Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • Tom Burke to Replace Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in ‘Furiosa’

    Tom Burke to Replace Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in ‘Furiosa’

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is no longer starring in the Mad Max spinoff, Furiosa.

    The spinoff to George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road was to star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II alongside Chris Hemsworth and Anya Taylor-Joy, who portrays the titular character. Per Deadline, Abdul-Mateen is exiting the project due to scheduling conflicts. Interestingly enough, the outlet is unsure what project the actor is working on, it just notes that it’s a project Abdul-Mateen has been developing for some time. It’s thought production unexpectedly moved up on the mysterious project, forcing the actor to depart Furiosa.

    Replacing the actor is Tom Burke. This marks Burke’s first major studio film. He has previously starred in titles such as True Things and The Show. Burke’s role in the film is currently unknown.

    Furiosa will see Miller return behind the camera to direct from a script he co-wrote with Nick Lathouris. Miller will produce the film alongside his longtime Oscar-nominated producing partner Doug Mitchell.

    Furiosa hits theaters on May 24, 2024.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Encanto’ Tops the Thanksgiving Box Office

    ‘Encanto’ Tops the Thanksgiving Box Office

    Disney’s Encanto is number one at the box office.

    The numbers are beginning to roll in and it looks like Disney’s Encanto will take the top spot at the box office this weekend. The film pulled in $11 million on Friday, with its 3-day settling around $30 million with the potential to reach $45 million over the Thanksgiving weekend. While that’s not a huge opening compared to life pre-Pandemic, the Thanksgiving box office is up from last year.

    Expected to come in second place is Ghostbusters: Afterlife with $36.3 million. That’s with $9.75 million on Friday with $26 million for the weekend. That brings its domestic haul to approximately $88 million in its second outing. With little competition, Afterlife should go on to cross the $100 million domestic mark in the coming weeks. Following Afterlife is the newest release from Ridley Scott, House of Gucci, earning $22.5 million over the five day weekend.

    Marvel Studios’ Eternals finishes in fourth place with $11 million, bringing its total to $150.3 million domestically. Finally, in fifth place is the latest Resident Evil movie: Welcome to Raccoon City. That film, unfortunately, looks to be a box office disaster with just $8.85 million over the Thanksgiving weekend.

    Source: Box Office Guru

  • ‘Dune’ Crosses $100 Million at Domestic Box Office

    ‘Dune’ Crosses $100 Million at Domestic Box Office

    Earlier this week, Warner Bros. announced it plans to re-release Dune for a limited IMAX run in December. The news came as the film was on the cusp of hitting $100 million at the domestic box office. With the re-release planned, it was all but certain the film would achieve the feat, it was just a matter of when. And as it turns out, Dune was able to hit $100 million domestically without the help of the re-release.

    The numbers are in and Dune is on track for $2.2 million this weekend. That is enough to bring the film’s domestic haul to $102 million. In the Pandemic-era, crossing the $100-million mark at the domestic box office is an impressive feat. Gone are the days where $200 million is the norm. In fact, to date, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Venom: Let There be Carnage are the only releases this year to hit that milestone. While a $200 million domestic haul is still up in the air, Dune now retains the title of the top-grossing movie release among all Warner Bros. and HBO Max releases for 2021.

    With its planned IMAX re-release still set for Dec. 3, it’s likely Dune will see an uptick in its domestic haul. As it stands, IMAX screenings brought in $50 million of the film’s overall domestic gross. Releasing the film back in IMAX should help boost that number even more.

    Source: Box Office Guru

  • ‘Eternals’ Heads to Disney Plus in January

    ‘Eternals’ Heads to Disney Plus in January

    Marvel Studios’ latest blockbuster, Eternals, is headed to Disney Plus soon.

    Despite receiving mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, still Eternals is proving to be a hit for Marvel Studios. Eternals hit theaters in November and has gone on to amass over $300 million at the worldwide box office. The film is on track to surpass Black Widow‘s theatrical run with a potential $425 million global box office haul – an impressive feat with no China release. Now it looks set to hit Disney Plus in January.

    A new report from Streaming Guider states the film will hit the streaming service on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2022. That’s approximately 70 days following its theatrical run, about the same amount of time between Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ launch on the service.

    Director Chloé Zhao recently took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes image from the first test screening for the film. As it occurred early on during the pandemic, the test screening was held outside in a parking lot. This allowed viewers to be socially distanced and still enjoy the film.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CWwVegfPVhU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Eternals is now playing exclusively playing in theaters.

    Source: Streaming Guider.

  • Hiddleston, Wilson and DiMartino Seemingly Confirmed for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Hiddleston, Wilson and DiMartino Seemingly Confirmed for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    As Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness enters reshoots, it now appears as though Tom Hiddleston, Own Wilson and Sophia DiMartino will return in the sequel. Earlier this month, reports surfaced suggesting that part of the reasoning behind the extensive reshoots was to add cameos from a Marvel Television series. Of course, said cameos were not exactly named, although earlier reports suggest Captain Carter will make her live-action debut, while Loki will return alongside Sylvie.

