Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • BOOK REVIEW: ‘Thornhedge’ by T. Kingfisher

    BOOK REVIEW: ‘Thornhedge’ by T. Kingfisher

    Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    Thornhedge is my first book by T. Kingfisher, and my goodness, it’s a delight.

    Thornhedge is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty that turns the classic tale on its head. The story focuses on Toadling, a young woman who is forced to confront her past as she learns to navigate a world incredibly foreign to her. With just 120 pages, it’s hard to truly explain what Thornhedge is about without spoiling the story. It’s magical. It’s outlandish. It’s strange. And yet, it’s utterly delightful.

    I don’t recall requesting Thornhedge, although, I’m sure I requested it based on the cover (the ARC cover) alone having not read the description… and I’m kind of glad I went into this book blindly. I had no expectations, and that only made my reading experience all the more enjoyable. Toadling – yes, her name is ridiculously great – was stolen from her family at birth and was raised in the waters of faerieland. She’s a strange being that doesn’t seem to truly fit in anywhere outside of the muddy waters. She knows very little of the human world, or humans for that matter, but soon enough, she’s forced to return to a world she was stolen from – a world that doesn’t care for her. During her time within the human world, Toadling encounters a mysterious stranger named Hamlin who she soon builds an unconventional friendship with as he promises to help her explore the world.

    While that may sound like a simple premise, there’s so much more to Toadling’s story. Readers that enjoy stories about changelings, the fae and fairy tales will easily devour Thornhedge. Despite its short length, Thornhedge manages to successfully tell a compelling story that feels complete by the end. Sure, there’s room to revisit this world – should Kingfisher decide to – but it doesn’t feel as though it’s ever rushed or incomplete.

    Overall: Thornhedge is a delight. Don’t allow the short length to dissuade you. Give this unique and unusual tale a read, you won’t regret it.

    Disclaimer: I received a physical ARC copy for review. This in no way influenced my review.

  • Sydney Chandler to Star in ‘Alien’ TV Series

    Sydney Chandler to Star in ‘Alien’ TV Series

    Noah Hawley‘s Alien series has set its first cast member. The Hollywood Reporter revealed on Monday that Sydney Chandler is set to star in the forthcoming series. Details regarding Chandler’s role are currently unknown, however, the series is not expected to be a reboot of the films. Instead, the series will serve as an extension — and reinvention — of the beloved franchise.

    The series, which was first announced in 2020, is expected to take place on Earth. According to John Landgraf, the CEO of FX, confirmed the show’s setting and that it takes place “70-odd years from now.” As for the decision to set the show on Earth, Landgraf called the decision a move to think about the franchise and its future.

    Along with the upcoming television series, a new Alien film is in production. It is being directed by Fede Alvarez and will star the likes of David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu and Isabela Merced.

    Chandler has appeared in titles such as Pistol, SKAM Austin and The Golden Rut.

    Source: THR.

  • RUMOR: Josh Gad to Appear in ‘Wonder Man’

    RUMOR: Josh Gad to Appear in ‘Wonder Man’

    Production on Marvel Studios’ Wonder Man kicked off earlier this month in Atlanta, with set photos providing fans their first look at Ben Kingsley on set. The project, which is being produced by Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton, is set to star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man. While Marvel Studios has been relatively quiet regarding the project thus far, we also know that Ed Harris, Lauren Glazier, Werner Herzog, Demetrius Grosse and Bob Odenkirk are set to appear in the series. However, it seems yet another big name is being added to the big cast as reporter Jeff Sneider has reported he’s heard that actor Josh Gad has joined the cast.

    No further details were provided, unfortunately, so it’s unclear who Gad could be playing in the series. It’s also unknown if Gad’s role is a starring role or a recurring role.

    Stella Meghie and James Ponsoldt are on board as directors for Wonder Man, although it’s currently unknown how many episodes each will helm. As of now, Wonder Man does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Twitter.

  • REVIEW: Prime Video’s ‘Citadel’

    REVIEW: Prime Video’s ‘Citadel’

    *Editor’s Note: This review is for the first three episodes of Citadel only.*

    Citadel is a project that has long been in development. First announced in January 2020, Citadel is a global spy thriller starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The series, which has seen some hurdles during production thanks to COVID-19, is said to be one of Amazon’s biggest ventures on the small screen to date and judging from the sheer scope of the first three episodes, it’s easy to understand why. The series, which hails from executive producers Joe & Anthony Russo, centers on a spy organization known as Citadel and two of its agents, Mason (Madden) and Nadia (Chopra Jonas) as they go on the run from a rival organization determined to bring them down once and for all.

