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  • Leaked ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Listing Hints at Illuminati Funko Pops

    Leaked ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Listing Hints at Illuminati Funko Pops

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been quite the ride. Not only does it embrace Marvel’s knack for character-driven storytelling but also gave Sam Raimi time to revisit his horror roots. While being quite a memorable film, it also gave us some iconic cameos in the form of the Illuminati. We were introduced to the remnants of the team that would eventually meet their fate at the hands of the fully unleashed Scarlet Witch after underestimating her abilities.

    We just got a leak that gave us our first look at Dead Strange’s Funko Pop. It included our first look at Captain Carter with her shield. This adds to another leak via scrooge_ducktales on Instagram, which includes a listing of upcoming Funko Pop additions in the form of the various members of the Illuminati. It includes Black Bolt, Charles Xavier, Mr. Fantastic, and Maria Rambeau’s Captain Marvel. There have been FUnkos of them in the past, it’ll be interesting to see their live-action designs brought to life in the collectibles.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CdYYDMvp3lG/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

    Keep in mind the Funkos included in the visual aren’t actually the ones that are getting released, as these are those that have already been made available in the past. So, we’ll see how different the designs may turn out. John Krasinski‘s Mr. Fantastic and Anson Mount‘s Black Bolt had the most comic-accurate designs we’ve seen on the silver screen. So, they’ll definitely make some great additions to anyone’s collection.

    Source: Instagram

  • New ‘Doctor Strange 2′ Funko Leaks Reveals First Look at Dead Strange’s Funko’

    New ‘Doctor Strange 2′ Funko Leaks Reveals First Look at Dead Strange’s Funko’

    A new leak has made its way online that reveals part of the next Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Funko Pops. While we’ve gotten the tease of Sinister Strange in the past, this lineup includes our first look at the fittingly named Dead Strange, who we initially expected to be a zombified version of the character from the multiverse. It also includes America Chavez, who takes on a new role by the end of the film which was originally going to even lead into Spider-Man: No Way Home until the release dates got shuffled around.

    The additional reveal is Captain Carter, who already had one from her appearance in the What If…? series. Yet, the fact that an Illuminati member is getting a Funko could mean that the others aren’t too far behind, which would be some exciting additions to any collection. The fact they added the iconic ponytail and nightmare cape consisting of beings from hell just adds that extra flair to once again highlight just how insane the whole concept was when it happened in the film.

    If there’s already packaging out there, it means the official announcements shouldn’t be too far out. We still have to wait a bit until we get a clearer look at their designs, but it’s a fun tradition to explore new Funko Pops with each new Marvel series. We’ll see if the rest are also going to get announced at some point, as it would seem strange not to make use of the biggest cameos in the film for those interested to add to their collection.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Writer on Working With John Krasinski to Bring Mr. Fantastic to Life

    ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Writer on Working With John Krasinski to Bring Mr. Fantastic to Life

    While the Illuminati have been heavily teased throughout the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailers, a latter one getting a little too spoiler happy, they still managed to keep surprised when John Krasinski showed up on the screen as Mr. Fantastic. He’s been a fan favorite to take on the role for quite some time, and people finally got their wish even if Wanda turned him into string cheese. Doctor Strange writer shared what it was like working with the actor to bring the character to life.

    I’m not involved in the casting, but as with all of these performers, I worked really closely with him in bringing that character to life with him and Sam. And especially on that one, because that was the one character that had no real precedent ever in the MCU, at least. Figuring out how we want this guy to be — that was a lot of fun. That particular character is certainly one of my favorite comic book characters.

    Michael Waldron

    In the same interview with Variety, he hints that it was Kevin Feige that made the necessary calls to make this dream casting a reality. When asked though if he might have any idea if we’ll see him return in the role at some point, all he could really answer was that:

    It’s a question for somebody else

    Michael Waldron

    Of course, he’s not responsible for castings, and with Jon Watts exiting the Fantastic Four project, there are a lot of opportunities to let him bring the role to life. Of course, they may have a better chance this time around of actually exploring the character with the rest of the Fantastic family. Our very own Torjborn Frazier made his case for him continuing the role, which you can check out by clicking here.

