Murphy's Multiverse

Category: News

  • More Details Surface for ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Roadmap

    More Details Surface for ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ Roadmap

    It looks like we have only scratched the surface of where Marvel’s Avengers is heading. In today’s Square-Enix Presents event, we got a showcase of the game’s new Hawkeye DLC. Suddenly, they threw in various new showcases of upcoming additions to the game. It was odd that the actual roadmap only got briefly highlighted for a few seconds. It seemed like the big selling point of the stream was our first look at Black Panther. It looks like Crystal Dynamics has also welcomed journalists and influencers to join them in advance, where they revealed some more information on what you can expect from the game. Here’s a quick overview of the details that weren’t covered:

     

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    • In the latest update, there is a new Epic Artifact titled Void Tech Transponder. It allows you to summon Dr. Hank Pym. Yes, you read that right. We are getting Final Fantasy-style Summons,w which is hopefully going to get expanded on.
    • Each Avengers has a unique animation for petting Lucky the Pizza Dog. It’s not relevant, but I love it.
    • Animated Nameplates are in development for some additional flair.
    • Tachyon Anomaly will be temporarily available. It will apply to all mission times on the Initiative. It will also offer daily and weekly rewards if you join teams o the same heroes, and it will introduce new Tachyon Rift missions on the Eastern Seaboard.

     

    Marvel's Avengers: 2021 Roadmap Revealed, Includes Black Panther, MCU Tie-Ins and More - eSports Smarties

     

    • Red Room Takeover takes inspiration from the upcoming Black Widow film. Yelena Belova placed surveillance chips in Aimbots, and you have to retrieve them. If you manage to find the source, you can unlock a special mission to “settle the score.” Multiple versions will be available throughout the event, which let you earn cosmetics and unique nameplates. It will act like an Escape Gauntlet.
    • According to Forbes, the Red Room Takeover is also when they plan to release Marvel Cinematic Universe skins. It’s a perfect time to promote the game with skins inspired by the film.
    • Cosmic Cube is a direct sequel to Hawkeye’s Future Imperfect storyline. Monica Rappaccini is creating a Cosmic Cube in a secret AIM lab in the Frozen Tundra. It was promised as a new experience that involves the techno-advanced clone-army of Monica.

     

    Black Panther coming to Marvel's Avengers game in War for Wakanda expansion - CNET

    • The Wasteland Patrol will unlock a large map in Hawkeye’s Wasteland. Enemies and activities will continue to spawn, and you have no set objective. So, you can engage with enemies however you please.
    • The Omega Level Threat Missions seem to be eyeing a Summer release. That is at least stated according to IGN, while others keep that date open. If you consider the roadmap, it isn’t slated with a specific date. So, it’ll be released once it is ready. “Resolution” will be the Super Adaptoid map, which offers unique green glowing gear for players.
    • War for Wakanda will be a full-on expansion, so expect the biggest update since launch. Of course, they highlighted it is still free, as all content promised for the game. Wakanda will feature new areas, puzzles, and a lot more.
    • Spider-Man is still in active development, but could not offer any information on his timeline.

    In this early showcase, CD’s studio head Scot Amos opened up about changing their philosophy moving forward. They aim to be more transparent and highlight how they’ve learned from the past months adjusting to the current climate. They are fully committed to the game and promise that the story will continue with frequent updates. In an interview with Gamespot, he had the following to say about the game’s future handling and confirming the game is finally at a point that it can start focusing on putting out content:

    It is building the blocks and putting it in place. And that’s partly our learnings from how we launched in September and saying, “Oh my God, like we gotta get these other things.” Because if you have a shaky foundation, it’s terrible. So being able to build up to where we are now, with our extra platforms coming [with] PS5 and Xbox Series S|X, now we feel like we have a stable base with all these things in there that we can build on top of.

    It seems they understand the underlying issues, and their work on Loot 2.0 alongside exploring options beyond a heroes level cap will be essential moving forward. They are committed to more transparency, which we got a glimpse of during the build-up to Clint’s release. As the roadmap reveals showcased, it is a steep learning curve. A lot of information is available, but only if you know where to look for it. Even with the recent announcement, you have to look through various outlets and Social accounts to get a complete picture. The year has only begun for Marvel’s Avengers, and I cannot wait to see them roll out these events in the coming months.

    Source: IGN, Forbes, YouTube (Kinda Funny Games), Gamespot, YouTube (BobDuckNWeave), YouTube (BobDuckNWeave Events)

  • HBO Developing Three More ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-Offs

    HBO Developing Three More ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-Offs

    It looks like HBO is slowly pushing out their various future spin-offs, as they have just unveiled three more projects that are in development. We are still anxiously waiting for the first pictures of House of the Dragon, but that isn’t stopping the network from rolling out more. They already announced they are working on a series based on Dunk and Egg. It follows the tales of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, who would eventually become King Aegon V Targaryen.

