Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Torbjorn Frazier

  • Tim Roth Reveals Feige Originally Planned for a Different Fate for Abomination

    Tim Roth Reveals Feige Originally Planned for a Different Fate for Abomination

    With She-Hulk: Attorney at Law being well under way with its first season on Disney+, one of the standout characters fans have connected with is Emil Blonsky, a.k.a. Abomination. The character, of course, is played by Tim Roth, who returns to the role and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a reformed villain serving a prison sentence. It’s certainly not the way many expected to see the character return, and it turns out, the character very nearly had a different fate planned for him. When sitting down with IGN, the actor revealed what the original fate of Blonsky would have been after The Incredible Hulk.

    I remember talking to Kevin [Feige] on set of [The Incredible Hulk] and Stan Lee as well. The idea was that they locked him up in a steel vault and sank it to the bottom of the ocean and left it there. So that when you found it at the beginning of whatever film that might have been… That’s where you found him. And he’d had time to think. About what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go.

    Tim Roth

    The idea of Abomination being locked in a confined space and submerged deep into an ocean could’ve led to a different adaptation of the character upon a return. However, Roth went on to further elaborate on how his position in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law still has some mirrors to this original fate.

    Well in a sense they kind of did it in She-Hulk. He’s in isolation, dealing with his inner monster… and he’s been in a bubble… in a maximum security [prison] in total isolation, for many years. So now what do we get? Who is he? And the journey he goes on will possibly dance around the knife edge of ‘is he or isn’t he [reformed]?’ And I know I had some fun with him.

    Tim Roth

    The concept of reforming oneself has been ever prevalent with the character of Emil Blonsky and it’s interesting to see how Tim Roth has run with that character direction. Ultimately, it could be considered a surprise that Abomination returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after over a decade of not being mentioned. This is especially the case for a subversion of the villainous role. Roth spent some time discussing his feelings about his return and the nature in which he was brought back.

    I laughed. I thought it was hilarious. When [Marvel] told me what they had in mind, I just laughed, I thought it was wonderful, and impossible, and mad… It also in a sense was nice because then I could revisit my kids’ childhood.

    Tim Roth

    It can be assuring to know that at least the performer behind the character has a positive experience for his time returning to this role. The first three episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law starring Tatiana Maslany as the titular character are now streaming on Disney+.

    Source: IGN

  • ‘She-Hulk’ Creative Team Discusses THEE Episode 3 Cameo

    ‘She-Hulk’ Creative Team Discusses THEE Episode 3 Cameo

    One of the biggest talking points coming out of the latest episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is the cameo appearance of Megan Thee Stallion. While the news was spoiled on social media just a few days prior to the episode release, it still has served as a pleasant surprise for a number of viewers. While sitting down with Entertainment Weekly, various members of the creative team discussed the process of how the star rapper’s cameo came to be. Head writer Jessica Gao talked about the challenge of deciding who would best fit this role and the relatively surprising name who pitched the idea of Megan Thee Stallion.

    We didn’t even know that we could dream that big. When we wrote the script, all we knew was we needed to have a female celebrity who was very famous, very successful, and very beautiful. But we didn’t know if it was going to be an actress, or a model, or a musician. And depending on who it was, we knew we’d probably have to tweak the story a little bit to fit whoever we ended up casting…Jameela (Jamil) one day floated the idea of Megan and the moment she said that, and the moment we realized that that could be a possibility, we were like, ‘Stop everything. That’s it. The conversation’s done. We only care about Megan now. And if Megan will do it, then that settles it.‘

    Jessica Gao

    From this, it’s clear how much of an influence Megan Thee Stallion has had on the cultural zeitgeist and her epitomizing what the show was looking for in that role. Director Kat Coiro further elaborated on what made Megan a massively exciting option for the show’s creative team.

    The character was scripted as a celebrity who never in a billion years would we believe would date Dennis Bukowski. When Jameela suggested Megan, we all lost our minds. She’s perfect on so many levels, just as a beautiful young celebrity who would never date Dennis Bukowski, but also as a powerful woman who embodies a lot of what She-Hulk embodies. And then it was a little cherry on top that Tatiana (Maslany) is the world’s biggest Megan fan. As soon as that name came up, there was nobody else.

