Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • EXCLUSIVE: Blumhouse Looks to be Rebooting ‘Brain Waves’

    EXCLUSIVE: Blumhouse Looks to be Rebooting ‘Brain Waves’

    It looks like Blumhouse is looking to reboot yet another title. We here a Murphy’s Multiverse can report that Blumhouse is currently casting for a feature film titled Brain Waves, which seems to be a reboot of the classic film of the same name.

    Brain Waves was a movie that was released in 1982. It hailed from director Ulli Lommel, who helmed the feature based on a script by Lommel with additional dialogue added by Henry R. Alexander and Suzanna Love. The film focused on Kaylie, who is forced into a coma for months following a car accident. In hopes of waking her from the coma, the doctors try a new procedure that is meant to stimulate her brain with neural patterns of a woman who just died. Although the procedure is successful, Kaylie finds herself living the life of the other woman in her dreams, learning that she’s been murdered. With her husband’s help, the duo seeks to discover the truth about the mystery woman.

    The film is currently in the casting process and is looking to fill the roles of Zarina, mother of the bride, Father Max, Deanna, Eric, Doctor Fallon, Todd Carlon, Detective Cohen, and Jeff West. Other roles being cast are a facility rep, a doctor, a farmer’s son, and a newscaster. Zarina is described as an actress between the ages of 30-38 who has undeniable charm with motherly energy; the role also calls for depth and curiosity. The film is seeking to cast a Black actress for the role. The actress must also have a US passport as she might be shooting abroad per the casting call. The role will film from January-February.

    Production on the film is expected to have a varying schedule. The shoot dates are noted as Oct. 24th through Dec. 21st, however, the film is also expected to continue filming into 2023 with filming taking place between Atlanta and Savannah, GA.

    As of now, a director has not been announced for the project.

  • REPORT: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Re-Release May Replace ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Post-Credit Scene

    REPORT: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Re-Release May Replace ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Post-Credit Scene

    Spider-Man: No Way Home is returning to theaters with a new re-release version that includes a variety of new scenes that were cut from the original. There’s been no word on just how much it may affect the film, but we’ve got a few teases of what may have been added in. With it heading our way in just a few days, potentially going to compete with Top Gun: Maverick for the top spot this weekend, it seems leaks have already made their way online teasing what may have been added.

    According to a Reddit post as shared by The Direct, the upcoming re-release will include a completely new post-credit sequence that replaces Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sequence. It seems that this one might clear up some confusion on just how exactly the spell works that Strange conjures at the end of the film. While it was hinted that the world would forget who Peter Parker is, we never really got to see that brought to life besides the brief exchange with MJ. It kept many wondering if he’d still be in photos but no one could really remember who he is.

    Well, the new post-credit sequence would showcase Betty sharing her last news segment before graduating, which would include pictures from their previous adventures. The one key difference is that Peter Parker is not seen in any of them, such as the Decathlon from Spider-man: Homecoming and Far From Home‘s Europe trip. So, it clears up just how the entire world would truly forget who Peter Parker is and also highlight how

    Source: Reddit via The Direct

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Concept Art Reveals Chilling Scrapped Sequence

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Concept Art Reveals Chilling Scrapped Sequence

    Usually released soon after theatrical debuts and season finales, concept art for projects frequently reveals early editions’ subtle deviations. For Thor: Love and Thunder, it appears that they have let fans witness a few of the movie’s deleted scenes, including one involving abandoned plot elements that involved Asgardian children. More information on that potential story component has been revealed in recently published concept art.

    Concept artist George Hull posted concept paintings on Instagram from Thor: Love and Thunder that were “for the director & team as they considered different options for the final act in the film.” The first painting depicts an early version of the Gates of Eternity, as Thor, still holding Stormbreaker, witnesses hundreds of children being brought to Gorr. Hull also revealed that “the early script had the children’s souls as necessary to enter Eden,” but that director Taika Waititi decided to streamline the story instead, limiting Gorr to just needing Stormbreaker.

