Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Hawkeye’ Will Test Kate Bishop’s Relationship With Her Mother

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Hawkeye’ Will Test Kate Bishop’s Relationship With Her Mother

    We’re only a few weeks away from Hawkeye‘s release on Disney+. The series will take a more grounded approach with our titular hero taking on mobsters rather than planet-destroying space tyrants. Clint Barton’s series will also see him take a young protégé under his wing, Hailee Steinfeld‘s Kate Bishop. The series will explore their dynamic and the importance of family. While Barton is struggling to make it home on time for the holidays, Kate is juggling her relationship with her mother.

    In a teaser for the series, we briefly saw the archer trying to explain to her mother that she is important in solving an Avengers-level threat. Vera Farmiga will bring her mother, Eleanor Bishop, to life and has been highlighted in the trailers so far. It’s interesting to note that she died in the comics during a visit to Colorado with her husband Derek raising Kate and her sister Susan. It was a big part of her character development in the comics, which the MCU will add a new spin on it. Hawkeye producer Trinh Tran offered some insight into why they made the change in an exclusive interview with our own Charles Villanueva

    We haven’t had many opportunities to explore a mother-daughter relationship in the MCU. I’m not saying that hasn’t happened, but it’s just there hasn’t been too many of that. And what I find interesting is that there is a lot of, I guess, fresh territory that we can go to for the relationship for the two of them.

    Trihn Tran

    Many Marvel stories indeed focus on the dynamic between fathers and their children, such as Thanos and Gamora, Ego and Star-Lord, and many more. So, it’s a great move to use this opportunity to explore a mother-daughter dynamic, especially as she highlights how Kate’s personality adds that extra layer that’ll test their relationship.

    She thinks she knows what is best for Kate, but Kate is you’ve seen in the comics is sometimes hard-headed, and she speaks her mind and she is not afraid to do so. And there could be opposing opinions in who she is. So, I think that, like I said, is a more personal, more emotional between the two characters that we wanted to explore in this particular direction for the both of them.

    Trihn Tran

    There’s a possibility that this change was also inspired to explore the darker side of her family’s history. Given what we learn about the character in the comics, they might want to also further establish their dynamic before the story hits a more dramatic turn.

  • ‘Cowboy Bebop’ is an Important Stepping Stone for Live-Action Anime

    ‘Cowboy Bebop’ is an Important Stepping Stone for Live-Action Anime

    The first reviews have hit for Cowboy Bebop. Netflix’s latest attempt at a live-action adaptation has arrived and might just be the beginning of their future venture. There’s a noticeable trend among many that the series doesn’t quite live up to the original, which it doesn’t, and in many ways never could. Yet, there’s something rather interesting surrounding the discussion of it. The inspiration of that very discussion is a simple question on the live-action adaptations reasoning to exist, such as how Brian Lloyd of entertainment.ie put it in his review: “Why bother with this when the original anime is on Netflix?”

    It’s a fair question, especially with many adaptations, especially of anime, seemingly not living up to the highs of the original. Netflix kind of pushed this very question when it announced that the original 1999 anime was going to release ahead of their live-action adaptation. If they’re going to provide the classic, why invest all that money into a separate adaptation that will very likely never live up to the original due to the relevance it holds to this day. Hell, they’re going even further with a live-action adaptation planned for other beloved classic anime like One Piece, Pokémon, and even Mobile Suit Gundam.

    Cowboy Bebop review: Netflix's adaptation has heart, style, and some rough edges - The Verge

    The series is far from where we were with projects like Death Note or the best-forgotten Dragonball Evolution. In a way, there’s a long path ahead of any of these adaptations due to fan expectations. It took years before Marvel Studios got to the point that they create believable adaptations of their comics that don’t fall into the valley of ridiculous. I mean, could you imagine ten years ago that we’ll have a film featuring a wizard traveling through the multiverse potentially facing a Lovecraftian tentacle monster as a May-opening blockbuster? We’re at a point where no one proclaims anymore: “Why not just read the comics?” but rather: “How and when will they adapt this story?” The curiosity has spread to those that don’t even read comics and created a new generation of potential readers.

