Murphy's Multiverse

Author: John Sabato

  • ‘Peacemaker’ Episode 8 Primer

    ‘Peacemaker’ Episode 8 Primer

    The very first series set within DC’s extended universe is about to reach the end of its first season. Peacemaker gave us a chance to get even closer to the character we once only considered “douchey Captain America” (John Cena’s words, not mine) and over the past seven episodes, we’ve seen some fantastic development with the titular character, winning over the hearts of many skeptics who’d held a grudge since the murder of Rick Flag. Now the finale is almost here and soon enough we’ll be pining for more.

    The penultimate episode, ‘Stop Dragon My Heart Around’, finally answered the question we’ve been wondering since early in the season: what happened to Christopher Smith’s brother? The answer: Chris happened. In a pit match between the two brothers, set up by Auggie and his friends, in an attempt to look tough and not let his father down, Chris wailed on his brother a little too hard, injuring his brain and killing him.

    The present day saw Christopher Smith on the run with Vigilante and Economos, split off from the rest of the group to face the “cow” on their own. This plan was blown to pieces as the White Dragon and his group followed them, striking first and throwing the mission off course. Vigilante bravely provided a distraction for Chris and Economos, by unpinning a grenade and being caught in the blast, nearly killing himself.

    Elsewhere, the rest of the team fell into shambles as Harcourt clashed with Adebayo after her betrayal (she planted the fake diary in Peacemaker’s trailer) was revealed. Things were cut short when the Butterflies arrived, presumably after Murn. Goff quickly dispatched of Murn and the Murn butterfly in sight of Harcout and Adebayo. And just when it seemed things could not possibly get worse, they do indeed as Judomaster returned! giving Harcourt and Adebayo a good fight before eventually escaping again.

    The White Dragon and his followers find Peacemaker and one of the show’s biggest conflicts finally came to a head. This fight is a big moment for the character, as he faced the source of his abuse, ending in Peacemaker shooting his father in the head, and ending the torment he’s faced since he was a child.

    The team regrouped at a local vet where Eagly is given medical care after being backhanded by the White Dragon and they decide to put aside their differences and finish the mission. The final scenes revealed the “cow”, which wasn’t actually a cow at all, but rather a giant slug-larva that’s the source of the amber fluid.

    However this ends, it’ll surely be quite outlandish. Lets just hope we don’t have to wait too long to see Peacemaker officially renewed for season 2 at HBO Max.

  • HBO Max CCO Offers Update on ‘Game of Thrones’ Many Spin-offs

    HBO Max CCO Offers Update on ‘Game of Thrones’ Many Spin-offs

    Games of Thrones may be one of those few shows that redefined TV. HBO obviously has no plans of letting its legacy fizzle out as it continues to develop and explore its options on spin-offs and prequels. The first of what could be many new spinoffs looks to be setting its eyes on a 2022 premiere while others remain in limbo.

    House of The Dragon is currently set to premiere sometime this year, but no date has been found as the studio was concerned about how the ongoing pandemic would affect production. Talks continue behind the scenes to find the perfect release date for the series, as confirmed in a new piece by Deadline.

    There are multiple other series in some form of pre-production which includes Sea Snake, Flea Bottom, 10,000 Ships, and Dunk & Egg. As of now, they have talent attached to them, but none of them have been picked up or passed on just yet. Among these is also an animated spin-off, yet there is still no news on what that’ll be about. HBO and HBO Max’s Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys had the following to share on Game of Thrones‘ future:

    It’s just like any development process. Some are looking really good. Some we’ll see. We’re not going to make everything. I don’t have any mandate that I must make a certain amount of spin offs or prequels or anything like that. We’re really doing it just based on what we’re excited about creatively. I wouldn’t even give you a tease that we might see something this year because I really don’t know, it depends on how the development comes in.

    Casey Bloys

    With a series like Game of Thrones, it’s gonna take a lot to live up to what that series was to a lot of people, and it seems here that they’re being quite meticulous with what they pick up and send to the series.

    Source: Deadline

  • James Gunn to Direct and Write Every ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode

    James Gunn to Direct and Write Every ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode

    Peacemaker is the very first TV spin-off series set within the DC Extended Universe and has been quite popular with fans. The series featured the return of John Cena in the titular role, following the post-credit scene in which his character was revealed to be alive. With the series being praised by critics and fans, it seemed like a definite to get a second season. James Gunn has taken to Twitter to confirm that Peacemaker will indeed be returning for a second season on HBO Max. Not just that, it turns out that he’ll also be writing and directing every single episode.

    https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1494020020980097024?s=21
    itr

    This news comes just hours before the finale of the first season, which will see the conclusion on the butterfly’s invasion. It’s also unknown just who will be returning for the second season, but the upcoming episode may offer up some hints for that. Gunn tackling directing every episode is a first, as he worked on five of the eight episodes in the first eipsode. He did write every script, however.

