Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • Tom Hiddleston Debuts on Billboard Charts With His ‘Loki’ Song “Very Full”

    Tom Hiddleston Debuts on Billboard Charts With His ‘Loki’ Song “Very Full”

    The various Marvel Studios Disney+ shows have offered some fantastic storytelling and even ventured out into new territory. WandaVision gave the world the classic Munsters-inspired song “Agatha All Along” that was such a popular hit it became Billboard Chart Hit with 3,000 downloads in its first week. Well, it seems Loki managed to do the same thing as Tom Hiddleston‘s song “Very Full” has made its debut at No. 10 on the World Digital Song Sales. Hiddleston sings the song in Norwegian with some English bits. The language doubles as Asgardian and made its debut in the third episode of the Disney+ series.

     

    What's Up With That Song in Song in Loki Episode 3? – /Film

     

    Interestingly enough, the song was titled “Jeg Saler Min Ganger” in the end credits. It translates to “I Seal My Times,” but the title changed to “Very Full” with the release of the first volume’s soundtrack. Norwegian singer-songwriter Benedicte Mauseth and author Erlend Nødtvedt wrote the song for the show. Its success also makes it the first time Hiddleston enters the Billboard Charts.

    As Billboard states, because the song is in Norwegian, it got classified for the World Digital Sales chart, which focuses on non-English and non-Spanish songs. It got downloaded around 500 times since its release. They embraced the cultural background in this song was a great move by the team behind Loki, as the Asgardians mostly spoke English throughout their appearances. Natalie Holt‘s soundtrack is generally a standout among the other Marvel Studios projects and adds an iconic atmosphere to the series. With the success of their songs, it makes you wonder if Marvel Studios might consider a musical series or film at some point.

    If you want to revisit the song from the soundtrack, you can listen to it right here:

    Source: Billboard (WV), Billboard (Loki), YouTube

  • ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2 Finale Gets Special ‘Disney Gallery’ BTS Episode

    ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2 Finale Gets Special ‘Disney Gallery’ BTS Episode

    We’ve been anxiously awaiting any news on The Mandalorian‘s third season. Sadly, it seems that we will have to wait until 2022 before we find out what Din Djarin’s future has in store for him without Grogu by his side. Until then, we’ll get a spin-off The Book of Boba Fett that’s eyeing the Disney+ series main release window. Luckily, it seems the wait for anything Mandalorian-related just got shorter, as the official Twitter account for Star Wars unveiled a special Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian episode will release August 25th that’ll focus on the making of the finale.

     

    It makes sense that they’re giving the finale a special episode. Many have wondered how they de-aged Mark Hamill for his grand return as Luke Skywalker. Overall, the finale featured some amazing effects that could keep up with any high-budget film that are worth highlighting. The first Disney Gallery season consisted of multiple episodes that explored different perspectives on developing the series. Showrunner Jon Favreau sat down with the directors, writers, animators, and cast to talk about how they brought the galaxy far far away to Disney+.

    As the pandemic was raging when the second season was released, it was unlikely that they could get the team together at one table. So, they only released a singular episode that covered the entire season.  It’ll be interesting to see if they do the same with others. Marvel Studios’ Assembled series took a similar approach by adding a new episode after each Disney+ show was released. It’s still surprising we didn’t get a rebranding for the Star Wars series, as they will slowly expand in the future.

    Source: Twitter

  • New ‘Free Guy’ Promotion Features MCU Crossover With Deadpool and Korg

    New ‘Free Guy’ Promotion Features MCU Crossover With Deadpool and Korg

    Here’s an interesting surprise. Ryan Reynolds just shared a video to promote his upcoming film Free Guy. In it, we get Ryan in his iconic Deadpool costume reacting to the new trailer alongside Thor: Ragnarok‘s Korg. They even make a cheeky reference to how Deadpool can join the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the end of the trailer with various Easter Eggs hidden throughout the background. Who knew that Deadpool’s contract also included him making React videos on YouTube once he joined Disney.

     

     

    His inclusion makes sense if you consider the fact that Taika Waititi is also featured in the 20th Century film, but, amazingly, they’d invest the money to fully animated the CGI rock man for a 4-minute video. It’s also our first official transition from Deadpool’s 20th Century Fox roots as part of the Disney-Marvel Studios family. Perhaps we can expect more cheeky cross-franchise videos in the future. Deadpool 3 is still actively in development but we haven’t heard anything on the project in some time now.

