Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: CW

  • EXCLUSIVE: Dick Grayson, Harper Row and Spoiler Headline the Roster of CW’s ‘Gotham Knights’

    EXCLUSIVE: Dick Grayson, Harper Row and Spoiler Headline the Roster of CW’s ‘Gotham Knights’

    A decade after the premier of Arrow, the CW continues to expand its slate of live-action DC content. In the last decade, more than half a dozen series have made their way to the network and now production is close to beginning on the newest addition, Gotham Knights. The series just recently got a pilot order, meaning it’ll shoot its first episode before possibly being handed a series order. Since the initial report, fans have been in the dark on just who the series will follow with no details on its characters…until now.

    Thanks to a friendly source, we’ve been able to put together a pretty good picture of the show’s core characters, the Bat Family. The series is currently looking to cast several series regulars ahead of an April start of production in Toronto.

    Most notably, Gotham Knights is looking for an actor, 18 or older, to fill the role of a series regular that fits the bill of Dick Grayson, the first Robin and adopted son of Bruce Wayne.
    Described as “athletic” and “sensitive”, the character remains resilient despite being vulnerable following the murder of his parents and subsequent adoption by Wayne.

    Interestingly enough, it looks like Grayson won’t be the only former Robin on the show. It seems as though Grayson will be joined by Stephanie Brown, aka Spoiler, a genius-level hacker whose father, a DC villain called Cluemaster, raised her on a “steady diet of brain teasers and puzzles.” Gothman Knight is searching for an 18-year old actress to portray the “sarcastic and smart” character.

    We can also deduce that Harper Row, aka Bluebird, is set to join Grayson on the team. The studio is searching for a female to play a “blue-haired bisexual” character who has taken to the streets to escape her abusive home life. Her brother, Cullen, also looks to be joining the series with the studio searching for a transgender actor who identifies as male for the role.

    Gotham Knights will also feature “a quick-witted British attache” who sounds like she could be Julia Pennyworth, daughter of Alfred Pennyworth. In the comics, Julia came into the picture after her father was disabled following an attack from Hush. Following in her father’s footsteps, she helped the Bat Family coordinate their efforts.

    Probably the most startling character headed for Gotham Knights is one described as the daughter of “the most dangerous man in Gotham.” First thoughts are that the series is going to introduce “Joker’s daugher”, Duela Dent, who claimed to be the daughter of the Joker and also claimed to be the daughter of about every villain in Gotham.

    The CW is also searching for a handful of other series regulars, including one that could be Lucius Fox’s daughter, Tiffany, to join the team in addition to the already exciting number of characters listed here, many of whom will be making their live-action debut. There’s also room for plenty of guest stars and supporting members of the cast. Hopefully, with the scheduled start of production right around the corner, casting will start to trickle out soon.

  • David Ramsey Set to Lead Arrowverse Spinoff ‘Justice U’ Series

    David Ramsey Set to Lead Arrowverse Spinoff ‘Justice U’ Series

    There’s relative uncertainty around the CW right now, as WarnerMedia reportedly looks to sell the network. It supposedly hasn’t been profitable since 2006. Nevertheless, the Arrowverse is in a time of great change, as they move on from their flagship series like Arrow, Supergirl, and Black Lightning as they usher in a new era of justice. The CW’s latest additions include Superman and Lois, Naomi, and even a new series set to follow some young vigilantes in Gotham City. That’s not it, as it seems like they’re going all-in on some young Justice.

    The CW is reportedly in the development of yet another original series set within the Arrowverse with David Ramsey set to lead as John Diggler. The series will see Diggle set off to train the next generation of heroes, as he recruits five young metahumans, who will live at a prestigious university. There they’ll study and train to become the world’s next best heroes. If the series is picked up, David Ramsey will serve as the pilot’s director as part of his new deal with Berlanti Productions.

