Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Runtime Rumored to be Among MCU’s Longest

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Runtime Rumored to be Among MCU’s Longest

    After Taika Waititi revitalized the Thor franchise back in 2017 with Thor: Ragnarok, hype has slowly been building around its follow-up Thor: Love and Thunder. On top of forming the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first quadrilogy, the film is poised to become one of the most unique MCU films of all time, with Waititi describing the film as a romantic comedy.

    Set to star Chris Hemsworth as Thor, God of Thunder, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, King of Asgard, and Waititi as Korg, the film also marks Natalie Portman’s long awaited return to the MCU as Jane Foster, who has now become the Mighty Thor. Not only that, but the film also features Christian Bale as the film’s villain, Gorr the God Butcher, and cameos from the Guardians of the Galaxy. With all of that going on, it is easy to think that the film could have a particularly long runtime and rumored runtimes have been making their way around the internet for months. Now, another one has surfaced.

    According to Showcase Cinemas, Thor: Love and Thunder will clock in with a reported runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes. If this is true, it makes the film one of the top three longest MCU movies. At 150 minutes, it would beat out the run time of Avengers: Infinity War by 1 minute, but be shorter than Eternals and Avengers: Endgame.

    While a film’s runtime tends to spark curiosity as to the contents of the film, it’s worth noting that a two-and-a-half-hour-long superhero flick is no longer seen as particularly long. However, this runtime does place Thor: Love and Thunder as the longest Thor film, surpassing Thor: Ragnarok by a full 20 minutes.

    Fans can feel the love – and the thunder – when Thor: Love and Thunder is released in theaters on July 8.

  • Gorr’s Motivation in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Revealed

    Gorr’s Motivation in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Revealed

    With the release of Thor: Love and Thunder now just under a month away, more information is coming to light in terms of what to expect from the next film entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the upcoming edition of the D23 Magazine, much was made about Christian Bale’s portrayal of the main antagonist Gorr the God Butcher. Specifically, director Taika Waititi provides insight for the villain’s character motivations.

    Gorr’s backstory involves being wronged by the gods, and a lot of his motivation is getting revenge for these wrongdoings. We really wanted to explore this idea of religion, belief, and what it means to put your faith in a higher power. And because Thor is essentially a god, what does it mean for him to represent these gods.

    Taika Waititi

    The impression is definitely made that Waititi is moving the Thor franchise into an area filled with rich esoteric concepts that present more challenging themes. It will certainly be interesting to note how well these themes will be managed amongst the bombastic comedic style as shown in the trailer and from Thor: Ragnarok. Also in line with Phase Four presenting more nuanced takes on villains, Chris Hemsworth discussed the complexity found within Christian Bale’s performance as Gorr.

    Gorr is not a straightforward villain. There’s a real complexity to him. It’s not black and white, what he’s doing. He has a truthful motivation, which I think makes for the most interesting kind of villain. You might not agree with how he’s going about it, but you understand why he’s been tipped over the edge and why he’s gone down this path. It’s a really challenging one for Thor, because the set of questions Gorr’s posing do hold some truth – but he can’t let Gorr destroy the universe in the process. That, I think, makes this a greater dynamic and not as predictable as the straightforward ‘Good Guy vs. Bad Guy’ scenario we’ve seen before.

    Chris Hemsworth

    Ultimately, if this interpretation of the character that Chris Hemsworth is describing lands as intended, Gorr the God Butcher has all the potential to become one of the most iconic antagonists found in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether or not this is the case can be determined by yourself when Thor: Love and Thunder opens exclusively in theaters on July 8.

    Source: D23 Magazine

  • Natalie Portman Hints at Jane Foster’s Battle with Cancer in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Natalie Portman Hints at Jane Foster’s Battle with Cancer in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    When Natalie Portman came to Hall H at 2019’s SDCC, it was revealed that the actress would be wielding Mjolnir in her return to the MCU. Thor: Love and Thunder will adapt Jason Aaron’s acclaimed comic run that saw Jane Foster battle frost giants as the Mighty Thor while battling cancer.

