Blog

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Barbarian’ Director Teases Next Project

Barbarian has yet to hit theaters, but critics are already raving about the directorial effort from Zach Cregger. The creative came to prominence in the world of comedy, as part of The Whitest Kids U’Know sketch troupe, before transitioning to horror with his latest film and earning high praise as both writer and director. These types of occupational change-overs don’t always go well, but if early online reactions are any indication, Cregger might just have a new career path laid out in front of him.

Speaking exclusively with Murphy’s Multiverse, Cregger was asked directly if working on Barbarian had sparked any interest in crafting more scares down the line. Surprisingly, the filmmaker revealed he was already coming up with his next story. He explained that his idea was not an easy one to nail down, and while it may never actually come to fruition, it is something he’s actively trying to get right:

I have another one that I’m writing right now but it’s very weird and I don’t know if I’m gonna be able to pull it off. I’m still writing it, and it’s hard. I think it could be better than ‘Barbarian’ but I have to figure out how to land this plane and I haven’t cracked it yet. But I’m working on it.
Zach Cregger

Before getting into his future, Cregger dove a bit into his past. The conversation began with a question on how a comedic performer ends up helming a horror feature, to which Cregger replied – “Nothing about the creation of this movie was calculated.” He elaborated:

It wasn’t something I always wanted to do, but I just have to follow the inspiration when it comes to me. Y’know, I was in my garage late at night and I wanted to write something spooky and I kinda cranked it out. Nothing about the creation of this movie was calculated. It was all just sort of a fun exercise. It was really a joyful experience. Just trying to entertain myself, and this is what came out of it.
Zach Cregger

Hopefully, his next film turns out to be a joyful experience as well. Barbarian hits theaters on September 9th.

September 8, 2022
Lee Jung-Jae Joins ‘Star Wars’ Series ‘The Acolyte’

Squid Game actor Lee Jung-Jae is heading to a galaxy far, far away.

Deadline reports that the actor has signed on to The Acolyte as the male lead. The news comes days before the Emmys, where Jung-Jae earned a history-making nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his work on the Netflix series, Squid Game. This will mark his first major studio role following the success of Squid Game. Further details surrounding the actor’s role in The Acolyte are currently unknown. Jung-Jae joins the previously announced Amandla Steinberg and Jodi Smith-Turner.

Russian Doll‘s Leslye Headland will serve as the series director, writer, executive producer and showrunner on The Acolyte. According to Deadline, Headland has been working closely with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy on the series, including the show’s casting. The series is said to take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.

Jung-Jae’s casting is a huge win for Lucasfilm and Star Wars as the actor has been highly sought after since the success of Squid Game.

The Acolyte was first announced in April 2020 by Variety, with Disney officially confirming the series in December 2020. It’s currently unknown when production will kick off, but with D23 right around the corner, perhaps we’ll continue to learn more about what looks to be Lucasfilm’s most promising Star Wars series.

Source: Deadline.

September 8, 2022
Hulu Sets Premiere Date for ‘Solar Opposites’ Halloween Special

Hulu has announced a Halloween special for Solar Opposites.

The streaming service will premiere the Halloween special, A Sinister Halloween Scary Opposites Solar Special, on October 3rd. The special promises to prove that “sometimes, alien life can be spooky.”

Solar Opposites, which was co-created by Justin Roiland (Rick and Morty) and Mike McMahan (Rick and Morty), focuses on a “family” of four aliens who are forced to adapt to life on Earth. Korvo (Roiland) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) are eager to fix their ship and leave Earth behind, noting the pollution and consumerism, while Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) have fully embraced life on Earth, including television and junk food. The show’s third season premiered on Hulu back in July.

This marks the second Halloween special for Roiland, as Hulu is also set to debut a Halloween special for The Paloni Show. That special will be titled The Paloni Show! Halloween Special! and will hit the streaming service on October 17th.

News of the Solar Opposites Halloween special was first announced during the show’s panel at San Diego Comic-Con over the summer. The series was renewed for a fourth season back in June 2021, however, it’s currently unknown when Season 4 will hit Hulu.

The first three seasons of Solar Opposites are now streaming on Hulu.

Source: Deadline.

