Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘God of War: Ragnarok’ Teaser Trailer Confirms 2021 Release

    ‘God of War: Ragnarok’ Teaser Trailer Confirms 2021 Release

    There were some exciting reveals in the latest PlayStation Showcase. Final Fantasy XVI finally got revealed and is returning to the franchise’s roots. We got some gameplay for Spider-Man: Miles Morales. They even announced an open-world Harry Potter game with Hogwarts Legacy. We also finally got an official price and release date. It is already coming out in November, so it is amazing to think how long they dragged out the reveal. At the end of the PlayStation Showcase, they surprised us with one last announcement. The long-awaited sequel to God of War is coming.

    Anyone else got chills from that? We only hear Kratos talking to his son Atreus. He wants him to prepare for something before the official subtitle Ragnarok is revealed. It was to be expected that the follow-up would use this title. Kratos fulfilled the prophecy that would lead to the end of the world we know. Somehow the former Greek God of War has a tendency to do so. The logo also seems to confirm the never-ending winter that will befall Earth. thor was briefly teased throughout Kratos’ travels until he confronted them in a secret ending. Now, we will finally get a chance to confront the iconic Norse God and I cannot wait to continue the storyline. This might already be my most-anticipated game of 2021 and I haven’t even seen any gameplay.

     Source: YouTube

  • ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Trailer Explores Beyond the School’s Grounds

    ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Trailer Explores Beyond the School’s Grounds

    There has been a rumor floating around for quite some time that a Harry Potter game was being developed. Warner Bros. game division was almost sold by AT&T, so some wondered if the game was even going to be released. Surprisingly, it seems that the franchise’s popularity may have been the saving grace for the studio. Now, we finally got our first look at what a third-person game in the world of Harry Potter could look like during the PlayStation showcase.

    The trailer showcases a variety of creatures that are well-known to Potter fans. The game will open up the school’s gates. It seems you can create your own character that will start his life as a wizard at Hogwarts in the early 1800s. We sadly don’t really get a look at how you play the game. It seems to be based on third-person action games, so might take some cues from games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. I am curious if you can upgrade your character by attending classes. It could let the game do something unique. Your own choices in what classes you attend you define your character’s development. There is a lot of potential with this game and hope we get some gameplay soon.

    Source: YouTube

  • ‘Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ Gameplay Showcases Next-Gen Action

    ‘Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ Gameplay Showcases Next-Gen Action

    Remember the day Spider-Man was revealed for the PlayStation? We got an entire showcase of around eight-minutes of gameplay. The game was a massive hit at the time. It was just a question of time before we finally get our next entry. Surprisingly, we are getting a spin-off for the PlayStation 5 release. A short teaser gave us a glimpse of what we can expect but that was all. Now, the latest PlayStation showcase gave us an entire seven-minute gameplay trailer showing just how the next-generation console will make the game stand out even more.

    Miles Morales takes place a year after the events of the original. Miles’ mother started a political career through which she ends up in the crossfires of a gang war. High-tech goons from the energy-corporation Roxxon and the inventor known as the Tinkerer start to terrorize the city. This power struggle will force the young Spider-Man’s hand in protecting his new hometown of Harlem.

    Miles looks to play similarly to Peter but that is just on the surface. He has his own abilities like a venom sting that will give him a different edge in combat. It’s also amazing to see how fluid the game switches between cutscenes and actual gameplay footage. This will be quite the Holiday release for the console.

    Source: YouTube

  • ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ Announcement Trailer Teases an Action-Packed Medieval Adventure

    ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ Announcement Trailer Teases an Action-Packed Medieval Adventure

    Final Fantasy has seen quite the resurgence as of late. After a miserable start, Final Fantasy XIV Online was able to grow quite the community. Final Fantasy VII Remake brought us back to Midgar, as we explored Cloud’s story in a completely unique way. Many wondered if the focus would be to continue the remake’s franchise, as the first entry only focused on the opening of the original game. Still, we were hoping for some kind of announcement to tease what the sixteenth entry could look like. As they were building up towards the next generation of consoles, PlayStation started a PS Showcase with the reveal of Final Fantasy XVI in a stunning trailer.

    Looks like Square-Enix is taking the franchise back to its fantasy-inspired roots. The trailer teases an ongoing war. We already get a variety of summons teased that seem to have some connection to a young Nobel boy Joshua. It seems we played a young man that was meant to protect the kid but is forced upon a rather different path. We also see a more action-packed gameplay style. It is uncertain if this will take inspiration from Final Fantasy VII Remake that combined the RPG elements with slasher-style combat. As a huge fan of the franchise, I am excited to see it continue.

