Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot’s Cameos in ‘The Flash’ Cut

    Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot’s Cameos in ‘The Flash’ Cut

    We know that the DC Extended Universe is no longer what it once was, but it looks like we’re already seeing the ripples of James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s new direction already taking effect. 2023 will feature the last films produced under the old leadership and it’s too late to just not release the, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make any changes along the way. Henry Cavill already had to give up the mantle of Superman and Gal Gadot‘s Wonder Woman 3 is seemingly dead in the water. Now, they’re also being removed from already shot projects.

    In a new report by The Hollywood Reporter, they talk about why Cavill ended up not returning to the role of Superman. The spark that gave him hope was mainly driven by a selfish push by Dwayne Johnson to receive full creative control over his own corner in the DCEU, but with new leadership in town that is no longer happening. Now, it seems his already shot cameo in The Flash set for a release next year has been cut alongside scenes featuring Gal Gadot‘s Wonder Woman. It looks like we’ll have a complete clean plate moving forward.

    There is only one uncertainty and that is what it means for the film. We don’t know if the truly only had cameos or maybe even appeared in some form in the production. It is strange that they didn’t just keep the cameos as a last hurrah for that era. Yes, it makes sense to recast for their new adaptation and DC Studios’ New 52 take but why not have them appear one last time before they just reboot the series? We’ll have to see what this means for the future of the franchise.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Netflix Kills ‘Blockbuster’….Again

    Netflix Kills ‘Blockbuster’….Again

    You’d think Netflix would be tired of doing the same thing over and over again, but another series has sadly been scrapped by the streamer. Ironically, it’s the new comedy starring Melissa Fumero and Randall Park as two employees in the last living Blockbuster. Sadly, it seems the new comedy hasn’t quite found its audience and burned out even with a 10-episode release that used the usually popular workplace comedy concept in a familiar setting.

    though, it’s not all too surprising given that the new series hasn’t even broken into the Top 10 rankings in the United States. We don’t have a full transparency on how exactly Netflix decides what is and isn’t allowed to live on but they tend to keep a close eye on who positions where. The addition of that feature has given us a surprising insight into what has a decent chance of avoiding Netflix’s popular chopping block.

    Blockbuster also wasn’t quite the critical darling either, even with Vanessa Ramos as its showrunner. There’s a hilarious aspect about Netflix canceling a show about the Blockbuster store, as they were one of the major reasons that chain went down to begin with. Once you could conveniently watch your favorite programming from your couch, there was no real need to go back to rental stores. In some regard, perhaps the internet hoped that it might fail so that we could just pull the joke of Netflix killing Blockbuster for a second time.

    Source: Variety

  • Donald Glover to Star and Produce in a New Villain-Focused ‘Spider-Man’ Film

    Donald Glover to Star and Produce in a New Villain-Focused ‘Spider-Man’ Film

    Sony is at it again, as it seems they have found their next niche Spider-Man character to get his own spinoff film. In The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision entry they’ve unveiled that the previous popular fan cast for The Amazing Spider-Man‘s title role, Donald Glover, will make his return to the world of the webhead as a star and producer of an upcoming villain-based spinoff. Who are they focusing on you might ask? None other than Hypno-Hustler.

    Eddie Murphy‘s son, Myles Murphy, is set to write the project that doesn’t have a title just yet. It marks another one of the bizarre Sony Pictures’ choices of developing films based on obscure villains from the character’s catalogue. It seems Glover loved the musical aspect and doesn’t have the Marvel baggage of connecting him to the wider audience. There’s no word if they are going for the character’s disco roots or even taking a more modern approach, as the details remain under wraps.

