Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel ‘The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes’ Hitting Theaters Next Year

    ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel ‘The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes’ Hitting Theaters Next Year

    Ever since the Hunger Games films came to an end, Lionsgate has been vocal about wanting to return to the franchise. So, it isn’t entirely surprising that the studio announced The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is coming to the big screen.

    During Lionsgate’s presentation at CinemaCon on Thursday, the studio revealed the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is headed to the big screen on Nov. 17, 2023. The film is based on the book of the same name by author Suzanne Collins. It tells the story of Coriolanus Snow at the age of eighteen as he prepares to enter the Hunger Games. Francis Lawrence, who helmed the three sequels to The Hunger Games, returns to direct the prequel. He directs from a script by Collins, Michael Arndt (Catching Fire), and Michael Lesslie.

    As it stands, while production is underway, no casting has been announced for the film.

    The Hunger Games franchise was a massive success for Lionsgate, earning an astounding $3 billion at the worldwide box office across four films. While The Hunger Games novel also appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 260 consecutive weeks.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Shazam: Fury Of The Gods’ Shifts Release Date, Avoids ‘Avatar 2’

    ‘Shazam: Fury Of The Gods’ Shifts Release Date, Avoids ‘Avatar 2’

    Shazam: Fury of the Gods will no longer face off against Avatar: The Way of the Water.

    A day after Warner Bros. debuted footage from the film at Cinema Con, producer Jon Landau (Avatar 2) and Disney announced the DC film will no longer open against the Avatar sequel. Instead, Fury of the Gods will now move to December 21st, while The Way of the Water will retain its December 16th release date. It’s an unsurprising move, of course, as it always seemed likely one film would move — thankfully, the latest delay is only a matter of days for Shazam! fans.

    Avatar: The Way of the Water, is the long-awaited sequel to the 2009 smash-hit, Avatar. The Oscar-winning film from director James Cameron, is the highest-grossing film of all time having amassed a stunning $2.8 billion at the worldwide box office. The road to the Avatar sequels has been a bumpy one with Avatar 2 having originally been slatted for December 2014. Now, eight years later, the sequel is hitting just in time for the holiday season, with the next three installments having already been dated, too.

    Shazam!: Fury of the Gods is the follow-up to 2019’s Shazam! which took in $365 million at the worldwide box office. The sequel will see David F. Sandberg back behind the camera with Zachary Levi returning as the titular hero.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Johan Renck Boards ’Dune’ Prequel Series as Director

    Johan Renck Boards ’Dune’ Prequel Series as Director

    HBO Max’s Dune prequel series has set a director.

    Johan Renck will direct the first two episodes of the Duneprequel series. The news comes courtesy of Variety, with the outlet reporting Renck will also serve as an executive producer on the project. The current title of the series is Dune: The Sisterhood, although the title does not seem to be set in stone. Denis Villeneuve was previously attached to direct the pilot for the series, however, as he’s busy with the second Dune film, he’s had to step down.

    The events of Dune: The Sisterhood take place approximately 10,000 years prior to the events of Dune. It focuses on the Harkonnen sisters as they “combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.” Dune, of course, proved to be a massive success for Warner Bros. upon release last year. Despite being released day and date on HBO Max, the film went on to earn $400 million at the worldwide box office. 

    This is not Renck’s first time working with HBO. He previously worked on the critical darling, Chernobyl, where he directed the entire series and served as an executive producer. His work on that series earned him an Emmy in the Best Directing for a Limited Series category. Prior to Chernobyl, Renck also helmed episodes of The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Vikings. 

    Diane Ademu-John serves as the writer, showrunner and executive producer for Dune: The Sisterhood. As of now, no cast members have been announced.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Russian Doll’: Do We Need a Season 3?

    ‘Russian Doll’: Do We Need a Season 3?

    When the first season of Russian Doll hit Netflix in 2019, it quickly took to the top of Netflix’s charts as the Groundhog Day-esque series proved to be incredibly popular. With Natasha Lyonne on board as Nadia, a tough, wisecracking leading woman, the series had a star that could carry its – at times – insane material. So, it wasn’t entirely surprising that a second season was quickly announced with fans more than ready to return to the lives of Nadia and Alan (Charlie Bennet). Unfortunately, though, the wait would be a long one with Season 2 not hitting the streaming service until April 2022.

