Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘PEN15’s Maya Erskine Joins Donald Glover’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith’

    ‘PEN15’s Maya Erskine Joins Donald Glover’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith’

    It looks like Donald Glover and Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith is finally moving forward. Sadly, Phoebe Waller-Bridge has exited the project and Maya Erskine will take over her role. The actress left the project due to “creative differences” but no details have been shared on what led to her exiting the project. It was originally ordered straight to series back in February 2021, but not much has happened on the reboot of the Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie-led classic from 2005. Now, the project is finally picking up some steam with Erskine joining the project.

    Donald Glover had the following to say on her joining the project, and also highlighted that he’s already started work on the finale of the series:

    She’s dope. It’s exciting. I really love the show. I’m writing the finale now.

    Donald Glover

    He’s been working on the deal alongside Francesca Sloane, who is a co-showrunner and co-creator as part of her own deal with Amazon. New Regency’s Yariv Milchan and Michael Schaefer are attached as executive producers. There’s no word how it might adapt the storyline of the original or add its own twist to it. Glover has been busy working on various projects, which also include Hive, a series based on a concept pitched by Watchmen writer Janine Nabers.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Presales Outpaced ‘The Batman’

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Presales Outpaced ‘The Batman’

    It’s looking good for Marvel Studios once again, as the current 24-hour presales are the best of 2022 so far. As such, they have already beat out Warner Bros.’ big March release of The Batman and are hot on the trail of Spider-Man: No Way Home. We don’t have an exact number, but it looks like the Disney subsidiary has a blockbuster hit on its hands. Fandango’s Erik Davis had the following to say on the film’s presales:

    The epic first day of presales for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proves fans are beyond excited to experience all the thrills, chills and blockbuster surprises Marvel Studios is known to deliver.

    Erik Davis – Fandangp

    There’s still no word how the numbers are with other exhibitors, but the multiversal-based storyline is definitely on everyone’s must-watch list. Doctor Strange has been a consistent presence throughout the MCU even if his first solo film was released all the way back in 2016. Plus, the trailer was revealed alongside No Way Home, which was quite the box office draw since its release back in December.

    Forbes does point to it being a potentially cautionary tale, especially given the uncertainty of the MCU’s holding on the box office. Not every entry in the franchise has truly dominated yet most of the releases also faced some hardships during the pandemic. There are some comparisons made to Eternals performing similarly to Dune, as well as Uncharted picking up the same pace as Black Widow. Yet, the latter definitely took place in very different situations, and the films have still performed quite well, especially those introducing new characters into the franchise. For now, 2022 is still not looking like a true “return to form” for the box office and it’ll definitely be a proving ground moving forward.

    Source: Deadline, Forbes

  • ‘Ironheart’ Adds Young Actor Harper Anthony to Cast

    ‘Ironheart’ Adds Young Actor Harper Anthony to Cast

    As production on Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series Ironheart draws near, the cast continues to grow. Hollywood newcomer Harper Anthony, a 9-year old who has appeared in Vulture City and Chicago Med, has signed on for an undisclosed role in the show.

    Ironheart will carry on the story of Riri Williams, a genius inventor who creates the most advanced suit of armor since Iron Man. Williams will be introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where one of her inventions ultimately brings Wakanda into conflict with a hidden civilization led by Namor. Chinaka Hodge will serve as head writer on the series, which is set to be produced by Hodge, Sev Ohania and Zinzi Coogler.

    Anthony joins star Dominique Thorne and Anthony Ramos in the upcoming series. Thorne’s character is said to be inspired by the late Tony Stark to become an adventurer, crime fighter and humanitarian.

    Source: The Wrap

  • Remedy Announces Remakes of the Original 2 ‘Max Payne’ Games

    Remedy Announces Remakes of the Original 2 ‘Max Payne’ Games

    Remakes continue to be all the rage these days, as some iconic franchises are making their return to a new console generation. Yet, in a surprising move, it seems like one more iconic franchise is making its return, as Remedy and Rockstar Games have announced that they are now working on remaking not only the original Max Payne but also Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne.

    The announcement seemingly came out of nowhere, as Remedy is working together with Rockstar Games for a new publishing agreement. They plan to release the remakes for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. They highlighted that it will be of the same quality as their usual AAA output so far. It’ll be developed with their Northlight game engine, which they also are using on the upcoming Alan Wake 2 release and their critically acclaimed Control.

    Rockstar’s Sam Houser had the following to say on the cooperation:

    We were thrilled when our long-time friends at Remedy approached us about remaking the original Max Payne games. We are massive fans of the work the Remedy team has created over the years and we can’t wait to play these new versions.

