Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Joseph Aberl

  • ‘Wicked’ in Final Talks with Jeff Goldblum to Play The Wizard

    ‘Wicked’ in Final Talks with Jeff Goldblum to Play The Wizard

    In the IP renaissance, we’re seeing many iconic franchises making a grand return. As such, almost every iconic film or TV series is seemingly returning with a new design and style. Even musicals aren’t safe, as it seems that Jon M. Chu‘s upcoming two-part Wicked adaptation is still busy casting. While Fiyero has already been cast with Jonathan Bailey set to star alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, they may have also found their Wizard.

    As reported by Variety, it seems that Jeff Goldblum is currently in final talks to take on the role of the Wizard. It seems that the deal is still not fully finalized, but there’s a good chance he’ll take on the role. He would definitely be a perfect addition to the cast, as Goldblum is always a scene-stealer when given the opportunity and he’s also no stranger to music.

    Goldblum famously performed music with The Mildred Snitzer, where Haley Reinhart even joined him. Plus, who wouldn’t think of him as a fun rendition of the character with his usual charm that manages to add fun to any project he’s involved with? The two films are set to release in 2024 and 2025. So, we’ll see if he signs on and what he may bring to the role.

    Source: Variety

  • Latest ‘Ironheart’ Set Photo Offers a New Look at Anthony Ramos’ Hood

    Latest ‘Ironheart’ Set Photo Offers a New Look at Anthony Ramos’ Hood

    Surprisingly, we’ve gotten quite a few set photos of the production of Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series Ironheart. Continuing the story of Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams was expected to be a straightforward coming-of-age story focused on the world of technology. Yet, the more we hear about the project, it seems more and more like it’ll explore the conflicts between tech and magic. One of the reasons was the reveal that Anthony Ramos will take on the role of The Hood in the film.

    We got a set photo of him in action before he was officially confirmed in the role by Marvel Studios, but it seems a new set photo has found its way online offering a new look at the actor. As shared by @ironhnews, we can see Ramos’ character chatting with someone while wearing his name-giving hood.

    The set photo doesn’t reveal much, but it does hint that we’ll spend quite some time with The Hood. We don’t know if he’s a full-on antagonist in the project or may even be portrayed as an anti-hero. There is a lot we don’t know about the project and what direction they might be heading with the project, but it definitely is sounding like one to definitely keep a close eye on. Plus, there’s a good reason Thorne will debut her character in one of the biggest releases of the year with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

    Source: Twitter

  • Andy Serkis Won’t Return to Direct ‘Venom 3’ Writer Kelly Marcel to Take Over

    Andy Serkis Won’t Return to Direct ‘Venom 3’ Writer Kelly Marcel to Take Over

    Here’s a rather shocking surprise, it looks like Andy Serkis won’t be returning for the third installment of Sony’s Venom franchise. Instead, writer and producer of the first two entries, Kelly Marcel, is taking a jump into the director’s chair on Tom Hardy‘s third entry. She’ll also be producing the third entry while also having written the screenplay once again with some help from the series main star. Plot details remain under wraps and it’s unknown if anyone from the previous entries will also return.

    There’s no word on why Serkis isn’t returning to helm the project, as he was quite gung-ho to take on the next entry, especially with many believing that the character would face off against Spider-Man finally. The only update on why Marcel is likely chosen to continue the franchise is due to how she and Hardy have been “on the same page” when it came to the franchise’s story, especially with this third entry potentially acting like its final entry.

    It seems that perhaps throughout the writing process, they saw the potential of her taking over, especially with how much she knows about the franchise has been the only constant besides Hardy since its inception. Still, it’ll be interesting to see where Venom‘s third entry might go, especially with how a post-credit sequence set up the character’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, even if Sony’s storyline wraps up with a third entry, the character will likely make a return in a new form as well.

