Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • Leaked ‘The Acolyte’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Lee Jung-jae

    Leaked ‘The Acolyte’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Lee Jung-jae

    It looks like The Acolyte is already busy filming and it seems like the first set photos for the Star Wars series has already found its way online. The first batch of set photos have seemingly revealed our first look at Lee Jung-jae on the set, who is seemingly playing a Jedi going by his outfit. There were recent hints that the story is focused on a Sith, which means they could be the Jedi that are in the way or even the reason they turned to the dark side of the Force.

    The Acolyte might become one of Star Wars’s most exciting new series, as its the first project completely detached from the many legacy-oriented projects we’ve had so far. The Mandalorian started off as its own storyline until it started connecting with Star Wars Rebels and even featuring Mark Hamill‘s return as a de-aged Luke Skywalker. So, who knows if there might be ome bigger connections that haven’t been revealed quite yet.

    There is also Skeleton Crew, which may be hinting at the future direction for the studio as it slowly tries to unshackle from what came before. We still might have those shows that start to connect the mythos of this galaxy but Lucasfilm might be trying to explore projects they otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to do so. Even Andor, which is a prequel to Rogue One, mostly works as its own project but still has some connective tissue to the larger universe we’ve come to love over the years.

    Source: Daily Mail via Twitter

  • New ‘Wakanda Forever’ Concept Art Reveals Alternative Namor Designs

    New ‘Wakanda Forever’ Concept Art Reveals Alternative Namor Designs

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has made a big splash in theaters with the introduction of Talocan and its ruler, Namor. While the film was mainly exploring grief, it also explored the parallels between Wakanda and Talcon. It created a very grounded and emotional story with a complex antagonist that has the potential to do good and also more bad.

    Tenoch Huerta famously takes on the role in the film with a surprisingly comic accurate design. While they add many elements that reflect the characters Mayan roots, we still got his feet wings and the iconic green shorts. Yet, it seems they have played around with some alternative designs as revealed by concept artist Wesley Burt.

    You can already see the cultural inspirations in these early designs, and it seems like director Ryan Coogler knew exactly how he wanted to tackle the character of Namor. The fifth design actually showcases one that seems quite close to an armor he wore in the comics. So, they definitely also used his various runs as an inspiration but they ended up going with his more classic design.

    Namor feels like a major character that we can definitely expect to see sooner rather than later, but sadly there’s still no news on a potential spinoff. Recent reports did hint that they can’t actually produce a film due to the film rights still being with Universal; an issue he shares with Hulk. So, perhaps there’s a different project that might see Huerta return to the iconic role once again with perhaps a new design inspired by these earlier concepts.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘The Witcher’ Showrunner Denies Accusations by Former Writer

    ‘The Witcher’ Showrunner Denies Accusations by Former Writer

    Netflix’s The Witcher has been facing a rough patch as of late. While Blood Origins spinoff is just on the horizon, there still has been some questionable reveals from behind-the-scenes. First Moon Knight and former The Witcher writer Beau DeMayo reveals that the series’ writers room would openly mock the source material and Henry Cavill suddenly left the project, whose departure hinted at the project moving further and further away from its source material. Yet, now the showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich has seemingly debunked any of these accusations.

    I think if you watch…any interview I’ve ever done…including those with [Andrzej Sapkowski]…you’ll see that I am quite a fan of the books [and the games]. Do you believe…that when one person states something as fact, that it’s therefore fact? This particular thing is not a fact. I love the books. I’m shit at the games, but that’s me, not them. I’ve never mocked the books…The books are my entire livelihood, I have a great relationship with Mr. Sapkowski, and writers rooms are sacred and safe and — more than anything — supportive spaces. Don’t believe everything you read.

    Lauren S. Hissrich

    She also goes on to state that she respects former writer DeMayo and praises his work on the series, but it likely will only further push the divide. The big question remains if The Witcher can sustain its viewership without its main lead and if the upcoming spinoff doesn’t showcase the franchise potential to Netflix, who knows if the series might wrap up with Liam Hemsworth‘s run as Gerald of Rivia.

  • DC Studios’ James Gunn Semi-Confirms Recent Reports on ‘Black Adam’, Henry Cavill, and More

    DC Studios’ James Gunn Semi-Confirms Recent Reports on ‘Black Adam’, Henry Cavill, and More

    James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as the new heads of a newly formed DC Studios. The question remained on what it might mean for the future of the franchise and generally for those projects that are still currently in some form of development. A recent report by The Hollywood Reporter has openly discussed that perhaps some things aren’t moving forward as first expected.