    Kat Coiro

    The further notion of Tatiana Maslany being a massive fan of Megan Thee Stallion certainly helped elevate the scene in portraying Jennifer Walters’ undying adulation towards the rapper. And as learned in the interview, the feeling of love was mutual with Megan Thee Stallion towards Marvel Studios.

    We found out that Megan loves Marvel and superhero stuff, so it was incredible. It really came together very quickly, and we didn’t even have time to stop and just stand in awe at the fact that this was actually happening. It was everyone’s dream come true, especially Tatiana.

    Jessica Gao

    Ultimately, the appearance of Megan Thee Stallion in this past episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law provided a large source of levity for not just the characters on screen, but the creative time sitting behind it. The third episode of the Disney+ was officially released on Thursday, September 1st.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • Keeley Hawes Tapped to Co-Lead in ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’

    Keeley Hawes Tapped to Co-Lead in ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’

    Orphan Black: Echoes is continuing to paint a picture of the series it will develop into with the announcement that Keeley Hawes is set to co-star alongside Krysten Ritter in the series. This comes after the recent announcement that Amanda Fix and Avan Jogia will also be joining the cast in lead roles for the series. Echoes’ showrunner is Anna Fishko and she is working closely with director and executive producer John Fawcett, who is the co-creator of the original series. This show will serve as an offshoot of the AMC’s main Orphan Black and is currently set to premiere AMC+ in 2023.

    Orphan Black: Echoes is set in the near future of the Orphan Black universe with the themes of human manipulation through science being ever-prevalent. It will follow a group of women struggling with the mysteries of their identities that brings them to unexpected turns and surprises involving love and betrayal. It has been confirmed that this mysterious group of characters will include Krysten Ritter’s and Keeley Hawes’. For Hawes specifically, her character has been described as a scientist with a strong moral code that she must come face to face with due to an unforeseeable choice. 

    Keeley Hawes is best known for her BAFTA-nominated performances in Mrs. Wilson, Line of Duty, and Bodyguard, respectively. Most recently she has starred in the British sci-fi series The Midwich Cuckoos. While the actress has an extensive career in the world of television, it can be argued that this role has the potential to serve as her “big break” through being in a marquee franchise of Orphan Black.

    Source: Deadline

  • Ben Kingsley to Reprise Role of Trevor Slattery in ‘Wonder Man’

    Ben Kingsley to Reprise Role of Trevor Slattery in ‘Wonder Man’

    After serving as a surprise return in Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Ben Kingsley is officially slated to make another return to the character of Trevor Slattery in the future. The actor has been announced via Variety to be returning for the Disney+ series Wonder Man. Not much is currently known about what this series will entail, but his return is logical as Destin Daniel Cretton, the director of Shang-Chi, will serve as co-creator and executive producer on the series.

    The inclusion of Kingsley in this series plays into rumors that Wonder Man will serve as a satirical look into the Hollywood lifestyle. Being as Simon Williams is a character that has had comic experience as an actor and stuntman, it would make sense for him to interact with a character best known for his oblivious performance as the mysterious Mandarin in Iron Man 3. This plot thread was continued in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in being further established as a Shakespearean-esque actor caught in the high intensity of the plot. It is currently unknown how much of a role Kingsley will have in the series. Both Marvel Studios and Ben Kingsley‘s representation declined to comment on the story.

    The character of Simon Williams a.k.a. Wonder Man has a storied history within the lore of the Marvel Universe. Between being a nemesis for Tony Stark on the business and superheroics front, a member of the Masters of Evil, and ultimately a reformed member of the Avengers, there is a large swath of ground that Marvel Studios could choose to cover for a Wonder Man series. Though as mentioned above, the inclusion of Trevor Slattery lends credence that the Disney+ series will lean more towards his era as being based out of Hollywood.

    Wonder Man is set to have Andrew Guest of 30 Rock and Community fame serve as the head writer. Meanwhile, this series serves as part of Destin Daniel Cretton‘s overall deal with Marvel Studios that includes Wonder Man, the sequel to Shang-Chi, and his direction of 2025’s Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.