    Citadel doesn’t really bring anything new to the spy game, and that’s not a bad thing in this instance — the episodes (which clock in around 40 minutes) move swiftly and are packed with both plenty of action and plot. Even with nothing groundbreaking, Citadel still manages to prove itself a capable spy thriller that is sure to showcase Madden and Chopra Jonas as two stars that have, perhaps, been underutilized by Hollywood — especially Chopra Jonas.

    The action is fantastic. In fact, those looking for action sequences like Captain America: The Winder Soldier will love the action set pieces throughout the series. They’re clean, brutal and exciting. Unfortunately, though, despite the stellar action sequences, the sometimes-terrible CGI can be distracting. This is a big issue in the second and third episodes, which is frustrating. After all, the show is said to be one of the most expensive series of all time. Thankfully, the CGI issues can be somewhat overlooked thanks in part to the great cast. Not only are Madden and Chopra Jonas great in their leading roles, but Stanley Tucci‘s Bernard is an excellent addition.

    Overall, the first three episodes of Citadel are… good. The series knows what it is – a spy thriller meant to excite – and it exceeds at what it sets out to be. It’s a nice bit of escapism, an hour of thrills that audiences will enjoy. And with plenty of twists and turns in the first three episodes alone, one has to think the rest of the season will take viewers on one heck of a ride. If you like spy thrillers, give it a shot. There are moments when the series is its own victim of trying to do too much, but when it reels itself back in, it’s just pure fun and sometimes mindless entertainment is needed.

  • Sinead Daly to Pen ‘Twilight’ TV Series for Lionsgate Television

    Sinead Daly to Pen ‘Twilight’ TV Series for Lionsgate Television

    Following the news that Lionsgate Television is looking to return to Forks, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that the series has nabbed a writer. Sinead Daly, who has worked on Tell Me Lies, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Raised by Wolves, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency and The Get Down, has boarded the project. Daly will work directly with Lionsgate Television to determine whether the series will be a remake or rather a different offshoot from the films.

    The project is still in the early stages and, despite Daly’s involvement, the series does not yet have a home. Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight saga, is expected to be involved with the development of the television series. While Wyck Godfrey and former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erik Feig are set to serve as executive producers.

    News of the Twilight television series comes on the heels of Max’s news that it was looking to bring Harry Potter to the small screen. Twilight, of course, kicked off its franchise run just as Harry Potter was preparing to say goodbye. Both franchises — along with The Hunger Games — proved to be hugely successful and sent Hollywood on the hunt for the next big YA adaptation. To date, the Twilight movie franchise has pulled in an impressive $3.4 billion worldwide and helped to further propel the careers of leads, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

    Source: THR.

  • Louis Leterrier to Direct ‘Fast and Furious 11’

    Louis Leterrier to Direct ‘Fast and Furious 11’

    Louis Leterrier is staying with the Fast family. Variety announced on Wednesday that the director will direct Fast and Furious 11, which will serve as a companion film for Fast X and the final film in the long-running franchise. Leterrier, of course, stepped in as the director for Fast X after Justin Lin left the project last May.

    “Louis joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ team seamlessly, with an innate understanding of the franchise that is stronger than ever after two decades. Under his direction, ‘Fast X’ is a high-intensity thriller with all the spectacular action, emotion, and twists that the fans have come to expect – and then some. We are thrilled that he will continue to work his magic in the director’s chair.”

    Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer

    Outside of Fast X, Leterrier has directed Transporter starring Jason Statham, Clash of the Titans, and Now You See Me. As for his credits on the small screen, Leterrier has worked on Lupin, as well as The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

    To date, the Fast and Furious franchise has earned an impressive $6 billion at the worldwide box office. It has even gone on to spawn a spinoff film, Hobbs & Shaw, starring Statham and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

    Fast X will hit theaters on May 19, 2023.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Twilight’ TV Series in the Works

    ‘Twilight’ TV Series in the Works

    Lionsgate is looking to return to Forks, Washington. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Lionsgate Television is in early development on a Twilight television series. Summit Entertainment, which is owned by Lionsgate, helped to bring author Stephenie Meyer’s incredibly popular book series to the big screen back in 2008. Now, the studio is looking to revisit the series and try to reignite the sparkle of the film franchise.