September 8, 2022
REVIEW: ‘Pinocchio’ is Visually Stunning but Unnecessary

Over the past decade, Disney has made it a habit of remaking some of its biggest animated classics in live action. Sometimes the decision to remake these films works out well (Cinderella), but oftentimes, audiences are left feeling as though the remakes don’t live up to par (Dumbo). Unfortunately, while visually stunning, Pinocchio seems likely to fall in the latter category. It feels like a lifeless remake that does a poor job at adapting such a beloved animated classic.

Disney’s animated Pinocchio was released on February 23, 1940, and was based on the novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. The animated movie told the story of the living puppet, Pinocchio, and the cricket that serves as his conscience to help Pinocchio as he seeks to become a real boy. The live-action remake, of course, follows the same path. Unfortunately, though, it lacks the same charm and care as its predecessor. Sure, Tom Hanks‘ casting as Geppetto is fantastic. He captures the oddities of the character and easily steals every moment that he appears on the screen. The problem, however, is Hanks’ time as Geppetto is short, and when he isn’t around? This take on Pinocchio struggles to find its footing.

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth does an excellent job voicing Pinocchio. He captures the emotions wonderfully, from confusion, to love and sadness – his vocal performance is up there with Hanks’ take on Geppetto. But as great as the two leads are, the secondary cast is forgettable – albeit not through any faults of their own. Giuseppe Battiston‘s Stromboli isn’t given much to work with and fails to be as imposing of a character as he should’ve been. And Honest John and Gideon feel underused despite essentially serving their purpose. It’s frustrating because, by the end of the movie, it’s hard to recall what should’ve been a noteworthy performance by Keegan-Michael Key (Honest John). And while Luke Evans does get to shine in the few moments he’s on screen as the Coachman, this is mainly due to the iconic numbers he gets to belt out. Ultimately, for such a stellar cast, the film fails to truly use any of them properly and it’s frustrating.

The fact of the matter is this take on Pinocchio never truly feels necessary. Yes, there are good moments, and there’s no denying the visuals are stunning. Outside of that, though, there’s truly nothing new that the animated classic doesn’t already have to offer audiences. To remake something, there needs to be a good reason to do so, but that special charm and wonder provided by the animated film does not exist in this remake. The musical numbers are still catchy – and Cynthia Erivo‘s brief musical moment as the Blue Fairy is stunningly done – but outside of that? There’s nothing truly memorable here.

That isn’t to say families won’t find joy in this film. For audiences not yet introduced to the animated film, Pinocchio will probably delight. Those that grew up on the classic, however, will struggle to find anything of note in this live action remake. Well-done visuals does not a great movie make. Pinocchio needed a bit more room to breathe. While the movie does a good job modernizing certain scenes – Pleasure Island, mainly – it often falls short elsewhere because it omits scenes that help to make the animated film the classic that it has become.

Perhaps Netflix’s version, coming later this year, will offer an exciting new take on a beloved classic. For now, fans can check out Pinocchio only on Disney+.

September 8, 2022
REVIEW: ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 4

The fourth episode of the nine-part series of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law doubles down on its intent to embrace an episodic half-hour comedy, and it is consistent with the success of Episode 3 with this premise. Episode 4 keeps She-Hulk as funny as ever. It is perhaps the first MCU project that will get fans excited for each week, not because they want to find out what happens, but simply because it is so enjoyable.

With certain characters and concepts (like Wong) carrying across multiple episodes, the series is avoiding a super strict “weekly” episodic structure that might forget all previous episode narratives. Still, the B story seems to act as an anchor for the structure—while certain stories span multiple episodes, the magic of Donny Blaze keeps it nicely choppy. It is a solid balance that embraces its MCU-unique style without limiting the stories and story arcs to miniature blips that exist purely within one short episode. She-Hulk is making it clear that it can do both.

Episode 4 continues many of the themes and tones the series has previously set out. The Donny Blaze story is small, but Wong’s inclusion gives it more weight and intrigue. The fact that Wong can be reframed in this series in such a funny way without necessarily affecting the character in the greater MCU is brilliant. She-Hulk feels like comics or comic runs where characters take on very different facets of themselves at different times, but the MCU has previously avoided treading into this territory. In fact, some fans tend to lend harsh criticism to the studio if their favorite character comes across differently than how they have in the past.

But She-Hulk’s embrace of this strategy undoubtedly will go on to benefit how the MCU is able to tell different stories. It is especially clear at the tail end of Phase 4, a very experimental and sometimes messy phase, that the MCU wants to expand its offerings in a variety of directions. This series is a prime example of how the studio can do this successfully. Perhaps some stern fans simply need to embrace stories as they come, rather than investing themselves fully in one idea of what the MCU is. “Wongers” will certainly prove to be practice for some to take things less seriously, but Daredevil’s eventual appearance in She-Hulk will surely be a real test.

