Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • Kevin Feige: “There Are Ideas” for Harry Styles’ Starfox

    Kevin Feige: “There Are Ideas” for Harry Styles’ Starfox

    While Harry Styles‘ appearance in the Eternals never turned out to be the surprise it was intended to be (star Salma Hayek gave it away well before the film debuted), it still thrilled fans of the talented star. Styles popped in during a mid-credit scene where he was introduced by Pip the Troll as Eros, brother of Thanos. Any concerns of Eros being of a similar mind to his brother, the Mad Titan, were quickly erased as it was made clear that Eros, aka Starfox, was there to help.

    While the scene was a clear set up for a potential sequel to Eternals, Marvel Studios’ brass has yet to give a green light to a second film. Even without an Eternals sequel, Styles’ character could still have a bright future in the MCU given his comic book counterpart rubbed shoulders with any and every Cosmic hero and was, at one time, an Avenger. Marvel Studios One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, was asked about Styles at last night’s premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home and gushed about the star and his potential future in the MCU:

    That was a fun one…that was a fun teaser tag at the end of the movie. We have a lot of fans-outside the studio, of course-but within the studio, of Starfox, of that character, Eros. So as the MCU has continued into the cosmic arena, there are ideas.

    While Starfox’s comic book history is, to put it mildly, problematic and not fit for Marvel Studios’ projects (or any projects, really), having a star like Styles attached as they redefine the character for the MCU shows just how astute and forward thinking Feige and crew are. Much like Hawkeye star Hailee Steinfeld, Styles comes to the MCU with a huge fanbase that will back any and every project in which he’s involved…and it seems like Feige might just be one of them, himself.

  • Victoria Alonso Updates Progress on ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Victoria Alonso Updates Progress on ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Much has been made of the extended production time of Marvel Studios first 2022 release, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Production on the film began last November, under the working title Stellar Vortex, before wrapping in April after having been disrupted by COVID. A reported 6 weeks of additional photography on the film wrapped up in September following which is was reported that another two months of work were scheduled on the film to “realize the full potential of the film.”

    It’s standard operating procedure for Marvel Studios to schedule additional photography for all of their projects, however, the recent two month extension caused some stir among fans that the film was in trouble. The film has undergone tremendous changes since its inception, with a new creative team of Michael Waldron and Sam Raimi, taking over from Scott Derrickson, who wrote and directed the first film. As usual, however, Marvel Studios has kept quiet about the upcoming sequel, simply moving the film’s release date from March to May.

    The only person related to Marvel Studios to have publicly acknowledged the reshoots was star Benedict Cumberbatch, who also happens to play a major role in the latest MCU film, Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film’s red carpet premiere was last night, bringing out all the big wigs at both Marvel and Sony, including Marvel Studios’ President of Physical, Post Production, Victoria Alonso. Alonso was asked if that extensive additional photography had wrapped up yet and she was unsurprisingly forthcoming with her response saying, “No we haven’t (finished production). We’re shooting additional photography-we’re almost done.“

    Alonso’s comments fall in line with the expected timing of the extended shoot, which was originally reported to take about 6 weeks to complete. Should everything work out, production should wrap on the film before Christmas, giving the studios more than four months to edit in the new footage and get the film ready for its May debut.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now slated for a May 6th, 2022 release.

  • “Nothing has Been Determined”: Sony CEO Speaks Out on Tom Holland’s Future as Spider-Man

    “Nothing has Been Determined”: Sony CEO Speaks Out on Tom Holland’s Future as Spider-Man

    Last night marked the red carpet premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home, meaning the stars and Hollywood suits were out in full force. Among them was Sony CEO Tom Rothman, who as Chair of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, has overseen the partnership between Sony and Marvel Studios that has led to MCU-set Spidey films like No Way Home.

    The collaboration between the two studios has been wildly successful and with the conclusion of the Spidey high school-set trilogy, fans are eager to know if Tom Holland will be back in the role once his contract is up. A couple of weeks back, Sony Pictures producer Amy Pascal, who has worked on all 3 Holland Spidey films, told Fandango that a deal to keep collaboration had, in fact, been reached. When asked to confirm or deny Pascal’s comments last night, Rothman laughed and said:

    “I will confirm that my dear sister-in-arms, Amy, is a very optimistic person. that’s what I will confirm. The reality is nothing is set. Nothing has been determined. But on the other hand, everything is still possible.”