    Rome creator Bruno Heller will be working on a project title 9 Voyages. It follows Lord Corlys Velaryon, who is better known as The Sea Snake. He will also appear in the before-mentioned House of the Dragon spin-off played by Steve Toussaint. It is interesting to see them already focus on a character from a series that hasn’t even entered production, so they have a lot of hope in it. 10,000 Ships will focus on the warrior Princess Nymeria, an ancestor of House Martell and founded Dorne. It takes place 1,000 years before the events of the original HBO series. Alongside it, an unnamed third project will focus on King’s Landing slums, Flea Bottom.

    So far, only 9 Voyages seem to be anywhere close to pre-production. So, we might not see the rest until much later. I like that they are approaching these franchises based upon the history of Westeros. HBO’s chief content officer Casey Bloys also confirms that they aren’t trying to rush out these productions. They want to explore stories that they want to tell and evaluating which would be the best to adapt. Westeros has a lot of unexplored history. So, it makes sense and offers a lot of curious opportunities for future franchises.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Naomi’ Adds Kaci Walfall, Cranston Johnson Alexander Wraith, and More

    ‘Naomi’ Adds Kaci Walfall, Cranston Johnson Alexander Wraith, and More

    DC is moving full steam ahead with its live-action adaptions. The CW has been their main hub, which led to the creation of the Arrowverse back in 2012. Many of the original series has already ended or are finishing up their run. Still, it wasn’t the end as they’ve been slowly announcing developments on new properties. One of them being Naomi. The series got announced a few months back, and the brilliant mind of Ava Duvernay is working on the project. For those who don’t know, Duvernay is no stranger to the DC Universe. She’s currently developing on a New Gods film, directing and co-writing alongside comic book writer, Tom King.

    The series has already begun casting its leads, moving along quite fast since its announcement. Naomi has found its titular character in Kaci Walfall, the 16-year-old actress. She will take on the role of the superpowered teen from an alternate version of Earth. The series will focus on uncovering her past. The series has also cast Alexander Wraith as Dee, Cranston Johnson as Zumbado, and Camila Moreno as Lourdes.

    The character breakdowns provide a slightly different story than what we’ve seen before. For those who don’t know, Zumbado is the big bad and is on the hunt for Naomi. He has chased her after her parents sent her to another dimension to protect her from Zumbado. Here, Zumbado has already made his way to Earth and is running a used car lot. Naomi steers clear of him as she’s heard of his “troubled past.” Another slight change is in the character of Dee, as he’s now running a tattoo parlor instead of a mechanic shop. It’ll be interesting to see if Dee’s origins are changed, considering the comics he’s a Thanagarian war refugee who came to Earth after abandoning the Raan/Thanagar War. He tries to live a happy life with his wife, who doesn’t make it.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ First Road Map Confirms Black Panther, MCU Skins, Events, Patrol Mode, And So Much More

    ‘Marvel’s Avengers’ First Road Map Confirms Black Panther, MCU Skins, Events, Patrol Mode, And So Much More

    We have been waiting for some time now for it finally to be unveiled. Crystal Dynamics has finally given us a first look at Marvel’s Avengers roadmap alongside the reveal trailer for Black Panther. The start of this game has been bumpy, to say the least, but we are heading in the right direction. The latest update is also available now, which will allow players to try out the latest hero, Clint Barton. It also includes the possibility to replay the original campaign. It is a perfect addition alongside the next-gen upgrade that is also available now. In the Square-Enix Presents event, they started off showcasing the new story element. Well, it took a turn and suddenly showcased multiple Hulks in a singular mission. It caught us off-guard, as you cannot do so currently. Well, it looks like we have a lot more to look forward to, as they unveiled various events and new additions to the game. Luckily @CalexStreams shared the full-image:

    Crystal Dynamics is here to stay with this reveal. We are finally getting the chance to play multiple heroes as we please. They also revealed the inclusion of Patrols, so you can explore the various environments at your own leisure. It also finally confirms that Marvel Cinematic Universe skins are on the way. Of course, they topped it off with the final reveal of Black Panther, who was first teased in the War Table video during its release.

    I have been with the game since the Beta when it released eight months ago, so I am really excited to see where this game is heading. These are the first major steps towards its future, as they also revealed in a blog post that not everything has been unveiled. It’ll be exciting to see this game expand, especially with how they approach the Gear 2.0 that was teased in previous developer streams. Whatever they have planned, it’s going to be quite the ride and just the beginning of the game’s future as a Games-as-a-Service.