    However, the final piece depicts Stormbreaker being used in a manner similar to the film’s final cut, but this time a child is in the path of the beam, possibly to depict Gorr’s need for the children’s souls to enter Eternity’s realm. Gorr’s need for their souls was clearly not present or even alluded to in the final film.

    For some, this raises the question of why Gorr even needed the children at all in the final film. Given the possibility and likelihood that a lot of material was taken out of the final cut of Love and Thunder, there may or may not be a satisfying answer to that question. One thing is certain: avoiding sacrificing the souls of children undoubtedly limited how dark the film became.

    You can check out the concept art below:

    George Hull Instagram
    George Hull Instagram
    George Hull Instagram

    Thor: Love and Thunder begins streaming on Disney+ on September 8, 2022.

    Source: Instagram

  • Ratings for Second Seasons of ‘Loki’, ‘What If…?’ Confirmed

    Ratings for Second Seasons of ‘Loki’, ‘What If…?’ Confirmed

    Aside from outliers like Ms. Marvel’s TV-PG rating, the standard rating for Marvel Studios Disney+ shows has remained TV-14, essentially PG-13. Marvel Cinematic Universe films, of course, have also traditionally held the PG-13 rating since the MCU began in 2008’s Iron Man.

    Still, fans lately have been keen on tracking ratings for projects as the MCU expands past the Infinity Saga. For example, all hopes and expectations are on an R-rated Deadpool 3, Marvel Studios announced that the animated series Marvel Zombies would be its first TV-MA-rated show at San Diego Comic-Con 2022.

    Unsurprisingly, though, the traditional trend continues with newly revealed ratings for Loki’s next season and What If… ? Season 2. Ahead of Disney+ Day and D23, the ratings for both shows have been revealed to be TV-14. Again, given that this is the second season of an ongoing show, these ratings shouldn’t be shocking. But at least fans won’t have to worry about them being less or more mature.

    It will be interesting to watch whether and when Marvel Studios creates other shows outside of its TV-14 comfort zone, like Ms. Marvel and Marvel Zombies. Fans of traditionally more mature characters like Deadpool or Blade, and fans of the darker Netflix Marvel television series like The Punisher are eager to see how Marvel Studios expands its audience going forward.

    For the time being, fans will have to wait until Disney+ Day on Thursday, September 8 and Marvel Studios’ D23 presentation on September 10 to find out more.

    Source: The Direct

  • 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

  • Rian Johnson Still Hoping to Work on His ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy

    Rian Johnson Still Hoping to Work on His ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy

    When Rian Johnson worked on The Last Jedi, it was revealed that he’d be developing his own Star Wars trilogy. There were no details revealed on just how exactly it was going to tie into the greater mythos or even the direction. Yet, the fan reception of his Star Wars project can still be felt to today but that has seemingly not deterred the director from hoping to tackle this project.

    In an interview with Empire, while promoting his upcoming Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion, he reveals that he still actively is in talks with Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy and that he’s definitely hoping to adapt his trilogy eventually; even if schedules are continuing to postpone this project indefinitely.

    I’ve stayed close to Kathleen [Kennedy] and we get together often and talk about it. It’s just at this point a matter of schedule and when it can happen. It would break my heart if I were finished, if I couldn’t get back in that sandbox at some point.

    Rian Johnson

    It’s great to know that he’s still working on his trilogy and Star Wars is still expanding with its new Disny+ series. So, while the cinematic aspect of the franchise is currently on ice, there’s hope that once Johnson wraps up his work on the Knives Out sequels for Netflix, he might potentially start work on his take on a galaxy far, far away.

    Source: Empire

  • Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris Join Disney’s ‘Dashing Through The Snow’

    Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris Join Disney’s ‘Dashing Through The Snow’

    Disney’s latest holiday film has added a trio of stars to its cast. Deadline has announced that Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Lil Rel Howery, and Teyonah Parris have all signed on star in to Dashing Through the Snow. Production is currently underway in Atlanta, with Tim Story (Fantastic Four) directing from a script by Scott Rosenberg.

