Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • HBO Max Removes 6 Original Warner Bros. Films

    HBO Max Removes 6 Original Warner Bros. Films

    It would appear Warner Bros. Discovery is not done cutting movies yet. Variety is reporting that the company has been quietly removing content from its popular streaming service HBO Max, including at least six films that had been released on the platform as exclusive “HBO Max Originals”.

    The culled projects consist of Moonshot, a sci-fi rom-com starring Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse that dropped only a few months ago; Superintelligence, a dystopian rom-com from Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone; An American Pickle, a Seth Rogan comedy that stars the actor in a duel-role; The Witches, a 2020 remake of the Roald Dahl classic, directed by Robert Zemeckis with an all-star cast of Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci, and Chris Rock; Locked Down, a Doug Liman heist film with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Hathaway; and finally, Charm City Kings, a drama from Angel Manuel Soto.

    The removals appear to have been made in an effort to cut costs, and were first discovered by users of Reddit after Warner Bros.’ controversial cancellations of Batgirl and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt on Tuesday. Also noted, the reboot of cult classic comedy House Party, which was set to be produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter‘s SpringHill, has been scrubbed from HBO Max’s release calendar. It was previously expected to drop on July 28th. As mentioned by Variety, it’s not an unusual practice for streaming services to take films on and off of their catalog.

    However, it is strange that the company would remove films produced specifically for distribution on HBO Max, including Moonshot, which has only been out in the wild for about three months, and that the changes would be made without any sort of announcement. It remains to be seen if these now-unwatchable projects ever see the light of day again.

    Source: Variety

  • Netflix Has Canceled ‘First Kill’ After One Season

    Netflix Has Canceled ‘First Kill’ After One Season

    Fans have been anxiously awaiting a renewal decision regarding First Kill. Unfortunately, though, for fans of the young adult vampire drama, the series is not coming back for a second season. The news was revealed by Deadline late on Tuesday evening, although a reason for the cancellation was not revealed.

    First Kill was based on a short story by bestselling author Victoria “V. E.” Schwab and was often compared to Buffy the Vampire Slayer upon its launch because of its concept. The series, however, had a bit of a twist as this time around the series put LGBTQ+ characters front and center. Felicia D. Henderson, who worked on shows like Fringe and The Punisher, wrote for the series and served as the showrunner, also executive produced the series alongside Schwab. Actress Emma Roberts also served as a producer on the series.

    The series focused on a teenage vampire named Juliette Fairmont, played by Sarah Catherine Hook, and a new girl in town named Calliope, played by Imani Lewis. Much like with Buffy, the series focused on a forbidden love story between Juliette and Calliope, who just so happened to be a hunter. The show follows them as their forbidden love also forces them to address their first kills and the consequences that come with it all.

    News of the show’s cancellation is surprising in that it has proven to generate plenty of buzz on social media. Fans have been campaigning for the show’s renewal on Twitter for weeks now, responding to random tweets on Netflix’s account calling for First Kill to come back. With Season 1 ending on a massive cliffhanger, it’s doubtful fans will ever get a satisfying conclusion to the series on the small screen.

    The entire first – and only – season of First Kill is now streaming on Netflix.

    Source: Deadline.

  • ‘Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order’ Star Plays Coy on Potential Live-Action Appearance

    ‘Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order’ Star Plays Coy on Potential Live-Action Appearance

    If there ever was a rumor that followed almost every Star Wars Disney+ project it was that Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order‘s Cal Kestis would make his live-action appearance at one point. Obi-Wan Kenobi was the latest project where the rumors seemed to have heavily tried to make the case that Cameron Monaghan would make Kestis’ live-action debut in some project in the near future. Luckily, Screen Rant got a chance to sit down with the actor where he potentially teased that something is brewing.

    In the interview, he doesn’t say that he’s attached to any project but that there’s definitely an interest. With Jedi Survivor on the horizon, a direct sequel to the iconic game by Respawn Studios, it does seem like a potential appearance is something that was discussed, especially with how Monaghan plays coy on “that’s about all I can say” on any future appearances.

    Well, of course there’s interest. That’s about all I can say.”

    Cameron Monaghan

    A live-action appearance of Cal Kestis would be quite interesting, especially if they plan to make it part of the canon of the games. It might be a little tough to play around with where he fits into the Star Wars timeline with the sequel not acknowledging the events that unfolded. Andor is on the horizon and we could see him in the back as it takes place before A New Hope, but it would potentially just add more questions than answers that the appearance could otherwise provide. With no clear plans, we can only theorize for now.

    Source: Screen Rant

  • John Boyega Denies Any Marvel Rumors, No Interested in Joining the Franchise Currently

    John Boyega Denies Any Marvel Rumors, No Interested in Joining the Franchise Currently

    At this point, it’s hard to deny that almost any big-name actor has had at least one or two rumors hinting at them joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If they may be real or not, it’s one of the most prolific franchises in the industry, and its continued rise even as it’s facing a sophomore slump in Phase 4 should not be downplayed. Among the many rumored is John Boyega, who has now openly denied any rumors surrounding him having been secretly cast in a role.

