Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • Leaked ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

    Leaked ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

    It’s only been a few weeks since we got our first details on the Beast Wars-inspired Transformers film. Steven Caple Jr. is directing the film titled Transformers: Rise of the Beasts that will introduce moviegoers to a variety of new factions including the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons. We did get the hint that Optimus Prime will return and some new leaked set photos to confirm exactly that alongside what is very likely Bumblebee.

    Yellow with two black stripes is his iconic look. The design also seems very similar to the one we see him transform into at the end of the Bumblebee film. So, it may be our first hint at it being a direct sequel rather than a full-on reboot of the franchise. We also get a good look at Optimus Prime, whose truck form seems strongly inspired by the IDW comics. The set photos were shared by Twitter user @3CFilm.

     

    It’s uncertain if the white truck next to Optimus Prime might also be another Autobot, but it might be likely. Of all the franchises, Transformers didn’t seem like the kind of film that would have set leaks, but car designs can say a lot about the film’s direction. Optimus Prime’s simpler design may be an optimistic hint that they will continue the more cartoon-accurate designs from Bumblebee. It’ll be interesting to see if they have practical Maximals on set as well. We are moving away from the classic designs with more animalistic base forms. Now that Michael Bay has left the franchise, there’s a great chance to redefine the story moving forward and these are some good hints that they are doing that exactly.

    Source: Twitter

  • Peggy Carter’s ‘Legends’ Episode May Confirm ‘Agent Carter’s Canonicity

    Peggy Carter’s ‘Legends’ Episode May Confirm ‘Agent Carter’s Canonicity

    There have been many debates about canonicity surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Agent Carter, Agents of SHIELD, and Marvel Netflix series have direct tie-ins to the film’s events but not the other way around. SHIELD has been a popular point of discussion. Agent Carter‘s Jarvis, played by James D’Arcy, appeared in Avengers: Endgame and added to the debate that they are, in fact, canon. We may get a more definite answer as of August 4th, as Disney+ will release brand new episodes of Marvel Studios’ Legends. Alongside the Avengers Initiative and The Ravagers episodes, Peggy Carter will get her own episode ahead of her What If return.

    Why is that relevant? Well, the Legends series acts as a supercut of their adventure through the MCU. Haley Atwell‘s return as the character was one of the main focus points for the animated series. Before her grand return in Endgame, she had a cameo in SHIELD and later headlined her own series for two seasons titled Agent Carter. If her appearances in both are utilized in the supercut, it would confirm that the series are indeed canon.

    Of courses, the Disney+ series takes place within the multiverse, which we witness grow in Loki‘s final episode. We’ve played around with the idea that these storylines can always be part of the more fittingly titled Marvel Cinematic Multiverse. At the end of the day, it’s less about canonicity but rather if Marvel Studios will acknowledge Marvel TV’s work. They have included many references to the films and even followed their storylines to connect to them. It may be the first time we get a more definite acknowledgment outside of an actor’s cameo.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Christopher Judge Talks Voicing ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Black Panther

    Christopher Judge Talks Voicing ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Black Panther

    A few days ago, we finally got the confirmation Christopher Judge is voicing Black Panther in Marvel’s Avengers. The actor has been in various projects ranging from Stargate SG-1, The Dark Knight Rises to The Mentalist. He also has a history of voicing video game characters. 2018’s God of War is a stand-out performance and reminded everyone of the power of his voice.

    So, he’s been a fan-favorite to take on the iconic mantle since the character got first announced. In today’s Crystal Dynamics stream, viewers had the chance to ask questions to the actor to find out his approach to bringing the character to life. Here are some of the highlights from that stream:

    • Yes, he got to say Wakanda Forever! He even rocked a shirt with it during the stream. He revealed he was hiding his Black Panther outfits so no one would realize he got the role.
    • Black Panther is a character that Judge always wanted to play but never thought he’d get the chance. He only takes roles he 100% believes in, which was his prerequisite before taking it. 
    • The actor highlighted his love for the character and his social relevance being an integral part of tackling the character. It was a humbling experience, especially getting to work alongside Evan Narcisse was a highlight. They geeked out for a bit on stream.

