Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • REPORT: ‘What If’ Will Introduce an Unlikely Alliance in a Killmonger-Focused Episode

    REPORT: ‘What If’ Will Introduce an Unlikely Alliance in a Killmonger-Focused Episode

    Some time ago, the first merchandise found its way into stores from the upcoming Marvel Studios’ series What If. On it, we saw that Michael B. Jordan‘s Erik Killmonger will appear and might even have a larger role in one of the upcoming episodes of the studio’s first venture into animation. Now, Illumiinerdi is reporting that the character will work alongside Tony Stark. So, there might be something that shifts his motivation to leave his ambitions of taking over Wakanda behind and instead go international. As they point out, the character does have some things in common, such as both being former MIT students. It’s uncertain if this storyline has some kind of connection to Tony’s trip to Sakaar, which leaked through a LEGO set some time ago.

    Illuminerdi has not offered any details regarding what we can expect from the episode. They also didn’t discuss if he might potentially take on a heroic role, or will return to a more villainous path at one point. The series is currently set to premiere in the summer, but they are still playing coy on when exactly. Currently, all eyes are on Disney+’s venture into the multiverse through Loki, which will build up into What If and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Hopefully, we might get a trailer in the coming weeks that might give us a glimpse at Killmonger’s storyline and how he might end up working alongside Stark.

    Source: Illuminerdi

  • Time Keepers Are Always Watching: Exploring a Potential Dark Secret of the TVA

    Time Keepers Are Always Watching: Exploring a Potential Dark Secret of the TVA

    Loki gives us a thrilling adventure through time and space. It introduced us to the secretive organization that lives outside of time known as the Time Variance Authority or the TVA. The first two episodes offer us a glimpse at the daily life of the bureaucratic society that spends their every day to preserve the Sacred Timeline. They exist to abide by the rules set by the Time Keepers, who mysteriously don’t show their face to the organization except for Ramona Renslayer as revealed in the second episode. Strangely, a top official like Mobius has never even seen them. We also notice a lot of time-based propaganda hidden in the background of the offices. Is there a darker truth hidden deep beneath the TVA’s archives?

     

    Loki: The TVA Is More Powerful Than the Infinity Stones | CBR

     

    The latest episode spends a lot of time exploring the worldviews of our two protagonists. It all surrounds a simple discussion about Mobius’ love for jet skis. We learn in the same episode that only Renslayer gets to keep gifts from some of their cases, which is odd considering every agent is told not to disrupt the timeline. Still, he may swipe a magazine that got discontinued, as many of the products they consume like his favorite drink Josta Soda, only had short-lived shelf lives. Yet, as we learn in the first episode, some of them have no idea what exists outside of their desks. It’s almost as if their entire existence is only to serve the Time Keepers. The TVA may be just a pawn in keeping the timeline alive that truly only serves the Time Keepers to ensure their existence. As time keeps looping, perhaps they are as well without realizing it.

     

    Loki Season 2 Reportedly in Development

     

    We also briefly discussed the massive amount of propaganda that you can find in many of the TVA-focused shots. There are the massive statues of the three Time Keepers that are spread throughout the location. Miss Minutes’ introduction video also makes them seem like all-mighty beings that rule over time and existence. They are never given names but exist with the cryptic description of their role. In a way, it keeps the mystery alive of their otherworldly role. In a way, it is the belief that keeps these begins where they are and it seems fitting that it’s another god-like being that questions their rules, especially after he was forced to question his role in the timeline. The series plays around with Loki’s classic line in which he claims to be “burdened with glorious purpose.” Yet, it got twisted on its head when he was forced to face the inevitability of his existence in the first episode. Perhaps the TVA will go through that same lesson once Sylvie’s plans are put into motion.

  • How ‘Loki’s Villain Reveal May Set Up the Return of the Original Multiverse

    How ‘Loki’s Villain Reveal May Set Up the Return of the Original Multiverse

    The latest episode of Loki has finally dropped, and it gave us our first look at the deadly Variant of our titular character. It was indeed Sophia DiMartino playing a female version of the God of Mischief. Yet, if you remember, earlier in the episode, we are introduced to various Variants that all have one thing in common, they always have a resemblance to Tom Hiddleston. It also matches what we see teased in the first trailer for What If echoing Variants of existing Marvel Cinematic Universe characters. So, while DiMartino‘s accent seems inspired, there are many distinctions from her original counterpart that make her stand out as a unique character. Perhaps her origins are connected to the original multiverse?