    Source: Variety

  • Two Other Rising Directors Were Approached for ‘Fantastic Four’

    Two Other Rising Directors Were Approached for ‘Fantastic Four’

    It has been a notable day for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with further confirmation that WandaVision‘s Matt Shakman has entered talks to direct Fantastic Four. This has come after a long and detailed search from Marvel Studios since the departure of Jon Watts earlier this year. With the announcement of Shakman, comes further information about the exhausting process to find the right director to helm Marvel’s first family. According to Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Matthews of Love and Monsters fame was the runner-up in the Fantastic Four sweepstakes.

    In addition to Matthews, it’s further been revealed that Reid Carolin was another name that met with Marvel Studios to pitch his vision of Fantastic Four. Carolin is arguably best known for his work directing the Channing Tatum-led Dog from earlier this year.

    While interesting to compare and contrast the credentials of these two names with that of Matt Shakman, it’s certainly a futile gesture as audiences don’t have any clear understanding of what creative direction is being taken for Fantastic Four and how a different director would make some sort of difference. Nonetheless, this will remain as a type of “what if” scenario to envision how the previous works of Matthews and Carolin would’ve influenced a take on the Fantastic Four team.

    In terms of Shakman, this certainly is a major score for the career of the director on the theatrical scale. While having a robust career as a director in television, Shakman has only had one feature film to his name previously. Though his work on the likes of luminary television programs such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fargo, and Game of Thrones should assure audiences of his qualifications. And most especially, his time directing WandaVision should especially make fans excited for what could be in store for Fantastic Four.

    Source: Twitter.

  • Alessandro Nivola on Playing the Villain in Sony’s ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Film

    Alessandro Nivola on Playing the Villain in Sony’s ‘Kraven the Hunter’ Film

    As Sony looks to continue moving forward with their cinematic universe of characters within the lore of Spider-Man (without the titular character present), one film that has piqued the curiosity of some is 2023’s Kraven the Hunter. As the film approaches its January premiere, Alessandro Nivola sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss his involvement as the main antagonist. Nivola focused on his excitement about reuniting with director J.C. Chandor after having worked with him on A Most Violent Year. Alongside this, the actor described the more practical nature of this film as opposed to others in the superhero genre.

    These movies all have a certain formula to them, but J.C. said that he wanted to shoot all on location. The physical ability of the characters in the movie is also more grounded in reality. People aren’t flying around or anything. J.C. described it as the most incredible Olympic athlete you’ve ever seen. Moreover, the role, which I’m not yet allowed to disclose, was just a real acting opportunity for me.

    Alessandro Nivola

    Kraven the Hunter has been confirmed to have been shot on location in predominantly Iceland. That bit of news has the potential to draw in more interest as most superhero flicks are filmed with the help of greenscreens. Nivola also talked about the enjoyment he had in playing an antagonist with pathos and complexity while avoiding general stereotypes of actors working within the realm of superheroics. The actor also gave some teases towards specific facets of his character and the film at large.

    It’s just a great character part, and I didn’t have to do any CGI. I didn’t have to do any green screen. I only transform, physically, in the final moments of the movie, so it’s just a classic villain role. It had a really interesting, complex psychology and personal history to draw on, and the movie has a time jump in it, so the character changes a lot from the way he is in the beginning of the film. It was as much of an acting opportunity as any other film I’ve done, and I didn’t have to contend with wearing a spandex outfit or anything like that.

    Alessandro Nivola

    If what Alessandro Nivola talks about here is able to be translated onto the screen, then there is a chance that Kraven the Hunter can become a relative surprise hit within the genre. And Sony should certainly be hoping for that if they want to maintain success in this attempt at a cinematic universe following the unmitigated flop of Morbius earlier this year.

    Kraven the Hunter stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the titular role and is currently scheduled to open in theaters on January 13, 2023.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • How ‘WandaVision’ Proves Matt Shakman is a Great Choice for ‘Fantastic Four’

    How ‘WandaVision’ Proves Matt Shakman is a Great Choice for ‘Fantastic Four’

    With the looming approach of D23 and the slew of major news that is likely to come from the event, many are anticipating an announcement on who will be directing Marvel Studios’ upcoming Fantastic Four film. Since Jon Watts stepped away from the project this past April, the question of who would helm this project has been ever-present in the cultural zeitgeist. This especially has risen again with the official announcement at San Diego Comic-Con of Fantastic Four kicking off Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a November 8, 2024 release date.

