superman in all his red-caped glory to show-up, to which Sandberg responded, “That’s a spoiler. There’s a lot going on in the movie.”

    While that’s neither a confirmation nor denial, it does leave hope for fans eager to see Henry Cavill return as Superman. Especially after reports suggested the actor would be on hand at the Warner Bros. panel. It remains to be seen whether or not the actor returns as the Man of Steel. However, Warner Bros. and DC have made it a habit of using a stand-in for recent Superman appearances – like in the first Shazam! film and more recently the HBO Max series Peacemaker.

    Shazam! Fury of the Gods will hit theaters on Dec. 21st, 2022.

  • SDCC: ‘National Treasure’ Episode Count Revealed

    SDCC: ‘National Treasure’ Episode Count Revealed

    It is not Nicolas Cage stealing the Declaration of Independence, or Diane Kruger having to reject his advances, but we are on the road back to National Treasure. The original, and its sequel, made over $800 million at the box office and, while the third movie never came to fruition, it seems we are about to get the next best thing! That’s right, friends: the conspiracy theory and puzzles we’ve come to expect are returning, albeit with an incredibly diverse cast in the Disney Plus streaming series National Treasure: Edge of History.

    National Treasure: Edge of History will focus on Jess Morales, played by Lisette Olivera, a 20-year old DACA recipient who is pulled into a globe-trotting adventure in search of her family history. Olivera will be joined by the legendary Catherine Zeta-Jones as well as franchise stalwart Justin Bertha, in this serialized entry into the franchise, which will premiere on Disney+ and will be led by the same team that wrote and directed the first film. We haven’t had much information on plot or any other recurring stars other than Bertha, but we now have a little more to go on.

    The series’ first season will be 10 episodes long, with the entire series going 10 hours in length, providing fans with the equivalent runtime of five National Treasure films, The series will act as a starring vehicle for Olivera, and one that could catapult her into stardom if it becomes a bit for Disney+. Crossing paths with a legend like Zeta-Jones will only serve to uplift her stature here. Principal photography began in February of this year in Baton Rouge, Louisiana ahead of an expected 2023 release.

  • ‘Teen Wolf’ Spinoff Adds Sarah Michelle Geller

    ‘Teen Wolf’ Spinoff Adds Sarah Michelle Geller

    Fresh off the San Diego Comic-Con stage, not only do we have news about the future of Teen Wolf, but we also just got some really exciting news about an off-shoot of the critically-acclaimed series. Nerd Royalty Sarah Michelle Geller, of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer and I Know What You Did Last Summer franchises, has joined the first spin-off from the main franchise titled Wolf Pack.

    Described as a story that follows two California teenagers whose lives are upended by the emergence of supernatural forces, Sarah Michelle Gellar will both star and executive produce. The series will air on Paramount+ and marks the former star’s first foray into serialized television in almost two decades. It is based on the novel by Edo Van Belkom, and Sarah Michelle Geller will most likely play the lead investigator called in to discover what the hell is going on in California, as she tries to catch an arsonist they believe is responsible for a mysterious wildfire.

    It’s this wildfire that’ll connects characters from the past with those from present that protagonists thorughout the story. As they come together, they discover they’re connected by a wolf bite and a full moon. Sarah Michelle Gellar joins a cast that includes Bella Shepard from The Wilds, Armani Jackson from Honor Society and Chad, Chloe Rose Robertson from Wildflower, and Tyler Lawrence Gray from Macbeth. The series is set to debut later this year.

    Source: SDCC

  • Morning After Huddle: July 18th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: July 18th, 2022

    Happy week ahead, Multiversers; we are back with a Monday morning edition of the Morning After Huddle. As we anxiously await for SDCC (stick with us: we’ve got you covered), the NFL sprints towards NFL preseason in just a couple of weeks. That, coupled with Madden 23’s nearing release date, and guess what? It’s beginning to look a lot like football. Let’s see what we got for you this morning, starting in New England with a second year QB who is in a terrible situation.

