Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • Matt Shakman’s ‘Fantastic Four’ Adds ‘Avatar 2’ Writer

    Matt Shakman’s ‘Fantastic Four’ Adds ‘Avatar 2’ Writer

    Josh Friedman of Avatar: The Way of Water and Snowpiercer fame has found his next project, and it’s quite the big one. It seems he is joining the upcoming Fantastic Four film that’ll be the first arrival of Marvel’s first family in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’ll join director Matt Shakman in what may be one of their most ambitious projects yet.

    It’s a big get for the studio given he was part of one of the biggest releases in 2022. Previously, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer were attached to write. Friedman joining may be a hint that they are moving further away from the pure comedic direction the project may have had given their involvement with various comedies. Friedman is more serious in tone with his tone and, bigger yet, a huge sci-fi veteran.

    He was involved with Steven Spielberg‘s War of the Worlds, created the Terminator spinoff series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and more. Given the announcement dropped now, he has likely been involved with the project for a few months now. We also recently found out that Thunderbolts also added a new writer in Beef‘s Lee Sung Jin. Some may not remember but this is very much a pre-pandemic Marvel movie. Outside of a handful of writers, they had a variety of people work on the scripts before releasing a film. So, perhaps something for the “quality over quantity ” crowd.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ Rolls the Dice to Take Down ‘John Wick 4’

    ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ Rolls the Dice to Take Down ‘John Wick 4’

    This weekend will see an interesting battle between fantasy and gun-fu, as Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is rolling out in theaters worldwide. After pulling in a good $5.6M in previews at the domestic box office, the film is trying its luck on potentially dethroning last weekend’s big hit, John Wick Chapter 4. As of now, the film is eyeing an opening between $30M to potentially $40M but tomorrow’s numbers will give us a clearer picture.

    John Wick 4 is heading towards a stronghold in its sophomore weekend with around $36M expected. Though given its popularity it might even go higher as well. The only issue for Dungeons & Dragons lies in the fact that it has quite a steep $150M production window. So, it will have to bank on good word-of-mouth to keep it going as the summer box office is just around the corner with quite a line-up.

    March generally has been a strong month with some break-out releases on small to medium budgets like Creed 3, Scream 6, and John Wick 4. While Shazam Fury of the Gods floundered and didn’t even have a big opening like Ant-Man 3, it’s great to see some strong showings after the pandemic years making many wonder what the future holds for theatrical experiences.

    If the Chris Pine project manages to pull in some strong word-of-mouth and heads to the $40M opening, it might have a chance to balance its softer opening throughout the coming weeks. But, interestingly, it’s not too different from Shazam: Fury of the Gods which had a smaller budget of $100M but opened to $30M. Perhaps it’s not quite superhero fatigue but blockbuster fatigue in the off-season.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Beef’s Lee Sung Jin Joins Marvel Studios ‘Thunderbolts’ as Writer

    ‘Beef’s Lee Sung Jin Joins Marvel Studios ‘Thunderbolts’ as Writer

    Here’s an interesting surprise, while the upcoming adaptation of the iconic villain team Thunderbolts is preparing to film later in June, the announcement has just dropped that Lee Sung Jin, the creator, and showrunner of Netflix’s upcoming Beef series, has joined the production as a writer.

    He is taking over writing duties from Black Widow‘s Eric Pearson, who was initially attached to the project. This would mark his first writing credit on a feature film, however after working on various shows like Tuca & Bertie, Dave, and Silicon Valley. It does reunite the writer with Steven Yeun, who has joined Thunderbolts in an unknown role and was one of the main leads in Beef.

    I’m rewriting it. It’s the whole squad again. Jake asked me if I would come on board. I probably should have taken a break, but there’s a lot of themes and exciting things about the movie that I couldn’t help but sign on.

    Lee Sung Jin

    He goes on to highlight how different it is working on a project for Marvel Studios with director Jake Schreier‘s spearheading the project.

    It’s truly an honor to be part of a Marvel thing, but it is very different. One, it’s not my project, it’s Jake’s. It’s such a large scope and scale that the type of writing is very different. At the same time, the process feels the same, I’m still talking to Jake every day. … I think once you find the squad of people you love and trust and are so talented, you do everything you can to keep working with them.

    Lee Sung Jin

    While there have been more additional rewrites happening for Marvel Studios’ films, this is actually closer to how they functioned in Phase 3. Most of their films went through a variety of writers before they started filming and we’re seeing that extra layer of attention to ensure the script is as tight as it can be.

    Thunderbolts will be their first attempt at a new ensemble team since Eternals, which didn’t quite hit it with audiences as they may have hoped. Still, the team will include some fan favorites and characters we haven’t seen in some time. The only question remains how long Jin has already been involved with writing and if they’ll have the script finalized before filming starts later this year.

