Murphy's Multiverse

Author: Torbjorn Frazier

  • ‘Eternals’ Was the Most Streamed Marvel Studios Film of 2022

    ‘Eternals’ Was the Most Streamed Marvel Studios Film of 2022

    In what may come as a surprise to some, Marvel Studio’s Eternals was the most streamed film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2022. The Chloe Zhao-directed film ranked 13th in Nielsen’s list of the Top 15 Streaming Movies of 2022, and is the only film from Marvel Studios present. Below is the full list of films and their view count.

    1. Encanto (27.416 billion / Disney+)
    2. Turning Red (11.427 billion / Disney+)
    3. Sing 2 (11.347 billion / Netflix)
    4. Moana (8.629 billion / Disney+)
    5. The Adam Project (6.141 billion / Netflix)
    6. Hocus Pocus 2 (5.697 billion / Disney+)
    7. Don’t Look Up (5.141 billion / Netflix)
    8. Frozen (5.133 billion /  Disney+)
    9. Luca (4.974 billion / Disney+)
    10. The Gray Man (4.972 billion / Netflix)
    11. Zootopia (4.437 billion / Disney+)
    12. Coco (4.253 billion / Disney+)
    13. Eternals (4.236 billion / Disney+)
    14. Frozen II (4.195 billion / Disney+)
    15. Uncharted (4.179 billion / Netflix)

    The list from Nielsen highlights the dominance that both Disney+ and Netflix hold in the streaming landscape. Based on their view counts and subscriber numbers, the two are definitive benchmarks for successful streaming services. This group of 15 films also highlights the domination child-oriented family movies hold in the film industry.

    When it comes to Eternals specifically, this type of data could be seen as a promising sign for fans of the original film. While the 2021 theatrical release was one of the lowest performing from both financial and critical perspectives for Marvel Studios, it appears the film has found a sizeable audience on Disney+. With that in mind, one could see such a high view count as a check in the plus column for continuing the franchise for at least a sequel project (if it was ever in doubt to begin with). Though an interesting possibility could then be to move the Eternals franchise exclusively to Disney+. The film has at least appeared to be more accessible via streaming. And allowing a longer runtime that isn’t constrained for a sequel could help further expand the stories of these characters, something that could’ve helped the critical success of the rare mixed performance of a Marvel Studios film.

    Source: The Direct

  • ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Family Guy’, and ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Renewed at Fox

    ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Family Guy’, and ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Renewed at Fox

    The current guard of Fox’s Animation Domination will be remaining intact for the foreseeable future. All three of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers have received renewals for two additional seasons on Fox. This will total the three shows at 36, 23, and 15 seasons, respectively. The three network stalwarts are now owned by Disney following the company’s multi-billion dollar acquisition of numerous assets of 21st Century Fox. The Simpsons is currently available to stream on Disney+, while Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers are hosted on Hulu. In a press release, Executive Vice President of 20th Century Animation Marci Proietto waxed ecstatic about the renewals.

    Across 750 episodes of The Simpsons, 400 episodes of Family Guy, and 250 episodes of Bob’s Burgers, we couldn’t be more proud to continue delivering these three animated hits with the most brilliant teams in animation. Our relationship with Fox over the past three decades has allowed this trio of shows to thrive, grow and deliver immeasurable moments of hilarious and irreverent entertainment for fans, and we are absolutely thrilled that Fox is doubling down on each of these iconic shows.

    Marci Proietto

    These renewals show the true staying power animation has on terrestrial network television. As ratings have continuously dropped across the board in traditional television, few stalwarts have been able to maintain sustainable audience sizes. And shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers have been able to do so. It ultimately remains to be seen now if the quality of these shows can continue to persist.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Madonna Biopic Not Moving Forward at Universal

    Madonna Biopic Not Moving Forward at Universal

    In the age of biopics based on pop music icons of the 20th century, one potential project is officially not moving forward. It’s been announced that the Madonna-based film is no longer in development at Universal Pictures. The film was to be directed by the pop icon herself, but the recent announcement of Madonna’s new world tour officially axed the project from happening. However, some Hollywood sources noted that the decision to cancel the biopic was already made at the end of 2022. Madonna also co-wrote the script for the project alongside Erin Cressida Wilson with Amy Pascal set to produce.

