Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: dcu

  • Full Voice Cast of DC’s ‘Creature Commandos’ Revealed

    Full Voice Cast of DC’s ‘Creature Commandos’ Revealed

    Following the announcement that Frank Grillo signed onto DC Studios’ Creature Commandos as the voice of Rick Flag Sr., the entire cast of the project was revealed by Collider. As previously explained by James Gunn, the actors providing the voices for the characters in DC Studios animated projects will also be tasked with realizing the characters in live-action should they appear in any projects down the road. With Creature Commandos set to be both the first animated and one of the first overall projects of the new DCU, it’s very possible these actors will be appearing elsewhere in Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.

    In addition to Grillo, Viola Davis and Sean Gunn, who had previously been revealed to be reprising his The Suicide Squad role of Weasel but will also be voicing G.I. Robot, Creature Commandos will feature Steve Agee, returning as John Economos, Maria Bakalova making her debut as Princess Ilana Rostovic, Zoe Chao making her debut as Nina Mazursky, David Harbour making his debut as Eric Frankenstein and Alan Tudyk, a DC vet who portrayed Mr. Nobody on Doom Patrol, as Dr. Phosphorous.

    Gunn wrote the 7-episode first season of Creature Commandos, which has already entered into production which is currently without a release window.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Source: Collider

  • James Gunn Reveals When to Expect Season 2 of ‘Peacemaker’

    James Gunn Reveals When to Expect Season 2 of ‘Peacemaker’

    The HBO Max streaming series Peacemaker was one of the surprise hits of 2022. Spinning out of James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad, the series followed John Cena‘s titular character as he once again teamed up with Amanda Waller and A.R.G.U.S. to stop Project Butterfly. Even as Gunn took a new role as the co-chair of DC Studios and looks to start with a clean slate, a second season of Peacemaker remained on the slate though how it will transition into the new DCU continuity remains to be seen.

    Needless to say, Gunn is a very busy man these days. Not only is he helping Peter Safran to create and oversee the projects in Chapter 1 of the new DCU, titled Gods and Monsters but he’s also writing and directing Superman: Legacy, one of the most anticipated projects on the slate. With all that going on, fans have begun to question when Gunn will find time for the second season of Peacemaker. As is his way, Gunn took to Twitter to answer those questions.

    While talking about the upcoming Gods and Monsters slate, Gunn indicated that Season 2 of Peacemaker won’t be released until after Superman: Legacy. Interestingly enough, production on the second season of the streaming series was reported to be planned to take place after Gunn wrapped his press responsibilities for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 which means it may sit in the can for quite some time before release.

  • Frank Grillo Doubts a Crossbones Return to the MCU, Hints at DCU Future

    Frank Grillo Doubts a Crossbones Return to the MCU, Hints at DCU Future

    There’s always a discussion surrounding how villains are treated in any comic book cinematic franchise. Most commonly, they survive for mostly one film and those that make it out alive aren’t around for too long. So, while the heroes continue to get some development, outside of Loki, most villains end up one-dimensional due to the lack of screen time.

    As it turns out, Crossbones actor Frank Grillo feels the same. His character was seemingly set up for a long future with the Marvel Cinematic Universe but faced an untimely end during Captain America: Civil War. One might argue that without his character, the events of that entire film wouldn’t have taken place but it seems Grillo wasn’t a fan of how his character was treated, and seemingly confirms he’ll appear in an upcoming DC project.

    They never told a story [about Crossbones]. The mythology of the MCU and just what Marvel has in its pool of characters, it’s so deep. Crossbones was there for a minute, but he was supposed to be there longer, then they went the direction they did. I think Crossbones serves a purpose, but I think the interesting thing is that if you see how many people around the world have responded to Crossbones, and again, he’s on the screen for a very f–king short amount of time, I think there’s more there. I think there was more meat on the bone. I was disappointed, which is why I went over to DC.

    Frank Grillo

    It’s certainly a bit strange as he probably had more screen time than any villain in the MCU. Plus, he also returned for two projects even after his character died, as he returned in Avengers: Endgame and even voiced Crossbones again in What If…?. So, he wasn’t a character that was completely sidelined and it would’ve been great to see him return especially with future multiversal storylines. But going by his comments, that ship has sailed.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Ben Affleck Addresses Rumors He’ll Direct DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Ben Affleck Addresses Rumors He’ll Direct DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Shortly after James Gunn announced part of the lineup of the DCU’s Chapter 1-Gods and Monsters, rumors began to swirl that while Ben Affleck‘s days of portraying Batman on screen were done, there was mutual interest in having Affleck direct a project. Before long, a rumor surfaced that had Affleck on a shortlist to direct DC Studios The Brave and The Bold, which would introduce a new Batman and his son, Damian, the new DCU. The rumor was believable enough: Affleck likes Batman and Gunn, who is always actively dispelling rumors on social media, didn’t address it. Now, Affleck has made his thoughts known on the rumor.