    Now, thanks to IMDb, it looks as though Loki and Sylvie – along with Mobius, will indeed return for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Stunt performers for Hiddleston, Wilson and DiMartino have been added to the cast of the forthcoming film on IMDb.

    Just recently, the Doctor himself, Benedict Cumberbatch commented on the reshoots. The actor noted they were ultimately to enhance the film further. “We’re in the middle of reshoots and we’re working incredibly hard to make a schedule work to realize the full potential of the film,” he explained. “Bits that we want to do better but also bits that were just impossible to do on the day because of logistics, COVID, etc.”

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters May 6, 2022.

    Source: IMDb

  • REVIEW: The Wheel of Time, 1×4: “The Dragon Reborn”

    REVIEW: The Wheel of Time, 1×4: “The Dragon Reborn”

    The fourth episode of Amazon’s Wheel of Time sees the team desperately trying to find their way back to each other. However, it soon becomes clear it may still be some time before the group reunites. “The Dragon Reborn” opens with Lan and Moiraine among the other Aes Sedai, who help to restore Moiraine’s strength following the poisonous attack at the Two Rivers.

    The Aes Sedai are trying to hold back a man calling himself the Dragon reborn. He’s powerful, so much so it requires two of the Aes Sedai to hold him back, yet they still can’t be sure he is the Dragon reborn. Unfortunately, this makes for a rather slow-moving episode, as there’s more exposition than anything. While still a good episode overall, despite the slowness, where “The Dragon Reborn” soars is the character study of Zoë Robins‘ Nynaeve al’Meara. This is her episode to shine and shine she does.

    Logain, the false Dragon, is able to channel the One Power and proves to be a handful for the Aes Sedai. He’s being caged and kept behind a shield prior to going before those at the White Tower. As the women sit nearby, projecting their shields onto Logain, we get to learn about the different types of Aes Sedai and what each color represents. Four episodes in and it’s the most we’ve come to learn about these powerful women and what they are capable of. The exposition at times is a bit much, and yes, it may drag occasionally. However, “The Dragon Reborn” is still an enjoyable installment even if it feels more like an explanatory episode for those unfamiliar with Robert Jordan‘s work.

    It’s in the last minutes of “The Dragon Reborn” where things go to Hell in the best way possible. After Logain is able to break free of the shields, he manages to kill one of the Aes Sedai, much to his pleasure. As the others try to fend off his followers in the forest, a slew of Aes Sedai and their warders run to the cave where he’s being held to offer assistance. Unfortunately, an attack against Logain results in what appears to be the near-death of everyone until Nynaeve manages to channel the One Power and restore their health. The Aes Sedai then go on to gentle Logain. The episode ends with a curious stare from Nynaeve, who seems to be adjusting to her newfound abilities.

    Throughout the episode, we do see glances of Rand al’Thor and Mat Cauthon, who have taken to traveling with the gleeman. While Egwene Al’Vere and Perrin Aybara spend time getting to know the caravan they’ve sought safety with on their way to the White Tower, Rand and Mat ultimately find themselves thrust into chaos as the darkness overtakes Mat temporarily. As fascinating as the Fade’s appearance is and as terrifying as the darkness overtaking Mat may appear, “The Dragon Reborn” is all about the Aes Sedai.

    “The Dragon Reborn” is an episode that may divide book fans. Yes, there are some parts missing from the books, and yes, the episode does change Logain’s story a bit. However, it’s a good episode for those trying to comprehend this massive world Jordan constructed. It moves along the plot, while giving other characters time to shine. It’s a solid installment for a series that simply wants to honor Jordan’s work.

  • ‘The Marvels’ Has Wrapped Principal Photography

    ‘The Marvels’ Has Wrapped Principal Photography

    After a little over five months of production, principal photography on Marvel Studios’ The Marvels has come to an end.

    A day after Peyton Reed announced principal photography has wrapped on Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, it looks as though The Marvels is following suit. A fan account of lead actress Brie Larson posted photos of Instagram stories in which crew members announced production has wrapped. The first photo, as shown below, shows the film clapperboard with the signatures of the cast and crew. The other photo seems to showcase a piece of clothing, more than likely a jacket. The image is accompanied by text that reads “160(ish) days later and we’ve only gone and wrapped this up.”

    The film will serve as the sequel to Captain Marvel, while also bringing back Monica Rambeau (actress Teyonah Parris) from WandaVision and Kamala Khan (actress Iman Vellani) from Ms. Marvel. As it stands, very little is known regarding the highly-anticipated sequel other than it will explore the humanity of these characters rather than their superhero identities.

    The Marvels is directed by Nia DaCosta and sees Brie Larson reprise her role as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel. It will hit theaters on Feb. 17, 2023.

    Source: Twitter/Instagram

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Halloween Ends’ Production Start & Character Breakdowns

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Halloween Ends’ Production Start & Character Breakdowns

    It appears Halloween will officially begin its end this January.

    We here at Murphy’s Multiverse can exclusively reveal that production on the third Halloween film, Halloween Ends, will enter production in January. Filming will take place in Savannah, Georgia starting on January 19th. Director David Gordon Green returns behind the camera for the third installment, which he has described as a “coming of age” movie which takes place four years after the events of Halloween Kills. We can also report that the film is operating under the working title Cave Dweller.

