Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘SHANG-CHI’ Continues to Beat Out the Competition in its Third Weekend

    ‘SHANG-CHI’ Continues to Beat Out the Competition in its Third Weekend

    Another weekend has passed and it seems Shang-Chi is still holding on to the top spot. It’s currently eyeing to end the Sunday with a total domestic of $176.1M after an incredible hold of 61%. It’s the second-best third weekend in September with $21M only beaten by the horror film It with $29.75M. The film is showing healthy legs and also benefits from a lack of competition. It went up against the new release of Clint Eastwood‘s Cry Macho, which is only eyeing around $4.7M over the three-day weekend. Unlike the Marvel Studios production, it’s also currently available via HBO Max and could see a strong drop on Sunday.

    Marvel: Das verspricht der erste Trailer zu "Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings" | GQ Germany

    Currently, it looks like Ryan Reynold‘s Free Guy will take the second spot as it may pass the $5M mark this weekend. Other releases aren#t doing much better, as Cop Shop featuring Gerard Butler might miss hitting the $3M this weekend even with glowing reviews by critics. Its reception by viewers is telling a different story. It’s likely to end up on the sixth spot with horror films Candyman and Malignant ahead.

    Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings seem to indicate that the core audience is back in theatres, but not everything is quite where it used to be. Venom: Let There Be Carnage moved back to its October 1st release and with Dune on the horizon, the films might add some much-needed energy. The lack of a Chinese release is hurting some films, as it’s been the saving grace for F9: The Fast Saga and Godzilla vs. Kong. The latter pulled in almost around $200M from that market alone putting it ahead of the current domestic leaders.

    Source: Deadline, The Numbers

  • ‘WANDAVISIONS’ Jac Schaeffer on the Challenge of the Finale’s Action-Sequences

    ‘WANDAVISIONS’ Jac Schaeffer on the Challenge of the Finale’s Action-Sequences

    We’ve been hearing more and more about what it’s like to work with Marvel Studios. Disney+ is some unknown territory for the production company and may have shifted their approach to adapt to the new format. Unlike their films, they can’t follow the usual three-act structure but have to find a different way of balancing the dramatic and action aspects of their projects. WandaVision showrunner Jac Schaeffer shared the challenge she faced getting the fight scenes down after focusing primarily on the dramatic aspects of the story. In the interview with Hollywood Reporter she shares that:

    The finale was the hardest because that’s the Marvel-iest part. It’s always tough to really nail down on the mythology. What does Agatha [Kathryn Hahn] want and what does her power set look like? What does that mean for Wanda? How do we make that interesting? What’s the chess board where all the players give everybody a satisfying conclusion? It’s the third act of a Marvel movie. I’ve been around the block on some of those, and they’re so fun — but that’s always the hardest to land.

    Jac Schaeffer

    She highlights that the iconic and gut-wrenching goodbye sequence was the clearest vision she had going into the project. Yet, the path filled with fights between two Visions and Wanda’s takedown of Agatha took the most time. Most of the series pays tribute to classic sitcoms and takes quite the shift in the finale. Schaeffer‘s comment does highlight that they are one of the most challenging aspects of these projects. Action sequences that tie the entire story together while also keeping a dramatic core aren’t easy to balance. It can sometimes drag down a strong story if it doesn’t nail the ending. Luckily, WandaVision was able to accomplish just that.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • REPORT: ‘HIT MONKEY’ Won’t Get the Marvel Title For a Reason

    REPORT: ‘HIT MONKEY’ Won’t Get the Marvel Title For a Reason

    After a long wait, Hit Monkey has finally been unveiled. It’s one of the last entries that was once set to become part of The Offenders crossover at Hulu. Yet, even with its release date out there, the thing that may have caught many reader’s eyes is that it doesn’t have the Marvel title. Even MODOK held the title in its advertising for the series even with its darker, adult-themed humor.

