Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘Black Panther 3’ No Sure Thing for Director Ryan Coogler

    ‘Black Panther 3’ No Sure Thing for Director Ryan Coogler

    Early word on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever would seem to indicate that director Ryan Coogler followed up 2018’s Black Panther, which stands as Marvel Studios greatest critical success, with another well-received blockbuster. To follow up the beloved first film with another hit after losing star Chadwick Boseman to cancer would be no small feat. According to Coogler, who had to start from scratch after the death of his friend, the process has been difficult.

    In an interview with Variety, Coogler spoke about the process of making Wakanda Forever and what the future holds.

    This movie got everything I have. I’m at that place where I think I’ve got this press tour in me and then I’ve got to sit down and reflect. Probably cry a lot, because I’ve been holding that back. And then from there, figure out whatever’s next.

    Ryan Coogler

    A third Black Panther film might seem like sure thing, especially given the nature of the plot of Wakanda Forever, but at the moment, Coogler isn’t sure if he’s ready to take it on, “I have no idea what I’m doing next as a writer and director.” Though finishing the trilogy without Coogler doesn’t seem possible, Marvel Studios One-Above-All Kevin Feige admits that it has to remain a possibility. “I go back to what I said when we decided to make ‘Wakanda Forever’ after losing Chad,” said the head honcho of Marvel Studios. “This mythology and this ensemble and these characters deserve to continue and will continue after all of us are gone, I hope, and will continue forever in movies the way it has in comics for 50-plus years.“

    However, with so much time and effort invested into building the World of Wakanda for the MCU, it’s impossible to imagine that Coogler doesn’t something in mind for a third film. Feige confirmed that he and Coogler have has some “ideas pitched back and forth” and that conversations have taken place about the director returning to helm a third film. As Feige says, though he’s open to continuing without Coogler, it “wouldn’t be the preference.“

    With so much of Marvel Studios slate over the next 3+ years already determined, the good news is that there’s no rush for Coogler to make the call.

    Source: Variety

  • Ryan Coogler Has Had No Conversations about Directing ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    Ryan Coogler Has Had No Conversations about Directing ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    As Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is about to make its worldwide release, the hype and positive word of mouth about the film has fans wondering if Ryan Coogler might find himself moving into the director’s chair of what is sure to be one of Marvel Studios biggest projects. Coogler has found himself on just about everyone’s list as a potential director for Avengers: Secret Wars, which is set to end the Multiverse Saga when it hits theaters in 2026. However great of a fit Coogler might be for the project, it sounds like it might just end up in the hands of someone else.

    In an interview with Variety, Coogler called the speculation of him landing the director’s gig “crazy.” Kevin Feige backed Coogler’s declaration:

    Well, I would want Ryan to do anything at any time because he’s a singular talent and a great person to spend years with. But no, in all honesty, there’ve been no conversations. We’ve not spoken to him about Secret Wars.

    Kevin Feige

    If Coogler isn’t on the job, Marvel Studios still has other in-house candidates to consider, not to mention the likelihood that a fairly large number of directors who have not worked with them might throw their hats into the ring.

    Source: Variety

  • Marvel Studios Confirms Multiple D+ Projects from the World of Wakanda in Development

    Marvel Studios Confirms Multiple D+ Projects from the World of Wakanda in Development

    Marvel Studios Executive Producer Nate Moore has set the record straight on the number of potential Wakanda-based spinoff projects in development. In an interview with Variety, Moore, who is also a member of Marvel Studios Parliament, described the World of Wakanda as “expansive” and full of “great characters” adding that “beyond what happens with this film, there are more opportunities to go back to Wakanda.”

    The D+ streaming series Ironheart will be the first project to spin out of the Black Panther franchise but as Moore put it, “there are no shortage of ideas” about other projects. According to Moore, some of the series in mind would involve existing characters, such as the Okoye-centric project that’s been in development for some time, while others would focus on characters “that would be completely new.” With the introduction of Namor and Talokan in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the potential could exist for Coogler’s Proximity Media to develop projects based around those characters as well.