    While Lyonne continues to shine as Nadia in Season 2, it’s hard to deny that it doesn’t quite ever reach the heights of Season 1. Sure, the story of this season is still one worth telling, as Lyonne continues to act her butt off. However, it’s so chaotic and at times hard to follow, that it can become hard to care about what is taking place. Which brings us to the question: Does Russian Doll need a Season 3?

    As it stands, Season 2 of Russian Doll is a rather complete story. While the first season focused on Nadia and Alan dying repeatedly, the season ultimately ended with them in parallel universes with a few loose ends. It was a fitting ending and one that could’ve simply ended there. Then again, because of how it ended, there were countless possibilities of what still could happen with a second installment. Enter Season 2.

    The latest season of Russian Doll sees the duo back together as though nothing happened. Nadia is still chaotic and messy, while Alan is still her clean-cut counterpart. Their chemistry this season was rather lacking, as was their screen time together, although the choices in their stories eventually do come to make sense by the season’s end. It’s just a lot of murky water getting there and maintaining a cohesive story.

    When Season 2 does things right, it does them right. The emotional beats are excellent and if Lyonne doesn’t get an Emmy nomination for her work, it’ll be a crime. The issue, however, is that by the end, it’s hard to imagine the story truly needs a third outing. That isn’t to say a third season wouldn’t be enjoyable. I have faith that it would, but it doesn’t make it necessary. The issue here is that we’ve become so accustomed to wanting to drag out stories longer than necessary and eventually force an ending that will (hopefully) satisfy viewers. But is it the right thing to do? A series can produce a single season with a tight story that ends with things mostly tied up neatly, and yet, it won’t be enough – fans will still demand more. And while that is understandable, to an extent, sometimes more is too much. 

    The ending of Russian Doll Season 2 ends with our characters in a good place. So, yes, while a third season could take things further, it doesn’t really need to because there is an ending of sorts. Nadia is in a good place – she’s come to terms with Ruth’s passing, as well as her mother’s past crimes. More importantly, she’s come to find a sense of peace, something we’ve never truly seen her have.

    As of this writing, a third season has not yet been announced for Russian Doll. However, Lyonne has previously suggested the team is already considering some ideas. In an interview with Variety, the actress/director/writer suggested a third season could see the duo time travel to the future. For some, the idea of seeing Nadia and Alan in the future could prove exciting, but it’s hard to imagine the series will be able to tell nearly as cohesive a story as Season 2 did.

  • Natalie Holt to Become First Woman Composer for Live-Action ‘Star Wars’ Project

    Natalie Holt to Become First Woman Composer for Live-Action ‘Star Wars’ Project

    Natalie Holt is headed to a galaxy far, far away.

    Holt, who is coming off the first season of Marvel Studios’ Loki, is set to become the first woman to score a live-action Star Wars project thanks to Obi-Wan Kenobi. The news was revealed courtesy of Vanity Fair, with the outlet revealing Holt teamed with Star Wars icon, John Williams, on the score with William crafting a new theme for Ewan McGregor’s character. This is yet another huge title for Holt, who is also set to score Batgirlfor DC and Warner Bros. 

    On getting to work with Williams with Obi-Wan, Holt noted her excitement. “Obviously, I’m just thrilled to be mentioned in the same breath as John Williams,” she said. “It’s been exciting and overwhelming at times, because I’m such a fan. I want to pay respect to the history of it, and do it justice as well.”

    So, how did Holt come to work with Williams on the project? The story of Williams’ involvement is a fun one as it turns out Williams approached Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy about the series. Per Holt, Williams wanted to write a theme for Obi-Wan because it is the “only legacy character that he hadn’t done.” 

    Holt makes it clear, however, that while Williams does craft the theme for Obi-Wan, she still brings her voice to the series. “There are elements to the show that are new and fresh, and I’ve been able to have my own interpretation with elements – that I can’t reveal. So, it’s been glorious, working with my hero and also bringing my own voice to the show.”

    Obi-Wan Kenobi debuts on Disney+ on May 27th. The series stars Ewan McGregor as the titular character and sees Deborah Chow serve as the showrunner. The six-episode series will premiere with two episodes in May, before going on to release an episode a week leading to the finale.