    It may be a while before we see the second season as the director is still in production of both the The Guardians of The Galaxy Holiday Special and Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3. Gunn is also still developing another spin-off to The Suicide Squad, but just who it will follow and plot details on that remain under wraps for now. The first seven episodes of Peacemaker season one are streaming right now on HBO Max, giving you just enough time to catch up before tomorrow’s big finale.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter

  • REVIEW: ‘Batman: The Detective’

    REVIEW: ‘Batman: The Detective’

    When it comes to DC Comics, the one thing that it is never short on is Batman titles. It seems like every week we’re getting the announcement that a new Bat-centric title is on the way and just about everyone is getting their turn at the wheel. So, it’s unsurprising that a Batman solo title would eventually find his way to Tom Taylor, one of DC’s best minds and now an exclusive writer with the publisher. While Taylor’s Batman: The Detective is a fun read that lives up to its name, throwing you into the mind of the world’s greatest detective, its plot can’t help but feel a bit weak. 

    Batman: The Detective finds the caped crusader leaving his life in Gotham City behind and making his way to Europe, Why you ask? well because some folks overseas are dressing as bats and killing people. Its quickly revealed that they aren’t killing just anyone, but people who have been saved by Batman himself. The biggest mystery of the series is why; why are these people in white bat costumes brutally murdering people who’ve been saved by Bruce Wayne? The story here works, and it’s interesting at times, but it didn’t really sink its claws into me like any other mystery.

    One of the strongest parts of the story is the bits that seem to come from within the mind of the bat. He’s breaking down happenings in his head and really digging into the world’s greatest detective angle of the character that’s been absent from a lot of recent interpretations. For a few glimmering moments, the story feels engaging, but ultimately, the story itself is too weak for anything special to come of it.

    Perhaps the weakest part of this story is the villains themselves, they aren’t compelling and there is really nothing special about them. It’s pretty ironic that they wear white batman costumes because they feel lackluster. They’re what you’d expect if you took all the fun out of the characters from Gotham City Imposters and threw them into a European setting. The story here feels like it should be interesting and feels like a unique scenario but it just doesn’t really tie together well in the end, with the reveal being nothing jaw-dropping and kind of generic.

    Perhaps one of the brighter aspects of the story is its reintroduction of the newest Knight and Squire, UK equivalents of Batman and Robin. Here we see the original Squire, Beryl Hutchinson, pick up the mantle of Knight alongside the newest Squire, Amina Eluko working alongside Batman. Their story is something interesting and the two of them could really shine in their own book. Detective Mentee of the Bat, Henri Ducard plays a prominent role where at times it feels like he’s more useful as a punching bag than he does integral to the unfolding story. Thankfully, though, the character does get better as the story progresses but a moment that could’ve been crucial and emotional falls flat.

    Despite its story issues, this book is something great to look at, with some stellar artwork from Andy Kubert. Batman gets a stellar redesign here, fitting in with his new European terrain, sporting a trench coat and goggles. Kubert really shines here with his environments and bringing Europe to life. The panels here are truly dynamic and admittedly are the best parts of this book.

    While Batman: The Detective ultimately was not the Batman story I was looking for when it comes to Tom Taylor, it is an interesting premise that features a below-average story with some above-average art. 

  • ‘Wonder Twins’ Activate as Adam Sztykiel is Tapped to Write and Direct New Film for HBO Max

    ‘Wonder Twins’ Activate as Adam Sztykiel is Tapped to Write and Direct New Film for HBO Max

    HBO Max is slowly but surely becoming the streaming home for DC, as countless projects are entering some form of development for the streamer. The studio is looking to develop multiple films based on DC Comics characters, such as Batgirl that has been busy filming in Glasglow. The upcoming roster looks to be expanding once more as the iconic Wonder Twins are set to make their film debut on Warner Bros. go-to streamer.

    The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Black Adam writer Adam Sztykiel has been tapped to write and direct a solo film on the popular characters. Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill are set to produce the project. For those unfamiliar with the duo, Zan and Jayna are alien twins who made their debut on Hanna-Barbera’s Super Friends animated series alongside Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman before eventually making their way to the comics. The twin’s iconic phrase “Wonder Twin Power, activate” allows Jayna to turn into any animal while Zan can take the form of water.

