Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Hawkeye War Table Deep Dive Announced for February

    ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Hawkeye War Table Deep Dive Announced for February

    We have been anxiously waiting for any sign of life for Marvel’s Avengers‘ next DLC character. Kate Bishop got released in the middle of December, so we’ve wondered when we can expect Clint Barton to join the team. Well, we don’t have a release date quite yet but a confirmation for the character’s official Deep Dive video. It looks like his inclusion in the latest newsletter was for a reason after all. The official Twitter channel for @PlayAvengers has officially released a new key art alongside the announcement. The next Deep Dive got slated for February 16th. It will also include our first look at the next-gen upgrade for the game.

    It has been quite the wait since Clint got teased for the first time back in July. It wasn’t until Kate Bishop’s Deep Dive that we learned about his storyline that would thrust the archer into the future. The new key art highlights the trouble he will face with Maestro hanging above his head menacingly. Even if the wait was long, I am excited to explore this interpretation of the iconic Future Imperfect run.

    This War Table reveal could also include a teaser for the next DLC hero. It seems pretty obvious at this point that it will be Black Panther. A few months back, we got some details from data miner @mmmmmmmmiller on what the king of Wakanda will bring to the table. There s still some time until they release the War Table video, so hopefully, we’ll also get smaller updates to build up to this reveal. Kate’s release was a few weeks after her showcase, but this one got announced further in advance. As such, the wait between Deep Dive and character release could be shorter.

    Source: Twitter, YouTube

  • Disney+ STAR Line-Up Includes ‘Lost’, ‘Deadpool’, And So Much More

    Disney+ STAR Line-Up Includes ‘Lost’, ‘Deadpool’, And So Much More

    Disney+ is doing its first major expansion in Europe and Canada. As Hulu remains a US-only service, the rest of the world is getting the new STAR brand. It differs between countries, as India has a unique offering with Disney+ Hotstar that includes sports content. The STAR expansion is going to premiere on the 23rd of February. There is a chance that different regions will have a unique line-up. It is mainly the result of local dealings, where the shows or films are exclusively available in existing streaming services. We haven’t received an overview of what shows are made available in different countries, but a post by @DisneyPlusUK offers our closest look at what we can expect.

    https://twitter.com/DisneyPlusUK/status/1354702270160658433

    I love the approach that they took here by creating the new STAR logo through the various show and film titles. A newsletter got sent out shortly after the announcement during Disney’s Investors Day, so we might see another get sent out that details what will be made available in different countries. The tweet calls this their largest content drop yet, so it may be the main template for what we can expect for the future of this new branding.

    So far, there has been no word if we will also see STAR Original series. It may be a way for Disney to create mature stories from Marvel Studios and LucasFilms. I made a theory on how the expansion may influence the future of how Disney+ content is handled, which you can check out here. This reveal also confirms that Deadpool will be made available under the STAR banner, so once that is unlocked, it may get added to the existing Marvel branding. We are only a few weeks away from the official release, so hopefully, we’ll get more details before it rolls out in selected countries.

    Source: Twitter

  • HBO Max Developing an Animated ‘Game of Thrones’ Series

    HBO Max Developing an Animated ‘Game of Thrones’ Series

    Game of Thrones is rapidly expanding. In addition to the prequel House of Dragons, HBO is looking into adding various brand new original series. So far, only The Tales of Dunk and Egg was confirmed to be in some form of development. Well, it seems that HBO Max has set their eyes on adding an animated project into their list of adaptations. According to Variety, the series is in the very early stages of development. Currently, there is no writer or talent attached to the project.

    It isn’t too surprising that they are also looking into another medium to expand the franchise, as other shows have started to test out animated shows. Just last year, we got a new animated series for Star Trek titled Lower Decks. It added a unique comedy to the classic sci-fi epic. HBO Max seems to be mapping out its future line-up, as the latest rumors also hinted at an original Harry Potter series is being developed for the streaming service.