    It is still based on the Marvel character, but won’t hold the title just like Helstrom did right around the time Marvel TV was absorbed into Marvel studios. We may have gotten an answer on why, as ComicBook.com’s Adam Barnhardt shared on Twitter that it’s being left out due to how violent the series is going to be. It may also be the reason why the last Marvel TV live-action series also lost that part of the title and not due to the merger, as many suspected.

    https://twitter.com/adambarnhardt/status/1438956403058688000?s=20

    It’ll be interesting if Marvel Studios’ future projects might take a similar approach. Deadpool kept its R-rating and Marvel logo while beheading enemies. Yet, it also was published through 20th Century Fox that doesn’t have the same limitations that Disney has. We know that the third entry in the Deadpool franchise will be part of the MCU, which means it’ll hold the Marvel Studios title. Perhaps Hit Monkey might be the last not to get the title, as Marvel Studios starts developing their future projects.

    Source: Twitter

  • First Look at Hulu’s ‘HIT MONKEY’ Unveiled as it Eyes Late November Release

    First Look at Hulu’s ‘HIT MONKEY’ Unveiled as it Eyes Late November Release

    Some time ago, Marvel TV announced a variety of shows that’ll crossover into the so-called The Offenders mini-series. Most of the series ended up getting scrapped but some productions were along far enough they’d still see the light of day on Hulu. The recent release of MODOK was the first series, which took a stop-motion approach to its animation style. It looks like the next survivor has found its way online, as Entertainment Weekly unveiled Hit Monkey is heading to the streaming service as of November 17th.

    Alongside the release date, we also got our first look at the show’s titular Japanese snow macaque and his hitman ghost friend, Bryce. The dark comedy follows the events after Bryce nursed him back to health. Yet, after his passing, the macaque picks up his assassin’s ways to avenge his friend, as his ghost, voiced by Jason Sudekis, continues to haunt him throughout the show.

    Fall TV Preview

    The November release isn’t too far away and could be our hint at a potential trailer dropping at the latest of October. It’s curious that the series takes a more traditional 2D animation style, as they were supposed to crossover at some point. The concept of multiple shows with unique art styles colliding does sound like an exciting concept, but we’ll see if any of these series get a sequel season. There’s still no word on MODOK‘s renewal but only time will tell. For now, it’s great to see some of the more unique ideas still survive after the Marvel TV and Marvel Studios merger. We’ll see if their success leads to more down the road.

    Source: EW

  • ‘WHAT IF…?’s Queen Ramonda Gets a New Funko Pop Alongside Killmonger as Black Panther

    ‘WHAT IF…?’s Queen Ramonda Gets a New Funko Pop Alongside Killmonger as Black Panther

    The tradition continues, as now that a few days have passed since the latest episode of What If…? dropped, Funko unveiled their latest Marvel-inspired Funko Pops. This time around, Queen General Ramonda is getting her own Funko. It’s revealed alongside the Killmonger as Black Panther design, which leaked his upcoming conflicts with the head of an Ultron sentry in his hand. It’s interesting that the Ramonda Funko never found its way online, as she had a prominent role in some of the earlier trailers.

    It’s great to see Funko continue offering these characters as Funko Pop, and we’re seeing a trend of giving otherwise minor characters more focus in merchandise. They are popular collectibles and it’s great that they are rolling them out alongside their reveal in the various episodes. It adds another layer to how Marvel is utilizing their weekly releases to also create synergy with their merchandising. We still have a few episodes to go, and it’ll be interesting who else might get a Funko that hasn’t already leaked online.

    Source: Twitter

  • Richard Madden Talks How Chloé Zhao’s Unique Vision of Ikaris Inspired Him to Join ‘ETERNALS’

    Richard Madden Talks How Chloé Zhao’s Unique Vision of Ikaris Inspired Him to Join ‘ETERNALS’

    All eyes are now on November’s release of Eternals, which will introduce the world to the earliest point in time of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We’ll get introduced to a brand new alien race that existed long before the Avengers were around. Director Chloé Zhao whipped up quite the cast which includes Game of Thrones‘ Richard Madden. He’ll take on the role of Ikaris, an important figure in the Marvel comics.

    In an interview with Total Film, the actor revealed why he was interested in taking on the mantle and how the non-superhero aspects of this superhero drew his interest.

