Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’s Sound Mixer Teases a “Dynamic” New Direction in the Final Episodes

    ‘Ms. Marvel’s Sound Mixer Teases a “Dynamic” New Direction in the Final Episodes

    Ms. Marvel has been quite the standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not only does it offer a window into the life of Muslim-Americans with the touch that many have wanted from these kinds of stories, but also one of the visual standouts in the franchise. While the series may be the most down-to-earth for the franchise, Ms. Marvel‘s sound mixer Chris Giles teases the final episodes as “dynamic” in an interview with The Direct.

    In the interview, he especially highlights how the later episodes will be “touching on things that a lot of Westerners may not even be aware” of and it may offer a culturally relevant backstory that we haven’t seen yet in the MCU.

    The standout ones will be, somewhere in my mind, for me, will be later in the series. Because we start touching on things that a lot of Westerners may not even be aware of existing. Maybe if you follow the canon of Ms. Marvel and a few other things, you might be able to kind of piece it together and figure some of this out. But I’m fascinated that there are some stories that are going to be told through this medium. And it’s kind of to me, it’s backstories, it’s sort of things that help develop these characters.

    Chris Giles

    He also goes on to highlight how this new series format offers a way to further explore the origin stories of the characters and continues to tease that “some really, really cool things coming” our way in the Disney+ series.

    Because, you know, Marvel gets critiqued a lot for, oh, there’s no character development, oh, it’s just flashing and banging and blowing things up, and this and that. Especially these episodic streaming projects, they’re able to flesh out a lot of backstories. So, whenever you do greet them on the big screen, you’re like, oh, I was able to read up on such and so, this is why they are at, you know, an adversary to this other person that I thought was a good person or bad guy, or whatever the case is. No, there are some really, really cool things coming.

    Chris Giles

    What stood out in the interview is that he also teases a “dynamic differently” direction as the backstory is further explored. The last episode already offered us a glimpse into a very surprising new direction with Ms. Marvel’s origin and we may get a better look as more puzzle pieces fall into place moving foward.

    I can’t say. When they start building more of the backstory, it gets more dynamic differently than I think a lot of MCU things have typically. So, if nothing else, because it’s different. It stands out in my mind. I hope it translates to the audience because we can perceive it one way, because we’ve read the scripts we’ve been through the process. And we can applaud our ways all the way to release. But, until the audience sees it, you have no idea if it registers, or if it speaks to people. Mostly because the demographics that it serves are what speak to me the most. If nothing else, the more youthful audience.

    Chris Giles

    It definitely sounds like Ms. Marvel may continue to evolve and if it hits the landing, could find its place among the top of the Marvel Studios’ offerings on Disney+ so far. It has the most “weekly” feeling, unlike some of the other dramas that have a more “six-hour film” approach. So, it’s going to be exciting to see how the story comes together.

    Source: The Direct

  • ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Producer Highlights Wanda and Strange’s Importance to the MCU’s Phase 4

    ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Producer Highlights Wanda and Strange’s Importance to the MCU’s Phase 4

    Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been an interesting experience for many. Each project has been a bit more self-contained without a clear build-up, outside of Loki‘s set-up of what is very likely the final conflict of this new saga, and has led to some confusion about what the future has in store. Without an Avengers film on the horizon, many wondered when these newly introduced heroes would truly unite and who will take on the key roles that Steve Rogers and Tony Stark had in the Infinity Saga.

    Well, producer Richie Palmer has highlighted that “Doctor Strange is the anchor of Phase 4” and “Wanda Maximoff is the jewel in the crown.” Especially Elisabeth Olsen‘s time as Wanda has gone through a major shift with her tale in WandaVision and turn to villainy in the Doctor Strange sequel (transcript provided by The Direct). He highlights them as follows:

    Yeah, it’s crazy to see Wanda act like this for the first time, it’s so exciting. And for fans of the comics, we were so excited to bring this to screen and finally deliver on the promise. Once you introduce the character of the Scarlet Witch, even before she was the Scarlet Witch, we introduced her in Age of Ultron, there was always the hope that we can bring her to this place of her doing things like [infiltrating Kamar Taj]. And it’s really exciting, and she is the best. If Doctor Strange is the anchor of the MCU of Phase 4, then Wanda Maximoff is the jewel in the crown.

    Richie Palmer

    While he doesn’t point to their role in the new saga, which Kevin Feige has teased may become clearer in the coming months. They are seemingly building up towards a Secret Wars crossover which would require some of the strongest universe-defying characters to bring some logic to it. So, who knows if perhaps the remnants of the Dakrhold are the incursion that was just waiting to unleash them unto Battleworld.

