Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: DC Movies

  • RUMOR: Jason Sudeikis to Play Ted Kord in ‘Blue Beetle’

    RUMOR: Jason Sudeikis to Play Ted Kord in ‘Blue Beetle’

    While the future of the DC Extended Universe remains unclear, fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jaime Reyes, aka Blue Beetle, on the big screen. In the comics, Jaime is the third to don the mantle of the Blue Beetle, following Ted Kord who obtained the title from Dan Garret, the original Blue Beetle. Since the movie was announced, fans have been curious as to whether or not Ted Kord will be making an appearance in the film. Thanks to a new report, we might finally have an answer.

    Listings from a casting agency indicated that the movie, which is currently in production, is looking for a couple of body doubles for June 1st. Of the two images posted by the Bill Marinella Casting company, one is a blurred/edited photo of Jason Sudeikis. In the image, which you can see below, the casting call is for someone who matches the complexion of Sudeikis. Those applying must be between the ages of 20-55, and be between the height of 6′ and 6’1. The casting call is looking to fill the role for June 1st in Atlanta, GA. 

    Going off the above casting call, it would suggest the comedian is playing none other than Ted Kord. As it stands, though, there is no confirmation of this. It is, of course, worth noting that Susan Sarandon has been cast as Victoria Kord, who is meant to be the antagonist of the film. The character is said to be an original character developed for the film, but her inclusion would suggest an appearance by Ted is likely.

    Blue Beetle is set to hit theaters on Aug. 18th, 2023 and will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto. The film 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: The Cosmic Circus

  • New ‘Black Adam’ Funko Spotted With Hawkman’s Ship

    New ‘Black Adam’ Funko Spotted With Hawkman’s Ship

    It’s been over a year since we first heard descriptions of Hawkman’s iconic ship making its ways to the live-action Black Adam film. While the first tease didn’t give us a good look at it, a new Funko Pop has been spotted in the wild that includes Hawkman riding his ship. While it’ll likely look quite a bit different in live-action, it does seem like it’s our first look at his ship in the upcoming film.

    The other set of Funko Pops we’re first seen a few weeks ago, as we got our first look at the film’s villain Sabbac, alongside the Justice Society of America members and two Black Adam-focused Funko Pops. At the time, the ship wasn’t included, so it’s a nice surprise that they are also releasing one.

    There is a chance that he doesn’t actually have his own ship, but the team of the Justice Society is actively using one. They could’ve reused Thanagarian technology, which would be a great way to confirm the origin of this version of the character, while also giving the team a way to keep up with Black Adam, who’ll likely just fly from one location to the next whenever he pleases. For now, we can only speculate.

    Source: Twitter

  • George Miller Shares His Thoughts on Superhero Cinema and its Cinematic Future

    George Miller Shares His Thoughts on Superhero Cinema and its Cinematic Future

    It’s become a curious trend for journalists to ask veteran filmmakers about their opinions on superhero films. While some, most famously Martin Scorsese, downplayed their value to cinema and equated them to “theme park” rides, there have been others that also had some positive thoughts on the currently dominating genre.

    The trend continues as George Miller was asked the classic question while promoting 3000 Years of Longing during the press conference at Cannes. The question was in reference to a DC Comics inclusion that sparked the question on what he thought about the superhero films and their future.

    They endure and have endured anyway. The one thing you will be certain of is that they will change, they will morph into something else. Marvel and the DC Universe are basically the vestiges of the Greek and Norse and Roman mythologies. There’s a direct equivalence between each of those characters. We’re going through an era in which I think we’re expressing through moving image narrative these stories. They’re echoes of the past, but they’re adjusted to have meaning to us.

    George Miller

    There have been some that viewed comic book characters as the modern take on mythology with these larger-than-life characters. So, the comparison makes a lot of sense and we’re seeing an age where their focus moved from comics to moving pictures, and who knows what the future has in store for them.

    Tilda Swinton, who has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the past, has also added to the discussion by highlighting that there needs to be a diversity of stories being told, which is something we’re finally seeing become more relevant with COVID slowing down.

