Murphy's Multiverse

Author: John Sabato

  • Michael Keaton Returning as Vulture in Mystery Marvel Project

    Michael Keaton Returning as Vulture in Mystery Marvel Project

    Spider-Man: Homecoming featured the live-action debut of a Spidey foe we’d yet to see hit the big screen: Vulture. The Vulture, as played by Michael Keaton, is regarded as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s best antagonists, with a twist that no one saw coming. Since Homecoming, fans have been eager to see Keaton return to the MCU as Adrian Toomes. And well, following a brief appearance in both Morbius trailers, we’re just wondering where he’s going to end up next.

    Keaton recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! where he revealed something he probably wasn’t supposed to. Joining the likes of Alfred Molina and Jaimie Foxx, it’s becoming a trend amongst veteran actors who’ve played Spider-Man foes to disregard their Non-Disclosure Agreements. “I’m shooting tomorrow. I’m shooting some Vulture stuff.”

    The biggest question here is, if Keaton is indeed shooting scenes for the Vulture, what is he shooting them for? He may be filming additional photography for Morbius, possibly a post-credit stinger to further connect these worlds, potentially pairing the MCU sinister six together. Or the other option could be that he is filming something for Spider-Man: No Way Home. It feels much too late to add in him a larger capacity here, but it could be yet another post-credit scene for an upcoming Marvel project. 

    We might just have to wait and see where Adrian Toomes pops up next, whether it be in the MCU or the weird amalgam universe Sony seems to be shaping up over there.

    Morbius is currently set to release in theaters on Jan. 28th, 2022 exclusively in theaters. 

    Source: Twitter

  • REVIEW: ‘Masters Of The Universe: Revelations’ Part 2

    REVIEW: ‘Masters Of The Universe: Revelations’ Part 2

    The return to Eternia came just a few months ago in Masters of The Universe: Revelations. The series caught many off guards as it began with the apparent demise of not just Skeletor, but the champion of Castle Greyskull, He-Man. Many were upset with this, expecting their childhood hero in all his glory, but this isn’t the “He-Man show”-it was literally in the title! This is a show about the greatest warriors in the universe and the second part of Kevin Smith’s epic conclusion should give fans everything they wanted and more.

    The most attractive aspect of the show is how it’s brought to life. Each episode is excellently animated, specifically in the fight scenes. Each fight is meticulously put together for a dynamic and riveting effect. This is one of those cases where a live-action adaption just couldn’t live up to the capabilities of animation; with so many different characters with different abilities, the sky is the limit here in terms of creativity and they use it.

    Right off the bat, the show is able to improve on many of its characters. Teela, for example, is much more focused and developed this time around. The voice cast is one of the series strongest aspects as everyone is quite perfectly cast, especially the villains. Mark Hammil’s Skeletor is absolutely perfect casting, Hamill is able to juggle a threatening presence as Skelegod but still keep the campy charm the characters always had. The shows willingness to take risks with its characters, specifically Evil-Lyn and Teela, is what keeps it so interesting. With so many characters, Revelations finds a way to give everyone a part to play. Even the smallest and oddest characters in Eternia get a spot to shine, and MOTU sure does have a lot of oddballs.

    One of the biggest things that will please longtime fans is how part two utilizes He-Man. By that I mean He-Man is actually a major character. While it’s great to see many smaller characters featured, the strides taken with He-Man fit so well with this modern interpretation of the series as they aren’t afraid to show the emotional side of He-Man: he isn’t the one-dimensional character we once knew and Chris Wood does an amazing job bringing this classic character into the 21st century.

    The show does an excellent job closing out the chapter at a pretty good pace but there are a few issues that stick out with the way it reveals things. With only five episodes to wrap up such a sprawling story, big moments that feel as if they should’ve been given more attention move a bit too fast. A moment that feels like it should’ve been better showcased feels like it was just shoehorned in because they forgot to add it in the first part. The show pulls the rug out from under you halfway through part 2, and it’s probably one of the best creative choices the series has made; it just fits so well with how a certain character was developed in the first part of Revelations, and then it pays off perfectly.

