Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Digital Preorder Sales Surpass ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Digital Preorder Sales Surpass ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    Well, it’s pretty clear that Spider-Man: No Way Home is a powerhouse in and out of theaters. Media Play News has revealed that the pre-order sales for Marvel Studios’ third entry in the franchise has become Vudu’s top-selling preorder title of all time. It is set to release on March 22nd, which means it can only go up from here. As such, it has also beaten Avengers: Endgame in preorder sales and has left its mark as one of the hottest releases.

    The film’s sales have been quite impressive and it does seem like the film is carrying over the excitement that fans had seen their favorite Spider-Man actors appear on the screen. There’s something special about owning that film and being able to revisit it again, even if you’ve probably spent way too much time in theaters rewatching the film over and over again.

    It does make you wonder just how well Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may perform. The film is not only teasing some well-known characters from Marvel’s cinematic past but also builds directly out of one of the most popular films since 2019. There’s a good chance that its release may rival the Spidey threequel, but only time will tell.

    Source: Media Play News

  • Paramount to Let it Rip With Live-Action ‘Beyblade’ Movie

    Paramount to Let it Rip With Live-Action ‘Beyblade’ Movie

    You never know what franchise is making its way to cinemas nowadays. Barbie is getting ready to offer an all-star cast revisiting Matell’s iconic doll with Greta Gerwig at the helm. Years ago, The LEGO Movie redefined what it meant to be a film based on a toy. Now, Paramount is ready to let it rip with a live-action film based on the toy franchise Beyblade. Not just that, but “Mr. Blockbuster” Jerry Bruckheimer is also attached to produce the film.

    The spinning tops were a collectible toy which is licensed by Hasbro. There have been countless manga, anime, and comic adaptations of the popular franchise that tended to focus on a tournament. Neil Widener and Gavin James are set to write the script, but it’s unclear if it’ll stick to the classic approach with the franchise or try something different. As you can guess, it’s still in early development but they already hope to turn it into a massive franchise like the Transformers.

    Bruckheimer is a fitting choice given how he turned the Pirates of The Caribbean into a massive franchise. The writers are also busy working on the script for the DC project Hourman and Now You See Me 3. Given its sales numbers, it’s no wonder that they see the potential in it. Makes you wonder when we’ll get the announcement for a live-action Yu-gi-oh! franchise at this point given the popularity of the card game and anime franchise.

    Source: Deadline

  • New ‘The Batman’ Clip Features Riddler Unmasked

    New ‘The Batman’ Clip Features Riddler Unmasked

    Since the first trailer dropped, The Batman has gone out of its way to make sure we never get a good look at Paul Dano‘s take on the classic villain, the Riddler. Director Matt Reeves has openly discussed that they are taking inspiration from the Zodiac killer with this character’s new take. As such, they made a big deal out of not revealing his face. Yet, an official clip has found its way online from Good Morning America that includes the rest of the scene we saw in the opening of the second trailer. Yet, instead of ending early, it briefly reveals the Riddler unmasked.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzn19gVouXk

    While it is Dano‘s face, as to be expected, it’s interesting how meek they made the Riddler look. Edward Nygma might be a murderer, but the film is diving into a version that could be an “anyone” on the street who you’d never expect could be behind the cases you see on the news. As he’s getting arrested in this scene it’ll be interesting to see if this is earlier or even much later in the film.

    The Batman has pushed its marketing into overdrive with only a week left to go. We’re still anticipating the reviews for the film to confirm if Reeves’ new franchise is one to keep a close eye on. The trailers have certainly been promising and we’Ll see if there is more to Dano‘s character in the film than they are letting on. Somehow, we still know very little about the film’s story and we’ll have to be patient just a little bit longer.

