Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Disney Plus

  • Rumor: Marvel Studios Developing ‘Daredevil’ Solo Project

    Rumor: Marvel Studios Developing ‘Daredevil’ Solo Project

    With Charlie Cox’s return to the role of Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home just over a month away, a leaked casting grid seems to indicate that Marvel Studios is in the earliest stages of developing a solo project for the character.

    The grid, shown above, gives no additional information about the potential project but is in line with early grids for other projects. Cox, who is also rumored for a multi-episode arc in 2022’s Marvel Studios’ streaming series She-Hulk, has denied any knowledge about a potential return, but has been a little more forthcoming in recent weeks about what he’d like to see if he were to return as Murdock/Daredevil, saying he’d like to see a “reimagined, upgraded version of the character” in any potential revival/reboot.

    With rumors also pointing to Vincent D’Onofrio returning soon as Wilson Fisk in the Marvel Studios’ streaming series Hawkeye, fans are both thrilled and left to debate if these characters will pick up where they left off in the Netflix series or if we’ll be getting all-new, all-different versions of the characters with the same actors. In the cases of Cox and D’Onofrio, it’s hard to imagine replacing one without the other given the depth of the onscreen dynamic they developed over the 3 season of Netflix’s Daredevil. D’Onofrio recently indicated that if he were to return in the role, he’d want to eventually take on Spider-Man, giving fans hope that they might see the Kingpin, who debuted as a Spidey villain, return to his comic book roots.

    Unfortunately, the leaked screenshot doesn’t indicate if the Daredevil project is a film or intended for Disney Plus, nor does it give any timeline as to when we might expect it. With so many projects already in development, it might be a while before we get any concrete updates on this one. In the meantime, we can all start imagining what that upgraded version of the character might look like.

  • Marion Dayre Reveals ‘Echo’ Writers’ Room

    Marion Dayre Reveals ‘Echo’ Writers’ Room

    In March, it was revealed Marvel Studios was developing an Echo series as a spinoff from Hawkeye. The news was officially confirmed by Marvel Studios and Disney+ on Friday as part of Disney+ Day. While details remain sparse on the series, we have since learned a bit more regarding the behind-the-scenes of Echo.

    We previously reported on social media clues suggesting Bobby Wilson and Rebecca Roanhorse were part of the Echo writers’ room. Marion Dayre yesterday confirmed that she was the Lead Writer on the show, and has now revealed the writers’ room. Native American and Deaf representation in the room matches the intersectionality of both its lead actor Alaqua Cox and title character Maya Lopez. Writers in the group have worked on Netflix’s Daredevil and The Punisher, as well as shows such as Supernatural, This Close, Reservation Dogs and Stranger Things.

    The group features two Deaf writers in Shoshannah Stern, who also starred in Supernatural, and Josh Feldman, who with Stern co-created and wrote the Sundance show This Close. This suggests the Deaf element of Echo’s identity will be explored further beyond Hawkeye. Of the other accounts tagged in Dayre’s post, many of the writers are Native American. Bobby Wilson has worked as a writer on Rutherford Falls and Reservation Dogs, the first two TV shows with Native American showrunners. Rebecca Roanhorse is a science fiction author and is currently writing an Echo comic series for Marvel in Phoenix Song: Echo. Alongside Kaitlyn Jeffers, Steven Paul Judd and Jason Gavin it will be great to see more about Echo’s Native American background on the show. Ken Kristensen wrote on The Punisher, Dara Resnik has written episodes of Pushing Daisies and Daredevil, and Jessica Mecklenburg has written on Stranger Things. The mix of drama and comedy within this group suggests that Echo will be emotionally impactful and entertaining. 

    It’s exciting that Deaf and Native American voices have helped craft Maya’s story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. To have a Deaf, Native American amputee as the lead actor in Alaqua Cox is a particularly innovative and thrilling choice that will hopefully push the industry forward. Marvel Studios must have known they had a star on their hands with the Echo’s LLC being incorporated a month before Hawkeye started filming. With Echo officially announced and scheduled to film in early 2022, we should begin to learn more about the series in the upcoming months perhaps. 