    Source: Twitter (Roadmap), Twitter (Black Panther)

  • Let There NOT Be Carnage Anytime Soon: ‘Venom’ Sequel Delayed Again

    Let There NOT Be Carnage Anytime Soon: ‘Venom’ Sequel Delayed Again

    Sony’s sequel to 2018’s Venom has been delayed again, this time moving from June to September 17, 2021.

    Production on the project began in January of 2019 and was wrapped prior to COVID shutting down Hollywood. However it was quickly moved from it’s original October 2020 release date when it became obvious theaters would not be open. It’s new June 2021 release date seemed safe, with director Andy Serkis recently saying a first look at the film might be coming soon. While that might still be the case, Sony has pushed the film a little further out once again, leaving fans wondering when they’ll finally get a look at the sequel.

    Venom: Let There Be Carnage, starting Tom Hardy and Woody Harrelson, is now set for a September 17, 2021 release.

  • ‘Black Widow’: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Plays Coy on a Potential Disney+ Release

    ‘Black Widow’: Disney CEO Bob Chapek Plays Coy on a Potential Disney+ Release

    We are already in the second half of March. Black Widow is supposed to release the latest at the beginning of May internationally. There is still no sign of a new poster or trailer that would signify it is still aiming for that release date. It was only a few days ago that some BTS pictures made their way online. It was the first real sign of life from the film that was delayed by an entire year. Disney also stated during their Annual Meeting of Shareholders that they are still sticking to a theatrical release. Well, in a recent interview with Bloomberg Television, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek seems to have backpedaled a bit on that comment.

    Our situation and our conditions change. Just a few weeks ago, theaters in New York and Los Angeles weren’t even open. Now, all of a sudden they’re open, so we’re waiting to see how prospective theatergoers respond to these reopenings. We’re going to remain flexible. We’ll make the call probably at the last minute in terms of how these films come to market, whether it’s Black Widow or any other title.

    Now, the interesting thing to note is that Chapek seems to be slowly opening up to a possible Disney+ release. He remains strong on his belief in the theatrical window, but also seems to hint at the dynamic market redefining their current approach.

    We think it’s important for building our franchises. At the same time, we don’t think it’s the only way to do it. … We’ll see what happens over the next couple of months. So much is changing, it’s such a dynamic environment. It’s really hard to predict what’s going to happen with consumer behavior in the next month as it comes to re-emergence back into the world of normal. We’ll be watching the call carefully and make the call when we have to.

    It looks like the chances of a Disney+ release are on the tables to some capacity. Disney cannot drag out the film’s release, as it already has been postponed by an entire year. They also have Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings releasing in July followed by Eternals in November. If they truly make a “last-minute” decision, they will have to start advertising it soon to hit that May release date.

    Source:

  • Gavin James and Neil Widner Writing an ‘Hourman’ Film for DC and Warner Bros.

    Gavin James and Neil Widner Writing an ‘Hourman’ Film for DC and Warner Bros.

    The Justice Society of America is probably one of the oldest superhero teams in comic book history. Their history dates back to the 1940s, predating the Justice League and the Avengers by decades. They first rose to popularity during World War Two, where they came together to aid in the fight against the rising Nazi threat. The team has faced spouts of popularity here and there ever since. Recently the JSA has rushed back into the spotlight since their reappearance on Stargirl. DC Comics even brought them back into mainline continuity in the comics. On top of it all, they will even make their big-screen debut in the upcoming film, Black Adam. It seems one member of the team will be getting just a bit more love than the rest.

    DC and WB are currently developing a solo film featuring a founding member of the JSA, Hourman. The project hired Gavin James and Neil Widner to write. They are also teaming with the Chernin group, who’ve previously developed the latest Planet of The Apes trilogy. More details regarding the project are currently under wraps, and it is currently unclear what iteration of the character the film will follow.

    Seeing as how Stargirl is currently using the son of the original Hourman, and WB has tried to develop a project with Rex Tyler before, it seems like his Hourman is the most likely candidate for this film. It’ll also be interesting to see how the film connects to the larger DC Universe, especially considering the JSA’s imminent arrival in Black Adam, with a roster featuring Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher.

    Source: Deadline

  • Martin Freeman Confirms Everett Ross’ Return in ‘BLACK PANTHER 2’

    Martin Freeman Confirms Everett Ross’ Return in ‘BLACK PANTHER 2’

    It appears another familiar face is returning for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther sequel. Martin Freeman, who portrayed government liaison Everett K. Ross in Captain America: Civil War and the first Black Panther film, will reprise his role in Ryan Coogler’s anticipated second Marvel movie. The British actor, known for his work on the BBC’s Sherlock and Peter Jackson’s Hobbit films, had previously mentioned he expected to be back in the MCU but the past year’s tragic developments left many fans uncertain about what remained in the script for Black Panther 2. Freeman gave the following statement regarding his return:

    Yeah, I am doing the second Black Panther. I’m going to be speaking to Ryan Coogler soon about what shape that’s going to look like. I have no idea about the script [so] I don’t know what’s going to happen.