    The thing that is dangerous about story is when you have only one story. It is possible when people cant hear any other stories that things really go down the tubes very, very fast and may close everything down. It’s keeping people’s ears open, keeping their ears curious to hear a new perspective, a new truth even,” she continued.

    Tilda Swinton

    Diversity in any medium is what makes it grow, something even Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has openly discussed in the past by highlighting his excitement for competition in the market. We’re seeing a new influx of smaller productions once again taking their stand in cinemas, especially with how well A24’s Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Northman, The Massive Weight of Unbearable Talent, and more.

    Other blockbuster franchises are also once again making a stand in the industry, such as Top Gun: Maverick and Jurassic World Dominion. One thing that is clear is that the growing number of films finding their way back is a healthy showcase for any franchise currently out there. COVID is still showing its fans, but there’s a positivity to be found in how

    Source: Variety

  • DC’s HBO Max Future Uncertain, ‘Batgirl’ Likely Heading to Theatrical Release

    DC’s HBO Max Future Uncertain, ‘Batgirl’ Likely Heading to Theatrical Release

    The Wonder Twins have met an early demise as the new leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to shake things up and set the DC Extended Universe on a clearer path. It seems the twins may have just been the first of many causalities going by a recent statement.

    The new leadership, led by David Zaslav, is reportedly placing a mandate that states all DC films should be set as theatrical releases as their first goal. This decision stems from the budgets many of these films have with Zaslav using Wonder Twins‘ $75 million as an example. They don’t see that kind of investment viable with a good return with a release on HBO Max. This would mean that a film like Batgirl, which is still set to release on HBO Max could instead see a shift from the streamer to a wide theatrical release.

    The Hollywood Reporter also states that sources have told them that a lot of things that are being developed by Warner Bros. are likely going to be scrapped and never see the light of day. It seems the Green Lantern series may be in danger as it’s hit multiple delays in production and could exceed the budget granted to projects on the streamer. The bright side could see the film finally get some steam behind it and the long-awaited return of a character like Hal Jordan could become a possibility.

    It may be a while before we know exactly what is happening with the DC Extended Universe and many of the other projects in development. While things may seem uncertain it could lead to a much smoother March forward for the franchise.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Warner Bros Discovery Reveals Why ‘The Wonder Twins’ Was Canceled

    Warner Bros Discovery Reveals Why ‘The Wonder Twins’ Was Canceled

    Just a few weeks ago, word began to spread via The Hashtag News that the Wonder Twins film had been scrapped just before it was set to begin filming. The project was quickly put together with Black Adam writer Adam Sztykiel set to direct the film with KJ Apa and Isabel May set to star as the titular twins, Zan and Jayna. While the cancelation was never officially confirmed, Warner Bros Discovery has officially announced by the studio, the project was confirmed as dead following the studio’s Upfront panel today.

    It has been confirmed that David Zaslav and the new leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery have already begun undoing some of the previous executive’s strategies, like their goal to produce multiple films a year solely for release on HBO Max. The previous plan was for a few of those films to be DC projects to continue to grow their brand and expand the DC Extended Universe.

    The company confirmed that The Wonder Twins met an early demise after David Zaslav deemed the $75 million-plus budget way too high for a film that would make a very limited return and just too high of a budget for a streaming film. Zaslav is instead interested in increasing the number of films that studio releases theatrically, reportedly aiming to release 20-25 movies a year, with the theatrical movies actually performing better on HBO Max following a theatrical run.

    Sadly, fans are gonna have to wait to see The Wonder Twins make their big-screen debut for now as they don’t seem to fit in the new leadership’s plans for the DCEU.

    Source: WSJ, That Hashtag News

  • Amber Heard Confirms Her Role as Mera Was “Reduced a Bunch” in ‘Aquaman 2’

    Amber Heard Confirms Her Role as Mera Was “Reduced a Bunch” in ‘Aquaman 2’

    There’s been a lot of discussions surrounding Amber Heard‘s role in the upcoming Aquaman sequel. As Johnny Depp had to leave the Fantastic Beasts sequel as production started, many were surprised that Heard was still on board for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. As it turns out, Warner Bros. didn’t want her on the production and she fought for joining.