    The idea of multiple projects set within and adjacent to the World of Wakanda comes at a time when Disney Plus offers multiple options to expand on the characters and stories that make up the shared tapestry of the MCU. Nearly three years ago, WandaVision began an new age of streaming series for Marvel Studios and while 6-10 episode series seemed to be a key piece of the D+ puzzle, Werewolf By Night, the studio’s first Special Presentation, opened another gateway for new projects. Given the rich comic book history and number of characters associated with Wakanda, it wouldn’t be surprising to see all avenues explored in the future.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in theaters on November 11th.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘It’ Prequel Series at HBO Max Sets Showrunners

    ‘It’ Prequel Series at HBO Max Sets Showrunners

    Earlier this year, it was announced that HBO Max was developing a prequel to IT. The series, which is titled Welcome to Derry, had set Wonder Woman writer and It: Chapter Two producer Jason Fuchs as the head writer of the series. Now, Variety has announced that Fuchs, along with Brad Caleb Kane, will serve as co-showrunners on the series.

    Fuchs reportedly wrote the screenplay for the first episode of the series, based on a story he wrote along with Andy and Barbara Muschietti. Andy Muschietti, of course, directed both IT films starring Bill Skarsgård as the dancing clown, Pennywise. While not set in stone, the hope is that Muschietti will direct the pilot episode of the series. Fuchs, Kane and the Muschiettis will produce the series, with the Muschiettis producing through their Double Dream banner.

    Fuchs is perhaps best known for his work on Wonder Woman, Pan and Ice Age: Continental Drift. While Kane has written for episodes of shows such as Warrior, Black Sails and Fringe.

    As it stands, details regarding the series are being kept under wraps, but it’s said that Welcome to Derry will be a prequel to 2017’s It: Chapter One. No release date, or casting, has been announced.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Director Teases More M’Baku in ‘Black Panther’ Sequel

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Director Teases More M’Baku in ‘Black Panther’ Sequel

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is more of an ensemble film than the first was, especially with the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. As the film centers on paying tribute to the man’s legacy in many ways, the film takes a different approach and will see the impact on the various characters that we’ve met in the first Black Panther film, while also introducing the world to Talokan, the MCU’s interpretation of Atlantis.

    Still, a lot of the promotional material only teased what we can expect from the story and how the various characters work through their own grief. In the official press conference for Wakanda Forever, director Ryan Coogler highlighted that Winston Duke‘s iconic M’Baku will likely have twice as much screentime as he did in the first film.

    You know, and I will say that, you know, Winston’s not here, but M’Baku was in this movie more than he was in the first Black Panther. I think probably, like, a two-to-one ratio. You know, he probably has twice as many scenes as he had in the first one. And so he’s there, you know.

    Ryan Coogler

    M’Baku was a standout in the first film and even made a return in the Avengers film with Duke reprising the role. While he wasn’t close to T’Challa, he did have an important arc with him in the first film, which did open up the possibility to further explore his arc in this film. We saw in the crossover films that they’ve developed a close bond, especially showcasing how far they’ve grown since the power struggle for the throne in the first Black Panther film. So, it’ll be interesting to explore that dynamic that we may have not gotten a chance to see on the silver screen.

  • New Rumor Supports Joe Locke’s Casting as Wiccan in ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    New Rumor Supports Joe Locke’s Casting as Wiccan in ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’

    Marvel Studios WandaVision spinoff, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, is preparing for the early 2023 start of principal photography and the cast is seemingly growing by the day. One of the major additions to the Kathryn Hahn-led streamer was Heartstopper actor Joe Locke, who was cast as an unnamed gay, lead character for the 9-episode series. Locke’s casting came shortly after a report indicated that Agatha: Coven of Chaos looked to be set to introduce Billy Kaplan to the MCU, but a prevailing alternate theory as the actor playing Agatha’s son, Nicholas Scratch. Now, a new rumor seems to add fuel to the Wiccan fire.

