Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • J.J. Abrams’ DC Projects Future Uncertain Due to Warner Bros. Discovery’s Restructure

    J.J. Abrams’ DC Projects Future Uncertain Due to Warner Bros. Discovery’s Restructure

    In 2019, J.J. Abrams signed an overall deal with HBO Max that cost the streaming service $250 million. Since then, Abrams’ Bad Robot has yet to actually produce anything under the said deal, which is leading Warner Bros. Discovery to question what the holdup is.

    Ever since Discovery completed its acquisition of WarnerMedia from AT&T in April, WBD CEO David Zaslav has been going over projects in various stages of development to try and determine whether or not they are worth continuing. One project that has already received the axe is the recently announced Wonder Twins film. The project was originally announced in February, then the project cast its leads in April, only for the film to be halted in early May. Unfortunately, Wonder Twins looks to be only the start of Zaslav’s changes. It’s expected that the newly merged studio will continue to crack down on projects in development – potentially even those being developed through Abrams’ overall deal.

    One of many projects announced as part of Abrams’ overall deal was Demimonde, a science fiction drama set to star Watchmen alum Danielle Deadwyler. The project was expected to consist of 10 episodes, but it might now be on the bubble with Bad Robot reportedly eyeing a budget north of $200 million for the series. As if that isn’t bad enough, Abrams is also developing HBO Max’s DC Comics-based Justice League Dark franchise, which will include shows like Constantine and Madame X. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it is possible to even those projects could come under scrutiny from Zaslav.

    Part of the frustration is said to be that Abrams has “laid claim” to numerous DC characters but has yet to see a project through to fruition. While Warners has seen scripts for Constantine and the pilot of Madame X, the lack of movement could result in action from Zaslav as the streaming service is said to be dealing with a pipeline issue. As it stands, there is reportedly no delivery plan for any of the projects being developed under Abrams’ Bad Robot banner.

    It is of note that, along with producing a new Star Trek movie for Paramount, Abrams was just announced to be producing a Speed Racer series for Apple TV+ through his Bad Robot banner. That project is actually being produced as part of his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, which is also producing the project.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • REVIEW: ‘Shoresy’ is Even Better Than ‘Letterkenny’

    REVIEW: ‘Shoresy’ is Even Better Than ‘Letterkenny’

    Every so often, a show comes seemingly out of nowhere and takes the world – and internet – by storm. Hulu’s Letterkenny is that series. The series spun out of a YouTube video by series star/creator Jared Keeso and was initially titled Letterkenny Problems. Since being ordered to series, there have been ten seasons of Letterkenny. It’s a simple concept that excels in great character development and storytelling. Which is why it is unsurprising then that Hulu and CraveTV opted to crate a spinoff focusing on the fan-favorite, wise-cracking, and often inappropriate hockey player that loves to give Riley and Jonesy a hard time. Shoresy has a lot to live up to and yet it succeeds with flying colors.

    With a single episode, Shoresy proves Keeso isn’t a one-hit-wonder. After the blazing success of Letterkenny, a series that seemed to garner attention almost overnight, it’s no wonder why Hulu and Crave TV ordered the spinoff. Shoresy recaptures that magic from the first season of Letterkenny with such ease. In fact, while Letterkenny might’ve spent time on trying to get Wayne to fight again, Shoresy spends time trying to make the character more than a fighting asshole.

    Those expecting Shoresy to talk about banging everyone’s moms will be delightfully surprised to learn the character is given room to be more than the naked handstand guy who thrives on torturing others. Yes, he’s still frustrating. And yes, his trademark “give your balls a tug” line is still very much there. But there’s also a heck of a lot more to the show. In fact, there are moments in which Shoresy feels like a more defined series than its predecessor. Unlike the original series, Shoresy doesn’t need to take time to establish itself – the series knows what it wants to be and delivers on its intent from the very beginning.

    One of the things that makes the series all the more enjoyable is seeing how Keeso successfully navigates the character. Playing two characters that exist within the same universe can be a bit difficult; it’s also probably why Shoresy’s face is hidden in Letterkenny throughout his appearances. Trying to make viewers understand these are two very different characters despite Keeso playing both roles can be a hard sell. And yet, Keeso does such a great job at changing up his mannerisms and speech to ensure Wayne and Shoresy are not one in the same. It’s a pretty difficult task, given the characters do share a fair amount of character traits, but Keeso manages to do so with ease.