    Sony’s approach to using the Spider-Man license is definitely bizarre and somewhat out there that you have to respect it. There’s a good chance that they might have some other bizarre characters that’ll get their own project down the line. Anyone else up for a Screwball seires about their troubles as an influencer? Still, Donald Glover once again returns to the franchise after briefly appearing in Spider-Man: Homecoming and this hopefully doesn’t mean he’ll not also return to that role later down the line.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Cast Tease What’s to Come in the Next Movie

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Cast Tease What’s to Come in the Next Movie

    Avatar: The Way of Water has finally hit theaters after a long wait and it looks like we’re about to enter Pandora with a lot more to explore once more. Director James Cameron is ready to give viewers everything he has and with the third film already prepared, the cast got a chance to share what it was like in an interview with ComicBook.com about filming these two projects back-to-back. Such as Jack Champion teasing about knowing what was going to happen in the third entry with them spending “two whole days reading the whole movie.”

    I’ve read two and three, so, I know what happens in two and three and, yeah, I can say that… Well, at the table read we had two and three, which was like, you know, basically this much. And we had, we spent two whole days reading the whole movie.

    Jack Champion

    Trinity Bliss goes on to highlight that they filmed both movies back-to-back but sometimes also do scenes from the third movie while still filming the second entry. She highlights that it helped the actors learn about Pandora “on a grand scale” which helped them dive deeper into the world.

    Well we block shot two and three, so, there are days that we would be doing scenes from two and three at the same time. Like, we’ll do a scene from two, then a scene from three. And because of that, those worlds kind of merged. But it was cool because us as actors are learning about the world of Pandora on a grand scale. Cause we’re gonna keep exploring it and keep meeting new characters as all franchises do as they evolve.

    Trinity Bliss

    That’s not all, as Stephen Lang shared the excitement about how much “depth” it gives the characters and the planet they inhabit.

    If all that happened was the Quaritch became a repeat of what he was in the first film, I don’t think it would be worth doing. But that’s just not the case with Jim Cameron. You know it’s gonna get denser, it’s gonna get deeper and more expansive. For me, for an actor, it’s just a real field day to be able to explore this character and to find the heart in the character. Because I think in the original story, he’s got some attributes, he’s got a certain amount of charisma and dynamism. He’s a good leader and he’s loyal, you know, he’s got some stuff. But now we begin to see some of the depth of the character as well. Hopefully, hopefully you see the depth!

    Stephen Lang

    It’s definitely a different kind of blockbuster that Cameron is setting up, but the director has always had a go big or go home mentality. The director offer something unique for those looking for that different blockbuster experience. It looks like the third entry will offer even more of that.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Amazon Secures Rights to ‘Warhammer 40,000’, Henry Cavill to Spearhead Cinematic Universe

    Amazon Secures Rights to ‘Warhammer 40,000’, Henry Cavill to Spearhead Cinematic Universe

    While we just recently heard that Amazon is looking to Man of Steel’s Henry Cavill to star and executive produce an adaptaiton of the Warhammer 40,000 table top games, they haven’t yet secured the rights to the property. Luckily, it didn’t take long after as they just confirmed that the agreement has been finalized for the rights across TV series, film, animation, and even games. Head of Amazon and MGM Studios, Jennifer Salke, has shared the following statement:

    Warhammer 40,000 has captured the imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world. We are excited to work with Henry, Vertigo Entertainment, and Games Workshop across our Amazon entertainment businesses on this brilliant, immersive franchise for our global customers to experience for years to come.

    Jennifer Salke

    Henry Cavill has an executive producer role on the upcoming project, and has secured the rights alongside Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee and Natalie Viscuso. He also confirms that this is more than just a one time project, as he will spearhead and build up the cinematic universe.

    I have loved Warhammer since I was a boy, making this moment truly special for me. The opportunity to shepherd this cinematic universe from its inception is quite the honor and the responsibility. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the hard work put in by Vertigo, Amazon Studios and Games Workshop to make this happen. One step closer to making a nigh on lifelong dream come true.

    Henry Cavill

    He also couldn’t contain his excitement with a post after the first announcement on his involvement hit the internet.

