Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • First ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Trailer Teases Titans Clashing

    First ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Trailer Teases Titans Clashing

    It has been a long wait but finally, we got our first full look at the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong film. We’ve been anxiously awaiting any sign of life for the project, which was hit by the ongoing pandemic. After countless delays, the film will finally release in just a few months with the first official poster hitting the web around three days ago. The concept of these two titans facing each other has been in development since 2015, as the Monsterverse started to grow out of 2014’s successful reboot of the Western Godzilla franchise. It will serve as the culmination of Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla: King of Monsters. Without further ado, here’s the first official trailer for Godzilla vs. Kong.

     

    The trailer perfectly matches the rest of the franchise and I cannot wait to finally see it once it hits theaters and HBO Max in March. It almost makes Godzilla look like a villain that just randomly started attacking Kong and various cities. It is strange to see him dedicated as this, so they might be using this as a tease for a third enemy that is pushing Godzilla to go on a rampage. We even get glimpses of some unique monsters that will join the fray. Whatever is happening to the nuclear lizard may be connected to why they are bringing in Kong. He might be their weapon to stop Godzilla, who has gone insane after his fight with Ghidorah in King of the Monsters.

    It does feel like a culmination for the franchise, as they are referred to as the last remaining monsters. Hopefully, the franchise will continue after this film and continue exploring the titan’s history on this version of Earth. We just recently heard rumblings of a potential spin-off that focuses on Monarch, the secret organization overseeing their activities. I have to say the trailer really sold me on the film and I cannot wait to see these two fight it out once it finally is released in March.

    Source: Twitter

  • How ‘Deadpool 3’ May Redefine Disney+ and Hulu’s Future

    How ‘Deadpool 3’ May Redefine Disney+ and Hulu’s Future

    WandaVision finally premiered on Disney+ last month. It will be the first of many to fill out the service in the coming years and expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, they have big plans or the silver screen as well. As the cinematic future is currently a bit uncertain, the studio has been focusing on turning Disney’s premiere streaming service into their MCU hub. However, two future projects open up an interesting question about Marvel Studios’ future within the Disney+ restrictions. Deadpool 3 is confirmed to be an R-rated project that is part of the MCU. There is a good chance that the vampire film Blade will also share that rating. Now, Disney+ is expanding with mature content, which means they would be available on the service. Yet, once we open pandora’s box on their international strategy, it gets quite complicated. It won’t be easy for those that are searching for a central MCU hub on the franchise.

    So far, the streaming service managed to gain 86.8 million subscribers by the end of 2020 purely on family-friendly content. To put that in perspective, after being the dominant service on the market, Netflix only now passed 200 million subscribers. These are impressive numbers, but they also showcase the surprising speed of Disney+’s growth. Netflix’s key advantage is that they have no restrictions on their content. Even Disney’s strategy focusing on high-profile franchises to sell the service can only push a growth so far. They are already looking into expanding that offering to include more mature-themed content to ensure their exponential growth. Now, the problem is that this strategy is not as simple as it probably should be.

     

     

    So far, only Canada and Europe will receive the new STAR brand within the Disney-owned service. It gets complicated once we look towards the international market. Latin America is getting a singular streaming service known only as STAR+. Indian and other Asian markets have another unique offering in Disney+ Hotstar, which also includes sports programming. The STAR shows and films are available in the United States through Hulu. We still have no idea if there are plans to include the Spider-Man films. Sony Pictures still owns the franchise and determines its availability. You can read up on my thoughts on that matter by clicking here. So, the availability of the MCU is going to be quite disjointed as they start expanding. In addition, even when it is made available, the R-rated Deadpool 3 will most likely be categorized under the Hulu or STAR rather than the Marvel brand.

    If you live in the United States, you’ll only have access via an additional Hulu package. Let’s take this thought experiment one step further and say they want to expand with a Deadpool spin-off series. You’ll have this issue in addition to the uncertainty if this original show will even get a physical release. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also seemed unsure if WandaVision would release on Blu-ray in a recent interview. So, if you want to binge the entire MCU on your Disney+ app, you’re out of luck as you need to switch between service or brand. If we move towards a digital dependency, Marvel Studios might push Disney to include Hulu as an app within the streaming app. Once LucasFilms also aims to expand Star Wars with mature series and films, Disney might consider centralizing their services. It may seem irrelevant in the short-term, but it is essential for Disney+’s branding strategy moving forward if they want to grow Disney+ internationally to compete with Netflix. Deadpool 3 most likely won’t release until 2023, so the next few Investor’s events might tease a new direction for the service.