    Along with rushing of certain moments that aren’t treated as importantly as they should be, some of the dialogue is a bit odd and ill-placed. While this is a more adult take, targeting its original generation of viewers who’ve now grown up, we can do without the innuendos. While they aren’t common, they’re there in some pretty tense moments that take you out of the action.

    Masters of The Universe: Revelations feels like a love letter to the franchise. It’s able to capture the original nature of the cartoon all while bringing it modernizing it to work with its now grown target audience and even newcomers to the franchise. The characters are fun and feature a brilliant voice cast with the likes of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chris Wood, Mark Hammil, Lena Headley, Liam Cunningham, and Tiffany Smith. Part 2 streams on Netflix November 23rd.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Why Trinh Tran Tackled ‘Hawkeye’ After ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    EXCLUSIVE: Why Trinh Tran Tackled ‘Hawkeye’ After ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    The launch of Disney+ has led to a whole new avenue of storytelling potential. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, many wondered just how the Marvel Cinematic Universe would continue onward, and a slew of Disney+ original series offered the chance to spotlight some minor yet fan-favorite characters. We recently had the chance to speak with Marvel Studios producer Trinh Tran to discuss her next project, Hawkeye. It’s quite a shift from working on a massive project like Endgame to this smaller project, and she offered some insight into why she tackled the Disney+ series right after.

    I wanted it all! [LAUGH] I think, you know, when we were filming Infinity War and Endgame I was already, we were already talking about What is the future? What is my next project and you know Shang-Chi was already starting. So, unfortunately you know I couldnt be apart that the same way that Jonathan was and, you know, I loved Hawkeye from the Fraction run. I love how fun it is and the banter between Clint and Kate, and I really wanted to explore, you know a female version of a skilled archer, as well as telling Clint’s side of the story which we havent had the chance to in the MCU. So, I felt that it was due time for him to shine and get his spotlight and I think that was one of the reasons why I gravitated towards this particular show.

    Trinh Tran

    Trinh Tran has worked on the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the beginning. She served as an associate producer on Captain America: Civil War, and worked her way to becoming an executive producer on the two most recent Avengers films. It’s great to hear her excitement about the project, and that this adaptation springs from that very enjoyment of Faction and Ajap‘s run on the character. Disney+ is the bridge to explore stories that would’ve never gotten the cinematic treatment. Here’s looking forward to what else Marvel Studios may explore in the future.

  • REPORT: New Character Breakdowns for ‘Dead Boy Detectives’

    REPORT: New Character Breakdowns for ‘Dead Boy Detectives’

    The upcoming Dead Boy Detectives spin-off is currently casting as it prepares to shoot its pilot before it is greenlit for an ongoing series. 

    Dead Boy Detectives is looking to cast a few more characters to its cast, the first being Thomas The Cat King. Thomas is described as a man in his late 20’s to early ’30s but one that has been around for centuries, He is also a bit of a predator, feline-like, and darkly fun. Thomas will always keep his word, but one should never really be trusted, listed as a series regular, and is eyeing Andrew Horton to star.

    The next character is Jenny Green, described as a kind and optimistic punk butcher who is an amateur at love with a hard outer shell. Jenny becomes a good friend and confidant to one of the lead characters, Crystal Palace. The show is also looking to cast the character Niko Sasaki. Niko is described as being charming and sincere but is obsessed with the hopes of one day falling in love. She is also obsessed with an anime known as ‘Case Closed’ and is bent on joining the Dead Boy Detective Agency. Both characters are described as series regulars.

    One of the final characters looking to be cast is Esther Corvus. Production is looking for an actress in the 40-50-year-old range and is described as a very direct and “take what she wants’ kind of person, with a Stevie Knicks in her Fleetwood Mac prime type of vibe. She is seen as a threat and an adversary of the Dead Boy Detectives in Port Townsend. Another series regular for the show.

    The final character looks to be our main antagonist, with the show seeking to cast an actor 18 or older to play the host of the demon David. David is described as crude, scornful, and hostile, with a nasty hankering for raw fish. He is the one who stole Crystal’s memories and will do anything he can to get her back. Davids’s host is described as a recurring guest star.

    Dead Boy Detectives currently has no set release date as it has yet to be greenlit for a full series order.