    Source: YouTube

  • Disney Eyeing a New Release Date for ‘BLACK WIDOW’

    Disney Eyeing a New Release Date for ‘BLACK WIDOW’

    It has come. The moment most of us probably dreaded. Warner Bros. already delayed the release for Wonder Woman 1984. It’s generally looking grim for any releases in October after Tenet barely scraped by in cinemas. We knew that this would signify more delays in the near future. Now, it looks like Marvel Studios and Disney are contemplating delaying Black Widow according to Variety. They do not add what release date they might be considering for now.

    To some degree, November releases seemed still pretty safe for now but that might change soon. 2020 could be the first time we’ve had an entire year without a single Marvel Cinematic Universe entry since 2009. WW84 is still slated to release in December, a week after WB’s other tentpole film Dune is slated to air but even those release dates are questionable for now.

    Keep in mind, Variety has no official confirmation. They add that they got no comment from a Disney spokesperson. If Disney decides to stick to an only in theaters release for Black Widow, it’s definitely getting delayed. Tenet barely managed a $200 million worldwide, so most studios are going to have to expect a weak Box Office performance for some time. Even if they postpone it to 2021, that year is filled to the brim with releases. They will end up cannibalizing each other so they might not even break-even after the delay.

    Disney’s best option is to minimize costs through a direct income. They already tested it out with Mulan on Disney+. They don’t have to share the income and can draw in additional subscribers. It may be the best investment long-term. Even if they do go the Premium Access route, they may delay it to make sure they can probably market the film’s release. The article also states they are planning to release Soul on Disney+, so it seems quite likely.

    Source: Variety

     

  • ‘SHE-HULK’ Eyeing February 2021 Production Start

    ‘SHE-HULK’ Eyeing February 2021 Production Start

    Marvel Studios is slowly restarting its productions. We just recently got some set photos from Falcon and the Winter Soldier showing off Bartoc the Leaper and Agent 13. Even as the pandemic still looms over everyone’s head, they are trying to plan out the next production starts. Looks like one more is joining the club, as both The Direct and Illuminerdi reported the show is eyeing a production start for 2021. It seems that they will try to kickstart production in February. They are currently eyeing Atlanta to film the series, which has become a staple for the franchise’s productions. As of now, the only MCU series without a production start is Moon Knight.

    So far, we only know that they are eyeing an Alison Brie-type actress for the titular role. Yet, we haven’t heard anything since. Hopefully, we get some kind of casting announcement in the coming months before production starts. Mark Ruffalo has already expressed his interest in appearing on the show. It would be strange not to include Jennifer Walters’ cousin whose blood transfer turned her into She-Hulk. Hulk and Banner have fused into Professor Hulk, so it won’t be cheap to include him. It also opens up the question of how they will approach She-Hulk’s transformation. CGI seems like the obvious choice, so maybe this show will have a smaller episode count to avoid budgetary issues.

    Source: The Direct, Illuminerdi, Knighted Edge Media, Variety

  • Olivia Wilde Reveals Kevin Feige’s Involvement with Sony’s ‘SPIDER-WOMAN’

    Olivia Wilde Reveals Kevin Feige’s Involvement with Sony’s ‘SPIDER-WOMAN’

    Sony has been very focused on creating their own Spider-Man inspired universe. Originally, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was going to be the jumping-off point for many stories. Even the Sinister Six were going to get their own film at one point. Even as that film bombed at the Box Office, they never gave up that dream. Once Marvel Studios got involved with the reboot of Spider-Man: Homecoming, they had another chance. It started with Venom that was a surprise Box Office hit. They already finished production on Jaret Leto‘s Morbius with a Venom sequel already underway. Now, we also got the announcement that Olivia Wilde will direct a film focused on Spider-Woman. As far as we know, Marvel Studios is only involved with the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man films. This could change very soon though. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wilde may have slipped and confirmed that Kevin Feige is heavily involved.

    Listen to me try to avoid Kevin Feige‘s pellet gun.