    During the proceedings of their lawsuit, she was asked about her involvement with the Aquaman sequel, where she confirmed that she had to fight “really hard to stay in the movie.”

    I have. I fought really hard to stay in the movie. They didn’t want to include me in the film.

    Amber Heard

    While she managed to stay on board for the production, after all, it seems her role had been quite minimized. She goes on to highlight that her role was “very pared-down version” of the initial script as they reworked it throughout production.

    I was given a script. Then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it, that depicted my character and another character, without giving spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another. They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.

    Amber Heard

    It definitely sounds like Warner Bros. was in a no-win situation if she fought for remaining in the film even as they tried to take a step back from Heard due to the allegations, especially the PR and the current legal battle. We’ll see just how much of her role made it into the film and what that may mean for the Aquaman sequel.

    Source: YouTube via Reddit

  • How DC’s Movies May Survive the Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

    How DC’s Movies May Survive the Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

    The Warner Bros Discovery merger has led to a lot of uncertainty regarding the current plans for the DC Extended Universe. It was reported just a few weeks ago that the studio was looking to overhaul DC Entertainment and looking for a Kevin Feige-like figure to lead its film universe into something similar to that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    With the overhaul, some casualties were bound to happen and the first of what could be many is Wonder Twins. What was initially planned to be an HBO Max exclusive is now dead in the water, just a few weeks after casting its leads with the intent to film this summer. The message this sends is that anything not already far along in development, or in front of cameras, is on the chopping block.

    There are currently many live-action DC projects in the works at Warner Bros Discovery and a lot of them have made little movement since being announced. Some projects, while having had little movement, could still very well be happening due to the fact that they can fit within a universe moving forward, while others won’t be as lucky. With that in mind, we take a closer look at previously announced DC films and what we expect to see happen with them.

    Hourman – Our Guess: Dead

    We have heard very little about this project since it was announced last March, and that seems to be a trend amongst many of these projects. Hourman seems like something Warner Bros would ax quite quickly due to its status, but the project could just hit the shelves for now. Then again, Hourman could be seen as viable to the studio depending on the success and reception of the Justice Society of America in Black Adam. The studio could also evaporate the movie and move the character into a future JSA project as a new character. 

    Plastic Woman – Our Guess: Dead

    Another film that has had absolutely no movement on it since it was announced is Plastic Woman. The film was expected to a genderbent Plastic Man and was set to be written by Cat Vasko. Interestingly enough, Vasko was brought on to take the project in a new direction as it was initially set to follow Patrick O’Brian. The character could find a place in a new DC extended universe, but this project is likely to be another casualty of the overhaul. 

    Bad Robot’s Justice League Dark Projects – Our Guess: Safe

    These are probably some of the most anticipated projects with characters like Zatanna, Constantine, and Madame Xanadu set to make their DC Extended Universe debut. It has been radio silent on projects like Zatanna and Madame X, but Constantine looks to have already found its lead and is aiming to begin production later this year.

    These projects are being produced through a deal between Warner Bros Discovery and Bad Robot. With that in mind, it’s hard not to think these are safe, especially as many of these projects are planned to all lead into each other with a Netflix Defenders-like setup for a Justice League Dark crossover.

    Blackhawks – Our Guess: Dead

    Blackhawks was originally announced back in 2018 with Steven Spielberg attached as a producer. At the time, there were suggestions he could ultimately go on to helm the project too, but just as quickly as it was announced, the project seemed to go silent. Writer David Koepp provided an update stating the script was done, but leadership changes had stalled the project. This is a project that will most likely end up on the chopping block, most likely because it doesn’t fit anywhere in the DC Extended Universe. Who knows? If a follow-up is made to Birds of Prey, it is entirely possible Lady Blackhawk could make her live-action debut there instead.

    Static Shock – Our Guess: Safe

    Not to kick anyone while they’re down, because this one is really gonna sting if it hits the bin, but Static Shock has seen no movement since being announced. The movie was officially announced during DC’s Fandome in August 2020, and a couple of months later, Michael B. Jordan was confirmed to be producing the project. Despite the fanfare, though, it has been quiet, but in this instance, that might not be a bad thing as the project is part of a first-look deal with Jordan.