    Cowboy Bebop took risks while also trying to play it safe. It’s kind of almost every adaptation does, but there’s a spark there of people that loved the original. It doesn’t always translate so easily but it does inspire. Even if this series isn’t perfect, it’s something that’ll introduce people that otherwise would have no interest in it. Yes, the original anime is available but not everyone is willing to watch everything that is out there. Countless people still downplay the relevance of storytelling through animation outside of the classic Pixar or Disney films. Anime has become more mainstream, but there’s a strong focus on specific franchises rather than the genre as a whole. Just like people didn’t take comics seriously due to it just being for “kids” for quite some time.

    Cowboy Bebop review: "A stellar remix that hits all the right notes" | GamesRadar+

    To give an example, One Piece is a deep series of characters going through extreme hardships at times, but its cartoony exterior may keep many from wanting to check it out. The same might go for those that may be a little anxious about the more methodical pace of the original Cowboy Bebop. It’s a bounty-of-the-week series that is more philosophical and far beyond classic understandings of genre. While streamlining this story may feel far removed from the original and make you question its existence, its easier-to-digest nature is a gateway for those unwilling to check out something they may have trivialized as a “cartoon from Japan.” A flawed adaptation that comes from the right place and made by fans of the original will play an integral part as the first stepping stone where quality meets intention.

    Source: Entertainment.ie

  • Latest HBO’s ‘The Last Of Us’ Set Photos Offers a Closer Look at Jackson City

    Latest HBO’s ‘The Last Of Us’ Set Photos Offers a Closer Look at Jackson City

    We’ve gotten a glimpse of HBO’s production of their live-action adaptation of The Last Of Us. Early in October, we got a look at a post-apocalyptic city that showcases their attention to detail in bringing the games to life. Now, new photos have found their way online teasing a very familiar landmark in the Naughty Dog franchise, Jackson City. The Wyoming safe haven played an important role in both games. In the first, we visit Tommy, Joel’s brother, in this town during the cross-country tour. The self-sustaining town would play a vital role in the opening act of the sequel. So, its inclusion makes sense and it’s great to see this many practical sets bringing it to life. The pictures are provided by Russell and Russell Design Studios, who turned the Canadian city of Canmore into Jackson.

    The weather also hints at this story taking place during the winter, especially around the holiday season with some other photos teasing a giant Christmas tree.

    We’re seeing a great level of practical work bringing this series to life throughout these set photos. It’s a great touch, as it adds to the harsh reality that our duo is about to face on their cross-country storyline. Of course, the fact they built Jackson opens up the possibility that we’ll see a similar storyline from the first game and the introduction of Tommy. His original voice actor, Jeffrey Pierce, did join the project but as an original character, as Agents of SHIELD’s Gabriel Luna takes on the role in the live-action series opposite of Pedro Pascal‘s Joel.

    Source: Instagram, Instagram (Tree)

  • First Look at ‘The Art of WandaVision’ Artbook

    First Look at ‘The Art of WandaVision’ Artbook

    There’s a tradition with Marvel Studios films that an art book commonly follows at one point. It offers a look behind-the-curtains and how they bring some of our favorite characters to life. It was uncertain if the same is the case for the Disney+ series, but luckily it seems we got the answer we were looking for. Marvel Studios’ Director of Visual Development and Concept Artist Andy Park has shared the first look at an Art of WandaVision book with its cover highlighting Wanda’s transformation into the Scarlet Witch and her family from the Disney+ series.

    Park‘s artwork has always been impressive and showcases his love for detail. Scarlet Witch’s MCU design feels like the perfect blend of her comic outfit with a blend of practicality. There are always interesting secrets hidden in the many chapters of these Art of books, as they sometimes also hint at concepts that didn’t make it past the concept phase. There was artwork prepared for Doctor Strange wearing the Iron Man armor in Avengers: Infinity War and even some alternative designs for Spider-Man’s many suits throughout the MCU. It’ll be interesting to see what secrets this book includes.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Hawkeye’ Will Include “Giant Reminders” of Natasha Romanoff

    ‘Hawkeye’ Will Include “Giant Reminders” of Natasha Romanoff

    One of the most heartfelt scenes in Avengers: Endgame was the exchange between Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton, as they both try to make the sacrifice for the sake of half the universe. Natasha is the one who takes the leap of faith and leaves behind her closest friend to carry the weight of the Soul Stone in his hand. Her legacy lives on through Yelena Belova, who we were introduced to in the solo Black Widow film and is set to return in Hawkeye. She is confirmed to appear in the upcoming series and it seems like Clint Barton hasn’t quite gotten over the events either.