    There is one curious detail that may hint at DiMartino‘s Loki potentially being a unique incarnation. The Spanish credits give her the name Sylvie and not Loki. Now, that name might ring a bell for comic readers as a version of the villainous Enchantress was named Sylvie Lushton in the 616 universes. Luckily, there is an actual confirmation within the episode. In the sequence where Loki goes through paperwork on the past events, there is a document that confirms her name is Sylvie Laufeydottir. The detail got uncovered by Reddit user LTC145, who shared it on Reddit.

     

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    So, if the Sacred Timeline always entails Loki Laufeyson going through his history, a version going by the name Sylvie would not match with the rules from the first episode. We also have to keep in mind the TVA doesn’t address people by how they identify. They reference them by their birth name, such as Loki technically archived as Laufeyson rather than Odinson. So, even if the files teased that he is genderfluid, each version from the episode’s opening still went by “Loki.” There is also the fact that DiMartino‘s version openly was disgusted by the name even though she doesn’t deny that she is a different version of the God of Mischief. It reminds me of a theory where we believed that the upcoming Spider-Men from the Sam Raimi and Marc Webb films might be part of the original Multiversal War, as they aren’t all Tom Holland look-a-likes. So, she too could be part of a time before the Time Keepers created the current MCU timeline.

    There even is a chance she might have taken part in the first Multiversal War and is a remnant that waited for the right time to put her plan into motion. It would also explain why she is so focused on creating brand new branches. It’ll distract the TVA long enough to infiltrate their base and face the Time Keepers. It’ll give her a chance to restore the original multiverse and bring back the timeline she lost. Her actions may also lead into Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s introduction of Spider-Man variants and forces Doctor Strange on the path to face the titular Multiverse of Madness. Whatever the future may hold, the introduction of this unique Variant will push the MCU’s multiverse into unfamiliar territory and the TVA will get quite a bit busier in the near future.

    Source: GamesRadar, Reddit

  • RUMOR: ‘Kraven the Hunter’ to Face Off Against Chameleon

    RUMOR: ‘Kraven the Hunter’ to Face Off Against Chameleon

    The Spider-Man franchise continues to expand but not in the ways many expect. Sony has been quite eager about exploring new ventures by exploring individual stories surrounding the webhead’s vast amount of characters. Now, they aren’t necessarily connected to Tom Holland’s incarnation of the character, but we’ve already seen their work with Venom and the upcoming Morbius. Sony has now set its eyes on an adaptation of Kraven the Hunter‘s story with Aaron Taylor-Johnson cast in the titular role. It seems that wasn’t all, as Illuminerdi shared that the Chameleon, better known as the Russian master of disguise Dmitri Smerdyakov, will be a villain in the upcoming spin-off.

    They couldn’t offer any details outside of his potential inclusion. They are currently looking for someone in their thirties to take on the villainous role. It is uncertain if he’ll have to contend with others or if he’ll be the sole adversary of the film. The character actually has some connections to fellow Russian, as he was his half-brother in the comics. So, they might explore this aspect in the upcoming film.

    It is also unknown if he’ll have his iconic face mask and switch between them, or simply act as a mastermind in the background. It is most likely not connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe directly, but they might utilize the technology introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier that allowed someone to replace their face. They could also give him a unique visual to make the character stand out, especially if Sony might do their own thing with this spin-off. Whatever direction they end up taking, it’s going to be curious to see how they adapt these characters without their common foe.

    Source: Illuminerdi

  • ‘Stranger Things’: Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke and More Featured in New Season 4 Set Photos

    ‘Stranger Things’: Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke and More Featured in New Season 4 Set Photos

    It’s crazy to think that the upcoming fourth season of Stranger Things has been teased all the way back in February of last year. In the mini-teaser titled “From Russia with love…” we got a glimpse of what happened after the events of the last season and got the dramatic reveal of Jim Hopper’s fate. Luckily, we got a short follow-up in early May that gave us a glimpse at Eleven’s upbringing before she made her grand escape. They offer us glimpses into what we can expect but the latest set photos offer a glimpse at

    Sadly, we aren’t allowed to share the images from JustJared, but you can check them out by clicking here.

    We can see Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Sadie Sink, Calex McLaughlin, and Maya Hawke preparing for some kind of battle. Joe Keery is wielding an ax alongside Natalia with a shotgun. They look like they went through quite some trouble, as these images give off an apocalyptic vibe. We know from the end of last season that the group has split. Perhaps the Upside Down found its way into reality and merged with it.