    Sources: Instagram, Instagram

  • ‘What If…?’s Lead Character Designer Joins ‘X-Men ’97’

    ‘What If…?’s Lead Character Designer Joins ‘X-Men ’97’

    Ever since the announcement came that Marvel Studios is reviving the popular X-Men animated series from the 90s. With the new title X-Men ’97, it’ll join a bunch of animated projects announced during Disney+ Day. After their first venture with What If…?, it was clear that they saw a future in this new direction and it seems some from that team are even joining the newer projects.

    What If…?‘s Lead Character Designer Amelia Vidal has shared on Twitter that she’s also carrying over her role in bringing the classic 90’s incarnations of the X-Men to life. It does open the question if she’ll return for an eventual third season of What If…? or she will juggle both projects moving forward. Still, it’s great to see the team continue to work with their talent and let them test out their talents on other projects.

    It’s great to see Marvel Studios venturing out of the MCU and developing projects that won’t be connected directly to the original franchise’s timeline. Of course, there’s always the chance it is part of the ever-expanding multiverse introduced in Loki. We’ll see how the projects develop but, for now, we’re getting a clearer picture of how long these projects may have been in development, such as artist Chase Conley promoting his love for the original series only to confirm his involvement recently.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘The Green Knight’s Director of Photography Worked on Disney+’s ‘Moon Knight’

    ‘The Green Knight’s Director of Photography Worked on Disney+’s ‘Moon Knight’

    Disney+ Day finally gave us our first look at Moon Knight. Oscar Isaac takes on the role of schizophrenic mercenary that becomes a brutal vigilante. We were given a brief teaser of the upcoming series that teases his fractured perception of reality with some beautifully done shots, especially when the camera pans into a room where Moon Knight is beating the hell out of someone. Luckily, it seems we also now know who’s involved with the project as The Green Knight‘s director of photography, Andrew Droz Palermo, announced his involvement with the DIsney+ series in an Instagram story during the Dsiney+ Day madness.

    It’s funny that he moved on from one Knight-focused project to another, but given that film’s visual fidelity, his addition is an exciting prospect. He’s also worked n a variety of other projects like 2017’s A Ghost Story and 2019’s The True Adventures of Wolfboy. He’s also worked on a few TV projects like Strange Angel in 2019, where he also worked as director of photography. He is sure to add an interesting visual style to make the series stand out from the rest alongside director Mohamed Diab.

    Moon Knight might be our first true window into the darker and mystical side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’ll be interesting to see. if the series might end up connecting to Mahershala Ali‘s upcoming Blade project that’ll introduce us to vampires. Marc Spector is no stranger to fighting supernatural beings and with his mind fractured, it might become quite the challenge to understand whatever he is facing is real or not.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘Marvel Zombies’ Won’t Continue The ‘What If…?’ Episode

    ‘Marvel Zombies’ Won’t Continue The ‘What If…?’ Episode

    Disney+ Day offered some great surprises including the official announcement of an animated series adapting the iconic Marvel Zombies comic storyline. The timing was perfect as they were riding off of the popularity of the What If…? episode that introduced the concept into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The theories were that they’d continue where that episode left off, as a zombified Thanos took over Wakanda but it turns out they’re inspired by the comics and might take a different look at the flesh-eating heroes.

    Marvel Studios’ producer Brad Winderbaum discussed some of the new announcements, especially with their new animated ventures. He briefly touched upon the potential the return of the 90s animated X-Men project will offer with X-Men ’97 but also offered some insight into what Marvel Zombies will offer. In it, he may have confirmed that it’s not a direct continuation of Marvel Studios’ first introduction of the zombies.

    And then, of course, we revealed that we’re doing a series all about Marvel Zombies, continuing the universe that was set up in What If…? and just like the way Marvel Zombies was introduced in the Ultimates in the comics and then introduced a parallel universe of zombies that was explored and its own series, we’re doing a similar thing where we introduced in What If…? and now we’re going to take a look at that universe with a different lens.

    Brad Winderbau

    So, it seems that we’ll explore a different part of the multiverse where another zombie virus has spread, or they might stick to the What If…? timeline. His statement is vague because he confirms continuity, backtracks on it before connecting it again. He says it’s a continuation of that universe, but also says they’ll do something that the comics did. So, they might leave the origin of the virus the same, as the Quantum Realm does technically exist outside of the multiverse. So, maybe this is the current plan that changes as production continues.