    Source: Variety, TechCrunch, ComicBookMovie

  • LockeDown #05: Wakanda Opens Its Vibranium Mines to the World

    LockeDown #05: Wakanda Opens Its Vibranium Mines to the World

    After a short excursion last week, John Locke is back in the studio discussing the minerals and metallic wonders of Earth. Wakanda is finally opening up their famous Vibranium mines to the public, while New Asgard seeks the remains of Mjolnir. In a world full of superheroes, there are still many surprises to unveil in the latest episode of LockeDown:

     

     

    If you enjoyed the episode, don’t miss out on getting early access by subscribing to our Patreon to be one of the first to listen to the next entry:

     

     

  • ‘Hitman 3’ Breaks Franchise’s Digital Launch Record

    ‘Hitman 3’ Breaks Franchise’s Digital Launch Record

    In other gaming news, it looks like IO Interactive has some time to celebrate. Hitman 3 was the first major release of 2021 to kick it off with style. After ending last year with many buggy releases and controversies, it is good to start the year off like this in the gaming market. According to the developer, their latest entry had the franchise’s biggest digital launch ever. Its launch was also welcomed by a wave of raving reviews highlighting how it continues to evolve the 20-year-old franchise.

    This franchise defined the developer ever since it was founded in 1998. They’ve worked on seven Hitman titles since and rebooted the franchise in 2016, which would become the World of Assassination trilogy. At the time, they were owned by Square Enix and even got renamed Square Enix Europe. At one point, they were able to do a management buyout a year later and once again become an independent franchise. They almost lost the rights to their original creation in the process but that luckily didn’t happen.

    It is also a highlight to end their trilogy on such a high note. IO Interactive is about to venture out into a new franchise, as around two months ago they announced that they are working on an untitled 007 game. There is no word if they are taking a longer break from the franchise, as they focus on new IPs moving forward. I do think there is always going to be a future for Agent 47, so maybe we get a chance to see him and James Bond duke it out in the upcoming game.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Newsletter Teases Upcoming Hawkeye DLC

    ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Newsletter Teases Upcoming Hawkeye DLC

    The New Year has finally started, and we are just getting ready to see what the future has to hold. 2020 was a rough year in general, so hopefully, 2021 will be a new beginning for many. That statement also includes Marvel’s Avengers that had a rough launch in the last year. I have been covering the game for quite some bit now, so I am hopeful to see what direction it might take in the New Year. There has been some silence lately, as most developers have only recently returned from the holidays.

    Luckily, we did get a chance to cover the first 2021 developer stream. It offered some smaller teases, which teases some big plans for the year. It looks like a lot is happening for this game, which is exciting to see. Many of us are still anticipating a reveal and release date for the next DLC character, Clint Barton, the original Hawkeye. We sadly haven’t heard anything since December, but it looks like some activity is happening behind the scenes. As a nice surprise, we just got a new newsletter featuring his silhouette teasing his upcoming addition.

    https://twitter.com/PlayAvenger/status/1352702483953561601?s=20

    Sadly, we haven’t received the newsletter in Europe yet, so I am grateful that @PlayAvenger shared the one he received. It doesn’t say anything really, but his inclusion at least is a hint that he may sooner rather than later. We still have no official release date or even any info on their Deep Dive, but any sign of what they are working on is a welcomed change of pace. They have already added an open menu for his addition on the website, so we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks. Sadly, there is no developer stream today, which highlights they might be working on quite a bit right now. We’ll keep an eye out on what the future may hold for Hawkeye and Marvel’s Avengers. 

