Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘One Piece’ Composer Shares Working With Aurora for Nami’s Theme

    ‘One Piece’ Composer Shares Working With Aurora for Nami’s Theme

    Netflix is all-in with their upcoming live-action adaptation of One Piece. While many were a bit nervous after their last few ventures, the first reactions are very positive so far and show a promising start to this new adaptation of an iconic series. Not only that, but they also have talented composers Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli on board.

    Famous for her work on The Witcher, Belousova has been heavily promoting the series teasing us with the first songs from the original OST. A big surprise came recently that they also have pop star Aurora attached to sing the theme song for Nami, and it turns out that this beautiful melody was born in just five minutes.

    She shares that “being fans fo the anime” they knew they wanted to have at least one song and it seems it came together on the spot once they saw episode seven of the live-action adaptation; very likely the pivotal sequence for Nami.

    It was born in like five minutes. I just sat down at the piano, because we already had the theme, I played it, I sang some gibberish lyrics in the moment, I recorded on my phone, and done — in 30 seconds.

    Sonya Belousova

    It’s inspirational that the song came together so fast, but it highlights that the moment they are capturing is that memorable. The theme is called “My Sails are Set” and further explores the story of Emily Rudd’s Nami in this adaptation. Belousova also shares what it was like working on the episode with Aurora.

    She has so much spirit and so much freedom. And her expression and energy… she’s able to go really small and really fragile while really highlighting an emotional component of her vocal performance.

    Sonya Belousova

    She also highlights that the song made her cry when Aurora sang it, which is definitely a fitting emotion given that likely transpires in the episode they watched that inspired it. Interestingly enough, the song isn’t meant as a needle drop but rather focused on its connection to the rest of the score.

    Usually songs function as needle drops — it’s very rare for songs to have actually any sort of musical connection to the rest of the score. But [One Piece] was just asking for it. We’re so glad that the whole team felt exactly the same way and got on board immediately and got so excited because we were really excited. I mean, we’re still so excited

    Sonya Belousova

    One Piece isn’t the series where you would drop a modern song into given how detached it is from our world and explores a completely unique one. So, it’s not unusual to have a brand new song made specifically for this show and if it gets many more could see other talented singers and stars give performances to enrich this unique world.

    You can listen to the song right now:

    Source: Polygon

  • ‘One Piece’ Showrunner Says They Had “A Healthy, Healthy Budget”

    ‘One Piece’ Showrunner Says They Had “A Healthy, Healthy Budget”

    We’ve heard rumors that the live-action One Piece series had quite the budget. Netflix was going all-in with this project; highlighted by the many collaborations and toys already set to release shortly after the series is on Netflix. They even have a Zara outfit line planned; a sign that they believe in this project.

    And it seems that they also believed in everyone involved with the project. They worked closely with Eiichiro Oda to ensure that the project stayed true to his original vision. Showrunner Steven Maeda highlights that none of their hands were tied going in and they couldn’t “complain that money wasn’t spent” and they had “a healthy, healthy budget.”

    Along with Oda-san’s oversight and cooperation and partnership, I think that we came up with the very best version of this show that we can. I can’t complaint that money wasn’t spent, I can’t complain that our hands were tied – we were able to make the show we wanted to make.

    Steven Maeda

    Peter Friedlander, who is the Netflix Head of U.S. and Canada for Scripted Series, highlighted that it was a production unlike any other. Not only was Oda heavily involved in the series, but he signed off on many elements they also were constantly coordinating with Netflix Japan and Korea to ensure the series remains true to what the series stands for.

    We hadn’t done something like that before. The logistics of that – late-night calls, early morning calls, emails – it just changes the recipe of how you would help support a show, and I think that really was a special element, a little bit of the secret sauce, because we wanted to have different perspectives on the fandom.

    Peter Friedlander

    It’s definitely an exciting prospect to know just how far they are set to go with this project. Here’s hoping that also translates to the screen once the series finally releases next week. It’ll explore the East Blue saga in its first eight-episode run. One Piece is Tomorrow Studios’ big chance of seeing if live-action adaptations of anime can truly work.

    Source: Variety via Twitter

  • ‘One Piece’ Producer Shared What They Learned from ‘Cowboy Bebop’

    ‘One Piece’ Producer Shared What They Learned from ‘Cowboy Bebop’

    Tomorrow Studios has set itself up for one of the biggest challenges they could’ve ever faced. Not only did they try to tackle the critical darling Cowboy Bebop, but also set their eyes on One Piece. The former, however, did not quite end up winning fans over at the time which had many nervous about the biggest-selling manga’s adaptation.

    Luckily, Executive producer Marty Adelstein highlighted that they took a lot of lessons from their work on Cowboy Bebop. They realized that “fans are expecting you to be true to the source material” which isn’t too surprising given just how invested fans are to the projects they enjoyed for many years.

    What we learned is the fans are expecting you to be true to the source material. As we read the comments, it was always, ‘Well, they didn’t do this character the same as this and that’…It really taught us a lot of what we needed to do with this one.

