Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘Quantumania’ Director Peyton Reed on How Jonathan Majors Disrupted the Comedy Franchise

    ‘Quantumania’ Director Peyton Reed on How Jonathan Majors Disrupted the Comedy Franchise

    While Ant-Man and Ant-Man and The Wasp might not be categorized as divisive films, the action comedies haven’t been every fan’s cup of tea. Criticized for being too silly and not featuring enough action, the first two films in the franchise have been small-scale films serving as palate cleansers after big Avengers events. Returning director Peyton Reed set out to make Quantumania something much larger and much different and the latest trailer for the film looks like he may have succeeded. No director can do it alone, however, and Reed had quite a bit of help in the form of franchise newcomer Jonathan Majors, who plays one of Marvel Comics great villains, Kang the Conqueror, and who Reed credits with bringing “an entirely different energy to the set” and disrupting the comfortable tone of the franchise.

    Majors wields an incredible amount of talent and charisma and, according to Reed, his presence as the film’s villain on the set of Quantumania was “intimidating.”

    Jonathan brought an entirely different energy to the set. The Ant-Man movies have always been comedies. I like to have a really relaxed, fun set so that the actors can go in front of the camera and feel comfortable trying weird stuff. It’s a safe space. And Jonathan came in as this disruptor—this very intimidating force.

    Peyton Reed

    Reed’s words call to mind impactful performances such as those by Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight and Bill Skarsgård in It where the actors inhabited to roles so fully that their co-stars were put aback. Reed believes that Majors intensity served as the perfect foil to co-star Paul Rudd‘s trademark goofiness, highlighting the significant gap between the two characters.

    It was so great to put that energy up against Paul Rudd’s energy, and it mirrored what we were doing in the movie itself. A lot of people might consider Ant-Man the ‘weakest’ Avenger: ‘What can that guy do? He shrinks and talks to ants. That’s ridiculous.’ Putting that guy up against Kang the Conqueror, who’s the most powerful being in the multiverse—that seemed really exciting to us.

    Peyton Reed

    From the looks of things in the latest trailer, Rudd’s Scott Lang is in for a world of hurt as he goes up against a Kang, who Reed calls “one of the great antagonists in the comics.” The brutal beating Lang took has fans thinking Quantumania might be the end of the road for the character. With the movie’s premiere just over 5 weeks away, fans won’t have to wait long to find out.

  • New Trailer & Poster for ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

    New Trailer & Poster for ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

    Disney and Marvel Studios unveiled the latest trailer and poster for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on Monday during the College Football Playoff National Championship.

    Along with the above trailer, Marvel also debuted a brand new poster for the film.

    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will hit theaters on February 17th.

  • Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ in Peril, Production is “Absolute Madness”

    Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ in Peril, Production is “Absolute Madness”

    It isn’t looking good for Francis Ford Coppola‘s venture into science fiction with Megalopolis. According to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter, the production currently halfway through filming in Atlanta is not looking good. The biggest loss was that they lost their production designer and supervising art director, which followed losing the entire visual effects team back in December.

    Coppola has self-financed the production and broken the Hollywood rule of “never spend your own money” even if it is a passion project. Megalopolis was a long-time project the filmmaker wanted to bring to life and was going to be produced with an impressive $120M budget, which he financed by selling his wineries in California. Yet, it seems that the budget has started to balloon.

    Now, the big question remains if he can even finish his film, which is being teased as “absolute madness” behind-the-scenes. It seems one of the issues was they initially wanted to use The Mandalorian’s Volume technology which ended up being more costly than expected and are trying to go back to a green-screen approach.

    It seems that Coppola was the one that fired most of the visual effects team with the department following shortly after. The Wolf of Wall Street‘s Mark Russell was leading as the production supervisor and it somewhat feels like a retread of what Coppola did in Dracula 30 years ago. Though generally his greatest hits have seemingly led to some questionable behind-the-scenes developments.

    Production designer Beth Mickle and supervising art director David Scott have also left the project behind, which leaves the project with no art department at all. Yet, Coppola is still hiring new staff for the project. The only question remains if he can continue pushing forward or if he has to resign from his passion project after all.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • RUMOR: Wong Might Get His Own Disney+ Spinoff Inspired by ‘Strange Academy’

    RUMOR: Wong Might Get His Own Disney+ Spinoff Inspired by ‘Strange Academy’

    Marvel’s rumor mill is ever changing with various ideas and projects at some point in development or another. Many things change over at Marvel Studios, which makes it often hard to truly understand what is going to happen and what isn’t early in a project’s development. sometimes it’s just throwing around an idea that could eventually blossom into an actual project.

    Such might be the case with a new rumor shared on Reddit about a Strange Academy adaption, which would see Benedict Wong‘s Wong and Xochitl Gomez‘s America Chavez take on a major role of their own. In a way, this show would spin out of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, where we last saw Chavez being trained in the mystic arts; a big new direction for her character compared to the comics.

