Murphy's Multiverse

Author: John Sabato

  • ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel Moving Forward, Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder Returning

    ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel Moving Forward, Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder Returning

    Back in 1988, Tim Burton made waves with his film Beetlejuice. It featured Michael Keaton in the titular role as the ghoul guide of the dead. The film saw Beetlejuice assist a newly deceased couple haunting what was once their home as a new family moves in. For a while, there have been conflicting reports if a sequel to the hit film would become a reality, and it seems none other than Brad Pitt is the one to make it a reality.

    It’s being reported that Brad Pitt will produce Beetlejuice 2 through his production company Plan B and that they hope to have cameras rolling on the project by this summer. Its also been confirmed that the film will indeed feature the return of Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, who will be reprising their respective roles.

    There is no word on if Tim Burton will join them to direct the project. There have been multiple attempts at a sequel to the film with Jonathan Gems hired to write a screenplay back in 1990, but nothing came of the project as Keaton and Burton had moved their focus to Batman Returns. In 2011, another attempt was made with Seth Grahame-Smith set to pen a script for a sequel, and then again in 2017 Mike Vukadinovich was hired to rewrite Smith‘s script but was later confirmed in 2019 by a Warner Bros. spokesperson that the sequel was not in active development.

    Source: The Ankler, Twitter, Fiction Horizon

  • The DCEU Should Develop ‘The Secret Six’

    The DCEU Should Develop ‘The Secret Six’

    Over the past few years, the DC Extended Universe has gone through a bit of a development period with a few leadership changes and course corrections. It took a while, but things in the DCEU finally feel consistent and projects that are announced are happening, resulting in the shared universe finally finding its groove. In the past year, we’ve seen the DCEU march into mature content, led by James Gunn projects The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, opening a window of opportunity for another niche team from DC Comics.

    Back in 2005, comic book writer Gail Simone took over The Secret Six, an off-beat team introduced all the way back in 1968, and reinvented them, making them instantly more interesting than before. The difference between the two incarnations is that Simone’s was comprised of mostly villains and mercenaries who took on jobs of questionable morality. She introduced this new team in the villain crossover event Villains United, where the new Six would be comprised of Catman, Scandal Savage, Cheshire, Deadshot, Ragdoll, and a Parademon, all villains who refused to join Luthor’s society of supervillains.

    In the few years, the DCEU has done something the MCU has yet to attempt: making R-rated projects for mature audiences. With this shift came a willingness to explore more mature content with their characters and they’ve seen resounding success. WhileThe Suicide Squad didn’t do gangbusters at the box office, it soared on streaming, quickly becoming the highest viewed DC film on the service, topping Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Wonder Woman: 1984. Following the success of The Suicide Squad, its spinoff, Peacemaker, followed probably the most disliked character from the film and crushed it on HBO Max.

    With success like this DC and WB should be gazing through their gallery of characters to find their next big thing, and should look no further than The Secret Six. Consisting of a colorful cast of characters with a few revolving chairs, the Six are one of DC Comics’ hidden gems and could be perfect for another trip down the R-rated avenue the DCEU has been visiting. The comics feature a much more mature, violent, and at times vulgar tone than many other comics and the series would work quite well as a streaming series on HBO Max.

    The current path of the DCEU seems as promising as ever and should continue to pull from the obscure regions of their universe to make some new household names. Characters like Catman, Ragdoll, Scandal Savage, Jeanette, and Black Alice could quickly become fan favorites. The series could also feature the return of Will Smith’s Floyd Lawton, as well as King Shark, and even introduce new heavy hitters like Bane. Never did we think someone like Peacemaker would make his way to screens around the world but here we are. Let’s give The Secret Six a chance.

  • REVIEW: ‘Batman Returns’ Could’ve Used More Batman

    REVIEW: ‘Batman Returns’ Could’ve Used More Batman

    Tim Burton‘s return to Gotham City was surely going to be bigger than before, as his notorious gothic style might get more focus this time around. His work on the first brought the Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime to life, especially with Jack Nicholson’s performance as the Joker quickly becoming a cultural icon. Even in its sequel, Batman Returns, the villains are its crowning achievement that often overshadows its titular protagonist.