    Source: Variety

  • Illuminati’s Fate in ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Was Always Part of the Script

    Illuminati’s Fate in ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Was Always Part of the Script

    In an interview with Variety, the writer behind Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Michael Waldron, opened up about their approach to the script and their overall goal going in. He highlighted that with the pandemic delaying the release, they had a chance to tackle the project with a fresh set of eyes, as he and director Sam Raimi reworked most of the script. He also reveals that the grizzly fate of the Illuminati has been part of his script since the first draft.

    Yeah, that was there in my first draft of the script. That was the madness of the multiverse to me, really. You introduced this superhero team that makes the audience feel like they’re finally safe, and then the Scarlet Witch eviscerates them. It was a great way to knock the audience off their feet. And then hopefully, you spend the rest of the movie terrified of Wanda and what she’s capable of.

    Michael Waldron

    It certainly did what Waldron set out to do, as the film managed to turn Wanda into quite the force of nature. The concept also gave Sam Raimi the chance to revisit his directing styles from the Evil Dead trilogy and Drag Me To Hell. Not only did it set up just how dangerous Wanda is but also highlighted the arrogance of the Illuminati to think they can take her own or even reason with her at that time.

    It also was an interesting meta twist on the concept of introducing these major characters from the characters as cannon fodder. Not only did it highlight just how dangerous the Scarlet Witch is, but gave viewers what they wanted with a brutal twist. Who knows if we’ll get some visceral deaths at this level again in an MCU project, but it does open up the possibility of some exciting horror elements in Blade.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Didn’t Connect ‘Loki’ As it Would “Have Complicated Things”

    ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Didn’t Connect ‘Loki’ As it Would “Have Complicated Things”

    When early fan theories went crazy over Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, everyone assumed that the events of Loki would directly lead to this film. Yet, those that left theaters might’ve been surprised that non of the story points from that series would lead into the film, besides the birth of the multiverse. Still, even with the series’ head writer on board, they purposefully avoided referencing or building their film with the Disney+ series in mind, as it would “have complicated things.”

    If it had been necessary, I think we would have. But as it was, it felt, even to me, like we were just reaching. Nothing would have made me happier than to get to write dialogue for Tom or Owen or Sophia. But it felt like this was a story happening separate of that TVA purview. And that might have complicated things. You know, this movie was already handling a lot, and that might have just confused things even further. So I think we were okay without it.

    He makes a good point, as it already was building upon the WandaVision Disney+ show with Scarlet Witch’s development. It would’ve also had to strongly focus on building upon the world that Loki set up with the TVA, which could potentially distract from the film’s overall plotline. They probably had to pick their battle on what they focus on, as they could’ve also given the Illuminati’s role to the TVA in some capacity, which may not have had the same impact.

    Waldron also highlights how they keep a strong focus on how they approach their stories and they aren’t just doing it to connect everything for the purpose of connection git. We’ll see what the future has in store for Loki with a second season underway. There’s also the fact that Kang will make his appearance in the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp sequel, which may actually connect the TVA with the Quantum Realm. We’ll see what the future has in store for them.

    Source: Variety

  • Michael Waldron Provides an Update on Kevin Feige’s ‘Stars Wars’ Project

    Michael Waldron Provides an Update on Kevin Feige’s ‘Stars Wars’ Project

    In an interview with Variety, Michael Waldron discussed what his future has in store in terms of his screenplays. The Doctor Strange 2 writer has been tapped to write a mysterious film in the Star Wars franchise produced by Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige. Waldron briefly provided an update on the status of said Star Wars project.

    We’re finally into it in earnest. I mean, I’m writing away. It’s a lot of fun. I’m enjoying having the freedom on that to do something that’s not necessarily a sequel or anything.

