Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • Marvel Studios President Plays Coy on Potential ‘Namor’ Spinoff

    Marvel Studios President Plays Coy on Potential ‘Namor’ Spinoff

    Namor is a big character in the comics, who has had quite a few comics under his belt. So, the character making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opened up the question if we could also expect a solo project in the near future. Theories have gone wild online on what they may do with the soon-to-be-introduced Talokan

    Twitter user @namorcosplay got a chance to interview Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige during the red-carpet premiere of Wakanda Forever on a potential solo spinoff and he definitely didn’t give away any potential plans. His only reaction was a quick “we’ll see, depends on this” while pointing at the theater where the premiere is taking place.

    While many like to point out that Marvel Studios has plans mapped out for years, they do also keep a close eye on how reactions develop or even if someone comes in to pitch an idea for a project. Such as with how Armor Wars turned into a film from a Diosney+ series, Marvel Studios isn’t as strict as they seemingly tend to be seen as with their Phase announcements.

    We’ll see if they may wait until the next SDCC or bigger event to announce that Namor is getting his own spinoff. It would be a shame not to further explore the world they are introducing in the film, especially with Namor uncovering his place in the wider MCU. Still, we’ll have to wait until Marvel Studios makes an official announcement.

    Source: Twitter

  • Ryan Coogler Talks Potential Return for ‘Black Panther 3’

    Ryan Coogler Talks Potential Return for ‘Black Panther 3’

    We are still around two weeks away from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s release in theaters but many already have set their eyes on a potential third entry. There’s been no official announcement if they’d continue the franchise, but that wasn’t the focus while promoting the second entry, especially with its emotional anchor surrounding the fate of T’Challa reflecting that of the actor that made him an icon.

    Yet, while the promotion remains on Wakanda Forever, some still can’t help but wonder if Ryan Coogler was interested in returning for a third entry and it seems that this is definitely not on the director’s mind at the moment in an interview with ComicBook.com.

    I got no answers for you. Yeah, no, I try to finish what I’m doing, and then think about what’s next.

    Ryan Coogler

    It makes sense given just how much work was put into releasing the second franchise entry. Still, it does seem likely we’ll see a third entry eventually, especially with how important the Black Panther franchise has become in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Phase 6 line-up is still uncertain and there’s a possibility that they further explore this corner of the world before entering the multiverse fully.

    There’s also the question of who will truly lead the project moving forward. Wakanda Forever is seemingly more of an ensemble piece with many hints about who is taking on the role of Black Panther in the trailers. Yet, it’s not a certain element nowadays as there hasn’t been an official “passing of the torch” announced and we’ll see if the weight of the cowl will remain.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • Ryan Coogler Reacts to ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Rumors

    Ryan Coogler Reacts to ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Rumors

    To say that the list of potential directors for Avengers: Secret Wars is long, is an understatement. Many have thrown their hopeful choice into the ring, especially when it came to bringing one of Marvel’s most iconic storylines to life. The top choice has seemingly been Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, who has a way of combining blockbuster action with a more grounded touch.

    While promoting Wakanda Forever, ComicBook.com got a chance to sit down with the director and ask him the question on everyone’s mind: is he already attached to directing Avengers: Secret Wars? As it turns out, he was more surprised by the question than anyone might’ve expected, and mostly just wants to wrap up his work on the Black Panther sequel.

    Bro, I ain’t heard nothing about that man, I’m trying to finish this one.

    Ryan Coogler

    One can’t blame the director for just wanting to wrap up his work on Wakanda Forever. The production has been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, especially since Chadwick Boseman passed away. He’s also in the middle of promoting the film that isn’t set to hit theaters for another few weeks.

    Avengers: The Kang Dynasty already has Daniel Destin Cretton set as its director, which had many stoked and highlighted just how much trust Marvel Studios had in the director. Early on, many theorized the Russo Brothers might return to tackle the franchise once more given their experience, but it’s great to see Marvel take a new direction with their latest entries. So, we’ll have to see who takes on the role.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Producer Debunks Doctor Doom Rumors

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Producer Debunks Doctor Doom Rumors

    Modern discussions surrounding any Marvel Studios project focus primarily on who might potentially appear from the larger mythos. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever mostly focused on highlighting that this story is an emotional rollercoaster paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman. Yet, that doesn’t stop the Internet from new rumors springing up left and right on a potential high-tier appearance.

    In the case of Wakanda Forever, quite early before we even saw the first bit of footage from the film, there was a rumor that Doctor Doom may appear. The iconic Fantastic Four villain has been a popular choice to appear in the Marvel Cinematic ever since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, but they have shown quite a restraint so far.