    Dashing Through the Snow tells the story of a divorced social worker for the Atlanta police department who loathes Christmas due to a memory from his childhood. While with his daughter on Christmas Eve, he finds himself sent on a call that will lead to him evoking the wrath of a local politician before meeting a man who will ultimately help him understand the magic of Christmas.

    Joining Bridges, Howery and Parris are Oscar Nunez (The Office), Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis, and Madison Skye Validum (Ivy & Bean). Producing the holiday flick are Will Packer through his Will Packer Productions and John Jacobs through his Smart Entertainment. While Story will executive produce alongside Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger and Zac Unterman.

    Dashing Through the Snow will debut on Disney+ next year in time for the holidays.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Michael Jackson Wanted to Play Morpheus in ‘The Sandman’

    Michael Jackson Wanted to Play Morpheus in ‘The Sandman’

    Michael Jackson is, without a doubt, one of the most famous people to ever live. Yet, with all his success, there also came a hefty amount of failure. The pop icon was best known for his career in music, but also famously attempted to make a name for himself in the world of acting. While Jackson did land a few roles during his lifetime, in films like The Wiz and Men in Black II, his on-screen filmography has quickly become more well-known for the projects he couldn’t make happen. Legend tells of numerous occasions when the Thriller star tried using his fame and fortune to cast himself as characters that creatives didn’t necessarily see as a good fit. This includes the time he thought of purchasing Marvel so he could wear Spider-Man’s mask, and when he told George Lucas he wanted to play Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

    Now, over a decade after Jackson‘s death, writer Neil Gaiman has revealed the singer also made a play for the lead role in an early attempt at adapting The Sandman. Speaking with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gaiman explained that a live-action television series based on his acclaimed graphic novel was being developed in the late 1990’s, and Jackson wanted in:

    By 1996, I was being taken to Warners, where the then-president of Warner Bros sat me down and told me that Michael Jackson had phoned him the day before and asked him if he could star as Morpheus in ‘The Sandman’. So, there was a lot of interest in this, and they knew that it was one of the Crown Jewels, and what did I think? And I was like, ‘Ooh.’

    Neil Gaiman

    Obviously, this version of the show never came to fruition, and it would take almost another 30 years before The Sandman saw the light of day. Tom Sturridge would ultimately be the one to bring Morpheus, Dream of the Endless, to life on screen, as the series finally found a home on Netflix earlier this month. Jackson ending up away from the role might have been best for the project as well, as the musician was arrested on charges of child molestation only a few years after his bid for Morpheus ended. Despite an eventual acquittal, the accusations against him never quite went away, and a career in film and television went completely down the drain.

    The Sandman is now streaming on Netflix.

    Source: Variety

  • 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

  • Xochitl Gomez & Mary Elizabeth Winstead Join ‘Ursa Major’

    Xochitl Gomez & Mary Elizabeth Winstead Join ‘Ursa Major’

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness breakout Xochitl Gomez has landed her next role. The young actress will join Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim, Birds of Prey) in Ursa Major for directing duo The Baker Brothers.

    The news comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, with the outlet stating that Winstead and Gomez will play mother and daughter in the film. Charlie (Winstead) and Natalie (Gomez) will find themselves fighting for survival on what is described as an Earth-like planet, as they hide from a group of relentless hunters as a deadly storm approaches. As a teenager, though, Natalie will come to question her mother’s actions, the explanation behind who they are, why they got there and what they need in order to survive.

    The Baker Brothers, Jonathan and Josh Baker, are directing the film from a script by Patrick Somerville (Station Eleven), Colleen O’Brien and Katie French. Somerville will produce the film with David Eisenberg via Tractor Beam. James Hoppe and Jack Byrnes will executive produce the project in association with XYZ Films, with the latter looking to attract buyers to the project during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, which kicks off next week.

    The Baker Brothers are relatively new to Hollywood. They made their directorial debut with 2018’s Kin, which was an adaptation of their 2015 short film titled Bag Man. As for Gomez, prior to co-headling Multiverse of Madness, the young actress starred in The Babysitter’s Club for Netflix. While Winstead is perhaps best known for her role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and her recent portrayal as Huntress in Birds of Prey.

    Source: THR.