    Michael Waldron

    After having minimal updates on this secret project beyond its initial announcement over a year ago, it’s certainly an exciting development to know there is finally progress on this highly anticipated project. In the interview, Waldron further elaborates on the differences between working on projects for both Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    It just doesn’t have a bunch of TV shows and movies that you’re servicing on top of it, the way I did with “Doctor Strange.” So it’s nice. It feels like a different exercise.

    Michael Waldron

    The lack of a definitive, overarching connective tissue is definitely a big change in relation to being previously ensconced in the lore of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Waldron’s previous two projects. As well, it provides many questions about where this project exists in the timeline of the Star Wars franchise.

    Especially with Lucasfilm producing various projects in different eras of the timeline such as Andor, The Acolyte, and the Patty Jenkins directed Rogue Squadron film, there’ll be many questions as to where and when Kevin Feige and Michael Waldron will base their upcoming film. With the news of this film being in active development, many theories will begin to rise as to how the Marvel Studios stalwarts will influence the direction of a corner of the Star Wars universe.

    Source: Variety

  • Namor Was Considered as a Member of ‘Doctor Strange 2’s Illuminati, But Marvel Studios “Has Other Plans for Him”

    Namor Was Considered as a Member of ‘Doctor Strange 2’s Illuminati, But Marvel Studios “Has Other Plans for Him”

    There has been an ongoing wait for confirmation that Namor will make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s been months since the first rumors hit the web that he’ll play an antagonistic role in the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever. Yet, while there still hasn’t been an official statement, it seems that he may have also almost made his debut in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as part of the multiverse’s Illuminati.

    In an interview with Variety, the film’s writer Michael Waldron has revealed that they have considered including Namor in their line-up. He was a founding member in the comics, which makes him a fitting addition but it looks like the studio had “other plans” for the character anyway and that is why he wasn’t prioritized.

    [We] talked about him, because he’s certainly an original member of the Illuminati. But I think Marvel has other plans for him in the MCU. And so he didn’t make his way in this particular movie.

    Michael Waldron

    He does highlight that Kevin Feige had a big part in even making the castings possible and bringing the team together, as they developed the idea.

    That’s kind of a combination of us putting forth, “Well, what if we did this?” But also, Kevin’s as excited about this stuff as we are, so sometimes those ideas are coming from Kevin saying, “Well, what if we got so and so? I’m gonna do it! I’m gonna make the call!” So he’s as excited about all that stuff as any of us. It’s a big, geeky team effort to see what we can assemble for that team.

    Michael Waldron

    It’ll be interesting to see what my head our way and if the Illuminati even have a future beyond this film, especially given Strange’s encounter with them. Who knows if it also was meant to indirectly set up some elements moving forward but it does seem like a very self-contained element of the story to also poke fun at some of the fan requests of randomly adding characters. Still, the fact that we have further hints that Namor is going to appear somewhere else helps solidify his upcoming debut.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Doctor Strange 2’s Writer Teases Wanda’s Fate After that Ending

    ‘Doctor Strange 2’s Writer Teases Wanda’s Fate After that Ending

    It’s crazy to think that after all that time, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has finally been released in theaters. Wanda Maxmioff continued down a darker path since she got her hands on the Darkhold but still found it in herself to try and make up for her actions after a confrontation with Doctor Strange and America Chavez. As the film came to a close, she did one last heroic move to ensure that no one else would ever fall victim to the evil that lurks within the Darkhold.

    Yet, it seemingly came at the cost of her life as the tower of worship came crumbling down upon her. We do briefly see a curious red flash that may indicate that she somehow made it out alive but nothing concrete. luckily, in an interview with Variety, Doctor Strange and Loki scribe Michael Waldron teased what her fate may have ended up being.

    I think that’s up for interpretation. She made some kind of sacrificial act that destroyed the Darkhold in every universe, which is protecting Wanda in every universe from being seduced by the Darkhold. Whether she’s dead or not remains to be seen. I know what it’s like to love characters and to not want them to be gone and to hate when they do bad things. But that’s that’s part of the fun of watching stuff and getting swept up in it.