    • Mac Jones had a very good first half of 2021 and then an awful second half, culminating in a playoff game where he and the Patriots were systematically routed. Bill Belicheck had to hide his rookie QB in many games down the stretch and, now with no notable addition at WR and the departure of Josh McDaniels, this young QB will be asked to do so much more. In order to do that, it seems Mac Jones switched up his diet. No more big Macs at 3 AM for the former Crimson Tide QB, as Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston shared Jones’s anecdote about how he improved his diet this off-season. Now, if only his GM had chosen to improve his wide receiver room.
    • Speaking of wide receivers, Justin Jefferson set social media ablaze when he said that he will be the best wide receiver in the NFL by the end of this upcoming season. Jefferson has been the most productive young WR this side of Randy Moss in NFL history, eclipsing even the impressive marks of one Odell Beckham, Jr. As he nears a big-time contract and has taken over the number one WR role in Minnesota, it will be interesting to see if his claim pans out. Defenses will be looking to make other guys in the Vikings passing attack beat them.
    • On the topic of big claims and defenses, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson believes that the New Orleans Saints will have the best defense in the NFL. The word “dominate” was thrown around by CGJ to on Good Morning Football, and with the additions to the back end with Marcus Maybe and the Honey Badger, there’s a good chance he’s right. The Saints defense was top 5 statistically in almost all defensive categories, and if they get Michael Thomas back to where he was then that can only help a Saints defense that really has ridiculous talent at all three levels. They’ll be somewhat tested in that division with Tom Brady and Marcus Mariota in an Arthur Smith offense, but not as tested when you remember they get to play Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield. The Honey Badger, proof that you can always go home, is probably salivating at those two matchups.
    • Lastly, on the topic of going home: Bobby Wagner’s career in Seattle ended this off-season, and he wasted no time signing with the Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams. Wagner is a California native and, while we never know what role that plays in decisions, he said that it actually was one of the reasons he chose the Rams. Now, I buy it, but I also can’t help but wonder how much of this was that he also gets to play versus the Seahawks twice in one year, and he gets to compete for a Super Bowl.
  • Morning After Huddle: July 14th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: July 14th, 2022

    “Embiggen”, he whispers, when it’s time to get a capital letter to kick off the Morning After Huddle for the squad. We have a jam-packed article to get through, and there’s no time to waste, word to Zach Wilson’s mom’s best friend. Let’s start this out with another young QB finally getting some help.

    • The Chicago Bears traded a 2024 7th round pick to the New England Patriots for former first round pick N’Keal Harry. This marks the first real investment at WR the Bears have made since drafting Justin Fields. Bill Belicheck can’t draft, as evidenced by his drafting of Harry, and now gets another pick to blow. Harry, meanwhile, probably rises to the second spot on the Bears depth chart and will get alot of targets if he’s healthy.
    • Speaking of first round QBs, we now have two quarterback competitions where a former first round pick is competing, as Field Yates reported that Sam Darnold will compete with Baker Mayfield and Mitch Trubisky will compete with Kenny The Jet Pickett. This really should be Sam Darnold’s last hurrah, as he’s never been good, really, whereas Baker has some good tape on record. Meanwhile, Trubisky led the Bears to multiple winning seasons and a division title, and now gets to try his hand at being Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement. It is the final countdown for someone in Pittsburgh and Carolina.
    • There is no QB competition in Kansas City, but there is real concern that Patrick Mahomes won’t have his blindside protected. With the Friday deadline looming for franchise-tagged players, Orlando Brown still doesn’t have a new deal. Remember, Brown was traded from Baltimore to Kansas City because he wanted to play LT and get paid LT-money and, now, a year later he did the former but not the latter. It is going to be curious what the Chiefs do with such a viral part of this offense that is currently in transition.
    • Lastly, we end with Brown’s former team, as the Baltimore Ravens have brought back EDGE Justin Houston. The Ravens now look set at defense and, with every starter returning off injury it seems, are poised to make me look good for my Super Bowl prediction. And right in time for the 20 year anniversary of the Wire! Here’s hoping nobody is taking notes on a criminal conspiracy.
  • Theory Thursday: What That ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Mid-Credit Scene Might Mean for the Future of the MCU

