Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Director Teases ‘Quantumania’s Will “Do Some Things Differently”

    ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Director Teases ‘Quantumania’s Will “Do Some Things Differently”

    It’s crazy to think that we’re about to get the third entry in the Ant-Man and the Wasp franchise. Not only did it go through quite a few changes, but San Diego Comic-Con highlighted how this film will be the one to tease the true Kang the Conqueror’s arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He will be the one to build up where the entire arc is heading; ironic how the introduction of the Quantum Realm did the same for Avengers: Endgame.

    In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he did hint that the threequel will potentially head into some new territory, especially in regard to the size of this franchise. Up until now, it was on the smaller side for the MCU and it seems they wanted to go big with the third entry.

    Well, I think we were thrilled to get to do a third Ant-Man movie and do a trilogy. And we knew if we were gonna do that we wanted to do some things differently. We really wanted to take a hard left turn and make a movie that was even more epic, but still progress the story of these family dynamics.

    Peyton Reed

    He also teases what we can expect from our favorite characters, who are facing some new challenges as a result of Lang’s absence during the five years leading into Endgame.

    And everything that’s going on between Scott and Hope and Cassie… Cassie, who’s now 18 years old, and maybe Scott doesn’t quite know how to relate to her as an adult, because he lost those five years from the events of Endgame

    Peyton Reed

    It definitely will shake up the dynamic, but it’s great they want to keep the “family” at the heart of the story. No matter what realm they entered, it still was about the familial relationships everyone shared throughout. So, it just wouldn’t be the same without it, especially going into a story that will be much grander in scale.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Secret Invasion’ Actor Hints at New Writer for Reshoots

    ‘Secret Invasion’ Actor Hints at New Writer for Reshoots

    Reshoots aren’t uncommon for Marvel Studios, and it’s no surprise that their latest Disney+ series Secret Invasion is doing the same. Yet, a new statement by actor Christopher McDonald, who joined the series some time ago, revealed that the production may have added an additional writer to the project. While he doesn’t name anyone specifically or how he got involved, but it does seem like they are getting ready to add some new elements to the reshoots.

    His statement in the interview with Awards Focus not only highlights that he’s quite “amped” about the series and teases that they may be adding some more depth with the reshoots. Perhaps they are also using this opportunity to mix things up, as you never know who to trust in a Skrull invasion.

    The director Ali Selim is fantastic, and it’s a delight to play this storyline because it’s really, really good. We’re actually heading back to London on Tuesday to do additional scenes. They’re doing reshoots in a way that’s making the story better. Apparently, there’s a new writer in there. He’s amped it up, and the series is going so much deeper than before.

    Christopher McDonald

    It’s certainly interesting but not unheard of that they have a new writer join the project. Of course, this doesn’t mean that anyone is leaving the project without any actual confirmation. Rather, it may be that scheduling conflicts kept a writer from joining production; let’s not forget COVID is still a thing. In a way, they may have needed someone to join in to help out with the reshoots, but also add some new perspectives potentially to keep everyone guessing which direction the Skrulls invasion is truly going.

    Source: Awards Focus

  • Venom Heading to Disney+ Brazil in August

    Sony’s Disney+ expansion continues as it looks like Disney+ Brazil is going to add the Spider-Man spinoff Venom to the service on August 5th. We’ve seen quite a few key markets add Spider-Man-related projects throughout July and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to slow down anytime soon. So, if you live in Brazil and have been looking forward to seeing the film again the chance will be here soon.

    August is going to be quite stuffed for Disney+, as we not only have one but two Marvel TV series premiering–though one is a small animated project filled with Groot adorableness–and a new Star Wars series focused on Cassian Andor. The third season of High School Musical: The Series: The Musical is also releasing episodes, which has been one o the few shows still around since the streaming service premiered.

    Venom is already slowly starting work on its third entry into the franchise. It’s still crazy to think that the franchise is technically connected with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as Spider-Man: No Way Home revealed that he ended up in the Marvel-owned franchise before being booted right out of it again. Who knows if he might get another chance to battle Spidey in another visit to the MCU in Avengers: Secret Wars.

    Sony is still moving forward with its Spider-Man franchise without the wallcrawler actually ever showing up, but there’s a chance that Madame Web could potentially be the one to set up his introduction. Though, there’s a chance that a multiversal storyline is what connects every project moving forward. No matter what, Disney+ is getting its hands on some fun projects and expanding its filmography.

    Source: Disney Plus Brasil

  • ‘Iron Man’ Director Was Nervous With Russo’s Plans for Tony Stark in ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    ‘Iron Man’ Director Was Nervous With Russo’s Plans for Tony Stark in ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    It’s still crazy to think that Marvel Studios and the Russo Brothers decided to end Avengers: Endgame with the death of Tony Stark. Not only was it an emotional punch to the gut for the character that introduced the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in 2008, but it also would mean that the future may become quite uncertain for the studio.