    Source: Deadline

  • RUMOR: ‘Blade’ May Have Found its New Director

    RUMOR: ‘Blade’ May Have Found its New Director

    It’s safe to say that Blade has had quite a turbulent pre-production. Shortly before production was set to start it lost its director Bassam Tariq, who is still attached as a producer, and rewrites had started on its script, which was initially written by Staci Osei-Kuffour. Moon Knight and X-Men ’97 head writer Beau DeMayo seemingly took over writing duties to get the script just right as the search for a new director started.

    While there’s still no official announcement, a new rumor is making the rounds that they may have already found their new director. If the report is true, Elegance Bratton may have taken on the task to bring the iconic vampire hunter to life. He only recently made his directorial debut with The Inspection, which premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

    It’s not new for Marvel Studios to pull from a talented pool of indie directors, even some that just started getting their name out there. Blade isn’t a small project with its main star, Mahershala Ali, having been attached for quite some time and as the driving force for the project. So, they may want to get their hands on some new talent that can lend a unique voice to the project.

    Some believed the recent release of Werewolf by Night may have reopened up the possibility of newcomer director, and long-time composer Michael Giacchino taking over, but he took himself out of the race before rumors could spread. We’ll see if we get a director announcement soon, as Marvel Studios hopes not to lose too much time after already having to put the production on pause.

    Source: My Cosmic Circus

  • ‘Warhammer 40K’ Remains an Untapped Cinematic Potential

    ‘Warhammer 40K’ Remains an Untapped Cinematic Potential

    The world has been ablaze with franchise adaptations from popular media left and right. We’ve seen the revival of Lord of the Rings with a new TV series, Game of Thrones‘ first spinoff has found its way to HBO while DC is trying to get its own universe together. Netflix is even hoping to create a cinematic universe based on the ever-popular Power Rangers to compete with other growing franchises. In all the discussions surrounding IP adaptations, there’s a noticeable lack of news on the adaptation of live-action Warhammer 40K.

    The table-top classic has quite the expansive lore and history that opens up many avenues for a cinematic universe like no other. While its stories are quite bleak, the variety its expansive books offer is nothing to ignore so easily. Surprisingly, there’s not been a big move like Netflix has done with its Power Rangers franchise but only news of Man in the Hgh Castle‘s Frank Spotnitz working on a possible series.

    The last we seemingly heard of this project was back in July of 209. The series would adapt the novels of Eisenhorn, the story of the Inquisitor of the same name, which was written by Dan Abnett. So far, it seems this is the only adaptation planned and maybe a way for Games Workshop to test the waters first. While the Warcraft adaptation had high expectations going in, its sequel setup never managed to really pick up any pace.

    At the moment, the attempt to adapt Warhammer 40K is less Marvel Cinematic Universe but more Detective Pikachu. Instead of focusing on the main storyline that many might know, Eisenhorn isn’t a classic Space Marine but a perfect vessel to offer an easy guide into the world of this franchise without overloading newcomers with the history of the Emperor of Mankind, Orks, Necrons, Old Ones, Warp, and so much more.

    It’s surprising that there isn’t more push in the heyday of streaming IPs, especially with many wanting to have the IP that becomes their flagship series to compete. Something as violent and bloody as Warhammer 40K definitely would stand out in the era of popular franchises like The Boys, House of the Dragon, Deadpool, and more.

    One very big fan of the tabletop game actually pointed out one of the reasons there hasn’t been such a rush to get these projects out. Henry Cavill, The Witcher and Man of Steel star, has been quite vocal about his love for the game and pointed out that Games Workshop is still very careful about adapting their IP with the uncertainty of how some end up.

    I think because Games Workshop have been very protective of their IP, and that’s a great decision, and very wise. There haven’t been just loads of TV shows and movies all done poorly. It needs to be handled perfectly. It needs to be handled to a Lord Of The Rings level. And if it’s not, I’ll be massively disappointed.

    Henry Cavill

    He jokingly pointed out that joining a Warhammer 40K project would be a dream come true, even if he won’t just take any role. He even jokingly call Eisenhower “a mere Inquisitor” when discussing what role he’d love to take on. He’d definitely be perfect as a flagship actor to push a dark dystopian world into the mainstream.