    This might confirm that creatively Marvel Studios is heavily involved with this project, something that’s been a topic of conversation at Murphy’s Multiverse for quite some time. Back in February, we first speculated that the film might be set in the MCU; then, in March, the Charleses discussed a rumored new deal between Disney and Sony on an episode of Murphy’s Law.  In the comics, Jessica Drew has many ties throughout the comics. She is a close friend of Carol Danvers and was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. She also became an agent of S.W.O.R.D. in the comics, who will make an appearance in Disney+’s WandaVision show. Most notably though, she was the character that was replaced by the Skrull queen Veranke during the Secret Invasion storyline. There are rumors that Captain Marvel 2 may adapt this storyline so her introduction as part of the MCU seems like a perfect choice.

    Source: EW

  • First Look at Batroc the Leaper in ‘Falcon & The Winter Soldier’

    First Look at Batroc the Leaper in ‘Falcon & The Winter Soldier’

    Falcon and the Winter Soldier has finally entered production again. Alongside it, we are getting a few more screenshots from the set. This time, it seems to confirm the appearance of a strongly rumored character from MCU’s past. Back in March, the Weekly Planet podcast reported that George St-Pierre might return as Batroc the Leaper. He first appeared in Captain America: The Winter Soldier during the opening sequence. Now, as production resumes we got our first look at him in costume for the Disney+ series. As we can’t share pictures here, you can check them out by clicking here.

    At first glance, it’s a great rendition of the character’s costume from the comics. The colors combined with the shirt-jacket combination is a simple but great way to reinvent his previous adaptation. Hopefully, we get a lot more from him throughout this series than we did in Winter Soldier. Also, can we just talk about how amazing Emily VanCamp looks in that suit? If they are being filmed together, it may be an attack on her by the mercenaries. Most likely, Zemo orchestrated the attack to get his message across. It will be interesting to see how this fits into Falcon and Winter Soldiers’ overarching story.

    Source: Weekly Planet, Just Jared

  • Loose Adaptation: How ‘Ant-Man 3’ Could Change Kang the Conqueror’s Origin

    Loose Adaptation: How ‘Ant-Man 3’ Could Change Kang the Conqueror’s Origin

    We finally got some news for an upcoming Marvel Studios film. Jonathan Majors has been cast in a major role for Ant-Man’s threequel. Deadline’s sources indicated that he will play Kang the Conqueror This is huge especially with the Young Avengers rumors. At some point, M.O.D.O.K. was even going to be heavily featured. This film may truly become a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe moving forward. This casting announcement seems like a natural follow-up to recent news. A lot of hints have been building up that make Kang the perfect successor to Thanos. Let’s look at some of the hints that may have teased his addition to the franchise. There is also a good chance this might be a very different version of Kang than we are use to.

    A New Generation

    Let’s get the obvious aspect out of the way first. Kang’s introduction is a heavy indicator that the Young Avengers will have a role as well. Let’s start with who exactly Kang is. Nathaniel Richards was from the 31st century and believed to be a descendant of Reed Richards. Not only that, but there is also the theory that he is also related to Doctor Doom. It is why he ended up using Victor von Doom’s technology to travel back in time, even become the famous Pharao Rama-Tut. His heir was non-other than En Sabah Nur, also known as the mutant Apocalypse. After overshooting his original timeline, he ends up conquering a war-torn Earth and becoming the infamous Kang the Conqueror. At one point, he decides to save his younger self and showed him the unexplored past. This version was saved from the moment he would turn evil and rejects that future. He dons the Iron Lad moniker and is the founder of the Young Avengers.

    That’s a lot of connections throughout the Marvel Universe in just one character. Our main focus is the connection with Young Avengers. Nathaniel is the one that brings the team together after the Avengers disbanded. We are currently facing a timeline in the MCU without the Avengers. Tony Stark has passed away. Thor decided to join the Guardians off into space. Rogers was able to return to his own time and live a fulfilling life. Even their headquarters was blown up by Thanos. There seems to be nothing left as everyone is heading off into their own adventure. So, a new generation will take over to continue their legacy. How does this all connect to Ant-Man? Well, his daughter Cassie has aged up after the events of Avengers: Endgame. In the comics, she is a member of the team and is known as Stature. She tries to follow in his footsteps as many others find their protegés forcing him into a mentor role alongside Hope van Dyne.

    Low-Key Connections

    Stature isn’t the only connection we have between Kang and Ant-Man. There is also the elephant in the room. Tony Stark invented time travel through the quantum realm in Avengers: Endgame. Through their travels, they ended up creating a splinter of different timelines by stealing the Infinity Stones. There is a good chance these actions created a version of earth that will end up being torn apart by war. One particular timeline, in particular, seems like the best candidate that would lead to the creation of Kang. Tony accidentally manages to drop the Tesseract that lets Loki escape from Thor’s clutches rather than facing Odin’s judgment. Even as Captain America returned the borrowed Infinity Stones, this timeline has been changed the most. It also is the only one that is getting a spin-off with next year’s Loki series on Disney+.