    Any normal person wouldn’t dare touch one of the MCU’s most popular characters but the Russos took the risk. Even if it seemingly cost them a few of their nerves, especially when Iron Man director Jon Favreau wasn’t a fan of the idea. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Anthony Russo revealed they had a conversation wth the former MCU director and now Happy Hogan actor where he shared his feelings on the matter.

    Part of the pressure came from Jon Favreau, who called us up after he read the script and said to us, ‘Are you guys really going to kill Iron Man?’ He’s like, ‘You can’t do this, it’s gonna devastate people. You don’t want them walking out of the theater and into traffic. We did it anyway.

    Anthony Russo

    It was certainly a gamble for all parties involved. Fans could’ve been quite upset with the way he left the franchise, and we’re still seeing some post-Endgame blues as people adjust to this new era of the franchise. It would be great to see Favreau return to the director’s chair and potentially also explore the aftermath of Tony’s death in the upcoming Armor Wars project. It would be fitting that he’d also get a chance to give the character a final hurrah.

    Source: YouTube via ComicBook.com

  • New ‘Aquaman 2’ Set Photos Confirm Ben Affleck’s DCEU Return

    New ‘Aquaman 2’ Set Photos Confirm Ben Affleck’s DCEU Return

    Here’s a surprise that very few might’ve expected but a new post by Jason Momoa may have hinted that Ben Affleck‘s Bruce Wayne is back in the DC Extended Universe. There’s been no word on where exactly the multiversal storyline is heading with Michael Keaton‘s arrival heavily teased (even though it was confirmed long ago) in The Flash. Now, it looks like the current Batman is making his return ahead of that film’s arrival as a new batch of set photos for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hints at his return.

    It’s a bit surprising that he’d just flat-out reveal this potential cameo. So, they could also just be playing around with viewers but he does seem to be wearing a very Bruce Wayne-esque suit. Not just that, but the video at the end reveals that “B.A.” has his own trailer with the DC films’ production title “Necrus” on it. So, it does seem likely we could see the return of his version of Bruce Wayne before Keaton takes over ahead of The Flash going into Batgirl.

    His inclusion could be another sign that this is a move to streamline some aspects before breaking apart the DC multiverse. They may have planned on including scenes of a Batman but with The Flash pushed back quite a bit, they may have wanted to add a familiar face for audiences. Plus, he is set to appear in the Ezra Miller-led project, which would help boost that film’s box office knowing that he’s going to tie it all together. Who knows what exactly their plans are moving forward, but it’s going to be exciting either way.

    Source: Instagram

  • MGM Loses Film Rights to ‘Tomb Raider’, Alicia Vikander No Longer Attached

    Well, it was sadly a question of time before MGM would end up losing the film rights to Tomb Raider. Many speculated that the silence on the sequel, which was greenlighted for quite some time now, wasn’t moving forward. It seems that the window has passed and many Hollywood movie studios are after one of gaming’s most prolific heroines. Of course, 2018’s Tomb Raider star Alicia Vikander is subsequently no longer attached to the project in any way.

    The previously mentioned film didn’t make a huge splash at the box office but still pulled in $275M worldwide. It was swiftly renewed for a sequel with Lovecraft Country‘s Mischa Green attached to write and direct. It seems that they are likely to reboot the franchise, producer Graham King under the GK Films banner is looking into buyers after acquiring the rights back in 2011 from Square Enix.

    Tomb Raider is no longer under their umbrella and has been purchased by the Embracer group, as Square Enix just sold its entire Western division for $300M. The new owner is excited to expand its ventures into the cinematic territory but it’ll likely strongly depend on who buys the project. There is an animated series in development by Netflix, which will likely try its best to get its hands on it, especially as it fits perfectly into its IP-growing portfolio.

    Source: The Wrap, Twitter

  • Former Disney Exec Joins Warner Bros. Discovery as Consultant

    Former Disney Exec Joins Warner Bros. Discovery as Consultant

    It looks like the rumors are true, as long-time Disney executive, Alan Horn, is heading over to the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery to lend his hand on their productions. Horn retired back in 2021 and is now set to support David Zaslav, who has taken over the CEO duties of the recently merged companies. He shared the following staff memo to announce that Horn is joining their future cinematic ventures.

    I am thrilled to share with you that Alan Horn, one of the most respected studio executives in the industry, has agreed to assist me in a consultant role during this transition period, starting August 1. No one knows this business better than Alan does. He has had an extraordinary career spanning nearly half a century. Most recently, he served as chairman and later co-chairman and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Studios, where for a period of nearly 10 years, he oversaw the production of all motion pictures and the integration of Lucasfilm and the Fox film studios, as well as the expansion into producing content for Disney’s streaming services

    David Zaslav

    In the industry, Horn has become quite famous for being an honest and upstanding executive. This announcement marks a homecoming after he was forced out as president of Warner Bros back in 2013, where he oversaw the Harry Potter franchise and even The Dark Knight project. He didn’t slow down afterward, as he built up many relationships as part of Disney to build the current slate of Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar for the House of Mouse.