    Source: Vanity Fair.

  • REVIEW: ‘Roar’ on Apple TV+

    REVIEW: ‘Roar’ on Apple TV+

    Every now and then, there comes a series that leaves you dumbfounded. Perhaps the acting is too over the top. Or maybe the writing is subpar. It’s even possible the concept is a disaster, that seems to be hanging together by a tattered string. Roar is one of those shows that should work. It has a stellar cast, it’s an anthology series, allowing for numerous stories to be told and it is based on a book of short stories by Cecelia Ahern. Unfortunately, Roar is a series that’ll leave many scratching their hand and wondering if it needed to be made.

    Each episode of Roar is around a half-hour and features modern dramas with magical elements. The first episode, “The Girl Who Disappeared,” stars Issa Rae and features a concept that is, unfortunately, something many can relate to in this day and age. The “magical” aspect of it works because it is something people experience in daily life. The problem is, though, that the episode gets good just as it cuts off. This is an issue that continues with each new story. Yes, the stories are based on short stories, however, Roar would have been better had it expanded upon the stories instead of trying to squish them into half-hour episodes.

    It’s frustrating, honestly. There’s top-tier talent here – Nicole Kidman! Rae! Alison Brie! – and Kidman is even on board as a producer. And yet, this feels like a half-baked anthology series. What is most frustrating about this series is that the magical elements are not handled all too well. While “The Girl Who Disappeared” handles the magical element decently, the Kidman episode “The Woman Who Ate Photographs,” is just a disaster. The problem is, while the idea of Rae being invisible to the white men is relatable, and therefore, works, Kidman’s character eating photographs and reliving moments briefly just… does not. It takes the viewer out of the shower. And then it continues to be uneven throughout the remainder of the season.

    There’s no denying Roar tackles important topics. Racism, the idea of a trophy wife, women and their biological clocks, doctors not taking women patients seriously, etc. Each topic is something that viewers can relate to on some level, which is wonderful. Everything is just underdeveloped. Even worse, despite being billed as a feminist series, Roar never truly hits the right notes to become the series it thinks itself to be, which is unfortunate.

    In the end, I found myself wondering if this was a series that even needed to be made. Yes, it’s great that it has a heck of a lot of female talent involved. That’s absolutely wonderful, and I’m excited to see it. Sadly, though, it just seems as though the premise could have been handled a lot better. Magical realism is an exciting genre – if done right. Roar does not handle it properly, and the stories ultimately suffer because of this.

    Roar is now available to stream on Apple TV+.

  • ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Underperforms at Box Office

    ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Underperforms at Box Office

    The Secrets of Dumbledore don’t appear to be all that fantastic.

    The third Fantastic Beasts film, The Secrets of Dumbledore, finally opened stateside this weekend. Unfortunately, for fans eager to see the franchise continue beyond the third film, hope may soon be dwindling. As it stands, the film is looking to open between $40-$45 million at the domestic box office following a $20 million Friday opening. A rather dismal number for such a huge blockbuster. It’s not performing much better overseas, either, having earned a bit more than $60 million internationally to date.

    The film, which cost $200 million, is on track to open well below the first two installments. For comparison’s sake, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opened to $76 million in 2016, while the second film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, opened to $62 million in 2018. With the numbers continuing to decline, Warner Bros. seems hesitant to move forward with the previously announced fourth and fifth films in the franchise.

    Making matters worse, there’s plenty of behind-the-scenes drama surrounding these films. In recent years, franchise stars Johnny Depp and Ezra Miller have become just as famous for their actions outside of set. Depp, of course, is currently embroiled in a nasty legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard following domestic abuse allegations. He left the franchise after the second installment and the studio brought in the fantastic Mads Mikkelsen to replace him. While Miller has been in the tabloids for his physical actions against various people in public. There’s also the matter of J.K. Rowling and her anti-trans views. Needless to say, the Fantastic Beasts franchise will be lucky to regain any of the magic it once held for Harry Potter fans.

    Source: THR.

  • Issa Rae and Michael Cera Join the Growing Cast of ‘Barbie’

    Issa Rae and Michael Cera Join the Growing Cast of ‘Barbie’

    Another day, another Barbie casting announcement.

