Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • Remedy Announces Remakes of the Original 2 ‘Max Payne’ Games

    Remedy Announces Remakes of the Original 2 ‘Max Payne’ Games

    Remakes continue to be all the rage these days, as some iconic franchises are making their return to a new console generation. Yet, in a surprising move, it seems like one more iconic franchise is making its return, as Remedy and Rockstar Games have announced that they are now working on remaking not only the original Max Payne but also Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

    The announcement seemingly came out of nowhere, as Remedy is working together with Rockstar Games for a new publishing agreement. They plan to release the remakes for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. They highlighted that it will be of the same quality as their usual AAA output so far. It’ll be developed with their Northlight game engine, which they also are using on the upcoming Alan Wake 2 release and their critically acclaimed Control.

    Rockstar’s Sam Houser had the following to say on the cooperation:

    We were thrilled when our long-time friends at Remedy approached us about remaking the original Max Payne games. We are massive fans of the work the Remedy team has created over the years and we can’t wait to play these new versions.

    Sam Houser

    There’s no set release date, especially as they seemingly just started production on the project. The developer is still busy preparing the release of Alan Wake 2, which also doesn’t have a specific release date as of now. So, we might have to wait a little longer for any update.

    Source: IGN

  • ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Sam Raimi Would Love to Work in the MCU Again

    ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Sam Raimi Would Love to Work in the MCU Again

    There have always been quite a few debates on Marvel Studios’ relationship with its directors. Some believed that they’ve hampered their creative visions, as there are examples like Thor: The Dark World or Edgar Wright’s original Ant-Man pitch, where there were definitely conflicting behind-the-scenes. So, some were concerned that Sam Raimi joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s toy box would hamper his creative vision, yet it seems the director would love to return to work with Marvel Studios.

    Absolutely. It’s like the world’s best toy box to be able to play at Marvel. I’d love to come back and tell another tale, especially with the great management they’ve got there.

    Sam Raimi

    It’s certainly motivating to hear that he’s leaving this project with a positive experience with the production company. The highlight of the management is also a good sign that they were supportive throughout the production. We learned that the producers even pitch in ideas during the creative process, such as CEO Kevin Feige pitched the idea of including Kingpin in Hawkeye.

    Raimi is a creative director and it would be great if he gets a chance to explore more horror elements moving forward. We have a Halloween special on the horizon. So, he might have some fun adapting a storyline based on the Midnight Sons or even further expanding their new mystical and supernatural corner of this franchise. We’re seeing more and more directors taking a stab at leaving their imprint on the MCU. So, it would be great to see more of Raimi dabble in this universe.

    Source: Fandango

  • Sam Raimi Teases Multiple Wanda’s in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Sam Raimi Teases Multiple Wanda’s in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    When the first trailer dropped for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, we got a tease of multiple Variants of our favorite soon-to-be Sorcerer Supreme. Yet, we’ve only gotten teases that other popular characters may also get some other Variants at some point in the future. Well, director Sam Raimi has confirmed that we will also meet quite a few different versions of Elisabeth Olsen‘s Wanda Maximoff in the upcoming film.

    Yes. The movie is a journey into the multiverse, so you do see different iterations of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, and even Lizzie Olsen’s character of Wanda Maximoff. So, the actors have to play that. It’s a great challenge for them and great fun to direct them playing these altered versions of themselves.

    Sam Raimi

    Not only does it sound like he enjoyed the time giving these talented actors opportunities to tackle their characters in unique ways, but it also opens up the question of which version we see in the trailers. We do see one that is seemingly living a normal life in the same house from WandaVision.

    Yet, it also switches between her and the darker take of the character we’ve been getting teased throughout the trailers. Who knows how many Variants we’ll see scattered throughout the film and how they might challenge Strange, who might lose focus as he no longer knows who he can trust. Perhaps there’s more to this story than meets the eyes.

    Source: Fandango

  • Michael Bay Was Aware of the Quality of His ‘Transformer’s Films From Test Screenings

    Michael Bay Was Aware of the Quality of His ‘Transformer’s Films From Test Screenings

    Michael Bay has quite the reputation for sticking to his guns no matter what. Just recently in an interview, he openly stated that there were CG shots he wasn’t happy with even though it’ll release in theaters just a few days later. His Transformers films were the pinnacle of “Bayhem” when each new entry started to up the ante one after another. Surprisingly, it seems that the director was very much aware of it after witnessing the reaction from test screenings.

    So it’s intense, like Transformers…So two houses, 400 people in each house, starting 15 minutes difference or something like that. I’m now watching it with a whole bunch of families and kids, and I’m like, “Okay, dumb robot movie. Oh my God. It’s just a kids’ movie. Oh, man. Oh, what did I do?” It gets a huge score, and it was unfinished.