    Sam Houser

    There’s no set release date, especially as they seemingly just started production on the project. The developer is still busy preparing the release of Alan Wake 2, which also doesn’t have a specific release date as of now. So, we might have to wait a little longer for any update.

    Source: IGN

  • AMC Officially Greenlights ‘Orphan Black’ Sequel Series

    AMC Officially Greenlights ‘Orphan Black’ Sequel Series

    Get ready Orphan Black fans, the ride isn’t over just yet. AMC has officially given the greenlight to a sequel series, titled Orphan Black: Echoes, set to premiere on the network in 2023. The first season, which will consist of ten episodes, is set to take place in the “near future,” and follow a group of women as they weave their way into each other’s lives and embark on a journey, unravelling the mystery of their identity and uncovering a story of love and betrayal.

    Echoes aims to take a deep dive into exploring the scientific manipulation of human existence, continuing the themes established in the fan favorite flagship series. John Fawcett, co-creator of the franchise, will return to executive produce and direct Echoes, with Fear the Walking Dead‘s Anna Fishko boarding the project as both showrunner and head writer. David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg, executive producers on Orphan Black through Boat Rocker studios, are also returning in the same role.

    The original series followed Tatiana Maslany‘s Sarah Manning, one of several genetically identical clones, as she investigated her own origins, went on the run from a mysterious and malicious force, and uncovered a plot far greater than her just herself. It lasted for five seasons, winning Maslany an Emmy and developing a cult following that persists to this day. It’s unknown if the previous star actress will make an appearance in the follow-up project, but her upcoming role as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s She-Hulk on Disney+ does make it seem unlikely. Either way, members of the Clone Club have plenty of reason to be excited about more raucous adventures from the world of Orphan Black.

    Source: Variety

  • Harrison Ford To Star in New Series From ‘Ted Lasso’ Team

    Harrison Ford To Star in New Series From ‘Ted Lasso’ Team

    The creative team behind Ted Lasso is working on a new project, and they’re adding some major star power to boot. Harrison Ford, the iconic actor known for playing lovable tough-guy characters in franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, has boarded the comedy drama series Shrinking for Apple TV+. The show was first announced in October of last year, though this is the first piece of casting news to hit the web since the project was unveiled.

    Developed by Ted Lasso producers Brett Goldstein and Bill Lawrence, the ongoing series will center around a grieving therapist, played by co-producer Jason Segel, who begins to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ford will play the supporting role of Dr. Phil Rhodes, a down-to-earth and sharp “blue-collar shrink” who was a pioneer in cognitive behavioral therapy. His character begins the series having been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which forces him out of his comfort zone as he deals with intrusive friends, his estranged family, and his legacy.

    This will be the first-ever ongoing role for Ford, who previously kept his television career restricted to cameo appearances and minor roles. Segel and the team of Lawrence and Goldstein are writing the show, with Neil Goldman, Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer also set to serve as executive producers. It will be the third series created for Apple TV+ by Lawrence, after the wildly successful Ted Lasso and the Vince Vaughn-led Bad Monkey. Segel also maintains a steady relationship with the studio, after starring in the feature film The Sky is Everywhere earlier this year.

    Shrinking does not yet have a release date.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Netflix’s ‘Locke & Key’ Will End With Season 3

    Netflix’s ‘Locke & Key’ Will End With Season 3

    Another fan favorite comic book show is coming to an end on Netflix. The streaming service has revealed that the upcoming third season of Locke & Key, a supernatural thriller series based on the IDW comic of the same name, will be the show’s last. However, fans shouldn’t worry about being left on any sort of cliffhanger, as Deadline is reporting the creatives behind the production always planned on finishing the story with a three-season arc.

    After the successful launch of Locke & Key‘s first season, showrunners Carlton Cuse and Meredith Averill were reportedly approached by Netflix with the idea of a complete three-season run. The duo agreed that two more batches of episodes would be enough to tell their story, and from that point conceived the plot of the eight-episode third season to give the series a proper conclusion. They explained to Deadline:

    Once we began working on the series, we felt three seasons was the ideal length to bring the story of the Locke family and their Keyhouse adventures to a satisfying conclusion. As storytellers, we are grateful that we had the opportunity to tell our version of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez’s incredible story exactly the way we wanted. We’re keeping the magical keys, though, for our own personal use.

    Statement from Carlton Cuse and Meredith Averill

    Locke & Key is based on the comic series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, and followed the adventures of the young Locke siblings after their father is murdered under mysterious circumstances. The three children, alongside their mother, move into the family’s ancestral home, which they find to be full of magical keys that may unlock the answers they’re looking for. Unfortunately, their exploits also awaken a powerful demon, who will stop at nothing to steal the keys for himself.