In any event, after two episodes that fully embrace the format and structure, it seems obvious from this episode that the back half of the series is going to be even better than what we have already seen. Supporting cast, cameos, and one-off performances are all hitting at the same level, meaning the episodic and mini-story experience can thrive. If anything, She-Hulk has only had a couple of episodes to fully take advantage of that structure, and those couple of episodes were some of the MCU’s best television. With five more episodes to go, things are only looking up for the unique series.

September 8, 2022
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Cars on the Road’s Steve Purcell Talks Exploring New Sides of Familiar Characters

Cars on the Road will take the unlikely duo of Mater and Lightning McQueen out of Radiator Springs out into the world. The new Disney+ series offers a new perspective on these characters and the world they live in. It’s a simple concept that also uses the opportunity to pay tribute to many films and franchises that have come before.

In an exclusive interview with Steve Purcell and the creative team behind the project, he reveals that the main idea of a road trip was the first concept that came together. He also highlighted the excitement of taking these well-known characters and introducing them into new scenarios.

I think the road trip idea came first and then we started adding the sort of baggage of what kind of place it would be fun to see them in, because what we love about the characters: We know what they’re going to be like so what would they be like here or be like here, and so I think that’s what was cool about working on this.
Steve Purcell

Purcell went on to highlight that the idea of blending these stories with different genres or even paying tribute to iconic films came naturally afterward. They started adding them to the different locations once they had the high concept together. He also highlighted that the initial pitch also included many more episodes that could’ve potentially explored similar ideas.

September 8, 2022
REVIEW: ‘Stargirl,’ 3×02: ‘The Suspects’

Blue Valley is that perfect little slice of America, a town that seems as if it’s a glimpse back into the ’50s with such a vintage feel, what could ever go wrong? Ever since the Injustice Society rolled into town on Stargirl? Well, it would seem a whole lot. Since Season 1, we’ve seen the town shaken with mind-control and even a chaos demon, but this time around, a murder has hit Blue Valley, and it has taken Steven Sharpe, aka The Gambler, with it.

When we traveled back to Blue Valley in the season premiere, tensions were already high. This was due in part to the Justice Society’s bubbling leader, Courtney, working to make the transition period between the team’s oldest members more comfortable with the welcoming of Cindy Burman, looking to turn a new leaf. However, this dynamic isn’t exclusive to just the kids, as the people all around town are looking for a fresh chance. The Shade, Tigress, and Sportsmaster are all villains who have returned to Blue Valley with better intentions but, in the end, it just results in them all being considered suspects in the murder of The Gambler.

Burman, of course, is the team’s biggest suspect, and it could not have come at a worse time as she continues to find her spot amongst the Justice Society. Half of the team lacks trust, and it is understandable as to why. Not even Courtney’s optimistic outlook and Beth’s voice of reason can help her find a way out of the hot seat.

While we know that there are larger plans at play, it would be a bit more beneficial to the story if they could touch on it a bit more. It’s good to let the tensions amongst the characters develop a bit more as the mystery continues, but it feels like the antagonist could be a bit stronger if he was more of a present threat. As of right now, we can only presume that Mr. Bones and Helix are the ones surveying Blue Valley through the strange network of cameras planted about town. It feels like our characters’ growing agitations and feelings towards each other will pay off much better if the upcoming villains just felt a bit more like puppet masters in an “experiment” that currently doesn’t feel like a very controlled one as much as it was led on to be.

With Courtney, of course, already appropriately being the shining star of the series, the growing mentor and mentee relationship between her and Sylvester is still one of the series’ most interesting. It’s exciting to watch as they find this middle ground in whose turn it is to be the red, white, and blue staff wielder, and how Courtney can grow alongside Sylvester. It is even more interesting to see how Sylvester reacts to a world that he left ten years ago, to see how it has changed, how he is still caught in 2010, and that person who voted to kill Bruce Gordon still finds his way out occasionally. In a way, Courtney is teaching Sylvester just as much as he is her, sharing her compassion and softhearted nature with him to eventually lead to both being the best versions of themselves.