    Before concluding that portion of the interview, Rothman added, “Hope springs eternal. We’ll see.” Speaking as the CEO of a company, Rothman is smart not to give anything away until the ink is dry on all the contracts. Will there be more Spider-Man movies? Always. Will Marvel Studios and Sony continue to collaborate to make them? It sure seems like it based on everything we’ve heard during press junkets the past few weeks. However, we recently saw the Sony/Marvel Studios deal come to an “end” before being saved by last minute efforts by Holland, so Rothman’s totally in line here with his response. With everything on the table, however, it’s encouraging to think about another decade or so of the studios working together to bring Spidey to the big (and small) screen.

  • Critics Are Raving About ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

    Critics Are Raving About ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

    Spider-Man: No Way Home just held its rabidly awaited premiere last night and the internet is already on fire with all the reactions from those who attended. Our own Mary Maerz got to attend a press screening and also joined the chorus of celebratory acclaim for the film. Check out her full review here.

    https://twitter.com/mrymrz_/status/1470642552084725766
  • Sony’s Marketing Team Originally Wanted to ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Keep the Villains a Secret

    Sony’s Marketing Team Originally Wanted to ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Keep the Villains a Secret

    Spider-Man: No Way Home became one of Hollywood’s worst-kept secrets. Shortly around the time production started, news dropped that some iconic villains from the franchise’s history made their grand return. Alfred Molina flat-out confirmed his involvement at one point, which had everyone’s attention even more. Rumor after rumor hit the web on the villains and other Spider-Man actors making a return. Well, it seems that if they managed to keep this a secret, they were going to go down a very different marketing route.

    Tom JHolland revealed in an interview with Yahoo.com that they were going to market the film as a “civil war” between Doctor Strange and Spider-Man. We do get some inclinations of that in the trailers, but they wanted to keep the villains of the marketing until they realized how impossible it was to keep them a secret.

    Remember when that was the initial marketing plan? The initial plan was to make the film seem like a civil war between myself and Doctor Strange and they were gonna keep everything a secret. That is impossible.”

    Tom Holland

    Of course, history turned out quite differently and some of the villains are highly showcased in the various trailers and even posters. It was a smart move, as it seemed that the confirmation of some of the rumors got everyone’s attention and hype, as it’s currently on route to becoming the highest-grossing film since the pandemic started. So, in a way, the rumor mill may have helped out a bit this time around even if they still can’t quite keep a lid on it.

    Source: Yahoo

  • ‘Gotham Knights’ Series in The Works at The CW

    ‘Gotham Knights’ Series in The Works at The CW

    The CW just doesn’t seem to want to stop at this point and continues to expand its Arrowverse even after the death of the character that gave it its name. With new series like Superman and Lois, Naomi, and Stargirl releasing over the last few years, this multiverse just seems to be growing in every direction at this point. And they aren’t done yet, as there’s a new branch splitting off with another series set in Gotham focusing on the youth that will soon become Gothams newest protectors.

    Some of the team behind Batwoman have banded together on an all-new project titled Gotham Knights, with no correlation to the upcoming video game, nor is it Batwoman spin-off. Natalie Abrams, James Stoteraux, and Chad Fivestash are the names behind the project with Stoteraux and Fivestash set to serve as executive producers on the project. No casting has been made on the project and all that is known is a brief synopsis provided in the initial report.

    in the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder, his rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city’s most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team of mismatched fugitives will become its next generation of saviors known as the Gotham Knights.

    By the sound of that synopsis, the lead looks to be either Dick Grayson or Jason Todd, but the CW is notorious for changing things up drastically. As far as children of Batman’s most famous rogues go, we could be looking at characters like Cassandra Cain, Rose Wilson, or maybe even Helena Wayne. It’s currently unknown just how and where this series will fit into the overall Arrowverse as we await more details.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Kingsman 3’ Eyeing a September Production Start

    ‘Kingsman 3’ Eyeing a September Production Start

    Just as the prequel spinoff for the popular Kingsman franchise is about to hit theaters, it seems that production is already preparing for the upcoming third entry in the franchise. Taron Egerton‘s Eggsy will finally make his return as it’s currently eyeing a September production start. The sequel will build upon the previous two entries, Kingsman: Secret Service and The Golden Circle. We’ve known the film has been in the works for some time, but it’s our first update on the new entry.