    The franchise has been slowly growing once again beyond its tabletop and literary roots, as there have been quite a few mainstream game releases throughout the years. They are even returning to the Space Marine franchise that was released back in 2011 with a sequel which was first announced in December of 2021. So, with it gaining more attention with new releases, it would be a shame that they don’t use the momentum to their advantage.

    Hopefully, Spotnitz‘s series will start to offer an update in the near future as once casting begins we’ll have a clearer picture of when we might expect the production to kick off. There’s a chance that the success of the first Warhammer 40K series could kick off further expansion exploring the vast galaxy and humankind’s seemingly neverending war. For now, we can only hope that news is just around the corner.

    Source: THR, Empire

  • Marvel Studios Wanted to Adapt Namor for 18 Years

    Marvel Studios Wanted to Adapt Namor for 18 Years

    Namor is finally making his Marel Cinematic Universe in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. While the character is known as one of the first ever introduced into the Marvel canon, it still took Marvel Studios some time to finally get the right project together that would introduce the character to the world. As it turns out, Marvel had the character on their list for almost 18 years and was hoping to get the character to live-action even in the days before the current MCU was formed.

    Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige doesn’t go into details during the red carpet event for Wakanda Forever but does highlight that they’ve been trying to find the right idea to bring the character to life. Luckily, it seems that Ryan Coogler already pitched the idea of a war between kingdoms during the first Black Panther film and went on to develop the more culturally distinct take on the character for this sequel.

    Forever it’s been on our list. I remember 18 years ago putting together a list, I think we even commissioned a script 18 years ago. And the timing was never right and the idea was never right. Ryan Coogler on the first movie started pitching wars between kingdoms. And if you actually added a cultural specificity to Namor, and that’s certainly what he has done in this movie. It’s not Atlantis, it’s Talokan.

    Kevin Feige

    It definitely seems like the wait was well worth it, as it both only did it lead to a very distinct take on the character but a powerful performance by Tenoch Huerta going by early reactions. We still have to wait a little longer for the film’s release but it’s definitely going to be quite the experience once it hits theaters on November 11th and who knows what the future has in store for the character moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Star Teases How They Shot Underwater

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Star Teases How They Shot Underwater

    Expectations are high on what Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will deliver. The first reactions from the film’s premiere are definitely quite positive; especially with the film’s emotional arc but they also tease the excitement for the newcomer, Namor the Submariner. Tenoch Huerta takes on the role of a leader of a long-sunken Mayan civilization.

    With the film taking place under water, there’s no surprise that a big part of it will also feature its stars floating about but it was unclear if they’d actually film underwater or mostly rely on CG. According to actor Alex Livinalli, who plays Attuma in the film, they filmed quite a bit underwater and it seems like they had a lot o fun with the challenge.

    We had the training underwater. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard, it was a lot of hard work but it was so exciting. Everything that we shot underwater was on one breath; meaning that everyone–the whole crew, the actors–were at the surface, then everyone took a breath, we went down and shot for as long as [until] the first person came up, then we all came up. In what other project would you get to do something like that?

    Alex Livinalli

    It definitely sounds like it was a challenge to film as much as you could with everyone holding their breath for as long as possible. There is a fun irony in the mention of “what other project would you get to do something” like Wakanda Forever with Avatar: The Way of the Water on the horizon, but it’s great to see the technology being used to full effect this year.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is Nielsen’s Biggest Recorded Opening Weekend for a Movie

    ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is Nielsen’s Biggest Recorded Opening Weekend for a Movie

    It looks like the Sanderson sisters put a hex on Disney+, as the Nielsen ratings have revealed that Hocus Pocus 2 has become Nielsen’s biggest-ever recorded opening. The film was watched a whopping 2.7 billion minutes after its September 30th premiere on the Disney-owned streaming platform. Not only is it quite a testament to the cult status of this film, but it also reveals that people were just waiting for a fun Halloween special. It does make you wonder if this is another proof of the power of legacy sequels in the modern market, or perhaps the urge for something different on the platform.