    That’s why I was drawn to him. I don’t see him as a superhero I’ve seen before. I see him as a man first, and quite a complicated character, before a superhero. You know, superheroes have laser eyes. Superheroes can fly. So, there’s lots of parallels. But as a character, I’ve not seen anyone like him before.

    Richard Madden

    He also goes on to highlight how Chloé Zhao’s vision played a key role in his decision, as it is her vision of these characters that added that flair to draw him to the role.

    The concept of these characters, and how deep Chloé wanted to go with these people who have been alive for so long, and have experienced so many different things. So that’s what really intrigued me – how these people interact with each other, and also the rest of the world when they’ve seen everything and done everything. That was kind of fascinating.

    Richard Madden

    Marvel Studio’s strength was always humanizing their characters. So, Zhao’s vision seems to fit perfectly into the way they’ve approached the MCU. He also teased that he would make a perfect leader for the Avengers, whose existence is still kept unknown to some degree, but confesses he can only make predictions for what the future holds for MCU.

    Source: Total Film via The Direct

  • ‘SHANG-CHI’s Fala Chen’s Used as Reference for the Great Protector Dragon

    ‘SHANG-CHI’s Fala Chen’s Used as Reference for the Great Protector Dragon

    There’s a lot to be excited about when a new Marvel Studios film hits theatres. Not only do we get a new entry in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, but get a new perspective on the world. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduced us to the dimension of Ta Lo, which introduced the world to the MCU’s first dragon. The existence of the Great Protector left us with many questions and it seems that there’s one aspect of the character we may have not noticed.

    In an interview with ComicBook.com, one of the Weta Digital VFX supervisors, Sean Walker, revealed that they wanted to tie the film together with Easter eggs inspired by its theme of family. One of those being that the Great Protector’s eyes are based on Fala Chen, who plays Shang-Chi’s mother, Jing Li. They also tease that there are many other details that keep the character alive throughout the film.

    We kept looking at Shang’s mother for reference for almost everything. Even the Dragon’s eyes were initially based off by Fala Chen’s eyes, the actress who played Shang’s mom.

    Sean Walker

    It’s a clever idea as his mother’s death plays an integral part in his journey, as it parallels that of Wenwu. His father’s grief lets him get manipulated by the Dweller in the Darkness while Shang-Chi works alongside the Great Protector. In a way, these two mystical creatures act as representations of what path they chose after her tragic death. It’s great to see how a simple Easter egg also can turn into a strong story-telling device similar to how Dormammu was played by Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange. It’ll be interesting to see what other hidden details are in the story.

    Source: Comic Book

  • ‘SHANG-CHI’ Concept Art Offers Closer Look at Abomination’s Redesign

    ‘SHANG-CHI’ Concept Art Offers Closer Look at Abomination’s Redesign

    Shang-Chi surprised many when one of its trailers revealed the grand return of Abomination. While we knew he’ll make an appearance in She-Hulk, we only heard that Tim Roth will reprise the role. There was no mention if he’ll show up in his human form, or if he’ll look similar to what he did in 2018’s The Incredible Hulk. The trailer changed all that when we got a more comic-accurate design for the character. Many didn’t even believe it was the same character at first, but the film’s recently released revealed that it is indeed the transformed Blonsky.

    The new design still kept elements from the original, and Marvel Studios Senior Visual Development Artist, Anthony Francisco, took to Instagram to share a closer look at the character’s new design. He did get the more comic-accurate ears and green skin. Yet, the concept art reveals he still retains the protruding bones from his first design. It’s somewhat difficult to make out in the film but we might get a closer look once the Disney+ series drops.

    It’s a great design and Marvel Studios likely will utilize these assets in the Disney+ series with some minor tweaks here or there. We’ll see if they point out the new design in the series, as Mark Ruffalo‘s Bruce Banner might be surprised. It would be perfect if Blonsky fights back by pointing out that he looks different from their last encounter. Hopefully, the wait isn’t too long until we get our first look at the legal comedy and the wacky part of the MCU it’ll introduce us to.