    Why does that matter? Well, Loki will introduce the Time Variance Authority (TVA). They are responsible for the multiverse and keeping timelines consistent, which is a perfect choice for this multiverse tale. Their existence is also a major hint at how Stark’s invention of time travel may have had some bigger implications. Marvel’s time cops haven’t always been successful at keeping the timeline in check, especially when Kang was involved. Keep in mind that Ant-Man 3 is currently slated for 2022. It’s a surprisingly early announcement, which could hint at Kang’s appearance in this Disney+ series. They could introduce him early to build up the character before appearing in the Ant-Man threequel.

    Loose Adaptation

    Jonathan Majors‘ version of the character could be a unique take on the character. Marvel Studios isn’t a stranger to adapting the villain’s backstories to fit the overarching plot. Ultron was a creation of Hank Pym in the comics. It wasn’t until Age of Ultron that he got connected to Tony Stark. The original article by Deadline highlights this very fact. Also, he may not be the only villain. We could still see M.O.D.O.K. as the main antagonist with Kang pulling the strings. He may have been a wealthy benefactor that saved A.I.M. and gave them technology way beyond their time. Similar to Thanos, Marvel Studios might want to build him up throughout multiple cameos. He is known as a major Avengers villain. The Conqueror won’t be taken down so easily by a group of teenagers.

    If Kang is given a new spin, there is a chance we won’t see the classic interpretation of Iron Lad either. First of all, the Fantastic Four haven’t been introduced yet. So, they might try to build a connection to existing characters. Similar to how Ultron, they may change his origin while keeping some defining aspects alive. A while back, there was the rumor of an Ironheart series being in development. It would be easier to combine her stories with Nathaniel’s rather than juggle two separate characters inspired by Iron Man. It would make sense if he was her descendant from the future. No matter what route they take, Iron Man is a likely connection to remain consistent in the adaptation. Hell, maybe even use some elements from The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Captain America’s survival altered his timeline in the show pushing him to conquer the present-day Earth. Rogers’ choice of staying in the past may work as his main motivation to travel to the present day within the MCU. They might not reveal his connection to Ironheart until a later entry. Kang is such a great character to introduce. He is exactly what Tony warned the Avengers about back in Endgame. When you mess with time, it tends to mess back.

    Source: DisInsider

  • ‘TENET’ Box Office Sees Slight Drop as Warner Bros. Delays Its October Releases

    ‘TENET’ Box Office Sees Slight Drop as Warner Bros. Delays Its October Releases

    Tenet was supposed to rejuvenate cinemas. Production studios were hoping that this blockbuster could bring people back. Yet, its opening weekend was at the lower end of expectations. On labor day weekend, Christopher Nolan‘s film only drew in $20 million. Warner Bros. got nervous about how it would be reported. Not all cinemas were open, so they worried it would’ve been portrayed as a major flop. No one was expecting the film to surge like it was pre-pandemic but it was understandable. At one point, the studio didn’t want to release the numbers, which led to rival companies to call out the lack of transparency. These difficult times are leaving their mark.

    Now, everyone was anxiously waiting for the second-weekend results. Tenet has no major tentpole rivals so it could hold steady, or even increase as more cinemas across the country open. This weekend saw the opening of 100 more cinemas. As such, Tenet managed to remain somewhat steady and only drop by 29%. It’s a good hold for the current situation with $6.7 million. Internationally, the film did reach the $200 million mark. China is currently the top-grossing country. If you’re wondering if this is somewhat of a success, keep in mind that Warner Bros. just postponed Wonder Woman 1984 to December. Their other October release Candyman was delayed into 2021 without a specific release date.

    In the grand scheme of things, cinemas won’t see a resurgence anytime soon. Warner Bros. and Sony have a strange obsession with only releasing in cinemas. It’s a noble gesture but we have no idea when “normalcy” will return, or even if. Numbers have been increasing once again in countries that saw a strong decrease. My own hometown has been hit hard lately with renewed restrictions. There is a good chance cinemas will have to temporarily close again. Tenet‘s performance is a reminder of rushing out a film in these times. It just continues to confirm that a potential digital or hybrid-model will become the new standard.

    Source: Variety, IndieWire