    They also might want to explore this story in a way that isn’t shackled by pre-existing MCU canon and build their own storyline around the existence of superpowered zombies. They might also not want to rely on the 3D animation and give it a unique design. Sadly, the creator of the original comics, Robert Kirkman, isn’t involved with the project but they might consult him once production starts on it.

    Source: Marvel

  • ‘X-Men ‘97’ Producer Teases An Emotional Impact In New Show

    ‘X-Men ‘97’ Producer Teases An Emotional Impact In New Show

    X-Men ‘97 is Marvel Studios’ first X-Men production. As a continuation of the ‘90s animated series that many adults grew up with as kids, the show has an in-built fan base. The announcement along with creative collaborators and returning cast means there will be more opportunities to talk about the project with the public. Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation at Marvel Studios appeared on Marvel’s podcast This Week in Marvel to talk about some of their animation announcements. 

    Winderbaum suggested that the original animated series has been a “touchstone” for many filmmakers Marvel Studios had conversations with over the years. He also talked about how head writer Beau DeMayo pitched the show, teasing an emotional shift at the end of the ‘90s and an important event that seemingly frames the new series: 

    He pitched us a show that didn’t just honor the original series, but also brought it into the modern world and talked not only about the 90s, but about the emotional shift that happened at the beginning of the new millennium, and how the show is actually going to explore that and see how the characters change, you know, after a very impactful event. And he talked about the soap opera of it all and was really compelling to us, but also the true emotional stakes to these characters.

    Brad Winderbaum

    All of that seems like an intriguing set of circumstances with which to evolve the original series.  We’ll have to wait quite a while longer to see it play out as the show is set to release on Disney+ in 2023. As animation takes quite a while, it can perhaps be expected the show is already reasonably far into production so we might start to hear more from the creators soon! 

    Sources: Marvel

  • ‘She-Hulk’s Origin May Take Place Before ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    ‘She-Hulk’s Origin May Take Place Before ‘Avengers: Endgame’

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded in so many ways, it’s quite difficult to keep up with where everything takes place across its timeline. Marvel Studios still refuses to provide a definite map to keep an overview, but the new Disney+ shows and films shave been hinting at where everything might take place. There are visual cues that commonly hint at where exactly it takes place or even just an outright confirmation such as Eternals‘ Ajak openly discussing the battle of Thanos. Disney+ Day offered us a glimpse into what 2022 has in store for us with the highlights being Moon Knight and She-Hulk. The latter will have the most connective tissue due to Mark Ruffalo‘s Bruce Banner having an active role in the story. The teaser also hinted at Jennifer Walter’s origin story and also may have given us a glimpse of when it takes place.

    In the trailer, we don’t get a clear look at Tatiana Maslany as the titular character. We do get a tease of her iconic outfit from the comics, but not her actual transformation. In a brief sequence, we see Professor Hulk discussing with Walters what it means to be a Hulk while she is in a containment field. Most likely, Banner used this lab to fuse both personalities together and crate his current alter ego. Yet, what stands out is if you take a close look at both of his arms. In Avengers: Endgame, Hulk makes the sacrifice and snaps half the universe back into existence but sacrifices his arm in the process. While he still can use it, we can see heavy burns that scarred him. Those wounds are noticeably absent here.

    There’s always a chance they haven’t finished work on this scene and might add it in post-production, but the detail does offer a look into the series timeline. It’s also worth highlighting due to Bruce Banner’s last appearance post-Endgame in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In the film’s post-credits sequence, we see a hologram version of Banner (not his Professor Hulk form mind you) talking about the ring’s mysterious origins. As soon as we get a full view of Banner, he is still recovering from using the Infinity Gauntlet. The sling is also noticeably for his right arm, which is absent above.

