Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ May Be Disney+’s Least Viewed Live-Action Marvel Series But It’s a Hit With Gen Z

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ May Be Disney+’s Least Viewed Live-Action Marvel Series But It’s a Hit With Gen Z

    There’s been a few discussions surrounding the viewership numbers of any Marvel Studios Disney+ series. We don’t truly understand what makes a Disney+ series a success or not, as we are strongly dependent on third-party analysis data. So, the announcement that Ms. Marvel has hit 775K US households, quite a bit lower than any other Disney+ series by Marvel Studios, it’ll get quite the attention. There is, however, one aspect that is swiftly overlooked by the easiest takes.

    Ms. Marvel may be far from the usual 1M+ households, the series has a very distinct target audience. It was quite the hit with Generation Z according to Samba TV, who has provided the analysis. Viewers between 20 to 24 watched it at the highest rate than any other MCU series and now has the most diverse viewing rate. As such, the series has done exactly what it targeted and that is impressive considering its diverse cast, and complete newcomer in the form of Iman Vellani.

    If you need a comparison, Samba TV has offered an extensive overview, but until now the lowest viewed Marvel Studios project was Hawkeye at 1.5M. Yet, we don’t know how diverse the viewership numbers have been, and Ms. Marvel is only the second series based on a non-existent previous entry. Moon Knight‘s big selling point was the star power of not only Oscar Isaac but also Ethan Hawke.

    It’s not surprising that the series was competing with WandaVision‘s viewership numbers and the latest release is holding strong against one of their most-watched Star Wars series in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Disney+ would be smart to spread out their releases more and it wouldn’t be too surprising if this was a test for the streamer; even if it was bad timing with such an important culturally-relevant project. We’ll see if the word-of-mouth, which is overwhelmingly positive, may pick up in later episodes. It should also be noted that once Disney+ enters the ad space, a target-focused offering is a perfect opportunity to diversity its audience moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • Yasmeen Fletcher Initially Didn’t Get the Part of Nakia in ‘Ms. Marvel’

    Yasmeen Fletcher Initially Didn’t Get the Part of Nakia in ‘Ms. Marvel’

    Ms. Marvel is a special kind of series that not only represents something important to a community but also adds a little something special to a franchise. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going on for quite some time now, but they still find ways to reinvigorate the world and offer something to its audience. That was one of the appeals to Yasmeen Fletcher, who plays Nakia in Ms. Marvel, as she reveals in an interview with WWD.

    I think the first Marvel movie I watched in theaters was ‘Guardians of the Galaxy. And I’d seen a couple at home before then, but ever since then, I was looking forward to every movie on the edge of my seat, trying to theorize, connect different things. I’ve been a huge fan, so this was the dream call, basically

    Yasmeen Fletcher

    She also shares how she got the role of Ms. Marvel, especially highlighting that it was a friend of hers that got her into the original comics before she tried to get an audition with the help of her manager.

    A friend of mine who’s a huge Marvel fan was, like, ‘There’s this comic series that I think you would really like. I think it’s something that you’d relate to. Then when the rumor for the show came out, I sped to my computer to email my manager and be, like, ‘If there’s any possibility of me being a part of this in any way, please, I would love to be a part of this.

    Yasmeen Fletcher

    In a surprising twist, it seems that even after auditioning she didn’t initially get the role. Her manager had to tell her that they passed on her only for two weeks later to get the call where they decided for her to take on the role after all.

    After doing the test, I texted my manager and told her how it went and the next day she called me and was, like, ‘So bad news. You actually didn’t get the part. It’s not going for you, they’re still looking, I’m so sorry.’ And that was world ending, devastating,” she says. “So for two weeks, I was completely convinced that I didn’t get the part and it wasn’t going [to] me, and then out of the blue, I got a call from my manager again, saying, like, ‘Hey, in a really strange turn of events, it’s coming right back for you.’