    SOURCE: Illuminerdi

  • Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Cast as Uncle Iroh in Netflix’s ‘Avatar’

    Paul Sun-Hyung Lee Cast as Uncle Iroh in Netflix’s ‘Avatar’

    Avatar is one of the most beloved animated series of all time. It tells the story of Aang, the very last Airbender, as he travels the four nations with his companions and masters all four elemental bending techniques. The show returned to Netflix last year and brought back a wave of nostalgia for many, who soon remembered Netflix was in development on a live-action adaption, piquing the interest of many.

    In the past couple of weeks, the adaption has begun adding to its cast, some known and some new to the scene. An addition that all have been waiting for is the role of Uncle Iroh, the uncle of Prince Zuko, and one of the series most important and loved characters. The Mandalorian and Kims Convenience Star Paul Sun-Hyung Lee has been officially cast in the role of Uncle Iroh. Along with that casting, Ken Leung has joined as Admiral Zhao with Lim Kay Siu cast as Monk Gyatso.

    It’ll be interesting to see how the series adapts the first book and if it changes any backstories to better fit within the shorter episode run. The series has been pretty on the spot with its recent castings, and Lee as Iroh is quite a great addition.

    Lee, Leung, and Siu join Gordon Cormier as Aang, Dallas Liu as Zuko, Ian Ousley as Sokka, Kiawentiio Tarbell as Katara, and Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozai. Albert Kim will serve as showrunner on the series following the departure of original series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante Dimartino.

    Source: The Wrap

  • ‘Batgirl’ Adds ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Cinematographer John Mathieson

    ‘Batgirl’ Adds ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Cinematographer John Mathieson

    Barbara Gordon is set to make her DC extended universe debut after quite a bit of time in development hell. The film looks to be taking inspiration from Batgirl: Year One as well as the Batgirl of Burnside storyline. The HBO Max original movie landed the directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who most recently worked on the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. It seems the films added yet another Marvel Studios veteran to its crew, with Arbi announcing the projects found has found its cinematographer.

    In one of his Instagram stories, he announced that John Mathieson, whose previous works include Gladiator, Logan, and Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness has joined their film’s production. This is an interesting development considering the Doctor Strange sequel is currently slated to begin reshoots in the coming weeks that are considered to be quite extensive and time-consuming. So, joining Batgirl might imply that once Doctor Strange wraps up, he’ll join the DC project shortly after.

    Plot details on the film are still being kept under wraps as the DCEU continues its expansion. The film is set to be one of the first projects that will air exclusively on the HBO Max streaming service. It’ll also be joined by a project focused on Blue Beetle. Plot details and a release date for the film are still unknown as the film is set to start production in Glasgow. Batgirl is set to star Leslie Grace as the titular hero alongside Jacob Scipio, J.K. Simmons reprising his role as Commissioner Gordon and Brendan Fraser as Firefly.

    SOURCE: Instagram

  • Scott Derrickson Open to Eventual Return to Direct Another Marvel Film

    Scott Derrickson Open to Eventual Return to Direct Another Marvel Film

    Doctor Strange is among Marvel Studios’ best films, not only introducing mainstream audiences to Stephen Strange but also for unlocking the magical side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film would eventually score a sequel with director Scott Derrickson and star Benedict Cumberbatch set to return in their respective roles. Sadly, just a few months after announcing Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness at SDCC, he left the project over “creative differences.”

    Just a few weeks later it was announced that Sam Raimi would be returning to the Marvel Universe to direct the sequel who is, of course, best known for his Spider-Man films as well as the Evil Dead franchise. Scott Derrickson is one of those directors who are very hands-on when it comes to fan interactions, especially on Twitter, and recently entertained a request from a fan to return to the MCU for another film. Of course, he played coy responding with a simple response:

    https://twitter.com/scottderrickson/status/1459586169998512129?s=21

    No one would be opposed to a return for the director, especially after his work on Doctor Strange but for now, it’s all just hypotheticals. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be undergoing “extensive reshoots” soon due to the pandemic affecting its production, but it currently is eyeing a release in May. It’ll be interesting to see if the director might return for an eventual third entry or even to tackle a brand new franchise.