    Source: The Direct

  • Taika Waititi Struggled Balancing ‘Our Flag Means Death’ and Editing ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Taika Waititi Struggled Balancing ‘Our Flag Means Death’ and Editing ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Taika Waititi has been quite busy as of late. Besides producing various projects, he’s also been trying to get some projects going that sadly wouldn’t move forward, like a live-action Akira but ended up focusing on directing Thor: Love and Thunder. Yet, he was also involved in playing Blackbeard in the HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death. Turns out, he may have overestimated the projects after all and ended up editing while still in costume.

    In an interview with SlashFilm, the Love and Thunder director talked about it being the first project where he was asked to take on the role. It seems that David Jenkins had him in mind when creating the seris’ take on Blackbeard, and somehow they made it work out that he was able to take on the role.

    This is one of the rare occasions where I didn’t put myself in my own thing; someone else asked me to do it. David Jenkins wrote Blackbeard with me in mind and, at first, I was just too busy to do it. But with some shuffling of schedules, we were able to do it, which was great because I really wanted to play the role. I would have been really bummed out if I had missed out on it.

    Taika Waititi

    He highlights how he would end up editing the project at night after playing Blackbeard

    I was Blackbeard by day and then was editing ‘Thor’ by night and doing various other things. I was trying to work from set with the shaggy hair and the beard. It was a management nightmare, but we pulled it off and it was probably one of my favorite roles that I’ve played because it’s something I didn’t have to write so I could bring a lot of myself to it.

    Taika Waititi

    The irony of two unique love stories overlapping production is a curious fate, but it may have helped develop them. While he does call it a “management nightmare” it seems that he certainly is passionate about both projects. So, we’re the lucky ones to get to see him bring Blackbeard to life and Love and Thunder.

    Source: SlashFilm

  • Don’t Expect the Multiverse in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Don’t Expect the Multiverse in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    In an interview with Total Film, director Taika Waititi got the chance to discuss some of the theories that have run rampant ever since the first time he announced that Natalie Portman was going to become the Mighty Thor. Some believed that they may be a version from the multiverse, as many other projects like Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness start expanding beyond the Sacred Timeline. Yet, while there wasn’t a clear confirmation, Waititi confirmed that this is definitely not part of the expanding multiverse.

    While he said that he “[likes] the idea of the Multiverse,” he wants to make clear that this film is “the singular-verse” part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that “nothing like that in this film.” Though he does highlight that he wanted this project to stand out from the rest as it also focuses quite a bit more on romance, which isn’t too surprising with a title like Love and Thunder.

    ”I feel like this one feels more original and unique, and stands apart from a lot of other Marvel films because of that element of love, and leaning into that idea of what love means for all these characters. You never go to those superhero movies to see a movie about love. It’s a preposterous answer. No fan wants to see that. But as I said with the last film,  they don’t know what they want until they get it.

    Taika Waiti

    So, if you’ve been wondering if we’ll explore the multiverse in the upcoming film, here’s your clear confirmation that won’t be the cast. Some might not be too excited for a romance subplot in the MCU again, as they were mostly sidelined for the main story but it does seem like Waititi had an idea to make it stand out.

    Source: Total Film via The Direct

  • BREAKING: Marvel Studios President Confirms SDCC Panel on MCU’s New Movies and Shows

    BREAKING: Marvel Studios President Confirms SDCC Panel on MCU’s New Movies and Shows

    There have been many debates if Marvel Studios will even show up during this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. With D23 and Disney+ Day on the horizon, it does seem strange to also add one more event to the list. Yet that isn’t stopping them after all as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has just confirmed during the Thor: Love and Thunder press conference that they will be attending the event.

    There’s naturally no exact word but as the event is only a little over a month away, it means we’ll be in for a plethora of information regarding where the Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading. San Diego Comic-Con is mapped out to run from July 21 until July 24th but there’s no exact wording on when exactly the panel may take place. So, we might get a clearer picture once we’ve entered July next week.

    It’s certainly exciting to see where the future is heading for the franchise, especially as Phase 4 has been quite diverse in its offerings. As their plans have gone through some massive shifts due to the pandemic; as has most of the industry has been hit. So, we may have a clearer picture moving forward and maybe even the confirmation of the next Avengers title.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Surprise Actor Opens Up on Return to ‘Star Wars’

    ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Surprise Actor Opens Up on Return to ‘Star Wars’

    Obi-Wan Kenobi has come to an end and ended on a high note for the limited series (you can read our review by clicking here for the finale). There were some big surprises towards the end but nothing had people more excited than the return of Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn. After famously stating he wouldn’t make an appearance, the final moments of the show had the former master and padawan reunite.

