Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • John Cena on Playing a Wild Card in ‘VACATION FRIENDS’

    John Cena on Playing a Wild Card in ‘VACATION FRIENDS’

    It shouldn’t come as a surprise that John Cena, a professionally trained sports entertainer, has what it takes to bring his chops outside the squared circle. This year alone saw his debut in blockbusters F9 and The Suicide Squad, where he garnered raves for his scene-stealing performances. He’s also starring in a new comedy called Vacation Friends, where he gets to play a character unlike that of Peacemaker and Jakob Toretto.

    Honestly, when I read the script, it was like, “This is kinda where I am in my life right now. ” And the great thing about a movie called Vacation Friends, you know what you’re gonna get when you see the movie.  Like, the two words describe what you’re gonna see, so you have expectations.  And any great comedy takes relatable situations and completely makes them hysterically absurd.

    Like most rowdy comedies, Vacation Friends is a movie about comfort zones and being in the moment. It’s the familiar tale of a crazy character clashing with an uptight character in fun ways but they eventually bring out the best in each other. Cena spoke to the press about his thoughts on what this movie tries to be and how it speaks to him as a person.

    That’s what this movie does.  It puts us in a situation… like, I’ll use Superbad, The Hangover, you could go on and on.  You get it.  Like, you get what the Hangover is about.  But it’s so far that that’s where we can laugh at it, because these people go through these absurd situations.  So you know what Vacation Friends is about.  And what drew me to the script was, “Wow I’m really kinda focusing on trying to be present, trying to be more emotionally available, trying to really solidify my attachments in life.”

  • Joy Omanski and Neil Hopkins Upped to Series Regulars for ‘STARGIRL’ Season 3

    Joy Omanski and Neil Hopkins Upped to Series Regulars for ‘STARGIRL’ Season 3

    Stargirl‘s second season has just begun on the CW network after moving from the DC Universe streaming service. It is set in the aftermath of the Injustice Societies defeat. Now, our heroes face a reality where they are no longer needed. The upcoming episode will see the return of Sportsmaster and Tigress, who were thought to be locked away after they took down ISA’s satellite and sent them packing. It seems this wont be the last we see of them.

    Deadline is reporting that both Neil Hopkins and Joy Omanski have been promoted to series regulars in the upcoming third season of Stargirl, which was green-lit before the second had even premiered. The pair are definitely one of the shows deadliest duos, posing as quite the challenge for the JSA upon their first few missions, but the dynamic between the pair is quite perfect and it’ll be great to have them back.

    DC's Stargirl' 1×06 Photos: Sportsmaster and Tigress Villains | TVLine

    While there isn’t any details on the upcoming third season, and filming has yet to begin, its possible we could see the Crockett crime family come together in the future of the series. Cindy Burman is on the hunt to form her own ISA with Tigress and Sportmaster’s daughter, Artemis being high on her list as a potential candidate. The series could even potentially bring in the Crocketts oldest daughter, Cheshire. Artemis and her might become fan favorites with their inclusion on Young Justice.

    Stargirl‘s second season is currently airing on the CW Network every Tuesday. The sophomore season features the return of Brec Bassinger and Luke Wilson as Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E as a new evil makes its way to Blue Valley, one that could be deadlier then the entirety of the ISA.

    Source: Deadline

  • First Footage for Rumored ‘THE MANDALORIAN’ Game May Have Leaked Online

    First Footage for Rumored ‘THE MANDALORIAN’ Game May Have Leaked Online

    Here’s an interesting surprise. Around April, there was a rumor going around that a video game adaptation of The Mandalorian was in development. There never was an official word on the game, but it looks like we may have gotten some potential leaked footage of what may be that rumored game. Either that, or an incredibly made leak showcasing the potential of a game based on the popular Disney+ series.

    There are quite a few rough parts to what is being shown. The chapter select and audio stand out for being very unfinished. It also seems to follow the chapter structure from the series, which seems like an odd choice for a game adaptation. Yet, the approach of a third-person game as Mando fighting your way through hordes of Stormtroopers is an enticing offer if it turns out to be real.

    There are some elements that speak against it. You can find a popular mod of Din Djarin that was used in Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order some time ago. Plus, it may also turn out to be a mod for Star Wars: Battlefront II that got quite a few gameplay upgrades. If it does turn out fake, respect to the modder who put the work in. The prospect of a game version of The Mandalorian is an exciting one, and with rumors of an open-world game eyeing a 2023 release, it would be the perfect concept as you hunt down various bounties while doing missions

    Source: GamesRadar, YouTube, YouTube (Mod)

  • Marvel Studios Starts Casting for ‘WEREWOLF BY NIGHT’ Halloween Special

    Marvel Studios Starts Casting for ‘WEREWOLF BY NIGHT’ Halloween Special

    Werewolf by Night is moving forward over at Marvel Studios, as The Wrap has just unveiled they are currently casting a Latino male in his 30s to star in a Halloween Special. It is currently still untitled but will follow the story of a werewolf character, which may confirm earlier reports that they are actively working on a project for the character. Production is eyeing an early 2022 with earlier reports hinting at a February start. No episode count has been named, but might be a one-off episode rather than a full season order.