    Source: Instagram

  • Denis Villeneuve May Criticize Marvel Filmmaking But is Excited About Chloé Zhao’s ‘ETERNALS’

    Denis Villeneuve May Criticize Marvel Filmmaking But is Excited About Chloé Zhao’s ‘ETERNALS’

    It’s nothing new that the popular franchise would draw in negative criticism, especially with directors that focus more on the auteur aspect of cinema. Marvel Studios’ approach has proven successful, but is naturally not without its faults, especially in the earlier days. In an interview with the magazine El Mundos, the following remark was translated by Dune‘s director Denis Villeneuve while promoting his next tentpole film.

    There are too many Marvel movies that are nothing more than a cut and paste of others.

    Denis Villeneuve

    It’s certainly a harsh statement in regard to Marvel Studio’s approach to filmmaking. Still, it’s not the first time this kind of remark has found its way online. Curious enough, there have been some potentially misleading translations surrounding this quote as the context was left out. Michelle Jaworski, a reporter for the Daily Dot, pointed out that the translation may be quite different:

    As long as you feel a personality in a project, that it is an artistic object and that there is a will at work, it is not a question of money. But how we approach the cinema. The problem today…Well, if we’re talking about Marvel, the thing is, all these films are made from the same mold. Some filmmakers can add a little color to it, but they’re all cast in the same factory. It doesn’t take anything away from the movies, but they are formatted.

    Denis Villeneuve

    He then goes on to highlight that the Dune film is a personal one and how he tried to be more mainstream with his approach. The translation does offer a bit more context on it, as it’s less a downplay of Marvel’s films but rather that their approach generally sidelines the director. Ironically, there has been criticism on their Disney+ side where they supposedly take away roles from showrunners. The director has praised Chloé Zhao and even Marvel Studios for breaking their usual mold in an interview for Harper’s BAZAAR.

    I’m your biggest fan. I think it’s genius that Marvel approached you because you’re the radical opposite of it aesthetically.

    Denis Villeneuve

    As such, it’s less an attack directed at Marvel Studios but rather the current approach to filmmaking that resulted from their success. It’s also come to a point where “Marvel” has become a generalized term for any franchise-focused production by auteurs. He praises Marvel Studios for taking this step and it may be a sign of his hope for a change within the industry.

    It’s not an easy discussion and there will be different views on the current state of cinema and Hollywood, especially if you consider the streaming debacle. Zhao‘s upcoming Eternals film is inspired and was pitched with Villeneuve‘s films as inspiration. So, perhaps it’ll echo in a revival of the auteur approach and they find a balance between these different approaches.

    Source: El Mundos translated via Twitter, Twitter (Translation), Harper’s BAZAAR

  • Sung Kang May Have Confirmed Inquisitor Rumors for ‘OBI-WAN KENOBI’

    Sung Kang May Have Confirmed Inquisitor Rumors for ‘OBI-WAN KENOBI’

    There has been a bit of a break for the Star Wars franchise since The Bad Batch ended. PlayStation did surprise us with the announcement of a PlayStation 5 exclusive remake for Knights of the Old Republic. On the Disney+ side of things, we only know that The Mandalorian spin-off The Book of Boba Fett releases in December, but it’s been mostly quiet on this front. Luckily, it seems actor Sung Kang may have confirmed a rumor surrounding his mysterious character in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

    Back in July, Cinelinx’s Jordan Maison hinted that the actor would play the Fifth Brother, who was an antagonist in the animated spin-off Star Wars Rebels. The character was voiced by Philip Anthony-Rodriguez and was hunting down remaining Jedi and Force-sensitive characters. While he did face a dark ending in that story, the Kenobi series takes place just as Darth Vader starts hunting down Jedi and turning some to the dark side and join his team of Inquisitors. So, we might see the early days of this character, as Kang confirmed in an interview with Screen Rant he’ll wield a lightsaber in the series.

    There’s a chance he’ll fight alongside Obi-Wan to face the main challenge of this series. We know that Anakin will make his return. So, we could even witness the birth of the Inquisitors as the Fifth Brother gets pulled into the ranks. The Disney+ series will offer a glimpse into a mysterious era as the Empire establishes its ranks. So, we’ll probably learn more about the organization that would get taken down after the death of our titular hero kickstarted the adventure for a young Skywalker.

    Source: Twitter