    Source: Twitter

  • How ‘WandaVision’ Embraces J. J. Abram’s ‘Lost’ Mystery Box

    How ‘WandaVision’ Embraces J. J. Abram’s ‘Lost’ Mystery Box

    WandaVision is truly unique among Marvel Studios’ projects. We have gotten used to what defines a Marvel film. Even as they dabbled with different types of genres, it still was somewhat recognizable. Expectations are the set-up So, their first attempt at a TV series on Disney+ took many by surprise. It is a slower-paced show that only offers glimpses of a larger mystery that is lurking underneath the sitcom-inspired facade. At some point, Wanda ends up in a different dimension that shifts through different eras of television comedy. There, we meet a very-much-alive Vision, wh seems oblivious to what is happening around him. Head writer Jac Schaeffer has no interest in holding our hand. It started to remind me of a series that is near and dear to my heart, Lost. 

     

     

     

    Why am I making this comparison? The simple reason is how both shows approach their format. The J.J. Abrams‘s directed pilot took a similar approach back in 2005. This fact is especially noteworthy in how it builds its overarching mystery. Most of its episode focuses on the character of Jack Shephard. We are distracted by the airplane crash as the primary mystery before the island takes center stage. We retrace his steps, get to know the ensemble cast, and try to figure out how they landed on the island. It wasn’t until later in the episode that we learn of what this series is all about. Just like WandaVision, we get a two-parter to start the series. The first merely hints at something being off before the second starts unraveling it.

    Now, with the release of the third episode, the truth is starting to take center stage. Just like Lost, the mystery will take over as the series continues. There is also the existence of a strange governmental facility that features throughout the overarching storyline. The DHARMA Initiative was to the island what SWORD is to Westview, as they seek a way to reach Wanda. The difference is that WandaVision is more subtle in its approach, as no dead pilot is hanging in a tree to warn us of a monster that is hiding. I mean, we almost had a man suffocate on what looked to be a strawberry. In a way, their first Disney+ outing is similar to J. J. Abrams‘ fascination with The Mystery Box storytelling. There are so many different mysteries that connect one way or another, may it be the overall setting, Wanda going through pregnancy in 24 hours, and Vision being alive.

     

     

    There are tiny details in the background that add to the overall mystery, such as subtle touches in Agnes’ clothes. One of the Lost showrunners, Damon Lindelof carried over this approach into his latest series, Watchmen. If you pay close attention to the set dressing, dialogue, and various other subtle moments you can predict the show’s direction. Schaeffer has done something similar by twisting our familiarity with sitcom tropes and clichés. We know something is wrong but not quite sure what it may be. Even if the first few episodes don’t quite click, the bigger picture or mystery is keeping you going and may enhance previous viewings. We are just at the beginning of opening the mystery box and we’ll see how it comes toge

    Source: TED

  • First ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Set Photos Tease The God Butcher’s Home World

    First ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Set Photos Tease The God Butcher’s Home World

    After a new wave of delays, the future of cinema seems uncertain once more. We are still waiting for another delay or announcement for Marvel Studios’ Black Widow. It already got delayed by an entire year, so it seems likely that it will continue getting pushed back. Disney is still testing out another round with their Premium Access strategy once Raya and the Last Dragon releases in March. They might be waiting out until then. For now, it is uncertain what the future has in store for Marvel. Yet, these delays aren’t stopping them from getting future projects filmed, so they are available for their original release date. As such, we were anxiously waiting for any updates or set photos.

    Thor: Love and Thunder is currently preparing to film in Sidney’s Centennial Park. The Daily Mail was able to get a few photos from the film’s production design being built. It may offer us our first real look at what may be one of the many planets visited throughout the film. It looks like they are preparing a desert-inspired biome, so they might cover the background with a green screen.

     

     

    Comic fans might instantly recognize the background. It looks like they are building the home planet of Gorr the God Butcher, who will be played by Christian Bale in the upcoming film. It would make sense that they explore his backstory, so they might be preparing a flashback or what could even be the opening of the film. It is uncertain what role Gorr will have in the film, as we’ve seen the Marvel Cinematic Universe adapt well-known characters in unique ways. There could even be a chance that Hela makes an appearance, as she was wielding the weapon we commonly connect with the God Butcherer. Hopefully, we might also get a closer look at the set once they officially start filming.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • New ‘Resident Evil Village’ Trailer Explores the Vampire Castle

    New ‘Resident Evil Village’ Trailer Explores the Vampire Castle

    Resident Evil is celebrating its 25th anniversary. There were some smaller reveals, such as some unique gear for The Division 2. It seems that a multiplayer game is also being added to Resident Evil Village for free, which includes characters from the latest installments. I never really imagined we’d get a third-person Call of Duty clone for the horror franchise. Of course, we were anticipating the latest update for the eighth installment of the franchise. Early trailers already teased a very different game that included werewolves and, what seemed to be, vampires. Well, the latest trailer builds on that and offers some small tidbits of gameplay as well.