    In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Liam Neeson revealed what inspired his return and also why he decided to give Qui-Gon Jinn another shot after his recent statement. It seems a lot of it has to do with George Lucas and Ewan McGregor.

    I certainly didn’t want anyone else playing Qui-Gon Jinn, and I wanted to show my respect for George [Lucas] and that mythical world that he created. Plus, Ewan [McGregor] is a pal, and I loved working with him during The Phantom Menace 25 years ago.

    Liam Neeson

    This marks the first live-action appearance of the actor since he played him in The Phantom Menace back in 1999. Jinn died at the hands of Darth Maul and passed on the responsibility of teaching young Anakin Skywalker to his padawan at the time, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sadly, we didn’t get that many interactions between the two, but perhaps they kept the door open for further exploration. For now, we’ll see what the future has in store for McGregor‘s Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • REVIEW: ‘Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area’

    REVIEW: ‘Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area’

    Money Heist proved to be a huge hit for Netflix upon its release in 2017, so it’s not entirely surprising then that the streaming service has continued to grow the franchise. The latest installment, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area is a bit of a slow burn. There’s a lot of story to cram within six episodes, and despite such a vast story, it often feels like the story drags. That isn’t to say it’s not enjoyable. It is. It just fails to ever feel like something exciting.

    Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area starts off with Jeon Jong-seo‘s Tokyo as she seeks a better future for herself after North Korea and South Korea are unified. Unfortunately, she soon finds herself desperate and willing to do anything to get by, even going as far as to join a group as they seek to perform a bank heist for the ages. She’s been in the army, and she’s dreamt of a bright future in South Korea. Sadly, though, upon the unification, the future she’s promised is nothing more than a lie that results in her working as an escort and a waitress, before she’s driven to fight back.

    The first episode is incredibly slow and frustrating to get through. It’s all the more frustrating because the beginning just feels entirely uneven in both the way it is shot and filmed. Thankfully, though, the show begins to find its footing with the second episode as the heist team begins to come together. The series truly benefits from its ensemble cast. Each role is perfectly cast, and Yoo Ji-Tae absolutely shines as the Professor. His on-screen presence helps to carry some of the weaker scenes; he oozes confidence and charm. The same, however, cannot be said for the rest of the cast. Some performances fall flat. The actors seem to give their all, but not all are quite able to reach the heights of Ji-Tae’s Professor.

    As the series moves away from Toyko’s point-of-view, we begin to learn about each heist member at the start of each episode. It’s a nice touch that helps to further develop these characters that would’ve otherwise been merely background characters. They had their own arcs, a tough act to accomplish in just six episodes. Yet, while the series succeeded in crafting its characters, it failed with its handling of the overall story. Money Heist: Korea could’ve easily benefited from an additional two episodes. Sure, it’s a remake of the original series, but that doesn’t mean it needs to stay within the same episode limitations as the original series.

    As for the cinematography, Money Heist: Korea is a visually appealing series. Between the lighting, the angles and the color scale, Money Heist: Korea is wonderfully shot. It’s one of the highlights of the series, honestly. The shots with the group performing the heist as they stand among the masked hostages is stunning. Every scene is framed perfectly. Sadly, while the visuals are great, the music can be lacking at times. There are some excellent music beats, sure, but for the most part the music adds nothing to the scenes.

    Overall, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area is a great effort. Yes, the early episodes are slow, but if viewers stick with it, they’ll be greatly rewarded with an exciting heist drama. It’s a stressful watching experience in the best type of way.

  • ‘Thor Love and Thunder’s Natalie Portman Wants to Team Up With Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel

    ‘Thor Love and Thunder’s Natalie Portman Wants to Team Up With Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel

    In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, crossovers are one of the fun aspects that such an interconnected universe offers. Newly introduced characters will get a chance to meet others which leads to interactions you wouldn’t expect. Luckily, it seems that Natalie Portman, who is returning as Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, is game to meet other members of the MCU. In an interview with Variety during the red carpet event, she revealed that she would love to team up with Brie Larson‘s Captain Marvel.

    I love Captain Marvel. Brie is a dear friend so that would be a fun one.

    Natalie Portman

    The two powerhouses would definitely make for a strong duo, especially with Valkyrie joining the fray. So, we’ll see what the future has in store, especially if there are any other crossovers planned. There’s still no official announcement for an Avengers film, which may still be on the horizon and could open up many opportunities for the MCU to grow in unexpected ways. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has teased that they may make some announcements in the coming months. Perhaps, we’ll find out more about what the future has in store. So, even if we don’t know when we can expect a Mighty Thor and Captain Marvel team up, it does seem like at least Natalie Portman is down for one.