    The series was created by Michael Narducci, a co-executive producer on Superman & Lois alongside Zoanne Clack. Berlanti Productions will produce the series in association with Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter. Geoff Johns will serve as an executive producer on the series. No further casting has been made as the series has yet to receive a series order nor a pilot order.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘The Book of Boba Fett’s Robert Rodriguez Developing Gender-Swapped ‘Zorro’ Series for The CW

    ‘The Book of Boba Fett’s Robert Rodriguez Developing Gender-Swapped ‘Zorro’ Series for The CW

    It looks like there’s another Zorro reboot on the horizon, only this time the famous vigilante will be hitting the small screen. In addition, the person behind the mask will be a woman. Deadline is reporting that veteran filmmaker Robert Rodriguez will executive produce and write a new series featuring a gender-swapped version of the character for The CW. Rodriguez will be joined in the writer’s room by former Mayans M.C. producer Sean Tretta, who will serve as showrunner. His sister Rebecca Rodriguez will also direct the pilot, after working on TNT’s Snowpiercer.

    Zorro is set to follow a young Latinx woman seeking vengeance for her father’s murder, ultimately leading her to join a secret society and adopt the ‘Zorro’ persona. The story comes from the Rodriguez siblings, with Tretta writing the script. This is the second attempt at a female-led Zorro series after NBC had put one into production from Alfredo Barrios Jr. in 2019. Sofia Vergara was at one point attached to the project as a producer but has since dropped out.

    This is also not the first time Robert Rodriguez has tried his hand at adapting the character. The Spy Kids director was originally supposed to helm 1998’s popular The Mask of Zorro, and even had a role in casting Antonio Banderas as the lead, but budgetary concerns lead to him being replaced by Martin Campbell before filming began. The CW’s Zorro won’t be the only new take on the legendary outlaw in the next few years, either. Alex Rivera is currently on board to write and direct a film reboot for Sobini Films titled Zorro 2.0, which will reimagine the title character as a young, undocumented hacker.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Gotham Knights’ Series in The Works at The CW

    ‘Gotham Knights’ Series in The Works at The CW

    The CW just doesn’t seem to want to stop at this point and continues to expand its Arrowverse even after the death of the character that gave it its name. With new series like Superman and Lois, Naomi, and Stargirl releasing over the last few years, this multiverse just seems to be growing in every direction at this point. And they aren’t done yet, as there’s a new branch splitting off with another series set in Gotham focusing on the youth that will soon become Gothams newest protectors.

    Some of the team behind Batwoman have banded together on an all-new project titled Gotham Knights, with no correlation to the upcoming video game, nor is it Batwoman spin-off. Natalie Abrams, James Stoteraux, and Chad Fivestash are the names behind the project with Stoteraux and Fivestash set to serve as executive producers on the project. No casting has been made on the project and all that is known is a brief synopsis provided in the initial report.

    in the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder, his rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city’s most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team of mismatched fugitives will become its next generation of saviors known as the Gotham Knights.

    By the sound of that synopsis, the lead looks to be either Dick Grayson or Jason Todd, but the CW is notorious for changing things up drastically. As far as children of Batman’s most famous rogues go, we could be looking at characters like Cassandra Cain, Rose Wilson, or maybe even Helena Wayne. It’s currently unknown just how and where this series will fit into the overall Arrowverse as we await more details.

    Source: Variety

  • Former Pink Power Ranger Amy Jo Johnson Directing an Episode of ‘Superman and Lois’ Season 2

    Former Pink Power Ranger Amy Jo Johnson Directing an Episode of ‘Superman and Lois’ Season 2

    Here’s a great surprise. It looks like Amy Jo Johnson is currently directing an episode of the CW’s Superman and Lois show. If that name seems familiar, Johnson became famous as Kimberly Hart, the Pink Ranger from the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. She has long moved on from that role and has been quite busy directing short films. She has also tackled feature-length productions, such as include 2017’s The Space Between and 2019’s Tammy’s Always Dying. Now, she is also joining the production of one of CW’s flagship DC shows, as she shares her excitement on Twitter.

    It’s great to see her excitement for tackling the project and it looks like she is responsible for the sixth episode in the upcoming second season. She has made quite a name for herself with her film projects, especially during 2019’s Toronto International Film Festival with Tammy’s Always Dying. If she is tackling this project, it’ll be interesting to see if she’ll become a mainstay for future entries in the series and if she might even get a chance to tackle other projects from DC’s library.