    Plot details on the film remain under wraps and no casting on the twins has been made just yet. It’s also unknown if the film will take place within the greater DC Extended Universe but here’s hoping. There is also no word on if the Wonder Twins monkey, Gleek, will make an appearance but we eagerly await that confirmation. It’s also unclear what direction the project may take given the character’s history.

    Source: THR

  • ‘The Mandalorian’ Spinoff ‘Ahsoka’ Adds Ray Stevenson in an Antagonist Role

    ‘The Mandalorian’ Spinoff ‘Ahsoka’ Adds Ray Stevenson in an Antagonist Role

    Ray Stevenson will be making his return to the Star Wars universe in the upcoming Ahsoka spin-off series, as revealed by The Hollywood Reporter. The actor is no stranger to the galaxy far far away, having voiced a Gar Saxon in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels. The actor will instead be making his way to a live-action series this time around in a new role

    He will take on an antagonist role and will be playing an admiral. Sources say that he is not Grand Admiral Thrawn, who is believed to be the main antagonist of the series and has yet to be cast. Plot details for the series remain under wraps for the most part, although it is believed we will see Ahsoka Tano traveling alongside Sabine Wren, a character making her live-action debut, in search of Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn.

    The series is currently scheduled to begin production towards the end of April over in Los Angeles. The series will feature the return of Rosario Dawson as the titular character, following appearances in both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Dawson is joined by Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine, Ivanna Sakhno, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Hayden Christensen, with Mena Massoud rumored to be playing the role of Ezra Bridger.

    The series currently has no set release date but will most likely release sometime next year exclusively on Disney+. Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau return for the series with Filoni primarily writing and Favreau serving as executive producer.

    Source: THR

  • EXCLUSIVE: Dick Grayson, Harper Row and Spoiler Headline the Roster of CW’s ‘Gotham Knights’

    EXCLUSIVE: Dick Grayson, Harper Row and Spoiler Headline the Roster of CW’s ‘Gotham Knights’

    A decade after the premier of Arrow, the CW continues to expand its slate of live-action DC content. In the last decade, more than half a dozen series have made their way to the network and now production is close to beginning on the newest addition, Gotham Knights. The series just recently got a pilot order, meaning it’ll shoot its first episode before possibly being handed a series order. Since the initial report, fans have been in the dark on just who the series will follow with no details on its characters…until now.

    Thanks to a friendly source, we’ve been able to put together a pretty good picture of the show’s core characters, the Bat Family. The series is currently looking to cast several series regulars ahead of an April start of production in Toronto.

    Most notably, Gotham Knights is looking for an actor, 18 or older, to fill the role of a series regular that fits the bill of Dick Grayson, the first Robin and adopted son of Bruce Wayne.
    Described as “athletic” and “sensitive”, the character remains resilient despite being vulnerable following the murder of his parents and subsequent adoption by Wayne.

    Interestingly enough, it looks like Grayson won’t be the only former Robin on the show. It seems as though Grayson will be joined by Stephanie Brown, aka Spoiler, a genius-level hacker whose father, a DC villain called Cluemaster, raised her on a “steady diet of brain teasers and puzzles.” Gothman Knight is searching for an 18-year old actress to portray the “sarcastic and smart” character.

    We can also deduce that Harper Row, aka Bluebird, is set to join Grayson on the team. The studio is searching for a female to play a “blue-haired bisexual” character who has taken to the streets to escape her abusive home life. Her brother, Cullen, also looks to be joining the series with the studio searching for a transgender actor who identifies as male for the role.

    Gotham Knights will also feature “a quick-witted British attache” who sounds like she could be Julia Pennyworth, daughter of Alfred Pennyworth. In the comics, Julia came into the picture after her father was disabled following an attack from Hush. Following in her father’s footsteps, she helped the Bat Family coordinate their efforts.

    Probably the most startling character headed for Gotham Knights is one described as the daughter of “the most dangerous man in Gotham.” First thoughts are that the series is going to introduce “Joker’s daugher”, Duela Dent, who claimed to be the daughter of the Joker and also claimed to be the daughter of about every villain in Gotham.

    The CW is also searching for a handful of other series regulars, including one that could be Lucius Fox’s daughter, Tiffany, to join the team in addition to the already exciting number of characters listed here, many of whom will be making their live-action debut. There’s also room for plenty of guest stars and supporting members of the cast. Hopefully, with the scheduled start of production right around the corner, casting will start to trickle out soon.

