Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Nicole

  • Frank Grillo Joins ‘Creature Commandos’ as Rick Flag Sr

    Frank Grillo Joins ‘Creature Commandos’ as Rick Flag Sr

    Earlier this month, Frank Grillo doubted his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe but hinted at a possible future at DC. That has since been confirmed thanks to The Wrap. According to the outlet, Grillo has been cast as Rick Flag Sr. in Creature Commandos. The animated series will help to kick off the newly launched DC Studios and will be a part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

    James Gunn, who now runs DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, wrote all seven episodes of Creature Commandos. It is based on the comic series of the same name and will include Rick Flag Sr., Nina Mazursky, Dr. Phosphorus, Frankenstein’s Monster, G.I. Robot, The Bride and Weasel. Sean Gunn who played Weasel in The Suicide Squad will reprise the role for the animated series. Per Gunn, the series is being cast with the intention of having the actors portray the roles in live-action projects, too.

    Grillo, of course, played the role of Brock Rumlow, aka Crossbones, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Outside of the MCU, the actor has starred in projects such as Kingdom, The Purge: Anarchy, Billions, and Beyond Skyline.

    Creature Commandos is said to be in production now for a release sometime in 2024.

      Source: The Wrap.

    • Book Review: ‘Codex Black: A Fire Among Clouds’ by Camilo Moncada Lozano & Angel De Santiago

      Book Review: ‘Codex Black: A Fire Among Clouds’ by Camilo Moncada Lozano & Angel De Santiago

      A Fire Among Clouds, the first in the Codex Black series, is a fascinating tale of two young individuals that both embark on a journey and are forced to come to terms with who they are. The graphic novel, which hails from Camilo Moncada Lozano and colorist Michi Desantiago, is a story that takes place in fifteenth-century Mesoamerica. It tells the story of 15-year-old Donaji, and 17-year-old Itzcacalotl. Donaji is on a mission to search for her father who left eleven years ago. She knows next to nothing as to where he went or why he left, but she’s determined to find him. Along the way, she runs into the eccentric Itzcacalotl who has wings and doesn’t really belong. The two teens couldn’t be more different from one another, but together, they make a dynamite team.

      The artwork in A Fire Among Clouds is absolutely stunning. The expressions, the designs and the details are captivating, and they’re made all the better by Desantiago’s excellent colorwork. There are moments where the text can be frustrating, with a few “info-dump” moments sprinkled throughout, but the artwork helps to keep readers enticed. While it isn’t perfect, and there are some panels that feel like there’s just too much going on, the overall artwork does a phenomenal job at helping to elevate the story.

      As for the story itself, while interesting and unique, the story does have some issues. The biggest issue is that the story itself doesn’t really have a satisfying conclusion. Somehow, the adventure the main characters are on at the very beginning does not an actual conclusion. It feels like nothing really happens. There is a ton of great character development, but in the end, our characters are seemingly back where they started. We get no real answers to our questions, and it is pretty frustrating. Thankfully, the story itself is intriguing enough to want to push through.

      A Fire Among the Clouds is the perfect graphic novel for teenagers. It’s a story about self-growth, acceptance, and family that is worthy of a read.

      Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive a physical ARC from IDW Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

      The book is available now wherever books are sold!

    • Morena Baccarin Talks ‘Deadpool 3’ and Her Possible Return

      Morena Baccarin Talks ‘Deadpool 3’ and Her Possible Return

      Production on Deadpool 3 is set to begin over the summer, and while the cast continues to fill out, there are plenty of characters from the first two movies that have yet to be confirmed to return. Morena Baccarin, who played Vanessa in the first two films, is one name that has not been attached to the project. At least, not yet. Of course, while Vanessa technically died in Deadpool 2, the fact that Deadpool 3 is set to be a multiverse story set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe allows for plenty of possibilities.

      While appearing on the Inside of You podcast, Baccarin briefly talked about Deadpool 3 and noted that she has been approached about the movie. However, as of now, she has not officially joined the cast of Deadpool 3. “I have to be very diplomatic about what I say here,” she explained. “I’d like to be in it. They have called me about being in it. Right now, we have not agreed on terms, and everybody’s trying their best, and doing their best. It may or may not work out.”

      Deadpool 3 will see Ryan Reynolds‘ titular anti-hero team up with Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine. Joining the duo in the film are Karan Soni and Leslie Uggams, who are returning as Dopinder and Blind Al, as well as Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen. 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.

      Source: Comicbook.