    It’s a major step forward for the actor hfter having recently left The Witcher series and losing out on his iconic DC role of Superman. Yet, it seems that Warhammer 40K will keep him busy for many years to come if the post-apocalyptic project manages to get rolling. And, it seems like he is able to make a lifelong dream come true and that’s always a great way to approach any cinematic universe.

    Source: Instagram, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter

  • End of an Era: ‘Pokémon’ Ends Ash Ketchum’s Journey After 25 Years

    End of an Era: ‘Pokémon’ Ends Ash Ketchum’s Journey After 25 Years

    Yes, Ash Ketchum has finally reached his goal and will no longer be the main lead of the 25 years ongoing Pokémon animated series. Now, two new characters will take over as the anime enters Paldea and introduces us to a whole new world. It’s crazy to think how long we’ve spent time with Ash and his Pikachu; especially with him still being 10 years old for most of his journey.

    Luckily, Ash’s journey isn’t just randomly over but rather gets a final run with the new special episodes Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. We get one last journey with our iconic duo before the new team takes over. Sarah Natochenny has voiced the character since 2006 and it originally began all the way back in 1997.

    It truly is the end of an era to not see Ash as part of the series and might be the perfect time for a new generaiton to check it out. The new designs of the main characters do include some staples from Ash, such as the logo from his cap being used as a clip. We might still have to wait a bit before we see the new characters in action and perhaps the farewell series might even hint at where Ash would return in a future episode.

    Perhaps he’ll become a gym leader or teacher so that he can pass on his experiences to a new generation. He may not be leading the series anymore, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still be a part of it moving forward. It’ll be weird not to have Pikachu as a main member of the Pokémon roster either given he’s the series mascot. So, perhaps he finds himself in that same role soon again.

    Source: Twitter

  • Peyton Reed Teases Bill Murray’s “Crucial Role” in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Sequel

    Peyton Reed Teases Bill Murray’s “Crucial Role” in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ Sequel

    Ant-Man and the Wasp is back in style as they’re about to face the Quantum Realm in Quantumania. Not only its natural dangers are going to be in their path but also some new and familiar enemies. We finally get our first look at Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror; only met a Variant previously; as well as some new additions. SDCC already confirmed that MODOK, the Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing, will have a role in the film but we also know that Bill Murray has a big role.

    In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Peyton Reed finally got a chance to hype up his upcoming February release by sharing some details on what his next film has in store for us. In it, he also got the chance to talk about Bill Murray‘s character, who leaked that he’s a “bad guy” all the way back in January of this year. Now, Reed got a chance to confirm he has a “crucial role” in the story and how he connects to the overarching storyline.

    Bill Murray plays a character from Janet van Dyne’s. It’s a crucial role. A big theme in this movie is the things that parents and kids don’t say to each other, the secrets that they keep in families. In the last movie, when Hank and Hope rescue Janet, Evangeline Lilly’s character had this idea of: Oh, I’m going to be reunited with my mom, this is going to be great, we’re going to talk about everything. But what happens if the other person, in this case Janet, puts up a wall and maybe is not comfortable talking about certain things and doesn’t reveal certain things about her past? As we know from great stories, you can put the past behind you, but the past will always find a way to show up again. Bill’s character represents that in this movie.

    Peyton Reed

    It’s definitely going to make for an interesting storyline on how our parents have their own secrets, which also adds the question of how this’ll connect back to Scott and Cassie Lang. The Ant-Man film shave been the more family-focused of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and taking a darker twist on that type of storyline will definitely make this an interesting addition to the franchise.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • Blumhouse’s ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Movie Adds Matthew Lillard and Josh Hutcherson

    Blumhouse’s ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Movie Adds Matthew Lillard and Josh Hutcherson

    Ruh Roh Freddy, it seems that the upcoming Blumhouse adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy’s is finally moving forward. After countless delays over script issues with the creator Scott Cawthon, they are finally moving forward with the project. They have no added two starts with production set to start in New Orleans in February. Long-time Shaggy voice actor Matthew Lillard has joined alongside Josh Hutcherson, who is well known for his performances in The Hunger Games.