    Report indicated that not only did they pass on Patty Jenkins‘ third Wonder Woman film, but also won’t move forward with a Black Adam sequel; even as Dwayne Johnson desperately crunches the numbers to prove its a success. The biggest shock was also the fact that Henry Cavill may have returned briefly as Superman but is unlikely to do so once again. As Gunn is no stranger to openly discussing rumors and reports, he has taken to his Twitter to semi-confirm some aspects and debunk others.

    He also goes on to highlight that they are aware not everyone will be happy with their decisions, but that the transitional period is quite a rough one for any creative taking over an existing slate while mapping out its next ten years.

    DC is no stranger to some rather passionate fans about very specific franchise entries, and it likely won’t be an easy transition internally as well as externally. The big qeustion is that this move also puts a dark shadow over the upcoming projects and may add to the fact that The Flash may end up becoming a hard reset for the franchise after all.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Wicked’ Adaptation Adds Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

    ‘Wicked’ Adaptation Adds Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

    It seems like the casting for Wicked has continued, as The Hollywood Reporter has just revealed one more addition to the cast. The adaptation by Universal Pictures has now locked in MIchelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, who is the head of Elphaba’s school. Cynthia Erivo is set to take on the role of Elphaba with Arana Grande already ast as Glinda. Jeff Goldblum is also part of the cast as thee Wizard while Jonathan Bailey has been cast as Fiyero. The cast also includes SpongeBob Squarepants: The Musical’s Ethan Slater as Boq in the John M. Chu directed film.

    The film will be split up into two projects that are set to be shot back-to-back in January. So, we might see a few more casting announcements before Christmas rolls around. The first entry is already set for a release on December 25th, 2024. The sequel would be set for the Christmas of 2025. So, we’ll still have to wait quite a bit before we get a first look or even a tease of how they’ll adapt the iconic musical reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz.

    Yeoh has been on a hot streak with quite a few franchise projects, and even her big role in this year’s biggest Awards contender, Everything Everywhere All At Once. She’s a legend in the industry and has picked up quite a bit of steam once again with her recent projects. She’s also set to arrive in Netflix’s upcoming The Witcher spinoff Blood Origin and who knows what other project she might already have planned.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Is Set to Surprise Fans of the First Film

    ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Is Set to Surprise Fans of the First Film

    It took 13 years for James Cameron to bring the sequel to 2009’s Avatar to the screen and early reactions to the film seem to point to it being both a technological marvel and a film worthy of the blockbuster status it’s preemptively been assigned. However, if you think Cameron was going to wait 13 years to simply dish out more of the same from the first film, you’re in for some surprises.

    During the global press event for Avatar: The Way of Water, Cameron explained that while the sequel will touch on the components that made the first film the #1 highest-grossing film of all-time, audiences are also in for some surprises.

    I think it’s important for a sequel to honor what the audience loved about the experience the first time. But also to, you know, get them off-balance, you know, do things that they don’t expect. There are a lot of surprises in terms of where the story goes in this film, that we’re not putting into the trailers and the TV spots and all that. You kind of have to experience it.

    James Cameron

    Cameron continued on to explain that while there are some surprises as the plot unfolds, one of the key differences between the sequel and its predecessor comes from the emotional family dynamic at the heart of the film.

    But it also goes a lot deeper, in terms of the heart and the emotions, I mean, wouldn’t you guys say? I mean, we were (Sure), it was a much simpler story, and the characters were simpler the first time. And I was inspired by the fact that both Zoe and Sam were- Sam are parents, and I’m a parent of five, and so we wanted to get into the family dynamics, and the responsibilities of having kids. And also what that’s all like from the kid’s perspective right?

    James Cameron

    At 190 minutes, Avatar: The Way of Water has plenty of time to sneak in some surprises and to allow for an emotional connection to be established with the audience. Cameron is no stranger to making successful sequels. Given his passion for the project and the worlds and characters he’s built within it, it seems safe to say the film will be a big hit over this holiday season.

    Avatar: The Way of Water hits theaters on December 16th.

  • Sony Inks Streaming Deal With Crave for ‘Spider-Man’, ‘The Equalizer’, and More

    Sony Inks Streaming Deal With Crave for ‘Spider-Man’, ‘The Equalizer’, and More

    While Sony’s handling of the Spider-Man IP has been quite questionable, they have their own strengths when contrasted with the streaming craze. Most big studios have been busy trying to build up their own competitor to establish themselves in the market. It’s not too surprising that Netflix would eventually have more competitors to contend with but there’s been anothger strategy that has become quite popular for some. Sony is leading the way by mostly handling its projects to other studios and has now seemingly added a new deal to its belt.

    In a report by Deadline, Canadian streamer Crave has inked a long-term deal with Sony Pictures that they’d get the first window rights to their upcoming blockbuster films after their theatrical and home entertainment runs. As such, it would be the exclusive streaming home for upcoming releases like Insidious, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Madame Web, and more.