    Throughout the first hour of the film, the main character is barely in it, as we spend most of its runtime setting up its main foes, Catwoman and Penguin. While the setup is well done, it’s just a noticeable absence and feels more like we’re walking into a Catwoman film than we are one focused on the titular Caped Crusader.

    While what we do get of Keaton throughout the film is an interesting duel of identities, the antagonists just outshine him. The standout performance and possibly one of the best in a comic book film belongs to Danny DeVito’s Penguin. He could waddle around without saying a peep, and still speak a thousand words. His work as the character is deliciously repulsive in all the right ways. It is a much more feral take on the character but DeVito shines with his barbarous line delivery even rising from the sewers beneath Gotham City. All of this is hiding a man desperate of reclaiming what he feels owed. It is also implied that Penguin is only 33 years old so take that into consideration if you ever debate living under a zoo.

    Along with Penguin, we see a bit more of a wild and untamed take on Catwoman. Probably the weakest part of this character is her origin. She simply gets pushed from a window high up and resulting in a few screws knocked loose. Next thing we know, she’s running around in a noticeably DIY leather suit whipping it like a Devo song. Once we get to spend time with Catwoman, Michelle Pfeiffer does indeed shine in the role and her chemistry with Keaton‘s Bruce Wayne is undeniable. They are perfect parallels of each other throughout the film.

    Probably the weakest villain in the film is Christopher Walken‘s Max Shreck. His main function is to create the film’s actual antagonists and is then quickly overshadowed. It makes sense, as they are infinitely more interesting than the dude who looks like he stuck a fork in an outlet. His whole shtick at the beginning of the film is getting his capacitor built to store Gotham’s energy, but it’s quickly abandoned once the film realizes who is way more interesting. There definitely could’ve been better ways to push Selina and Oswald in the right direction without Shreck taking up as much screentime.

    As mentioned previously, one of the film’s most underutilized elements is its titular character. The problem is that Batman feels more like a supporting character in his own film. It’s a waste of Keaton‘s talents who is not only a great actor but someone who nailed both personalities of his character. It would’ve been more beneficial for the character and his relationship with Selina Kyle if they played more into his inner conflict with Bruce Wayne being the real mask.

    What is worth praising is this version of Gotham. It still remains one of the best adaptions of the fictional city. You can see Burton‘s influence in the set designs with his Gothic background clashing with the comic roots of the city in the best way possible. Even if the city is dark, it is very much alive and full of interesting characters. It was always meant to feel at odds with its aesthetic and the people that inhabit it.

    Batman Returns is a solid film that’s provided some iconic performances from DeVito and Pfeiffer. That mixed with some beautiful set design and costumes just offer a unique experience. The film has its problems and but you’ll spend too much time focusing on the parts that are good because they’re just so attention-grabbing. Sadly this was the last we saw of Burtons‘ run in Gotham, but it won’t be the last time we see Keaton in the role, as he’ll put on the cowl once again in the DC Extended Universe’s The Flash.

  • Jeffrey Wright Confirms Talks to Return as Commissioner Gordon in ‘The Batman’s GCPD Spinoff

    Jeffrey Wright Confirms Talks to Return as Commissioner Gordon in ‘The Batman’s GCPD Spinoff

    Before we even got our first look at The Batman, the studio showed immeasurable faith in Matt Reeves‘ project and already signed off on a GCPD focused spin-off. What the series might entail is still under wraps, as many thought the series could be adapting Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka’s Gotham Central storyline. The story is reportedly set in Bruce Wayne’s first year as the Caped Crusader. It seems like things could finally be kicking into action with Commissioner Gordon himself, Jeffrey Wright, teasing his involvement.