    They also point out that there’s a possibility elements from the upcoming Ironheart, like the character of Zelma Stanton, might have a role in this Disney+ series. They might set up elements for this show in that very series given how much it dives into the world of the supernatural and could even connect with the confirmed Agatha: Coven of Chaos series further exploring a different part o the supernatural.

    Strange Academy was the Harry Potter of the Marvel Comics world, where new magic users would learn about the various gifts they were given. It would make for a great jumping-off point to introduce other minor magic users into the MCU and further explore the concept of Kamar-Taj beyond the little glimpses we get in the Doctor Strange films. Of course, it’ll remain a rumor until further confirmation.

    Source: Reddit via The Direct

  • RUMOR: Marvel Studios Might Be Fast-Tracking ‘Doctor Strange 3’

    RUMOR: Marvel Studios Might Be Fast-Tracking ‘Doctor Strange 3’

    It looks like the rumor mill is ablaze today, as one story after another has been hitting the web on what exactly the future looks like for Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe. We’ve had to cast rumors for Fantastic Four, hints at various Disney+ shows, and many more, but it seems we have one more story making the rounds. Now, a new rumor from multiple sources has surfaced that Marvel Studios might be fast-tracking a third Doctor Strange film.

    @GGeneralHolt8 better known as Greatphase has seemingly shared online what might be a major shift in the future plans of the MCU. Among them is that Marvel Studios hopes to release a new Doctor Strange film ahead of their next major Avengers film, The Kang Dynasty.

    While it seems that rumors also picked up on Scott Derrickson, who directed the first entry, potentially returning for the third entry after leaving Multiverse of Madness over creative differences, there seems to be some uncertainty surrounding that detail. @BigScreenLeaks adds to hearing something similar about the third Strange film but not so sure about the Derrickson part.

    For now, this remains another rumor but one that does make quite a bit of sense. The post-credit sequence and a major part of the film explore the multiverse, a major aspect of the upcoming Avengers film. Not only that, but we also meet someone who seemingly has knowledge about Incursions, which are very likely a big part of how the movies will tie the various multiverses together.

    The only question is who they might get to bring this film to life and if Derrickson would return. While they didn’t come to a consensus on the second entry, he was still on board as an executive producer and fully supported Sam Raimi as the film’s new director. Not just that, but he has also openly stated he’s interested in working with Marvel again. So, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.

    Source: Twitter via The Direct, Twitter

  • Peacock’s ‘Pitch Perfect’ Spinoff Series Gets Season 2 Renewal

    Peacock’s ‘Pitch Perfect’ Spinoff Series Gets Season 2 Renewal

    It hasn’t been easy on streaming services, as quite a few shows are facing some harsh developments or even outright cancelations just as production is about to finish. HBO Max started the trend and AMC+ has somehow jumped on the bandwagon leaving the streaming market in disarray. While we wonder what exactly the future looks like for the market, Peacock is happily renewing its new Adam Devine-led spinoff series from Pitch Perfect.

    Levine reprises his role as Bumper Allen in a tour-de-force through Germany to revive his music career in Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin. It seems the series pulled in quite an audience after its November premier last year, as highlighted by NBCUniversal Television’s Susan Rovner.

    We knew fans of the Pitch Perfect franchise were going to sing the praises of Bumper in Berlin and enjoy seeing a new side of Adam Devine’s character. Along with our partners at UTV, [showrunner] Megan Amram and [executive producers] Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman crafted an incredibly unique and charming story with new takes on iconic songs. We can’t wait to dive further into this new hit with Peacock audiences.

    Susan Rovner

    Pitch Perfect was a standout franchise that managed to get two sequels running from 2012 until 2017. There’s no word if there’s interest to develop a new sequel but the trilogy lives on through this spinoff focusing on Bumper. With more seasons, it does open up the possibility to have some original cast members return to the franchise in smaller roles and who knows if a new season also means Bumper gets to explore other places.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • RUMOR: Adam Driver May Be Marvel Studios’ Top Choice for Stretchy ‘Fantastic Four’ Lead

    RUMOR: Adam Driver May Be Marvel Studios’ Top Choice for Stretchy ‘Fantastic Four’ Lead

    There have been a lot of discussions on who exactly might take on one of the leading roles of Marvel Studios’ take on the Fantastic Four. The film has long been in development and even lost its initial director, Jon Watts before the almost Star Trek director Matt Shakman took over the production. Casting rumors have been one of the most popular discussions online, especially while building up toward San Diego Comic-Con and D23.

    Now, the rumors have once again surfaced teasing who exactly might be taking on the role of Mr. Fantastic. According to some new rumors alongside a hint by The Direct, they believe that the former Kylo Ren, Adam Driver, might be the top choice for the role of Reed Richards in the MCU’s Fantastic Four. For now, we’ll have to take it with a grain of salt, but he’d make a rather curious choice in the role.

