Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: DC

  • 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

  • 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

  • Hall of Murphy: Episode 20 – ‘Batgirl’ & Warner Bros. Discovery’s Future

    Hall of Murphy: Episode 20 – ‘Batgirl’ & Warner Bros. Discovery’s Future

    Warner Bros. Discovery has seemingly been on a warpath with its DC projects. So, it’s hard not to get the band together to discuss all things Warner Bros., the fallout from randomly canceling Batgirl, and the uncertain future for the DC department. With so much news to cover it only seemed right that John and Joe have some backup as Hunter returns to discuss all things WBD.

  • New ‘Multiversus’ Image Reveals ‘Gremlins’ Stripe and Black Adam as Playable Characters

    New ‘Multiversus’ Image Reveals ‘Gremlins’ Stripe and Black Adam as Playable Characters

    It looks like a new leak may have revealed the next two additions to Warner Bros. Multiversus. The latest Super Smash Bros. clone uses the vast library of the WB license to have characters from Game of Thrones, Adventure Time, DC Comics, and many more iconic franchises face off against each other. Now, it seems two more additions have been revealed in a newly leaked banner for the game.

    It seems that the game is eyeing adding a character from Gremlins, Spike, as a playable character alongside DC Comic’s anti-hero Black Adam. The latter is definitely a perfectly timed addition with Dwayne Johnson‘s upcoming film hitting theaters in the coming months. It’s also great to see such a cult classic like the 1984 horror film getting some representation. You can see the banner as shared by @InTheShadeMV here:

    https://twitter.com/InTheShadeMV/status/1559037386243424256

    He has also uploaded a closer look at the two new additions in a new tweet that offers a better look at the details going into their designs:

    https://twitter.com/InTheShadeMV/status/1559166513717944322

    It’s interesting that Black Adam is closer to his comic design rather than what he’ll look like in his film. Of course, it likely wouldn’t be cheap to get Dwayne Johnson‘s likeness in the game. Though, they have recently added LeBron James as a playable character from the latest Space Jam film, which means that skin could be in the cards at some point. So, anything is possible with Multiversus right now.

    Source: Twitter

  • REPORT: Another Name Surfaces as a Candidate for DC Films’ Kevin Feige

    REPORT: Another Name Surfaces as a Candidate for DC Films’ Kevin Feige

    The uncertainty and unease surrounding the future of Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Universe seem to be growing by the day. As has been widely reported over the last week, new WBD CEO David Zaslav has been busy making a series of drastic alterations to the company’s film slate. Batgirl, along with several other potential projects, received an unexpected axing, and most things in development are potentially on the chopping block.

    Before the current upheaval, David Zaslav announced that DC is one of their highest priorities. On top of the announcement that DC would be becoming its own studio within the company, Zaslav has confirmed that they’ve put a team together to run said studio and have put together a ten-year plan, mentioning outright it is similar to what Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios have built over at Disney. No word has been made on what exactly this “10-year-plan” entails and it’s unknown if WBD will announce a slate anytime soon.

    Still, plenty of discussion has erupted about who could possibly be the “Kevin Feige of DC”. According to a report from Variety, one name being considered is TV producer Greg Berlanti, who “has been loudly whispered as a possibility for the role.” Berlanti is known for his work as one of the key architects of the CW’s DC Arrowverse, which included ncluded shows Arrow, The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Superman & Lois. The Arrowverse featured many classic DC heroes and held several crossover events over the years, so Berlanti’s experience seems on par with what DC Films needs.

    However, the report noted that no official discussions between WBD and Berlanti’s team have occurred, and apparently trade reporting insiders think he would not be interested in the role. Another potential candidate mentioned by Variety’s report is producer Dan Lin, whose credits include IT, The LEGO Batman Movie, Godzilla vs. Kong, and the failed Justice League movie that George Miller was preparing in 2009. But Lin is reportedly not interested in the role either.

    Whoever ends up as the Feige of DC will be faced with high expectations set by Feige himself at Marvel Studios. It will be interesting to learn who WBD eventually selects for the role, though with all the seeming turmoil in the DC TV and Films, it is unclear when this person or 10-year plan will actuall come to fruition.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Black Adam’ Director Says the Film Avoids Hawkman’s Complicated Origin Story

    ‘Black Adam’ Director Says the Film Avoids Hawkman’s Complicated Origin Story

    Black Adam is the next film to be released in the DC Extended Universe, and many fans are excited to see Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of the titular superhero. Alongside Black Adam himself, the film is set to introduce to live-action the Justice Society of America and some of its classic members. Director Jaume Collett-Serra confirmed to Vanity Fair that, in Black Adam, Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) is the leader of the JSA, whose members on-screen will also include Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), and Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan).

    With Hawkman in such a significant role, one wonders how Black Adam planned to handle the character’s infamously complicated and confusing origin story. Multiple versions of Hawkman have been published, primarily two different versions. One version hails from Earth and is rooted in reincarnation, and the other is a police officer from another planet. Eventually the two distinct characters were merged and further complicated down the line. Speaking with Vanity Fair, Collett-Serra revealed that the upcoming film will avoid Hawkman’s backstory for this very reason. He stated:

    In the comics, there are clear references of like, ‘Hey, I saw you 5,000 years ago. You remember me?’ We’re not doing that…It would be too confusing. Obviously, Hawkman reincarnates, so how many times do you need to reincarnate and still remember? All these rules [are something] you don’t want to set until those characters are really established…He is a very driven character that knows that he’s on the right side. He’s a leader. He wants to bring this team together, and bring a certain stability to the world. Hawkman has a very strong sense of what’s right or wrong, and Black Adam challenges that.”