    “I would not direct something for the Gunn DC. Absolutely not,” said Affleck when asked by THR about the possibility of helming a DC Studios project. “I have nothing against James Gunn,” Aflleck clarified, “Nice guy, sure he’s going to do a great job. I just wouldn’t want to go in and direct in the way they’re doing that. I’m not interested in that.“

    Affleck didn’t clarify what “the way they’re doing that meant” leaving plenty of room for interpretation for rabid fans who’ll want to read into his comments; however, the only real news here is that Affleck’s superhero days, which date back to 2003’s Daredevil, seem to be behind him and that Gunn’s search for a director for The Brave and the Bold will continue.

    Source: THR

  • Ben Affleck Rumored to Be in the Mix to Helm DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Ben Affleck Rumored to Be in the Mix to Helm DC Studios ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    Once upon a time, Ben Affleck was set to direct a solo Batman project set in DC’s Snyderverse. That project never materialized, the Snyderverse is no more and DC films are entering a new era under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Affleck is set to appear as Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Flash before hanging up the cowl, presumably for good, though Gunn has expressed an eagerness to work with Affleck as a director on projects set within the new DCU. A new rumor has surfaced that indicates while Affleck may be willing to step aside as Batman, he may have a hand in shaping the new vision for the character.

    According to a rumor from Above the Line, Affleck may be Gunn and Safran’s choice to helm The Brave and The Bold, a Batman and Robin story that will introduce Bruce’s son, Damian, to the DCU. The Brave and The Bold was one of the projects revealed by Gunn to be a part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, the first wave of projects in the new DCU.

    Interestingly enough, though Gunn has actively called out false reports and rumors frequently over the years, he has not addressed Affleck’s involvement with the film despite otherwise addressing parts of the Above the Line report. This shouldn’t be taken as confirmation of the report, though it does at least allow for the conversation to continue on.

    Source: Above the Line

  • ‘Shazam’ Director Teases More is Possible in James Gunn’s New DCU

    ‘Shazam’ Director Teases More is Possible in James Gunn’s New DCU

    The moment James Gunn showcased his new DC slate for the newly founded DC Studios, many expected the current run of DC-based characters to be ending their run. No one knows if Ezra Miller will return after The Flash, especially with all the drama surrounding his public actions. Dwayne Johnson‘s JSA-focused mini-cinematic universe is definitely out after the chaos that was Black Adam. Yet, we now stand at a curious crossroads where many are wondering if they should even check out the latest DC entry.

    Of course, it’s always good to support a film no matter if it’s part of some bigger plan or not. And, for those specifically uncertain about Shazam’s future in the newly founded DCU, director David F. Sandberg has confirmed that he’s already had talks internally in regards to the franchise’s future and there’s actively no reason that they couldn’t make more films. Well, only if no one ends up watching the film.

    https://twitter.com/ponysmasher/status/1630409449860141058

    The only thing potentially hurting Shazam! Fury of the Gods is that it seemingly is not getting any real marketing push from Warner Bros. and is projected to open to a soft $40M. That is a far cry from the first film’s release and it’s unclear if it truly is just the lack of promotion or also the sour taste left by the Black Adam fallout. There’s a chance with raving reviews that it builds up more momentum and could go beyond the soft opening expectations but the question is if it’ll end up turning a profit, especially if DC Studios sees potential in at least a third entry.

    Source: Twitter

  • Jason Momoa Rumored to Be Abandoning Aquaman Amid Reports of Shoddy Sequel

    Jason Momoa Rumored to Be Abandoning Aquaman Amid Reports of Shoddy Sequel

    While James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s new DC Universe comes together, it may be doing so with a new Aquaman eventually. As reports by a pair of trusted insiders indicated that Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is shaping up as a stinker, a new rumor suggests that film will be the last go around as Arthur Curry for star Jason Momoa.

