Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • ‘One Piece’ Fans Share Their Expectations for Netflix’s Live-Action Series

    ‘One Piece’ Fans Share Their Expectations for Netflix’s Live-Action Series

    It’s still crazy to think that after its initial announcement back in 2017, we’re finally seeing development on the live-action adaptation of Eiichiro Oda‘s One Piece series. Co-showrunners Steve Maeda and Matt Owens alongside their team have taken the daunting task of bringing the popular series to Netflix, but with a lot of dedication and heart, the team has been proving they are all-in for this adventure across the East Blue and Grand Line. Naturally, that kind of excitement draws in fans from the series that have their expectations going in.

    In a great move, one of the first accounts to keep everyone updated on what’s happening with the live-action adaptation, @OP_Netflix_Fan, kickstarted a survey to let fans share their excitement, hopes, and expectations for the series. As one of the leading voices with starting this survey, a very active Discord channel, and keeping everyone up-to-date on the project, it was a great initiative to let fans share their thoughts on the One Piece adaptation. 10,000 fans have taken their time to join the fun and offer the team a glimpse at what they hope to see. I had quite some fun throwing my own two cents into the survey. So, let’s take a look at some of the highlights. If you want to check out the full survey, you can read it by clicking here.

    What is quite interesting to see is that fans are split on how they’d want the series to be made available. Netflix is famous for its binge model, and it’s expected that all episodes will drop at the same time. Yet, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more are embracing the weekly model to keep the discussions going on the next episode. When asked, 43% would prefer for all episodes to drop while 40% hope to see a weekly release. 17%, on the other hand, would like multiple episodes to drop over multiple weeks. The binge model is still slightly in the lead, but it’s interesting to see such a small margin between both release models.

    As the first season is going to adapt the East Blue Saga, there are quite a few arcs that will get adapted as Luffy sets sail to gather his crew to tackle the Grand Line. Among them is the Arlong Park arc, which has been one of the most popular to this day. For some, it’s also the story that sold people on sticking to One Piece for the long ride. So, it being the arc that people are most excited about is also true with the live-action adaptation, as 80% of participants are excited about this arc. It is closely followed by Baratie (45%), Loguetown (37%), and Romance Dawn (27%.

    There was an additional question on where fans hope to see the series end, as there are quite a few options with the East Blue. 10% would be open to the series ending with the famous “I’m dead” scene during Loguetown, as Buggy is about to take Luffy’s head. 30% would also like to see the barrel scene as the end, but the clear winner is Reverse mountain at 50%. I personally would love to see the first season end with the Straw Hats making it through Reverse Mountain only for the final moments to be them about to crash into Laboon. It would make for that perfect tease that the Grand Line is quite a bit more dangerous than anything they faced before.

    It wouldn’t be One Piece without its fun cast of characters, and fans have been quite vocal on who they’re excited to see in live-action. Arlong takes the top spot with 68%, followed by Smoker at 59%, and Buggy’s 54%. Poor Morgan takes the last spot with 3%. When it comes to some supporting characters or cameos, 75% want to see Oda‘s tradition of hiding Pandaman in the background continue in its live-action series. I hope they do, and not just visual references but a guy in a full costume as Pandaman.

    When it comes to the future of the series, 53% definitely hope to get some foreshadowing in the first season. Popular mentions are the appearance of characters like Doflamingo, Moria, and more during Gol D. Roger’s execution, or wanted posters from future characters being included in the background. It would add that extra layer of continuity as the series continues to expand with future seasons. 70% also want to see Haki get teased early on, which becomes quite important once they enter the New World on the Grand Line. 43% also hope to see some references to Sanji’s past with his family. A personal highlight is that 70% want our first tease of Bink’s Sake in the first season, which I hope to see become a motif throughout some of the series’ themes.

    When it comes to adaptation, there is going to change with the translation to live-action. While 31% would be alright with some storylines getting merged at some point, 50% would prefer to see the arc’s not getting combined. Fans want to see iconic elements like the character’s unique laughs or the communication devices known as Den Den Mushi remaining even in this adaptation. 75% generally would only be okay with elements getting cut if it is necessary, but 63% would be open to seeing new scenes featuring the Straw Hats getting added to the material. If it comes to characters, most don’t want to see anyone getting cut but if anyone has to go it seems like it’s either the Nyaban Brothers or Pearl.