    There have been some rumblings on Werewolf by Night making a possible appearance in the upcoming Moon Knight series. If they are currently casting, it would imply that he won’t have a role. Though, there were two that held that title in the Marvel comics, Jack Russel and Jake Gomez. So, perhaps we get to explore the origins before he splinters off into his own project. It’s not the first special we’re getting from Marvel Studios, as Guardians of the Galaxy is also expected to release a Holiday Special next year.

    The only confusing aspect is that earlier reports hinted at a series being in development. From the sound of it, and Disney+’s history with any kind of special, they are only a one-time release. Perhaps there are multiple projects in the work, such as Guardians getting a special ahead of the third entries release in cinemas. Of course, they might also want to introduce the character ahead of a potential crossover. Are we finally getting Midnight Sons?

    Source: The Wrap

  • Martin Freeman Rocking a Beard in Latest ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos

    Martin Freeman Rocking a Beard in Latest ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos

    The set photos for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have been slowly pouring in. Not too long ago, we got our first real look at Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams on the film’s set. We even got a few pictures featuring Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira. It’s not over, as Just Jared shared a brand new look at Martin Freeman, as he rocks a beard. The actor had a strong supporting role in the first film as CIA agent Everett K. Ross and it’s great to see his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    As we sadly can’t share pictures from JustJared, you can check them out here.

    We still know very little about the film’s upcoming plot, but it looks like the CIA will get involved in one way or another. They’ve been busy shooting scenes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which might be the reason he gets involved. We don’t know the details but it looks like Riri will have some role in the film.

    There’s a chance that Ross might not be as involved in this film as he was previously. The rumors of the film focusing on a potential war between Wakanda and the MCU’s version of Atlantis will introduce quite a few new players. So, they’ll likely try to keep the supporting cast between these two nations. It’ll be interesting to see how much the initial trailer will reveal or hint at, as they might want to keep a few things close to their chest moving forward. Either way, here’s hoping Freeman might appear in other projects further down the line. He might need to sit down to have a chat with his now evil former co-worker and now Power Broker.

    Source: Just Jared

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘WANDAVISION’s Paul Bettany to Write and Star in Director Mark Waters’ Film ‘HARVEST MOON’

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘WANDAVISION’s Paul Bettany to Write and Star in Director Mark Waters’ Film ‘HARVEST MOON’

    We can exclusively share that WandaVision‘s Paul Bettany has joined Mark Waters‘ next film, Harvest Moon. No, it’s not an adaptation of the popular farm simulator game that’s been a Nintendo staple since 1996. Rather, it’s the story about the early months of the pandemic, where a young boy named Charlie tries to get his estranged parents together again. Bettany will play the father, Johnny. Not only that, he’s also one of the writers behind the project, as he penned the script alongside Dana Brown. Currently, the film is eyeing a production start in October of this year.

    Neues LEGO VIP-Gewinnspiel mit signiertem Paul Bettany-Bild

    Bettany is, of course, famous for his portrayal of JARVIS and the Vision throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, he does have some writing experience, as he wrote the screenplay for 2014’s Shelter, which starred Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Mackie. He was also behind the director’s chair for that project. He’ll work together with Waters, who worked on a variety of films. He recently directed the Adam Devine-led Magic Camp or Disney+ but also worked on Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, and even The Spiderwick Chronicles.

    Given the director’s background in more comedic fair, we can expect a similar tone from this film. It’s not every day a boy and his favorite stuffed dog Foofy try their best to get his parents to fall in love again. Bettany has proven his ability of juggling his comedic and more dramatic chops, especially in the recent release of WandaVision. Not only did he replicate the different eras of TV history and their comedy, but still gave us a thought-provoking performance while consulting Elisabeth Olsen‘s Wanda during her time of need, and while facing his alter ego in a philosophical battle on their own existence. Whatever direction the film is heading towards, he’ll certainly give us a memorable performance.

  • New ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos Offer a Glimpse of Riri Williams

    New ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ Set Photos Offer a Glimpse of Riri Williams

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been filming on two fronts over the past week with part of the cast in and around MIT where it is believed Riri Williams, who will play an integral role in the film’s plot, is a student. Today, set photos of Dominique Thorne as Williams have made the rounds and give us our first really good look at the character looking like a college student.

    Williams possesses a genius-level intellect and, in the comics, created her Ironheart armor with materials she stole from MIT. While we are sure to see her armor, perhaps multiple versions, I’m told it’s another invention of hers that drives her part in the story.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is slated to hit theaters next summer.