    Source: YouTube

  • Ryan Reynolds Teases “a Batch of Updates” for ‘Deadpool 3’

    Ryan Reynolds Teases “a Batch of Updates” for ‘Deadpool 3’

    Ryan Reynolds probably knew Deadpool 3 questions were heading his way the moment he started the press tour for his Netflix film, The Adam Project. Just recently, he was asked if he has a possible cameo in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and loosely mentioned that they’re still working on the next Deadpool entry. In an interview with Collider, the actor did offer a bit more on the Marvel Studios film, especially with the possibility of him and Shawn Levy working on the project together. While he avoided giving a clear indication on that, he did hint that we may get some more information “sooner rather than later.” His full quote is as followed:

    We pretty much talk about everything, but I’ll say this about that particular subject is I’ll have a batch of updates on that sooner rather than later, I hope. So I’ll be able to get into stuff about Deadpool a little bit more clearly and definitively down the road.

    Ryan Reynolds

    There’s a chance that they’re still working on the script and Reynolds has been busy with other projects. No director has been announced for the project, and it didn’t even get a dramatic logo reveal like the Fantastic Four film, which doesn’t even have writers attached – as far as we know. So, we’ll have to see if an announcement or update will really offer any details, but it would seem logical to get some kind of information on the project by the end of the year, as they start promoting what is heading our way after 2023. For now, all we can do is wait.

    Source: Collider

  • New ‘Batwoman’ Set Photo Offers Full Look at Arrowverse’s Joker

    New ‘Batwoman’ Set Photo Offers Full Look at Arrowverse’s Joker

    The young actor Kendrick Jackson has shared some behind-the-scenes photos from Batwoman to celebrate his return to the role of Marquis Jet. The first photo to catch everyone’s attention is the inclusion of what is seemingly our first full look at the Arrowverse series’ version of the Joker, who was only hinted at in the series. The photo offers a full look at the actor Nathan Dashwood in his costume as the iconic Clown Prince of Crime, which showcases just how comic-accurate their version was.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CaWDmVlLDF5/

    For those that haven’t seen the latest episodes yet, there’s an ongoing trend of familiar villains making their return due to the various trophies that Batman collected over the years are leading to a new generation of villains. In the post-Crisis timeline, the Joker was killed by Batman with the new Batwoman’s brother, Marquis Jet, inheriting the role.

    The above reveals hints that we’ll revisit the original version before his death at some point in the story. Jet becoming the new CEO of Wayne Enterprises will definitely lead to quite the conflict and redefine what makes a Joker in the CW series. Batwoman has been trying to take the characters we grew up with and add a twist to them, which this “Inheritance” plotline has certainly enabled. We’ll see if they have way more plans for the future.

    Source: Instagram

  • Colin Farrell’s Penguin Won’t Smoke in ‘The Batman’

    Colin Farrell’s Penguin Won’t Smoke in ‘The Batman’

    It looks like Colin Farrell‘s version of Oswald Cobblepot will be lacking one of his many signatures in the upcoming The Batman film. In the comics, the character has often been portrayed smoking a cigarette or even a cigar at times, but it seems that Warner Bros. won’t allow the portrayal of the character with it. In an interview with Jake’s Takes, he revealed that he fought quite a bit to get his character to smoke in the film, but his requests were always turned down.

    Big studios make big decisions around such thing as the presence of cigarettes in films. I fought valiantly for a cigar. At one stage I said, ‘I can have it unlit! Just let me have it unlit.’ They were like, ‘No.’ [As if] a bunch of 12 year olds are going to start smoking Cuban cigars because [the Penguin is smoking cigars in a movie.]Colin Farrell

    They aren’t the only ones that have set a smoking ban in their productions, as Disney famously made the decision back in 2007. They even extended it to their other subsidiaries – sorry Wolverine fans, no cigar for him – and are quite strict on it. To be fair, Farrell’s upcoming version of Cobblepot seems closer to a gangster version of the character that is only now on his path to embracing the Penguin identity. So, we’ll see what the future has in store for the character and if he at least gets his iconic hat.