    That isn’t the only record that was broken from the week of September 26th to October 2nd. Ryan Murphy‘s Jeffrey Dahmer series, Monster, once again took the top spot in the Nielsen Top 10 ratings with 4.4 billion minutes viewed. Not only is it a massive success for Netflix; even with the controversies surrounding the project, but it managed to break the previous record and is now the seventh most-streamed program within a single week.

    It looks like it was a great week for the streaming market. Some have been pushing ongoing online wars on what “series is winning” the various weeks; most notably with the House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings debates, as well as people trying to prove personal beliefs on if She-Hulk: Attorney at Law‘s a success. Yet, direct comparisons between streaming services with unique viewership demographics and various KPI basis makes any direct comparisons nothing more than personal discussions rather than

    Source: Variety

  • James Patterson’s ‘Alex Cross’ Series Adds ‘Black Adam’ Star

    James Patterson’s ‘Alex Cross’ Series Adds ‘Black Adam’ Star

    Black Adam‘s Hawkman is set to return. Well, at least Aldis Hodge is, as he has already nabbed his next high-profile project in the adaptation of James Patterson‘s Alex Cross. Amazon Prime Video has ordered the adaptation to the series with Hodge attached as its main lead. It’ll be titled Cross and has seemingly been in the works since January 2020. Amazon’s Head of Global Television, Vernon Sanders, shared his excitement about the series.

    James Patterson is among the best at captivating audiences with his undeniably enthralling novels and we are confident that with Ben Watkins’ artistic vision, Cross will do the same for our global customers. We are proud to work with James and Ben alongside Paramount Television, Skydance, and the extremely talented Aldis Hodge, who we know will do an exceptional job of bringing Alex Cross to life.

    Vernon Sanders

    Ben Watkins is attached to write and executive produce the series as its showrunner. Hodge is not only taking on the leading role but is also set to act as a producer. Patterson joins as executive producer alongside Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, and Craig Siebels. Skydance Television is set to produce with Paramount Television Studios and James Patterson Entertainment attached.

    In Variety’s announcement, they teased that the series’ take on Cross hints at him being “brilliant, flawed, and full of contradictions. A doting father and family man, Cross is single-minded to the point of obsession when he hunts killers. He is desperate for love, but his wife’s murder has left him too damaged to receive it.”

    It’s great to see the actor nab a big project after one of fall’s biggest releases. There’s still no word if we can expect a Black Adam sequel starring Hodge in the near future, or if Hawkman might get his own spinoff at some point, but the actor will certainly be quite busy moving forward.

    Source: Variety

  • Peacock’s ‘Girls5eva’ Returns for Season 3 on Netflix

    Peacock’s ‘Girls5eva’ Returns for Season 3 on Netflix

    It looks like Peacock’s series Girls5eva is getting a new home, as it was announced that its third season is now heading to Netflix. It seems the third season will only be available on the streamer while the previous two entries remain on Peacock but also join Netflix for those that haven’t had a chance to check out the series.

    It’s a surprisingly bittersweet addition, as this marks a reunion for creator Meredith Scardino alongside producers Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and Jeff Richmond. Fey and Carlock famously worked on the Netflix smash hit Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, where Scardino worked as a writer. Richmond also served as a composer in addition. They had the following to say in a joint statement:

    Our deepest thanks to Peacock for bringing ‘Girls5eva’ to life and supporting us creatively at every turn since the first pitch. And we are endlessly grateful to our partners at NBCU for their boundless commitment. Today, we are thrilled to announce that our reunited girl group will be re-reunited at Netflix. We are so thankful to everyone at the streamer who fell in love with our music-filled comedy. We cannot wait to introduce Dawn, Wickie, Summer, and Gloria to the global Netflix audience. Well, not fully introduce, if you look closely, ‘Girls5eva’ can be seen in the background of the Woodstock ’99 documentary setting a porta potty on fire

    Girls5eva is the story of a one-hit-wonder girls’ group that reunites since their success from the 1990s faded. It’s not a new concept but certainly, one that offers some fun ideas to play around with for everyone involved. It’ll be interesting to see if the show will go through some changes when it starts production for its new home.

    Source: Variety