    They certainly are collecting quite a few supplies. It’ll be interesting to see if they introduce a new major threat like the mind Flyer, or if they will have to take down an army of Demogorgons. Hopefully, we’ll get an official trailer in the upcoming months with a release date that’ll hint at what exactly will befall the little town of Hawkins.

    Source: YouTube (Teaser), YouTube (Eleven Teaser), JustJared

  • E3: New Look at ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2’ Sequel Released

    E3: New Look at ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2’ Sequel Released

    It’s been a long wait since they announced the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The first game reinvented the franchise in an interesting way by giving the player complete freedom and it looks like the sequel will do the same. It even seems they will be catapulting a lot of Hyrule into the sky, as we are teased with Link flying from one island to another.

     

    Source: YouTube, Twitter

  • E3: ‘Advance Wars’ Returns to Nintendo Switch

    E3: ‘Advance Wars’ Returns to Nintendo Switch

    A childhood favorite is finally making a return, as during the E3 Nintendo Direct they announced a brand new remake of the original two Advance Wars titles. Not just that, they are completely redoing the franchise in 3D with unique animations for the characters. Not just that, they are even remaking both original games from the Nintendo Gameboy. Sadly, it seems they aren’t focusing on the Nintendo DS’s Dual Strike that continued the franchise back in the day, but they might return to the franchise if this new installment proves to be successful.

     

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

    Source: YouTube

  • E3: The Long-Rumored ‘Metroid: Dread’ Finally Unveiled

    E3: The Long-Rumored ‘Metroid: Dread’ Finally Unveiled

    Finally, Nintendo is giving the Metroid franchise some love, as they just announced Metroid 5 is heading to the Nintendo Switch. They still haven’t given us any details on Metroid Prime 4, but it is great seeing the iconic franchise make a comeback. The now-titled Metroid: Dread will see Samus Aran in a brand new outfit facing unlikely robotic foes. The most iconic part about this announcement lies in the fact that Metroid: Dread has been going around as a title for almost six years now.

    Source: YouTube

  • E3: ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ Adds ‘Tekken’s Kazuya

    E3: ‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ Adds ‘Tekken’s Kazuya

    It looks like the next Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC character has finally been announced in a rather grim fashion. We see some classic Nintendo characters get thrown down a cliff in a gruesome fashion. It pulls up to reveal its a recreation of how Kazuya was turned into the man he is today. Yes, Tekken finally gets an official fighter in the game and it wasn’t the flagship characters of Heihachi or Jin, but the estranged son and father. It’ll surely be a great addition to the franchise.

     

    Source: YouTube

  • ‘Loki’ Creator Further Calls into Question the Canon Status of ‘Agents of SHIELD’

    ‘Loki’ Creator Further Calls into Question the Canon Status of ‘Agents of SHIELD’

    Ever since Marvel Studios merged with Marvel TV with their Disney+ venture, we’ve all been keeping an eye out for clues about the canonicity of the ABC and Netflix series. Now that the franchise is venturing into the multiverse with Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, it could get even more complicated. All eyes were on the latest series heading to Disney+, Loki, to offer some kind of details on how it may fit into the ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe. When the first episode showcased the iconic sequence of Phil Coulson inspiring the Avengers, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to allude to his resurrection in Agents of SHIELD. In an interview with Fandom, the show’s head writer Michael Waldron offered a statement on its absence:

    No, look, that is one other tendril of the multiverse, perhaps. I think just seeing mention of Coulson again, the very fact that it raises those questions, is exciting.

    Now, he seems to kind of confirm that whatever happened in the series might be part of a different multiverse. Yet, as we theorized a few days ago, the first episode introduces us to the Sacred Timeline that exists to prevent another multiversal war. So, it technically doesn’t yet exist because neither does the multiverse. So, it currently wouldn’t be canon but will once the Sacred timeline starts falling apart. Waldron is also the writer of the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel which will explore the fallout of those events.

    Hopefully, when that happens, we also get a visual reference to it in the series, as they might tease the different timelines that might also connect directly into What If. We could get a brief cameo of the resurrected SHIELD from the last season’s finale, or maybe Coulson alongside Chloe Bennet‘s Daisy Johnson. Whatever they decide to do, here’s hoping the picture becomes clearer as the multiverse expands.

    Source: Fandom