     

    God of War's Kratos Voices Black Panther In Marvel's Avengers New DLC - Game Informer

     

    • He confessed he’s a nerd and has been collecting comics since the 60s. So, he had some insight into the character.
    • His main goal was to make the role his own. He worked with Beth Maguire, who was the dialect coach on the Marvel Studios film.
    • She offered insight into how he can approach the accent and its history as she traveled through Africa to experience the Native languages first-hand. She was very strict on his accent and made sure he stayed true to it.
    • As he usually plays bulky and muscular characters, he lost around 32 pounds to “feel” like T’Challa. He’s a more athletic character, and the actor wanted to get into the right headspace.

     

    Black Panther is coming to 'Marvel's Avengers' later this year | Engadget

     

    • His biggest challenge was recording everything from home in isolation. He couldn’t play off the other actors. So, he had to do a lot of prep-work on the characters, their interactions, and relations. It was sadly a restriction due to the pandemic.
    • Working with Crystal Dynamics was not only a great experience but also an emotional anchor during the pandemic. Their shared belief and passion for the character helped him get through the rough times.
    • Judge confirmed he’s been working on the character for a year-and-a-half.

    His passion for the project is infectious. In the Entertainment Weekly article, he did hint that he was hesitant to tackle the role after Chadwick Boseman‘s tragic passing. He highlights how they are trying to make this a very unique take on the character. They want to carry on the legacy. This version of T’Challa has been in his role for some time. So, we can expect a way more experienced Black Panther once the War for Wakanda expansion releases in August.

    Source: Twitch, Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Loki’ Director Kate Herron Not Returning for the Disney+ Series’ Season 2

    ‘Loki’ Director Kate Herron Not Returning for the Disney+ Series’ Season 2

    In a shocking twist, besides the one in the Loki finale, Kate Herron won’t be returning for the second season. She acted as director and executive producer on the first season and is moving on two other projects. She revealed in an interview with Deadline that she never planned on a second season. It just developed as the series came together. There is no replacement announced and it’s uncertain if head writer Michael Waldron will also return for the series. She had the following to say on her departure:

    I always planned to be just on for this and to be honest, season 2 wasn’t in the — that’s something that just came out and I’m so excited. I’m really happy to watch it as a fan next season, but I just think I’m proud of what we did here and I’ve given it my all. I’m working on some other stuff yet to be announced.

    She confirmed that she is moving forward with her own projects but doesn’t deny a potential return to a Marvel project in the future. It’s a shocking reveals, as the series blending of Blade Runner and Minority Report was part of her original pitch. The open-ended nature of the series would make you think it was planned out, but they may also be taking a very different direction with the second season.

    Marvel Studios likes to reinvent their projects and could be making a similar approach with their series. The first season acted as a mystery thriller but as there are no more questions on who is controlling the TVA, it might take a completely new direction. It’ll be exciting to see what the future holds for Loki and especially Kate Herron‘s next project.

    Source: Deadline

  • Two More Animated ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-Offs In Development

    Two More Animated ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-Offs In Development

    It looks like Game of Thrones will continue to grow. It’s been three months since we got our first look at the first spin-off, House of the Dragon featuring Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy as Targaryen Royalty. It’ll be the first of many series that’ll further explore Westeros beyond the original HBO show. Currently, three other live-action shows are in development which includes one focused on warrior Princess Nymeria. They are also venturing into animation. Variety revealed that an animated series was in development for HBO Max. It looks like that isn’t all. The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively unveiled that two more animated shows are on HBO’s roadmap.

    One series stands out that will focus on the fictional Golden Empire of Yi Ti. It’s a location that the original series never visited that’s a region of Essos. It’s one of the oldest and most advanced societies in the fictional country. House of the Dragon features the character of Lord Velaryon, who famously sailed to Yi Ti and may offer our first live-action visit to the location.

    It seems that one live-action series will not continue development. The prequel Flea Bottom was nothing more than an idea, as it never got officially confirmed by HBO. THR reports that it was going to explore the King’s Landing slum. It’s uncertain how many of the variously hinted at series will see the light of day. There have been no updates on various of the shows that are in development until now. So, we’ll see which one will officially get a green light moving forward.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Don Cheadle Gives ‘ARMOR WARS’ Production, Story Updates

    Don Cheadle Gives ‘ARMOR WARS’ Production, Story Updates

    Back in December, Marvel Studios One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, surprised fans with the Investor Day announcement that the late 80’s Iron Man comic book arc Armor Wars was being adapted into a Dinsey Plus series. With Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark out of the picture, Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes is set to take center stage in the project. While discussing his upcoming movie, Space Jam, with the Associated Press, Cheadle gave some insight into when production on Armor Wars will get underway and what to expect.