    The press tour for The Batman has begun with only a week to go until it finally hits theaters. Naturally, the cast is making the rounds promoting the film and their roles in it. In an interview with RadioTimes, Wright dished that there may already be talk in progress for him to mustache up once again for an appearance in the GCPD spin-off.

    “Well, yeah, there’s been a little talk about that”

    Jeffrey Wright

    Wright followed up that comment showing his eagerness to explore this new Gotham City, and thinks it could be really exciting.

    “I do think that the film is going to leave fans longing for more. So if there’s an opportunity to explore more of this specific Gotham in a granular way through a show like that, it’d be very exciting.”

    Jeffrey Wright

    Hopefully, following the release of the film, we will get more details on the series and make things a bit more clear. This is one of two spin-offs already in development at HBO Max, with a Penguin series featuring Colin Farrel returning to the role. We’ve ironically heard more bout this project than the GCPD-focused one over the years even though it’s been in production quite a bit longer. Matt Reeves seems to be building something quite special here.

    Source: RadioTimes

  • Matt Reeves Confirms Sequel Plans for ‘The Batman’

    Matt Reeves Confirms Sequel Plans for ‘The Batman’

    Before we even saw footage from The Batman, Warner Brothers showed great faith in the film, greenlighting the GCPD spin-off series and eventually a series revolving around Colin Farrel’s Penguin. After multiple delays in production and release date shifts, the film is set to hit theaters next week and while it has yet to be confirmed, it seems a sequel is already in the cards.

    At a red carpet event for The Batman, Matt Reeves confirmed that he’s already begun talks with the studio about a sequel to the film. Reeves talked about how it was important for the film to be able to stand on its own and to not make a film that would need a sequel to feel complete. He shared his excitement to tell more stories in this world and highlighted Farrel’s upcoming Penguin series.

    Reeves, previously talked about how he’d love to bring some of Batman’s rogues into the fold and was looking for the challenge in how he could ground them in this world. One villain in particular that he suggested was Mr. Freeze, a classic villain l, previously portrayed in live-action by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

    The Batman is hitting theaters on March 4th, 2022 and will star Robert Pattinson alongside Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Dano, Colin Farrel, and Andy Serkis.

    Source: Twitter

  • New ‘The Flash’ Stunt Crew Shirt May Tease Movie’s Villain

    New ‘The Flash’ Stunt Crew Shirt May Tease Movie’s Villain

    Possibly one of the more interesting films this year is the first solo outing of The Flash. It’s crazy to think he still hasn’t gotten his own film after countless appearances throughout the DC Extended Universe. We don’t know a lot about the film officially but there have been countless rumors since it started production. The biggest question still remains who Barry Allen will face in the upcoming film, but it seems a crew wrap gift could hint at just who that could be.

    A member of the stunt crew from The Flash recently revealed the wrap gifts the crew members got and it features an interesting detail. Alongside Supergirl and Batman, you can clearly see the silhouette of the Flash. Yet, what makes this a bit of a head-scratcher is that the character is sporting a red lightning bolt with black tendrils crawling on his body. Their design seems to match what we saw from the Negative Flash, an incarnation of Barry Allen that recently appeared after being stuck in the Negative Speed Force.

    A while back, it was reported by The Direct that Barry Allen might face a darker version of himself in the film. We would later see photos of Ezra Miller filming on set with someone who would turn out to be a stand-in to play a second Barry Allen. He’s seen wearing a Flash painted Batsuit in the teaser from DC FanDome. It seems possible that maybe this Flash could be the one to turn into Negative Flash after accidentally tapping into the Negative Speed Force.

    The Flash is set to hit theaters on November 4th, 2022, and will star Ezra Miller with the film being directed by Andy Muschietti.