    The suit worn by Ryan Reynolds in the video seems to be the same one he had in the second entry of the franchise. As they are still writing the film, they won’t have prepared a brand new suit for the actor to wear. One of the best parts of the franchise was its creative marketing and this is a hopeful sign they will continue the tradition. He’ll have some competition with breaking the fourth wall, as She-Hulk is reported to do the same. So, her upcoming Disney+ show would be the perfect place for the two to exchange their ideas for the MCU’s future in a promotional video.

    Source: YouTube

  • Marvel Studios Nabs 28 Emmy Nominations for ‘WandaVision’ and ‘Falcon and Winter Soldier’

    Marvel Studios Nabs 28 Emmy Nominations for ‘WandaVision’ and ‘Falcon and Winter Soldier’

    It looks like Marvel Studios’ venture into streaming and long-form storytelling has paid off. The Emmy nominations have finally announced their nominations, and Marvel Studios managed to garner 28 Primetime nominations. 23 of those are primarily from WandaVision. What makes it stand out is that it got the second-highest nominations of the year right behind another Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. Falcon and the Winter Soldier managed to grab five nominations during the event. It’s the first time that a Marvel live-action series gets an above-the-line nomination.

    As pointed out by Deadline, WandaVision‘s tribute to television history is perfect for Emmy voters. The series’ nominations include three nods for Writing Limited Series, Casting, Hairstyling, Main Title Design, Original Dramatic Score, Main Title Theme, Sound Editing and Mixing, Special VFX, and many more. It also included the first Emmy nominations for Paul Bettany and Elisabeth Olsen. Matt Shakman got nominated for his directorial work. Kathryn Hahn received her second Emmy nomination for her role as Agatha Harkness. Falcon and the Winter Soldier did score one above-the-line nomination with Don Cheadle getting a Guest Actor in a Drama Series nod.

    Overall, it’s been quite a successful week for Marvel Studios. Loki‘s season finale is just around the corner. Black Widow garnered the highest pandemic opening with around $215M worldwide if you include its Disney+ Premier Access. As they venture out with new series, we could see Marvel Studios garner more attention at the Emmys in the future. Their expansion has been quite a success, as their viewership numbers have also been rising at an impressive rate. So, the future looks bright for their Disney+ expansion.

    Source: Deadline, Variety

  • ‘She-Hulk’: Disney+ Series Adds ‘Sex and the City’ Cinematographer Florian Ballhaus

    ‘She-Hulk’: Disney+ Series Adds ‘Sex and the City’ Cinematographer Florian Ballhaus

    It seems that Marvel Studios is continuing its experimentation with genre into Disney+. While Falcon and the Winter Soldier was closer to a classic Marvel fair, it also acted as a geo- and social-political drama. WandaVision consisted mostly of sitcom-inspired episodes that got reinvented with each episode.

    Even Loki took the genre of mystery thriller and added some Office Space, and Wizard of Oz into the mix. We’ve known that She-Hulk would act as a legal comedy, but that might not be all it’s inspired by. According to film lens producer LEITZ whose lenses were used in the production, the Disney+ series’ upcoming Director of Photography is Florian Ballhaus.

     

    Allegiant (2016)

     

    The German cinematographer is famous for his work on films like The Book Thief, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Marley & Me, and, most notably, The Devil Wears Prada. He also worked on ten episodes of Sex and the City. There are hints that Jameela Jamil‘s Titania might be a Kim Kardashian-esque influencer. His work would add the perfect flair to the series to showcase the character’s lifestyle.

    Ballhaus is also no stranger to action, as he was the cinematographer for RED and Allegiant. So, he’s the perfect candidate to balance the legal comedy and Hulk action sequences. We’ve heard rumblings of the Wrecking Crew facing off against Jennifer Walters and with Mark Ruffalo‘s return as Professor Hulk, we might see these two team up against their unlikely foes. Here’s hoping we get some teases for the upcoming series. It seems likely with Marvel Studios skipping this year’s SDCC@Home, we might get our first look during Disney’s Investors Day in December.

    Source: Leitz, IMDb

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tara Strong Talks Miss Minutes Mysterious Origins And ‘Loki’ Fan Theories

    EXCLUSIVE: Tara Strong Talks Miss Minutes Mysterious Origins And ‘Loki’ Fan Theories

    Loki has taken Marvel fans by storm as each episode slowly unraveled the sinister secrets behind the TVA. We are so close to the finale, and everyone is still wondering who is the mysterious mastermind behind the organization and the robotic Time-Keepers. There have been countless fan theories on the true identity of the man in the castle. The list includes a Loki Variant, Kang the Conqueror, and even the adorable Miss Minutes.

    Luckily, our very own Charles Murphy got the chance to sit down with Miss Minutes herself, Tara Strong. She didn’t give away what we can expect in the next episode, but she gave a cheeky in-character answer when asked. She did share her love for the various fan theories that Miss Minutes is the evil mastermind behind the series. 