    Source: Jake’s Takes via Variety

  • ‘Avengers: Endgame’s Joe Russo Warns on Overdoing the Multiverse Storyline

    ‘Avengers: Endgame’s Joe Russo Warns on Overdoing the Multiverse Storyline

    The multiverse has arrived last year in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Loki kicked off events that would eventually set the stage for Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. We don’t know how big the plans are for the concept, but even DC is jumping in on the trend with The Flash set to potentially even rewrite the history of the DC Extended Universe. Avengers: Endgame‘s director, Joe Russo, was asked about his thoughts in regards to how much more we can expect it moving forward. He had a simple approach by stating that “too much of one thing is a bad thing.” His full quote is as follows:

    So yeah, too much of one thing is a bad thing, but I think there are enough creators and innovators in the space where you can expect to be surprised. Just don’t expect corporations to surprise you.

    Joe Russo

    He’s definitely right that too much won’t be good for the film’s long-term. There’s always a chance that it gets too convoluted or difficult to figure out how everything connects. Plus, it’ll bloat the market if all these films provide are cameos of familiar faces just because they could. It does seem like the MCU version of the multiverse might come to an end once the story teased with He Who Remains hits its boiling point. Who knows if an adaptation of Secret wars might be the project that brings it all together once again.

    Source: IGN

  • Kathryn Hahn Offers Update on Her ‘WandaVision’ Spinoff ‘Agatha: House of Harkness’

    Kathryn Hahn Offers Update on Her ‘WandaVision’ Spinoff ‘Agatha: House of Harkness’

    WandaVision introduced the world to Kathryn Hahn‘s memorable performance as Agatha Harkness. “Agatha All Along” became one of the catchiest songs of the year, and it seems that Marvel Studios wasn’t ready to have such talent and not use her for years to come. During Disney+ Day, they finally confirmed that she’ll get her own spinoff titled Agatha: House of Harkness. We know very little about the project when it takes place in the ever-expanding MCU timeline, and if it might follow up the storylines set up in the finale of their first-ever Disney+ series. Luckily, it seems the actress behind the project may have already gotten some glimpses.

    In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actress discussed her current career and was asked about the upcoming Marvel Studios series. She didn’t reveal any details sadly, but did say that it is “exactly what I would have hoped and dreamt.” So, they might’ve already started work on the scripts and put together some visuals to showcase where the project is heading. Hopefully, we might find out sooner rather than later when we might expect it to find its way to the streamer.

    It would seem like the story will explore her family history that was briefly touched upon in a flashback. Her unleashing the Scarlet Witch won’t make her popular with other witches but finally gets a chance to explore the magic history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe from the perspective of witch culture. Perhaps we get to visit Salem and could even see the return of Ralph Boner. There was also the demon rabbit that ended up getting scrapped from the finale. There are so many possibilities, it’s going to be interesting to see how this series innovates.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • REVIEW: ‘Batman’ is a Love Story for the Ages

    REVIEW: ‘Batman’ is a Love Story for the Ages

    The Batman‘s release is just around the corner, and it seemed fitting to take a look back at the many films that defined the character on the silver screen. So, welcome to our latest review-a-thon revisiting the Caped Crusader’s cinematic history. To kick it off, you can’t really talk about the franchise without mentioning Tim Burton‘s 1989 film simply titled Batman. Even back then, people doubted Michael Keaton in the titular role, but he would go on to define not only his career but also comic book history by bringing the character to life. Later this year, he’ll even return in the role for a new generation to meet THE Batman that defined many people’s childhood. Yet, after over 30 years, does the film still hold up, or is it hiding behind a Gothic mask?

    After rewatching it, I’ve remembered that most of the main plotlines of this story surround Vicky Vale. Not only is Bruce Wayne strangely obsessed with her, but even the Joker has a liking to the young reporter. He ends up ditching his romantic interest, who he uses for questionable experiments, as soon as she catches his eyes. Wait, that’s not even it, as her reporting partner, Alexander Knox, seemingly you – guessed it – has a crush on her. This rhombus of a love triangle permeates throughout the entire film, it makes you wonder why they didn’t have Bob join in just for the hell of it. Though that’s the same guy who thought a dude in a rubber bat suit had a wallet on him somewhere; he probably has other worries at the time.