    Source: Variety

  • Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ Sequel to Feature Clayface

    Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman’ Sequel to Feature Clayface

    While we still have little to no information on what to expect in a The Batman sequel, a rather curious little detail may have unveiled one of the main antagonists in Matt Reeves‘ expanding Elseworld DC universe. In an article by Deadline on a pitch by Mike Flanagan for an original film based around the Batman rogue Clayface, they unveil that he will also be featured in The Batman Part 2.

    There is no word though if Flanagan‘s take might actually occur within the other universe, or might be part of the greater James Gunn and Peter Safran DC Universe. Reeves has his own plans that are seemingly moving forward even as Warner Bros. Discovery aims to establish a single universe. The Penguin spinoff is currently filming and we also know of one more project focused on Arkham Asylum that seemingly is still in early development.

    Clayface as a villain in the more down-to-earth take on the Dark Knight opens up many new avenues. While the popular choice was Mr. Freeze given how Gotham ended up flooded at the end of the first film, who knows if they’ll truly take the actor background that many connect with the character of Clayface, the man once known as Basil Karlo.

    They might take another more grounded take or slowly expand Batman’s world into the supernatural after the first was a classic noir. The only one who knows is Matt Reeves and we’ll have to wait a bit longer until we get our first look or hint at what the sequel has to offer. Once castings start, then we’ll likely truly know more.

    Source: Deadline

  • Jason Momoa Sees a Future for Aquaman in James Gunn’s DCU

    Jason Momoa Sees a Future for Aquaman in James Gunn’s DCU

    Some time ago, Jason Momoa seemingly hinted that perhaps a dream role has come his way. While he’s become famous as the DC Extended Universe’s Aquaman, he also always has his eyes on becoming the iconic DC character of Lobo. Some elements of that character have made its way into his take on Arthur Curry, but it seems like he sees a bright future for the character.

    Under new leadership, many wondered just what might survive the future of the DC Cinematic Universe under DC Studios’ James Gunn and Peter Safran. In an interview with Total Film, he stated that he sees a bright future for the character as he believes “Aquaman will be involved in the DCU.”

    Peter [Safran]’s my producer [on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom], and is a dear friend. I absolutely think Aquaman will be involved in the DCU. It’s on, bro – there’s no one bigger than Aquaman! But, also, I hope people are excited to see the new one. It’s fun. I really enjoy doing comedy. There’s some really funny stuff with Patrick Wilson. I really adore him. We had a great time working together. It’s like we’re brothers. There’s a lot of cool stuff happening in this one

    Jason Momoa

    Momoa‘s enthusiasm has always been infectious and it’s not surprising that he’s definitely down to continue this role. He’ll take on the role next in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which will finally release later this year in December. So, perhaps that film will give us a better idea of what the future has in store for us in the new DCU.

    Source: Total Film

  • ‘Thunderbolt’s Steven Yeun Opens Up on Joining the MCU

    ‘Thunderbolt’s Steven Yeun Opens Up on Joining the MCU

    Steven Yeun is quite busy promoting his upcoming Netflix series, Beef. Starring opposite Ali Wong, the film explores a feud between two strangers that continues to escalate. Yet, that isn’t all the former The Walking Dead actor has on the horizon, as he’s also taking the leap to become part of the superhero genre once again.

    After lending his voice to Invincible, the actor has seemingly decided to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’ll be part of the Thunderbolts but his exact role remains a mystery. There are rumors pointing to him potentially playing the MCU’s Sentry but nothing official has been confirmed.

    In an interview with Total Film, the actor got a chance to share what it’s like joining a franchise like the MCU.

    I feel good. I feel excited. I feel like a new challenge. I feel blessed to be able to play in a place that reaches so many people. I got to touch that on Walking Dead. It feels exciting to get another chance to connect with people in another way.

    Steven Yeun

    It’s great to see his enthusiasm for the project and definitely highlights how he can reach an audience similar to his time on The Walking Dead. In a way, it’s a great showcase of what an actor can do when given the chance to star in something that is more mainstream while still working on smaller projects like the upcoming Beef.

    Source: Total Film

  • ‘Deadpool 3’ Adds ‘Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen

    ‘Deadpool 3’ Adds ‘Succession’s Matthew Macfadyen

    It looks like we’re slowly getting more and more castings from the upcoming third Deadpool film. Deadpool 3 will see the return of Ryan Reynolds in the role of the Merc with a Mouth, but most notably also see Hugh Jackman once again reprise the role of Wolverine. While there’s no detail in what part of the MCU’s newly established multiverse this takes place in, it seems at least one casting addition has made its way online.