    There’s a lot more to discuss, but I will end it with one of the biggest question marks regarding how the project will tackle the iconic cover stories. These side stories are disconnected mini-arcs for supporting characters, such as the aftermath of Luffy kicking Buggy to a different island. 65% hope to see them get adapted with 52% on board for Buggy’s little side story. Who wouldn’t want to watch Jeff Ward only consisting of his head, feet, and hands running away from a giant bird?

    There are a lot more fun questions, such as how fans feel about the addition of original characters, seeing the colorful hair make its way to live-action, the possibility of Jacob Romero Gibson getting Usopp’s iconic long nose, and a lot more. While the series has already entered production, it definitely is a restatement to the franchise’s fan reception and many are excited to see just how the creative team tackles the project. If you want to check out the other questions, such as if Luffy should fight using Arlong’s teeth, you can check them out here.

    Source: Twitter, Survey

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Producers Talks the Show’s Approach to Mental Health and Batman Comparisons

    ‘Moon Knight’ Producers Talks the Show’s Approach to Mental Health and Batman Comparisons

    Marvel Studios’ Phase 4 is already known for dipping into mental health struggles, notably Wanda’s grief in WandaVision and Bucky’s PTSD in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The MCU is about to tackle mental illness directly with the upcoming Disney+ series Moon Knight.

    In the comics, Marc Spector is a mercenary who is seemingly revived by the Egyptian moon god Khonshu and becomes the vigilante Moon Knight to serve as his avatar. While that duality alone is enough to create an interesting conversation about identity. Marc Spector, however, is much more complex than the average vigilante. He suffers from dissociative identity disorder (DID). While the series is likely to explore more personalities, we know that Moon Knight will feature Marc Spector’s alter Steven Grant, the Moon Knight himself, and the lesser-known Mr. Knight. Executive producer Grant Curtis discussed how the character’s DID impacts Moon Knight:

    It’s a story about identity and finding one’s true self…The journey that Marc Spector is on during our whole show is: Who am I? And how do I reconcile portions of my past, present and potential future that I don’t necessarily agree with? Coming to terms with our baggage and learning to live with ourselves is what we all deal with on a day-to-day basis.

    Grant Curtis

    The character of Moon Knight has often been compared to Batman, a fellow caped crusader that roams the city at night and often uses similar gadgets. But Curtis makes it clear that viewers should not expect to see a Batman copy:

    [Marc Spector is] someone longing for connection, and in a way, could be a counterpoint to the classic, tortured, dark vigilante guy we’ve seen a lot.

    Grant Curtis

    Writer and executive producer Jeremy Slater agrees, and notes:

    [Moon Knight’s DID] makes him much more than just sort of a palette-swapped Batman clone. A lot of superheroes are defined by their villains [but] Moon Knight is his own greatest enemy in a lot of ways.

    Jeremy Slater

    It is yet to be seen how exactly Moon Knight tackles Spector’s DID, and how mental illness is portrayed in entertainment can be tricky. We also do not know if other personalities of Spector’s will be featured in the series–in particular, his alter Jake Lockley has been noticeably absent from promotional materials. In any event, Moon Knight looks to be a unique entry in the MCU and his inner struggles should distinguish him from other popular heroes and caped crusaders.

    Source: USA Today

  • Oscar Isaac Teases ‘Moon Knight’s Psychological Horror Roots

    Oscar Isaac Teases ‘Moon Knight’s Psychological Horror Roots

    We’ve all wondered how exactly the upcoming Moon Knight adaptation will tackle the character’s identity disorder. The initial trailers offered a confirmation that they are all-in with the concept, and we might even get some horror elements sprinkled throughout. Luckily, future Steven Grant/Marc Spector/Moon Knight Oscar Isaac teased how the series teased its “experiential” for viewers and highlights its roots in psychological horror.

    [Moon Knight] is quite true to the psychological horror of not knowing what’s happening and the slow revelations of the truth.

    Oscar Isaac

    The brief sequence when Khonshu chased down Steven Grant down a hallway, and the tease of some otherworldly threats, the fact you might never know what is real and what isn’t sounds like an exciting way to tackle this iconic character. Plus, given the character’s long connection with his identity disorder, it makes him one of the most unique superheroes to get his own series. Here’s hoping we also have a bright future with the Fist of Khonshu moving forward.