    Much was made about the grueling audition process for playing Madonna in the now-canceled film. It’s been said that the months-long experience was akin to a boot camp, including 11-hour days consisting of dancing, acting, and singing with Madonna and her choreographers. Numerous young stars in Hollywood and the music industry such as Florence Pugh, Odessa Young, Emma Laird, Bebe Rexha, and Sky Ferreira were in contention for the role. Ultimately, Julia Garner (of Ozark fame) was the front-runner to take on the part of the iconic singer, but it seemingly will not come to be.

    The biopic was first announced in 2020 and was set to cover the decades-long career of Madonna in the worlds of music and fashion. However, new reports have come out about the tumultuous process to get the script together. All versions of the script were well over 180 pages, with issues to parse down Madonna’s career into an individual film. Some discussions were had about adapting her life story into a two-part saga or even a limited series. Though as it stands now, the project is not moving forward in any way at Universal Pictures.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Kevin Feige Discusses Future Plans for Namor

    Kevin Feige Discusses Future Plans for Namor

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been a multi-faceted success for Marvel Studios as they close the fourth phase of projects. Ryan Coogler and company have been lauded by audiences for their ability to memorialize Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of T’Challa and continue the enriching narrative of Wakanda. Though one new element from the sequel that’s been met with the same level of praise is the introduction of Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s portrayal of Namor.

    The classic Marvel Comics character made his silver screen debut that came with a highly applauded new origin to boot. Huerta Mejía’s portrayal quickly joined the ranks of the best Marvel Cinematic Universe villains and has left audiences excited about a potential return for the character in the future. And according to Kevin Feige, the wait might not be too long before Namor and the rest of Talokan re-emerge in a future project.

    You know, people who read the comics know that there’s 80 years of stories with Namor that we can tap into. So, where and when, we’ll keep to ourselves for now. But, we think that this is an incredibly iconic character that’s being introduced. Probably, to most people, most movie-goers for the first time. And we expect them to want to see more.

    Kevin Feige

    The events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever provides ample room for Namor to be a major player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Projects such as Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts have long been rumored to further the global-political turmoil existing in this universe. The events of these two 2024 projects can easily provide the impetus for Namor to wage war on the surface war as he threatened in Wakanda Forever, something that has occurred previously in the Marvel comic lore.

    To lean further into Feige’s quote about Namor’s comic history, there are even more exciting territories Namor can explore in the future. Namely, it wouldn’t now be a surprise to see Namor continue his anti-heroic tendencies as a foil for the Fantastic Four. His long-standing feud with Reed Richards could further culminate in the two joining an Earth-616 iteration of the Illuminati, a concept introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and something that would make sense with Avengers: Secret Wars coming in the near future. And beyond that, Kevin Feige placing Namor as a figure in the X-Men corner of the universe is a tantalizing possibility.

    Though regardless of where Namor shows up next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, audiences should be excited to have more of Tenoch Huerta Mejía portrayal in the near future.

    Source: Comicbook.com

  • No Mercy: Netflix Puts ‘Cobra Kai’ in a Bodybag

    No Mercy: Netflix Puts ‘Cobra Kai’ in a Bodybag

    The end of Cobra Kai has been revealed. In an official announcement from show creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg that the Karate Kid sequel series will conclude following its upcoming sixth season. The Ralph Macchio and William Zapka-led series followed the characters of the hit 1980’s film franchise decades later as they resurrected the karate world of their childhood and rekindled rivalries for a new generation.

    Premiering in 2018, the series initially began as a YouTube Premium series for its first two seasons before moving to Netflix for the remainder of its run. Cobra Kai has been one of the highest-viewed and most successful shows on the Netflix slate. Critics have lauded the show’s ability to capture the comedic elements and melodrama that made Karate Kid successful, but while also resonating with the modern generation.