    Michael Bay

    While seeing families’ reactions to his “dumb robot movie,” he shared that once he entered a more adult theater he realized the quality of the films he made, but that didn’t seem to bother him too much.

    Then I go to the next theater, and I’ve got the sound thing and there’s an empty seat and there’s a guy, whatever. This is more of the adult kind of room, and I look to the guy and I [ask], ‘Do you like this movie?’ And he goes, ‘[meh hand motion]. And I’m like, “Oh, this is terrible. I just made a terrible movie.” Whatever. Huge matching score, like a 94. That’s a spectacular movie score.

    Michael Bay

    Bay has always been very straightforward with his opinion, and you have to respect how he doesn’t really hold back. Still, the Transformers were quite successful and didn’t stop him from pumping out one film after another. He certainly seemed to have fun with the projects he’s worked on. So, while not critically loved, it certainly found its audience.

    Source: ScreenRant

  • ‘Moon Knight’s Showrunner Reveals Comic Inspiration for Disney+’s Suit Design

    ‘Moon Knight’s Showrunner Reveals Comic Inspiration for Disney+’s Suit Design

    Like many Marvel characters, Moon Knight has gone through quite a few iterations of costumes in his comic runtime. So, we were all curious how they’d tackle it in the Disney+ series. Luckily once we got our first look, we saw a classic suit combined with elements from Egyptian mythology and the bandages from mummies. Ahead of the second episode’s premiere, showrunner Jeremy Slater revealed that their main inspiration for the design was Alex Ross, Doug Braithwaite, and Jim Krueger‘s Universe X design, which saw the character wrapped in bandages.

    We’ve heard in the past that the writer’s rooms for the comic adaptations would include ideas and concepts, as they develop the series. Adding in the comic-inspired designs certainly aids in the development process, and it’s great to see the producers lend a supporting hand to bring these iconic comics to life. Director Mohamed Diab revealed how they took the iconic design of Mr. Knight and how they gave it their twist. The decision to make it supernatural was also something that Kevin Feige seemed to love and gave them more freedom to approach it.

    We’re seeing these adaptations embrace their comic roots but combine the varied history to create something unique. While Disney+’s Moon Knight takes iconic images from the original, it feels like a unique take on the original franchise. Especially the designs are embracing different elements, as even Mr. Knight includes new details. Instead of a pure white suit, they added a special kind of material and designs to invoke the character’s Egyptian history. There’s a lot of attention to detail at work here, which just adds to the love and care put into this new branch of the MCU.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘WandaVision’s Billy and Tommy Return in New ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Promo

    ‘WandaVision’s Billy and Tommy Return in New ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Promo

    Here’s an interesting detail, a brand new promo image has dropped for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness which includes some new footage for the upcoming film. While it mostly shows some familiar scenes while expanding on elements, the biggest reveal is the return of Julian Hilliard‘s Billy and Jett Klyne‘s Tommy. It seems like Wanda is having a vision of meeting her children once again only for them to vanish. The house even looks like the modern version of the one she and Vision had in WandaVision.

    It’s surprising they would include their reveal directly in a promo, as there were enough hints at their addition. Plus, the whole post-credit sequence in WandaVision was a set-up for their return. Though, it also opens up the question of how their arrival in the hex may connect to the multiverse. It almost seems like they’ve always been part of the multiverse and just happened to choose Wanda’s cry for a family.

    Whatever it may be, the set-up of this trailer with Strange and Wanda’s voiceovers overlapping perfectly. It creates this eerie feeling and once again highlights the “nightmare” aspect of this Multiverse of Madness. The third eye on evil Doctor Strange is also an interesting addition. It’s still theorized it’s the same character we met in What If…? but there’s no clear indication. For now, we can only theorize as tickets are about to go on sale for the May release.

    Source: Twitter

  • Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Expanding With 2 New HBO Max Series

    Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Expanding With 2 New HBO Max Series

    We’ve all been anxiously awaiting any news on the third entry of Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes franchise. There were hints that they were preparing to work on the sequel yet it looks like they are taking a different approach. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that HBO Max is working on not just one but two television series based on the franchise based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s books. Downey is executive producing through his Team Downey banner. Lionel Wigram, who helped write the first film, is also on board in a similar role.

    Keep in mind, that there’s no confirmation that Downey Jr. will also return in the role of Sherlock. These projects are in early development, and it’s unclear if they’ll simply take place in the same universe that the Sherlock Holmes films introduced. These series also fall under Team Downey’s overall deal with HBO.

