Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Creator Returns to Reboot Series

    ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Creator Returns to Reboot Series

    It’s been a bumpy road for The Powerpuff Girls. In 2016, the franchise received a remake from Cartoon Network that surprised many when they completely replaced the main voice cast outside of Tom Kenny, famous for this time as Spongebob Squarepants, returning. Then, CW has been working on a live-action series that would see the trio as teenagers had many scratching their heads. Well, now it seems they are back again but this time with some more motivating news.

    The series’ original creator, Craig McCracken, is returning to work on a new set of reboots for Powerpuff Girls, as well as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. He’s set to work on the project with Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. Cartoon Network Studios President, Sam Register, had the following to say on McCracken‘s return:

    The Hanna-Barbera homecoming of Craig was an opportunity we could not pass up. Along with his unparalleled sense of fun and imagination, he’s bringing two of his greatest works in ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ and ‘Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,’ and we are so excited for these characters to be a part of the new legacy taking shape at the studio

    Sam Register

    While they are moving forward with a second attempt to reboot the popular series, there’s also the highlight that the live-action version of the series is still in some form of development over at CW. Chloe Bennett left the project, as she was originally going to play Blossom, and it’s in a form of limbo as they rework the concept. So, we’ll see which one comes out first.

    Source: Variety

  • Misha Green’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Sequel Currently Delayed Indefinitely

    Misha Green’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Sequel Currently Delayed Indefinitely

    There was a lot of excitement when it was announced that Lovecraft Country‘s Misha Green was hired to not only write but also direct the sequel to 2018’s Tomb Raider reboot. Alicia Vikander was set to return as well, but the project has seemingly gone silent. While Vikander has been busy since, especially with the HBO series Irma Vep, she got a chance to sit down with Entertainment Weekly and reveal that the sequel is currently in limbo.

    With the MGM and Amazon buyout, I have no clue. Now it’s kind of politics. I think Misha and I have been ready, so it’s kind of in somebody else’s hands, to be honest. I’ve been excited to show the world. I love what she’s done with Lovecraft Country.

    Alicia Vikander

    There are a lot of questions in regards to why there has been no movement on the project. This statement by Vikander is our first real insight into what has led to it getting delayed indefinitely. As long as the MGM deal isn’t fully finalized, it seems quite unlikely we’ll get any update on the project. There’s also the possibility that they’ll simply pass on the project, as the first entry didn’t really light up the box office.

    Tomb Raider is one of gaming’s most iconic franchises and Angeline Jolie made it one of gaming’s most-successful ventures on the silver screen. While we’re currently in a renaissance for live-action adaptations from the medium, it’s strange that they aren’t using the opportunity to also continue the franchise. Green’s vision likely would’ve breathed a new fresh life into the project but we’ll have to wait a little longer until we get an update.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Opens Up on Kamran’s True Intentions

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Opens Up on Kamran’s True Intentions

    Ms. Marvel was a strong show that not only explored a powerful moment in Pakistani history but also a strong family show. Among all Marvel studios’ projects, this one is the most grounded with its exploration of what it means to be family. While the Clandestine didn’t get as much development as hoped, we still got a great addition in Kamran, who was played by young actor Rish Sha. In an interview with THR, the actor got a chance to talk about his character’s role and his true intentions.

    There definitely is a difference. In the comics, he is a villain. He’s manipulative, and he uses Kamala. Whereas in the show, he’s actually coming from a very pure place and a very genuine place of just wanting to belong and feel at home, and he has this immediate connection with Kamala across multiple fields. And then, obviously, by the end of the show, he’s able to share the connection of the Noor by having these powers and newfound abilities.

    Rish Shah

    He does add that Kamran’s moral compass isn’t as straightforward as Kamala’s, who has a good head on her shoulders. That distinction, especially with their very different family dynamics, adds to him actually being a guy with good intentions.

    He definitely has a skewed moral compass and he’s definitely a bit more unsure of where he stands, but he does make that decision really early on to betray his family and protect Kamala. So that’s quite a big decision, and hopefully, that shows that he’s actually a good guy with good intentions.

    Rish Shah

    Shah also shared how he interpreted Kamran’s motivation and generally how he was inspired to tackle the character for his first live-action venture.

    Yeah, I played it as genuine in my mind, but it’s nice that it’s up for debate. It’s always interesting when you have a character with a bit more complexity to them and their intentions, so it’s nice that it can swing both ways. Hopefully, it’s more engaging and interesting. But in my mind, he was genuinely just connecting with someone. Iman said this before about Kamala, but she hasn’t been able to spend time in her high school life around someone else who is able to just openly and confidently talk about their culture, specifically. So I think Kamran has felt the same way.