    In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he reveals that he’s had enough of big-budget projects after his work on the Sequel trilogy of Star Wars, and is focusing on more “nuanced” projects. He also makes a good point on the weight of joining any project comes in the shadow of Iron Man which became a big part linking the projects for years.

    That’s not in the vision for me now. I want to do nuanced things. I want to donate my services to original indie films that come with new, fresh ideas, because I know it’s real hard to top Iron Man in that universe.

    John Boyega

    There will always be rumors and likely some not believing Boyega‘s own statements in regards to his approach to future projects Still, it seems that the actor wants to return to his roots and has gone through enough with the weight that Star Wars already put on his shoulders; especially the fan reactions. It’ll be exciting to see what his next project will turn out to be.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Scoob!’ Christmas Special Secretly Scrapped Alongside ‘Batgirl’ to Cut Costs

    ‘Scoob!’ Christmas Special Secretly Scrapped Alongside ‘Batgirl’ to Cut Costs

    The rather shocking news dropped recently that Batgirl was shelved. While reasonings were uncertain, a new report by The Hollywood Reporter hints that the reasoning is part of the new Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, David Zaslav, and his strategy on cost-cutting measures. He wants to focus more on creating theatrical films rather than streaming but it seems that it’s coming at a rather heavy toll.

    Not only did they scrap the $90M budgeted and finished Batgirl, but they also decided to shelve their animation project, Scoob! Holiday Haunt. The animated holiday special was already in some form of production and seemingly had invested $40M. Supposedly, the reasoning is due to their strategy of avoiding big-budget projects for HBO Max and focusing on a theatrical release.

    What doesn’t make sense is the concept of filming an entire project only to scrap it. It also raises questions if other productions that are already in some form of development could be on the chopping block next. The idea to never bank on $130M worth of productions and not even just using a minimal marketing strategy to wrap up productions at a decent cost efficiency to draw out any benefit is quite surprising.

    Zaslav never was going to be the one to save the production company, and its uncertainty if the recent announcement of adding Alan Horn, former Disney creative officer, will make any changes if they are swiftly taking down projects. Our best case scenario would be if they pivot their productions and create a stronger focus, but it could also potentially go down a much darker route with uncertainty hanging over future productions.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Stranger Things’ Writing Team Share BTS Image as Work Starts on the Final Season

    ‘Stranger Things’ Writing Team Share BTS Image as Work Starts on the Final Season

    It looks like work on the final season of Stranger Things has finally begun. While it confirms that the wait for its release is going to be a long one, it’s great to know that we’re finally seeing some development on the project. The Russo Brothers have quite a few plans ahead of them with a spinoff and even a Harry Potter-style project heading out as a musical. Their Upside Down Studios will be busy but that doesn’t mean the focus won’t remain on their flagship franchise.

    Netflix is definitely on board for the project, and luckily with this first image, we know that writing has started on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Sadly, they won’t give us a look at what they are writing down for the project but here’s hoping we get some ongoing updates that tease whatever the ending of the last episode gives us.

    It’s a bit hard to make out who is part of the writing team but they are likely to have many from the previous one back in action. With the Upside Down finally unleashed into the real world, Vecna is ready to unleash his final plan and do whatever it is that an evil man does. The wait will be tough but at least it gives us time to listen to “Running Up That Hill” or “Masters of Puppets” on repeat for as long as possible until the next major 80s hit grabs our hearts.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Star on How His High Evolutionary Differs From the Comics

    ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Star on How His High Evolutionary Differs From the Comics

    Chukwudi Iwuji is hitting the comic book scene, as after a scene-stealing performance on Peacemaker, he’s followed director James Gunn over to his next major project. He is set to star as the High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and even gave us a first look at his costume during San Diego Comic-Con.

    We still know very little about how his character will tie into the story outside of hints he’ll be the one that created Rocket Racoon. Yet, Iwuji was able to tease his overall take on the character in an interview with Collider, even highlighting there’s some “Shakesperean about him” when he brought the character to life.

    Shady doesn’t touch it. He is narcissistic, sociopathic, but very charming. I couldn’t have thought of a better character that uses [a] skill set better to join the MCU with. Because there’s something very Shakespearean about him, there’s something very emotionally dark about him, and he’s a lot of fun on top of all that. The costume like you mentioned, the day I put on that costume because he looks very different from how he is in the comics, but the costume just worked. There’s something about putting it on, which I’m glad you mentioned because a big part of my performance was that costume.

    Chukwudi Iwuji

    Marvel Studios isn’t new to changing things up from the comics to add a new fresh take on the medium. He definitely gave us a good glimpse at his “emotionally dark” take on the character, and it does sound like a fun take. Iwuji getting a chance to just play around with a character after giving us a more serious performance in Peacemaker. It’ll definitely be fun to see his take on the High Evolutionary next May.

