Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: DC

  • First Full Look at ‘Stargirl’s New Villain Eclipso Revealed

    First Full Look at ‘Stargirl’s New Villain Eclipso Revealed

    After a very well-received first season, we were only waiting for the second season of Stargirl. The show originally streamed as a DCU Original, but it also aired on the CW a day later. It was a way to get the show some more attention. As DCU has become a comic library, it got announced that the show would find its permanent home on the CW. Now, the second season is currently in production, the sophomore season finds the newly founded Justice Society of America facing the wrath of the God, Eclipso.

    At the end of the first season, we witnessed a newly freed Cindy Burman rummage through an old storage closet within the former Injustice Society of America’s lair. It was unclear what she was digging for until we saw her pull a small purple diamond from one of the boxes. Our suspicions got confirmed when she uttered the word “Eclipse”. For those who don’t know, Eclipso is the being that represents God’s wrath. He is an angel of vengeance, who would eventually be replaced by the Spectre. The villain is set to be played by Arrowverse alum, Nick Tarabay who previously played Captain Boomerang on Arrow and The Flash.

     

     

    Stargirl‘s second season doesn’t have a set release date, but will most likely be out by the end of the year. It will see the return of a newly founded JSA led by Courtney Whitmore and Pat Dugan. They are played by Brec Bassinger and Luke Wilson as they recruit more members to their ranks to face a threat far more dangerous than the Injustice Society of America.

    Source: TV Line

  • ‘Superman and Lois’: Checking In With The Kent Boys

    ‘Superman and Lois’: Checking In With The Kent Boys

    On Superman & Lois, a lot of time is spent on Clark Kent juggling being a hero and learning to become a better father. While all of this is happening, Lois Lane is trying to expose Morgan Edge. While all of that is fascinating in its own right, the Kent children tell quite the story of their own. Jonathan and Jordan Kent couldn’t be more different from each other, which adds quite a bit of tension throughout its run.

    Jonathan (Jordan Elsass) is levelheaded, comfortable in his skin, and incredibly confident. In the first three episodes, he stands out as the moral center of the show. Sure, we see him teasing his brother, but what teenager wouldn’t? What we learn about him while watching this show is that Jonathan is also incredibly empathetic and reasonable. He sees things in his brother that their father is missing.

     

    Superman & Lois review: It's a good premiere — but is it a show? | EW.com

    When Jordan (Alex Garfin) joins the football team without Clark knowing, Jonathan tells his brother that their father will be upset, as he tries not to beat him over the head with it. Later, when Clark finds out and scolds Jordan, Jonathan is the one that comes to his defense. He ensures to their father that Jordan can control his abilities. Jonathan should have every reason not to be as understanding as he is. He got upended to a small town and suddenly finds out his father is Superman. We haven’t even tackled the fact that his brother has powers while he doesn’t.

    Now the one thing Jonathan excels at is football, but now his brother is upstaging him. With all of that happening, he still tries his best to be a good brother. One wonders if that will continue or how that will evolve, as Jordan is the one that needs the most care. He’s emotionally unstable at times, which is a dangerous combination when one possesses abilities as he does. This fact, of course, concerns his parents.

     

    Superman & Lois' Twin Sons Jon & Jordan, Explained

     

    When Clark takes Jordan to the Fortress of Solitude, Jor-El’s hologram tells Clark that Jordan will never be like him. This revelation leaves his son angry and bitter, which ends up blaming it all on his father. We will look at this as an angst-ridden teenager in any other show, but this is a young man with insane expectations. Imagine being the son of Superman and hearing your grandfather say how you’ll never live up to your father. That’s pretty rough.

    On top of all of that, Jordan also has feelings for Lana’s daughter, Sarah Cushing. (Inde Navarette) In the pilot, he kisses her. It leads to a fight with her then-boyfriend, which becomes the catalyst to activate his heat vision. Jordan then spends the next episode not being allowed to go to school. It’s hard to imagine anyone dealing with this well at all. In episode three, both the boys find out that Clark has been eavesdropping on their conversations for a long time. This invasion of privacy is a privilege Superman has through his abilities, but it creates tension with his sons. 

     

    Superman & Lois' Super Son's Powers May Not Be What You Expect

     

    Eventually, there’s growth from Jordan once he joins the football team. He’s able to control his new-found strength to some degree. The best part is, he even gets to make some friends. Maybe there’ll be a little bit less angst in the upcoming episodes. Even Clark learns something from prior experience with his Dad that gives him the motivation to let Jordan play. This television show is primarily about Superman, but they confirm his two sons are not just cannon fodder. They’re teaching Clark valuable lessons and growing as young men themselves. Their character development is just as important as the man of steel.