    “We are just talking about what that show is going to be. We probably will start filming sometime next year and are just kind of cracking the story right now, deciding what’s that journey gonna look like, what’s Rhodey’s…the iteration of this going to be. Obviously people know Armor Wars-if they know Armor Wars they know what the series is about but it’s also kind of figuring out how to establish and dig really deep into who Rhodey is because we haven’t really seen a lot of that in the movies.”

    Earlier this year, Cheadle mentioned that the show’s writer’s room was expected to open up around March and given the precedent other Disney Plus shows have set, it’s possible the show could go into production as early as March 2022. Armor Wars represents the types of projects that fans are going to be regularly treated to on Disney Plus. As Cheadle pointed out, Rhodey hasn’t had much character development since being introduced in 2008’s Iron Man; however, a 6-8 episode streaming series provides the time to not only develop Rhodey but a world full of supporting characters around him, similar to how The Falcon and The Winter Soldier built those worlds for Sam and Bucky. 

    Armor Wars will stream exclusively on Disney Plus.

  • ‘Loki’ Scenes Featuring Mobius and Ravonna Got Cut Due to Pandemic

    ‘Loki’ Scenes Featuring Mobius and Ravonna Got Cut Due to Pandemic

    The first three Disney+ series by Marvel Studios didn’t have an easy start. Falcon and the Winter Soldier was to kick-start the franchise’s new venture. Yet, that role ended up going to WandaVision. As the pandemic continued to rage across the world, their productions got delayed, and I was uncertain how they might be affected by it. Later, we’ve learned that both series went through some harsh limitations and had to cut quite a few scenes. WandaVision director Matt Shakman offered a detailed look behind the scenes with an entire sequence getting cut due to time restraints.

    We’ve all wondered if Loki was affected similarly, but there was no official word. Luckily, one of the writers and producers of the show, Eric Martin, took to Twitter to offer a glimpse behind the scenes. In it, he confirmed that Mobius and Renslayer were going to share the screen more often but got cut due to COVID.

     

    https://twitter.com/MrEricMartin/status/1415528496701394944

    It’s not surprising that the series had to cut some elements, especially as Gugu Mbatha-Raw‘s Ravonna felt underdeveloped, especially how she just exits the show at the end. Still, it’s a shame we didn’t get more from their dynamic. Luckily, we know that a second season is heading our way, and she’ll very likely make a grand return. It’ll be curious to see how she reacts once she realizes that Mobius and everyone she worked with lost their memory. We are still waiting for details on the second season which will give us some answers on where the franchise is heading and where within the MCU it takes place.

    Source: Twitter

  • Kevin Feige Offers Insight Into How Marvel Studios Expands the MCU

    Kevin Feige Offers Insight Into How Marvel Studios Expands the MCU

    The final episode of Loki has redefined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. All the eons that the Time Variance Authority spent keeping the Sacred Timeline in order was for nothing. One single action has unleashed the multiverse, and Marvel Studios has a brand new challenge ahead of them. Avengers: Endgame gave us the base rules for how time travel works. It seems like they had everything mapped out in advance, but Kevin Feige offered some insight into how they tackle these projects.

    Mary Livanos oversaw WandaVision from start to finish, Zoie Nagelhout oversaw The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on the ground every day from start to finish, Kevin Wright came up with much of what you love about the Loki series and was right next to Kate Herron and Tom Hiddleston the entire time

    It might be the most insight we got into the way they approach projects, as he confirmed they have one person focusing full time on a specific project. The latest Disney+ show helped us understand how time and dimensions are connected within this franchise before breaking it wide open.

    There are people whose sole tasks it is to keep it in their head and deliver it for us and then we have interconnected meetings quite often about how things grow and evolve and [Louis D’Esposito] and I and [Victoria Alonso] bounce between all of those.

     

    Datei:Kevin Feige Infinity War Premiere.jpg – Wikipedia

     

    Head writer Michael Waldron probably built upon the rules set by the last Avengers film that will continue to grow with the next Doctor Strange film. So, it continues to grow with each project and the multiverse might just be the beginning. Before that, What If will be our first follow-up into the multiverse. It seems that the Marvel Studios team found out about the overarching rules now that it is public information.