  • New DCEU Promo Teaser Offers First Full Look at ‘Black Adam’s Justice Society of America

    New DCEU Promo Teaser Offers First Full Look at ‘Black Adam’s Justice Society of America

    It was during the first DC Fandome when Dwayne Johnson confirmed that his upcoming film, Black Adam, would feature the Justice Society of America. The team was one of the first superhero teams to come together in the golden age of comics. This film will finally be their big-screen debut after multiple TV appearances. The upcoming roster will consist of Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher, and Cyclone and a new promo gave us our first official look at their costumes.

    The first reveal is of the film’s take on Hawkman, as he extends his wings to fully reveal his gold and maroon color scheme. The character is quite accurate to his comic counterpart with the winged helmet and all. Now we just need to see his iconic mace.

    The next one is the team’s veteran member, Doctor Fate. He is the DCEU’s equivalent to the Sorcerer Supreme. Perhaps the most interesting detail of the suit is that the Helmet of Fate appears to not have any eye slits. Maybe they’ll work in some details during post-production, possibly having them glow yellow, but it’s a curious update on the design.

    Atom Smasher is here barreling through the streets in his iconic comic-accurate look, featuring his blue and yellow color scheme with a bronze belt. The mask features white eyes, something we don’t tend to see too often in comic book adaptions, but it’ll surely please fans.

    The final look is of Quintessa Swindels‘ Cyclone, the granddaughter of the first Red Tornado who possesses wind-like abilities. The character is sporting a green armored dress look, reminiscent of her comic counterparts.

    The designs look great and we can’t wait to see them in action. In the teaser, it does seem like Doctor Fate is trying to convince Black Adam of joining their side and may have offered our first glimpse at the film’s direction. It is currently set to hit theaters on July 29th, 2022.

    Source: Youtube

  • Disney+’s ‘Beauty and The Beast’ Prequel Series On Indefinite Hold

    Disney+’s ‘Beauty and The Beast’ Prequel Series On Indefinite Hold

    These past few years have seen Disney go all-in on bringing some of their most classic stories to life in live-action. In 2017, they once again brought Beauty and The Beast to life, which had an all-star cast consisting of Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, and Josh Gad. The film was quite the hit, and audiences especially loved Evans and Gad as Gaston and Lefou. As such, a prequel series has been in development for the two and it has recently added multiple cast members. Sadly, it seems like they made some announcements a bit too soon.

    It is being reported that the Disney+ Beauty and The Beast Prequel series has been put on indefinite hold at the streamer. The project was met with multiple issues including scheduling issues with the cast as well production issues that saw its start date pushed back so that it may be able to film in better weather. It seems there have also been creative differences amongst the creatives on the project.

    The project received an eight-episode order back in June of 2021 and just recently cast Rita Ora, Fra Fee, and Jelani Alladin. With so many things not lining up, Disney opted to put the project on hold. Both Gad and Evans have a slew of projects in the pipeline that they’ll be working on that would clash with the production timeline. While the project is not dead it may be a while before it can pick itself up off the ground and get going.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Futurama’ Revival in the Works at Hulu

    ‘Futurama’ Revival in the Works at Hulu

    It’s hard to keep a good series down, and Futurama was a prime example of that. The original series aired its first five seasons exclusively on Fox before eventually making its way to Comedy Central where it concluded its run with three more seasons. The future-set adult animated series created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen looks to be making yet another return following a ten-year absence, this time finding a brand new home on Hulu.

    The Planet Express will be making its way back to screens as a deal is currently being negotiated for a 20-episode return that will air exclusively on Hulu. The revival would feature the return of Billy West, Katey Sagal, Phil Lamar, Lauren Tom, and the rest of the original cast. Groening and Cohen would also return to work on the series.

    The only deal that has yet to be signed is DiMaggio‘s, known for the iconic role of Bender and is still in negotiations to return for the role. In the meantime, series creator Groening shares his enthusiasm with a jab at their repeated cancellation:

    “It’s a true honor to announce the triumphant return of Futurama one more time before we get canceled abruptly again.”

    Matt Groening

    The series is set to head into production soon with a potential 2023 release on the streamer. Hulu’s president Craig Erwich shares his thoughts on the revival:

    When presented with the opportunity to bring fans and viewers new episodes of Futurama, we couldn’t wait to dive in. This iconic series helped blaze the trail for the success of adult animation since its initial launch and we look forward to Matt & David continuing to pave the way and further establishing Hulu as the premiere destination for fans of the genre

    Craig Erwich

    The return of Futurama is quite a surprise after ten years off the air but definitely a welcome one. Yet, to hear the cast come back together will definitely be a major selling point and it would be strange to not have DiMaggio as part of the crew. There is no Futurama without the entire Planet Express crew.

    Source: THR