Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • Live-Action ‘Speed Racer’ Series Heading to Apple, J.J. Abrams on as Executive Producer

    Live-Action ‘Speed Racer’ Series Heading to Apple, J.J. Abrams on as Executive Producer

    In the age of Netflix’s strong focus on bringing iconic anime and manga franchises to live-action, it seems that Apple is the next to throw its hat into the ring. It looks like Apple is working on a live-action adaptation of Speed Racer with J.J. Abrams set as its executive producer. It already got a series order with Ron Fitzgerald and Hiram Martinez writing, as well as executive producing the series. They will also act as showrunners.

    It’ll be part of Bad Robot’s deal with Warner Bros. Television. It’s the second live-action adaptation of the franchise with The Wachowskis still being a cult favorite from back in 2008. While not a financial success, the film found a new life online with its unique visuals. It’s unclear if that’ll be a more grounded take on the franchise, or if it’ll keep its more out-there concepts.

    It’ll be interesting to see how they embrace the anime’s roots as we meet a man whose actual name is Speed Racer, who takes on anime’s original Wacky Races with a Mach 5. He works with his girlfriend Trixie, his father, little brother, and their pet chimpanzee, Chim-Chim, to take on the world. It would be great to see if they pay tribute to some of the cast from the original film, who might be open to returning.

    Source: Variety

  • REPORT: Runtime for ‘Ms. Marvel’s First 2 Episodes Revealed

    REPORT: Runtime for ‘Ms. Marvel’s First 2 Episodes Revealed

    As first reactions are hitting the web from Ms. Marvel, we also get some teases on what the first two episodes have to offer for those excited to check out Marvel Studios’ latest project. There’s always some excitement, or even uncertainty, about the runtime of these episodes as Marvel Studios has not truly broken beyond the one-hour mark with its drama series. It looks like the same can be said for the

    The first episode of Ms. Marvel will be 47 minutes long with the sequel running for two minutes longer. As per usual, it also includes the usual credits that are different depending on what region you are from, as they also include the local dub actors. So, keep that in mind if the runtime is slightly off in your local region.

    The runtime discussion has been an interesting one, as many have gotten the feeling that Marvel isn’t using more time to fully explore these stories. As we’re seeing these projects as quite new for Marvel Studios, who mainly focused on three cinematic productions per year. As they expand, they likely have to adjust to it and we’ll see how they learn moving forward.

    Ms. Marvel will explore the story of Kamala Khan. A young teenager who looks up to the heroes she grew up admiring, only to suddenly gain a special ability of her own. As the Pakistani-American tries to find out what she is truly capable of, Khan also has to balance her studies, avoiding high school’s usual trappings and the watchful eye of her family.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Coming Out On Digital Next Month

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Coming Out On Digital Next Month

    With $800M to its name and a couple million more to close out its theatrical run, it’s safe to say that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is another notch of success for the MCU. The film will be heading to everyone’s home on Digital come June 22 and on Blu-Ray on June 26. Check out the announcement trailer below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4EBvzMqW84

    Like Eternals and Shang-Chi before it, it’s likely that the Disney+ release will be on the same day, something that was rumored last week. With it finally available for everyone to access in the comfort of their home or computer, fans will be able to post HD pictures of Anson Mount getting his head blown off and John Krasinski turning into spaghetti.

  • ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Directors Decline Comment on ‘Avengers 5’ Rumors

    ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Directors Decline Comment on ‘Avengers 5’ Rumors

    Joe and Anthony Russo have made quite the mark in the industry, as not only did they direct some of the most successful films for Marvel Studios, but they went on to found their own production company AGBO to support smaller productions. Everything Everywhere All at Once was also thanks to their support and made quite the splash in the industry. Yet, there have been rumors that they may be returning to Marvel Studios for a fifth e entry.

    In a new piece by Den of Geek, they got a chance to sit down with the directors who shared their thoughts on the treatment of Scarlet Johanssen, where Disney left quite a sour taste with many of its talent moving forward due to the sudden shift towards streaming releases. They said “it was disturbing to us as artists” and are happy that it has been resolved since. They denied to comment on a potential return to Marvel Studios, Joe Russo did highlight their view of where cinema is currently developing.

    I think we will start trending back towards original IP. I think it’s a great opportunity… I think that original IP will start to emerge in this market as corporations become more pedantic and factory-like with the execution of their current IP. I just think people are going to crave new ideas

    Joe Russo

    We’re definitely seeing some more unique IPs taking a stronger stand and in the best-case scenario, there will be a balance between franchise films and original IPs. The industry is learning that there’s no necessity for every film to be a massive box office breaking success, instead of focusing on smaller-scale projects taking a stronger stand in the market.