    In the official press release from the creators, it was mentioned that the team hopes to be able to tell future stories in the world down the road. Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg should have ample amounts of stories to choose from based on the large ensemble amassed over the five seasons so far.

    There is no word on when audiences should expect the sixth and final season to premiere on Netflix. However, logic would dictate that a late 2023 or early 2024 release is highly possible.

    Source: Instagram

  • Antoine Fuqua to Direct a Michael Jackson Biopic Titled ‘Michael’

    Antoine Fuqua to Direct a Michael Jackson Biopic Titled ‘Michael’

    Lionsgate has found the person to helm their upcoming biopic, Michael. Antoine Fuqua, best known for his work directing The Equalizer and Emancipation, is officially attached to bring the life and career of Michael Jackson to the silvers screen. The script for the film was written by John Logan (Gladiator) and will be produced by Graham King (Bohemian Rhapsody).

    Production for the film is said to begin later this year after Fuqua wraps his work on The Equalizer 3. In an official announcement of the hiring, this is what Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Joe Drake had to say about Antoine Fuqua.

    Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film.

    Joe Drake

    This new film will come with the current wave of biopics being created based on iconic figures in 20th-century music. In the past year, Elvis and I Wanna Dance With Somebody had wide-scale releases to varying levels of critical and commercial success. The hope for Lionsgate is that Michael will follow suit with Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned over $900 million at the box office and won multiple Academy Awards. 

    Though it will be notable to follow if Michael also follows suit in how Bohemian Rhapsody sanitized the life story of Freddie Mercury to appeal to general audiences. It especially will be a challenge with the highly controversial nature of Michael Jackson, and the longstanding allegations and accusations that follow his legacy to this day. There is a valid argument that Michael Jackson is a public figure that doesn’t deserve this type of career celebration on film. Ultimately, it remains to be seen if this new film can overcome the troubled legacy and become the hit film Lionsgate is looking for.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘The Last of Us’ Becomes 2nd Largest HBO Premiere Since 2010

    ‘The Last of Us’ Becomes 2nd Largest HBO Premiere Since 2010

    Based on the viewership of its premiere, HBO has its next major hit series on its hands with The Last of Us. The video game adaptation garnered 4.7 million viewers during its Sunday night premiere between the linear cable channel and the HBO Max streaming service. This officially became the second-largest debut for an HBO original series since 2010, with the Steve Buscemi-led Boardwalk Empire drawing in 4.81 million viewers in its debut. 

    Of course, the one series that drew in higher debut viewerships was House of the Dragon from this past summer. The Game of Thrones prequel debuted to a remarkable 9.986 million viewers between the HBO network and HBO Max. The monstrous debut drew in the largest audience in pay cable history.

    Based on the Playstation video game series of the same name, The Last of Us follows Joel, a survivor of a mass societal apocalypse, being hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie away from a dangerous situation. From there, the series will follow a cross-country odyssey with the two characters in their struggle to survive the widespread infection.

    The series stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as the two leads with the ensemble cast including Gabriel Luna, Anna Torv, Nico Parker, Murray Bartlett, and Nick Offerman. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann serve as writers and executive producers for the series.

    New episodes for The Last of Us premiere every Sunday at 9:00 pm EST. The first season will consist of nine episodes. You can read Murphy’s Multiverse review of the premiere here.

    Source: Deadline 

  • Danai Gurira “Gently Allude” a ‘Okoye’ Disney+ Spinoff May Be In Development

    Danai Gurira “Gently Allude” a ‘Okoye’ Disney+ Spinoff May Be In Development

    With the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever last year, discussions started instantly on what the future of this franchise will look like. One avenue set up from the film is following Okoye on her journey as a Midnight Angel after her dismissal from the Dora Milaje. It has been hinted at in May of 2021 that an Okoye-based project was in the works, but no one hypothetically involved had commented up until this point.