    As you indicated before we started recording, the multiverse is coming up in a big way. There’s interconnectivity there that people have already started to see and suss out and I had a meeting this morning with the whole broad Marvel Studios team going through the multiverse and the rules of the multiverse and exactly how to really deliver on the excitement surrounding the multiverse.

    He also goes on to say that they do make changes to adapt to the ongoing storylines but never at the sacrifice of the individual story being told. As the franchise continues to grow through films and Disney+, they will have a lot of opportunities to explore the multiverse in new and creative ways. Here’s hoping they’ll share some more information in the coming months.

    Source: D23 Inside Disney via The Direct

  • Farewell, Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Farewell, Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Hello, Marvel Cinematic Multiverse. The Loki finale has changed the landscape. Not only did we get introduced to our main antagonist moving forward, but we also saw the Sacred Timeline meet its end. What once had order has now scattered into chaos. An endless possibility of Variants has now jumped into existence. What If will be our introduction to many of them. It’ll get explored further in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. We always knew it was coming ever since the Strange sequel’s title announcement. The Spider-Man: No Way Home rumors added even more to its existence, but we never knew we’d get to witness the actual birth of the multiverse.

     

    The brilliant 'Loki' finale might explain Steve Rogers' dance with Peggy Carter

     

    We’re about to enter a very new storytelling landscape for Marvel Studios. It adds more credence to our theory that Marvel Legacy projects are technically part of the franchise. No Way Home rumors hint at other Spider-Men making their grand live-action return with old villains confirmed to return. There are no limitations to how they’ll expand the franchise, yet the production company will face a new kind of hurdle. Up until now, our biggest worry was how the storylines fit together. Black Widow takes place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a direct sequel to the first but didn’t release until the rest of the franchise moved forward. Moving forward, we’ll also question if we are still part of the main timeline.

    It’s a risky venture to make sense of multiple timelines and dimensions. We played around with the idea of them introducing characters from older franchises, especially with Deadpool joining the franchise in his upcoming threequel. So, it seems likely we’ll get some more multiversal storylines in the future, but it might be time for Marvel Studios to offer an overview. Marvel Studios’ Legends series offer a recap of a character’s history in the franchise, but there are still troubles knowing when every story takes place. Spider-Man: Homecoming offered a definite timeline between it and the first Avengers that didn’t even line up.

     

    Loki season finale recap: Post-credits scene, ending of episode 6 explained - CNET

     

    Of course, I might just be overthinking it. Even if there won’t be a guide through the MCU’s timeline and the future MCM expansion, we’ll have plenty of stories heading our way. Loki did teach us that the connective tissue might be Kang. It introduced us to the concept of the Multiversal War, and head writer Michael Waldron hinted that the familiarity of this storyline may be intentional. Marvel Studios saw the potential of reaching out into the multiverse, and nothing is stoping them now. Hopefully, we’ll find out what else they have in the story sooner rather than later.

  • Antonio Banderas Joins “INDIANA JONES 5”

    Antonio Banderas Joins “INDIANA JONES 5”

    The cast of Indiana Jones 5 continues to impress. Deadline has revealed that Antonio Banderas has been added to the ranks of the upcoming adventure sequel. It is unknown who Banderas will be portraying, but he joins a cast that already includes the star power of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Boyd Holbrook, Shaunette Reneé Wilson, and Harrison Ford returning as the iconic titular character. He barely requires any introduction, but for the uninitiated, Banderas is best known for his starring roles in the Zorro franchise, Robert Rodriguez’s Mexico Trilogy, Interview with the Vampire, and the Spy Kids films, among others. This will be the second action-adventure project to include Banderas in the next couple of years, as the actor also plays a role in Tom Holland’s Uncharted film adaptation.

    Indiana Jones 5 is set to debut in July of 2022, with James Mangold taking over directing duties from franchise creator Steven Spielberg. The script for the installment comes from Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Mangold himself. Filming for the project is currently on hold, as Ford recovers from an injury sustained while performing an action scene. The new Jones film has been in various stages of production for over ten years, with Spielberg attempting to make a new movie on and off since 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Very little is known about the plot of the film, but rumors suggest it will take place during the 1960’s Space Race, and we should get more details sooner rather than later.

    Source: Deadline