    Superman and Lois has been one of CW’s strongest showings, as it’s also co-produced by HBO Max. As such, the effects and production stand out from the other entries in their repertoire similar to Stargirl. It’ll also carry on the torch for the now discontinued Supergirl, which first introduced Tyler Hoechlin as this universe’s Superman. It’ll be interesting to see how they tackle the family drama for the Man of Steel in the second season and what the future has in store for this family.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Superman and Lois’ Showrunner Teases Season 2’s Villain

    ‘Superman and Lois’ Showrunner Teases Season 2’s Villain

    Superman and Lois‘ first season reinvented the way we see stories around the Man of Steel. This time around, Clark Kent is faced with the biggest challenge ever, raising two sons alongside his love Lois Lane. He did face off against some new foes like Adam Rayner‘s Tal-Rho. Of course, it opened up the question of what other villains he might face off against in the upcoming second season. Luckily, showrunner Todd Helbing offered a small tease when he was asked if we’ve heard of the next villain he’ll face.

    You have, yes. The only tease I will say is, in the same way that we took Morgan Edge and twisted the mythology a little bit—made him Clark’s brother and ultimately the Eradicator—we’re trying to go into the comic books to find lesser-known villains and reinvent them. We can introduce them and people can then go read the versions in the comics.

    Todd Helbing

    In the same interview, he also highlights that we haven’t seen the last of Tal-Rho either. So, it’ll be interesting to see how many villains he might end up facing in the upcoming second season. It’s great that they want to explore smaller villains that normally wouldn’t get a chance on the silver screen or generally in live-action. It’ll be interesting to see how they tackle it. Helbing also revealed that they recently pitched the second season to the studio. So, they are still in the early stages of getting the ball rolling on the project. So, we might not see any new updates for some time until they start entering production.

    Source: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Special Collector’s Issue via TV Insider

  • Ruby Rose Opens Up on Why She Left CW’s ‘Batwoman’

    Ruby Rose Opens Up on Why She Left CW’s ‘Batwoman’

    Batwoman surprised many when Ruby Rose left the project after one season. She played the show’s main protagonist Kate Kane, who would take on the mantle of Batwoman after Bruce Wayne suddenly vanished from Gotham. Suddenly, the second season announced that she’d exit the project with Javicia Leslie taking over. Her character even made a return later on but got recast with Wallis Day taking on the role. Rose has been quiet for quite some time in her absence but that came to an end. She took to Instagram to share he displeasure with working on the project and especially calling out showrunner Caroline Dries in the process.

    I’m going to tell the whole world what really happened on that set. I will come for you so what happened to me never happens to another person again. And so I can finally take back my life and the truth. Shame on you.

    Ruby Rose

    It seems that one of Warner Bros. TV’s former head Peter Roth forced her to return to production even after sustaining her injury. In her statement, she highlights that she was blackmailed, as her not returning to set would get the whole crew and cast fired. Seemingly, she was even investigated by a PI hired by Roth after leaving the production. It’s one of the reasons she goes on to talk about the fact that she isn’t happy with people hoping she returns to the project, as she refuses to do so.

    I wouldn’t return for any amount of money nor if a gun were to my head. NOR DID I QUIT. I DID NOT QUIT. They ruined Kate Kane and they destroyed Batwoman, not me. I followed orders, and if I wanted to stay I was going to have to sign my rights away. Any threats, any bullying tactics, or blackmail will not make me stand down.

    Ruby Rose

    Deadline highlights that Rose was also facing allegations for her behavior by the studio which ended up with them parting ways. The public statement of leaving the show being her decision is a common PR practice within the industry. It’s certainly not a good look for the series and Warner Bros. We’ll see if something comes of this in the near future.