    Here’s hoping that they keep some of the best elements from the films, such as the iconic soundtrack. It’s not the only Sherlock Holmes-focused series as Benedict Cumberbatch famously played the character for BBC’s series simply titled Sherlock. Plus, Enola Holmes has become a new franchise hit for Netflix. Perhaps we’re seeing a renaissance for these projects.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Director Reveals Their Unique Take on Mr. Knight

    ‘Moon Knight’ Director Reveals Their Unique Take on Mr. Knight

    If you are avoiding spoilers for Moon Knight, only continue at your own risk as the director reveals a detail from an upcoming episode.

    Director Mohammed Diab sat down with Collider to talk about the upcoming Moon Knight series. He highlights a lot of things about how they had the least reshoots and the freedom that was given to the creative team to make a project that stands out from the rest. In it, he also discussed their approach by introducing Mr. Knight in the series.

    In it, he reveals that Mr. Knight is the design used by Steven Grant, the personality we are initially introduced to in Moon Knight‘s first episode. So, he is no longer a unique personality but rather the costume that he wears when Grant is the one that summons Khonshu’s ability.

    Ironically, we started with Steven having Moon Knight and Marc having Mr. Knight, ironically, but that’s one of the best thing about taking your time and developing things. You start realizing no, no, no, this costume is for this guy. This is what works for them. And we realize what’s the logic.

    Mohamed Diab

    He did highlight that they wanted to make the outfit stick out with the many details it includes. Diab also teased that he summons a suit due to being removed from wherever the original design came from and also has no real connection to “superheroing.” So, it made sense that he’d have a very different costume when forced to summon it. The director did highlight that he was nervous adapting a pure white suit like that due to the difficulties of making it look good on camera.

    And on the other hand, as a director, I was scared a lot more from Mr. Knight’s suit because a white suit like that could look so bad on camera. And it could be silly and it could be weird. But ironically, the moment Oscar stepped in, we felt… it’s very cool. And we actually try to think of moments that we can expand it even more.

    Mohamed Diab

    When the design was first revealed, it certainly had a lot of Moon Knight fans excited. So, its inclusion is definitely a plus, and the fact we get some of the most detailed costume designs in the MCU is a great bonus. It’ll be interesting to see what expansion he is teasing and just how much we get to see him in this costume throughout the series.

    Source: Collider

  • RUMOR: ‘She-Hulk’ Eyeing an August Release, Damage Control and Wong to Appear

    RUMOR: ‘She-Hulk’ Eyeing an August Release, Damage Control and Wong to Appear

    We’ve long discussed when we might expect the various Disney+ series from Marvel Studios to find their way to the service. We were all caught by surprise when Ms. Marvel‘s summer release turned into an early June premiere. We’ve been also waiting for a sign when we might expect She-Hulk, but it seems that it won’t be that much longer before it releases.

    According to the site Chippu, the Tatiana Maslany-led project is eyeing a release in August. They do highlight that it could still get changed, but that seems to be their initial release plan. That’s not all as they also hint that we can expect episodes focus on Damage Control and even Wong trying to sue another wizard. They don’t share any details but if this rumor turns out true, we might expect some really out-there episodes from the MCU.

    The concept always was intriguing, especially with her being a lawyer specializing in supernatural and superheroic cases. We also got a tease that she’ll have the ability to break the fourth wall. So, we might be in for a very different kind of series from Marvel Studios and Disney+. If they really do go for an August release, it’ll be interesting to see if that means they’ll end out the year with the confirmed What If…? Season 2. There’s also the hint that I Am Groot will release some time this year and we have two-Holiday specials on the horizon. So, it’s going to be a big year for Marvel Studios.

    Source: Chippu

  • Crystal Dynamics Confirms Work on New ‘Tomb Raider’ Game

    Crystal Dynamics Confirms Work on New ‘Tomb Raider’ Game

    It seemed inevitable, but Crystal Dynamics has finally confirmed they’ve started working on the fourth entry of their Tomb Raider franchise. The developer took to Twitter to share a small video also announcing that they’re currently focusing their work with the new title to bring it to life with Unreal Engine 5. The new franchise kicked off back in 2013 and went on to spawn the sequels Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

    Tomb Raider is one of the franchises that defined the modern gaming industry. It wasn’t an easy task to reboot such an iconic franchise, especially with the new direction they took. They brought the game into some familiar territory, as it was compared to Uncharted at the time quite a bit, which also reinvented the modern take of adventure, tomb raiding gaming styles.

    Indiana Jones is also scheduled to get a game at some point in the future. So, it seems we’re seeing another resurgence of this genre. There’s no word if we’ll see a new entry from Naughty Dog, as they recently wrapped up Nathan Drake’s story. So, Crystal Dynamics might be the one to fulfill that hole the ending of that franchise left in our hearts.

    Source: Twitter