    Locke & Key‘s third season does not currently have a release date.

    Source: Deadline

  • Sam Raimi Confirms America Chavez’s Origin in ‘Multiverse of Madness’

    Sam Raimi Confirms America Chavez’s Origin in ‘Multiverse of Madness’

    One of Marvel Studios’ biggest films is just around the corner. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will be breaking MCU barriers by heading into the the greater Marvel multiverse with both new an established characters. The Doctor Strange sequel will feature main characters Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff’s Scarlet Witch facing off against multiversal threats–including variants of themselves. But newcomer Xochitl Gomez portrays America Chavez, a new character who also has connections to the multiverse.

    In an interview with Fandango, director Sam Raimi described Chavez’s “spirit of youth” and teases her tense relationship with Doctor Strange. But Raimi also confirmed that Chavez is from an alternate universe:

    Well, she adds an exciting spirit of youth. She’s a newcomer to her powers and to our world. She actually comes from another universe. I think she brings a sense of lightness and youth. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange can be a very egotistical and stuffy character, a know-it-all. She just flies in the face of that. She doesn’t really have respect for him originally. She sees right through the fronts that he puts up. She’s much more down to earth and one of us, and she doesn’t take his attitude. I don’t think he likes that at first. So, she creates a contrast.

    Sam Raimi

    This is not too surprising, given that in the comics America Chavez’s traditional origin story is that she used her dimension-hopping powers to travel from a universe known as the Utopian Parallel after her mothers gave their lives to save that universe. So, Raimi’s confirmation suggests that the character might be at least somewhat comic-accurate. In any event, we should expect to see her as one of the first live-action leading characters from outside of the main MCU we are familiar with.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will hit theaters on May 6, 2022.

    Source: Fandango

  • Sam Raimi Addresses the Possibility of Working on More Spidey With Tobey Maguire

    Sam Raimi Addresses the Possibility of Working on More Spidey With Tobey Maguire

    Spider-Man: No Way Home saw Tobey Maguire suit up as Spidey after a 15-year hiatus from the role. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was helmed by director Sam Raimi, who returned to the comic book genre 15 years after his Spidey trilogy wrapped up in theaters. With both players back in the game, fans have clamoring for a reunion between the two in another Spider-Man film. According to Raimi, that possibility is NOT out of the question.

    I’ve come to realize after making Doctor Strange that anything is possible, really anything in the Marvel universe, any team-ups. I love Tobey. I love Kirsten Dunst. I think all things are possible. I don’t really have a story or a plan. I don’t know if Marvel would be interested in that right now. I don’t know what their thoughts are about that. I haven’t really pursued that. But it sounds beautiful. Even if it wasn’t a Spider-Man movie, I’d love to work with Tobey again, in a different role.

    Samuel M. Raimi

    The prospect of the two reuniting for a fourth Spidey film is tantalizing, especially given the sour taste left in the mouths of Raimi and the fans after 2007’s Spider-Man 3. Despite the critical response to Morbius being less than pleasant, Sony seems committed to continuing to develop films with their Spider-Man characters. Perhaps a Raimi/Maguire reunion would help bring a little positivity back to their corner.

    Source: Fandango

  • ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Sam Raimi Would Love to Work in the MCU Again

    ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Sam Raimi Would Love to Work in the MCU Again

    There have always been quite a few debates on Marvel Studios’ relationship with its directors. Some believed that they’ve hampered their creative visions, as there are examples like Thor: The Dark World or Edgar Wright’s original Ant-Man pitch, where there were definitely conflicting behind-the-scenes. So, some were concerned that Sam Raimi joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s toy box would hamper his creative vision, yet it seems the director would love to return to work with Marvel Studios.

    Absolutely. It’s like the world’s best toy box to be able to play at Marvel. I’d love to come back and tell another tale, especially with the great management they’ve got there.

    Sam Raimi

    It’s certainly motivating to hear that he’s leaving this project with a positive experience with the production company. The highlight of the management is also a good sign that they were supportive throughout the production. We learned that the producers even pitch in ideas during the creative process, such as CEO Kevin Feige pitched the idea of including Kingpin in Hawkeye.

    Raimi is a creative director and it would be great if he gets a chance to explore more horror elements moving forward. We have a Halloween special on the horizon. So, he might have some fun adapting a storyline based on the Midnight Sons or even further expanding their new mystical and supernatural corner of this franchise. We’re seeing more and more directors taking a stab at leaving their imprint on the MCU. So, it would be great to see more of Raimi dabble in this universe.

    Source: Fandango