    Per THR, as the project is still in the early stages, there isn’t a writer or television studio yet attached to the project. Lionsgate Television is hoping to lead the development of the project before it begins to shop the package around. The studio is currently on the hunt for a writer to help lead the project. Meyer, who penned the book series, will be involved with the development of the series. While Wyck Godfrey and former Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erik Feig are set to serve as executive producers.

    News of the Twilight television series comes on the heels of Max’s news that it was looking to bring Harry Potter to the small screen. Twilight, of course, kicked off its franchise run just as Harry Potter was preparing to say goodbye. Both franchises — along with The Hunger Games — proved to be hugely successful and sent Hollywood on the hunt for the next big YA adaptation. To date, the Twilight movie franchise has pulled in an impressive $3.4 billion worldwide and helped to further propel the careers of leads, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

    Source: THR.

  • Paramount+ Gives Movie Order to ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Starring Michelle Yeoh

    Paramount+ Gives Movie Order to ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Starring Michelle Yeoh

    Back in 2018, it was announced that Paramount+ was developing yet another Star Trek series. The show was to star Michelle Yeoh and would focus on Section 31. Over the years, reports indicated that the project would still move forward, however, there was never any strict timeline as to when the project would actually enter production. Well, after years of being “in development,” Paramount+ is finally moving forward with Section 31… but it’s going to be a movie now.

    On Tuesday, the streamer revealed that Michelle Yeoh will star in Star Trek: Section 31. The movie will see Georgiou join a “secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past.” The movie is being penned by Craig Sweeney and will be directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi — both Sweeney and Osunsanmi have worked on Star Trek: Discovery, where Yeoh made her debut as Georgiou.

    “I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long,” Yeoh said in a statement to the press. “Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of Star Trek launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”

    Alex Kurtzman, who returns as an executive producer for Section 31, revealed that Yeoh initially pitched a spinoff series for her character back in 2017 – before anything was officially announced as being in development. ” “All the way back in 2017, before the first season of Star Trek: Discovery had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spinoff for her character, Philippa Georgiou. She broke new ground as one of the first two women onscreen in the pilot to usher in a new age of Trek, and now, six years later, Section 31 finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win.”

    Section 31 will kick off a new phase for Trek on Paramount+. The streamer is hoping to do a “Star Trek made-for-streaming movie every two years.” Production on the project will kick off later this year.

    Source: THR & THR.

  • HBO Max Changes Name, Sets ‘The Conjuring’ TV Series

    HBO Max Changes Name, Sets ‘The Conjuring’ TV Series

    HBO Max has officially changed its name to Max. The newly renamed streaming service will combine both HBO Max and Discovery+ and will officially launch on May 23rd. The company hopes that by removing HBO from its name, it’ll help to pull in more audiences that “previously turned away from the streaming service due to HBO’s high-brow reputation.”

    Along with the new name, Max has ordered a television series set within the universe of The Conjuring. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Max is currently developing a brand new series based on the hit horror franchise. Peter Safran, who has been a producer on the franchise and now co-leads DC Studios, will produce the series. While James Wan, who directed the first two Conjuring films, is in talks to serve as an executive producer on the project. As of now, no writer is attached to the project.

    No further details regarding the series are available, however, it’s expected that the new series will “continue the story established in the feature films.” The long-running franchise has also launched spinoffs with The Nun and Annabelle. As of now, it’s unknown when the series will debut.

    Source: THR and THR.

  • Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic Returning for ‘Deadpool 3’

    Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic Returning for ‘Deadpool 3’

    Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic are returning for Deadpool 3. The news, which comes courtesy of Deadline, comes after Baccarin revealed last week that she was in talks but wasn’t sure if a deal would happen. Baccarin will reprise her role as Vanessa, while Kapicic will return as Colossus. The duo will join Karan Soni and Leslie Uggams, who are returning as Dopinder and Blind Al, as well as Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen.

    Deadline also noted that, as of right now, it’s unclear if Brianna Hildebrand will return as Negasonic Teenage Warhead.

    Deadpool 3 will see Ryan Reynolds‘ titular anti-hero team up with Jackman‘s Wolverine. Shawn Levy, a frequent collaborator of Reynolds, will direct the film from a screenplay by Zeb Wells, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. Deadpool 3 will hit theaters on Nov. 8th, 2024.

    Updating…

    Source: Deadline.