    The interesting question will be if this adaptation will stick to the adult themes of the original. I doubt they will be trying to create a child-friendly version of the franchise, so we could see something closer to Netflix’s Castlevania once it releases. They might use this opportunity to explore stories that would be too expensive in live-action, such as a project exploring the Night King. As an animated series takes quite a bit of time, this series might not release before 2024. Until then, we have House of Dragons to fill the void that the last season of Game of Thrones left in our hearts.

    Source: Variety

  • EXCLU: Ally Maki and Kal Penn Join Tom Huang’s ‘Dealing With Dad’

    EXCLU: Ally Maki and Kal Penn Join Tom Huang’s ‘Dealing With Dad’

    We got our hand on some exclusive casting news for an upcoming Indie film. It seems that Ally Maki and Kal Penn has joined the latest film by Tom Huang‘s titled Dealing With Dad. The story follows a slightly dysfunctional family, as the kids have to deal with their clinically depressed father. Huang was selected among a number of screenwriters to join the Film Independent’s Screenwriting Lab2015, which helped him gain a grant to produce the script of the film. He is now finally tackling the project after his success with the award-winning Indie film Find Me in 2019, which he wrote, directed, and starred in.

    Cloak and Dagger‘s Ally Maki will tackle the role of Margeret Chang. Maki is a fantastic choice for the lead, as she was great in TBS’ Wrecked. Some might also recognize her voice from Toy Story 4, where she played Giggle McDimples. The role of her father will be played by Dana Lee, who some might recognize from Curb Your Enthusiasm. There is also the casting of Kal Penn, who is a great addition to the cast. His filmography ranges from Harold and Kumar to hit shows like House M.D. and Designated Survivor. Even with his extensive past as a comedy actor, he certainly has proven himself in more serious roles.

    The concept of a dysfunctional family is always a fascinating one to explore. Dealing With Dad will take a closer look at how much a person can change when facing depression and if a family can truly forgive their behavior from the past. It certainly sounds like a story many will be able to relate to. Going by the cast The film is set to start production in spring, so we might see more casting news in the coming weeks.

    Source: IndieWire, Film Independent, Find Me

  • Kevin Hart Joins ‘Borderlands’ Film as Soldier Roland

    Kevin Hart Joins ‘Borderlands’ Film as Soldier Roland

    Here’s an interesting casting announcement. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Kevin Hart will officially join the upcoming adaptation of Borderlands. It seems that Lionsgate was hard at work closing a deal with the Jumanji actor, who will take on the role of soldier Roland. The character has appeared in various games including Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 2, and Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep. THR points out that this will indeed be a more serious acting turn for Hart, who has a track record in comedies. So far, he is the second actor to join the project after Cate Blanchett, who is set to play thief Lilith. Director Eli Roth is working on the project based on a script by Craig Mazin. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President had the following statement:

    Kevin has been behind some of the world’s biggest blockbusters, and our source material is inspired by one of the world’s best-selling video games. We love the way our filmmaking team has adapted this story and we couldn’t be in better creative hands.

    Borderlands is a popular franchise and released its official third entry in 2019. As THR points out, the franchise sold 66 million units since it initially launched. Hart is an interesting choice for the character of Roland. Roth also commented on the casting, as he is excited to showcase a different side of the actor. It is great to see Kevin Hart attempt a more serious role. He still has some comedies that wrapped up production recently, such as Man from Toronto and No F**s Given, but he is starting to venture out. One of his upcoming films Fatherhood deals with the story of a man losing his wife after she gave birth. So, Hart is slowly leaving his comfort zone to find new ventures in acting, which is always great to see.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • New ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Trailer Teases a Mystical Adventure

    New ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Trailer Teases a Mystical Adventure