    According to one YouTube channel, Locke’s role in the upcoming series is indeed that of Billy Kaplan/Wiccan. Of course, given everything that is known about the character(and the fact that Locke is a near-perfect match for the character’s physical appearance in the comics), Wiccan is the most obvious choice. Though Hahn’s character is the lead in Agatha: Coven of Chaos, the title would lead one to believe that the series will be dealing with the fallout of Wanda Maximoff’s time as the Scarlet Witch and her use of Chaos Magic. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may also have given some hints as to the pending arrival of Wiccan as a representation of him was seen etched into the walls of Mount Wundagore.

    In the comics, Billy Kaplan is the son of a Jewish couple living in New York who is ultimately revealed to be the “reborn soul” of Billy Maximoff. Kaplan, who becomes a founding member of the Young Avengers. Destined to become the all-powerful Demiurge, Billy often found himself the target of schemes by other magic-wielders, including Loki, who sought his power for themselves. Given Agatha has lived by siphoning the power from others for so long, it would stand to reason that if she were somehow able to break free from Wanda’s spell, perhaps with the assistance of a group of other witches, she might take a keen interest in someone like Billy Kaplan.

    Marvel Studios has had no official comment on Locke’s role. Hahn and Locke have recently been joined in the series by Aubrey Plaza, Ali Ahn and Maria Dizzia, whose role as a witch in the series has been misreported. Principal photography is expected to kick off in January and wrap in May and the series is currently on the schedule for a late-2023/early-2024 release on Disney Plus.

    Source: YouTube

  • ‘The Imperfects’ and ‘Partner Track’ Canceled by Netflix

    ‘The Imperfects’ and ‘Partner Track’ Canceled by Netflix

    Well, it seems that the two latest series have gotten the axe from Netflix, as Partner Track and The Imperfects won’t be returning for second seasons. They remained in the Top 10 for around three weeks but have not really pulled in a massive audience worldwide with Partner Track only debuting at #4 and The Imperfects at #3. Without any clear growth in the following weeks, the streaming service wasn’t going to bring back the franchises for more entries.

    The big surprise is Partner Track, as it ended on a big cliffhanger that there were expectations for the show to perform and it was produced with a more modest budget; which Netflix keeps a close eye on to ensure their return on investment. Arden Cho had the leading role in the series but will remain with Netflix to work on other projects alongside series creator Georgia Lee. She’ll return in the upcoming live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series, which has high expectations set by Netflix to become one of their next big series.

    The Imperfects explored a trio of unlikely powered individuals as they try to find a way to heal their monstrous new abilities. The series starred Rhianna Jagpal, Morgan Taylor Campbell, and rising star Iñaki Godoy in the lead roles. The latter is also set to return for the upcoming live-action One Piece series, which also has high hopes to become a mainstay on the platform given the success of the original manga series.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Pulls in $45M in Advance Ticket Sales

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Pulls in $45M in Advance Ticket Sales

    All eyes are on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s release later this week, as it’s the final entry of Marvel Studios’ ambitious Phase 4 and rounds out the year for the studio. The studio has faced a bit of a sophomore slump but still remains a constant when it comes to its box office success. Many have wondered if Wakanda Forever would buckle under the weight of the previous entries and the loss of its main star Chadwick Boseman, but it’s currently performing very well.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the latest Black Panther film has already pulled in $45M in advance sales just in the United States with quite a few days still to go. It’ll release worldwide on Wednesday with no releases in China or Russia planned currently. At the moment the film is likely to make at least $175M with some hoping to be closer to $200M depending on word-of-mouth from the film. Even Disney CEO Bob Chapek highlighted the pre-sales in the latest earning call.

    Ryan Coogler has delivered another culture-defining film … evidenced by advance ticket sales.