  • ‘Black Adam: First Set Photos Tease Hawkman’s Origins

    ‘Black Adam: First Set Photos Tease Hawkman’s Origins

    Anticipation is high for the upcoming debut of Dwayne Johnson in his first foray into the superhero genre, where he will don the bolt of the wizard Shazam to become Black Adam. The film had been on the back burner for quite some time until it finally got moving when the film picked up director Jaume Collet-Serra in 2019. Since then, the film would march full steam ahead, as it recruited star after star to fill out its cast. Sadly, it lost its release date due to the pandemic, but that isn’t stopping its production team from getting ready. Now, as the film prepares to get the ball rolling next month, it seems we have our first look at something completely out of this world.

    Die-hard fans of Hawkman and Hawkgirl know what we’re talking about, as it seems to resemble the Thanagarian Star Cruiser. It’s a ship that plays a pivotal role in their origins. While they can be quite convoluted, it seems they’ll be going with his post-hawk world origin this time around. In it, a Thanagarian ship crashes in ancient Egypt as prophecized by Nabu. Prince Khufu, Nabu, and Teth-Adam find this ship and bring it back to Khufu’s palace. There they study the Nth metal and eventually melted down and used it to make a scarab, a knife, and the Claw of Horus.

    The metal would also strengthen the souls of Chayara and Khufu, in which Katar believed they’d be together forever. The pair would eventually be murdered by Hath-Set using the Nth Metal Knife, trapping their souls in an endless cycle of reincarnation. Aldis Hodge will take on the role of Hawkman and his ties to Egypt could end up tying together with Black Adam’s origin. Hopefully, we get our first look at Hawkman in costume once it enters production next month.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter, Twitter

  • Matt Reeves Reveals that ‘The Batman’ Has Wrapped Production

    Matt Reeves Reveals that ‘The Batman’ Has Wrapped Production

    It has been a turbulent year, to say the least. The pandemic has changed the entire media landscape, may it be delaying productions or keeping us out of cinemas. Matt Reeves’s reboot of Batman was hit pretty early on, as it was forced to halt production on multiple occasions. At one point, the main star Robert Pattison was tested positive for COVID, which made many wonders what it could mean for the film’s production. Even after all that, it seems that The Batman has finally wrapped production, as the director took to Twitter to reveal the final day on set.

    The visual includes some interesting teases for the film. Especially the “Just For You” cards might be connected to our main villain. We know that they are taking inspiration from the iconic The Long Halloween storyline, which will explore Batman’s hunt for a holiday-themed killer. It was uncertain how they would twist up the original storyline. The Batman’s first trailer proved that they are taking a unique route, as we were introduced to what seems to be the Riddler, who is played by Paul Dano. His speech still haunts me since it was first revealed last August.

    The upcoming film will take place in Bruce Wayne’s second year in the role of the Caped Crusader. We got small glimpses at his relationship with the GCPD, who are also getting their own spin-off series on HBO Max, and his place in this version of Gotham. We sadly still have to wait until it releases on March 4th, 2022, but what we saw is already promising quite the experience.

     

    Source: Twitter, Slash Film, YouTube

  • What I Heard This Week: HBO Max’s ‘GREEN LANTERN’

    What I Heard This Week: HBO Max’s ‘GREEN LANTERN’

    Once again wading into unfamiliar territory and territory in which I was burned not too long ago when I shared the rumor that James Gunn was in the earliest stages of developing a Krypto project for Warner Bros…but I’m nothing if not dense, so here’s another hot DC rumor: the Manhunters are set to go up against the Green Lantern Corp in the HBO Max Green Lantern streaming series!

    Manhunters | DC Animated Universe | Fandom

    Though the streaming series hasn’t settled on a start of production much less a release date, tidbits of info have leaked out over time. We know the series is set to span decades and galaxies and feature several members of the GLC including Alan Scott, Guy Gardner, Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz and newcomer Bree Jarta as well as fan favorites such as Killowag and Sinestro. Scott’s story will take place in the 1940s, Gardner’s in the 1980s and Cruz’s in the early 2000s but the story will obviously need some connective tissue and that might just be where this RUMOR comes into play.

    First brought into canon in 1975 by the legendary Jack Kirby, the Manhunters are the first attempt by the Guardians of Oa at a universal peace-keeping corps. Over time their programming led to them believing that the extinction of organic beings was the only true path to peace in the universe and led to the creation of the rage-fueled Red Lantern Corps.