    More impressively, though, the supporting cast manages to shine just as much as Keeso. When the series focuses solely on hockey players, it is vital that the show makes it a point to make the characters feel like a proper team. The sense of comradery needs to be felt by the audience. Sure, the other players don’t get as many lines as Shoresy, but the supporting cast is a delight and they do get in on the action. Unfortunately, those looking for Letterkenny actors to pop-up, don’t expect too many. There are a few that do appear – J.J. Frankie is one of them as he’s on Shoresy’s new team. However, there is a nice little surprise for fans of a certain chaotic Glen. (No, he’s not there as Glen, but the always great Jacob Tierney does make an appearance.)

    On one hand, it seems wrong to compare Shoresy to Letterkenny. Yes, they are within the same universe, and yes, Keeso created both series. But they are incredibly different. There’s no denying Letterkenny is great – there’s a reason millions around the world have taken to the series – but Shoresy feels like an upgrade to an already great world.

    The series is being billed as a limited series, however, by the end of episode six, it is clear that Shoresy isn’t over just yet. With most shows that bill themselves as a limited series, an open-ended ending could be frustrating. That isn’t the case with Shoresy, though, because by the end of the season there’s such a rich amount of character development that it becomes difficult to part with these characters. For leading man Keeso, balancing two hits shows could prove troublesome, but one thing is for certain: Keeso knows how to deliver a smart television series and Shoresy is proof that he’s one of the best talents on the small screen these days.

  • ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5 to Introduce a New Sensei

    ‘Cobra Kai’ Season 5 to Introduce a New Sensei

    According to Deadline, Alicia Hannah-Kim has joined the series as a South Korean Sensei named Kim Da-Eun who is a part of Terry Silver’s (Thomas Ian Griffith) plans to quickly grow the Cobra Kai franchise. Along with the addition of Hannah-Kim, Season 4 newbie Dupree Young, who portrays Kenny Payne, has been upgraded to a series regular for Season 5.

    Given how the end of Season 4 played out, with Martin Kove’s John Creese being arrested, it seems likely Da- Eun will play a leading alongside Silver. We know that Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) has already brought in his former enemy, Chozen (Yuji Okumoto), to help out Miyagi-Do as William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence took off to Mexico in search of Miguel (Xolo Maridueña). Da-Eun looks to be filling the shoes of Creese for Cobra Kai. Whether or not Da-Eun becomes another victim of Silver remains to be seen.

    Hannah-Kim recently appeared in HBO Max’s Minx as Wendy Mah. She has also appeared in Freeform’s Alone Together and ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. As for Payne, outside of Cobra Kai, he has appeared in Nickelodeon’s Cousins for Life.

    The fifth season of Cobra Kai wrapped production back in December. The creator of Cobra Kai, Josh Heald, has previously teased that the series would run for six seasons. As of this writing, Netflix has not confirmed the sixth season, but scripts are already being written.

    Season 5 of Cobra Kai hits Netflix on Sept. 9th.

    Source: Deadline

  • Netflix’s ‘That 90’s Show’ Adds Another ‘That 70’s Show’ Alumni

    Netflix’s ‘That 90’s Show’ Adds Another ‘That 70’s Show’ Alumni

    Tommy Chong is officially returning as Leo for That 90’s Show. The actor confirmed his return during a recent appearance on The Dark Mark Show. “They gave me a call and I did my part,” he confirmed. “They never gave me any instructions, so I don’t know if I’m supposed to be talking about it or not. I really don’t give a s— to tell you the truth. I’ve got a big mouth. That’s what I’m known for…I’m back as Leo.”

    Chong is the latest cast member from That 70’s Show to be confirmed. It was recently announced that Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama are returning for guest appearances. They’ll join series leads, Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, who are reprising their roles as Red and Kitty Forman.

