Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ Director Peter Ramsey Attached to ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’

    ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ Director Peter Ramsey Attached to ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’

    Star Wars keeps attracting some amazing talent, as The Hollywood Reporter has just revealed that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse director and first black filmmaker to win the animated feature at the Oscars, Peter Ramsey has joined the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka. The latest in a line of Star Wars series that also acts as a spinoff of The Mandalorian, which reintroduced the titular character from Star Wars: The Clone Wars into live-action with Rosario Dawson taking on the role.

    Currently, the production is eyeing starting its cameras in Los Angeles later this month. It is unclear how many episodes Ramsey will direct and if others are also attached. All we know about the series is that Ahsoka will be traveling across the galaxy on the hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn, which continues the storyline set up in Star Wars: Rebels. The series has already attached Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ivanna Sakhno, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo.

    While we’re still waiting for any info on how ill play Thrawn, we do know that Ray Stevenson has been cast in a villainous role alongside the confirmation that Hayden Christensen will return once again after appearing in May’s Obi-Wan Kenobi. There’s still the rumor that Mena Massoud might join the series as Ezra Bridger, but that has still not been confirmed so far. For now, we’ll see if more details arrive once they start production.

    UPDATING

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Eyeing a $200M+ Domestic Opening Weekend

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Eyeing a $200M+ Domestic Opening Weekend

    The long-term projections are finally here, as enough buzz has been starting to gather around the upcoming release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While things aren’t still at their usual pace with the pandemic still an issue in the back of people’s minds, we still saw some films manage to break the model such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and The Batman. Even Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is going to make a strong splash at the box office building on the success of the first entry. Now, it seems that Doctor Strange might be the biggest drop of the year so far.

    Benedict Cumberbatch has been a strong box office draw for some time, and the build-up out of the latest Spider-Man film into Doctor Strange‘s sequel will definitely play a factor. Plus. Elizabeth Olsen also has a big role in the trailers and has been quite the draw after the success of WandaVision as well. The concept of the multiverse is also definitely grabbing people’s attention and the film is currently tracking 2019 performances like Star Wars. The Rise of Skywalker and Captain Marvel. So, the film may potentially open between $165M up to $200M+ in its domestic release.

    That would put it at potentially earning $535M domestically, which is no small feat. The 3-hour release of The Batman managed to open with $134M and currently the Doctor Strange sequel’s presales are already outpacing it. So, it may be the confirmation that even after some softer performances in 2021 due to the pandemic, Marvel Studios remains a top contender within the market moving forward.

    Source: Box Office Report

  • Disney+ to Start Live Broadcasts with ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    Disney+ to Start Live Broadcasts with ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    Disney+ has dropped a rather curious announcement on Twitter. Without much fanfare, they have suddenly dropped the reveal that Dancing with the Stars is heading to Disney+. Now, that in itself isn’t really the story here but rather that they will offer these series live. Yes, the streamer is going to allow viewers to live broadcast the series through their streaming service. There’s no exact word for how they will do it and if this also includes international offerings, but it is definitely a big move to remain competitive with Netflix, Amazon, etc.

    If this turns out successful, it might be a game-changer for the streamer as they start venturing out into live broadcasts. So, international subscribers could watch the latest show from the United States at the same time. Disney+ Day could also become a live broadcast rather than the random drop of a few specials on the service alongside a Twitter announcement thread. It definitely is a bold move that could also highlight future ventures, such as a possible fusion of all offerings with live sports broadcasts through ESPN+ offerings.

    Not just that, any live event that Disney is part of could be broadcasted through the service, especially those that usually aren’t given any airtime normally. So, D23 could become a live event not only for those participating but also for those watching desperately for any information at home. This new move could potentially reposition Disney+ in the market and add some pressure to Netflix and others moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Moon Knight’s Funko Pops Revealed for Mr. Knight and Harrow

    ‘Moon Knight’s Funko Pops Revealed for Mr. Knight and Harrow

    The tradition continues that each new episode of a Marvel Disney+ also includes a newly released Funko Pop. At the moment, Moon Knight is introducing a variety of new characters and offering a look at a new part of the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. The second episode was the grand introduction of Mr. Knight, a popular personality from the original comics. Luckily, Funko didn’t wait long to reveal a new Funko Pop inspired by his design.

    Luckily, that’s not all as Ethan Hawke‘s Arthur Harrow also got his own Funko, as he stands proud with his iconic Ammut staff clutched in his hands. It’s surprising he didn’t get one until the second episode as he was prominently showcased in the first episode but we did get to learn more about the character in the latest episode.