    However, while being interviewed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actress Danai Gurira referred to the reports of her leading a Marvel Studios Disney+ project. This is what Gurira had to say about the subject:

    I have been told that I can gently allude to this possibility. So, I am gently alluding. Just gently.

    Danai Gurira

    While not much can be gleaned from this quote about specific details, it’s notable to have confirmation that something pertaining to an Okoye-led project is in development for Disney+. Based on the description of deleted scenes for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s digital release, more direct allusions to the project were almost made in the film.

    A logical direction would be to follow Gurira’s Okoye and Michaela Coel’s Aneka as they independently serve tactical missions for Wakanda. The show or special could also dive deeper into the dynamics of the Dora Milaje, especially with Florence Kasumba’s Ayo being a romantic partner of Aneka.

    With Letitia Wright confirming that Black Panther 3 won’t be for “a while”,  it makes sense for the stories of Wakanda to continue through the perspective of different characters. Especially with the potential of some sort of invasion of Vibranium happening in the future, it would be important for audiences to see more of the sovereign nation before that sort of project.

    Source: The Direct

  • Matt Reeves Provides Update on ‘The Batman’ Sequel Script

    Matt Reeves Provides Update on ‘The Batman’ Sequel Script

    The landscape of Warner’s DC films has been in major upheaval since James Gunn and Peter Safran were hired as co-CEOs to oversee the newly formed DC Studios. Various projects, including Wonder Woman 3 and a sequel to Black Adam, have been scrapped in favor of a fresh start for the new executive creative team. One project that has remained on the slate following these changes, however, is the upcoming sequel to The Batman. It’s confirmed that the Matt Reeves-directed 2022 film will be the first in a new saga overseen by the filmmaker which will exist in a universe that will apparently be separate from whatever creative direction Gunn and Safran lead at DC Studios.

    One notable question from audiences is when they should expect this new film. In a recent interview, Reeves provided an update on the status of his new script for The Batman’s sequel.

    I mean, I can’t give an update on that in terms of specifics, except to tell you that we are hard at work on the script. My partner (Mattson Tomlin) and I are deep in it and I’m excited about what we’re going to do.

    Matt Reeves

    Ultimately, there isn’t too much to glean from this specific quote about Matt Reeves’ new film. The notion that the film is deep in the scripting phase indicates that audiences shouldn’t expect to see Robert Pattinson return as the Caped Crusader in the immediate future.

    Fans of the well-received 2022 superhero film will be able to return to Gotham City before then, however; The Penguin is set to begin filming throughout 2023, which means a 2024 release for the Colin Farrell-led is likely. Meanwhile, shows based around the Gotham City Police Department and Arkham Asylum are in development at HBO Max.

    Source: Comicbook.com

  • William H. Macy Joins ‘Kingdom of The Planet of the Apes’ Cast

    William H. Macy Joins ‘Kingdom of The Planet of the Apes’ Cast

    The next chapter of the Planet of the Apes franchise has added a Hollywood stalwart to its ranks. William H. Macy has joined the cast for the 20th Century’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes in a currently unknown role. He will be joining Owen Teague, Freya Allan, and Peter Macon in the latest installment. Wes Ball, who helmed the Maze Runner film series, is set to direct based on a screenplay written by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison.

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to be both a sequel and a new chapter in the film saga after the previous reboot trilogy, with the last two films directed by Matt Reeves. This film franchise has long been one of the most important for the studio since the original Planet of the Apes film in 1968. This will be the first film released following 20th Century was acquired by Disney.

    William H. Macy has recently finished an 11-season run for Shameless on Showtime during which he received multiple Emmy nominations for his performance as the lead character, Frank Gallagher. In addition, he played a supporting role in the hit Hulu limited series The Dropout. The star actor is likely best known for prominent roles in films such as Fargo, Air Force One, and Boogie Nights. It remains to be seen if this new venture into the Planet of the Apes from Macy will be a catalyst for his next iconic film performance.

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is currently scheduled to release exclusively in theaters on May 24, 2024.

    Source: Deadline