With Stargirl Season 3, Episode 2, fans are quickly going to realize this is a very different season than either that have come before. It is a much more character-oriented season. So far, Season 3 looks to be testing character limits by making them question who they let into their lives and if they can be genuinely rehabilitated in order to let go of their past villainous actions.

September 7, 2022
CONFIRMED: Shakira Barrera Has Joined ‘Ironheart’

Back in May, we here at Murphy’s Multiverse speculated that actress Shakira Barrera had joined the cast of Marvel Studios’ Ironheart. Now, thanks to Deadline, we can confirm that Barrera has been cast in the series. The outlet reports that she will star as a series regular, although further details regarding her role are unknown.

The actress joins the previously announced Regan Aliyah, Anthony Ramos, Manny Montana, Alden Ehrenreich, Shea Couleé, and Zoe Terakes. Ironheart hails from head writer Chinaka Hodge and stars Dominique Thorne in the titular role. Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes are directing the series, while Black Panther‘s Ryan Coogler is producing the series through his Proximity banner.

Barrera is perhaps best known for starring in the Netflix series, GLOW, as Yolanda Rivas. She also had a guest role on ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Agent King in Season 7. More recently she has appeared in shows such as Animal Kingdom, Shameless, and All Rise. On the film side, Barrera has The Knocking coming up where she’ll star alongside Zelda Williams, Doug Jones and Christine Ko.

Production on Ironheart is currently underway in Atlanta with the series expected to hit Disney+ sometime next year.

Source: Deadline.

September 7, 2022
RUMOR: Marvel Studios Finds Its Sue Storm in Award-Winning Actress Jodie Comer

As D23 Expo 2022 approaches, a monster rumor has emerged suggesting that Marvel Studios has found their Susan Storm. According to YouTuber John Campea, Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress Jodie Comer will be announced as Sue Storm this weekend.

So one of the little pieces of whispering I started to hear about two months ago. And I didn’t give alot to it. I didn’t give alot of credence to it in my own head. It was regarding Fantastic Four, and it was Free Guy’s Jodie Comer… That she’s going to be our Sue Storm. And she’s going to be announced as Sue Storm at D23.
Jodie Comer

Comer has been ascending for the past several years with roles in Help and Killing Eve garnering nominations and awards. The actress recently starred alongside Ryan Reynolds in Free Guy and Disney does love corporate synergy, so it’s sensible and possible that they have chosen to work with Comer again, this time on what must be one of Hollywood’s most coveted leading roles.

Now that Marvel Studios has found a director for Fantastic Four in Matt Shakman, all eyes are on the cast with D23 Expo presenting an excellent opportunity for Marvel Studios to make a big splash with a major announcement. If Comer is the pick for Storm, her age (29) might provide fans with a range not only for her husband, Reed Richards, but also her younger brother, Johnny Storm. Sue has often been portrayed as about a decade younger than Reed and eight years older than Johnny. Given Comer could pull off a Sue anywhere in her twenties, it would be possible for Johnny to be close in age to Peter Parker, who recently got his high school GED after dropping out of his senior year. Fans of the comics will know the two have been friends throughout the years, making the age of Johnny in the MCU something of interest.

Fantastic Four is set to hit theaters on November 8, 2024.

Source: YouTube

September 7, 2022
‘Joker’ Sequel Adds Catherine Keener as Production Eyes December Start

Many were surprised when 2019’s Joker suddenly got a sequel announced by Warner Bros. Discovery, especially during their current trend of reshaping their DC universe. Either way, the moment it was hinted that the series would act as a musical with Lady Gaga joining Joaquin Pheonix, expectations certainly were set. They will be joined by Brendan Gleeson and Zazie Beez, but have not also added Catherine Keener in an unspecified but major role. Production is expected to start in December based on a script co-written by Scott Silver and returning director Todd Phillips.

The project is shaping up to be one of DC’s most curious sequels. Not only is it continuing a story that seemed singular in design but given its success on a small budget, Warner Bros. Discovery’s focus on the bottom line must see the cash opportunity. Phillips has been on a high since his work on the 2019′ film as an auteur and has quite an interesting background as the director of The Hangover trilogy. Perhaps he has a chance to make a second trilogy with the Joker films.

We’ll see what role Keener might have in the project. There’s the possibility that the film will once again pay tribute by basing its story around some classics. She could have a quasi-villainous role or even be someone that is quite close to Lady Gaga’s character, who is heavily implied to be Harley Quinn. We can only theorize for now.

Source: Deadline

September 7, 2022