    Review: Red Lanterns Vol. 1- Blood and Rage - ComicBookWire

    While we cannot confirm the Manhunters as part of the series, their shared history with the Guardians of the Universe, audience familiarity from their role in Green Lantern: The Animated Series and the relative ease of creating them via VFX makes this rumor an easy one to buy into.

  • REPORT: ‘Aquaman 2’ Eyeing June Production Start

    REPORT: ‘Aquaman 2’ Eyeing June Production Start

    Warner Bros. and DC have been busy preparing for their future releases. We just recently got a showcase by HBO Max that teases a variety of projects, which included a project focused on Zatanna. They also seem to be hard at work preparing for the upcoming The Flash film adaptation, as Maribel Verdú joined the cast. It looks like the next project is about to enter production, as DiscussingFilm has revealed that the production is planning on beginning next June. They are heading to the United Kingdom to enter production. Of course, the pandemic could potentially postpone these plans.

    They have also learned that Richard Sale is joining in the role of a costume designer. Spider-Man: Homecoming’s Louise Frogley is supposedly also involved in the same role, so it is uncertain if they are working alongside each other. It will enter production under the working title Necrus, which actually has a connection to the comics. Unlike Atlantis, the underwater city of Necrus is falling apart and has been at war with Aquaman’s home often in the past.

    It may tease an all-out underwater war, but could also act purely as a fun node to the comics. We’ve seen production titles act merely as jokes in the past, so we shouldn’t read too deep into it for now. Hopefully, we will get some casting announcements as we near the production start, so we have a better feeling for where the story is heading. Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise their roles in the upcoming film, which is set to premiere on December 16th, 2022.

    Source: DiscussingFilm

  • Billy Crudup Exits ‘THE FLASH’ As Maribel Verdú Joins the Cast

    Billy Crudup Exits ‘THE FLASH’ As Maribel Verdú Joins the Cast

    A few days ago, Kiersey Clemons was confirmed to be reprising her role from Zack Snyder’s Justice League in The Flash. Now, news dropped that Billy Crudup has exited the project. The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Crudup has exited the upcoming superhero project due to scheduling conflicts. Known for his role as Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen, he played the titular heroes father, Henry Allen, in his Justice League adaptation. Luckily, fans will be able to see him in the role again when the movie’s director cut of Justice League drops on HBO Max later this month.

    Despite the actor’s exit, Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen won’t be without a parent in his solo outing. Maribel Verdú has boarded the project as Barry’s mother, Nora Allen. The Spanish actress is most recognizable for her roles in the Oscar-nominated Y tu mamá también and Guillermo Del Toro’s classic Pan’s Labyrinth. The actress’s role is integral to the origin of The Flash. His mother’s death plays a large part in turning him into the hero he eventually becomes.

    The Flash, which has been delayed multiple times under multiple directors, is scheduled to release on November 4, 2022. It will be directed by Andy Muschietti, who recently helmed both It films to acclaim. Adding to the anticipation surrounding the project are the returns of two Batmen, as Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck are both signed on to reprise their iconic roles in a multiverse story.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Zatanna’ Project Officially In The Works

    ‘Zatanna’ Project Officially In The Works

    Almost a year ago, it was announced that J.J. Abrams and his production company, Bad Robot, would be getting into development on a series of projects that build up to a Justice League Dark series. At first, it seemed that it was going to be a series purely about the team, but a few months later words got out that HBO Max developing a new solo series surrounding John Constantine. At the time, they’d already begun searching for an actor to play the role. Now, it seems as though we could see a build-up to the eventual meeting of the JLD, as another famous member is getting their own series.

    During an AT&T Investor’s Day presentation, they revealed a variety of DC shows that are in development. Eagle-eyed fans noticed a fan-favorite magician, Zatanna, is getting her own adaptation. While it’s not known if this project will be a film or a series, it seems more likely to be the series if you consider how these characters are being handled at HBO Max. Little is known about the project considering it was just announced but we’ll hopefully get some word on it soon.

    It’ll be interesting to see what eventually brings these magical heroes together. We also will have to see who ends up on the roster of this team. In the comics, the roster has changed so frequently. So, they have a variety of choices for the upcoming series. I do believe that Zatanna is a necessity on the team. She has been part of almost every version, as such, she is a necessity. It will be great to see also see what evil might force these unlikely heroes to work together.