    Source: Twitter

  • REPORT: ‘Blue Beetle’ Eyeing Early 2022 Production Start

    REPORT: ‘Blue Beetle’ Eyeing Early 2022 Production Start

    The DC Expanded Universe continues to expand as it plots more and more films like Batgirl, Zatanna, and even Blue Beetle. The latter will follow Jaime Reyes, the third, most recent, and most popular character to wield the mantle of Blue Beetle. Jaime is set to be played by the Cobra Kai‘s Xolo Maridueña, perfect casting for what’s surely shaping up to be many peoples most anticipated comic book films.

    Not much is known about the project, as it’s yet to add any other talent to its cast. It seems like that could be changing very soon as it seems production on the film could begin in the first quarter of 2022. A new Production Weekly listing has the film set to begin filming in Georgia sometime early next year. Usually these types of dates from production weekly are taken with a grain of salt, but director Angel Manuel Soto has added some fuel to the fire by retweeting the news on his Twitter account.

    There’s always a chance this production start date may change, but it seems Soto is anticipating an early 2022 start date if he also openly retweets it. The film will release as an HBO Max Original film but currently has no release date. The film is one of many upcoming DCEU films set to debut on the streaming platform in an interesting move to expand its shared DC universe from WB.

    Jaime Reyes is the first Blue Beetle to actually don the scarab and wears the exoskeleton armor created by the Reach. It’ll be interesting to see how the film honors the past Beetles as it seems Ted Kord is poised to play a larger role in the film based on the concept art we saw at DC Fandome.

    Source: Twitter

  • Chukwudi Iwuji Seemingly Joins ‘Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3.’ as Production Starts

    Chukwudi Iwuji Seemingly Joins ‘Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3.’ as Production Starts

    Production on the third installment within the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is finally taking place as the film and holiday special is set to film back to back. Writer and director James Gunn returns to helm the project hot off of the release of The Suicide Squad and wrapping production Peacemaker.

    Not much is known about the film aside from Adam Warlock finally making his debut into the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 2 end credit scene teased his arrival. Will Poulter will play the character, having recently been confirmed to join the cast, but it seems Gunn may have just confirmed and added yet another past cast member to this film. In a recent post to Twitter, featuring a photo of him with the cast of Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3, it seems Peacemaker star Chukwudi Iwuji may have joined the upcoming Marvel film. 

    https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1457754577411973122?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

    It’s unknown who Iwuji may be playing as this is currently the only confirmation of his addition to the film. The director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 also shared his excitement to work alongside the actor once more.

    https://twitter.com/jamesgunn/status/1457792078050590720?s=21

    It’s not uncommon for Gunn to bring back past actors, especially if he loved working with them. In almost every one of his films, both Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker have played some role, just recently having played TDK and Savant in The Suicide Squad. Iwuji plays Clemson Murn in Peacemaker, a seemingly original character created by Gunn for the series. Surely Gunn will make his way to social media soon to confirm Iwujis return. 

    Source: Twitter

  • First Look at Laurie Holden as Crimson Countess in ‘The Boys’ Season 3

    First Look at Laurie Holden as Crimson Countess in ‘The Boys’ Season 3

    Amazon struck gold with its adaption of Garth Ennis’ The Boys, a world where the superheroes aren’t kept in check and act as they please. The series has already scored a spinoff with its rising popularity as the third season approaches, with filming having wrapped on the season awhile back. Things are set to get even crazier than before with the arrival of Jensen Ackle’s Soldier Boy, and superhero team Payback.

    Payback is a spoof on the Marvel Comics team, the Avengers, with Solider Boy acting as their Captain America. But he won’t be the only member of the team making their way to Vought this season, as Laurie Holden is already set to debut as Crimson Countess, their play on Scarlet Witch. We got our very first look at Holden as the supe today.

    Like quite a few characters used on the series, the character of Crimson Countess didn’t play a huge role in the comics and is only a minor antagonist. The character possesses flight and heat generation abilities that allows her to shoot fireballs. The title of Crimson Countess originally belonged to another World War 2 veteran supe who fought against the Nazis with a group known as the Avenging Squad, all of whom quickly died.

    Season 3 of The Boys currently has no set release date but with release exclusively on Amazon Prime. The season with see the return of the main cast alongside newcomers like Katia Winter, Sean Patrick Flanery, Nick Wechsler, and Frances Turner.

    SOURCE: TVLINE