    While it’s been pretty clear for a while that the MCU version of Jane will also be fighting cancer, Portman has all but confirmed it in an interview with Disney’s D23 magazine. The actress explained that it was the potential to deal with the duality of The Mighty Thor that brought her back to the MCU:

    What Thor doesn’t know is that Jane is secretly struggling with a terrible hardship-something she’s able to conceal so long as she’s wielding Mjölnir. Portman was intrigued by the prospect of playing someone who is as weak as she is strong, depending on her circumstance.

    D23 Magazine

    A trip to New Asgard in Thor: Love and Thunder (one that was captured in some leaked set photos) looks to be the impetus for Jane’s transformation into the Mighty Thor in the MCU. How her battle with cancer will work its way into the plot of the film remains to be seen, as does whether or not her character will win that battle and continue on in the MCU.

  • Marvel Studios To Reveal Unannounced Projects In D23

    Marvel Studios To Reveal Unannounced Projects In D23

    Even as Marvel Studios continues to work its ass off to spoil fans with overflowing content, there is still so much about the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future we don’t know. Thankfully, we don’t have much to wait as this September’s D23 will be the hub for many of Marvel Studios’ upcoming announcements. According to the D23 website:

    Filmmakers, celebrity talent, and surprise guests will join representatives from Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm, among others, onstage in Hall D23 at 10 a.m. to showcase theatrical and Disney+ titles. Going behind the scenes of these studios’ highly anticipated films, specials, and series, attendees will see exclusive footage and be among the first to learn what else is in the works.

    With this major event on the horizon, projects like Nova and Daredevil can be officially shared with the world. Maybe we can finally hear about the next big team-up everyone’s been wondering about. Maybe an official Young Avengers or Thunderbolts announcement now that those teams’ ranks are being filled. Maybe the first Secret Invasion sizzle reel. There’s so much in the MCU’s future that’s so exciting so make sure to tune in this September 10.

    Source: D23

  • ‘Spider-Verse’ Producers Offer Update on ‘Silk’ Series 

    ‘Spider-Verse’ Producers Offer Update on ‘Silk’ Series 

    Sony’s Spider-Verse continues to expand, and producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller are steadfastly at the helm of it all. Not only are the duo hard at work on the next two animated Spider-Man entries, Across the Spider-Verse and it’s sequel, they’re also currently developing several spin-off projects. One of their top priorities is Silk, a live-action series based on the Korean-American hero of the same name. The show, set to debut on Amazon Prime, was announced nearly two years ago with little-to-no official word since.

    However, in a recent interview with Deadline’s Crew Call podcast, Lord and Miller offered a promising update on the series’ production. The creative team confirmed the project is still in the works, and fans should expect more information soon:

    We’re developing all that stuff with great care and there’s a really exciting start for Silk. It’s coming along. There’ll be news someday soon.


    Phil Lord

    Silk revolves around Cindy Moon, a former classmate of Peter Parker who is bitten by the same spider that gave him his spectacular abilities. Tiffany Espensen previously played a character named “Cindy” in the MCU, though it was never confirmed if this was intended to be a version of the hero or if she will reprise the role for Sony’s upcoming series. Hopefully, Lord and Miller are true to their word and more news drops sooner than later.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘The Last of Us’ PS5 Remake Reportedly Coming in September

    ‘The Last of Us’ PS5 Remake Reportedly Coming in September

    It looks like Naughty Dog isn’t done with The Last of Us. After what seemed like years of rumored development, PlayStation Direct inadvertently confirmed that Naughty Dog was indeed releasing a remake of their original masterpiece for the PlayStation 5 and PC. The revelation was uploaded today before being quickly taken down, indicating the company was not yet ready for the information to be known. According to the now-deleted post, the remake will be branded as The Last of Us Part 1, and will release for the PS5 on September 2nd of this year. The PC release will come at a later, unknown date.