    Theory Thursday: What That ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Mid-Credit Scene Might Mean for the Future of the MCU

    Thor becoming the first Avenger to get a 4th film in their own series is actually a good thing given that there are still a few adventures for Odinson to go on, and make no mistake: this one leaves him in a very different place than any of the other three before it. The events of Thor left him on Asgard away from Jane and mourning the death of Loki. Thor: The Dark World had him leaving Asgard to be with Jane while again mourning the death of his mother and Loki…a second time. Then along came Ragnarok where he lost his father and sister and home but managed to escape Surtur. I think it is safe to say that no hero in the MCU has lost as much as Thor, and this fourth entry adds even more loss after adventures with the Avengers that saw him lose Coulson and Heimdall and Loki (again!) right in front of him. It should come as no surprise then that Thor’s latest movie ends with someone dying right in front of him then. Tragedy, it would seem, is what propels the God of Thunder forward into different adventures. It’s not just putting the Asgardian at the center of tragedy, though, that usually leads into the next big Avenger’s threat.

    It was Thor’s brother who arrived on Earth necessitating the Avengers to assemble initially, and it was the mind stone located inside Loki’s scepter that led to the creation of Ultron AND VIsion and the Scarlet Witch, which led to the Avengers reuniting. It was Thor sending Loki to light the eternal flame and unleash Surtur that also led to Loki stealing the Tesseract from Odin’s throne room, which drew Thanos to the refugee ship that the Asgardians were on. If you look back at the Infinity Saga, you can rightfully argue that Thor brought the Avengers face to face with their greatest villains (Loki, Ultron, and Thanos). The mid-credit scene of Thor: Love & Thunder hints at that continuing to be the case.

    Zeus, with a lightning-sized hole in his sternum, sends his son, Hercules, on a mission to knock the Odinson out of the sky, reclaiming glory meant for the gods instead of heroes. However, what if there’s more to this scene than meets the eye? What if what we are seeing play out isn’t really telling us everything? What if, to understand what’s really happening, we have to accept that someone else has paved the way?

    In the comics, one of Kang The Conqueror’s variants, Immortus, utilizes what are known as Space Phantoms to go after the Avengers by masquerading as famous heroes from different eras. This included heroes like Merlin, Goliath, and, yes, Hercules. This caused a team of villains led by Baron Zemo, who had enlisted Immortus’s help in defeating the Avengers, to go back in time to the moment where they accepted his help and, this time, refuse it. By introducing Hercules here, as an antagonist for Thor who arrives on Earth seeking the God Of Thunder out, it will undoubtedly bring the Olympian face to face with whoever the new group of Avengers is. What if the Hercules that arrives on Earth looking for Thor isn’t Zeus’s son, but a space phantom controlled by Immortus? Or, what if the Thor that Hercules finds isn’t the God of Thunder himself, but a space phantom?

    We are entering the world of secret invasions and variants. With Thor’s consistent connection to all of the Avengers-level villains, it stands to reason that we didn’t just see who Thor’s next antagonist would be, but that we just saw another piece of the puzzle being laid down by one of Kang’s variants. Hercules may be a son of Zeus, but he may also be a Space Phantom of Immortus.

  • Morning After Huddle: July 12th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: July 12th, 2022

    While my partner-in-prose Megatron burns Vegas to the ground, I am manning the MAH Morano for the Multiverse crew. We have some news to share, and there’s some stuff that will excite some of you, irritate some of you, and bore some of you. This is basically the Love and Thunder of the football season, so you at least know I will enjoy the heck out of this. Let’s bring this back like Mjolnir, word to Jane Foster.

