Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Disney Plus

  • ‘Nova’: Marvel Studios Finally Charts a Course for the Human Rocket

    ‘Nova’: Marvel Studios Finally Charts a Course for the Human Rocket

    It’s been over half a decade since Marvel Studios One Above All, Kevin Feige, called Marvel’s greatest cosmic hero, Nova, a character that had “immediate potential” to show up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Immediacy is relative, apparently. Despite Marvel Studios giving a Disney Plus Nova series the green light in March 2022, the project–written by Moon Knight scribe Sabir Pirzada—was rumored to be headed to the big screen before being unceremoniously shoved to the back burner as other projects took precedence. Now it seems the studio has made a decision about how to best introduce the Human Rocket.

    According to insider Daniel RPK, Marvel Television will indeed be handling Nova’s introduction with production on the Disney Plus streaming series is slated to begin in 2025.

    While it’s clear Marvel Studios has charted a course that will bring the Human Rocket to the MCU, it’s still not entirely clear which iteration of the character (Richard Rider or Sam Alexander) fans will meet. While RPK’s report indicates the studio will be searching for a young lead, both Rider and Alexander were teens when they donned the helmet and became Nova. Though younger fans may be more familiar with Alexander, Rider is arguably one of the greatest heroes in the history of Marvel Comics. In skipping over Rider to get to Alexander, Marvel Studios runs the risk of repeating the mistake of foregoing the stories of an OG hero to tell the stories of a more modern one.

    If the studio has begun the search for its leading man, it’s likely that the series will head into production by the first half of 2025. If that’s the case, it would likely partner with Vision Quest (and possibly a second season of Daredevil: Born Again) as Marvel Television’s 2026 streaming offerings.

  • The ‘X-Men ’97’ Season Finale Introduced a Major Marvel Comics Character That Most Fans Missed

    The ‘X-Men ’97’ Season Finale Introduced a Major Marvel Comics Character That Most Fans Missed

    The season finale of X-Men ’97 was so chock-full of goodness that fans could be forgiven if they overlooked a thing or two. With all the cameos from heroes across the Marvel Universe to the introduction of Apocalypse and the post-credit tease of Gambit’s resurrection, the episode was quite simply one of the best examples of what Marvel Studios can–and should–be capable of. However, with a Mr. Fantastic here and a Sauron there, some fans seem to have completely missed the appearance of a major X-Men character.

    Following an emotional good-bye between Scott, Jean and Cable, the appearance of a young Nathan in the future to which his parents where whisked away was certainly an attention grabber. The reunion gives Cyclops and Marvel Girl the opportunity to spend at least some time raising the son they’d lost…but the scene also introduced a daughter they didn’t know they had… because they hadn’t…not yet, at least.

    When Scott and Jean arrived in the year 3960, they were met by a hooded woman who introduced herself as Mother Askani. From there, Nathan’s appearance took all the attention but it’s all but a sure thing that Mother Askani’s identity will become a significant part of whatever goes on in Season 2. If showrunner Beau DeMayo is staying relatively close to the comics–and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest he is–then Mother Askani will be revealed to be Rachel Summers, the daughter of Scott and Jean.

    Though she remains hooded and her face partially hidden, Rachel’s trademark face markings are clear. What’s more, the markings on her chin and the long, white braid are consistent with the appearance of the alt-Earth version of the character who first appeared in 1993’s Cable #6.

    As the founder of Clan Askani, Rachel became known as Mother Askani. The clan believed that a Messiah, known as Dayspring or Askani’son, must be saved from the past to protect the future and overthrow Apocalypse. That messiah is, of course, Nathan Summers, who was alive and well under Rachel’s watch in the season finale.