    As for the film’s cast, Halloween Ends is looking to cast a fair amount of roles. Among them are a self-assured nurse named Erin who is between the ages of 28 and 35 and is very judgmental, as well as a Proprietor between the ages of 40 and 80 years old. Other roles being cast for the film are Scott, Donna, Mr. Meade and Mrs. Meade.

    Per the breakdowns, Scott is a male between the ages of 52 and 57; he is stern, strong and a straight shooter who is sometimes checked out. While Donna is a 55 to 65 year old female who is Timothy’s overbearing and critical mother. Mr. Meade and Mrs. Meade are the parents to a young boy named Noah who is a nice kid with the ability to switch to a jerk on a dime. Both Mr. and Mrs. Meade are described as being between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. They’re a middle-class suburban family, with the father being described as “tough as nails” and the mother said to showcase “emotional depth.”

    Other roles being cast are Brandon, Young Johnny and Veronica. Brandon is a male between the ages of 40 and 60. He is a large man in weight and sense of authority who finds his son to be a disappointment. Young Johnny is a male between the ages of 6 and 10 who has long blonde hair with a slight gap between his teeth; the character is described as having dark eyes being a bit small. Veronica is the last of the trio. She’s between the ages of 40 and 45 and is a strong-willed protective wife who is broken “by the reminders of tragedy.”

    Halloween Ends hits theaters on October 14th, 2022.

  • ‘Binary-Two Step’ is Cowboy Bebop at it’s Best

    ‘Binary-Two Step’ is Cowboy Bebop at it’s Best

    The 23rd episode of Cowboy Bebop, “Brain Scratch,” is one of the anime’s best episodes. The episode follows SCRATCH, the migrate to electronics movement, as they seek to spread their word to their fellow beings. The mysterious Dr. Londes leads the group, who uses the video game Brain Dream to analyze his follower’s brain waves and copy their consciousness into a digital form. What Londes’ followers don’t realize, however, is that they no longer exist once their consciousness has been uploaded.

    It’s a strong episode that delves into our inability to accept an end – to accept death. This is why the idea of the live-action adaption attempting to cover it was reason to worry. Surprisingly, though, “Binary-Two Step,” its take on “Brain Scratch,” proves to be one of its strongest efforts.

    With the ship grounded due to repairs, Jet asks Spike to make use of the downtime by seeking Dr. Londes out. This leads Spike to go in search of the doctor, while Jet takes care of searching for parts. This leaves Faye to watch the mechanic in his absence. Spike doesn’t appear to know what’s he’s initially walking into after going in search of the doctor. His ignorance will be his downfall, though, as he soon finds himself in a heap of trouble after walking into the A.I.-controlled building.

    While Edward, aka Radical Ed, was a part of the team by this point in the anime, Ed was not around yet in the live-action take. We hear references to the fan-favorite hacker, however, Ed is not physically present to help the team tackle Dr. Londes and his cult. She does manage to still send help, though, after sending out a ping. A man comes in to help Jet as he tries to figure out a way to break Spike free of this take on the brain wave.

    What works so well in this take is that it is a realistic approach to a strong episode. Dr. Londes does not have a physical form in the series, nor do we see a visualization of what he could look like. What we do see is a computer system that sorts through all of its subject’s consciousness. 

    As Spike undergoes the brain wave process, we get a deep look inside of his head. Under the machine, he’s forced to face the same nightmare repeatedly – losing Julia all over again. In his nightmare, Spike watches Julia die at the hands of Vicious repeatedly. Worse, though, is that she tries to make him let her go. It’s a hellscape he’s forced to endure until Jet and Faye are finally able to destroy the Londes program. While all fake, it’s clear Spike’s time in the brain wave has left an impact on him. As the episode closes, we soon learn he’s not ready to say goodbye to Julia. The episode is a deep dive into its characters, while still paying homage to its source material.

    It’s an episode that truly unites the trio of bounty hunters for the first time. It feels like a true episode of Cowboy Bebop, capturing the tone and feel of its predecessor, while still presenting its own spin on the overall story.

  • Ghostbusters: Afterlife Set For $40.5 Million Opening

    Ghostbusters: Afterlife Set For $40.5 Million Opening

    The latest Ghostbusters film takes the top spot at this weekend’s box office.

    Ghostbusters: Afterlife has proved there’s still life in the Ghostbusters franchise. The new installment, directed by Jason Reitman, is on track for a $40.5 million opening this weekend. That’s enough to give it the top spot at the box office. That total includes the $16.5 million it took on Friday, including Thursday previews. The film stars a young cast that includes Mckenna Grace (Captain Marvel), Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) and newcomer Logan Kim. Afterlife also sees the return of Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz, Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore and Bill Murray as Peter Venkman.

    Coming in second place is Marvel Studios’ Eternals, which is expected to take in another $10.8 million in its third outing. That would bring the superhero flick to $135 million stateside. A couple of days ago, the film crossed the $300 million mark at the global box office, yet another major milestone for the latest Marvel Studios film.

    Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Eternals are playing now exclusively in theaters.

    Source: Deadline