    • The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that the stadium formerly known as Heinz Field will now be known as Acrisure Stadium. Steelers fans were not happy with the name change, with one Twitter user saying “I hope they know we are still calling it Heinz”, to which another user said “imagine being loyal to ketchup.” As the Rooney Family embarks on the post-Roethlisberger era, stadium name changes are really what the fanbase needs!
    • Speaking of post-Hall of Fame QB eras, a report came out last weekend that said the Bucs had discussed pursuing 49ers QB Jimmy Garrapolo to be the heir apparent (once more) to Tom Brady. Well, yesterday, Garrapolo’s agent spoke to Tom Pelissero, who denied the report. In his conversation with Pelissero, Don Yee reiterated that the I-would-imagine-soon-to-be-former 49ers QB is rehabbing nicely from offseason shoulder surgery, and that he expects to be ready for the upcoming season. Pelissero went on to say that he believes Garrapolo is traded before the end of the month.
    • Staying with guys who may be on the move, we turn to Bengals S Jessie Bates. The uber-talented safety is looking to be paid like the top safety he is, with most reports saying he’s looking for something in the $18M a year vicinity. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, this doesn’t seem like it’s headed towards an amicable resolution, as both parties don’t believe a deal will be reached. With the July 15th deadline looking, the Bengals could be in a position where they don’t have one of the key cogs for a team that was just in the Super Bowl. Could they look to trade the safety?
    • Ending with the franchise tag this morning, Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki has also not made progress towards a new deal. However, unlike Bates, it seems he will play on the franchise tag, according to the aforementioned Garafolo. Gesicki figures to be a vital part of this Dolphins passing attack, and could breakout in a big way in Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s offense. Of course, he has a QB with the arm strength of a toddler, so maybe it’s all a moot point!
  • Morning After Huddle: July 2nd, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: July 2nd, 2022

    It’s been a long time, and we shouldn’t have left you without a dope beat to step to, but we’re back! This is generally the calm before the storm for the NFL, right before training camp, so the stories come to a slight lull. With that said, there is still information out there if you dig like Stefon for it. Let’s deliver the goods for y’all this fine Saturday morning.

    • The disciplinary hearing for Deshaun Watson has concluded, with an expected ruling coming in July. Judge Robinson will submit the recommended consequence to the Commissioner, who has the final say on the matter. Once this happens, it will surely kick off an appeals process by Watson and his camp to get whatever the original number reduced is, because if there’s one thing Watson likes as much as struggling to see the entire field, it’s for his actions to not have any consequences.
    • Speaking of QBs, a new report from Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley talked up second-year QB Trevor Lawrence’s progression. Changing plays at the line of scrimmage and getting the ball out quicker are things the highly-touted rookie didn’t do his first year because Urban Meyer had no idea how to coach, but with Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Doug Pederson in charge and former Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy running the offense, it stood to reason that the Jags were going to trust their young QB a lot more. With the additions on the offensive line and at WR, this could be a big second year for the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck.
    • From an Andrew Luck mention to his former team, the Indianapolis Colts are entering year one of the Matt Ryan era-an era that is off to a very good start, if you ask rookie WR Alec Pierce. Pierce joined the Pat McAfee Podcast and talked up Matty Ice’s leadership and preparation and how that’s trickled down to the rest of the team already. With Pierce hoping to carve out a starting role opposite Michael Pittman, Jr. in this Colts offense, him cozying up to Ryan is a no-brainer, but for a team that’s been let down by QBs post-luck, a locked-in Matt Ryan is their best chance at getting back to the playoffs.
    • Sticking with the AFC South and rookies, the defending division champion Tennessee Titans went through a little transition this off-season as they jettisoned their talented WR AJ Brown, replaced him with stud WR Treylon Burks and brought in some competition for incumbent QB Ryan Tannehill in the form of talented developmental prospect QB Malik Willis. It’s actually another rookie that’s impressing Titans coaches though, as RB Hasaan Haskins from the University of Michigan has drawn rave reviews from his running backs coach and the best running back in the league. Jim Wyatt of the Titans reported that Derrick Henry spoke glowingly of the rookie, and advised him to not let the moment get too big for him, as the Titans experimented with formations where they were both on the field. Henry has bucked all conventional RB logic, but if the superlatives are all true, then Willis, Haskins, and Burks could be the next generation of Titans football.