    Though it seems there may be an answer to this question with rumors gradually circulating that Matt Shakman will be overseeing Marvel’s first family. With this rumor coming to light, the response for the most part has been met with general optimism for what Shakman can bring to the table. Though the case can be taken one step further in that Matt Shakman would be a most fantastic (pun intended) choice to direct this film based alone on his previous experience with WandaVision.

    When looking at why Matt Shakman is aptly qualified to helm the Fantastic Four remake for the MCU, the most obvious place to start is the director’s previous experience with Marvel Studios. For starters, bringing in the director of one of their most critically-received Disney+ projects is bound to turn heads in anticipation. On top of it all, Shakman’s work on WandaVision has showcased his ability to cultivate strong family dynamics in a limited time. Themes pertaining to “family” are arguably the most important component when developing a Fantastic Four project, and he’s definitely proven to have a talent for it.

    Another notable component of WandaVision is the stylistic vintage pastiche it has to offer. The concept of visually recreating the aesthetics of classic sitcoms from the middle of the 20th century appealed greatly to make the series stand out during its run on Disney+. Considering there has been a contingent of fans that have long desired for Fantastic Four to be a period piece set in the 1960s to pair with the comic origins of the characters, it’s the perfect match.

    Whether or not Marvel Studios would move forward with that creative direction is one thing, but it’s possible that Shakman’s directorial vision from the previous Disney+ series could help influence some type of 1960s vibe to help make Fantastic Four standout within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    The other element that WandaVision also uses is its cosmic undertones, which the series maintained with the character arc of Monica Rambeau. One of the more surprising parts coming out of the series was how it leaned slightly more towards the concepts of science fiction in relation to Wanda’s supernatural abilities. Between the introduction of SWORD and the inclusion of Skrulls, WandaVision also has played an arguably equal part in setting up the cosmic side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with that of the mystical and multiversal.

    With that in mind, it’s not a reach to think that Marvel Studios would at least consider Matt Shakman thanks to his experience with this corner of the universe. Given the X-Files-esque mystery elements of figuring out the science fiction phenomenon of the Hex, it would not be surprising if this type of intrigue is what Kevin Feige and his team would want from the cosmic exploration that is synonymous with the comic versions of the Fantastic Four. Even the way Monica gains her abilities stood out in a way that could inspire the way the Fantastic Four become Marvel’s first family.

    Ultimately if these rumors end up becoming true, fans of the Fantastic Four should be excited about the prospects of Matt Shakman as director. If his merits from WandaVision were strong enough to land him a position directing the next theatrical Star Trek film, then he is certainly qualified to step up and oversee one of Marvel Studios’ most important properties of the future.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery is Reportedly Low on Funds for the Year

    Warner Bros. Discovery is Reportedly Low on Funds for the Year

    With David Zaslav and his team overseeing the new Warner Bros. after the merger with Discovery, massive turnover and changes have been made for the film studio. In recent weeks, we’ve seen Batgirl get shelved, as well as the sequel to Scoob!, despite both of those films being well within the post-production process. Batgirl, Scoob!, and the countless content removed from HBO Max are the casualties of Warner Bros. Discovery trying to save money through tax write-offs. And now, following news that the studio was shuffling around more release dates, it appears Warner Bros. Discovery needs all the financial help it can get at the moment.

    The latest bit of news coming from Warner Bros are the delays of both Shazam: Fury of the Gods and Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom, with Fury of the Gods moving to March 2023 and Aquaman moving to December 2023 respectively. This has been in line with the consistent delays of DC superhero films that have plagued the studio since the beginning of the pandemic. However, these moves have further indicated a large amount of financial turmoil for the studio according to Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter.

    The revelation of Warner Bros. Discovery only having the financial capital to release two films for the remaining near-half year of 2022 is certainly damning. It indicates a massive rocky road that Zaslav will have to try and navigate without, in theory, “rocking the boat” too much more. If that isn’t possible, the company could be forced to face even more upheaval despite being within this dire state for a considerable time. The financial sacrifices they’ve made thus far have caused some level of alienation with the creative base of Hollywood, and Warner Bros Discovery will have to tread carefully to remain in the upper echelon of the American film hierarchy.