    Fresh off of the final season of the hit HBO series Succession, it seems that Matthew Macfadyen has decided to join the ever-growing world of superheroes. There’s no word on who exactly he might be playing, but it definitely is a big get given he won a BAFTA for best-supporting actor in a Drama. We’ll have to see if he ends up playing someone that wears a cape or might even be part of the X-Men, who might have a role in the upcoming project.

    The film will be the first produced by Marvel Studios with Shawn Levy of Stranger Things fame taking over directing duties. The script was originally written by Bob Burger‘s Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin. Though the script was rewritten by former Deadpool writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. So, we can expect a similar humor that made the first two entries so unique. Hopefully, it also carries over the heart that gave us some of the strongest moments in Deadpool’s journey.

    Source: Deadline

  • Disney+ May Have Revealed ‘Secret Invasion’s June Release Date

    Disney+ May Have Revealed ‘Secret Invasion’s June Release Date

    Here’s an interesting way to leak a potential release date. It’s been long rumored that we might get our next major Disney+ series from Marvel Studios at some point this summer, as Secret Invasion was hinted at as the big release for this year. Yet, we haven’t had much information on when to expect the project. At least, that was until now courtesy of Disney+ itself.

    It seems that Disney+ has added a release date to the Secret Invasion series of June 21st. While we’ve had a similar scenario in the past with the second season of Star Wars’ The Bad Batch which didn’t hit the initial release, it does give us an inclination that they might have this as a potential release date. So, there’s always a chance it might get postponed or just taken down.

    The Bad Batch was hinted at a September release date before it actually hit Disney+ in January. So, there’s always a chance that this timeline isn’t going to stick but given the radio silence we’ve seen from Marvel Studios on the show, anything is possible. We’ll know it’s true if they do end up releasing a trailer in April, as streaming services usually go by a two-month promotional cycle.

    If the June release turns out true, this is also the longest wait we’ve had between the Disney+ series marking the big change that the Internet has been asking for: less is more. While one could argue how that standpoint, we’re definitely seeing the old Marvel Studios back adjusting to a post-Chapek Disney.

    Source: Disney Plus

  • Thomas Haden Church Hints at Sandman’s Return to the MCU

    Thomas Haden Church Hints at Sandman’s Return to the MCU

    Spider-Man: No Way Home introduced the world to the multiverse with the return of some iconic characters from Spider-Man’s cinematic past. Among them was Thomas Haden Church who made his long-awaited return as Sandman. While he only had a brief actual appearance in the film with the help of some old footage, we did get him fully CG in sand form.

    Interestingly enough, the actor has hinted that perhaps there’s more in the cards for Sandman, as he revealed there were talks with producer Amy Pascal and MCU mastermind Kevin Feige in an interview with DisInsider. With films like Avengers: Secret Wars on the horizon, there are many opportunities to have familiar faces return.

    There was just so much going on. John and I and Amy [Pascal] and Kevin [Feige], we all had a lot of conversations. And I would say that conversations have been had about the possibility of Sandman coming into an a future iteration of it. The conversation has happened about him coming back, and maybe picking up a more fulfilling story. You know? With Flint and being not just Sandman, but returning to human form.

    Thomas Haden Church

    The “fulfilling story” he is referencing is the fact that Spider-Man: No Way home included one about his daughter that seemingly got cut at some point. It’s no surprise given just how massive of an undertaking the film was with all these villains and plot lines from across the multiverse it had to juggle. We’ll have to see if we can expect his return sooner or later.

    Source: The DisInsider

  • ‘Percy Jackson’ Season 2 Already Being Written

    ‘Percy Jackson’ Season 2 Already Being Written

    It looks like Percy Jackson and the Olympians is already working on the next season even before its initial one premiered on Disney+. While it is still slated for a 2024 release, it seems like they are getting ready just in case a season two renewal is around the corner as revealed by Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan in his personal blog.

    He does highlight that nothing has been green-lit but they have been approved to start work on scripts, which helps production jump straight into the next season once they get the renewal rather than going through the writing process and delaying the next season’s release even more.

    W]e have started work on the writers’ room for season two. This does NOT mean the second season has been green-lit yet. It’s too early for that. But we have been approved to start developing scripts, and I think everyone’s expectation is that a second season will happen if all goes as planned. It sure is exciting to be part of the room, though. We’ve broken down the action of the second ‘Percy Jackson’ book, ‘The Sea of Monsters,’ into a series of episodes, and have begun outlining what the first episodes would look like.

    Rick Riordan

    It’s something that a WGA entry recently hinted at for Netflix’s One Piece, as it might also already working on the scripts for its second season as well. The practice is common as it gives them shorter waiting periods between entries and it mostly means they are working on the basic season outline before finalizing any scripts once there’s a confirmation for the second season.

    Source: Rick Riordan