    This deal also includes older projects and is committed to spotlighting the content with “elevated promotional campaigns, including in-product merchandising and experiential marketing initiatives.” It’s a big move for Crave to position themselves in the streaming market but does add more confusion on how exactly these deals affect the releases. Sony has also made deals with Netflix for first look and Disney+, which only recently got access to some of its missing Spider-Man films that were co-produced with Marvel Studios alongside their legacy collection. For now, we can only guess and have to keep an eye out how this might delay releases on other streaming platforms.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Season 2 Cast Continues to Grow

    ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Season 2 Cast Continues to Grow

    The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has seemingly been pushing them forward. Work has already started on the second season in the United Kingdom, as the franchise sadly is moving away from New Zealand. J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay continue their work on the series exploring the Second Age of Middle-Earth and have seemingly added eight more to its cast for the next season.

    Deadline reports that The Rings of Power has added Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Stuart Bowman, Gavi Singh Chera, Kevin Eldon, William Chubb, Calam Lynch, Selina Lo, and Will Keen to its cast. They join the previously announced actors Sam Hazeldine, Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour, Ben daniels, Nia Towle, Nicholas Woodeson, Amelia Kenworthy, and Sam Hazeldine.

    So far the only confirmed role is Hazeldine is taking over the role of Adar, the leader of the orcs in the second season. They also teased that one of the elfs that carries Celebrimbor’s three rings will be introduced in Season 2. As such, one of the newly announced actors is expected and we should also meet other ring-bearers in the next season. So, the time is right to guess which new addition could be taking on what role moving forward.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘The Midnight Club’ Creators to Adapt Stephen King’s The Dark Tower for Amazon

    ‘The Midnight Club’ Creators to Adapt Stephen King’s The Dark Tower for Amazon

    That deal with Intrepid Pictures has already come to fruition as it seems that Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy, long-time Netflix producers, have already set their sight on a massive IP for Amazon Studios. According to a new report by Deadline, they are set to adapt Stephen King‘s iconic The Dark Tower book series. They already have set out their adaptation with five seasons that’ll then be followed by two stand-alone feature films. They also got their hands on the series before the Amazon deal, as revealed in an interview with Deadline.

    You’re the first person we’re saying it to, but yes. Predating our deal with Amazon, we acquired the rights to The Dark Tower, which if you know anything about me, you know it has been my Holy Grail of a project for most of my life. We actually have those rights carved out of our Amazon deal, which doesn’t mean that they can’t or won’t get behind it at some point — you don’t know. But that’s something we’ve been developing ourselves and are really passionate about finally getting it up on its feet at some point.

    Mike Falagan

    Intrepid is mostly known for its work on horror projects, but this mammoth series has its many influences throughout its long run. It seems that Flanagan has already written the pilot and outlined The Dark Tower‘s development, which has been a dream project of his for quite some time. They aren’t strangers to King’s novels either after developing Gerald’s Game and the Shining sequel Doctor Sleep in the past, which Flanagan was heavily involved with.

    Source: Deadline

  • REPORT: Marvel’s ‘Avengers’ Game Will Lose Support After 2023

    REPORT: Marvel’s ‘Avengers’ Game Will Lose Support After 2023

    It appears Marvel’s Avengers video game experiment is coming to an end. Developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Square Enix, Marvel’s Avengers was an ambitious attempt at launching Marvel’s biggest superhero brand in the digital marketplace. The game was first teased on YouTube in 2017, with several brief images of damaged Marvel iconography effectively tantalizing fans for years before an official reveal at E3 2019 finally detailed the plot. Set in a world where a tragic event disbanded the Avengers and put A.I.M. in power, the story follows Kamala Khan as she discovers her Inhuman powers and sets out to regroup Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Expansions have dropped consistently in the years since the game released in 2020, but according to a new report from industry insider Miller Ross, that will no longer be the case after 2023.

    On behalf of eXputer, Ross has claimed that Marvel’s Avengers will “sunset” in the new year, with support for the game and new content slowly ceasing to exist as 2023 goes on. There are reportedly no plans for any further additions or DLC expansions in 2024. Servers would supposedly stay active after support ends, allowing players to continue accessing the massive multiplayer mode designed for the project and enjoying some play time for a long while to come. There are still several rumored characters that have yet to be added to the game, which could make for some entertaining final content in the next 365 days. Of course, none of this is officially confirmed by the developers, so take the information with a grain of salt. That being said, the original plan for the game was apparently a “3-5 year” lifespan, and a quiet death in 2023 would match this concept pretty well.

    Source: Comic Book