    Bob Chapek

    The film has sold more than Thor: Love and Thunder but is behind Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, which was perceived as an event film and was quite frontloaded. It may reach $60M+ by Friday which would put it past the first Black Panther which ended up earning $202M in its opening back in 2018. It went on to pull in $1.34M and it’ll be interesting to see how Wakanda Forever manages to perform in comparison once it releases in a few days.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • Disney+ Adds 12.1M Subscribers, ‘Ms. Marvel’ Highlighted as a Contributor

    Disney+ Adds 12.1M Subscribers, ‘Ms. Marvel’ Highlighted as a Contributor

    It’s very clear for a while that streaming is a high-investment game and those costs only continue to grow over time. Netflix still has showcased that this model doesn’t always promise instant wins as expectations on all sides continue to grow to hope to be the one that draws in the biggest crowd. In Disney’s latest earnings call, it was highlighted that Disney’s streaming losses have continued to grow to $1.47 billion even as it added an impressive 12.1M subscribers in the last quarter.

    Overall, Disney is doing well in the streaming market by hitting 235M subscribers overall, as Hulu added one million and ESPN+ another 1.5M. Ms. Marvel, interestingly enough, was highlighted as one of the shows that gave Disney+’s growth a boost, which is interesting considering it had a lower viewing count when compared to others in the franchise. It once again may highlight the importance of Disney diversifying its portfolio to draw in viewers, especially a younger generation.

    The biggest concern lies in how Disney has doubled its year-over-year investment, which will have investors and shareholders uncertain about the potential of this market. CEO Bob Chapek hinted that these costs have now peaked and profitability would start in 2023.

    The rapid growth of Disney+ in just three years since launch is a direct result of our strategic decision to invest heavily in creating incredible content and rolling out the service internationally, and we expect our DTC operating losses to narrow going forward and that Disney+ will still achieve profitability in fiscal 2024, assuming we do not see a meaningful shift in the economic climate. By realigning our costs and realizing the benefits of price increases and our Disney+ ad-supported tier coming December 8, we believe we will be on the path to achieve a profitable streaming business that will drive continued growth and generate shareholder value long into the future.

    Bob Chapek

    There’s a lot of hope in the new ad-tier version of these Disney bundles to make that profitability possible especially as they also have a price increase planned. If they manage to accomplish this task, the world may take another look at the streaming market’s longevity. The Wrap considers it a signal of “streaming fatigue” but that’s difficult to truly say at this point even with minor signs potentially steering it in that direction. At this point, the first promise of profitability is crucial for Disney to prove their investment was truly worth it. Overall Disney has a revenue of $20.1 billion in its quarter with an operating income of $1.6M.

    Source: THR, Twitter, The Wrap

  • ‘Gotham’ Knights Adds Lauren Stamile and Damon Dayoub in Recurring Roles

    ‘Gotham’ Knights Adds Lauren Stamile and Damon Dayoub in Recurring Roles

    There was a time when people thought the CW wasn’t moving forward with Gotham Knights, the story of Bruce Wayne’s adoptive son uniting with the children of Gotham’s iconic villains to take on a new threat after the death of his father. The series is seemingly staying far away from most comic influences and paving its own adaptation but will still include elements from the original.

    While most CW series are getting axed currently, it does seem like they are quite busy working on the series by Batwoman trio Natalie Abrams, Chad Fiveash, and James Stoteraux. The series has now added two recurring roles with Lauren Stamile and Damon Dayoub joining the DC project. They will play the parents of Brody March, Lincoln, and Rebecca March. The series showrunners had the following to say about the casting:

    We are absolutely thrilled to add Lauren and Damon to our already stellar cast. It’s very fitting for their characters in particular to join our world of Gotham. And while fans of the comics may recognize Lincoln’s name, they should expect some twists in the stories to come.

    Lincoln is teased as a “self-made industrialist with designs on becoming Gotham’s next mayor” who has a bit of an obsession with gaining more power. Stamile will be taking on the role of a wife that is trapped in an unhappy marriage but tries to keep up the facade. No further details are given on what to expect from their characters and generally where the series’ overarching narrative might be heading but it’s currently set for a midseason release.

    Source: Deadline