Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: dcu

  • ‘Superman: Legacy’: New House of El Crest Possibly Revealed

    ‘Superman: Legacy’: New House of El Crest Possibly Revealed

    As the cast of James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy assembled in Atlanta for a table read ahead of the start of production, a couple of photos posted by stars who participated in the read may have given fans the first look at the all-new DCU’s crest of the House of El.

    Both Isabela Merced, who will play Hawkgirl in the film, and Sara Sampaio, who will play Eve Teschmacher, posted photos of their nameplates to social media, providing a look at what just might be the new design for the Kryptonian symbol of hope that star David Corenswet will bear on his chest in Superman: Legacy.

    The logo is clearly inspired by the DC Elseworlds tale Kingdom Come, a four-issue limited series by Mark Waid and Alex Ross that was published in 1996. Following the death of Lois Lane and the public’s acceptance of a new hero willing to kill, Superman spends a decade in the Fortress of Solitude before returning to a world that’s become increasingly short on old-fashioned values. Parts of the story were adapted in the CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths in which Superman Returns star Brandon Routh sported the black and red crest on his chest.

    With our stories, we want to take it away from good guy vs. bad guy. There are really good—almost saintly—people and Superman is among them. There are really terrible villains like Gorilla Grodd or the Joker. And then there’s everybody in between them, so there are all these shades of gray which allow us to tell complex stories.

    James Gunn on Superman

    While it seems unlikely that Gunn will be adapting Kingdom Come for Superman: Legacy (it seems far too dour of a story for the film set to launch the DCU and Gunn’s project seems to have taken a fair bit of inspiration from Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman), the idea of the Kryptonian hero existing “in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned,” as explained by Gunn, does reverberate with one of the themes of Kingdom Come. Returning from his self-imposed exile, Kal-El found the world greatly changed and its heroes no longer embracing “goodness” as a core value. It’s possible that theme will carry over into Superman: Legacy with a younger Kal-El serving as an example of all that is good for heroes like Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, a Green Lantern who is often depicted as a prick.

    Production on Superman: Legacy is expected to kick off in March in Hell, Norway before returning to America to film in Cleveland and Atlanta. The film is currently expected to be in theaters on July 11, 2025.

  • And Then There Were Two: A Pair of Front Runners Emerge in the Race to Be the DCU’s Supergirl

    And Then There Were Two: A Pair of Front Runners Emerge in the Race to Be the DCU’s Supergirl

    Before James Gunn gets to work on the first film of the all-new, all-different DCU, he has at least one more major decision to make about the cast of Superman: Legacy…and now it sounds like that he’s one step closer to making it.

    According to THR’s Borys Kit, Gunn and DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran have narrowed the field of actresses up for the role of Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, down to two: Milly Alcock and Meg Donnelly.

    Alcock and Donnelly were first linked to the role in early January 2024 when it was reported that they, along with Emilia Jones would be screen testing for the role of Supergirl. Kit’s report indicated that Jones, along with Cailee Spaeny, have been eliminated from contention for the role and that it seems as though Gunn and Safran will be choosing either Alcock or Donnelly relatively soon.

    The plan, according to Kit, is for Supergirl to appear in 2025’s Superman: Legacy, setting the stage for the as-yet-undated Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film. That film, based on author Tom King’s acclaimed comic book run, is being written by Ana Nogueira and was one of the first projects announced as part of the DCU’s Chapter One-Gods and Monsters arc.

    Source: THR

  • Sean Gunn Lands a Major Role in the New DCU

    Sean Gunn Lands a Major Role in the New DCU

    With Superman: Legacy having significantly rounded out its cast over the past several weeks, director and DC Studios co-chair James Gunn has turned his attention to some major world-building for the new DC Universe. According to a trade report, Gunn has cast his brother, Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1-3), as one of DC Comics more intriguing supervillains.

    Deadline reports that the actor is set to portray Maxwell Lord, a one-time ally of the Justice League turned nemesis, who first appeared in 1987’s Justice League #1. If the character sounds familiar, it’s because he was recently played by Pedro Pascal in 2020’s Wonder Woman 1984. Additionally, Lord appeared on the small screen in both Smallville and Supergirl.

    According to Deadline’s sources, Lord will be referenced in Superman: Legacy but is not expected to appear on screen. With the streaming series Waller set to debut ahead of Superman: Legacy and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and The Brave and the Bold up next on the theatrical slate, it looks like Gunn’s been cast for the long haul. It’s entirely possible that Lord shows up in multiple projects in Gods and Monsters: Chapter One and could even be the driving force behind the formation of the DCU’s Justice League.