    The designs look great, especially Mr. Knight with all the details added to his costume. If you look closely, you can even see the elements included in his tie that made his design stand out a bit more from the clean white version we see in the comics. The addition of Mr. Knight has also been a great addition to the series. While there have been some discussions on the twist they added to the character, it still was great to see him on-screen and what the future may have in store for him moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • Michelle Pfeiffer Was Hesitant on Joining ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’

    Michelle Pfeiffer Was Hesitant on Joining ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’

    Ant-Man and the Wasp finally introduced us to Janet Van Dyne, and many were excited when we found out that it was Michelle Pfeiffer who had taken on the role. The icon was a perfect choice for the aged-up version of the character that got lost in the Quantum Realm long ago. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon, the actress revealed that she was quite hesitant about even joining the production, as she was only given a few details on her character by director Peyton Reed.

    They’re very mysterious, and they’re very secretive, of course, with their storylines. It’s a little hard because I met with Peyton, and I knew a little bit about the character, but there was no script. You have to commit without actually having read anything.

    Michelle Pfeiffer

    She highlights that one challenge is how often the scripts change throughout production. It is commonly done by the creative team as they updated elements and even as a measure to keep as many secrets as possible. Of course, it adds some hesitation to join the project.

    It wouldn’t have mattered because it all changes anyway. You don’t really know what you’re getting into, and then you get a script right before you start shooting, and then it changes every day. And then you shoot the movie, and you wrap, and then it changes again.

    Michelle Pfeiffer

    What needs to be pointed out though is that Pfeiffer also has been rather open on her almost backing out of every single film role she ever had. She confirmed that in an interview back in 2018, and it probably wasn’t much different here but she is luckily confirmed to return for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

    Source: YouTube via The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ Eyeing a $60M+ Opening Weekend After Strong Domestic Previews

    ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ Eyeing a $60M+ Opening Weekend After Strong Domestic Previews

    It looks like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is on its way to opening with a strong weekend, as it has taken in $6.25M domestically through its previews from Wednesday and Thursday. To put that into comparison, the film has managed to pass Morbius ($5.7M) and Uncharted ($3.7M), which is motivating after the only real major release being The Batman in 2022 so far. It seems most of the income is from Thursday, which is to be expected with around $5M. That still puts it ahead of the first entries’ $3M back in 2020 before the pandemic hit.

    So far, the question remains if the family-focused film can carry the weekend to potentially pass Jumanji: The Next Level‘s $59.3M opening weekend. Family films have mostly struggled quite a bit as of late due to the pandemic. So, it’ll be interesting to see if the film continues its draw for a younger audience and pulls in people, but it seems clear that it has a good chance to potentially take the top spot.

    Currently, the prediction is that the film will take in around $60M to $75M, but Box Office Pro doesn’t deny that there’s a chance it could perform even better. We have to keep in mind that the film already took in $30M last weekend internationally in only 31 markets. 22are set to join this weekend and its only real competition is Ambulance and Everything Everywhere All At Once, which target a very different audience. So, we’ll see just how it’s weekend will go.

    Source: Box Office Pro, Deadline

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Directors Tease their Approach to ‘Loki’ Season 2

    ‘Moon Knight’ Directors Tease their Approach to ‘Loki’ Season 2

    It was in February when we learned that the directing duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead would be taking over the upcoming second season of Loki from Kate Herron. The team just recently published their work on Archive 81 and has also been the second team to tackle Moon Knight alongside Egyptian director Mohamed Diab. We still know very little about the upcoming second season and what we can expect from the series, but luckily the duo has sat down with Collider to offer a glimpse into their approach.

    After tackling the character of Moon Knight, the duo had the challenge of introducing a comic character that made his live-action debut. So, now they are happy to tackle another series revealing they were “handed that job” and highlighting what they also want to carry over from their first Disney+ series.

    I mean, we’re still kind of even processing being handed that job. But I suppose what we can say about it is that we’re really, really proud of what we’ve done on Moon Knight. I think that Marvel really likes what we’re able to do on Moon Knight. And so we’re hoping to kind of take all the lessons that we learned, which are infinite, the unbelievable amount of life experience, and craft, and art that we made in Moon Knight. And we want to take all of that and kind of bundle it back together as we lead Loki.

    Aaron Moorhead

    Benson went on to also highlight that they have one thing together that they are both “outcasts” and that complexity adds something special to exploring these characters.

