Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: DC Movies

  • James Gunn Confirms He’ll Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’; Synopsis Revealed

    James Gunn Confirms He’ll Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’; Synopsis Revealed

    From the moment he revealed he was writing the new DC Studios’Superman film, Superman: Legacy, it seemed all but a sure thing that James Gunn would also direct. Now, it has made it official. In a thread on Twitter, Gunn confirmer he’d be behind the camera for the film.

    Gunn’s Superman: Legacy isn’t scheduled to hit theaters until July 11, 2025 but Warner Bros. released the first synopsis of the project today to accompany the news.

    Superman Legacy tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned

    The film will be, to some extent, an adaptation of All-Star Superman,a twelve-issue series by Grant Morrison that ran from 2005-08.

  • Tom King May Have Confirmed James Gunn Will Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’

    Tom King May Have Confirmed James Gunn Will Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’

    While Marvel is still as omnipresent as ever, James Gunn‘s involvement as the new co-CEO of DC Studios has opened up many new opportunities for the long-dormant DC Cinematic Universe. Earlier this year he unveiled the first “Chapter” which will consist of some returning favorites and feature new faces, most notably another reboot for Superman.

    With a title like Superman: Legacy, the new take seems like a promising re-entry into the character’s roots. Zack Snyder‘s time with the character was steeped in a more mythological and darker place with many long-time fans hoping to see the more cheerful and optimistic vision brought to the screen. While Gunn is confirmed as the writer, long-time DC Comics writer may have confirmed he’s also going to direct the project.

    James Gunn is a super nerd and he’s super creative. He’s both the writer and director of the Superman movie, and he’s sort of the creative force behind all of this…and he reached out to a group of screenwriters and myself, fantastic, amazing whose names he’s put out there, and to work on making these movies and tv shows as good as they can be. And it was his way of saying, you know, we need nerds in the room we need writers and that this sort of DC renaissance, this DC revolution, is going to be very much a storytelling, it’s story first, we want to tell fantastic stories. That is where we are starting, stopping.”

    Gunn has proven his love for the character time and time again. And he usually ends up directing projects he writes, especially something as important as the film that’ll truly kick off his new universe. It’ll be interesting to see how much time he’ll have working on this project while spearheading an entire cinematic universe, but that is likely why he’s joined by Peter Safran to keep this vision alive.

    You can check out the full interview here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCFHERop9HI

    Source: YouTube via Heroic Hollywood

  • Joaquin Phoenix Returns to Gotham in BTS Video and Pics from ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ 

    Joaquin Phoenix Returns to Gotham in BTS Video and Pics from ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ 

    2019’s Joker stands as one of DC’s most successful films. The film grossed over $1B and won several awards, including star Joaquin Phoenix‘s Oscar for Best Actor and Warner Bros. quickly went to work on getting Phoenix back in the saddle for a sequel. That sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, is now in production in Los Angeles and as it was filming on location recently, some glimpses of Phoenix back in action as Arthur Fleck were captured.

    The video could be a bit misleading if not for some follow-up photos. Though there’s a man running down the road in Fleck’s suit and makeup from Joker, that is NOT Fleck.

    It’s not entirely clear what’s taking place in the scene being filmed, but Joaquin Phoenix Updates speculates that this may be Fleck’s escape from Arkham and the man in the Joker suit from the first film is helping Fleck escape by drawing attention to himself. According to the site, articles on the set of the sequel indicate it is set in 1983, two years later than the original.

    Joker: Folie à Deux, which will be part of the new DC Studios Elseworlds banner, will co-star Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener and is slated for ann October 4th, 2024 release.

    Source: Joaquin Phoenix Updates

  • Ben Affleck Rumored to Be in the Mix to Helm DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Ben Affleck Rumored to Be in the Mix to Helm DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Once upon a time, Ben Affleck was set to direct a solo Batman project set in DC’s Snyderverse. That project never materialized, the Snyderverse is no more and DC films are entering a new era under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Affleck is set to appear as Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Flash before hanging up the cowl, presumably for good, though Gunn has expressed an eagerness to work with Affleck as a director on projects set within the new DCU. A new rumor has surfaced that indicates while Affleck may be willing to step aside as Batman, he may have a hand in shaping the new vision for the character.

    According to a rumor from Above the Line, Affleck may be Gunn and Safran’s choice to helm The Brave and The Bold, a Batman and Robin story that will introduce Bruce’s son, Damian, to the DCU. The Brave and The Bold was one of the projects revealed by Gunn to be a part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, the first wave of projects in the new DCU.

    Interestingly enough, though Gunn has actively called out false reports and rumors frequently over the years, he has not addressed Affleck’s involvement with the film despite otherwise addressing parts of the Above the Line report. This shouldn’t be taken as confirmation of the report, though it does at least allow for the conversation to continue on.

    Source: Above the Line

  • ‘Shazam’ Director Teases More is Possible in James Gunn’s New DCU

    ‘Shazam’ Director Teases More is Possible in James Gunn’s New DCU

    The moment James Gunn showcased his new DC slate for the newly founded DC Studios, many expected the current run of DC-based characters to be ending their run. No one knows if Ezra Miller will return after The Flash, especially with all the drama surrounding his public actions. Dwayne Johnson‘s JSA-focused mini-cinematic universe is definitely out after the chaos that was Black Adam. Yet, we now stand at a curious crossroads where many are wondering if they should even check out the latest DC entry.

    Of course, it’s always good to support a film no matter if it’s part of some bigger plan or not. And, for those specifically uncertain about Shazam’s future in the newly founded DCU, director David F. Sandberg has confirmed that he’s already had talks internally in regards to the franchise’s future and there’s actively no reason that they couldn’t make more films. Well, only if no one ends up watching the film.

    https://twitter.com/ponysmasher/status/1630409449860141058

    The only thing potentially hurting Shazam! Fury of the Gods is that it seemingly is not getting any real marketing push from Warner Bros. and is projected to open to a soft $40M. That is a far cry from the first film’s release and it’s unclear if it truly is just the lack of promotion or also the sour taste left by the Black Adam fallout. There’s a chance with raving reviews that it builds up more momentum and could go beyond the soft opening expectations but the question is if it’ll end up turning a profit, especially if DC Studios sees potential in at least a third entry.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Shazam 2’ Projected for a Soft $40M Domestic Opening Weekend

    ‘Shazam 2’ Projected for a Soft $40M Domestic Opening Weekend

    Warner Bros. Discovery’s overall strategy for their upcoming release slate has been a bit confusing. While they are showing a lot of trust in The Flash with an early release at CinemaCon, it doesn’t seem like they are giving the same attention to their other theatrical releases like March’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods. With barely any real marketing push, the film’s first box office projections are looking quite soft.

    As it stands, projections believe the film will open anywhere between $35M to $40M. Projections have been tough during the pandemic as very few truly managed to shoot past even the most optimistic projections, but it’s a rough look for the Shazam! sequel if this film won’t even pull in the opening box office from the previous entry, which stood at $53M. Smaller budget productions like this don’t have to break any massive opening weekend records but it’s definitely a showcase that with three weeks to go, it’s not looking to be a strong addition.

    There could be quite a few factors that add to the uncertainty about the film’s box office. Warner Bros. is generally trying to save money to make up for its loss, which was the main reason for the many questionable decisions we saw last year after the Discovery merger was finalized. Dwayne Johnson’s refusal to create synergy with Black Adam is also seemingly hurting the film’s chances of using that momentum and might not even come close to that film’s $67M opening weekend.

    We also can’t forget that DC Studios is about to re-invent the entire DC Cinematic Universe line-up, which will likely further have visitors wonder if there’s much point to keep up with the recent releases. If they are going to reboot the projects, there’s no real point to rush to see the latest entry but with a good ranking, it could get some good legs to at least become profitable by the end of its run.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter, The Numbers (Shazam), The Numbers (Black Adam)

  • DC’s ‘The Flash’ First Screening to Take Place at CinemaCon

    DC’s ‘The Flash’ First Screening to Take Place at CinemaCon

    We’ve known for a while that DC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery have put a lot of hope into the new multiverse-based film The Flash. It’ll see the return of Michael Keaton in the role of Batman and offer a unique take on the original Flashpoint comic storyline. It seems that Warner Bros. believes they have a gem at their hands as they will give the first debut screening at the upcoming CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

    What makes this worth its own announcement is the fact that it’ll premiere on April 25th, quite some time ahead of its actual premiere in theaters. That commonly is a sign that they believe in the film similar to what we saw last year with Top Gun: Maverick; though it might not have the same box office performance as that film. Still, Warner Bros. is putting a lot of hope into this film even with the controversies surrounding its main star, Ezra Miller.

    So far, they managed to keep the actor out of any new headlines that could hinder the film’s release and they also have two additional stars they are putting a lot of focus on. The early advertising has a strong focus on Keaton’s return as Batman and it’s almost a bit too much given that it’s supposed to be a film about the Flash. There’s also the premiere appearance of Sasha Calle as Supergirl, but her own future is in doubt given James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s new vision. Here’s hoping positive buzz can overshadow any real confusion moving forward.

    Source: Deadline

  • Jason Momoa Rumored to Be Abandoning Aquaman Amid Reports of Shoddy Sequel

    Jason Momoa Rumored to Be Abandoning Aquaman Amid Reports of Shoddy Sequel

    While James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s new DC Universe comes together, it may be doing so with a new Aquaman eventually. As reports by a pair of trusted insiders indicated that Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is shaping up as a stinker, a new rumor suggests that film will be the last go around as Arthur Curry for star Jason Momoa.

    According to both Viewer Anona and Big Screen Leaks, James Wan‘s sequel to the financially lucrative Aquaman is testing incredibly poorly ahead of its December 2023 release. Though the first film wasn’t a critical darling, it did rake in over $1B at the box office. As the old DC slate begins to give way to DC Studios’ plans, Warner Bros. would certainly like to near that mark again but it may be rough especially as a follow-up rumor indicates that Aquaman star Jason Momoa is bailing on the franchise.

    The news isn’t all bad for DC fans, however, as it seems Momoa has another DC role in mind…one that might be right up his alley. The new role shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who have been paying attention, but according to the rumor mill from Hot Mic podcast host Jeff Sneider, Momoa will make the jump the DCU to fill the role of interstellar, heavy metal mercenary Lobo, “the most badass bounty hunter in the galaxy.”

    Given that Gunn has only revealed the first half of Chapter 1 of the DCU, it’s possible that a Lobo project fits into the second half of the Gods and Monsters entry. Even if Momoa is already on board, it makes sense, as Sneider points out, to wait for Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom to complete its theatrical run before revealing Momoa’s bold new role.

  • ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’ Reaches Pre-Pandemic Super Bowl Records

    ‘Guardians of the Galaxy 3’ Reaches Pre-Pandemic Super Bowl Records

    The Super Bowl has once again arrived and did its usual thing by squeezing a lot of money out of advertisers for the chance of getting the most views they possibly could for their product. Of course, it’s also a big opportunity for studios to showcase some of their upcoming big releases. This year had some of the biggest films of 2023 included such as The Flash, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Fast X, and more.

    In a big and exciting development, it seems that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 finally broke a pre-pandemic record of pulling in more than 100M views within 24 hours after premiering at the Super Bowl. It’s even beaten Marvel Studios’ own Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which pulled a still impressive 93.1M views last year. And that is quite a move considering its also their second released trailer. It’s impressive and a good sign of the summer blockbuster push.

    The Flash wasn’t too far behind, as it managed to pull in an impressive 97.4M, which is also major considering Warner Bros. was more of a sideline during these events. So, they returned with quite a bang but were also closely followed by Fast X’s 94.1M views within 24 hours on Social Media. The latter does also have the added effect that they where the only one of the top three to drop the trailer in advance.

    13 trailers were dropped during the Super Bowl with the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Heineken collaboration also pulling in the fourth highest viewing with 87.9M. It may be facing some critical backlash but interest is definitely there for the film and the collab may have been a clever way to sneak in a second preview for Marvel Studios. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts was a bit further behind with 43.3M, a surprisingly soft starter considering how big its initial trailer drop was.

    Disney’s other major release, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny also were on the smaller side at 34.2M, but it also didn’t really include much new footage in its release outside of a few lines. It’s still some time away and the buzz may not be as big, but it’s still curious to think that the return of Harrison Ford wouldn’t have brought more buzz with it. It’s also not first-party data from studios but measured through RelishMix, which also can vary depending on its data basis. Still, it seems superheroes are still quite attractive going by public viewings.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Constantine’ Sequel Writer Teases the Long-Awaited Sequel

    ‘Constantine’ Sequel Writer Teases the Long-Awaited Sequel

    The DCU has recently been semi-rebooted but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still dipping their toes into the multiverse. With the new Elseworld branding, they are still working on projects like the Joker sequel, The Batman 2, and many more. Yet, while it was missing during James Gunn‘s presentation, the sequel to Keanu Reeves‘ Constantine is also still in active development.

    Akiva Goldsman shared some details on the project in an interview with Deadline, where he teased that it was all thanks to Keanu Reeves that we’re even seeing movement on the project. Not only was it his recent success with John Wick, but also generally pushed for it as often as he could.

    This is a credit to Keanu, who endlessly has said, ‘this is the character I want to return to. Finally, he said it enough times that it stuck.

    Akiva Goldsman

    It seems that the sequel will further explore the themes of “good and evil,” a staple for the character of John Constantine, who generally plays the grey area. It’ll be interesting to see how they also address the passage of time and how it may have affected Constantine.

    The character is very much Keanu and the way he and Francis saw the world of good and evil, and the wonderful and authentic noir where there is a world behind the world of good and evil coexist with our world right up close. Beyond that, we are still discovering it as I am writing the script.

    Akiva Goldsman

    We’ve seen a few great interpretations of the character so far. This take is definitely not part of the new DC Cinematic Universe but who knows if its success could also lead to a third entry. Constantine is a great character and the first entry wasn’t a big box-office success story, but perhaps a legacy sequel could change that.

    Source: Deadline