    Is this a confirmation that her origin takes place before the events of Endgame? Not necessarily, as there’s also the story that She-Hulk builds up a film spin-off exploring the World War Hulk storyline. So, there’s a chance that we catch up with Banner at a point where his wounds have finally healed. Banner’s arm in Shang-Chi does not show any visual scarring, but it’s just interesting that he still has a sling to keep it steady. He’s also back to being a regular Banner again, which simply adds to the confusion. So, perhaps Walters gets the blood transfusion while he is Professor Hulk during an incident. He then tries to help her control the abilities but ends up joining the Avengers briefly. Once he retruns, he learns that she has fully embraced her Hulk-side and makes her way back to her normal life.

  • Marion Dayre to Be the Lead Writer for Marvel Studios ‘Echo’

    Marion Dayre to Be the Lead Writer for Marvel Studios ‘Echo’

    In July of this year, Marion Dayre, who worked on the acclaimed TV series Better Caul Saul for 5 seasons, indicated she was the showrunner of an upcoming but unknown Marvel Studios streaming series. Following yesterday’s official announcement of the Alaqua Cox-led streaming series Echo, Dayre was excited to reveal that she was the lead runner of the new series.

    https://twitter.com/mariondayre/status/1459478204142419968?s=21

    Nothing is known about what shape the Echo series will take, but with the character, who will debut in Hawkeye, has serious ties to organized crime including, in the comics (and strongly rumored to be in the MCU, too), Wilson Fisk. With Dayre’s years of experience working on one of television’s most successful crime dramas, she seems a good fit. It is strongly believed that Native American writer Bobby Wilson (Reservation Dogs) has joined the writers’ room as well. Etan and Emily Cohen were originally reported by the trades to be head writers for the show, which is tentatively set to go into production this April and is currently searching for additional members for the cast, including several Native American roles.

  • James Gunn is an Executive Producer for Disney+s ‘I Am Groot’

    James Gunn is an Executive Producer for Disney+s ‘I Am Groot’

    It’s been quite some time since we got the announcement of an animated special focused on the popular Baby Groot introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. We didn’t know much about the project but heard it might go for a photo-realistic style, which was confirmed during the teases during Disney+ Day. Now, Guardians director James Gunn was asked if he is involved with the series. He has now confirmed that he is an executive producer on the project.

    https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1459320556986277891

    It makes sense that he’s an executive producer on the project. Not only did he introduce the world to the loveable version of the character, but is also actively working on the next entry in the Guardians franchise. He’s also busy preparing a Holiday special that’ll likely release at the end of 2022 ahead of the third film’s release.

    It’s very likely that I Am Groot is closer to what Disney+ has released with projects like Dug Days or Olaf Presents. Rather than an actual series, it’s more small vignettes that feature the little tree in hilarious situations. It may still end up being canon, as we bridge the gap between the post-credit sequence from the first film until they are on a mission for the Sovereign in the second part.

    Source: Twitter

  • Robert Kirkman Not Involved With Disney+’s ‘Marvel Zombies

    Robert Kirkman Not Involved With Disney+’s ‘Marvel Zombies

    Marvel Studios unveiled a number of new projects during the recent, massive Disney+ Day event. One of these projects was Marvel Zombies, a brand new animated series based on the comics by Robert Kirkman. The reveal came as a surprise to many fans, and it would seem that Kirkman himself was among the crowd of people with no prior knowledge of the show. The Walking Dead and Invincible creator dropped the news in a response to fans on Twitter:

    As mentioned by Kirkman, it’s likely the new series will spin out of the fan-favorite episode of What If…?’s first season as opposed to adapting his comics directly. Although, it still seems interesting that the writer is not involved in any consulting capacity. Especially considering elements from his run was used for the What If…? episode, like the zombified heroes being able to use their abilities and Black Panther losing a leg. It’s possible Kirkman’s busy schedule played a role in his lack of involvement with the series. The creative remains hard at work on another animated adaptation of his work, Amazon Prime’s Invincible, as well as his current comics and multiple live-action versions of his previous work.

    The Marvel Zombies concept was first introduced in Mark Millar’s run on Ultimate Fantastic Four, as an alternate Earth plagued by a nasty zombie infestation. The idea then became its own series, penned by Kirkman and illustrated by Sean Phillips. The popularity of the comic led to multiple sequel mini-series, and eventually an adaptation for the MCU. Hopefully, the new series proves to be just as popular with fans.

    Source: Twitter