    Source: Twitter

  • RUMOR: ‘Agatha: House of Harkness’ Eyeing 2023 Production Start

    RUMOR: ‘Agatha: House of Harkness’ Eyeing 2023 Production Start

    We know that a new Disney+ Day is just around the corner alongside D23 and SDCC. So, it seems like we’ll get a look at some of the already announced projects and maybe even some new productions heading our way. Now, it seems we may have gotten a small update in regards to Agatha: House of Harkness. It seems that work on the project may start on it by 2023.

    Insider Daniel Richtman has seemingly shared a grid that hints at production eyeing a start from January to May 2023. As such, we may see some casting announcements in the coming months as they prepare to kick off the new year with its production.

    There’s also a hint at a new character known only as “Tyler.” They are casing someone between the ages of 17 and 20 years that is a “formidable and dark sense of humor, incredibly witty, astute, and of the moment.” He’s even highlighted as a “fan-boy at times.” While DisInsider believes this might be the character of Billy, there is also the possibility they introduce Agatha’s son Nicholas Scratch.

    It’s an exciting prospect to see what they do with a series focused on Agatha Harkness, especially after Kathryn Hahn‘s amazing performance in WandaVision. While we can only speculate for now, here’s hoping we get more details on Agatha: House of Harkness in the near future to build up what exactly Marvel studios has planned for this character.

    Source: Patreon via DisInsider

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Star Comments on Representation in MCU

    ‘Moon Knight’ Star Comments on Representation in MCU

    Moon Knight, despite the character’s relatively low-profile presence in the comics, is now firmly entrenched in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following the successful run of the series on Disney+ from March to May. The show was filled with firsts for Marvel Studios, including a deep look into dissociative identity disorder (DID) with Oscar Isaac’s characters Steven Grant, Marc Spector, and Jake Lockley.

    Most importantly, Moon Knight introduced audiences to the first Egyptian hero — May Calamawy as the Scarlet Scarab. Calamawy co-starred alongside Isaac as Layla El-Faouly, the estranged wife of Marc Spector. Instead of being just a love interest for the main character, Moon Knight empowered El-Faouly to be independent and powerful on her own as her story in the Disney+ showcased.

    In a recent interview with Yasmine Kandil from Discussing Film, Calamawy was asked if she like feels like there has been a recent shift in MENA representation both in front and behind the camera. Here’s what she had to say:

    I really do. I experienced it on Moon Knight and I’m lucky to experience it also on Ramy, there are Arabs on that show which is a testament to Ramy [Youssef], he’s very selective with who he brings on board. With Moon Knight, it’s a testament to Kevin Feige and that whole team for creating that space. We are in a time where I think we’ve realized that the only way to get closer to how a region really feels is to have people most intimately bring it there, and usually that will be either people who’ve lived there or understand it at a very deep level. 

    May Calamawy

    She goes on to also compare how creating these spaces for all is important and how opening beyond Western beauty standards also further anchors the importance of modern representation.

    I know so many women who are from the Middle East, one of my best friends is from Pakistan, we’re all actors working on our craft and I really want there to be a space for us all. I never want someone to question if they are pretty enough because I went through thinking I wasn’t pretty enough to be in a Western production and it’s an embarrassing thought to have, but I’m not going to say it wasn’t there. Often Western beauty standards don’t include how everyone around the world looks and representation is going to help us to feel that freedom and I think that’s happening more and more.

    May Calawamy

    Calamawy also discussed her decision to keep her curls for the show, which is something she said she struggled with growing up:

    One thing that’s been amazing to see is that so many women have posted that they are wearing their hair curly, or that they’re throwing out their hair irons and that’s what makes me happy because I had to go through my own journey of accepting my curls and feeling beautiful. There was a time when I left them curly and I can’t say I felt beautiful, looking back it pains me. I went through that and thank god I feel good in my curls now, but I wish everyone grew up that way. If that’s something Layla can bring to others, then I’m so happy.

    May Calamawy

    She highlighted that she brought in a hairpiece that mimicked her hair during production. It mostly served as a way to keep continuity.

    They brought in a hairpiece that mimicked my hair. In the beginning, they even suggested we straighten it and I did that too much growing up. I didn’t want to go back to that, so I was really adamant about them getting a hairpiece for continuity’s sake because curls, they will do what they want. Marvel really delivered because I loved it and they could just put it on and my hair was ready. It really helped me step into Layla and it was bigger than my own hair which was really fun.

    May Calamawy

    As for the future of the Scarlet Scarab in the MCU, no project has been officially announced involving the character. While there have been rumors of a Moon Knight Season 2, nothing has been revealed. But with the cliffhanger ending to the first season, it would not be a surprise to see these characters on-screen again in the future.

    Source: Discussing Film