    The sheer popularity of the character is another driving factor, too, as to why I feel it is safe. Static Shock s an iconic staple of the DC Universe and has many fans, this is a viable project, so it would be a shame to see it canned.

    Wonder Woman 3 – Our Guess: Safe

    This is a no-brainer, this project is happening no matter what. The Wonder Woman films have been far too successful for this to be scrapped. While the second film was not as well-received as the first, it was still very successful with its HBO Max release and has some of the service’s strongest streaming numbers, raking up 3.2 million streams on the service with a dual release in theaters towards the end of 2020. While this one could still be a bit away due to Gal Gadot’s packed schedule, it will likely find a home in the future of the DC Extended Universe. 

    Nightwing – Our Guess: Shelved

    Nightwing was announced back in 2017 with Chris McKay set to direct the film from a script by Chris Dubuque, but of course, it has since fallen into limbo with a plethora of other projects. This is a project that could still happen, though, with rumors of Dick Grayson making his DC Extended Universe debut in the upcoming Batgirl solo film with a spin-off in mind. As it stands, though, we have no clue if McKay is still involved and if Dubuque’s script can even be used. 

    Black Canary – Our Guess: Safe

    Black Canary is a spin-off to 2020’s Birds of Prey and The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn and it was only just announced last year. The project is set to feature Jurnee Smollet-Bell reprising her role with Misha Green set to pen the script. I feel this project will be safe because the upcoming Batgirl film will reportedly lead into this project, and Easter eggs have been spotted on the set of Batgirl hinting at the character’s appearance in the film. Black Canary is set to release exclusively on HBO Max, but there is always the chance the movie makes its way to theaters instead. 

    Joker 2 – Our Guess: Safe

    This is an interesting situation as this is a film that does not fit at all with what Warner Bros Discovery is looking to do, but it’s a film that they’re interested in making more of. Variety reported that the studio saw Joker as the prime example of how characters who usually are not the protagonist can be taken and explored deeper. While many don’t believe the story needs to – or should continue – the first film is the most profitable comic book movie of all time, grossing over a billion dollars at the box office on a $64 billion budget. 

    Matt Reeve’s Plans – Our Guess: Safe

    The Batman was yet another resounding success for everyone involved, welcoming us to a new Gotham City with an all-new caped crusader. Many are on the edge of their seat, hoping Matt Reeves‘ plans do not get caught in the crossfire of the DC overhaul to meet an early end. These projects like The Batman sequel, the Arkham series, and The Penguin series will most likely be safe due to the success of the film both critically and financially. Let’s not forget, The Batman also became the highest viewed film on HBO Max in its first week, beating every day and date release last year. It would not be very beneficial for Warner Bros Discovery to stop these projects now, just as they’re all getting going. 

    Ta-Nehisi Coates Superman – Our Guess: Safe

    Superman is a character directly mentioned in Variety’s exclusive on Warner Bros Discovery’s overhaul of DC entertainment, believing the character to be left in the dust and in need of a strong return. This project seems like the fresh start the studio would want for the character, it’s even rumored that the project, if possible, could use Henry Cavill as its Superman, although none of that has been confirmed. Toby Emmerich even stated at CinemaCon that progress on the next Superman film is being made, so it seems this project could indeed see the Man of Steel’s long-awaited return.

    We’re still in the dark about just what moves the new leadership will make next but it’s always possible WBD pulls the plug on something we thought was safe. For the film of things many of these projects still look to be safe for now but where things could get real choppy is the TV side of things, with many projects remaining facing an early grave.

    Source: Twitter, CBR

  • Producer Hiram Garcia Reveals Why ‘Black Adam’ Was Delayed

    Producer Hiram Garcia Reveals Why ‘Black Adam’ Was Delayed

    A while back fans were disappointed to learn that the DC Extended Universe film slate was hit with quite a few big delays, sending films previously dated to release this year like The Flash and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom into 2023. One casualty fans felt was the delay of Black Adam, a film that had been stuck in development hell for quite some time and was finally close to releasing. It was initially dated for July 27th, 2022 but was sent back a few months to October 21st, 2022 and now we finally know why.