    If there is any solace, Don’t Worry Darling and Black Adam both hold the potential to be relatively successful breadwinners for Warner Bros. Discovery. After all, Don’t Worry Darling has held a decently strong marketing campaign highlighting the intrigue of Olivia Wilde’s sophomore directorial feature. In addition, the all-star cast led by the likes of Florence Pugh and Harry Styles could drive audiences to theaters. Meanwhile, Warner Bros is certainly hoping that Black Adam can serve as a much-needed kickstart for a direction that the studio can take with its DC Extended Universe. It remains to be seen if Dwyane Johnson’s portrayal of the titular character alongside the Justice Society of America can change the narrative of the struggling franchise.

    Source: Twitter.

  • Simu Liu Joins Jennifer Lopez in Netflix’s ‘Atlas’ as a Villain

    Simu Liu Joins Jennifer Lopez in Netflix’s ‘Atlas’ as a Villain

    After having become world-renowned for his portrayal of the titular hero in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Simu Liu is slated to portray someone on the dark side in Netflix’s Atlas. The actor has signed on to play the antagonist opposite Jennifer Lopez. In addition, it’s been revealed that Sterling K. Brown has also joined the cast in an unknown key role. Brad Peyton is set to helm the project with Aron Eli Coleite currently writing a new draft of the script based off of Leo Sardarian’s original script.

    Atlas is set to heavily involve the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Jennifer Lopez stars in the titular role as she fights for the future of humanity due to an AI who has broken bad (assumedly, this will be Simu Liu’s role in the film) with the agenda of killing the species for the sake of the world peace. Due to this, Lopez’s Atlas must work with a different AI as the only chance to defeat this villain.

    With this new role, Simu Liu has continued his fast ascent into the upper echelon of modern Hollywood with a large variety of roles. Fans of Liu will have the ability to see the actor continue to branch out his acting range with his upcoming portrayal of a Ken doll in Warner Bros’ Barbie film alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. That film is due for its theatrical release in the summer of 2023. He joins a distinguished group of fellow actors in playing characters on both sides of the morality aisle. Though it certainly remains to be seen if Atlas can match the same level of success Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has maintained on both a commercial and critical level.

    Source: Deadline

  • Matt Reeves Signs Multi-Year First Look Film Deal with Warner Bros Discovery

    Matt Reeves Signs Multi-Year First Look Film Deal with Warner Bros Discovery

    Warner Bros Discovery looks to have made a statement in its future and trust towards what Matt Reeves is creatively bringing to the table with The Batman and beyond. Deadline has announced that the director has signed a first-look film deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and has re-upped with the Warner Bros. television division. This is the first deal of its kind under the new regime at the long-stalwart Hollywood studio. Warner Bros Pictures Group Co-Chairs/CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, alongside Warner Bros Television Group Chairman Channing Dungey, were the notable pieces that negotiated this deal with Reeves. In a statement, the director spoke about his excitement to continue working with Warner Bros. and this more pronounced capacity.

    Making this legendary studio my home is a dream. I am so excited to be working with Mike, Pam, and Channing and our teams to bring captivating stories I am truly passionate about to the big and small screen.

    Matt Reeves

    Alongside Reeves, Michael De Luca provided a statement giving high praise to the director and the deal made.

    Pam and I gratefully inherited the relationship with Matt from The Batman, and through the beginning stages of planning The Penguin series for HBO Max. We were excited to nail down his overall deal because it’s a cornerstone of what we want to do with the filmmakers that are working at the studio. We want to create an atmosphere where all of these filmmakers can excel and do their work and stay with us once they are inside the Warner’s family. Keeping Matt and creating a home for him to do more projects in the Batman universe but also originals, was very important to us.

    Michael De Luca

    This type of first-look deal suggests that Warner Bros. views Matt Reeves in high regard and intends for his vision of creative projects to be a cornerstone for the future of their projects. This should certainly be promising news for fans of The Batman. While the sequel has yet to be officially green-lit, there shouldn’t have been any doubt that it will be moving forward (even with the brouhaha transpiring at the studio in the past few weeks). The question now will be how deep into the lore of this new Batman-based universe will be explored with Reeves at the helm, and what other franchises audiences may expect to see the writer and director oversee in the future.

    Source: Deadline