    • ‘John Wick’ Spinoff, ‘Ballerina,’ Set for 2024 Release

      ‘John Wick’ Spinoff, ‘Ballerina,’ Set for 2024 Release

      As John Wick: Chapter 4 continues to dominate at the box office, Lionsgate is moving ahead with its plan to expand upon the franchise. Ballerina, the first spinoff film in the franchise, has finally been given a release date. The Ana de Armas-led film will hit theaters on June 7th, 2024.

      Ballerina was first announced as being in development back in 2017. That’s when Lionsgate purchased the rights to the spec action script with the hopes of turning it into a spinoff of its John Wick franchise. The story centers on “a young woman raised as an assassin who must hunt down the other assassins that murdered her family.” Along with Ballerina, Lionsgate is also developing a prequel television series titled The Continental. That series will debut on Starz and is set to star Colin Woodell, Mel Gibson and Peter Greene among others.

      Len Wiseman directed the film from a screenplay by Shay Hatten. Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, the late Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus star alongside de Armas. Also appearing in the film are Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves.

      Source: THR.

    • Mike Flanagan Has Pitched a ‘Clayface’ Movie to DC Studios

      Mike Flanagan Has Pitched a ‘Clayface’ Movie to DC Studios

      Mike Flanagan, who has developed some of the biggest shows for Netflix in recent years (Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club), has reportedly pitched a new movie to DC Studios. According to Deadline, Flanagan is said to have pitched a Clayface movie to Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios. The project, as of now, is only a pitch, something Flanagan stressed on Twitter. However, should the project move forward, it’s said Clayface would not be a bad guy in the film, despite his comic history as a supervillain.

      https://twitter.com/flanaganfilm/status/1641164300525113344?s=20

      Deadline has also noted that Clayface could actually make an appearance in Matt Reeves‘ The Batman 2. The outlet does note that scripts are “constantly changing,” however, the character is said to be a big addition to that project. Of course, the Clayface potentially introduced in Reeves’ movie wouldn’t necessarily be the same one used in DC Studios’ Chapter One, as it’s currently unclear where Reeves’ universe falls in that world as it is.

      As of now, Flanagan’s involvement with a Clayface project seems to be in the very, very early stages. Flanagan has shown interest in the past regarding working on a Clayface project, so it’s not entirely surprising that he’s pitched the potential film to DC Studios, whether or not the studio opts to move forward with his pitch remains to be seen.

      Source: Deadline.

    • Book Review: ‘Everything is Fine: Volume 1’

      Book Review: ‘Everything is Fine: Volume 1’

      Every now and again you’ll stumble upon a book that pleasantly surprises you. This is Everything is Fine. I admittedly requested to review the book simply because of the cover, not even bothering to read the description. I had no clue what I was about to read when I sat down to read it, and I’m grateful I knew nothing going in. This book will take readers on a strange trip and leave them eagerly awaiting the next volume with the final page.

      To keep it simple without spoiling anything, Everything is Fine takes place in an idealistic world where everything is, well, fine. Until it isn’t. While the concept of Everything is Fine isn’t necessarily anything new, author Mike Birchall manages to create a wonderfully confusing and disturbing world in such few pages… it’s hard not to be eager to see how it’ll all end. Especially as the ending is a huge cliffhanger.

      There will be plenty of questions to be asked by the end of the story and very, very few answers provided. And while that may be frustrating with most stories, when it comes to Everything is Fine, the lack of answers actually works in its favor. It helps to keep the mystery alive and allow Birchall to craft a truly disturbing story that readers are definitely not prepared for.

      As delightful as this book is, the artwork can be distracting. It’s incredibly plain. In fact, it kind of reminds me of Minecraft at times. While the simplistic art style does sometimes help to sell this world crafted by Birchall, it may be hard for the readers to truly appreciate the story being told — to make them want to keep turning the pages. It’s the only true drawback with this book.

      EVERYTHING IS FINE is a book you’ll want to go into blindly. Don’t read the description. Avoid spoilers as much as possible. Just dive right into this strangely intriguing story of this “perfect” world and enjoy the ride.

    • Jenna Ortega Circling a Role in ‘Beetlejuice 2’

      Jenna Ortega Circling a Role in ‘Beetlejuice 2’

      Wednesday actor Jenna Ortega is looking to stay within the Tim Burton universe. It was revealed on Thursday that the actor is currently circling a role in Beetlejuice 2. A deal has not been officially set, however, should one take, Ortega would play the daughter of Lydia, the character originated by Winona Ryder in the original movie. Burton is expected to return as the director for Beetlejuice 2, while Michael Keaton is expected to return as the titular character. The sequel, which has been in the works for a long, long time, will finally kick off production in either May or June in London.