    Franchises will still be around, they’ve always been around since the 70s and we’ll likely see a continuous change with streaming dominating the market, as highlighted by Russo.

    We’re certainly concerned with the trend in the market that’s moving away from artists. There’s been a lot of value in tech companies getting involved in making content, but there’s also some downsides to that. And those downsides include tech companies like Netflix and Apple and Amazon having much deeper pockets than studios do, and they can pay more and that’s starting to scare the studios.

    Joe Russo

    While many in the industry are focused on franchises as the main cause of the current trend. Yet, streaming, YouTube, TikTok, and more have been bombarding the market with content that shifts entire viewing behaviors. Yes, superhero films have a certain dominance but we’re seeing original IPs make their stand and continue to have a stronger standing. Like any industry, competition helps develop the market but the problem is that external factors are showing their fangs.

    Source: Den of Geek

  • Daybreak’s Marvel MMORPG Once Again Canceled

    Daybreak’s Marvel MMORPG Once Again Canceled

    Well, it seems that Daybreak’s visions of an MMORPG in the Marvel Universe may never truly come together, as it has been announced that the latest attempt has once again been squashed. It was initially announced back in November but it seems that EG7, Daybreak’s mother company has confirmed the canceled project. The statement was made as follows:

    EG7 today announced it will be discontinuing the development of the Marvel project at Daybreak Games. Based on the re-evaluation of the development risk profile, size of investment, and the long-term product portfolio strategy for the group, the board has decided to change the development priorities and reallocate resources within the group to focus on alternative long-term projects.

    This decision won’t deter any medium-term revenues and profits according to EG7, but it’s surprising that a second attempt would get canceled once again. They tried to get a project going back in 2018, but that project didn’t have any momentum before a second attempt would try to revive it. They have quite a bit of experience with comic book adaptations, such as their work on DC Universe Online, but no details are given about what led to the cancelation.

    There have been hints that Marvel’s gaming license fee is quite steep, which makes long-term investments quite the gamble. Square-Enix invested quite a bit to get the license to work on four projects, which only managed to turn into the GaaS game Marvel’s Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. There’s no word if there was another Marvel game in some form of development, and if we’d ever see it after they sold their entire Western division. As of now, it seems Marvel has made its home on the mobile market and PlayStation consoles.

    Source: NME

  • New ‘Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2’s Warzone Map Leaks Online After Reveal

    New ‘Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2’s Warzone Map Leaks Online After Reveal

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II was just officially revealed with a teaser trailer yesterday, but it seems as if leakers weren’t too far behind as we have the first details of the accompanying Warzone 2 map coming from leaker Tom Henderson. The game is rumored to be arriving with Modern Warfare II in October, with the game’s new Escape From Tarkov type mode also being playable on this new map.

    We had previously learned that the new Warzone map would be scattered with locations similar to older Call of Duty maps, similar to what we have seen in Warzone and Blackout. Rumored locations include the Airport which is a remake of the Modern Warfare franchise’s Terminal, an expanded version of Quarry, and possibly even bits of Favala, all beloved maps from Modern Warfare’s past. Although we don’t have a clear legitimate picture of the map as of yet, Henderson has drawn a mock-up of what he believes the map to be based on his insider knowledge, which has been pretty spot on with Modern Warfare II. You can see the mock-up below.

    As you can see, multiple other POI exists on the map, possibly leading the way for even more classic locations to be featured, as we know is a staple of these larger Call of Duty maps by now. With the large focus on remastering the original Modern Warfare II maps, I would not be surprised to see Activision attempting to capitalize on the standout title that many fans consider the peak of Call of Duty games. Modern Warfare II is certainly shaping up to deliver on fan expectations, are you excited for the future of Call of Duty? Let us know!

    Source: Try Hard Guides

  • ‘The Flash’s New Suit Spotted at Licensing Expo

    ‘The Flash’s New Suit Spotted at Licensing Expo

    While we still have quite some time to go before The Flash hits theaters and redefines the DC Extended Universe, a new look at the updated costume has been revealed during the Las Vegas Licensing Expo. Not only do we get a good look at the Flash’s costume in all its glory, but he’s also joined by what will be Sasha Calle‘s Supergirl suit. You can see the shared images below:

    Sadly, it doesn’t look like they also have Michael Keaton‘s updated Batman suit at the Expo, but it seems they are focusing on these two pieces. It does look like they have The Batman‘s iconic cycle in the background. Still, it’s great to get a closer look at the design that moves away from the armored design we see in the Justice League films. It seems more closely inspired by the iconic comic designs, which were more of a skintight outfit.