    Marty Adelstein

    Tomorrow Studios’ president Becky Clements also highlights that it’s not about just adapting the source material but rather that viewers have “the same reaction and feelings towards the narrative” of the live-action adaptation. We want to relieve those moments and have others go through it as well.

    It became everyone’s goal to make sure that when you looked at the show, you thought this was a live-action version of the manga that felt like another feather in the legacy of Oda. That people just get to see it in another genre, but still have the same reaction and feelings towards the narrative.

    Becky Clements

    It’s definitely the right goal to set and something many have talked about when following the live-action adaptation of One Piece. While there were some concerns with the teaser, the first full trailer seemingly brought those feelings back for many viewers, and going by some early social reactions, they may have succeeded.

    Source: Variety via Twitter

  • Nami’s Theme Song in the Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Soundtrack Features Aurora

    Nami’s Theme Song in the Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Soundtrack Features Aurora

    Here’s a rather big surprise but it looks like a Norwegian pop star has contributed to the upcoming live-action One Piece series’ soundtrack. As revealed by one of its composers, the always amazing Sonya Belousova unveiled that the upcoming theme “My Sails are Set” will be sung by Aurora.

    Not just that, it’s also set as Nami’s theme song for the live-action adaptation and will drop this Friday. So, we only have to wait just a bit longer to get a first glimpse at what they were working on. Belousova has very actively been promoting the show with short videos that offer some insight behind the scenes and has quite the infectious energy that gets you even more excited for this adaptation.

    First social reactions have seemingly hit the web as many are praising this adaptation of the iconic manga series. So, there will be a lot of expectations that the series performs well and manages to grow just as big as the original source material. For now, we still have to wait one more week until it finally releases on Netflix.

    Source: Twitter

  • First Reactions for Live-Action ‘One Piece Teasing “the Real Deal”

    First Reactions for Live-Action ‘One Piece Teasing “the Real Deal”

    It looks like the first reactions are making the rounds online for the upcoming live-action adaptation of One Piece. The series has a lot of heart put into it going by what has been shared behind the scenes, it is the last bastion of the future of live-action adaptations for anime. Luckily, it does seem like the adaptation may be the one to break the “curse” even with its more goofy and silly origins.

    The Hollywood Handle shares that the adaptation “is surprisingly amazing” highlighting the action, characters, and “fast-paced development.” It’s unclear if overall the story is quite quickly paced but the “amazing” wording is certainly promising for an adaptation that many scoffed at when it was first announced.

    ComicBook.com’s Megan Peters has also shared her first thoughts highlighting that while she can’t reveal anything, she’s already “watched season one several times now” and that it is “*good* good.” So, it has a chance of grabbing people’s attention to give the series multiple watches or at least finish it to keep it

    Another ComicBook.com writer @EVComedy also shared that the adaptation “does the source material justice and then some.” He also highlighted that this series isn’t just for fans of the original but also will have something to offer for newcomers. They also highlight that “This is NOT Cowboy Bebop” which was critically panned.

    The Streamr’s own Mo has also shared his thought calling it the “King of the Netflix Shows” highlighting the cast, story, camerawork, VFX, and more. Also says it is “the real deal” that many might have been hoping for. With so many uncertainties surrounding Netflix’s reputation with live-action adaptations, this is definitely hinting at it potentially being the series to deliver.

    https://twitter.com/mohooosen/status/1694546964921098408

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Loki’, ‘WandaVision’ and ‘The Mandalorian’ Getting Physical Releases

    ‘Loki’, ‘WandaVision’ and ‘The Mandalorian’ Getting Physical Releases

    Yes, you read the title right. Finally, a streaming service is listening to fans and is giving some of its projects the physical releases they deserve. As many shows and projects are seemingly getting cut for tax reasons, this is great news for those hoping to at least ensure they still have access to these shows no matter what happens to Disney+, Netflix, or whatever streaming service that is out there.

    Disney already hinted at this move with the recent reveal they are releasing Prey, the Predator prequel film, for physical. Shortly after, they have now unveiled that the same is planned for some of their first big releases on the platform. The Mandalorian is finally getting a physical release for its first two seasons with some beautiful-looking artwork that’ll surely make collectors happy.

    And we also have the physical release of the Disney+ Marvel shows. Loki and WandaVision are the first batch to make their way online and into shelves later this year. It seems that it’ll only be available as a Steelbook packaging with 4K and Blu-ray being available. DVD sale seems very unlikely and it’s unclear if they might also offer some regular Blu-ray boxes later down the line. Though these steelbooks are definitely something one wouldn’t want to miss out on in their collection.

    Source: Collider, Twitter

  • Charles Martinet No Longer Voicing Mario and Friends

    Charles Martinet No Longer Voicing Mario and Friends

    In a way, we all knew this day would come eventually. Charles Martinet has been voicing most of the cast of the Super Mario Bros. franchise for over 30 years. Yet, it’s still something none of us really wanted to say is definite. We already had to adjust to the fact that Chris Pratt took over as the character in the major motion picture release earlier this year and now the official statement has been made by Nintendo that Martinet will no longer voice the character moving forward.