    The spinoff series will focus on Leia Forman (Callie Haverda), the daughter of Eric (Grace) and Donna (Prepon), as she visits her grandparents during the summer of 1995. Much like her parents, she’ll find herself forming bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids under the watchful eye of Red and Kitty.

    Over the course of its run, Chong appeared as Leo in 65 episodes of That 70’s Show as a hippy stoner who built a close relationship with Hyde after employing him at the Foto Hut. Danny Masterson is not expected to reprise his role as Hyde in That 90’s Show.

    That 90’s Show was ordered straight to series by Netflix with a 10-episode count. The creators of That 70’s Show, Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner, have boarded the series as writers and executive producers alongside their daughter Linsey Turner. Gregg Mettler, who also worked on That 70’s Show, is also on board as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner.

    Source: The Dark Mark Show via Variety

  • ‘Madame Web’: Celeste O’Connor is the Latest to Get Caught in Sony’s web

    ‘Madame Web’: Celeste O’Connor is the Latest to Get Caught in Sony’s web

    The Ghostbusters: Afterlife actress is set to join Sony’s Madame Web. She’ll star alongside Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney in the film. Johnson, of course, is expected to portray Madame Web, while the roles of Sweeney and O’Connor are currently unknown.

    The film is Sony’s latest Spider-Man offshoot and will mark the first film to be headlined by a female character within the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters. While details are sparse regarding Madame Web, it is thought the film will be an origin story for the clairvoyant character, whose psychic abilities allow her to see within the spider world. 

    O’Connor is steadily building an impressive resume. Following Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the young actor can next be seen in Zach Braff’s A Good Person from MGM. O’Connor can currently be seen in Paramount+’s The In Between where she stars alongside Joey King.

    Madame Web is being directed by S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones) from a script by Morbius writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless. Kerem Sanga, who write First Girl I Loved, took an earlier pass at the script prior to Sazama and Sharpless.

    Madame Web will hit theaters on July 7th, 2023.

    Source: Deadline.

  • It looks like Jason Sudeikis Isn’t Actually in DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’

    It looks like Jason Sudeikis Isn’t Actually in DC’s ‘Blue Beetle’

    On Monday, a casting call made the rounds online suggesting that the Blue Beetle film would not only include Ted Kord, but that actor Jason Sudeikis would potentially be playing the role. Unfortunately, for those hoping to see Ted in the film, it’s looking as though he’s not in the film – nor is Sudeikis.

    Umberto Gonzalez, who works for The Wrap, took to Twitter to deny the reports. “No, Jason Sudekis is NOT playing Ted Kord in Blue Beetle,” he tweeted. “He is not in the movie AT ALL.”

    As it stands, Susan Sarandon is being introduced as a newly crafted character named Victoria Kord who will reportedly play a villainous role in the film. It remains to be seen if Ted is referenced in the film.

    Blue Beetle is being directed by Angel Manuel Soto from Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s screenplay. It is set to hit theaters on Aug. 18th, 2023 and stars Xolo Maridueña in the titular role alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Adriana Barraza, and Damián Alcázar.

    Source: Twitter.

  • Samuel L. Jackson is Joining Chris Pratt in Garfield

    Samuel L. Jackson is Joining Chris Pratt in Garfield

    The new animated Garfield film is being produced by Alcon Entertainment. The movie is based on Jim Davis’ iconic cartoon strip of the same name and will follow Garfield, the cynical and lazy orange cat, and his interactions with his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and fellow pet, Odie. Jackson will be playing a new character crafted for the film – Garfield’s father, Vic.

    Mark Dindal (Chicken Little) is directing the film from a script by David Reynolds (Finding Nemo). Garfield will be animated and produced by DNEG Animation, which was also behind the 2021 film Ron’s Gone Wrong. Also producing the film are John Cohen and Steven P. Wegner, who are producing alongside Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove.

    Up next for the always busy Jackson is Secret Invasion, which he recently filmed for Marvel Studios and Disney+. He can currently be seen in the Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, which is based on the novel by bestselling author Walter Mosley. He’s also set to appear in The Marvels, as well as Matthew Vaughn’s spy actioner Argylle.

    Sony Pictures will be distributing Garfield in all major territories with the exception of China. As it stands, Garfield does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Deadline.