    Producer on the film, Hiram Garcia, has revealed just why Black Adam would not be making its previously dated July release date. Garcia stated that due to the pandemic there became such a backlog of work for VFX studios that they would not be able to complete work on the film in time for the set date.

    I think we’re just in a world right now where there was a huge and understandable freeze-up when the pandemic hit and a lot of productions were put on hold, Now that the industry has really roared back, the pipeline for VFX is so jammed. Obviously all these superhero movies just require so much VFX, and we’re just in a situation where the majority of the VFX houses are just completely swamped with work.

    Hiram Garcia

    Garcia went on to talk about how well the film was coming together and just how grateful they are for the VFX talent they have working on the project.

    They’re busting their ass and we’re so grateful for all those VFX houses, It feels like things are starting to calibrate and I think you’ll start to feel less shifts down the line. We’re excited about it and we’re really excited with the way the movie’s been looking and excited to finish it and get it out into the world.

    Hiram Garcia

    Fans will have to wait just a little bit longer to witness the debut of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as Black Adam, but they wanna make sure it’s well worth the wait and the best film it can be. Hopefully, this news will help ease some tension amongst fans who were worried about its delay.

    Source: The Wrap

  • Leaked ‘Black Adam’ Funko Pops offer First Glimpse at Sabbac

    Leaked ‘Black Adam’ Funko Pops offer First Glimpse at Sabbac

    The hierarchy of power within the collectible universe is about to change forever as a new leak has brought us our very first look at the Funko Pops for the upcoming DC film Black Adam. The leak in question in the back of a box reveals the entire wave of figures with two Black Adams, an Atom Smasher, Cyclone, Doctor Fate, Hawkman, and even our very first glimpse at the film’s main antagonist Sabbac, who was rumored to be played by Marwan Kenzari back in October of 2021.

    It looks as if Sabbac will not take a full-on demon form in the film as his comic counterpart does. He looks vaguely similar to the Ishmael Gregor version of the character, a red humanoid that sprouts horns and a pentagram on his chest. It’s hard to make out exactly what he looks like here but looks to be sporting some sort of horns and is wearing a type of robe.

    Fans should also take notice that the Hawkman that we see on the box is not the same Hawkman that is listed amongst the other figures on the box. This most likely means that the larger Hawkman on the box is exclusive to a certain retailer and the other exclusives in this wave are not listed on the box, meaning there could indeed be more to come.

    Also the figures confirm that Doctor Fate does in fact not have eye holes, possibly hinting that when Nabu takes over Kent Nelsons body he is in control and does not require sight.

    There is currently no release date for these figures but it looks as if some are already making their way to retailers. The figures were most likely prepped to release soon due to the film originally set to hit theaters on July 27th, 2022 before it was hit with a delay, setting it back to October 21st, 2022.

    Source: Twitter

  • REPORT: ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ May Introduce Aquaman’s Child

    REPORT: ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ May Introduce Aquaman’s Child

    We just recently got some teases on what the future of the DCEU has in store, which included a brief tease of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. While we still know rather little about the project, a new report by The Direct may hint that Jason Momoa‘s Arthur Curry and Amber Heard‘s Mera may have an addition in the upcoming film. While they couldn’t share any details, they have heard that the film will include their child.

    It’s not the first time they had a child, as we were introduced to Arthur Curry Jr. some time ago. Yet, there was also the rather dark Aquaman: Death of a Prince storyline, whose title already hints at the rather dark turn for a storyline of the 1970s. It’s not clear if James Wan might be building up an adaptation of that storyline, or if they are potentially exploring a new take on Aqualad.

    We do know that the character is getting an HBO Max adaptation, but that will explore a storyline inspired by a graphic novel. So, we’ll see how exactly their child might be connected to the story. The confirmed return of Black Manta doesn’t bode well given the child’s comic history. Perhaps their kid gets abducted and brought to the Lost Kingdom in the title, which sets up the potential storyline and why they are unleashed upon the world. For now, it’s just speculation but that’s the fun of it all.

    Source: The Direct