    It’s a shame that the announcement arrives in a simple red-tinted image rather than through a Nintendo Direct that highlights his career. Perhaps one is on the horizon that’ll unveil the new voice of Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and many more moving forward. It does seem unlikely that Pratt is going to continue in this story. Most did notice that perhaps the voice teased in Super Mario Bros. Wonder wasn’t the one we are most used to.

    Now, we can only count the days until Martinet passes the torch to the next generation of voice actors to take on these iconic characters. He also isn’t leaving the character behind, as he is set to remain a “Mario Ambassador” moving forward to ensure that whoever takes over is always well prepared. A video message has been teased for the future, so we’ll have to wait just a bit longer for the official statement.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Blue Beetle’ Faces Box Office Blues Heading to $25M Opening Weekend

    ‘Blue Beetle’ Faces Box Office Blues Heading to $25M Opening Weekend

    DC Comics is just having a harsh time at the box office this year. While Marvel Studios’ worst remains a dream for most releases this year (Quantumania still remains in the Top 10 of this year’s box office; that’s how bad it’s been this summer), their biggest competitor in the superhero genre is facing some box office blues. After The Flash ran out of steam, Blue Beetle is set to open to around $25M by the end of this weekend.

    Early numbers are pointing to it opening around $9.8M on Frida including previews. The film has a big push from Latino audiences and remains a big theater release but with previews at $3.3M, it’s lower than Shazam! Fury of the Gods earlier this year. With some strong word-of-mouth, the film could still move towards $32M and will finally dethrone Barbie, who is looking at a strong $24M in its fifth weekend.

    Word-of-mouth could still give the film a boost, but it not hitting Shazam’s $11.7M isn’t a good sign that it’ll start beating expectations. The film cost $104M which is lower than others in the market given the habits of $200M+ price tags, but still won’t really make its money back. Review scores are higher than that film and its CinemaScore could give us an indication of where the film is heading.

    Its only real new competition this weekend is Strays. Though the raunchy comedy wasn’t loved by critics and is seemingly heading to a $8.5M opening weekend. At the cost of $46M, it’s not a great sign either for the film. As much as people want Barbenheimer to be the sign of cinema healing, it’s definitely the exception once again rather than the rule. People aren’t tired of sequels, they are just far more selective and it’s hurting overall.

    Source: Deadline

  • First Single from Netflix’s Live-Actone ‘One Piece’ Teases Pirates and Adventure

    First Single from Netflix’s Live-Actone ‘One Piece’ Teases Pirates and Adventure

    One Piece is almost upon us with a few more days to go until it finally releases on Netflix. To keep us going until its release, Netflix and Collider have provided the first single of the pirate adventure we’re about to embark upon. Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli have released the piece “Wealth Fame Power,” inspired by the iconic lines from Gol D. Roger in the series’ opening, and tease their approach with the music.

    The main theme interestingly enough will also push the themes that connect Roger and Monkey D. Luffy. As such, the main theme for the series is that of Luffy, but Roger’s is that same theme in reverse. It adds an interesting layer and also matches Eiichiro Oda’s love for having elements echo each other.

    There’re many shared similarities between Gol D Roger and the Straw Hat’s captain, Monkey D Luffy, their personalities and character traits absolutely match up, so are their music themes. Monkey D Luffy’s theme is the main theme of our show. Gol D Roger’s theme is Luffy’s theme reversed.

    Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli

    They go on to showcase the structure of “Wealth Fame Power” starting off with Roger’s theme before turning into that of Luffy, as the pirate age is unleashed upon the world. In a way, it also matches how Loguetown, where we first meet Roger, reflects the beginning and end with the pun in its name.

    ‘Wealth Fame Power’ opens up with Roger’s theme. It’s powerful, just like Roger himself, driving, and dynamic. It’s a dark, mighty anthem featuring the iconic “musical Jolly Roger” – hurdy-gurdy. As soon as the swords are drawn and the crowd rushes out in search of One Piece, we reverse Roger’s theme and introduce Luffy’s theme, the main theme of our show. Roger’s theme is all about the descending motion since this is the end of the journey for Roger. Luffy’s theme, however, is all about the ascending motion since it’s the beginning of his exciting adventure toward becoming the King of the Pirates.

    Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli

    It’s definitely an exciting prospect to hear how much work has gone into the soundtrack, as it is something that seemingly gets sidelined in modern blockbusters. Having a main theme connect the one who starts the pirate age and our main protagonist as an inversion adds a lot of thematic relevance. Hopefully, we’ll also see more elements like these throughout that connects the Straw Hats thematically.

    Listen to the theme here:

    Source: Collider

  • Den Den Murphy 32 – Gear 5 Has Arrived

    Den Den Murphy 32 – Gear 5 Has Arrived

    The time has finally arrived! One Piece’s anime has finally unveiled the first look at Gear 5 and to celebrate, Fezzy has finally returned to join Suki and Joe to talk all things One Piece in the latest episode of Den Den Murphy.