    A salvaged description of the game reveals that Naughty Dog intends it to be “a total overhaul of the original experience, faithfully reproduced but incorporating modernized gameplay, improved controls and expanded accessibility options”. It will also feature improved effects, exploration, and combat. The “Firefly Edition” of the re-release will come with the full game as well as the prequel chapter Left Behind, a steel book display case, early in-game unlocks, and the complete The Last of Us: American Dreams comic series with brand new art.

    This will be the third official release of the initial The Last of Us story. It originally dropped on the PS3 in 2013, before being remastered for the PS4 a year later in 2014. The Last of Us Part II released to equally critical acclaim in 2020.

    Source: IGN

  • Christian Bale’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Performance Described as “Terrifying” and “Fascinatng”

    Christian Bale’s ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Performance Described as “Terrifying” and “Fascinatng”

    The most recent trailer for Thor: Love and Thunder provided the first look at the film’s villain, Gorr the God Butcher, brought to life by two-time Oscar winner Christian Bale. Much has been made about the drastic changes to the character’s appearance, but Bale certainly gave off some chilling vibes in his short time in the trailer. According to co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, it sounds like the trailer is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes.

    In an interview with Disney’s D23 magazine, Hemsworth discussed the stark contrast between Bale’s performance and the vibe typically associated with a Taika Waititi production:

    The rest of us would be in our world of improvisation, comedy, and fun – then he’d walk on set, and we’d all look at each other and say ‘Oh, my God! This is really intense. This is really scary.

    Chris Hemsworth

    Thompson backed up Hemsworth’s take, adding that the actor was able to balance the terrifying intensity with the vibrant world in which the film takes place.

    (Bale) toed this really great line, because he needs to be terrifying, but he also needs to work in the context of our colorful, snappy, irreverent world.

    Tessa Thompson

    Perhaps the high praise for Bale’s performance from Hemsworth and Thompson will keep the critics at bay until audiences get a chance to see just how it all comes together. Hemsworth says the film is intended to “surprise, impress and disorientate” fans, assuring that Waititi “masterfully” accomplished that.

    Thor: Love and Thunder debuts in theaters on July 8th.

    Source: D23 Magazine via The Direct

  • ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ 4K/Blu-ray Release Date, Extras Revealed

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ 4K/Blu-ray Release Date, Extras Revealed

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is headed to Disney Plus on June 22nd and now collectors of physical media know when they can add the 4K UHD or Blu-ray disc to their collection. Screen Rant exclusively revealed that the discs will be in stores on July 26th.

    The home release will come complete with a slew of bonus features, including 3 featurettes:

    • Method to the Madness – Join various crew members and Marvel employees in interviews as they discuss their love of Sam Raimi and all the details of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that make it quintessentially Raimi.
    • Introducing America Chavez – In this short and fun profile piece, we’ll learn about America’s humble beginnings in the comics. We’ll meet Xochitl Gomez and discuss the complications her character’s unique power presents for the future of the MCU.
    • Constructing the Multiverse – Writing a feature film for Marvel is no easy task. In this playful yet informative featurette, we’ll dive into the challenges that writer Michael Waldron faced in creating the twisting and turning story of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

    Additionally, fans will have access to three deleted scenes, two of which feature Bruce Campbell, a Sam Raimi staple who appeared briefly in Multiverse of Madness:

    • A Great Team – A journalist questions Doctor Strange’s integrity.
    • Pizza Poppa – Bruce is relieved when Doctor Strange’s spell ends.
    • It’s Not Permanent – Bruce tries to accuse Doctor Strange of being an imposter.

    And, as always, the discs will feature audio commentary (here with writer Michael Waldron, director Sam Raimi and producer Richie Palmer) and a gag reel.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is currently nearing the end of its theatrical run as the highest-grossing domestic film of 2022.