      Beetlejuice 2 would serve as a reunion between Ortega and Burton. The duo worked together on the first season of Netflix’s Wednesday, which was renewed for a second season back in January. It’s currently unclear if Ryder will return for the sequel, although the actor was attached to the project as of a year ago.

      Beetlejuice, which was released in 1988, also starred Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jordan and Catherine O’Hara, earned an impressive $80 million on a $15 million budget. Talks of a sequel being in the works have been ongoing since 2017, however, this marks the closest the film has come to entering production. As of now, the movie does not have a release date.

      Source: THR.

    • ‘From Blood and Ash’ Series in Development at Amazon

      ‘From Blood and Ash’ Series in Development at Amazon

      Amazon is developing a series based on the best-selling From Blood and Ash series. The news comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet revealed on Thursday that the streaming service is officially developing a series adaptation of author Jennifer L. Armentrout‘s From Blood and Ash series with producer Anne Cofell Saunders (The Boys) on board to adapt the books. Along with writing, Saunders will also serve as the showrunner on From Blood and Ash. She’s set to executive produce the series along with Armentrout and Luke Ryan and Sascha Hecks of Chaotic Good Studios.

      “We are thrilled to work with Anne and Amazon Studios, who have the vision and creative capacity to bring every corner of this phenomenal world Jennifer has created to life. Our heroine, Poppy, and the characters that surround her in this rich world are the elements that expand and perpetuate properties into franchise entertainment.”

      Ryan and Hecks

      From Blood and Ash tells the story of Poppy, a young woman who is chosen at birth as The Maiden of her kingdom who will Ascend and bring in a new era of peace and prosperity. The series currently consist of four books, with the fifth installment, A Soul of Ash and Blood coming in July. Armentrout also wrote a spinoff series, Flesh and Fire, which will see the third book release in December.

      Source: Amazon.

    • Amazon Gives Two Season Order to ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’

      Amazon Gives Two Season Order to ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’

      After HBO Max passed on Batman: Caped Crusader back in August, the animated series has successfully found a new streaming home. The Hollywood Reporter announced on Thursday that Batman: Caped Crusader has received a two-season order from Amazon. According to THR, other streamers, including Hulu and Netflix, were interested at some point, but the series ultimately found a home with Amazon’s Prime Video.

      Batman: Caped Crusader hails from J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves, and Bruce Timm. Legendary comic book writer Ed Brubaker is on the show’s creative team and is said to have helped run the writers room. The project was initially announced in May 2021, however, after Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav took over the company last year, he sought to make necessary cuts to save money. Axing Batman: Caped Crusader and shopping the project elsewhere was one of those cuts.

      The first season consists of 10 episodes. As of now, Batman: Caped Crusader does not have a release date.

      Source: THR.

    • BOOK REVIEW: ‘Batcat’ by Meggie Ramm

      BOOK REVIEW: ‘Batcat’ by Meggie Ramm

      I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of BATCAT. Between the cover and the title, though, I was sure this would be a story I’d enjoy… and I was right. BATCAT is a story for all-ages. It follows Batcat, who as the name would suggest, is part bat and part cat. Batcat is happy to stay home, play video games and eat junk food… but when a mysterious ghost shows up and ruins Batcat’s day-to-day routine, they set out on a journey to try and get rid of the pesty ghost. But along the way, Batcat will learn that there is more to life – and the people and beings that we meet along the way – that will leave a lasting impression on them when all is said and done.

      BATCAT might seem like a silly book upon first glance. A huge marshmallow-type creature that is part cat and part cat? Sure, it can seem ridiculous. But it’s really more than a silly little story. Throughout the story, Batcat has plenty to learn. Eager to be gone of his new ghost friend, Batcat is quick to jump to conclusions about this new character that they haven’t bothered to really get to know. And rather than take the time to do just that, Batcat immediately seeks to get rid of their problem guest. But as Batcat will quickly learn, we can’t just make presumptions about people. While it is easy to do so, it’s vital to remember everyone is more than just one thing – we are all more than meets the eye. For Batcat, it’s a lesson they only learn after realizing they’re not all cat nor are they all bat.

      BATCAT is the type of book that should be stored in classrooms. Readers of all ages will devour this cute little graphic novel. Not only does it teach readers compassion, but it also includes plenty of humor with plenty of cute drawings.

      Note: The ARC I received for review was in black and white, which did make it hard to really read at times. However! The final copy of BATCAT will be in full color, and the sneak-peek at the coloration for BATCAT only seems to improve on this adorable story.

      BATCAT will be released on March 28th through Amulet Books.