    In an interview with the Evening Standard, actor Jeremy Renner talked about how Black Widow will play into the story beyond just the appearance of Belova. It seems that we’ll also use this series to explore Barton’s grief from losing her, especially as he did it all for the sake of his family that he once again has to leave behind to look after Kate Bishop and her shenanigans.

    There are giant reminders of Natasha in this series. Reminders of things that tie into losing somebody and reminders of all that beautiful things that come with a lot of pain as well.

    Jeremy Renner

    It makes sense that this death would still hang over his head, as he was the one that had to let go when they were hanging from a cliff on Vormir. Belova’s appearance in the series will definitely bring back the dark reality of that moment and once again bring him face-to-face with the consequences.

    Source: Standard

  • ‘Hawkeye’ Director Plays Coy on Yelena Belova’s Role in the Disney+ Series

    ‘Hawkeye’ Director Plays Coy on Yelena Belova’s Role in the Disney+ Series

    The post-credit sequence of Black Widow set up the return of Florence Pugh‘s Yelena Belova. We meet her at Natasha Romanoff’s grave where she gets a new mission from the mysterious Val. The reality of the events that took place in Avengers: Endgame was twisted, as she is given the task to take out Clint Barton. Of course, we already knew he was getting his own Disney+ series and her return in the series was already confirmed ahead of time. There was also a report in July that she might even appear in multiple episodes. So, Total Film tried to get a bit more out of Hawkeye director Rhys Thomas, who played coy on her exact role.

    I can’t speak to that. But yes, we know their past, and obviously what happened in Endgame. We know in these first two episodes that Clint’s dealing with the fallout of that. But in terms of how they meet, I can’t – I’ll just pretend I don’t know. Imagine it’s a happy meeting, where they talk over coffee and work things out.

    Rhys Thomas

    Total Film was open about the fact if we’ll see these two at each other’s throats, but the director wouldn’t give anything away. Thomas did tease that “it all connects in some way” and that “the story is its own little world.” So, we can expect callbacks and connective tissue to the rest, but given its smaller scale, we might have a much more intimate story on our hands.

    Source: Total Film

  • Lucasfilm’s Micro-Management May Have Led to ‘Rogue Squadron’s Indefinite Delay

    Lucasfilm’s Micro-Management May Have Led to ‘Rogue Squadron’s Indefinite Delay

    A new piece by Puck from former THR editor Matthew Belloni has offered an update on why exactly Patty Jenkins‘ Rogue Squadron was delayed indefinitely. Initially, rumors had it pushed back until 2024, just a year away from its original release. Shortly after, we got the official word that it was postponed indefinitely and without any word of a project taking its place. The official word is that scheduling conflicts are the main reason, especially with Warner Bros. fast-tracking the third Wonder Woman film. So, Star Wars‘ cinematic future remains uncertain but it looks like there might be more to this story.

    In a new piece on the site Puck, they report that a significant lack of Star Wars films is mainly due to the company behind them, Lucasfilm. According to their sources, Jenkins couldn’t agree on a script with the executives, which naturally drags out any talks. The issue sadly isn’t uncommon in the industry but seems to have especially become an internal one with Lucasfilm. They cite that the new trilogies that were in development, one by Game of Thrones‘ David Benioff, and Dan Weiss as well as one by The Last Jedi‘s Rian Johnson‘s, both got shelved due to the same issues.

    The article highlights Kathleen Kennedy‘s role in the company’s current development. She’s the president of the company and has an important role in keeping the machine running. Yet, it seems that their hands-on approach is damaging their relationship with directors and talent within the industry. Phil Lord and Chris Miller famously kicked from their own production only for Ron Howard to take over directing duties. So, it opens up the question of what this direction for Lucasfilm might mean for the franchise if one of the hottest properties in the industry is burning bridges.