    It’s crazy to think that we’ve originally seen this design in concept art almost two years ago, but still have to wait one more year to finally see it on screen. The pushback on the multiversal storyline also creates an issue with other releases, as some that take place in whatever new universe is set up by this film also may not release for some time, such as Batgirl which will feature Michael Keaton‘s Batman. There’s no official word for what the future of the DCEU will look like. So, we’ll have to wait for an update.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ on its Way to Become Tom Cruise’s Biggest Worldwide Opening Ever

    ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ on its Way to Become Tom Cruise’s Biggest Worldwide Opening Ever

    Tom Cruise has always been a box office draw, and it looks like that isn’t going to change anytime soon. According to early estimates, Top Gun: Maverick is on its way to a weekend opening of $92M to beyond $100M stateside. It also would add up to another $80M internationally, which would put its opening weekend at $180M worldwide.

    The film is being described as a “five-quad” movie that is expected to become an aggressively overperforming title, especially as older men are open to checking the film out. Paramount has taken a smart strategy by promoting the film over the course of the last month, especially when it was previewed at CinemaCon to get exhibitors excited for what’s to come. It also left a splash at the Cannes Film Festival, where Cruise received a surprise Palme D’or.

    The film will also receive the widest release in the United States since The Lion King in 2019. China and Russia aren’t in the mix, which puts its development towards beating the actor’s previous biggest worldwide opening with The Mummy at $172.3M. It’s also considered an award season contender, which echoes similarly how Dune was a “blockbuster release that isn’t quite a blockbuster” in the eyes of the Academy.

    It’s great for Tom Cruise‘s career and most likely will help boost the way they tackle his upcoming Mission: Impossible films in the promotion as well. Cruise has made a career out of single-handily pushing his films in a way that others can’t due to his position which is quite admirable but also highlights the exception rather than the rule. Having his biggest opening weekend with a legacy title like this does bode well for other films to enter the market in a big way.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Echo’ Head Writer Shares Set Photo With First Look at New Logo

    ‘Echo’ Head Writer Shares Set Photo With First Look at New Logo

    It’s not uncommon that Marvel Studios’ projects go through a variety of logos while they go into development. Initial announcements tend to use a logo strongly inspired by the character’s comic runs before starting to evolve into its own unique design. While we knew long before Hawkeye entered production that the character of Echo (Alaqua Cox) would get her own Disney+ series.

    It wasn’t until Disney+ Day that we got our first look at its logo, which took a very simple design approach that isn’t new with any of the Marvel films. Yet, it looks like production has recently updated that they’ve updated the logo once again, as shared by the series head writer, Marion Dayre, on Twitter. While we don’t see anything from the actual production, we do get the series’ production name Solidarity alongside the new Echo logo.

    The design seems a bit more steeped in what the series represents, and we may hopefully also get that in the eventual updated design for the logo, which has become part of their usual development cycle. The logo showcased above is very likely not going to be used outside of the production.

    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania had a unique logo design that was hard to decipher at first but was only meant for the production team. So, this design is very likely also following that very rule. Still, it’s always great to get an update, no matter how small it is and there’s a lot of promise to explore a smaller scale story with this series.

    Source: Twitter

  • HBO Max Brazil to Add ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in July

    HBO Max Brazil to Add ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ in July

    As Spider-Man: No Way Home is not owned by Marvel Studios, its release is quite scattered across the world. If you live in Brazil, you’re in luck if you have an HBO Max subscription, as the film is heading to the Warner Bros.-owned subscription service on July 22nd. Not every release is currently known on the Spider-Man threequel worldwide, but there is the deal that Sony made with Netflix and Disney+. We still haven’t heard any update on how exactly that deal works and when we might expect the MCU films to make their appearance on the Disney-owned service. It’ll likely head to Netflix in those markets that don’t yet have HBO Max access.

    Sony’s release strategy on streaming has been smart, as they don’t carry any of the costs without setting up one, but still enjoy the licensing fees from offering them to others. While Warner Bros., Disney, Peacock, and Netflix fight over the dominance in the market, Sony is making its cash mostly through offering its library to them. It’s a great strategy in an already crowded market that is reaching its limits.

    The only drawback is that it becomes quite the question mark where and when we can expect specific releases. If there’s no overall deal, like Netflix and Disney+, it strongly depends on local market contracts. For now, it feels like a free-for-all though we’ll likely see a shift within the market as time goes on and some overall deals are finalized with the main subscription services cementing themselves within the market.

    Source: Twitter