    Michael Waldron

    He definitely makes a good point about the joys of seeing these characters evolve. It does seem likely that Wanda will return in the future, but the question is where her character will be. We may be entering her final redemption arc as she uncovers the truth behind her past and perhaps uncovers a new layer to the Scarlet Witch that wasn’t kept within the Darkhold’s pages. There’s a lot of potential and it certainly seems like Elizabeth Olsen is on board if they are planning any future projects.

    Source: Variety

  • REPORT: ‘Rogue One’s Death Troopers to Return in ‘Andor’ Disney+ Series

    REPORT: ‘Rogue One’s Death Troopers to Return in ‘Andor’ Disney+ Series

    All eyes are right now on Obi-Wan Kenobi, as the six-part limited series is about to release in just a few weeks. Of course, the excitement is big to see the return of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen in their iconic roles. Yet, that’s not all heading our way this year, as we also have the Rogue One prequel series, Andor, heading our way and it seems some familiar Stormtrooper designs will make their grand return.

    According to Bespin Bulletin, we will not only see the Death Troopers return, but also Mudtroopers. The former will appear in a sequence alongside white officers, but there’s been no word if we might see the return of Ben Mendelsohn‘s Director Krennic. There’s a good chance that they are simply remaining consistent that the Death Troopers work for high-ranking officers of the Imperial Security Bureau. They are also supposedly joined by Mudtroopers, but no further details are offered.

    The Death Troopers may be one of the most iconic designs for the many iterations of Stormtroopers we’ve seen over the years. While it’s still a shame we aren’t exploring the life of a Stormtrooper in a series, perhaps we’ll see Cassian Andor infiltrating the Empire as a Stormtrooper, which leads to some interactions between him and others. We may also find out more about what exactly the function of Death Troopers is, as their name does give a big hint on what they’re most known for. We’re still waiting for a release date for the series, but it seems likely that it may follow once Ms. Marvel is released its finale on Disney+ going by the current release.

    Source: Bespin Bulletin

  • ‘Descendants’ Getting a Disney+ Spinoff

    ‘Descendants’ Getting a Disney+ Spinoff

    The Pocketwatch, currently a working title, will serve as a sequel movie to the Descendants. Like those films, The Pocketwatch will be a music and dance-filled original movie. While the Descendants films featured the teenage children of some of Disney’s most iconic villains, The Pocketwatch will take audiences down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland, as made famous by Alice in Wonderland.

    The Disney+ original movie will feature seven new songs, as well as Disney classics. It’ll also feature Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, as well as Chloe, the perfectionist and athletic daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. The synopsis suggests the two will need to work together to save Wonderland.

    In order to prevent an impending coup in Auradon – one that looms during the celebration of a new royal baby – Red must join forces with Chloe to travel back in time, via the White Rabbit’s pocket watch, to stop an event that would lead to grave consequences.

    The film will be directed by Jennifer Phang, who has helmed titles such as Half-Life and Advantageous, from a script by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (Magic: The Gathering). Production designer Mark Hofeling returns for The Pocketwatch, as well as producer Gary Marsh and casting directors Alexis Frank Koczara and Christine Smith Shevchenko. Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, gave the following statement on the new spinoff:

    With a captivating script and Jennifer Phang’s directorial vision, we’re setting a new high bar of creativity and imagination, with a movie that ups the ante on story, song and dance to entertain young viewers, their families, and the global fan base that grew up with the aspirational story of ‘Descendants.’ We join them in anticipation as we prepare to deliver a great new entertainment experience to Disney+.

    Ayo Davis

    The Descendants proved to be a huge success for Disney. Not only did the Disney original movies nab powerhouse ratings with each new installment, but the first two movie soundtracks have been certified gold, and nearly 7 million dolls and 9 million books were sold based on the franchise. It remains to be seen whether or not any cast members from the original films will return, however, Disney seems hopeful The Pocketwatch will capture the same buzz as its predecessor.

    Production on The Pocketwatch will kick off this fall.

    Source: Variety