    Source: The Verge, Twitter

  • Kiersey Clemons to Return as Iris West in ‘The Flash’

    Kiersey Clemons to Return as Iris West in ‘The Flash’

    The upcoming Flash solo has been in development hell for quite some time now. It gave development hell a new meaning, as it lost director after director. Finally, it was able to secure the director of the latest It adaptations, Andy Muschietti. The film will see Ezra Miller reprise his role as Barry Allen. He won’t be the only hero returning from the DCEU. Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will reprise their respective roles as Caped Crusaders. There is also the newcomer Sasha Calle, who is set to play Supergirl. Now it seems another familiar face is set to return in the upcoming film, for what is sure to be too many fans delight.

    During the production of Justice League, fans were excited to learn that intrepid reporter Iris West would be making her DCEU debut. Kiersey Clemons will tackle the iconic role. Sadly, she eventually got cut from the film after Snyder’s departure. As such, many fans wondered if she’d kept the role. After a long wait, it was finally confirmed that Clemons is set to reprise her role in the upcoming film  The Flash. It is uncertain how large her role will be.

    The Flash was written by Christina Hodson and is set for a November 4th, 2022 release date. The film will star Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Billy Crudup. You can catch Ezra Miller and Kiersey Clemons in their respective roles in the upcoming release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League. It will release on HBO Max on March 18th, 2021.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • International Women’s Day: Women on the Rise

    International Women’s Day: Women on the Rise

    It’s International Women’s Day! There aren’t really any special events in the comic book movie world planned to commemorate it a la Captain Marvel’s release two years ago, but that’s okay. A lot has happened to further women in the genre between then and now, and that gives us plenty to reflect on and celebrate today.

    I can’t help but be a bit sad taking a look back, though. Last year was supposed to be the biggest year for women in CBM’s yet, but that – like practically everything else in the world – didn’t end up panning out the way it was supposed to. DC and Marvel each had two films set for 2020, all four with women in the starring role and, possibly even more importantly, directed by women. Of all the MCU and DCEU movies before this, only Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel had been directed by women, and the latter also had a male director working alongside the female one. Yes, there were a few other female-led superhero movies before this, but none from the two main “universes” that are known and loved today. There were many awesome women in both DCEU and MCU movies – I particularly liked that Black Panther had so many different women in it because it allowed each of them to be more than “the token girl” who rolls her eyes when the men get silly and fun – but they didn’t get to lead their own franchises until those films came out.

    On top of this, Marvel revealed at the beginning of the year they were going to release the Disney+ series WandaVision in the same year. It really seemed as though by the end of 2020, women taking the lead on superhero projects on and offscreen would no longer be a novelty, but rather the norm.

    Of course, we all know how that panned out. Due to the pandemic, there was no major MCU release in 2020, as WandaVision was delayed into January 2021. DC’s two female-helmed projects were released, but neither ended up making huge waves. Birds of Prey was admittedly pretty niche from the get-go, but Wonder Woman 1984 would have probably done quite well financially if things had been normal) and the conversation surrounding both circled right back to whether or not women should helm superhero projects.

    That being said, I do think the discussion in this area is improving. I saw little to none of this kind of debate with WandaVision, which, while directed by a man, had a female lead and head writer (with several other women on the writing team). There was and is discourse surrounding the show, but it’s about the content and themes of the project rather than the fact that women played key leadership roles in making it happen.

    Speaking of WandaVision, that show also brought us the origin story of a new female superhero, when Monica Rambeau became…well, we don’t know her official superhero name yet (she’s had several in the comics, and the frontrunners for which one will be used in the MCU seem to be Spectrum and Photon )but she gained some cool new powers and also used her human abilities to help Wanda face her grief. I can’t wait to see her shine some more in Captain Marvel 2.

    I also appreciate that superhero media seems to be moving away from the “men direct male-led movies, women direct female-led ones” mentality. I know some believe projects with female leads should only be directed by women, but I’m okay if not all of them are as long as there are women at or near the top of the decision-making pecking order as well (for example, the aforementioned Matt Shakman-directed, Jac Shaeffer-penned WandaVision).
    And I’m all for women-directed male-led projects as well. In fact, you know the next Marvel project, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier? The one that a lot of guys are saying is more “for them” than WandaVision because it looks fast-paced and action-heavy? Well, it’s being directed by none other than Kari Skogland, a woman who has helmed a bunch of other TV projects and spoken out about the importance of opportunities for up-and-coming female directors.

    Here’s to the further normalization of women in the comic book movie world. They’re not going anywhere, and neither is this woman who writes about them.