    Source: Puck, IndieWire

  • Matt Fraction Was a Consulting Producer on Disney+’s ‘Hawkeye’

    Matt Fraction Was a Consulting Producer on Disney+’s ‘Hawkeye’

    The upcoming Disney+ series Hawkeye takes many visual and story beats from the popular Matt Fraction and David Aja‘s run on the character. My Life as a Weapon took a more personal approach with the character, as he took care of an apartment building from a local gang called the Tracksuit Mafia. Of course, he’s not superhuman and gets injured quite a bit on the way. So, he also relies on his protégé, Kate Bishop. Hailee Steinfeld will join the MCU in the iconic role. It looks like Fraction did more than just offer the inspiration, but revealed in an interview with The Ringer that he was also part of the production as a consulting producer.

    I am, I think, credited as consulting producer, though, I’d have to check with my agent and probably just read the credits, but it’s the best because I get to take all the credit. And I get to cast glory and David and Annie and hope none of the blame. I read scripts and offered thoughts. And that was in sort of throughout the process.

    Matt Fraction

    In the same interview, he revealed that he also was supposed to play a member of the Tracksuit Mafia during production, but it ended up getting cut due to the pandemic making things a bit difficult.

    I was supposed to be a tracksuit. It was gonna fit, but between COVID, [this] was before shots were really happening and my immunocompromised mother lives with us and traveling was kind of a thing. And we got a pandemic puppy. So between quite feeling cool to travel and a puppy, I didn’t get to be a tracksuit. So I was this close to being a tracksuit. Other than that consultant producer.

    Matt Fraction

    [UPDATING]

    Source: The Ringer

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Releasing 2 Days Earlier in the UK

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Releasing 2 Days Earlier in the UK

    It looks like UK viewers are in luck, as Digital Spy has confirmed that the next Sony-Marvel Studios collaboration will hit UK theaters early. Spider-Man: No Way Home is going to release on Wednesday, December 15th while the US and other territories are still scheduled for a December 17th release. The announcement comes at a perfect time, as we’re about to get a second trailer tomorrow that’ll be revealed in a fan event. It’s uncertain what exactly we can expect and when it might find its way online, but there is hope we get an announcement sometime today.

    It’s not uncommon for a Marvel film to release early in the UK or even Europe. There’s no word if this will also expand to other European countries, but it’s not uncommon in these countries to have an early preview on Wednesdays. Austria generally has early blockbuster releases on Wednesday to better split viewership over a few days, especially with fan screenings. They even timed the release of Avengers: Endgame that Infinity War ended on midnight of the US release to start the film. So, it’s not too uncommon but great to see it openly confirmed by Sony.

    Source: Digital Spy

  • RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel Reshoots to Add Cameos From an MCU Show

    RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel Reshoots to Add Cameos From an MCU Show

    Just recently, we learned that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is entering an extended reshoot schedule. The main reasons were accredited to the pandemic having influenced initial production and they’re trying to make up for it. Reshoots aren’t uncommon anymore for films nowadays, especially from Marvel Studios. Yet, it seems like there might be one more reason behind the move and they are trying to add some additional cameos that weren’t possible due to production overlaps.

    GWW’s KC Walsh has shared on Twitter that one of the reasoning the production entered reshoots is to work on a pivotal scene. He highlights that they also are trying to add people that were busy filming a show at the time only later to clarify that it was a production from Marvel Studios in response to another tweet. It opens up quite a few questions, as the implication is that the series was being filmed during the time the Doctor Strange sequel was in production. It’s especially noteworthy that it is specifically for a “pivotal scene” in the film.

    https://twitter.com/TheComixKid/status/1460008555415625728

    It’s not the first time a rumor is pointing to a major cameo in the film. There were theories about an Ultron Sentry finding their way in from What If…? alongside Captain Carter. There’s also the connection with Spider-Man opening the film up to potentially directly tying into the events of that film that might spiral the madness mentioned in the film’s title. At this point, it almost seems like anything is possible with whatever the multiverse has to offer.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter (MCU Show)