    After revisiting the land of Arendale in 2019’s Frozen 2, Walt Disney Animation Studios is heading to the East and explore the story of Raya. It was among the many films that were delayed as a result of the 2020 pandemic, which will now see a release via Disney+ Premier Access and in theaters. As we are only a little over a month away, Disney released a brand new trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon giving us our first official look at Kelly Marie Tran’s Raya and Awkwafina‘s dragon Sisu.

    https://twitter.com/DisneyRaya/status/1354066562903404544?s=19

    The film was directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada alongside Paul Briggs and John Ripa as co-directors. The story takes place in the world of Kumandra, where the dragons once sacrificed their lives to save humanity from a great evil. Now that the evil has returned after 500 years, the young warrior Raya sets out to track down the last dragon. The visuals alone are already showcasing how far Disney has come in its 3D animation department. The film has a stellar cast with Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, Izaac Wang, and many more. The trailer also came with a brand new poster:

    Raya and the Last Dragon is the second film t premiere on Disney+’s new Premium Access function. The movie will be available for $29.99 once it releases on March 5th. Everyone is going to keep an eye on the film’s release, as it may determine if the rest of the Disney line-up for 2021 gets delayed. the film looks to be a great addition to the Disney line-up and you can’t go wrong with a film that includes a baby that can do kung-fu.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Tomb Raider’ Adds ‘Lovecraft Country’s Misha Green as Writer and Director

    ‘Tomb Raider’ Adds ‘Lovecraft Country’s Misha Green as Writer and Director

    2018’s Tomb Raider wasn’t a massive success with a gross of $250 million worldwide but still made enough to kickstart a new cinematic franchise. It looks like the sequel is finally getting ready, as Misha Green is set to write and direct the upcoming sequel. Green might be most well-known for her work as showrunner of Lovecraft Country. She also wrote Netflix’s The Mother and wrote the successful WGN Underground series. As you can see, she has quite an extensive filmography. However, this will be Green‘s first time taking on directing duties for the film.

    The first film’s adaptation took heavy cues from the 2016 Crystal Dynamics remake of the iconic franchise. It mostly focused on a young Lara Croft fighting for survival while being outnumbered. No details are given what we can expect from the sequel, but there will certainly be tombs involved. The report also confirms that Alicia Vikander will return in the titular role once again.

    Tomb Raider has quite a history with the gaming franchise starting back in 1996. Originally it was designed by the British video game company Core Design, which was owned by Eidos Interactive. Vikander‘s incarnation isn’t the first adaptation to film. Angelina Jolie played the titular role in 2001’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider before returning for a sequel. It will be interesting to see how Vikander‘s franchise may grow moving forward, as it may start embracing the franchise’s crazier origins. I am still waiting for her to fight some dinosaurs. Misha Green‘s addition may also add some more horror elements to make the sequel stand out from its predecessor, which is an exciting prospect.

    Source: Deadline

  • Live-Action ‘Harry Potter’ Series in Development for HBO Max

    Live-Action ‘Harry Potter’ Series in Development for HBO Max

    The Wizarding World is about to grow even bigger, as The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that a live-action Harry Potter series is in development. It seems the Executives over at WarnerMedia have been in talks with various writers but nothing is set in concrete as of now. No deals have been made, as HBO Max and Warner Bros. have made the statement that nothing is in active development. The franchise is one of the studio’s most valuable IPs, so it makes sense that they have something planned. J.K. Rowling is presumed to still be involved, as she still has control over the franchise.

    The franchise hasn’t been free from controversy, mostly surrounding Rowling‘s recent comments. Warner Bros. also replaced Johnny Depp with Mads Mikkelsen in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts film. Still, the franchise has quite the following ever since the original film aired in 2001 before Deathly Hallows ended the story of the franchise’s titular character. It wasn’t until 2016 that Fantastic Beasts sparked a new wave of excitement, as Warner Bros. saw to expand upon the now-titled Wizarding World.