    Source: Deadline

  • Miss Teschmacher!! Sara Sampaio Joins ‘Superman: Legacy’ Cast

    Miss Teschmacher!! Sara Sampaio Joins ‘Superman: Legacy’ Cast

    Ahead of an expected January start of production, DC Studios’ Superman: Legacy continues to add to its cast. According to a trade report, Portuguese model Sara Sampaio has signed on to play the role of Eve Teschmacher.

    First introduced in Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman where the character was played by Valerie Perrine, Eve Teschmacher is an ally and possible love interest of Lex Luthor. Luthor will be played by Nicholas Hoult, who recently landed the role after months of speculation.

    Superman: Legacy has been described as the “launch of the DCU” and, according to DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran, will be centered “on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” The film was written and will be directed by Safran’s partner James Gunn who explained that Superman, played by David Corenswet, “is for everyone. [Superman] four-quadrant film that should speak to everyone in the world,” explained Gunn. “With our stories, we want to take it away from good guy vs. bad guy. There are really good—almost saintly—people and Superman is among them,” added the director.

    Gunn’s saintly take on Kal-El is slated to hit theaters on July 11th, 2025.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Superman: Legacy’ Finds Its Jimmy Olsen

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ Finds Its Jimmy Olsen

    The Righteous Gemstones and Santa Clarita Diet actor Skyler Gisondo has landed a key role in James Gunn‘s Superman: Legacy. Gisondo will play cub reporter, photojournalist and–most importantly–Superman’s pal in the 2025 film.

    After the character was rumored to be part of the Man of Steel’s latest theatrical reboot, Gunn–as is his way–confirmed the speculation on Twitter earlier this year. Multiple actors have brought Olsen to life over the years with Gisondo set to be the ninth live-action version of the character. Given his acting resume, Gisondo seems very likely to be much more in line with the “Jeepers Mr. Kent” version of the character than the Snyderverse’s version played by Michael Cassidy.

    Gisondo joins new Kal-El David Corenswet, new Lois Lane Rachel Brosnahan along with Nathan Fillion, Isabel Merced, Anthony Carrigan, Edi Gathegi and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Superman: Legacy is slated to start production early in 2024 ahead of a July 11, 2025 release.

    Source: THR

  • James Gunn Reaffirms Jaime Reyes’ Place in His New DCU

    James Gunn Reaffirms Jaime Reyes’ Place in His New DCU

    For those that have paid attention since its inception, Blue Beetle has been fun to watch develop. Initially planned as an HBO Max release, the Angel Manual Soto-helmed DC flick was promoted to a full theatrical release in December 2021. That theatrical release is now just days away and in another interesting development, the film–which was greenlit and produced before James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reigns at DC Studios–will connect to the all-new, all-different DCU. Gunn has said as much on more than one occasion but reiterated it at the film’s recent screening.

    Blue Beetle will introduce audiences to hero Jaime Reyes, played by Xolo Maridueña, who Gunn now says “will be an amazing part of the DCU going forward!”

    Exactly how Reyes will tie into the future of DC Studios slate, which is expected to kick off with the animated adventure Creature Commandos, remains to be seen; however, given that Gunn’s Superman: Legacy takes place in a world where metahumans are already well-established, it’s possible that the new DCU could build out from the world introduced on-screen in Blue Beetle. Of course, given the nature of superhero projects, any number of other measures could be taken to make sure Reyes ends up sharing the universe with Kal-El.

    Blue Beetle opens in theaters on August 18th.

  • ‘Superman: Legacy’ Narrowing Down its Leading Duo & Lex Luthor

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ Narrowing Down its Leading Duo & Lex Luthor

    It looks like James Gunn is still busy trying to find the next Superman and Lois Lane for his next film Superman Legacy. In its second week of screen testings, it seems that he may be slowly narrowing down who he wants in the role, while also potentially reaching out to who would take on the iconic villainous role of Lex Luthor in his newly established DC Cinematic Universe.

    In a new entry of the Heat Vision newsletter from The Hollywood Reporter, they reveal that they have now paired up the potential cast members. Gunn has been busy casting for the feature film with the following pairings: Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan, David Corenswet with Emma Mackey, as well as Tom Brittney and Phoebe Dynevor.

    Seems they were given several scenes in makeup and wardrobe as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, but also in costumes as the iconic superhero. He’s trying to make sure that they nail this casting, as their future development for the franchise may hinge on this very development. Surprisingly, this isn’t too dissimilar from how Ryan Reynolds‘ casting as Green Lantern went back in 2011.