    But you can’t forget that Bruce Wayne, the moment he sees Jack Napier return as the Joker, just wanders around starring at him. While I know Jack Nicholson‘s performance is mesmerizing throughout the film’s runtime, he already saw the guy earlier when he threw him into the vat of whatever can turn a man into the human equivalent of an eggshell. So, either he just really loves clowns, or it was love at first sight. He is the greatest detective after all. So, he must’ve known that quietly following a murderer – in broad daylight mind you – won’t get him killed but a flirty wave goodbye. The moment Vicky steps in, he just bolts without a word. If you ask me, that’s suspicious.

    The more I think about it, was the line “let’s get nuts” bit more a test. I mean, Joker goes on to pull off the line “never rub another man’s rhubarb” and the whole room really thinks there’s no sexual undertone at play here? I think not! The more you think about it, everything the Clown Prince of Crime does is to get Batman’s attention. Yes, he claims it’s about being more famous than the bat-themed Power Ranger, but he can’t lie. He knows the guy is going to show up if he makes enough people smile to death. The guy walks around with a gun in his pants that screams “compensating for something” and definitely trying to show off. Batman is no exception with his “Batmobile” that can’t take a turn even if its life depended on it.

    Before he turned into a mad clown, he was a calculating gangster. Just because he is selling make-up that puts permanent death grins on its victims, and starts obsessing about a woman’s photos of dead people – by the way, what the hell was up with that, Vicky? – that doesn’t mean there’s a plan at play here. If you ignore the dramatic implications of Joker turning out as the murderer of Bruce’s parents, you start to realize where the inspiration of their relationship in The LEGO Batman Movie came from. It was in our faces since 1989, but we were just too focused on the fun superhero action and a great story to really look a little deeper.

    Let’s be honest, the Vicky Vale romance may have been hiding the true love story all along, as two different worlds collide and are desperate for each other’s attention. Even during the finale, he’s just waiting for his prince in plastic rubber. Dancing with Vale in his arms, while Batsy is desperately trying to get close. If he really was as obsessed with her as the film is implying, they would’ve been gone a long time. Hell, he could’ve taken out Batman if he wanted to. Even as they are hanging, the one to fall is Vicky and not the Caped Crusader. He’s obsessed with the man that just manages to put a smile on his face, a permanent one.

    There’s just something about the romantic setting of Burton‘s Gotham and the slower pace that lets you take it all in. We’ve really been enjoying a superhero epic that was hiding an unlikely love story for so long. Vicky Vale is in the middle of a story that may not actually be about her. The true reason Batman wasn’t there to meet her wasn’t because of the Bat symbol, but the memory it holds for what was lost during the final confrontation. Perhaps he really did want to dance with the devil in the pale moonlight.

  • Sienna Guillory, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, and Skyler Samuels Join ‘The Meg’ Sequel’s Cast

    Sienna Guillory, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, and Skyler Samuels Join ‘The Meg’ Sequel’s Cast

    It looks like the sequel to 2018’s shark movie Meg is picking up speed. Titled Meg 2: The Trench, the film has now added Sienna Guillory, who recently appeared in Clifford the Big Red Dog, The Gifted‘s Skyler Samuels, and Snowfall‘s Sergio Peris-Mencheta. They will join Jason Statham, who is set to return to face off against another megalodon in the upcoming sequel. At least that is what we theorize given that the plot still remains under wraps.

    It seems safe with the title that we’ll get another megalodon, but who knows how many might find their way to the surface this time around once they enter the mysterious trench teased in the title. All week now about are the roles the new additions will take on. Peris-Mencheta will play one of the film’s antagonists, who is a hard-edged mercenary. Samuels is a new member of Stathams‘ crew while Guillory plays the head of an applied sciences division.

    Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, and Cliff Curtis are also going to return to the franchise in the upcoming sequel. The film is already filming in the United Kingdom with Ben Wheatley at the helm after his work on High-Rise. It’ll be interesting to see if the film manages to go even more over-the-top than the previous entry.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter