Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: DC Movies

  • Dwayne Johnson Promises a Major Showdown Ahead in the DC Universe

    Dwayne Johnson Promises a Major Showdown Ahead in the DC Universe

    It’s been said so much that it’s become a meme: the hierarchy of power in the DC Unvierse is changing. In just a couple of weeks, fans will see for themselves what Dwayne Johnson has been teasing when Black Adam hits theaters. Johnson has called the long-gestating project the “hardest undertaking of [his] entire career physically & mentally” and has maintained his passion for bringing the character to the screen for the better part of a decade.

    With the future of the DC Universe uncertain in the wake of massive ongoing changes at WB, it’s safe to say that all eyes will be on the box office performance of Black Adam as WB decides just what the future holds. While the execs might be debating what’s next, Johnson is pretty bullish on what he thinks needs to happen and, in an interview with CinemBlend, he made it very clear: Black Adam vs. Superman. When asked if he intends for the two titans to go toe-to-toe on screen, Johnson held nothing back, saying, “Absolutely. That is the whole point of this man. Thank you for asking that.“

    Johnson continued on, giving some insight into what the new DC era he’ been talking about really means

    And I have been saying for some time, there’s a new era in the DC Universe that’s about to begin. And what I meant by that was introducing a brand new character. It’s not a sequel, not an existing IP. It was…you know, Black Adam! Two years ago the world had no idea who he was. We did, but not, you know, the rest of the mass out there. Introducing the JSA, introducing that new era of the DC universe.

    Dwayne Johson

    According to Johson, however, the new era isn’t just about introducing new characters. It’s also about giving the fans what they want, including more Superman.

    But also what I really meant by, ‘This is a new era in the DC Universe,’ is listening to the fans. Listening to the fans. And doing our best to give the fans what they want. And maybe, sometime down the road — and I went through this in pro wrestling — is you can’t always give them what you want. But you’ll always know that we’re listening. And in this case, with what you and I are talking about, I have been listening and I’ve been wanting to address fans for years. Because I’ve been waiting for someone to step up and address the fans and say, ‘Hey, we hear you.’ So finally, after many months turned into many years, we ended up with what we ended up at. And the whole goal and intention now is to this new era, new time. Now let’s build out.

    Dwayne Johnson

    Rumors continue to proliferate that Henry Cavill’s Kal-El makes an appearance in Black Adam, but it sounds as though Johnson has more than just a brief meeting between the two in mind. While everyone is waiting for the Shazam/Black Adam movie, it seems Johnson has other plans.

    Source: CinemaBlend

  • ‘Black Adam’ Producer Reflects on the DC Film’s 10-Year Journey

    ‘Black Adam’ Producer Reflects on the DC Film’s 10-Year Journey

    Black Adam has been one of those projects that seem like they would’ve never been released. For 10 years, the project has been in some form of development, and with it finally released later this month, it seems incredible that the project is still on its way to theaters. That feeling is the same for everyone involved as highlighted by producer Beau Flynn.

    A lot of changes have [happened] but ultimately it does feel like we’re exactly in a place we need to be. This one called on all of our abilities and experiences over the last 20 years. The script as we know, it started out as a Shazam! / Black Adam launch for both characters. that was something we never fully got our arms around or could crack. Once they gave us the opportunity to make Black Adam on our own, we had a great time developing that script in a much different way.  Richard Brener, runs New Line and our executive, he has been consistently there all the way from the beginning of this to now still today, which is maybe the only person that was consistently there from top to bottom, him and Dave Neustadter. That did provide us a lane to be consistent with this movie regardless of all the other changes.

    Beau Flynn

    Dwayne Johnson also goes on to highlight that it was “fate” that the project happened ten years later, especially fitting given how Doctor Fate has a major role in the film and just how long Johnson has been campaigning to keep this project going.

    I think that we have finally landed exactly where we need to be. I do believe, like Doctor Fate, Fate doesn’t make mistakes. Black Adam happened when it needed to happen, and it happened 10 years later.

    Dwayne Johnson

    It definitely seems like the wait was worth it and many fans hope that it might revitalize the DCEU, especially with the uncertainty surrounding what has been happening with Warner Bros. Discovery. Nothing is set in stone but any franchise would not waste any chance to have Dwayne Johnson as their franchise builder.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • ‘Black Adam’ May Not Make as Much as ‘The Batman’ at the Domestic Box Office

    ‘Black Adam’ May Not Make as Much as ‘The Batman’ at the Domestic Box Office

    Dwayne Johnson is about to change the power dynamic in the DC Extended Universe as Warner Bros. Discovery seemingly dismantles itself from within. Still, there’s a lot riding on the upcoming Black Adam project, as it’s the last major release for the studio this year. As they are facing financial troubles and Don’t Worry Darling isn’t doing as hoped either, there’s a lot of money riding on their next superhero project set to release in late October. Yet, it seems that current predictions don’t see it making as big of a splash as the March release, The Batman.

    According to Variety and an analysis by Cinelytics, Black Adam is likely to pull in around $328M domestically. While Johnson is quite the box office draw, he still is playing a rather obscure character in the DC universe that is also hoping to bank on some familiarity with the legacy characters of the Justice Society of America. The property is untested and with the hope to build a bunch of spinoffs from this one film, there’s some concern on just how well it’ll perform. If these projection turns out to be true, the film is likely to make less than The Batman and Thor: Love and Thunder.

    It should not be downplayed as it’s a strong turn-in for a new property to pass $300M domestically. Plus, it’s being compared to one of the most well-established characters in pop culture and the first fourth entry of a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. If it makes its budget back and gains a profit, it’ll be a win for Warner Bros. either way but the question remains just how profitable do they expect this film to be. If it doesn’t make a “big enough” splash for the execs, they may also not be too happy with its results. Luckily, there’s still some time and who knows how things turn out once marketing starts pushing harder ahead of its release.

    Source: Variety

  • REPORT: First ‘Blue Beetle’ Screening Reveals Film’s Rough Runtime

    REPORT: First ‘Blue Beetle’ Screening Reveals Film’s Rough Runtime

    When Warner Bros. Discovery pulled the plug on Batgirl back in August, fans rightfully wondered what this meant for other DC films, including Blue Beetle. Despite the studio seeking to revamp its DC line-up, Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Soto has been adamant that his film is safe. While it is said the film had issues throughout production, Blue Beetle looks to be taking one step closer to being finished as it held a screening last night.

    A new report, courtesy of Big Screen Leaks, suggests that Blue Beetle is currently clocking in at 165 minutes. This information is based on the cut that was screened last night. As always, things can and often do change closer to a film’s release date.

    https://twitter.com/bigscreenleaks/status/1575145854486413313

    Should this runtime hold, that’ll put Blue Beetle around the same length as Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and right under fellow DC movie, The Batman. Of course, given that this is an early screening, it’s more than likely the film will be cut down further leading up to its release next year.

    Blue Beetle is directed by Soto from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. It is set to hit theaters on Aug. 18th, 2023 and stars Xolo Maridueña in the titular role alongside Susan Sarandon, Harvey Guillén, Raoul Max Trujillo, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, Adriana Barraza, and Damián Alcázar.

    Source: Twitter.

  • BREAKING: Keanu Reeves to Reunite With Francis Lawrence for ‘Constantine’ Sequel

    BREAKING: Keanu Reeves to Reunite With Francis Lawrence for ‘Constantine’ Sequel

    Here’s something you may have never guessed: Keanu Reeves is set to once again take on the role of Constantine in an upcoming sequel. He’ll reunite with director Francis Lawrence who helmed the original 2005 adaptation of the popular DC character. Akiva Goldsman is writing the screenplay and is also producing through Weed Road Pictures. J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella are also attached to produce the sequel of a film that was released 17 years ago.

    There were rumblings around 2020 that they might be interested in doing a sequel but when Abrams started working on his Justice League Dark universe with its own take on John Constantine it seemed like they moved on from the project. The character has seen a resurgence in popularity with an NBC series starring Matt Ryan who would, later on, join the CW’s Arrowverse, and even with The Sandman‘s Johanna Constantine, who was played by Jenna Coleman.

    It’ll be interesting to see what this entry means for Abrams series, as it might have quietly been canceled. There’s also the fact that this once again muddles the “a united DC Cinematic Universe” strategy of Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav. Without any new leadership to map out the project, it seems they’ve been busy mapping out various projects that have no direct connection with each other.

    Either way, this is a great surprise for those that have been longing for a sequel and it’s always great to see Reeves return to a role he loved dearly. There’s no exact window yet on when we might expect the project to release but with Lawrence‘s busy schedule there might still be some time before it releases.

    Source: Deadline

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Leadership May Be Prepping for a Future Sale, Comcast the Likeliest Potential Buyer

    Warner Bros. Discovery Leadership May Be Prepping for a Future Sale, Comcast the Likeliest Potential Buyer

    Warner Bros. Discovery has been quite the chaotic merger for many reasons. The cancelation of almost finished products left a sour taste with many, but taking down exclusive projects from streamers may have been the straw that breaks the camel’s back. In a new report by The Hollywood Reporter, they showcase a lot of uncertainty that’s brewing between talent agencies and investors for the company.

    Their current hunt for a “Kevin Feige” for DC has many concerns as no one really would want that job. Even if you do a decent job, like Walter Hamada did dragging the franchise to its current popular standing after the Zack Snyder fallout, you’re always stuck in comparison. One talent representative highlights the biggest issue anyone would face:

    DC is so fragmented. J.J. [Abrams] had this one, Zack Snyder had that one, Todd Phillips had the other thing. And they’re all such huge egos.

    With that many egos, it’ll be hard to truly bring a united franchise together as WBD hopes to accomplish. Plus, they are still moving forward with Elseworld stories like a Joker sequel and The Batman franchise. Some are suggesting that new CEO David Zaslav, who has been reported in the past to have a harsh leadership style by former Discovery employees, is simply prepping the company for its next sale.

    Most of his endeavors and that of the CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels is to cover Warner Bros.’s massive $50B+ debt; no simple task for anyone. As such building up their biggest brands and covering as much of the debt as possible opens up that very possibility. It seems Comcast’s Brian Roberts is the one that has his eyes on the studio the most to further build up NBCUniversal and combine it with WBD. One executive with inside knowledge gave the following statement in regards to why there’s a good possibility:

    Obviously Peacock sucks. There are some good synergies. I’m sure [Roberts] is licking his chops because the [WBD] stock is so low. And I think that’s Zaslav’s endgame. Get the place sold.

    The head of another company highlighted just how sad this development would be as it would mark the end of another massive studio after Disney purchased Fox some years ago. The issue is simply becoming challenging for these massive studios to stay afloat and handle their debt management. Not everything is doom and gloom, as some are highlighting that some additions have been more talent-friendly unlike under AT&T’s leadership and a seller isn’t something that’s definite as of yet.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Mud’ Star Jacob Lofland Latest to Join ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

    ‘Mud’ Star Jacob Lofland Latest to Join ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

    The cast for the sequel to 2019’s Joker continues to grow as the start of production draws nearer. Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener have already joined Joaquin Phoenix in the film and now young star Jacob Lofland has as well. According to a trade report, Lofland will play a role associated with Gotham’s Arkham Asylum.

    THR’s sources indicate that Lofland will play an inmate in the asylum where Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck was shown to be at the end of Joker. With Lady Gaga on board the project as Harley Quinn, it seems that Arkham will be the film’s primary setting.

    Todd Phillips is returning to direct after the first film generated significant buzz for WB, garnering 11 Academy Award nominations and 2 wins, including Best Actor for Phoenix. Joker: Folie à Deux is currently slated to hit theaters on October 4, 2024.

    Source: THR

  • Brendan Fraser Calls Cancellation of ‘Batgirl’ “Disappointing”

    Brendan Fraser Calls Cancellation of ‘Batgirl’ “Disappointing”

    We’ve found ourselves smack in a Brendanaissance as Brendan Fraser makes his triumphant return to Hollywood. The actor has been making quite the comeback in the past few years like with DC’s Doom Patrol and has been receiving quite a bit of praise for his work in the upcoming Darren Aronofsky film The Whale. Fans were excited to see Fraser return to the DC Multiverse in an antagonist role for Batgirl, but sadly Warner Brothers Discovery decided to throw a wrench into the plans and cancel the film.

    In an interview with Variety, the actor shared his disappointment in an interview with Variety in regards to the decision, even going as far as to call out Warner Bros. Discovery’s CFO for downplaying the recent events.

    Well stop talking about it because Gunnar Wiedenfels does not want people thinking about this, thats what I read. Its disappointing, the fans really wanted to see this film made. I was there, Leslie Grace is a dynamo, like she’s like a power q-tip, she just goes for it, she looks great in the outfit, the movie itself was shot and conceived for a smaller screen and in this age that we’ve come out of now, between streaming service vs theatrical release, it wound up being the canary in the coal mine. So, what can we learn from this? Work with trusted filmmakers, like Darren [Aronofsky].

    Brendan Fraser

    Fraser was set to play Firefly, a violent arsonist who’d been let down by the system and turned to a life of crime in order to support his family, taking his fiery rage to the streets of Gotham City in order to make ends meet. We can only hope that one day the film somehow sees the light of day, but for now, fans will have to get their fill of Fraser in the DC Universe with Doom Patrol, with a new season coming soon.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Joker’ Sequel Adds Catherine Keener as Production Eyes December Start

    ‘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

  • Dan Lin No Longer in Talks to Become DC’s Kevin Feige

    Dan Lin No Longer in Talks to Become DC’s Kevin Feige

    While many were excited when the news first hit that long-time producer Dan Lin might be the one to lead Warner Bros. Discovery’s new future for its DC Comics adaptations. Yet, it turns out that he’s no longer in talks due to various factors. One of the big aspects is his continued commitment to his production banner Rideback. The search still continues as Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is committed to finding the right person for the job to lead their DC adaptations similar to how Kevin Feige handles Marvel Studios.

    For those wondering, the current DC Films President Walter Hamada is expected to leave the company. That was cemented with the recent drama surrounding Batgirl and the way it was communicated. Lin seemed like a big candidate, especially with his history with Warner Bros. and the successful LEGO Movie franchise. It seems the company was also interested in taking a majority take on the company.

    A lot is riding on this search, especially as shares have been down by 50%. Their “cost-cutting measures” have ended up backfiring in many ways, as industry veterans are nervous about working with the company and a lot of bridges getting burnt along the way. We’ll have to see if they do end up finding the right person for the job, or rather who is willing to do so.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter, CNBC