    With the imminent release, theories started making the rounds even more and it seems in an interview with Phase Zero from ComicBook.com, producer Nate Moore shot down the rumors of his appearance. He doesn’t go into any details, especially with how specific some of the rumors have become over time, but points out that once Namor was locked in, they kept the focus on him.

    It wasn’t, to be quite honest, although I get why. He’s such a great character and the world of Latveria is so fantastic and Ryan is a fan. But once we decided Namor was the antagonist, that was always going to be the focus.

    Nate Moore

    He highlights that Ryan Coogler is quite a fan of Doom and the concept of Latveria. So, perhaps he’ll get a chance to explore the character at a later point, especially with his talent of lending a closer perspective on the cultural relevance of these characters, which a place like Latveria would definitely offer. In a way, Doom could become the antithesis to what it means to lead a country and the dangers of falling down a very specific route to reflect that of Wakanda’s future leader.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Executive Producer Teases the New Meaning of Namor’s Name

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Executive Producer Teases the New Meaning of Namor’s Name

    One of Marvel’s first characters, Namor, is going through quite a bit of a change in his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tenoch Huerta will take on the iconic role that is now strongly inspired by Mayan culture. The first teasers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teased his new design and went on to reveal that his own people of Talocan describe him as a God. Yet, we never heard him referred to as Namor.

    As it turns out, the team behind Wakanda Forever may have found a clever way to establish his name, as revealed by executive producer Victoria Alonso. It seems that the meaning of Namor’s name is short for “El niño sin amor” which means “the boy who grew up without love.”

    It definitely is a clever way to find way to still use his name of “Namor” and tie it once again to the new origin. In some way, it also seems like the title of the name may tie into his story of the Black Panther sequel. He likely is a child of two worlds, especially with a massive tease of a burning home in the first trailer, and that he lost his family before becoming the leader of an underwater kingdom.

    Marvel continues to showcase how they can cleverly reinterpret these characters that have existed for countless years. It not only adds new layers to these characters but also offers some unique takes that make them stand out. The Mayan-inspiration also makes one of the most interesting additions that could open up many more new takes on classic Namor storylines for the future. So, we’ll see what the future has in store for Huerta‘s take on the character.

    Source: Twitter

  • Latest ‘Ironheart’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Lyric Ross’ Natalie Washington

    Latest ‘Ironheart’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Lyric Ross’ Natalie Washington

    We have gotten quite a few set photos from Ironheart throughout its production. that teases a different kind of series than what some might expect from a tech-based hero. While there are still quite a few details we don’t know about, the story direction seems to be mixing magic into Riri William’s everyday struggle as a heroine.

    The latest set photos that have hit the web don’t show off much from the comics, but tease the friendship between Lyric Ross‘s Natalie Washington with Dominique Thorne‘s leading character. It seems that both are wearing jumpsuits of some kind, which could be hinting at both of them working on a project together potentially. It’s still unclear if this series will act as a direct follow-up to her appearance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

    What makes these set photos so interesting is if we take a look at the character of Natalie Washington in the comics. She was Riri Williams’ best friend that tragically passes away early in her life. She would live on however as the AI in Riri’s Ironheart suit. Of course, there’s no word if the Disney+ series will follow the same direction as the comics, but there’s a possibility that they could explore a similar concept.

    Her inclusion in the series opened many questions if we are seeing a flashback of some kind, or if the AI element isn’t something they will explore for Ironheart, as they would try to avoid too many similarities with Tony Stark. Of course, there’s always a chance that she is featured in flashbacks throughout the series and her loss could be what ties Riri to the Wakanda Forever theme of grief and loss.

    Perhaps, it becomes the driving factor for her character in the series. It’s just a theory but that’s what can happen when set photos give us just enough of a glimpse to theorize what Marvel Studios may have planned for the character.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Black Panther’ Producer Teases Eternals Return to the MCU

    ‘Black Panther’ Producer Teases Eternals Return to the MCU

    There have been many discussions surrounding Marvel Studios’ first venture into more indie-driven filmmaking with Eternals. While one can discuss in many ways about its quality, the Chloe Zhao film was definitely something of her own and still stands out as part of the ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ever since some of the members were taken away by the Celestial Arishem, we’ve wondered if perhaps we wouldn’t see them back in the franchise.

    Luckily, Marvel Studios producer and VP of Production, Nate Moore, offered an update in an interview with ComicBook.com. While he doesn’t give any real details on when we might expect their return but confirms that we definitely haven’t seen the last of these iconic new additions to the Marvel mythos.