    Rish Shah

    The series ended in a way that opens up on a way to allow his character to further develop in whichever direction he wants. He could potentially become a member of the Red Dagger to find his own place in the world, or perhaps even further explore what exactly the Noor universe is all about. So, they definitely left the door open for many different angles to take the character.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Secret Invasion’ May Not Release Until Next Year

    ‘Secret Invasion’ May Not Release Until Next Year

    We’re quite far into 2022 and still have a few projects heading our way. The shorts for I Am Groot finally got a release date with She-Hulk on the horizon in August. There’s also the last cinematic release in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set to release in November with a Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special later this year. Let’s not forget the many rumors surrounding a small but potentially fun Halloween special focused on Werewolf by Night.

    For some time, there were also theories that we may get Secret Invasion at one point this year, but those plans may have been postponed. According to TVLine, the Samuel L. Jackson-led Disney+ series may not release until 2023. Of course, they don’t have any details or a specific release window but that would make sense given rumors of potential reshoots happening recently. There were a lot of rumors that hinted at it releasing some time this year.

    With that, 2023 seems to be even more stacked than this year, as it would join Echo and Ironheart, which recently started production. Loki‘s second season is also already underway and rumors hint that Agatha: House of Harkness potentially starting at some point. While they believe all these projects will release in 2023, there’s no official word especially with Disney+ Day heading our way later this year. So, we’ll see just how many shows Marvel Studios truly has planned to roll out.

    Source: TVLine

  • Amazon’s Prime Video UI Gets Major Overhaul

    Amazon’s Prime Video UI Gets Major Overhaul

    Of all the streaming giants, Amazon’s Prime Video has seemingly been the one needing an update for the longest time. Luckily, it seems that the streamer has been working on something for secrets besides just a few tweaks over the years as they have shared their first major overhaul. This will be its biggest step since Amazon started distributing content back in 2013 and is the perfect time as they start hyping up The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s upcoming release.

    It looks like they wanted to make the navigation menu more user-friendly, especially in how one can access Prime Video’s library of originals. So far, it hasn’t been the easiest menu to maneuver, especially when it came to creating your own Prime experience with your favorite shows. There is now a side section for six primary pages: Home, Store, Find, Live TV, Free With Ads, and My Stuff.

    It seems they’ve tried to optimize the platform for users, especially given how diverse their offerings are with sports events, live TV, and more depending on your subscription model. It’ll also include a “My Subscriptions” addition for those wanting to switch between others like Paramount+ or AMC+.

    Overall, the design looks great and still adheres to some elements from the original, it gives their projects a bit more pop. Plus, it may help ease people to find what is actually part of their Prime subscription as it was mostly dependent on a small tag in the upper corner of the project. Will be interesting to see how people welcome the new design once it rolls out.

    Source: The Wrap

  • ‘Dune’ Sequel Starts Production With First Set Photo

    ‘Dune’ Sequel Starts Production With First Set Photo

    It looks like it didn’t take too long for Denis Villeneuve to continue his sci-fi epic, Dune. After quite a successful run at the box office, the auteur has swiftly jumped on the chance to continue his storyline with hints in the past that he may even have a third planned. Dune: Part Two as the title implies is the second part adapting the iconic book by Frank Herberts. To celebrate the production start, the official Duen account shared an image from the set to celebrate the occasion.

    Cinematographer Greig Fraser is back to join Villeneuve to adapt the storyline. He’s recently given us the iconic The Batman and it’ll be exciting to once again see how they adapt the sand planet Arrakis while still offering some more stunning visuals. The plans are to adapt the third film entry based on the second novel Dune Messiah, but it’s unclear if they’d further explore more entires from the six-book entries.

    Villeneuve has quite the track record with his stunning work and more slower-paced adaptations. Blade Runner 2049 was a standout when it was released it’s quite interesting to see the director tackle a franchise with even an HBO Max spinoff by Diane Ademu-John. It’s unclear if it might tie into the events of the main series, but it’ll be curious to see what the future has in store for this franchise.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Skeleton Crew’ Disney+ Series Budget Among ‘Star Wars’ Highest, Eyeing 2023 Release

    ‘Skeleton Crew’ Disney+ Series Budget Among ‘Star Wars’ Highest, Eyeing 2023 Release

    Star Wars has mostly become a Disney+ exclusive franchise for now, as we’re still waiting for any news on the mysterious films that were promised back during Disney’s Investors Day by CEO Kathleen Kennedy. Until now, it seems those productions are continuing to face various delays but nothing is standing in the way of their Disney+ series. Among them is Jon Watts‘ upcoming Skeleton Crew. In a new piece by Hollywood Reporter, we may have gotten our first tease of just how big this project may end up being.