    As there are no writers involved, the series can be a prequel, sequel, or even a midquel. It would be interesting to explore a modern Hogwarts, where students are also using modern technology in combination with their magic. There is also a lot of wizarding history that has yet to be explored, so anything is possible. We’ll most likely hear more from this project once they’ve found the right writer.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • Why Godzilla Will Triumph in ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’

    Why Godzilla Will Triumph in ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’

    After many delays, Godzilla vs. Kong is finally happening. It has been a long wait, but fans of the Monsterverse are about to get the clash we’ve been waiting for since 1962’s original King Kong vs. Godzilla. Of course, we’ve seen many variations of the VS type of film, such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In most cases, the two opposing forces are going to fight a uniting villain. So, in many cases, the actual fight is a showdown with no definite winner. There are exceptions, but it is the common trope you can expect. Luckily, in an interview with IndieWire, director Adam Wingard confirmed that there will be an actual victor. So, Edward and I are marking our case for who we believe to be victorious. In my case, I think the winner here is going to be Toho’s resident lizard, Godzilla.

     

     

    Why do I think the nuclear-powered giant is going to win? Ignoring my bias here, I think Godzilla has proven his fighting capabilities against various monsters throughout the franchise. He took down two MUTOs in the 2014 film before killing a literal alien Ghidora in the sequel. We’ve also seen Godzilla take quite a few punches, so an overgrown gorilla is not going to be that different from what he took on before. His atomic breath is also an effective way to take down any enemy that tries to get in to close. Plus, he is an incredible swimmer that can easily drag the giant ape into his territory to take him down without an issue.

    He does have a weakness. In comparison to Kong, Godzilla is quite a bit slower and less agile. So, there is a good chance the monkey will get some good punches in throwing him off balance. It’s going to be the true test of his abilities, as he needs to keep his environment in mind. His tiny T-Rex arms aren’t going to help him if the monkey starts swinging a subway car like nunchucks. Still, he has experience fighting enemies that can fly, so I bet Kong jumping around isn’t as daunting a task as it could be otherwise.

     

     

    No matter who wins, we are going to have a blast watching it. Though, I do not doubt in my mind that Godzilla’s got this fight. Edward can make an argument he wants to, we all know that the true king of Monsters will keep that title for as long as he roams the Earth. He is just getting ready, and his spine is already glowing up. Even if Kong got a little bigger since Kong: Skull Island, he has no chance. He probably has gotten lazy during his time there while Godzilla was out there keeping nature in check. We can answer the debate with a simple question. What is a king to a God?

    Source: IndieWire

  • First ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Trailer Confirms Mechagodzilla

    First ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Trailer Confirms Mechagodzilla

    The first trailer for Godzilla vs Kong has just been released and it showcases the clash of ages. We know that a big part of this film will focus on the fight between the two titular titans. It was built up since the post-credit sequence from Kong: Skull Island. So, finally, we got a first good look at the film after constant delays. Many of us wondered if it will follow the usual VS film trope that a third adversary brings them together. Well, there was a rumor going around that the film would include the metallic copy of everyone’s favorite atomic lizard, Mechagodzilla. The release of the film’s toyline was our first real showcase. Well, the trailer also confirms his inclusion in some blink-and-you-miss-it moments:

     

     

    Early on in the trailer, we see people running away from what seems to be Godzilla. If you take a closer look in the upper right corner, you can actually see that his neck is lighting up. Yes, they actually included their secret villain in the first trailer. Later on, we even get a tease on a screen that showcases Godzilla with specific hotspots. The trailer also reveals that the titular titan is pissed off about something. Most likely, there is something rather unnatural going on with the mechanical version of our favorite lizard. We learned throughout the previous films that he exists to balance out events throughout the world. It was a huge factor in Godzilla: King of the Monsters as he took on King Ghidorah, who is an alien. It is really exciting to see this come together and cannot wait to see the monster action once it airs in theaters and on HBO Max in March.

    Source: Godzilla Movies