    Yasmeen Fletcher

    It definitely sounds like it was a rollercoaster to join the Marvel project, but she highlights how much it meant to her to take on this role in the past. It’ll be interesting to see how her character’s story unfolds in the series as we get a clearer look throughout the next few episodes and how Nakia’s own pursuits may stand out throughout the season.

    Source: WWD

  • James Gunn Teases “Absolutely Ridiculous”Guardians of the Galaxy’ Holiday Special

    James Gunn Teases “Absolutely Ridiculous”Guardians of the Galaxy’ Holiday Special

    We’ve all wondered how the upcoming The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special might turn out. It’s very different from what Marvel has done before and we’ve already gotten a tease of a more lighthearted storyline with projects like Hawkeye. Its Christmas setting did offer something fun and if James Gunn is anything to go by, it seems that the next Guardians of the Galaxy special will be much of the same.

    He talks about the upcoming series in an interview with Deadline, where he reveals that we can expect a “very light and bubbly and fun” Disney+ special. Yet, what truly stands out is that he even describes it as “ridiculous.” So, it looks like he had a blast making it and we might get something very special that makes even the Guardians franchise stand out once again as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Yes, the Holiday Special is very light and bubbly and fun and just absolutely ridiculous, so I think that’s great.

    James Gunn

    It’s definitely going to be interesting just how James Gunn interprets a Holiday Special and just how insane it might get with a cast as the Guardians films have. He’s teased some new faces will also appear, and it’s unclear how it might lead into the third part, but it definitely feels like we’ll have a blast watching whatever he and his crew have put together. Who knows if he may accidentally redefine what makes a Holiday Special the way it is.

    Source: Deadline

  • James Gunn Will Tackle ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 After Wrapping Up ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

    James Gunn Will Tackle ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 After Wrapping Up ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

    We’ve all wondered when James Gunn may tackle the next season of Peacemaker. The director has been quite busy not only working on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 but also has the Holiday Special heading to Disney+ on the horizon. He’s also been teasing quite a few other DC properties that he is currently developing. So, it’s no joke when one says that the director is quite busy.

    In an interview with Deadline, the director not only teased the upcoming Disney+ special based around the Guardians of the Galaxy but also confirmed that once he’s wrapped up work on these projects, he’ll tackle the second season of Peacemaker. He doesn’t offer a specific timeframe but it does seem like he may tackle the project once he’s wrapped up most of the work on the franchise, which is eyeing a May release next year.

    Yes, the Holiday Special is very light and bubbly and fun and just absolutely ridiculous, so I think that’s great. And then we’re going on to do Peacemaker Season 2.

    James Gunn

    With a character like Peacemaker, Gunn has all the freedom he needs to create a story that can go in any direction. After saving the world, the former villain may be riding high and has no idea that a new assignment is just on the horizon. He’s haunted by the ghost of his past actions and who knows how that may play into his story moving forward. So, we’ll see what the future has in store for the character once cameras start rolling on the project.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ May Be Chris Hemsworth’s Last MCU Film

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ May Be Chris Hemsworth’s Last MCU Film

    There have been many theories on when an actor may pull the plug on their time with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There’s never been a definite with many, as some moved away from taking on leading roles to appear in minor roles moving forward. We’ve had some famous exists after Avengers: Endgame, but now it looks like Chris Hemsworth may have found his end with the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder.

    In an interview with Wired, he answered a few of the most searched questions. When it came to the last film he shot in the MCU, he also highlighted that the fourth Thor film may be his last.

    The last one I just shot was ‘Thor: Love and Thunder. And it may be my last, I don’t know.

    Chris Hemsworth

    The actor has been playing the role since the 2011 film that was among the many that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, while sad it wouldn’t be surprising that his run might be nearing its end soon. He has spent a lot of time with the character and the upcoming film will further tell the stories of Natalie Portman‘s Jane Foster and Tessa Thompson‘s Valkyrie.