    I don’t want to spoil anything, but we have not seen the last of those characters.

    Nate Moore

    The Eternals’ future is quite uncertain, especially with how they may tie into the newly established Multiverse Saga that sees Kang the Conqueror as its main antagonist. They may support the Avengers in their fight against the multiversal conqueror or perhaps his end goal may have a deeper connection with the Celestials.

    It would be quite interesting to see if perhaps there’s a closer relationship between Kang and the Celestials. While in the comics he was described as a relative of Reed Richards, they may take a very different approach, especially with the concept of there being multiple Variants out there. Perhaps the Celestial body sticking out of Earth may have a bigger purpose after all.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • CONFIRMED: ‘Vision Quest’ in Development, May Feature Wanda Maximoff

    CONFIRMED: ‘Vision Quest’ in Development, May Feature Wanda Maximoff

    It looks like it didn’t take too long to confirm the recent rumor of a Vision Quest titled spinoff of WandaVision. This marks the second continuation of that storyline besides Agatha: House of Harkness, which would later be renamed to Agatha: Coven of Chaos. Paul Bettany will, of course, lead the project and it’ll be another series on Disney+ with the writers’ room confirmed to open next week. Jac Schaeffer, the showrunner for WandaVision, is overseeing the project but it’s unclear if she’ll once again take on the role.

    It also seems that Deadline got its hands on some first story hints, as they share that it’ll follow Vision on his path to regaining his memories and humanity. With the writer’s room only opening soon, there is likely only the base concept. There are also expectations that Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) may also appear, which would add weight to her surviving the events of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It seems that while Vision Quest is the likely title, it’s been given the codename “White Vision” due to the version that was introduced at the end of WandaVision.

    We played around with the idea of a spinoff back in March of 2021, especially with how it is perfectly set up to further explore this new version of Vision. It’s unclear how this might tie into recent events but if a writer’s room is coming together, it may take Armor Wars‘ place and potentially lead into that project given Vision’s ties to Tony Stark. We’ll have to see once more information comes out from the project.

    Source: Deadline

  • New Zealand Cinema May Have Revealed ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’s 3-Hour+ Runtime

    New Zealand Cinema May Have Revealed ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’s 3-Hour+ Runtime

    We’ve all wondered just how long Avatar: The Way of the Water might end up being. James Cameron is famous for trying to incorporate as many shots as he can to offer a living experience through his films. It’s one of the reasons why the first Avatar became such a success in addition to its use of 3D technology; pioneering the model before it became a cinema regular offering.

    Now, if a listing from Monterey Lounge Cinema in New Zealand is to believe, the second of many entries in this franchise, The Way of the Water, is likely to run for 190 minutes. That would put the film at a runtime of around 3 hours and 10 minutes. As such, it would be even longer than the first entry, which ran for around 162 minutes when it was released in 2009.

    A Chinese outlet, Sohu, also had it at the same runtime, as pointed out by The Direct in their report on the potential runtime. The Avatar director also didn’t mince any words when he discussed that people shouldn’t complain about long theatrical experiences given the current climate of binge-watching multiple hours of television; though one could discuss that being at home gives you more freedom than in a theater. Still, it does seems safe to say that Avatar: The Way of the Water is going to be a lengthy entry.

    Source: Monterey Loung Cinema via The Direct

  • ‘Ironheart’ Wrap Gift Teases New Armor’s Faceplate

    ‘Ironheart’ Wrap Gift Teases New Armor’s Faceplate

    Ironheart is slowly building up momentum, as not only is the unique direction for the project grabbing quite a bit of attention but it’s also getting set up in the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever. Surprisingly, many believed we wouldn’t see her fully realized armor until the Disney+ series, but early toy leaks hinted at her already getting her hands on it earlier than expected.

    Yet, early set photos from Ironheart also hinted at her having other armors to play around with and a new image featuring the Disney+ productions wrap gifts hints at the design for two of the armors. Of course, we don’t know how many she may have access to, but it’s quite interesting that we see a grey design that may be the one leaked through the set photos alongside socks with the design that’s closer to her comic design. The images come courtesy of @ironhnews who shared them from one of the crew’s private Instagram account.

    The faceplate on the hat looks like it would fit the design we saw in the first set photos from the Disney+ series. Perhaps she develops an armor that can tank some magic attacks, or she doesn’t have a fitting power source to keep her “main” suit running for long periods of time. So, she ends up experimenting to find the perfect way to make full use of her design. For now, we can only speculate but the more we see from this project, the more promising it gets.

    Source: Instagram via Twitter