    Source: Instagram

  • Batman and Cyborg Were Cut From ‘Peacemaker’s Justice League Cameo

    Batman and Cyborg Were Cut From ‘Peacemaker’s Justice League Cameo

    The Peacemaker finale was filled to the brim with surprises for fans. The one that stood out to many was the surprise appearance of a few Justice League members. Towards the end of the episode, we saw Superman, Aquaman, Flash, and Wonder Woman arrive just as the battle with the butterflies had come to an end. It looks like Jason Momoa was the only one actually on set, while Ezra Miller filmed his scenes on the set of Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3. It turned out Wonder Woman and Superman were played by doubles, explaining they were hidden in the shadows. Turns out, there were a couple of other surprises that sadly got cut.

    A double, who worked on the Peacemaker finale, confirmed via a behind-the-scenes photo from his trailer that Batman and Cyborg were indeed set to make a brief appearance in the finale. He even shared an image on his Instagram of him wearing a Batman costume very similar to that worn by Ben Affleck throughout his tenure as the iconic DC character.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CaKpbLvJskM/?utm_medium=copy_link

    The curious aspect of their exclusion further hints at the characters confirmed with a future in the franchise were present in the short scene. Affleck’s iteration of Batman will make his final appearance in The Flash, while Cyborg’s future is unknown and doesn’t look to be returning anytime soon. There have been many theories on what the future holds for Superman though, as Henry Cavill also seemingly moved on from the role. perhaps his appearance hints at his return in the near future, but it’ll just leave us with a few questions for now.

    Source: Instagram

  • Walton Goggins joins Amazon’s ‘Fallout’ Series

    Walton Goggins joins Amazon’s ‘Fallout’ Series

    Video game adaptions have become quite popular lately, as Sony continues its march into adapting some of its most beloved titles through Playstation Productions. Amazon is also throwing its hat into the ring with an upcoming series based on the popular Fallout franchise. The series is still in development but looks to be moving along quite well, as it has added its very first cast member.

    Variety is reporting that Walton Goggins has joined the upcoming series in a lead role. It’s currently under wraps as to who Goggins is playing but sources close to Variety claim that he will be taking on a character based on the Ghouls from the games. It’s unknown if he will be playing a pre-existing character or an original but he would make a mighty fine John Hancock.

    Just last month, Amazon announced that Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner were set to serve as co-showrunners on the project. The studio had also tapped Jonathan Nolan to direct the first episodes and will be serving as an executive producer alongside Lisa Joy, who is best known for her work on HBO’s Westworld. The series will be produced under Kilter Films.

    Production on Fallout is set to begin sometime this year. Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios and James Altman of Bethesda Softworks will serve as executive producers on the series. No release date for the project has been set just yet and no further casting details have been revealed, but this might only be the beginning of their announcements.

    Source: Variety

  • REVIEW: ‘Peacemaker’ Episode 8 – “It’s Cow or Never”

    REVIEW: ‘Peacemaker’ Episode 8 – “It’s Cow or Never”

    After a six-week run, the first season of Peacemaker has come to an end with “It’s Cow or Never.” The series has seen some highs as James Gunn has yet again taken the comic book genre and flipped it on its head. This time he tackled one of DC’s most unknown characters, Peacemaker. The highly anticipated finale has finally arrived and proves why Gunn told people to avoid Social Media at all costs. The only question remains: did the finale live up to the rest of the show?

    Keep in mind, this review contains massive spoilers of the finale. So, only continue at your own risk.

    The Peacemaker finale does not waste a second, as we jump straight into the action. Our unlikely team is on their way to take down the “cow” teased during the previous episode’s final moments. John Cena‘s Peacemaker has gone through quite a bit in the past twenty-four hours, such as being betrayed by a friend and killing his father. That would obviously affect anyone’s mood with the betrayal of Adebayo hitting him especially hard. He proceeds to make fart noises over her attempted apology highlighting his childish way of handling these kinds of situations.

    One of the running jokes this season is that Peacemaker constantly rags on Economos, such as mocking his beard. It all built up to a surprising somber moment after he briefly tried to infiltrate the Butterfly’s hideout. While it felt a bit silly given the stakes of the story, it did give us some great character growth for everyone left on the team. It was a heartfelt moment that was important to build up the final confrontation.