    Driver is certainly a strong actor, which he proved with his work in projects like Marriage Story and BlaKkKlansman. He’s come a long way since his time in the Star Wars franchise as the moody Kylo Ren. Of course, we’ve seen top choices by Marvel Studios pass on the role and who knows if Driver is even interested in investing a lot of time into a new franchise once again. For now, it’s definitely a curious direction to take Reeds, and given his acting ability, perhaps we’ll see a lot more versions of Driver from across the Multiverse.

    Source: The Direct

  • Netflix No Longer Moving Forward With ‘Inside Job’ Season 2

    Netflix No Longer Moving Forward With ‘Inside Job’ Season 2

    We just recently discussed Netflix’s current habit of canceling shows left and right without any warning. Yet, after a motivating renewal for Wednesday, they once again pull the rug under our feet. After renewing Inside Job for a second season, it seems that they suddenly decide to not move forward with the series openly mocking the concept of conspiracy theories, the Illuminati, and more.

    The news hit the internet early in the day before creator Shion Takeuchi went on to confirm that we will no longer follow the story of Reagan and Brett into her accomplishing her goals. This is quite the bitter renewal, not only for the plot twist that was dropped but especially for all the animators involved with the project expecting to start working on the next season. Still, Takeuchi shared a heartfelt message thanking everyone for sticking around with the series so far.

    For those wondering how come we’re talking about a second season if they just released an additional batch of episodes? Well, Netflix tends to release a season in multiple parts, especially as the animation takes quite a lot of time before it is finished. As such, they tend to spread out the releases of a season. Sadly, the reason the series was canceled remains a mystery and it seems we’ll not have another round with our favorite incompetent shadow government. Now, all we have left is the real one watching our every move.

    Source: Twitter

  • Jemma Redgrave and Aneurin Barnard Join BBC’s ‘Doctor Who’

    Jemma Redgrave and Aneurin Barnard Join BBC’s ‘Doctor Who’

    The return of Doctor Who has its cast expanding for the upcoming 14th series. Jemma Redgrave and Aneurin Barnard will be joining Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson for the show’s return to BBC and historic debut on Disney+. Redgrave will be returning to her role of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, daughter of classic companion the Brigadier. Her character has been a stalwart of the modern era of Doctor Who, having interacted with the 11th, 12th, and 13th Doctors on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, Barnard has been cast in the role of Roger ap Gwilliam. Not much is known about his role at this time. The actor has previously worked in projects such as Dunkirk and The Goldfinch.

    Doctor Who is currently in the process of a soft relaunch that will begin at the end of 2023. This will begin with three specials commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the historic series. They will see David Tennant returning to his iconic role of The Doctor as the 14th incarnation. This comes after the surprising regeneration during Jodie Whittaker’s final episode as the 13th Doctor last year.

    Tennant will be reunited with fan-favorite companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate. By the end of the three specials, Ncuti Gatwa will be formally introduced as the 15th Doctor in a Christmas Special episode. Following this, Doctor Who will return as a serialized show with eight episodes for the 14th series (which is currently in production). 

    All of these upcoming specials and episodes are under the supervision of new showrunner Russell T. Davies. He is returning to Doctor Who, after orchestrating the show’s return in 2005 and showrunning the eras of the 9th and 10th Doctor. Overall, it’s a move that makes sense based on reuniting with Tennant and Tate for the 60th Anniversary, and for leading the hopeful relaunch of Doctor Who into the mainstream of the United States. BBC has struck a deal for Disney+ to become the new international distributor (outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland) for the series beginning with the three 2023 specials.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Koala Man’ Writers Working on Unannounced Project With Lucasfilm

    ‘Koala Man’ Writers Working on Unannounced Project With Lucasfilm

    It’s always the stories that are hidden within stories that get our attention. In a new piece by Deadline, they reveal that writers of 20th Television Animation’s adult comedy series Koala Man have signed a multi-year contract with Disney’s subsidiary and ABC Signature. Dan Herandez and Benji Samit are rising stars with their work on Kaola Man seemingly getting Disney interested in keeping them long-term. Yet, there’s one more detail snuck away in the reveal.

    In the same article, they seemingly hint that the duo of Herandez and Samit are working on two unannounced projects. One is for Walt Disney Pictures without any further details about what it might be but the other raises an eyebrow. It seems they are also involved with Lucasfilm on a project, but no detail if this is a film or even a TV series.

    EVP of 20th Television Animation’s Marci Proietto and ABC Signature’s Jonnie Davis had only praise for the duo and their work in a statement to the new contract.

    Dan and Benji are wildly talented writers with a truly unique sensibility and a hilarious voice.  We have been obsessed with their work for years and are very excited to continue our relationship in animation with them, and are thrilled to expand their development into live-action within our studio,” said Marci Proietto, EVP of 20th Television Animation and Jonnie Davis, President of ABC Signature.  “We also can’t wait for viewers to dive into Koala Man, which is our first series with this incredible duo, launching on Hulu today.

    It’s definitely an exciting move and showcases their excitement for working with the duo more. Whatever project they may be working on with Lucasfilm also teases a promising variety of projects that they’ll get to work on. Here’s hoping we might get to find out in the near future.

    Source: Deadline