    Much like the rest of us, Freeman is unsure what the continuation of Black Panther will look like without franchise star Chadwick Boseman. The actor passed away after a long battle with cancer in August. It left director Coogler and Marvel Studios with big shoes and a massive legacy to fill. He further elaborated in another quote to Collider:

    Just before Chadwick died, if my memory serves correctly, the script had gone in. They had the script and they were working on the script, and then Chadwick died, and [I] sort of immediately thought, “Oh, okay, I could see a world where there’s no Black Panther then, because how can you do a Black Pantherwithout Black Panther?” So, I still don’t know what that’s going to look like. And no, obviously, before Chad died, the idea of doing it without him would have been a stupid idea. It would have been crazy. It was very shocking and still is very, very strange, that he is not here. So, I’m as curious as you are to see what that will look like and I find out quite soon. All I know is that I’m in it.

    The last time we saw Freeman’s Ross, he had just aided T’Challa and the rest of Wakanda in fending off Erik Killmonger’s attempted coup. Black Panther 2 will premiere on the big screen in July of 2022. Hopefully, we’ll have answers to all of our big questions by then.

    Source: Collider

  • Don’t Expect More ‘Final Fantasy 7 Remake’ DLC In the Near Future

    Don’t Expect More ‘Final Fantasy 7 Remake’ DLC In the Near Future

    Final Fantasy 7 Remake surprised players with the reveal of a DLC storyline focusing on Yuffie. The reveal confirmed that it would only be available via the next-gen consoles. It was a curious decision and made us wonder why they limited it to it. Of course, it also opened up the window to more DLC storylines getting added for characters that might not get the focus they deserve until late installment in the game. Well, it sadly looks like Integrade just happened to come together due to the recent console release. The game’s director, Tetsuya Nomura, revealed that there aren’t any plans for more DLC chapters in an interview with Famitsu. It isn’t available in English but luckily Twitter user @aitakimochi was kind enough to translate it.

    […] we really have no plans for any or DLC. With FF7R Integrade, we are able to adjust to the PS5 environment, which makes for an easy transition to development for the next installment. The roadwork we have laid out to complete the entire story takes priority, and if we are to ever add DLC, it will not be until after everything has been done.

    That is a surprising reveal. It seemed like the Integrade concept would allow them to fill blanks between the releases of the new episodic take on the 1997 original. Yuffie’s story would allow them to integrate more elements from the expanded universe, so it felt like a perfect way to bridge the gap. Yet, it seems that it ended up getting created to adapt to the new console generation quickly. So, we can thank PlayStation’s release window for them to be inspired to offer early access to the character and content. This revelation also confirms why it is only available on next-gen. It is still uncertain how long we will have to wait for in-between releases, so there is a chance it could change if development on titles gets dragged out due to the pandemic.

    Source: Famitsu via Twitter

  • Mindy Kaling Joins Disney+ ‘Monsters at Work’ as it Eyes July Release Date

    Mindy Kaling Joins Disney+ ‘Monsters at Work’ as it Eyes July Release Date

    Disney+ has been a resounding success, constantly adding new content from within Disney’s umbrella of ownership and offering new life to franchises of the past. One company that’s found a home at Disney+ is Pixar, a staple in the animation world. Many new and original projects got announced during the streaming service’s debut presentation. One of which was an original animated series, Monsters at Work. The series would see the return of Mike and Sully. The monster duo from Pixar’s 2001 film, Monsters, Inc., will return to their daily lives in the titular company.

    The series takes place after the original film. It will follow the newcomer, Tylor Tuskmon, as he lands a job at Monsters, Inc. fresh out of college. Tuskmon had always dreamed of being a Scarer, but, upon arrival, discovers that the company has since shifted to collecting children’s laughter. The change came from when Mike and Sully discovered that it’s ten times more powerful. After a long wait, we finally get our first look at the new monster designs:

    We got our first looks at the characters in the upcoming series via the Disney+ Twitter account. The series will officially premiere on July 2nd. The voice cast features the return of John Goodman and Billy Crystal as Sully and Mike. It will also see Bonnie Hunt reprise her role as Ms. Flint. The series added multiple newcomers with Mindy Kaling joining the cast as Val Little, Alanna Ubach as Cutter, Lucas Neff voicing Duncan, Henry Winkler voicing Fritz, and Ben Feldman voicing Tylor.

    Source: D23, Twitter