    So, this definitely marks a win for the company, but some have pointed out that Zaslav is focused a lot on high-priced consultants while cutting staff, which could definitely come back to haunt him. We’ll have to see what this might have in store for him and Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Source: Variety

  • Latest ‘Madame Web’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Adam Scott

    Latest ‘Madame Web’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Adam Scott

    Madame Web remains a web of mystery as we try to figure out what exactly Sony’s endgame is here and where they are heading with their Spider-Man universe that doesn’t actually feature the webhead. They have quite a few projects in some form of development, but the one to currently stand out is the mysterious Madame Web.

    Hinted at as their take on Doctor Strange, it may actually be used as a different kind of film altogether. There’s no clear hint at if this might be the film to introduce us to Sony’s version of Spider-Man, may it be someone new or even familiar. Yet, the casting of Adam Scott had many thinking that perhaps he’s the one to take on the mantle in this project. While we don’t get any clarification, we do get our first look at Scott in some new set photos.

    As these photos were shared by Just Jared, we can’t share them here but you can check them out by clicking here.

    It definitely isn’t revealing anything as he’s wearing some casual clothes. Though his style isn’t something that a Spider-Man wouldn’t wear. The idea of an older version of the character is definitely an interesting choice; even if Tobey Maguire is also around the same age.

    Who knows if they actually explore the multiverse and we’re introduced to a variety of Peter Parkers throughout the film’s runtime. Whatever direction they are taking, it’ll definitely be interesting to see how it comes together once we get some more official information on the project.

    Source: Just Jared

  • ‘Spider-Man: Freshman Year’ Producer Clarifies Series Place in the MCU

    ‘Spider-Man: Freshman Year’ Producer Clarifies Series Place in the MCU

    Spider-Man: Freshman Year has certailny added some confusion in regards to where it takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The official press release continued to hint that it’ll act as a prequel to Captain America: Civil War but then the San Diego Comic-Con revealed that the story will explore Peter’s time learning from Norman Osborne. So, confusion was the result for many on how the series connects to the MCU.

    As it turns out, it doesn’t. It seems that they are telling a different kind of story where the events of Civil War are explored in a part of the multiverse. It’ll explore what happens if instead of Tony Stark, Norman Osborn is there to welcome him. So, perhaps this new version of Peter Parker could potentially become part of the mainline MCU in a future project as we further explore the multiverse. Here’s the full quote from Brad Winderbaum, the head of Marvel Studios’ animation department.

    Well, like we said, in the panel, it follows the pattern that you see in [Captain America:] Civil War. Down to Peter getting the broken Blu-ray player from the trash and he walks into his department for the famous moment where Tony Stark is waiting for him to offer him the stark internship and take him to Berlin. But because of things that happen in the multiverse because of new, random occurrences, it’s not Tony Stark who’s waiting for him there. It’s Norman Osborn and that sends his life in an unexpected trajectory that collides him with many unexpected characters in the Marvel universe

    Brad Winderbaum

    It’s unclear if the other Avengers are still a part of the normal timeline and only his story changes, but we do know Daredevil and Doctor Strange will appear. Charlie Cox will even voice his iconic hero, which adds to the potential connection between these projects. It would be fun if we also get an animated version of Wilson Fisk joining the project to pay tribute to the original 90s animated series and his major role in that project.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • RUMOR: Olivia Colman May be Playing an Iconic Comic Character in ‘Secret Invasion’

    RUMOR: Olivia Colman May be Playing an Iconic Comic Character in ‘Secret Invasion’

    We’ve long been wondering what to expect from Secret Invasions. There’s a lot of talk surrounding the project, especially with its Skrull invasion potentially putting everyone’s identity on the line. Who knows if the people we’ll follow are human or Skrulls? For now, it seems that a new report by Illuminerdi may offer a little insight into who one character is playing, Olivia Colman.

    According to their sources, Colman will take on a gender-swapped version of Union Jack. There are currently three versions of the character,e and it’s unclear if they are sticking to the recent version of Joseph Chapman, who had a run-in with the Skrulls. There is also James Montgomery Falsworth and his son Brian Falsworth. Perhaps she’s a gender-swapped version of Falsworth, which would keep the door open for the mantle to be passe don potentially at one point in the future.

    It’s great seeing more international characters get adapted, and it’ll be interesting to see if we explore their shared history as fellow agents. Perhaps Fury and this gender-swapped version of Union Jack share quite the history that’ll help add to the suspense of when they can’t trust anyone anymore. We’re definitely interested to see how they tackle this project and especially toy with us from week to week, as we start questioning who is and isn’t part of the invasion.

    Source: Illuminerdi