    That isn’t all, as it seems he’s also already looking to cast the villainous Lex Luthor for his film. At the moment, it seems that two brothers are being eyed, Alexander and Bill Skarsgard. Even Nicholas Hoult supposedly put himself at one point in the running before fully embracing a chance as Superman, but if he doesn’t get cast there’s still a chance. Gunn is currently hoping to start filming in early 2024.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • James Gunn Provides ‘Superman: Legacy’ Casting Update

    James Gunn Provides ‘Superman: Legacy’ Casting Update

    With the script for Superman: Legacy complete, the DC Studios reboot–slated for 2025–is a rarity right now in that it’s not felt the impact of the ongoing WGA strike and is continuing to make pre-production progress. While the potential SAG strike might change things up a bit for James Gunn’s new project, those are still tomorrow’s concerns and so, for now, Gunn is pushing ahead in the search for not only the next Man of Steel but the entire supporting cast.

    According to Deadline, that search has been narrowed down considerably, and, over the weekend, Gunn conducted screen tests with some of the reported favorites for the roles of Kal-El and Lois Lane. Though Gunn has refrained from confirming or denying who might be on his list, it’s been widely reported thay Tom Brittney, David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult are among the top contenders for Superman while Rachel Brosnahan, Pheobe Dynevor and Emma Mackey top his list of talent for Lois Lane. And while Gunn is not budging on revealing who he has in his sights for the roles, he did take to Bluesky to update the process.

    “Amazing amazing weekend of auditions for Superman: Legacy,” said Gunn. “I’m blown away by some of these actors, among the best I’ve ever seen or worked with.” Given the array of talented actors Gunn has aligned himself with in the past and the loyalty he has to them, that’s no small compliment coming from the director. With principal photography not set to begin until January 2024, Gunn still has plenty of time to find the right fit for each role and to make sure the actors have the right chemistry with one another.

    Superman: Legacy is slated to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.

  • ‘Blue Beetle’ Director Angel Manuel Soto Explains Plans for a “Saga” & Where the Film Fits in the New DCU

    ‘Blue Beetle’ Director Angel Manuel Soto Explains Plans for a “Saga” & Where the Film Fits in the New DCU

    DC Studios’ co-chair James Gunn recently clarified that the upcoming film Blue Beetle will be the first project in the all-new, all-different DCU. The film, which hits theaters on August 18, 2023 stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes and was directed by Angel Miguel Soto, was originally slated to release on HBO Max Warner Bros. changed gears and pushed it into theaters, providing a bigger platform for the film. Now that its place in the new DCU is settled, it seems like it might just be the beginning for the character.

    “Our first movie, the way we wanted to do it, was always with the mentality that we wanted to do two more, at least,” Soto told Total Film. “And taking the traditional three-act structure of a story, we wanted our first movie to practically be the first act of a saga,” the director explained, indicating big plans for Maridueña‘s Reyes.

    Soto went on to explain that Gunn and co-chair Peter Safran have been putting in some work behind the scenes to make sure Blue Beetle can not only stand on its own but also be fully integrated into the future of the DCU. “We are part of the universe, we are part of the world,” explained Soto. “We are part of the plans that they have been creating for the future installments of the DCU but we are not tied to all the films from the past. Yes, our movie lives in the world where superheroes exist. But that doesn’t mean that a certain event, or certain alliance, or certain things from the past dictate where our film is going,” indicating that perhaps Reyes will soon have the chance to interact with some of the other heavy hitters that will populate the new shared universe.

    As for what those plans are, it may be a while before we all find out. The ongoing WGA strike and the looming SAG strike will certainly go a long way in determining when Jamie Reyes pops up next in the DCU.

    Source: Total Film via Games Radar

  • DC Studios CEO Confirms Blue Beetle as First Character of the New DCU

    DC Studios CEO Confirms Blue Beetle as First Character of the New DCU

    The DC Cinematic Universe is about to be reborn and it’s going to be quite a messy transition. James Gunn is taking on a rather challenging movie franchise, as he’s set to not only end what Zack Snyder started but also start his own take on the iconic comic universe. The only challenge is that he still carries over some of the old projects.

    So, the question remains what exactly will be the new beginning for this franchise? While taking part in the Inside of You podcast with Michael Rosenbaum, he revealed that while Superman Legacy will be the first true DCU film, Blue Beetle is the first DCU character; hinting at Jamie Reyes’ future in the franchise.

    I mean the first DCU character, for sure, is Blue Beetle, and the first full DCU movie is Superman.

    James Gunn

    It’s definitely interesting and leaves a lot of room for interpretation. As perhaps Reyes ends up being transported into the DCU as part of The Flash’s consequences across the multiverse. Of course, it could also be something we’re not even considering as there’s always something that is adapted shortly before the release.

    You can watch the full interview with James Gunn here:

    Source: The Wrap via YouTube