    Source: Collider

  • ‘Batgirl’ Has Been Shelved and is Not Being Released

    ‘Batgirl’ Has Been Shelved and is Not Being Released

    Earlier today, a report surfaced from the New York Post stating that DC and Warner Bros. Discovery had opted not to release its previously announced Batgirl film. Now, The Wrap has come out to confirm that the movie is not being released. The reasoning behind the decision is that, despite reshoots and an increased budgets, Batgirl just wasn’t able to come together well enough to please the studio. Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly said to want to make big theatrical event films, and Batgirl just didn’t feel like an event film.

    Batgirl was one of the few films put into development prior to the merger and was to be an HBO Max original. Production on the title kicked off last November and wrapped back in March, when director duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah shared the first look at leading lady Leslie Gace in costume as Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl. While the nearly completed $90 million film will be shelved, the studio is said to be keen to work with film’s directors and star and wants to work with them again soon.

    The decision to not release Batgirl comes after the studio canceled the Wonder Twins film shortly after casting its lead roles. Warner Bros. Discovery is trying to tighten its grip on its DC properties, taking time to re-evaluate the projects that were in development before David Zaslav took over. Unlike the Wonder Twins, however, Batgirl was nearly complete and had been announced as receiving a theatrical release earlier this year. The decision to shelve a $90 million film as the studio takes a closer look at its budgets is sure to ignite a conversation among fans online. One can only hope Grace gets another chance to don the cowl sooner rather than later.

    Source: The Wrap.

  • ‘Nobody’ Producer Confirms Sequel, Bob Odenkirk Set to Return

    ‘Nobody’ Producer Confirms Sequel, Bob Odenkirk Set to Return

    Films based on assassins are all the rage these days, with then success of John Wick spawning many more copycats. One in particular hit theaters last year, starring Saul Goodman himself, Bob Odenkirk, who played a retired intelligence agency hitman who’d been brought back into action after a home invasion; sounds a bit familiar. The film was quite the hit, garnering positive critical reaction and grossing over $50 million at the worldwide box office on a shoestring $16M budget. It seems to have been enough to warrant a sequel as the film’s producers confirmed a sequel is in development.

    David Leitch recently sat down with Collider while promoting his upcoming action film Bullet Train, where he confirmed that a Nobody sequel is in the writing stages and they’ll be working on the project as fast as they can. Leitch went into detail about just how much people loved working on the first one, and that it meant a lot to everyone involved.

    Oh, I think everyone’s really excited about it, Everyone involved is like, ‘Full steam ahead.’ We are in the script process, and I think we had so much fun making that. Kelly and I had a blast, the actors had a blast, the studio loved the results, and it’s happening. I mean, I think it’s happening as fast as we can make it happen.

    David Leitch

    Leitch went spoke more on the sequel to cast aside doubts that the project wouldn’t happen, explaining that they’re excited to get working on it with Odenkirk.

    Yes, I do. I do, because there are these certain journeys that you go on, and they’re just undeniable experiences for the people involved. And that was one of them. And I think all of us want to go back and play in that universe, and we want to see Bob bring that character to life again.

    David Leitch

    With Better Call Saul set to wrap up its sixth season in the next few weeks, Odenkirk is going to have a whole lot more time on his hand to explore new projects, with one of those hopefully being the Nobody sequel.

    Source: Collider

  • ‘Bullet Train’ Eyeing $30 Million Opening Weekend

    ‘Bullet Train’ Eyeing $30 Million Opening Weekend

    Brad Pitt’s latest film, Bullet Train, is heading toward a slow start. The action flick opens in 4,300 theaters across North America this Friday, but box office experts don’t seem to have high hopes for it. As of now, Bullet Train is eyeing $30 million – or more – in its opening weekend.

    Reviews for the film hit today and they seem to be mixed. Bullet Train currently has a 60% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting the Pitt-led film feels flat and lacks steam. While a $30 million opening would be enough to lead the domestic box office over the weekend, it’s a lower projection than anticipated given the film is an action-packed thriller aimed at adult men. The R-rated film was costly to produce – around $90 million – so it’ll be interesting to see how the box office plays in the coming weeks. Poor word of mouth, though, could take down the film before it ever gets a chance to speed off. Bullet Train could also potentially see competition from Jo Koy‘s Easter Sunday which opens on Friday, too.

    Bullet Train has also been the subject of controversy which could hinder its box office potential. Based on a book of the same name by Kōtarō Isaka which features primarily Japanese characters. Rather than cast a primarily Asian cast, Sony and those involved with the project used the “fictional people” argument to justify the decision not to bring in Japanese actors. Just a few days ago, director David Leitch argued that the characters are “not real people, and maybe they’re not even Japanese.” While Isaka is okay with the casting decisions made regarding Bullet Train, it’s likely the controversy will ultimately impact the movie’s overall potential when all is said and done.

    Bullet Train hits theaters on Friday.

    Source: Variety.