    So, the Asgardians aren’t truly leaving the world of the MCU behind but the God of Thunder may be slowly trying to find his way out, even if it would be nice to have his iconic Fear Itself storyline be the way he’s given a true farewell. With Taika Waititi‘s more comedic run, one last more serious turn to fully explore the potential of Thor may be the perfect way to end his story on a high note.

    Source: YouTube via Insider

  • ‘The Flash’: Warner Bros Discovery’s $200 Million Problem

    ‘The Flash’: Warner Bros Discovery’s $200 Million Problem

    Over the past year, Ezra Miller has found themselves in a plethora of trouble. Following multiple arrests in Hawaii, the controversial star is currently on the run and is facing even more concerning allegations, which is leaving Warner Bros. Discovery to consider what to do with The Flash movie now that it is in post-production.

    For years, it seemed as though The Flash movie was a myth – a film that was in development but seemed likely to come to fruition. Then, in July 2019, Warner Bros. hired Andy Muschietti to direct the long-promised Flash movie starring Miller. The young actor had, of course, been attached to the project since 2014 when it was revealed he’d joined the cast of Batman v. Superman. So, with the movie now in the can and set to introduce a brand new Supergirl to live-action, the studio is eagerly trying to determine how to go about handling the film with Miller’s troublesome behavior.

    According to a new report from Deadline, the studio is said to have considered getting help for the young actor. However, with the allegations against Miller continuing to build, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav has a big decision to make… and soon. Per the outlet, one option Zaslav is considering is pulling back on Miller’s promotional duties for the 2023 film. This choice would confine it to some P&A, but no publicity tour. Another option being explored is moving the film to HBO Max. While a third option would be to lean in toward making the movie a hit and then dropping Miller if they can’t get their act together. Either way, the studio is facing a tough decision and will need to make a choice relatively soon.

    A studio source told Deadline the hope is that the sandal will remain “low level” ahead of the film’s release next year. For now, The Flash remains on track for a Summer 2023 theatrical release with Miller still very much in the starring role. As for the actor’s future beyond The Flash? Deadline reports Miller will not be involved in any future plans involving the character and the forthcoming DC Universe being constructed by Zaslav.

    Source: Deadline.

  • TNT’s ‘Snowpiercer’ Set to End After Fourth Season

    TNT’s ‘Snowpiercer’ Set to End After Fourth Season

    After a successful run on the TNT network, Snowpiercer is set to finish its run with their upcoming fourth season. The show was based off of the critically acclaimed Chris Evans-led 2013 film of the same name made by Bong Joon-ho (which in itself is based off of the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige by Jacques Lob). Set in the same universe, but a few years before the film, the Snowpiercer series followed Jennifer Connelly’s Melanie Cavill and Daveed Diggs’ Andre Layton on the titular luxury train as they deal with the socio-political ramifications of class warfare in the midst of the aftermath of global catastrophe.

    In a statement made by a TNT network spokesperson today, they talked about their appreciation for the team behind the show for its successful run on the network.

    We can confirm that Snowpiercer will end after a successful, multi-season run on TNT. Its talented writers, actors and crew took an extraordinary premise and brought it to life in thrilling ways. It was critically acclaimed, had a significant impact on the post-apocalyptic genre, and now remains in the hearts and minds of fans forever.

    Turner Network Television

    The news of the show’s end comes in line with mass turnover in the way WarnerMedia is handling its entertainment properties since the merger with Discovery and the appointment of David Zaslav as the new President and CEO of the company. A focus to consolidate resources, focus on fewer channels of media (namely the HBO Max streaming service), and emphasize cost effectiveness. With it, a recent edict was in place to end work on any new scripted series for both TNT and its sister network TBS. It remains to be seen the success of this new change, but ultimately the end of Snowpiercer continues to mark an emblematic change in the overall direction of WarnerMedia.


    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Guy Ritchie to Direct Live-Action ’Hercules’

    Guy Ritchie to Direct Live-Action ’Hercules’

    Guy Ritchie is returning to Disney to bring another animated classic to live-action.