    I love, you know, connecting with the fans and seeing what they’re doing on social media. I’ve loved all the art that’s been made. It’s been incredible. And I love all their theories, I can’t comment if things are right or not, but it’s been fun to see people so invested in the show.

    She also talks about the challenge of playing Miss Minutes, who is an original creation for the show. Strong didn’t have a chance to research the character’s backstory and implied she still doesn’t know her origin. It’s a curious reveal if you consider her origin should tie directly into the TVA. Perhaps it is something they are keeping open to explore in the future if it doesn’t get answered in the upcoming finale. Whatever happens, Minutes will certainly stick with audiences and she hopefully has a long history ahead of her in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

  • ‘John Wick 4’: Keanu Reeves to Face Off Against Marko Zaror

    ‘John Wick 4’: Keanu Reeves to Face Off Against Marko Zaror

    It looks like we finally know who the main antagonist will be for John Wick 4. We’ve seen a variety of castings over the course of a few weeks, which included legends like Donnie Yen. Yet, there was no confirmation on who exactly would be Wick’s main foil throughout the film. According to Deadline, Marko Zaror is in negotiations to join the film that started filming not too long ago. He would join a stellar cast that includes Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, Lance Reddic, and many more.

    It will be based on a screenplay by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch. We’ll find out what happened to Wick after he got betrayed by Winston and maps out his next vengeance. They won’t disclose which role Zaror has in the film, but the martial artist will offer an interesting adversary. He’s known for his work on Alita: Battle Angel, and From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. Marvel fans might recognize him as Shaft from Marvel’s The Defenders.

    John Wick‘s use of choreography makes it stand out among many iconic action franchises. The combination of Reeve’s subtle performance and creative action has put the next installment on everyone’s radar as Wick continues to get screwed over. At his point, it makes you wonder if he’ll ever escape his life as Babayaga. The man wanted to enjoy some peace and quiet with the last memories of his wife. One fatal mistake set the man on a path of vengeance that seems almost endless at this point. We’ll see how long he can pull it through moving forward.

    Source: Deadline, IMDb

  • ‘Black Widow’ and the Potential Future of the Taskmaster Protocol

    ‘Black Widow’ and the Potential Future of the Taskmaster Protocol

    Marvel Studios made a grand return to cinemas, as Black Widow released after a year-long release. We got a final goodbye to Scarlett Johansson‘s character. We also were introduced to a unique spin on the iconic Marvel villain, Taskmaster. In this universe, it wasn’t Tony Masters that donned the skull-like helmet but rather the daughter of the Red Room’s big head, Dreykov. She isn’t a mercenary but a pawn of the Red Room and an emotional anchor for Natasha’s arc in the film. The question on everyone’s mind is this the end of Taskmaster? I’d argue it is just the beginning.

    The cheekily-named Antonia uses an implant in the back of her neck and her helmet’s visor to analyze people’s movement. It’s nowhere near the character’s comic roots, where it was an innate ability of the mercenary. He was born with a photographic memory and enhanced it through a failed Super-Soldier serum that came at the price of his memory each time he learned something new. It was his arrogance and desire for power that compelled him to seek the abilities over his life.

     

    Taskmaster's True Identity in Black Widow Explained - IGN

     

    The thing that stands out about Antonia’s story is that she isn’t Taskmaster but rather is part of the Taskmaster Protocol. While they went with a more tech-based direction, it doesn’t exclude the fact that someone can carry on the mantle. Her story is over as she finally got freed from her father’s manipulation. There is no emotional anchor for her to continue her life as the titular villain. Yet, a group of young Widows seeking guidance in a world that would reject them? They spent their life as rained killers, and as we learn in the post-credit sequence, there isn’t much else the world has to offer.

    So, they end up in the hands of Val and her associate, Tony Masters. A former SHIELD agent who has built up quite the reputation as a demanding trainer. He’ll take them under his wing but finds quite a curiosity in the Taskmaster protocol. He’s been known for his memory and sees it as a possibility to enhance his inherent ability. So, he promises to help free Antonia from her microchip for the price of getting access to it.

     

    Black Widow's Taskmaster Reveal Is the MCU's Most Tragic Villain Twist

     

    Once he implants it into the back of his neck, even using an enhanced version, his brain cannot sustain it. It was tailor-made with Antonia’s injuries in mind. He slowly starts forgetting things, even the thing that caused it. In his head, he always had these abilities and continues training the Widows. There are traces of memories in his mind, and he believes he was the original Taskmaster. As such, he takes on the mantle. He even adapts the suit to his liking and takes on mercenary or even training jobs on the side. The whole world has no idea who Antonia was, but they will know who Tony Masters is.