    Source: USA Today

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Head Writer Teases Their “Snotty” Take on Khonshu

    ‘Moon Knight’ Head Writer Teases Their “Snotty” Take on Khonshu

    The upcoming Marvel Studios’ release on Disney+ will finally introduce Moon Knight into live-action. Not just him but also the deity that is pushing him to the brink of insanity in the form of the Egyptian god Khonshu. The last teaser did give us a glimpse at his design, which is quite faithful to the comics and the laters featurette even shared some additional scenes. Luckily, in an article from USA Today, head writer Jeremy Slater also teased that the character voiced by F. Murray Abraham will be “imperious and sort of snotty and vengeful.” He goes on to describe him as:

    He’s this incredibly powerful and immortal God (with) his own insecurities and throws temper tantrums sometimes.

    Jeremy Slater

    It sounds like a fun take that also makes sense given how Egyptian gods generally were put on a pedestal. So, a god that has been dormant for quite some time would have that kind of attitude if he finally can unleash his powers upon a new avatar, who just happens to be Marc Spector. The tease would hint that Khonshu will mostly be a horror element in Steven Grant’s life before he starts recovering his other personalities and we see Khonshu’s true personality. The juxtaposition would be quite a fun way to catch viewers off-guard once it releases.

    Source: USA Today

  • Ethan Hawke Teases His ‘Moon Knight’ Role as Arthur Harrow and Ammit Connection

    Ethan Hawke Teases His ‘Moon Knight’ Role as Arthur Harrow and Ammit Connection

    We’re only a few more weeks away from Marvel Studios’ next Disney+ venture into Moon Knight. The upcoming series will introduce us to the supernatural world of the franchise, while also exploring the challenges of mental health. Oscar Isaac will take on the titular role and face off against Ethan Hawke. For quite some time, there were many speculations on who he is playing, but luckily a new article by USA Today, Hawke offered some details.

    For me, it was like putting Jimmy Swaggart, Leo Tolstoy,(Fidel)Castro, the Dalai Lama and Josef Mengele into a blender. That was the fun of it: What if Steve Jobs was a bad guy?

    Ethan Hawke

    The article also teases that the zealot will have a connection to the Egyptian god Ammit, who he believes is pushing his mission forward, even if the article teases it might become quite a bit murderous. The latest featurette teases more supernatural elements, which may create a curious connection between him and Moon Knight.

    Source: USA Today

  • First Look at Hayden Christensen’s Return as Darth Vader in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

    First Look at Hayden Christensen’s Return as Darth Vader in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

    We’ve known for a while that Darth Vader was making his grand return in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Yet, it wasn’t just any version of the character but actor Hayden Christensen returning to the role. There have been many teases that he’ll once again face off against his former master in the series, and luckily Entertainment Weekly offered a first look at the character’s return. While it is definitely Christensen behind the mask as teased, the first look is keeping him mostly in the shadows highlighting the danger he represents, as also highlighted by the Disney+ series writer Joby Harold.

    His shadow is cast across so much of what we do. And the degree of his proximity to that shadow is something that we’ll discover. But he is very much a part of the show emotionally for Obi-Wan, and possibly beyond that as well

    Joby Harold
    Obi-Wan Kenobi

    There’s just something magical about the design of Darth Vader that doesn’t need to change and still remains menacingly. It’s unclear if this shot was just for a photoshoot or is part of the series, but he still remains one of the most menacing villains in pop culture history. We’ll see just what Christensen will bring to the role, as after being asked if we’ll see his face, the actor only teased that he has to keep secrets.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Gotham Central’ Co-Writer Greg Rucka Joins ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’

    ‘Gotham Central’ Co-Writer Greg Rucka Joins ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’

    A while back, it was announced that Matt Reeves would continue working in the world of Batman, but be jumping to a whole new medium, working alongside Bruce Timm and JJ Abrams on a new Batman animated series titled Batman: Caped Crusader. Timm would serve as showrunner while Reeves and Abrams would join the project as executive producers. Last month, it was announced fan-favorite comic book writer Ed Brubaker would be joining the series as head writer, and it seems like he brought a friend.

    In a recent newsletter, Brubaker revealed that he’s been working on the Batman animated series, but he hasn’t been working alone, confirming Greg Rucka has joined the animated series as a writer.