  • ‘WW84’s Patty Jenkins Speaks Out on HBO Max’s Digital Hybrid Release Model

    ‘WW84’s Patty Jenkins Speaks Out on HBO Max’s Digital Hybrid Release Model

    If there’s one thing we’ll take away from 2021, it’s the constant war between distributors and their talent. Scarlett Johansson famously sued Disney for releasing Black Widow on Disney+ Premier Access and going against her contract. There have been many fears regarding what the digital release might do mean for the industry moving forward, as the pandemic still continues to rage on.

    Of course, when exhibitors were holding this year’s CinemaCon event, there was going to be a lot of dismay on these recent strategies. Yet, it looks like one person joined in on the conversation, as Wonder Woman 1984’s director Patty Jenkins openly shared her thoughts on the digital day and date release strategy from HBO Max. She stated the following after the disheartening debut of her film back in December while many theaters were still just opening.

    It was detrimental to the movie. I knew that could have happened I don’t think it plays the same on streaming, ever. I’m not a fan of day-and-date and I hope to avoid it forever. I make movies for the big screen experience

    Patty Jenkins

    She also openly stated she would not make a film for Netflix or any other streaming service, as she also points out the challenges of handling a limited run in theaters. While she also openly criticized exhibitions avoidance of change over the years, it’s still showing that Warner Bros’ decision to release all films simultaneously on HBO Max throughout the year left some scars. Yet, their strategy paid off as the pandemic continues to threaten theatrical experiences to this day, and it took quite some time before cinema was able to recover. Right now, it’s a hard decision to make for anyone in the industry and it’s uncertain how long it’ll drag out moving forward.

    Source: Deadline

  • Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre Cast in Leading Roles for ‘THE LION KING’ Prequel

    Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre Cast in Leading Roles for ‘THE LION KING’ Prequel

    It’s been some time since we heard about The Lion King prequel. Moonlight‘s Barry Jenkins took over directing duties from Jon Favreau, who kickstarted the live-action adaptation of the popular Disney animated film. Deadline has just unveiled that The Trial of The Chicago 7‘s Kelvin Harrison Jr. and The Underground Railroad‘s Aaron Pierre will lead the project. It’ll explore the story of Mufasa’s origin before he became the loving father we see in the original film. Harrison Jr. will tackle the role of Taka and Pierre playing Mufasa.

    It’s still a curious decision to explore the origins of Mufasa. Disney did continue the story through various media with a direct-to-video sequel and The Lion Guard series on Disney Junior. Still, Simba’s father was rather straight-laced and the film might focus on his relationship with his brother, Scar. It doesn’t officially have a title, but there’s a good chance it might get a subtitle of some kind to not make people believe it’s an adaptation of the sequel.

    It’ll continue the photorealistic animation technology introduced with the first film. Jeff Nathanson returns to script the film. Hans Zimmer will score the soundtrack alongside Pharrell, and Succession‘s Nicholas Britell. Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak will act as producers on the Disney film. Production is already underway and we might see more casting in the near future.

    Source: Deadline

  • EXCLUSIVE: Justin Timberlake Joins Benicio Del Toro’s Netflix Project ‘REPTILE’

    EXCLUSIVE: Justin Timberlake Joins Benicio Del Toro’s Netflix Project ‘REPTILE’

    In December of 2020, Variety announced that Benicio Del Toro will executive produce and star in Black Label Media’s film, Reptile. The film will be directed by music video director Grant Singer who has collaborated on various projects with The Weeknd and Taylor Swift, but is taking the step into the world of feature films. We can exlusively reveal that Del Toro won’t be alone, as the film has added Justin Timberlake in the role of Will in the Netflix original.

    Justin Timberlake Tickets für 2021 2022 Tour. Information über Konzerte, Touren und Karten von Justin Timberlake in 2021 2022 | Wegow Österreich

    The film will follow Del Toro‘s Nichols, who is a detective in Atlanta trying to solve a case that starts to unravel as time goes on. It’ll force him to also take a closer look at the illusions of the life he believed he lived. Singer and Ben Brewer wrote the script with Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill and Thad Luckinbill from Black Label Media producing the film. The production is currently eyeing a production start from September to November.

    Timberlake is no stranger to acting, as the singer famously starred in 2011’s In Time and Friends with Benefits. He recently headlined the Apple+ project Palmer and also lent his singing voice to the 2016 Trolls film. Still, one of his best roles might be the fact he somehow ended up voicing Boo Boo in the 2010 film adaptation of popular Hanna-Barbera cartoon, Yogi Bear. So, you could say he has experience in psychological thrillers and is the perfect choice to join Del Toro in the upcoming Netflix film.

    Source: Variety