    Source: Instagram via Deadline, ComicBook.com

  • 7 Familiar Faces to Return for ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s 100th Episode

    7 Familiar Faces to Return for ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s 100th Episode

    Earlier this month, we learned that Wentworth Miller will make his return to Legends of Tomorrow‘s 100th episode. Of course, we expected a few more familiar faces to make a return and it seems Entertainment Weekly finally got the full list. Seven actors are returning for the special, which includes Arthur Darvill‘s Rip Hunter, Victor Garber‘s Martin Stein, Franz Drameh‘s Jax, Falk Hentschel‘s Hawkman, Courtney Ford‘s Nora Darhk, and last but not least, Brandon Routh‘s Ray Palmer. They also shared the reunited cast in a few new photos from the set. Sadly, it seems that Mick Rory isn’t returning as Heat Wave.

    DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
    DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

    The finale will focus on Gideon, the artificial intelligence within the Waverider. Amy Pemberton will play the physical version of the character after voicing the AI since the show’s pilot. After she gets overwhelmed, the team needs to reboot her. So, the only way they can achieve this is by diving into her mind and revisit her long history with the group of unlikely time travelers. It’s a simple but great way to bring these characters back after some of them met untimely ends to save the team. Just reviving them could’ve undermined their sacrifices. As such, it’s a great way to circumvent that issue and still bring in some familiar faces.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • CW’s ‘The Flash’ Leaked Set Photos Offer First Look of Osric Chau’s Atom in Costume

    CW’s ‘The Flash’ Leaked Set Photos Offer First Look of Osric Chau’s Atom in Costume

    In the crossover event, Crisis on Infinite Earths, we got a glimpse of the multiverse that was plunged into chaos by the Anti-Monitor. To stop the crisis, seven paragons had to come together. Among them was Ryan Choi, played by Osric Chau. The character would briefly show up in this event before going back to his normal life after many thought he’d be suiting up and replacing Brandon Routh’s Ray Palmer. Luckily, it seems they are making up for it soon, as revealed by a leaked set photo shared by @Themyscirabound.

    Chau‘s Ryan Choi is sporting a very different look than the previous Atom. He’s finally ditching the exoskeleton and embracing the character’s original red and blue spandex. It’ll be interesting to see how Choi developed technology and if Palmer passed on the mantle. Brandon Routh is set to return as Ray Palmer in the Armageddon crossover event. The special will consist of eight individual and smaller crossover episodes between the heroes of the Arrowverse.

    Chau and Roth will be joined by many fan-favorite characters. The list includes Cress Williams as Black Lightning, Catherine McNamara as Mia Queen, Javicia Leslie as Batwoman, Chyler Leigh as Sentinel, Tom Cavanagh as Eobard Thawne, and Neal McDonough as Damien Darhk. Hopefully, Chau will join the Arrowverse permanently. Perhaps there’s a future for the character as part of Team Flash moving forward.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Superman and Lois’ Season 2 Adds ‘Teen Wolf’s Ian Bohen

    ‘Superman and Lois’ Season 2 Adds ‘Teen Wolf’s Ian Bohen

    It looks like the second season of CW’s Superman and Lois is already readying up its production, as Deadline announced Teen Wolf’s Ian Bohen is joining the upcoming season. He’ll play Lt. Mitch Anderson, who takes over the DOD and has quite the hatred for the Man of Steel taking things into his own hands. They also reveal he’ll have a multi-episode arc which may build him up as a threat or a new ally once he confronts the resident superhero.

    Tyler Hoechlin took over the role of Clark Kent all the way back in 2016. He joined Supergirl‘s second season as Superman and continued to play the character to this day. Yet, he faces a challenge worthy of the Man of Steel, he has to handle a family. Together with Elizabeth Tulloch‘s Lois Lane, they race a young Jonathan (Jordan Elsass) and Jordan (Alexander Garfin) to face a new tomorrow.

    It’s funny that the former Teen Wolf star is joined by another alum. Hoechlin famously played the character of Derek Hale in the series before he joined the Arrowverse. It was the film Road to Perdition that put him on the map similar to how Bohen‘s work on the AMC hit show, Mad Men as Roy Hazelitt. Who knows what other Teen Wolf stars might find their way into the series as it continues to grow.

    Source: Deadline