    “So, back on topic… what have I got for you this time? The past month or so I’ve done several podcasts or zoom interviews… I’ve been writing Friday and the 5th Reckless book while working on the Batman show with Bruce Timm. And also starting to adapt one of our books that I’ve got a star attached to, but more on that in the next few months, hopefully. On the Batman front, we only freelanced a few episodes in this first season, but I still managed to bring in a few great writers, one of who (whom?) used to work on Batman-related stuff with me back in the old days. I can’t tell you who it is, but his name rhymes with Craig Stucka and it was a lot of fun to work with him again. “

    Ed Brubaker

    Both Rucka and Brubaker are known for their work together on Gotham Central, a comic book series that followed characters within the Gotham City police department and for which Rucka won an Eisner Award in 2004. In addition to his work on Gotham Central, Rucka also had a lengthy run on Detective Comics and also worked on the screenplay for the 2008 animated anthology, Batman: Gotham Knight. The team behind this animated is pretty great and the series is surely going to be something special with that much talent on this project.

    SOURCE: Ed Brubaker

  • ‘The Batman’ Passes $300M Worldwide Ahead of China Release

    ‘The Batman’ Passes $300M Worldwide Ahead of China Release

    Matt Reeves and Peter Craig’s latest film is making quite the bank even as most expected its three-hour runtime and darker take might get in the way. Still, here we are talking about The Batman having already passed $300M after earning an additional $11.77M on a Tuesday. It only dropped 1% from Monday, which further highlights the incredible staying power of the DC film. For a comparison point, as Forbes points out, it had a stronger hold from Sunday to Monday than Alice in Wonderland, Logan, Captain Marvel, and more.

    What is playing right into The Batman‘s hand is that there aren’t any major releases until May. Right now, the expectations of the second weekend are similar to most with it being around 60%, but we’ll see if word-of-mouth boosts the film after all. Still, going from a pandemic standpoint the film is already competing with most major releases of the year and is very likely to pass Dune and Eternals at this rate.

    Will the film pass a billion? That’s the big question, as it is performing quite well internationally. The biggest advantage the film has lies in its confirmed release in China. The 45-day release window for digital might hurt it, however, as China is also infamous for piracy. It is releasing ahead of its digital availability, but there’s still some time before that happens that it’s available in Chinese theaters. For now, it seems likely the film will pass $400M by this weekend.

    Source: Forbes

  • Leaked Promo Art Offers First Look at Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk

    Leaked Promo Art Offers First Look at Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk

    While the Disney+ special on Marvel Studios’ 2022 line-up hid our first look at Tatiana Maslany as the titular She-Hulk, it seems that the wait is finally over. promotional art for merchandise has leaked online with our first full look at the actress’ look with her green skin. She also is wearing the outfit that was teased in the 2022 showcase which is strongly inspired by her iconic look from the comics.

    That is not all, as even more feature some familiar costume designs from recent comic storylines and even a classic half-face design that was often used in comics to show the duality of these characters.

    She looks great, but it’s strange to think they were hiding her face if she mainly just looks like Maslany. There’s a chance that they haven’t finished the effects work at that point, especially with the series potentially not releasing until later this year. Still, the fact that merchandise has already leaked online means that the project is definitely going to find its way to Disney+ sometime this year.

    She-Hulk has a lot of potentials, as it not only gives us a Hulk-centric storyline but also lets us explore his relationship with his cousin. Seeing the curse of the Green Goliath from a different perspective has an interesting charm. She’s more than just someone lost to rage but even has the ability to break the fourth wall, which has been hinted at as part of the series. Here’s hoping we get a tease for the project in the upcoming months.

    Source: Twitter

  • Will Forte and Lana Condor Join John Cena in ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’

    Will Forte and Lana Condor Join John Cena in ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’

    Will Forte and Lana Condor are set to join John Cena in the Looney Tunes flick, Coyote Vs. Acme. The news was first reported by Deadline, with the outlet revealing Forte will play the lawyer for Wile E. Coyote, as they work together to go against Forte’s intimidating former boss played by Cena. However, while working together, the duo soon find themselves developing a friendship between man and cartoon, which only makes them all the more determined to win. Details surrounding Condor’s role are being kept under wraps.

    Coyote vs. Acme will focus on Coyote, who after ACME products fail him one too many times in his dogged pursuit of the Roadrunner, decides to hire a billboard lawyer to sue the ACME Corporation. The film is being produced by James Gunn (Peacemaker, Guardians of the Galaxy), who reteams with Cena yet again, and Chris DeFaria.

    The film was written by Samy Burch and is based on the New Yorker humor article “Coyote v. Acme” by Ian Frazier. Dave Green, who has directed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, will helm the film.

    Coyote vs. Acme will hit theaters on July 21, 2023.

    Source: Deadline.