    —Jaume Collett-Serra

    Considering Black Adam is designed to be a solo film for Johnson’s character and an introduction to the JSA, there could be plenty of time for DC to explore Hawkman’s origin more thoroughly in the future. Still, fans of the character should not get their hopes up to see it laid out in Black Adam.

    Black Adam releases in theaters on October 21, 2022.

    Source: Vanity Fair

  • Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci to Adapt Comedy Pilot Based on Superhero Filmmaking for HBO

    Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci to Adapt Comedy Pilot Based on Superhero Filmmaking for HBO

    With The Boys and other counter-culture movements in regards to superhero productions being all the rage, Warner Bros. HBO division has given a pilot order to The Franchise. Created by director Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci, the pilot order will explore superhero movie-making from a comedic standpoint. It’s unclear if this is purely meant to mock the current franchise market or generally go directly mock current tentpole franchises, but the description of the series is as follows according to Deadline:

    The half-hour project takes a wry look at superhero movie-making. It follows a hopeful crew trapped inside the dysfunctional, nonsensical, joyous hellscape of franchise superhero movie-making. If and when they finally make the day, the question they must face — is this Hollywood’s new dawn or cinema’s last stand? Is this a dream factory or a chemical plant?

    The timing also comes as Iannucci’s Avenue 5 comedy is coming to an end, which will see him then executive produce the new HBO series through the Dundee Productions banner. Jon Brown is attached to serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Mendes is going to direct the pilot episode but no further details or castings are known.

    It’s a shame that no one that worked on a superhero franchise is seemingly involved to offer a true behind-the-curtains experience, as it may only offer an outsider’s perspective that is quite focused on one takeaway potentially. Yet, with the comedy team behind it, there’s potential it’ll offer a balanced look at the highs and lows of the concept.

    The timing is interesting, as Iannucci also just recently debut a Spider-Man story in Amazing Fantasy #1000. Mendes was also once approached to direct Marvel’s The Avengers back in 2012 before Joss Whedon took on the role. Superheroes are all the rage right now and it’s no surprise that someone will try to bank on that very concept. We’ll have to see what the production has in store and if HBO moves forward with a series order, but banking on the success of superheroes by making a series about making superhero films sounds like the next step in the overall genre trend.

    Source: Deadline

  • Idris Elba Confirms DC Project In Development 

    Idris Elba Confirms DC Project In Development 

    Idris Elba is one of the few actors getting to play in both the Marvel and DC sandbox at the moment. Now a household name, Elba has starred concurrently as the Asgardian warrior Heimdall in Marvel’s Thor films and the ruthless mercenary Bloodsport in Warner Bros.’ The Suicide Squad for the last few years. Thor: Love and Thunder brought the former character back after a long absence, while the latter character’s journey has seemingly only just begun. However, since each of his last comic book-based projects was released, his future with either company has been up in the air. That is, until now.

    During a recent interview with Erik Davis, the actor confirmed he’s in the process of cooking up something big for DC right now. Davis took to Twitter to share the news ahead of the interview’s release. Without any further information, it’s impossible to say exactly what it is Elba is working on. That being said, director James Gunn has been teasing the exciting future of his work with HBO Max creating DC television series. The creative already produced Peacemaker, a spin-off of The Suicide Squad, and has stated he’s developing more unrevealed spin-offs as well. Deductive reasoning would indicate Elba might be returning to his Bloodsport role in one of Gunn’s shows, but without any official word, that should still be considered simple conjecture. Hopefully, more information comes sooner than later.

    Elba’s next picture, Beast, in which the actor battles a ferocious lion, hits theaters on August 19th.

    Source: Twitter

  • Hall of Murphy: Episode 19 – All Things SDCC

    Hall of Murphy: Episode 19 – All Things SDCC

    Hall of Murphy is back as John and Joe take some time to discuss all things San Diego Comic-Con with Black Adam, Shazam, and even some DC League of Super-Pets thrown in for fun.

  • UPDATE: Amber Heard Not Cut From ‘Aquaman’ Sequel

    UPDATE: Amber Heard Not Cut From ‘Aquaman’ Sequel

    Despite a report to the contrary, a spokesperson for Amber Heard has stated that the actress will not be removed from the upcoming DC film Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom.

    Referencing a report from Just Jared, Heard’s spokesperson had the following to say, “The rumor mill continues as it has from day one — inaccurate, insensitive and slightly insane.” The previous report stated that Heard’s role would be entirely recast and her scenes reshot following the conclusion of the defamation trial with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.

    While Heard’s role in the Aquaman sequel was said to be considerably smaller than her role in the first film, it would still be expensive and problematic for Warner to cut her, recast her and reshoot the scenes. It’s possible that Heard’s role as Mera, Aquaman’s love interest, might be recast for future appearances in the DC universe, but for now it seems that the actress will remain on board through her already filmed appearance.

    Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom will hit theaters March 17th, 2023.