    Source: Screen Rant

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Producer on the Aggressive Expansion of the MCU (EXCLUSIVE)

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Producer on the Aggressive Expansion of the MCU (EXCLUSIVE)

    As recently as 2018, MCU fans could look forward to two trips to the theater every year to catch the latest installments of their favorite franchise. Now, with Marvel Studios developing streaming series in addition to upping the number of films per year, fans can look forward to near year-round content.

    Ms. Marvel is the latest project to bring an incredibly popular character from the pages of Marvel Comics to the screen. The character debuted in 2014 and has become one of Marvel’s most popular, leading several volumes of her own series, joining the Avengers and serving as one of the main characters in The Avengers video game. Even though she’s a relatively new character compared to the long history of the comics, she’s certainly been at the forefront for the better part of her time, so getting her introduced into the MCU has been a priority for Marvel Studios for some time.

    While Ms. Marvel streams, the studio is developing no fewer than two dozen other properties that will introduce dozens of new characters to the MCU, causing some to wonder if they are doing too much, too fast. In an interview with Ms. Marvel co-creator Sana Amanat, Charles Villanueva asked if the MCU is expanding TOO fast and if the studio might run out of marquee characters, like Ms. Marvel, to adapt.

    I don’t know. I don’t think I’m too worried about that cause I feel like there’s so many different kinds of stories. I mean Marvel, let’s see, has been around for over 80 years and there’s so many different kinds of characters-I think we’re at like 7,500 characters-so I feel pretty confident that we’ll be ok. Not to say we’re going to be doing all of those characters, but there’s a lot of different kinds of stories that you can tell and, also, ways to kind of retell them. So I’m not too worried about it. I think it’s really just gonna be about playing with different-what we’re doing right now-which is playing with genre and playing with, sort of different kinds of characters and bringing new perspectives on them.

    Sana Amanat

    With Marvel putting so many productions into motion at once, it’s good to hear from Amanat that they’re continuing to work on finding the best way to represent the heart of each one in the MCU.

  • Sana Amanat Dispels Early ‘Ms. Marvel’ Cameo Rumors (EXCLUSIVE)

    Sana Amanat Dispels Early ‘Ms. Marvel’ Cameo Rumors (EXCLUSIVE)

    Ms. Marvel is now streaming on Disney Plus, but prior to Hollywood shutting down due to COVID in 2020 and the fallout that followed, it was once intended to debut in late 2021, ahead of Hawkeye. While the full story of just how much COVID impacted Marvel Studios’ productions may never come to light, it’s clear that it was enormous.

    Streaming series WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier had to shut down mid-production while other shows, like Ms. Marvel, found themselves pushed back as part of a domino effect. Before all those delays, however, I heard and interesting rumor that would tie two of those shows together: Kamala Khan was set to make her MCU debut in a short cameo that would take place in the aftermath of the events of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Once the COVID delays hit, we were told the idea was scrapped as the focus shifted to finding a way to safely finish the show.

    Charles Villanueva had a chance to talk with Ms. Marvel producer Sana Amanat recently and asked about the rumor and if she was always intended to debut in her own show. As many of the best answers are, Amanat’s was short and to the point saying, “Yes. As far as I know. [Ms. Marvel] was always going to be her first appearance.”

    Ms. Marvel was first announced to be in development by Marvel Studios in August of 2019 during the D23 celebration. At that time, production on The Falcon and The Winter Soldier was just about to kick-off and the studio had just begun their search for the actress to play Kamala Khan. As we know, COVID shut down that search and it wasn’t until September 2020 that Iman Vellani was cast in the role. By that time, production on The Falcon and The Winter Soldier had moved to the Czech Republic and was nearing completion.

    With all that in play, getting Kamala into a cameo for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier would seem all but impossible. More than that, a cameo appearance wouldn’t do serve the character’s story in the way that her brilliant introduction in her own show has.

    Ms. Marvel is now streaming on Disney Plus.