     

     

    Resident Evil has been quite busy with their releases. After the successful launch of VII, which surprised players with its new first-person perspective, they’ve released remakes of their second and third installments. These games took the franchise back to its roots. It offered a nice change of pace, as Village revealed to continue where its predecessor left off. In a way, it would allow Capcom to please old and new fans of the franchise. We once again take control of Ethan Winters, who will be facing some rather unlikely foes. The latest trailer took a closer look at the castle and its inhabitants.

    The environments look beautiful with the gothic design, and the overall design does remind me of the game’s fourth entry. Surprisingly, they only teased Chris Redfield, whose role is still uncertain. It is great to see Capcom move away from what we are used to while still embracing what made the franchise iconic. As much as I loved the seventh entry, I think the monster’s design was a bit of a letdown. Of course, the family was a highlight, but the strange black goo creatures got quite repetitive. So, embracing a new twist on vampires and werewolves promises some unique action.

    Source: IGN, YouTube

  • First ‘Superman and Lois’ Trailer Released

    First ‘Superman and Lois’ Trailer Released

    CW has been making some curious changes lately. The Arrowverse seemed to be facing a shift, as many long-term shows were getting canceled. They even decided not to move forward with the Arrow spin-off Green Arrow and the Canaries. Black Lightning and Supergirl are also on their way out, which may signal a new direction. DC has been focusing a lot on adding to HBO Max’s line-up, which may be a reason for this reshuffling. It isn’t the end of an era, as CW has a brand new DC show on the horizon. The CW has greenlit a brand new series titled Superman & Lois. It will focus on the Man of Steel trying to juggle his responsibilities as a hero and taking care of his children. After a long wait, we finally got a first look trailer at the upcoming series, which you can check out here:

    The trailer looks very promising. Clark trying to balance his family and superhero life makes for a great premise. Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch are perfect choices for the CW’s version of the iconic power couple. The series is set within the Arrowverse continuity, so we might see Supergirl or other heroes could make an appearance throughout the season. We already got the tease that David Ramsey’s John Diggle was going to return, and he also directed an episode for the show. The first trailer certainly teases a great new addition to the Arrowverse line-up. We will see how crazy things get as Clark tries to regain some kind of normalcy.

    Source: Twitter

  • First Official ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Poster Teases Upcoming Trailer

    First Official ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Poster Teases Upcoming Trailer

    Warner Bros. has been quite busy reshuffling their 2021 line-up. Ever since they announced the new strategy to release their films simultaneously in theaters and HBO Max, we’ve been anxiously waiting for any promotional material for the projects. Mortal Kombat most notably was supposed to air in January, but never got a trailer or even poster reveal. It got postponed and suddenly they’ve decided to release Godzilla vs. Kong in March. We had no trailer or any marketing for the film, so it was a curious decision. Luckily, it seems the wait isn’t going to last much longer, as Warner Bros. officially revealed a brand new poster alongside the caption that the first trailer will release Sunday.

    Godzilla: King of Monsters had some of my favorite poster designs and it looks like the franchise is continuing that trend. We don’t need to see all of Godzilla to recognize the image presented before us. I love the way Kong’s red and Godzilla’s blue are clashing here. It’s these kinds of visual flourishes that really make these posters stand out. Warner Bros. also made the right decision to avoid the cliché of having both just stare at each other like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or Captain America: Civil War did with its poster design. There is some great attention to detail and the Monstersverse at play here. I am really excited for the trailer, as we finally get to see these two titans clash. The last time they faced off was back in 1962. We are around two months away until the film finally releases, so there will be plenty more posters heading our way in the near future.

    Source: The Wrap, Twitter