    Issa Rae (Insecure) and Michael Cera (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) are set to join the cast of the forthcoming Barbie movie. The news comes courtesy of People. The film, which stars Margot Robbie in the titular role, has been on a casting streak as of late. On Monday, it was revealed that Will Ferrell and Emma Mackey, who is considered Robbie’s doppelganger by fans, had joined the cast. They join the previously announced Ryan Gosling, who will portray Ken, as well as America Ferrera, Simu Liu, and Kate McKinnon.

    Unsurprisingly, details as to who Rae and Cera are playing are being kept under wraps, much like many details regarding the film.

    A Barbie film has been in development for a few years now, with Amy Schumer originally set to star in a live-action take for Sony. That project, of course, fell apart and now Warner Bros. is developing what is being described as “something totally different” by star and producer, Robbie. In an interview last year, Robbie briefly talked about the film and how they intend to subvert expectations. “Whatever you’re thinking, we’re going to give you something totally different — the thing you didn’t know you wanted.”

    Production on the film is currently underway in the U.K. Greta Gerwig is directing Barbie from a script she co-wrote alongside partner Noah Baumbach. While no release date has been announced, the film is expected to hit theaters sometime next year.

    Source: People.

  • Iwan Rheon is Ready to Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Iwan Rheon is Ready to Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    When Game of Thrones and Misfits actor Iwan Rheon joined the cast of Marvel and ABC’s Inhumans, many had high hopes for the property. Unfortunately, the ABC series ultimately proved to be a disaster, both at the box office and among critics. Despite being a part of the poorly received series, Rheon is ready to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    In a new interview with Comicbook, Rheon was asked if he would ever consider returning as Maximus again. The actor seemed more than eager to return as the Inhuman, should the Inhumans formally make their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut, but he also showed interest in tackling any role within the MCU. “I’ll take anything really. I’d love to have another crack at — I’d love to do Maximus again,” the actor said.

    Although Inhumans was critically panned, Rheon was often considered one of the highlights of the ill-fated series. He was menacing as Maximus and often commanded the screen during his scenes. As of now, Marvel has not suggested the Inhumans will be making their big-screen debut anytime soon, and it seems highly unlikely the ABC series will be considered canon in the greater MCU. Still, Rheon is interested in continuing Maixmus’ story, or potentially taking on another role, noting that he’s not picky. “I think he’s a really interesting character. And also I feel a bit sorry for him, because he is just stuck on the Moon still, but yeah, I’d love to do any of that stuff. Anything. I’m not fussy, give me anything.”

    Source: Comicbook.com.

  • Sandra Bullock Tells Marvel to Cast Daniel Radcliffe as Wolverine

    Sandra Bullock Tells Marvel to Cast Daniel Radcliffe as Wolverine

    When it comes to Wolverine, it often feels like many actors have been rumored to take on the iconic character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One actor that is commonly mentioned, however, is none other than Harry Potter actor, Daniel Radcliffe. In the past, Radcliffe has suggested he’s never heard the rumors regarding him being in contention for the role. Still, the actor didn’t seem against the rumors. “I don’t see myself, I don’t see them going from Hugh Jackman to me. But who knows? Prove me wrong, Marvel.”

    Now, his The Lost City co-star Sandra Bullock is ready for Marvel to cast him in the role. In a recent interview with It’s Gone Viral to promote The Lost City, the duo talked about Radcliffe’s long-rumored past with the role. As Radcliffe explains he’s been dealing with the rumors for quite a few years now. “Mate, that’s been happening to me semi-annually for the last three years.”

    This led to Bullock asking why he simply didn’t just take on the role of Wolverine. Per the actor, however, he still hasn’t been approached by Marvel Studios or anyone associated with the studio regarding any Wolverine casting. Bullock then threw her support behind Radcliffe getting the role, urging Marvel to get on it already. “Wolverine people, can you please just f***ing cast him. Just do it. Stop tiptoeing around and having people ask at press junkets. Just cast the man.”

    As it stands, it is unknown when Wolverine will finally appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, until someone is cast, it seems likely Radcliffe will have to endure the Wolverine rumors for a bit longer.

    Source: It’s Gone Viral.