    A new piece on the California tax credits gained by big projects also includes a brief statement on some Skeleton Crew details. It seems the project’s production budget is around $136M, which would put it among the highest costing series for the streaming service. The production also is receiving $20.9M in credit from California. The project by the Spider-Man: No Way Home director is currently eyeing a 2023 release but no further details on when that might be.

    There were reports that Obi-Wan Kenobi had a lower production budget than even The Mandalorian, but as we have little official confirmation, we can only theorize. So, it’s surprising we get a more exact number with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. It’ll be exciting to see just how Watts will tackle this project and how the story of a group of kids getting lost in space might be explored. With Jude Law attached, we are still waiting for some casting announcements but if it’s eyeing a 2023 release, production ill likely start rather soon.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter, Epic Stream

  • RUMOR: New Poster May Hint at ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Season 2

    RUMOR: New Poster May Hint at ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Season 2

    You never know what may find its way online, especially with many eagle-eyed fans out there looking for the next hint at some of their favorite franchises making a return. With San Diego Comic-Con on the horizon, who knows what kind of announcements we might get from the various studios. There have already been quite a few teases of what Mar vel STudios may have planned in the near future, but a new poster may hint that a Star Wars Disney+ series may also make a return soon.

    As shared by Reddit user u/SomeBoredBoi, they’ve spotted a poster teasing the various Disney+ Star Wars series. Among them, there’s the listing of the various projects currently in development which also includes a tease that The Book of Boba Fett may be getting a second season. There hasn’t been an official announcement yet, especially with all eyes on The Mandalorian‘s third season, Ahsoka for next year, and even Andor later next month.

    Boba Fett Season 2 confirmed in Spanish poster?
    by inStarWarsLeaks

    We still have to take it with a bit of a grain of salt, as there have been some very well-made fake posters in the past to catch people off-guard. Still, it would make sense for a second season that builds upon the storylines slowly introduced in the first. The first season was part of Boba Fett’s origin story for what happened to him after falling into the famous Sarlacc Pit while also setting up The Mandalorian‘s third season. So, here’s hoping a second entry could keep the focus on Boba a bit more and also give Temuera Morrison some more chances to showcase just how badass he really is.

    Source: Reddit

  • Diego Luna Teases ‘Andor’ is About More Than Just Its Lead

    Diego Luna Teases ‘Andor’ is About More Than Just Its Lead

    Star Wars has just recently wrapped up work with Obi-Wan Kenobi and has its next entry on the horizon, Andor. The Rogue One prequel will focus on Diego Luna‘s character of Cassian Andor. We’re exploring his time during the rise of the rebellion to take down the Empire, which wouldn’t happen until many years later.

    As part of Entertainment Weekly’s Star Wars-focused podcast, Dagobah Dispatch, Luna got a chance to discuss what the future has in store with the Disney+ series. One point he wanted to make the point that this isn’t just about Cassian.

    Even though it’s called Andor, it’s about a revolution. It’s an ensemble. It’s about a group of people. It’s about community. You’ll have the chance to meet many characters you don’t know and visit places you don’t know existed in this galaxy.

    Diego Luna

    We’ll definitely explore a lot of the early days of the rebellion, especially with the promise of how future seasons will evolve this story. We’ll see just how the people surrounding Cassian may shape not only him but his worldview as well, which would plant the seeds of what would make him part of Rogue One’s suicide mission.

    Source: EW via Twitter

  • New Marvel Studios’ SDCC Banner May Hint at Sharon Carter in Comic-Accurate Suit

    New Marvel Studios’ SDCC Banner May Hint at Sharon Carter in Comic-Accurate Suit

    Here’s an interesting surprise, a new Marvel Studios banner has been spotted for San Diego Comic-Con. Not only does it potentially hint at an announcement for Captain America 4 with Sam Wilson at the forefront. Yet, the interesting reveal is the person behind him, which could be our first look at Emily VanCamp’s Sharon Carter in a comic-accurate suit.

    Now, we have to point out that there is a good chance that this is an updated design for Florence Pugh‘s Yelena Belova who also sported a white suit in the past but she had a green vest overlaying it. This time around, it’s a full white costume, and with Carter’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe recently, she may be returning in the near future. Going by the hair and face, it does seem more likely it is Sharon Carter.

    The character has taken a more villainous role after the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which led to us uncovering that she’s been secretly acting as the Power Broker in Madripoor. Perhaps her return to the CIA, and a hint at a secret accomplice, may lead to a bigger role and her returning to her spy roots.

    The white outfit was Agent 13’s staple in the comics and it’s surprising it took this long to find its way into the MCU. We’ll have to wait and see if this new look will be unveiled or teased during SDCC, perhaps even something they are simply setting up for a film or TV series that won’t release until next year, as it’s based on concept art seemeingly.

    Source: Twitter