    The news came from ComicBook.com, which got a chance to sit down with producer and director Matthew Vaughn, who confirmed the production start while promoting The King’s Man. Unlike the previous entries, this film takes place far in the past and explores the beginnings of this important British spy organization during the first World War. It’ll be interesting to see if the third entry might pick up some potential plot points set up in this prequel.

    The third entry has a lot to live up to, as The Golden Circle upped the ante of craziness and action. It’ll be interesting to see how they continue the storyline and what the future has in store for Eggsy. Perhaps he’ll grow into a mentor role as well to teach a new generation about the Kingsman, or we explore international agencies.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Alex Ross to Write and Illustrate ‘Fantastic Four: Full Circle’ Graphic Novel

    Alex Ross to Write and Illustrate ‘Fantastic Four: Full Circle’ Graphic Novel

    It looks like Alex Ross has set his eyes on a new project, as the creator will tackle his first graphic novel, Fantastic Four: Full Circle. It’ll release on August 2nd, 2022, and is the first part of a new MarvelArts collaboration between Marvel and Abrams ComicArts. In an exclusive by Comic Book, it’s also highlighted that it’ll be larger than the usual graphic novel size to showcase his artwork inspired by Marvel Graphic Novel’s 1980s format.

    The story will also include their origin in a color-painted foldout poster. Charles Kochman, who was his longtime editor and now work was editorial director for ComicArts. He’s working on the project alongside Tom Brevoort, Marvel VP of Publishing. Ross shared his excitement for the project with ComicBook.com:

    This is the Fantastic Four story I have been wanting to tell for years, and visually it is one of the greatest artistic experiments I have attempted. I’m excited to share this work with everyone, as it unites the two great publishing forces of Marvel and Abrams ComicArts in a bold new collaboration.

    Alex Ross

    He’s also taken to Twitter to share a first look at the new series and a tease of the amazing artwork that’ll bring this project to life.

    The highlight of this project is that not only is Ross bringing the full project to life, as he’s writing and illustrating it, but it’s the first time Marvel has licensed a graphic novel from another publisher in 40 years. The best part is that it’s just the beginning of many collaborations moving forward.

    Source: Comic Book, Twitter

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tara Strong Wants Coral to Kill Everyone and Take Over in ‘Crossing Swords’

    EXCLUSIVE: Tara Strong Wants Coral to Kill Everyone and Take Over in ‘Crossing Swords’

    Voice actress Tara Strong has played plenty of powerful and dangerous characters in the past, but never one as violent and vulgar as Coral on Crossing Swords. As one of the protagonist siblings, Coral often takes the backseat but is always given some sort of plot-line throughout the seasons, being a pirate and all. Sadly, the character has never truly been given her time in the limelight, as it isn’t her story. Strong, however, has a few ideas on where she would love to see her character move on in the future.

    We recently had the chance to talk with the voice actress about her character and the upcoming second season of Crossing Swords. We were curious just where Strong would like to see her character go and how she would love to see her character progress, and didn’t hold back with her answer.

    I think she should just kill everyone and be queen. Hello! She should be running the show, she’s the smartest.

    Tara Strong

    Following up on this question, as we highlighted how incompetent the current royalty is in the fictional peg world of Crossing Swords, she gave the following response:

    Yeah, they’re ridiculous, Right! she needs to take over. She just needs some dragons and needs to go all Khaleesi on everyone, you know?

    Tara Strong

    Her direction for Coral is definitely a creative one, but wouldn’t seem too out of character for her. Of course, it seems unlikely that the creative team would kill off all their characters, but they might take a creative root with her character taking over in a future season. It would certainly add an interesting new dynamic to the show and mix things up for our colorful cast of characters.

  • ‘Encanto’ Heading to Disney+ for the Holidays

    ‘Encanto’ Heading to Disney+ for the Holidays

    Well, this is quite a surprise. Encanto has just recently been released in theaters and it looks like Disney is not going to waste any time to bring it to Disney+. In a new Twitter post, they announced that the latest animated musical will release on the platform on December 24th. So, we’re getting a nice Christmas present and they also shared a new clip of the song “What Else Can I Do?” alongside the announcement.

    It’s curious that they are going to release it early instead of letting it still run longer in theaters, especially with Eternals not releasing until January. It seems that they are trying o bank on the animated project’s target audience, which is quite in line with Disney+’s family-friendly focus. Sadly, some markets had a lockdown during its original release date and very likely will end up waiting for the release on the streaming service, which may hurt its international box office. Here’s hoping the film will still hold strong and everyone will enjoy it over the holidays.

    Source: Twitter