  • More Details Emerge on Amber Heard’s Reduced Role in ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’

    More Details Emerge on Amber Heard’s Reduced Role in ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’

    As the legal battles continue between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, more details regarding the actress and her role as Mera have come to light. Previously, Heard stated that her screen time had been cut in Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom as a result of her legal troubles and the allegations against her. However, it seems Mera’s screen time was always going to be shorter in the sequel.

    During the latest testimony, Walter Hamada, the head of Warner Bros.’ DC unit, was called to testify regarding Heard’s statement that the allegations against her had impacted her role as Mera. Per Hamada, the accusations against Heard did not impact Heard’s casting in The Lost Kingdom. He did, however, note that the studio did take more time to pick up Heard’s option for The Lost Kingdom for another reason. Hamada stated that the studio feared Heard and leading man Jason Momoa lacked chemistry, which they’d had trouble crafting in post-production on the first film.

    “They didn’t have a lot of chemistry together,” Hamada explained. “Editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie, but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there.”

    Hamada also stated that Mera’s role was not cut down in The Lost Kingdom. He insists that the role has always been on the smaller side since it was first developed because it was supposed to be more of a buddy-comedy film between Momoa’s Aquaman and Patrick Wilson’s King Orm.

    As it stands, Heard’s Mera will return when Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom hits theaters on March 17th, 2023.

    Source: Variety.

  • Rita Moreno Officially Joins ‘Fast X’

    Rita Moreno Officially Joins ‘Fast X’

    Fast X has added a legendary actor to its roster.

    On Tuesday, Fast and the Furious leading man Vin Diesel took to social media to announce that Rita Moreno has joined the cast of Fast X. Moreno’s casting comes after Diesel teased the actress wanted to join the franchise ahead of the release of F9 last year. Moreno will play the role of Dom’s grandmother in the film.

    In the video, which you can see below, Diesel says he has dreamed of working with Moreno and is thrilled to see her join the cast. “It’s been my dream forever to work with Rita Moreno, and the fact that she’s here playing my grandmother makes my soul smile,” Diesel said. “I’m so blessed.”

    As Diesel pans the camera over to Moreno, the actress exclaims, “The answer is yes, I’ll do it.” She continues, “And yes, not only do it, but I’m tickled. I’m tickled to hell to do it. I’m so thrilled. It’s going to be such fun!”

    Moreno is the latest legendary actress to join the franchise after expressing interest. Helen Mirren first expressed her interest in joining the family back in 2015 before finally joining the long-running franchise for F9 as Queenie.

    Production on Fast X is currently underway. Despite a bit of a setback after Justin Lin exited the project over rumored differences with Diesel, Louis Leterrier stepped in as the director and production has since gotten back on track.

    Fast X does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Variety.

  • Bong Joon Ho’s Next Film Adds Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie, and Toni Collette

    Bong Joon Ho’s Next Film Adds Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie, and Toni Collette

    Naomi Ackie (Star Wars), Toni Collette (Hereditary), and Mark Ruffalo (Avengers) are set to join Robert Pattinson in the follow-up to the director’s Oscar-winning Parasite. Per Deadline, deals for Collette and Ruffalo are reportedly in the final stages. The still-untitled film is said to be based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton.

    Bong is set to write, direct and produce the film for his production company Offscreen. Mickey7 was first published by St. Martins, an imprint of Macmillan, earlier this year. It tells the story of Mickey7, a character described as an “Expendable” – a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim.

    Mickey is a body the crew uses for dangerous missions; after each death, a new body is regenerated that keeps most of the prior body’s memories intact. This causes problems when Mickey7 is regenerated and comes to comprehend his job. Although the film will take inspiration from its source material, it’s thought Bong’s vision might see the movie differ from the book.

    Details surrounding which characters the actors will be playing are unknown at this time.

    Ackie can next be seen in the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, while Collette is coming off the HBO Max limited series The Staircase. Up next for Ruffalo, of course, is She-Hulk: Attorney at Law for Disney+ and Marvel Studios.

    As of now, Bong’s latest does not have a release date.

    Source: Deadline