  • ‘Black Widow’: O-T Fagbenle Initially Auditioned for a Different Role

    ‘Black Widow’: O-T Fagbenle Initially Auditioned for a Different Role

    If you are still wary of spoilers, the following article will discuss the twist involving Taskmaster. Only continue reading at your own risk.

     

     

    There has been much debate online regarding the Taskmaster twist in Black Widow. For a long time, we’ve kind of expected it to be O-T Fagbenle to reveal he is behind the skull-inspired mask. Well, the film certainty surprised us when it turned out to be Olga Kurylenko‘s character of Antonia, the daughter of the film’s main antagonist. After being used as a human bomb in Natasha’s darker years, she ended up surviving and getting outfitted with a chip that lets her copy everyone’s abilities.

    It was certainly a surprise and a far removal of the original character known as Tony Masters in the comics. So, some wondered if the character may have changed throughout the filming process, as there were some rumors of a male antagonist getting cast. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Fangbenle revealed that he indeed originally was auditioning for a different role.

    You know what? The audition process was funny, because my character was very different. The character I auditioned for was very, very different. I had a different accent and everything. Then the character changed and Cate liked me, so I thought I’d have to audition again. But she was like, “Nah, just come” and I was like, Alright, sure, okay.” The funny thing is there was a time I didn’t think I’d be able to do it. At the time, I was writing and directing my own TV show called Maxxx on Hulu. It looked like there was going be a clash and I’d have to decide which one I’d be able to do. Luckily, they managed to make it happen, so I got to do both.

    It sounds like he originally got cast for the role of Taskmaster. We don’t know why any changes happened, but it seems like they shifted towards the current incarnation at some point in production. In the end, he did get a Marvel comics-inspired role as the character Rick Mason, who is better known as the Agent. Perhaps the original casting was a misdirect to avoid the twist finding its way online.

    He primarily has a support role throughout the film supplying Natasha with whatever she needs. It’s an oddly underused character that still adds some fun scenes to the film. Of course, he might be building up to a bigger role moving forward in the MCU. We also don’t know if Taskmaster will make a return. They may pass the torch to a brand new character.

    Source: Buzzfeed, That Hashtag Show

  • ‘Marvel’s Avengers’: Black Panther’s Wakanda Won’t Reuse Art Assets

    ‘Marvel’s Avengers’: Black Panther’s Wakanda Won’t Reuse Art Assets

    We’re so close to finally playing as Black Panther in Marvel’s Avengers. It’s been a long wait, but the first teases have promised what seems like a whole new chapter in the game. Last week, we got a first look at some of the concept art for the War for Wakanda expansion. Tore Blystad, Crystal Dynamics Experience Director, offered some small insight during the dev stream, as they would go into more detail with a developer blog. It has finally arrived, and there are quite some curious details alongside new concept art.

    • Many of their designs are directly inspired by the comics, as they seek to recreate the “Marvel DNA.” As such, they used comic panels as a direct reference for some of their concept art.
    • Their main focus was also on making the new biome, the Wakandan Jungle, stand out. As we saw in the already released artwork, they want the sun to pierce through the plant life. They added many nooks and crannies to offer some worthwhile explorations.
    • A new artwork teases the Warrior’s Gate, which is part of a trial to re-enter Wakanda. Their goal with the designs was to combine traditional elements from ancient civilizations but showcase they were still millennia ahead of many other civilizations.

     

     

    • Crystal Dynamics’ goal was to ensure Wakanda is a contiguous space. Unlike other biomes, you’ll be moving from the crater rim staring at the Golden City, and the next scene will have you in the city.
    • They highlight that no art is recycled, which includes gameplay objects and resources. As the nation is unconquered, it’ll feel fresh and new. You’ll even be able to interact with elements, such as unique puzzle mechanisms, transportation devices, or defenses, such as a Wakandan turret or monorail.

    The description of the biome promises not one but multiple unique environments. Hawkeye’s Wasteland biome was a fun addition to the game with its orange post-apocalypse, but it was a repetitive view from one location into the next. The fun aspect was looking for the various comic references, such as the Kree heads scattered across the sand. Crystal Dynamics worked alongside Virtuous Shanghai and Nixxes to bring this unique biome to life.

    They tease many comic references, and it’s going to be exciting to explore the various new locations that add some needed variety to Marvel’s Avengers. The best part, this is only the first part that’ll explore the upcoming War for Wakanda DLC. So, it’s going to be exciting to see what else they reveal on the game’s first expansion.

    Source: Play Avengers