    They all have complexity, but these two have complexity in being outcasts, and there’s something about that that feels very special and an honor to tackle.

    Justin Benson

    It certainly looks like the duo are ready to tackle their next MCU project, and are quite excited to bring the second season of Loki to life. We know that it’ll likely pick up directly where the first season ended, as Kang has taken over the TVA and no one can seemingly remember who the God of Mischief is. Sadly, it looks like we still have to wait a little bit longer before we find out.

    Source: Collider

  • Tom Hiddleston Joins Apple’s ‘The White Darkness’

    Tom Hiddleston Joins Apple’s ‘The White Darkness’

    It looks like Loki star Tom Hiddleston has set his eyes on his next project, as The Hollywood reporter has shared that the actor joined Apple’s upcoming drama series, The White Darkness. The limited series is based on the book by David Grann, which explores the story of a former soldier who is obsessed with adventure as he sets out to journey across Antarctica. Of course, as one does, he decides to do so on foot. Apple ordered the series as a limited series to explore not only this adventure but also the family life he leaves behind for this ambition.

    Tom Hiddleston will take on the role of Henry Worsley, the man who sets out into the white darkness that is endless Antarctica. Universal Content Productions is involved with the project alongside Apple Studios. Mark Heyman of Black Swan fame is attached as showrunner alongside Soo Hugh. This collaboration marks Hugh’s second project with Apple after he adapted Min Jin Lee‘s Pachinko. Blue Marble Pictures is also involved due to their overall deal with the company.

    Hiddleston is also no stranger to working with Apple, as he also appeared in The Essex Serpent, which is another book adaptation. While others are focusing strongly on establishing well-known IPs with franchises built around them, Apple is taking a different approach to establishing its place among the other streamers by adapting well-known articles and offering alternative originals. It’ll be interesting to see them continue down this path and create a niche placement within the competitive market.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘PEN15’s Maya Erskine Joins Donald Glover’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith’

    ‘PEN15’s Maya Erskine Joins Donald Glover’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith’

    It looks like Donald Glover and Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith is finally moving forward. Sadly, Phoebe Waller-Bridge has exited the project and Maya Erskine will take over her role. The actress left the project due to “creative differences” but no details have been shared on what led to her exiting the project. It was originally ordered straight to series back in February 2021, but not much has happened on the reboot of the Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie-led classic from 2005. Now, the project is finally picking up some steam with Erskine joining the project.

    Donald Glover had the following to say on her joining the project, and also highlighted that he’s already started work on the finale of the series:

    She’s dope. It’s exciting. I really love the show. I’m writing the finale now.

    Donald Glover

    He’s been working on the deal alongside Francesca Sloane, who is a co-showrunner and co-creator as part of her own deal with Amazon. New Regency’s Yariv Milchan and Michael Schaefer are attached as executive producers. There’s no word how it might adapt the storyline of the original or add its own twist to it. Glover has been busy working on various projects, which also include Hive, a series based on a concept pitched by Watchmen writer Janine Nabers.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Presales Outpaced ‘The Batman’

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Presales Outpaced ‘The Batman’

    It’s looking good for Marvel Studios once again, as the current 24-hour presales are the best of 2022 so far. As such, they have already beat out Warner Bros.’ big March release of The Batman and are hot on the trail of Spider-Man: No Way Home. We don’t have an exact number, but it looks like the Disney subsidiary has a blockbuster hit on its hands. Fandango’s Erik Davis had the following to say on the film’s presales:

    The epic first day of presales for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proves fans are beyond excited to experience all the thrills, chills and blockbuster surprises Marvel Studios is known to deliver.

    Erik Davis – Fandangp

    There’s still no word how the numbers are with other exhibitors, but the multiversal-based storyline is definitely on everyone’s must-watch list. Doctor Strange has been a consistent presence throughout the MCU even if his first solo film was released all the way back in 2016. Plus, the trailer was revealed alongside No Way Home, which was quite the box office draw since its release back in December.

    Forbes does point to it being a potentially cautionary tale, especially given the uncertainty of the MCU’s holding on the box office. Not every entry in the franchise has truly dominated yet most of the releases also faced some hardships during the pandemic. There are some comparisons made to Eternals performing similarly to Dune, as well as Uncharted picking up the same pace as Black Widow. Yet, the latter definitely took place in very different situations, and the films have still performed quite well, especially those introducing new characters into the franchise. For now, 2022 is still not looking like a true “return to form” for the box office and it’ll definitely be a proving ground moving forward.

    Source: Deadline, Forbes