    They’re definitely an interesting addition and there’s no details on who exactly they might end up playing. To be fair, the FNAF franchise isn’t well-known for its cast but rather the creepy animatronics that haunt the Pizza restaurants named after Freddy Fazbear. Though, Lillard would make for a great phone guy if that staple character will make an appearance or they simply have Cawthon cameo in the role.

    Five Nights at Freddy’s is a simple concept but the lore that has build around the franchise with each new entry offers a lot. The only question is if Cawthon‘s perchance for cryptic storytelling will translate well into live-action cinema. He may try to sneak in details and build up a franchise that barely gets going if the story doesn’t hit those same emotional beats you’d expect from a film. The recent PlayStation exclusive game Security Breach faced a similar issue in trying to bring the gaming franchise into a quasi open world format.

    Source: Deadline

  • UPDATED: Newly Spotted DC Studios Logo Debunked

    UPDATED: Newly Spotted DC Studios Logo Debunked

    UPDATED: Earlier today, we’ve shared a post from producer Patrick Schumacker that had a curious DC Studios logo. What caught everyone’s attention was that he deleted the post quite swiftly which made many think that perhaps there’s more to this image. Now, The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez has shared that the logo may have the title on it but it’s simply a holiday gift that was handed out.

    Source: Twitter

    Well, here’s a sudden surprise but it seems like producer Patrick Schumacker, who has worked on the DC series Harley Quinn and Powerless, has shared an interesting new post on Social Media before swiftly taking it offline. That action has sparked quite a bit of interest as @FlashFilmNews was fast enough to get their hands on the image that reveals DC Studios new logo. As the division is new, formerly known as just DC Films, we’ve long wondered if they’d unveil one in the near future. It seems it may have found its way online faster than anyone may have expected.

    What makes this logo stand out is that it’s taking cues from Jim Lee‘s redesign as part of the New 52. The fact it includes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and The Flash may also be our first look at what could be the slate. Though, we still have to say that perhaps its not the official logo and just one version they played around with but why would there be a sweater printed? It could also be something he purchased as a fan but DC Studios didn’t exist before James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as co-CEOs, as it was always known as DC Films under Walter Hamada.

    We still can’t say this is the final design but the fact that Schumacker swiftly deleted it before it went online is a bit telling. Perhaps a reveal was planned for today and he just accidentally scheduled it for the wrong time, but with James Gunn teasing a slate reveal in January, perhaps a logo reveal is something they want to offer as a little holiday gift. We’ll see if something follows in the coming days.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Avatar 2’ Opens to $17M Domestically, Already Passes $50M Worldwide

    ‘Avatar 2’ Opens to $17M Domestically, Already Passes $50M Worldwide

    Not a person in the world would’ve denied that the release of Avatar: The Way of Water would draw in an audience, but the question was always just how big the film might go. It could follow the Marvel box office formula with a massive opening but not have the same legs as its original. The film was set to make up to $170M according to analysts, and it does seem like it’s still on track towards at least $150M with it having pulled in a strong $17M in early previews.

    It would put it on pace to become one of the highest opening films of the year, but will likely not dehtrone either dominating Marvel Studios’ productions that pulled in over $180M. Though, early critical reception is very positive and could give it a much bigger boost than anyone might be expecting at this point. Still, the $17M are lower than Jurassic World: Dominion that opened to $18M and with an international push managed to get past a billion. The original had some massive legs and projections also have it making upwards of $350M in its Chinese run, something Marvel hasn’t had the privilege to in a while.

    The film has opened in 44 international markets and pulled in $50.4M excluding China, where it pulled in $18.5M. With a $100M opening in China it does have a chance to potentially dehtrone Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as the highest opening film of the year. Word-of-mouth might be what pushes this film forward even if it’s unclear just how far the film might go. The Way of Water only has the caveat that it needs to make a lot of money to end up profitable for James Cameron‘s vision of multiple films to come true.

    Source: Twitter, Variety