    Deadline is reporting that Ritchie, who helmed the live-action Aladdin for Disney, is reteaming with the studio to direct a live-action take on the animated classic Hercules. He’ll be working alongside AGBO, the production banner from Avengers: Endgame directors Joe & Anthony Russo, who are producing the project. With a director set, the search is now underway for a writer to rework the first draft turned in by Dave Callaham(Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings).

    News of a live-action Hercules movie was first announced in October of last year. Since then, news on the project has been relatively quiet. Ritchie’s live-action take on Aladdin managed to cross $1 billion at the worldwide box office, despite plenty of controversy surrounding the title leading up to its release. He’s still expected to direct the sequel to that film, however, it’s unknown when that project will actually go into production.

    Ritchie has a rather lengthy resume that includes The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Sherlock Holmes, and RocknRolla. He recently wrapped production on an untitled action thriller with JakeGyllenhaal, which has since sold to MGM and Amazon. Up next for the busy director is Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerrewhich he wrote, directed and executive produced. That project, starring Jason Statham, does not currently have a release date.

    Source: Deadline. 

  • ‘Cleopatra’ Eyeing Move From Paramount to Universal

    ‘Cleopatra’ Eyeing Move From Paramount to Universal

    Cleopatra is moving from Paramount to Universal.

    Deadline has confirmed that Universal is looking to pick up Cleopatra starring Gal Gadot. The Project was initially in development at Paramount, with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier executive producer and director Kari Skogland attached to direct. Per the outlet, Paramount looks to be losing the project since the studio failed to meet the timeline the creative team deemed necessary.

    Cleopatra is being produced by Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven, Gal Gadot and her Pilot Wave Motion Pictures partner Jaron Varsano. Laeta Kalogridis (Shutter Island), who wrote the screenplay, is executive producing, as is Wonder Woman filmmaker, Patty Jenkins. As of this writing, deals are not currently yet in place with Universal.

    It is of note that Roven is also working with Universal on Christopher Nolan’s upcoming WWII feature, Oppenheimer, so there is a link between him and the studio already. Paramount is still interested in the project and talks still seem to be underway between the producers and Universal, so it’s possible things will change. For now, though, it looks like Cleopatra will be making the jump to Universal.

    A Cleopatra film has been in the works for years with actress Angelina Jolie initially set to star. That project, however, appears to have since stalled. Cleopatra currently does not have a release date.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Returning as Johnny Storm

    Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Returning as Johnny Storm

    Before he was the First Avenger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Evans suited up as Johnny Storm in Tim Story’s 2005 Fantastic Four. Evans has since become a central figure in the MCU with his role as the iconic Steve Rogers, last appearing in Avengers: Endgame.

    But with Marvel’s most recent theatrical release, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the introduction of Mister Fantastic, the MCU is much different than the last time audiences saw Evans. Possibilities that once seemed impossible are now much more plausible. So, with Evans stating it would be a tall order for him to return as Cap, it begs to question: would Evans be interested in returning to his first superhero role on the big screen?

    Evans was asked this question in a recent interview while doing press for his upcoming film, Lightyear, with MTV’s Joshua Horowitz. Here’s what Evans had to say:

    “No, no one’s ever come to me about that. I mean, I don’t look exactly the same anymore. That was 15, almost 20 years ago. Oh my God, I’m old. Yeah. Look, I would love it. I would love it. That would actually be an easier sell to me than coming back as Cap. You know what I mean? Cap is so precious to me. And you know, I almost don’t wanna disrupt what a beautiful experience that was. But Johnny Storm, I feel like he didn’t really get his day. That was before Marvel really found its footing. So I love that role, and you know, who knows.”

    So, not only would Evans love to come back as Johnny Storm, he also indicated he feels there’s some unfinished business with the character.

    With Marvel’s 2019 acquisition of Fox — in which the studio regained the rights to the Fantastic Four — and ripple effects of Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, what seemed like a fan’s fantasy a few years ago is now something that could be reasonably explained to viewers. What do you think, would you like to see Evans don the blue and black one more time?

    Source: MTV News