    According to both Viewer Anona and Big Screen Leaks, James Wan‘s sequel to the financially lucrative Aquaman is testing incredibly poorly ahead of its December 2023 release. Though the first film wasn’t a critical darling, it did rake in over $1B at the box office. As the old DC slate begins to give way to DC Studios’ plans, Warner Bros. would certainly like to near that mark again but it may be rough especially as a follow-up rumor indicates that Aquaman star Jason Momoa is bailing on the franchise.

    The news isn’t all bad for DC fans, however, as it seems Momoa has another DC role in mind…one that might be right up his alley. The new role shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who have been paying attention, but according to the rumor mill from Hot Mic podcast host Jeff Sneider, Momoa will make the jump the DCU to fill the role of interstellar, heavy metal mercenary Lobo, “the most badass bounty hunter in the galaxy.”

    Given that Gunn has only revealed the first half of Chapter 1 of the DCU, it’s possible that a Lobo project fits into the second half of the Gods and Monsters entry. Even if Momoa is already on board, it makes sense, as Sneider points out, to wait for Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom to complete its theatrical run before revealing Momoa’s bold new role.

  • James Gunn Shoots Down ‘Superman: Legacy’ Casting Rumors

    James Gunn Shoots Down ‘Superman: Legacy’ Casting Rumors

    The only thing James Gunn loves more than making movies about superheroes is shooting down online rumors about those movies. No Hollywood creative is more active online than Gunn, who can often be found responding to tweets about his projects to limit the spread of misinformation. Now the co-chair of the newly formed DC Studios, Gunn will have his hands in almost every DCU project but none more so than Superman: Legacy which he is currently writing and likely to direct. Though that movie isn’t scheduled to come out until 2025, rumors have already begun about casting for the new Man of Steel, which means Gunn was able to get involved.

    The Twitter account DCU Leaks was the latest account to test Gunn and quickly found out that the director isn’t one to mess around. Two minutes after DCU Leaks stated that Luke Eisner was the front-runner for the role of Superman in the new film, Gunn shot down the rumor, calling it “false” and adding that “casting has not begun.”

    https://twitter.com/DCULeaks/status/1621681508791783426?s=20&t=aPC0b-ughfYUM7mI4UAwig

    With Superman: Legacy not slated to release until July 11, 2025, there’s no reason for casting to have begun for the film. Production is unlikely to start until mid-2024, meaning casting for the project probably won’t heat up until late 2023 or early 2024. That’s not to say Gunn may not have actors in mind, but at this point, it’s clear there’s nothing to the rumors of a “front-runner” for the role.

  • James Gunn Likely to Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’

    James Gunn Likely to Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’

    After a long wait, the DC Cinematic Universe has finally a structured future with James Gunn and Peter Safran spearheading the newly founded DC Studios. One can definitely tell that Gunn’s love for comics is scattered across the entire line-up. There are definitely also a few projects that are definitely passion projects for the director that showcase the way he wants to build the first chapter titled “Gods & Monsters” for the DCU.

    The first “true” DCU entry will be the revival of Superman with Superman: Legacy that’ll take its inspiration from some of the character’s most uplifting and hopeful storylines. Gunn is already busy writing the adaptation and has been quite vocal about his love for the character and what he stands for. Hidden away in The Hollywood Reporter’s latest Heat Vision newsletter, there’s a detail that reveals that as of now, Gunn is not only writing the project but also very likely set to direct the Superman revival.

    There has been some concern that Gunn would dominate a lot of projects with his position as co-CEO and director. He was responsible for writing the Creature Commando animated series and is likely involved with Waller, which seems to be the sequel to Peacemaker. There definitely is a passion to bring these projects to life and it’ll be interesting to see how many projects he’ll directly have his hands on, as Swamp Thing was hinted to be in James Mangold‘s talented hands.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Swamp Thing’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Swamp Thing’

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on Swamp Thing.

    Gunn and Safran have expressed their commitment to making sure that the DCU is full of diverse projects and Swamp Thing, which is being developed as a theatrical release, fits the bill. “Each set of filmmakers bring their own aesthetic to these films, and the fun is seeing how these tonally different works mash-up in the future,” said Safran of the DC Studios slate of projects, adding that Swamp Thing will be “tonally different” but “interconnected” to the rest of the slate.

    Set to be a horror film, Safran says that Swamp Thing will “investigate the dark origins” of the titular character and is among a handful of surprising projects in development, according to Gunn.

    Sources: DC, Variety