    Peacemaker’s journey this season, strengthened by John Cena‘s performance is what truly carried the series. His work on the series is stunning, as he offers a strong emotional range from a character that once killed an entire village of people without batting an eye – no, we won’t talk about Rick Flag. The finale uses his character development to push his old belief in direct contrast to the lessons he learned throughout and what it means to have friends.

    The series doesn’t want to fully turn him into a boy scout just yet, as the final moments reveal his father is still haunting him. This is an element torn right from the comics but given a psychological twist. This time around isn’t the soul of his father living in his helmet, but a personification of his regrets. He also isn’t joining any superhero group, as the amazing surprise cameo by the Justice League gave him a moment to curse them out on being late and focusing on what is truly important.

    One of the series’ biggest strengths lies in how it uses parallels to further develop its characters, especially with Smith and Adebayo. They have similar parental situations and had to realize that they might not be as good as they once believed. After he was forced to face his father head-on, she decided to do the same by revealing Amanda Waller’s ties to Task Force X. Not only is it a way for her to make up for planting the diary but also to confront her demon. Plus, it got us a cameo by the always-amazing Viola Davis.

    The finale may have featured one of the series’ best action sequences. It highlights just how much effort has been put into the choreography of the series, as the all-out assault being played alongside the series’ theme song “Do Ya Wanna Taste It” gave us some memorable moments. We even get Peacemaker wielding a shield to play on the ongoing joke of him being a “douchy” version of Captain America.

    Ther is one oddity in this series that remains even in the final episode, Judomaster. While he provided some incredible beatdowns – Nhut Lee offering a fun performance throughout – he didn’t really provide that much to the series. He just showed up and kicked ass. There wasn’t much of a character arc outside of his love for snack food. The only reason he wasn’t a butterfly was revealed due to him buying into their vow, but it may be something that the now-confirmed second season might further explore.

    The first season of Peacemaker was truly something special and the finale offered a tense, fast-paced, and incredibly well-put-together 45-minute episode. James Gunn continues to be a powerhouse in the genre of comic book adaptations, and it’s no wonder DC wants to develop more projects. If this episode is anything to go by, the DCEU will be shaken up quite a bit moving forward, and I can’t wait to see more of John Cena in this role.

  • ‘The Batman’ Cast Listing Hints at Barry Keoghan’s Mysterious Role

    ‘The Batman’ Cast Listing Hints at Barry Keoghan’s Mysterious Role

    It was back in 2020 when Warner Bros. and DC brought the very first DC Fandome event to screens all around the world, highlighting anything and everything DC Comics. The Batman took center stage at this event with the very first trailer. It was during Fandome that we found out Eternals‘ Barry Keoghan had joined the film. Yet there was no word on who he might end up playing. It looks like a new casting list may have added some weight to a rumor going around on who he might be playing.

    If you want to go into The Batman spoiler-free, then please do not continue.

    When he was first added to the cast, he was listed as Stanley Merkel, a GCPD officer. It seemed like a surprisingly small role for the well-established actor. It wasn’t until the rumors started making the rounds that there is more to Keoghan‘s role. A new cast listing for the film has appeared and the actor is included in a new role simply known as “Unseen Arkham Prisoner”. The fact he would play an “unseen” character further makes you wonder who he might be playing.

    Now, there’s more to this listing that may further add to who he might be playing. Mike Marino, who did the prosthetic work for The Penguin is also listed as doing work for Keoghan‘s character, which would be weird considering he’s listed as unseen. Why go through the work to design his look if you’re not going to use it on screen.

    Recent rumors have swirled suggesting that he is actually playing the Joker, who has already been locked away by this new version of Batman. They could be lifting elements from The Killing Joke when early in his career, the Caped Crusader stopped the Red Hood gang at Ace Chemicals with their red herring falling into a vat of chemicals. That person turned out to be the Joker.

    Source: Twitter