    This isn’t Rachel’s first appearance in the animated universe as she showed up in X-Men: The Animated Series when the show adapted Days of Future Past. However, given the timey-wimey nonsense that comes with Marvel’s mutants, this Rachel is probably not that Rachel and she’s probably not the daughter of that Scott and that Jean. In that sense, saving the full reveal of the true identity of Mother Askani for Season 2 was a wise move as it gives Scott, Jean (and the emotional fans) time to process one reunion before moving on to a potentially more awkward one.

  • X-Men ’97 Season 2

    X-Men ’97 Season 2

    Premiere: Summer 2026

    Announced in 2022, the second season of X-Men ’97 was delayed following the firing of showrunner Beau DeMayo and will now debut Summer 2026 on D+

  • Marvel Studios Slates Second Streaming Series for 2025

    Marvel Studios Slates Second Streaming Series for 2025

    Disney’s 2024 TV Upfront presentation had plenty of new of interest for fans of Marvel Studios. The studio used the platform to reveal a new title and premiere date for Kathryn Hahn‘s Agatha-centric WandaVision spinoff, Agatha All Along, and to roll out a new logo and a 2025 premiere window for Daredevil: Born Again. They didn’t stop there, however, as they also revealed a little bit of information about another series that fans have been waiting on for some time.

    The Disney Plus series Ironheart, starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, will join Daredevil: Born Again on the streamer in 2025.
    DISNEY UPFRONT 24 – The Disney Advertising Upfront is a showcase event that brings together all the content corners of The Walt Disney Company on one stage. On Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at North Javits in New York City, an incredible roster of all-star talent will tout their connections to storytelling, Disney, and each other while showcasing their latest projects for the upcoming year. (Disney/Jennifer Pottheiser) DOMINIQUE THORNE, ANTHONY RAMOS

    Thorne was on hand at the Upfront presentation along with co-star Anthony Ramos. Ramos is set to play the villain of the series, Parker Robbins, aka The Hood.

    Ironheart joins Agatha All Along and Daredevil: Born Again as the first to be released under the studio’s new Marvel Television banner. Given recent comments by Disney CEO Bob Iger, it is reasonable to assume that Daredevil: Born Again and Ironheart will be the only two live-action series from Marvel Studios to hit Disney Plus in 2025.

  • Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Gets Premiere Window, New Logo

    Marvel Television’s ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Gets Premiere Window, New Logo

    As part of Disney’s 2024 TV Upfronts, Marvel Television’s streaming series, Daredevil: Born Again, got a release window along with a striking new logo. With stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio in attendance to show off the first footage of the series, Disney revealed it will hit Disney Plus beginning in March 2025.

    Originally set for release in 2024, the series underwent major creative retooling during the Hollywood strikes. Once production resumed, multiple cast members from Netflix’s Daredevil series–including Wilson Bethel, Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll–were brought on board as the series pivoted to become a true continuation of the Netflix series.

    Nine episodes of Daredevil: Born Again will make up either Season 1 or Part 1 of the new series. Cox confirmed that production wrapped on those nine episodes and it is expected that cameras will roll on the next group of episodes this fall.

  • Marvel Studios Sets Premiere Date, Final (?) Title for Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Spinoff

    Marvel Studios Sets Premiere Date, Final (?) Title for Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha Spinoff

    It turns out it really was Agatha All Along. After a series of potential titles that were part of a bit of clever marketing on Disney’s part, Marvel Studios released the final (?) title of Kathryn Hahn’s WandaVision spinoff at Disney’s Upfronts along with a premiere date.

    The new series, Agatha All Along, will have a two-episoses premiere on September 18th.

    Updating…

  • Marvel Studios Adds to the  Ongoing Collection of ‘Agatha’ Titles

    Marvel Studios Adds to the  Ongoing Collection of ‘Agatha’ Titles

    UPDATE: The post has since been removed by Marvel Studios

    Marvel Studios next Disney Plus streaming series will feature Kathryn Hahn’s return as Agatha Harkness but at this point, fans might have a better idea of the series’ plot than its title. After originally being introduced as Agatha: House of Harkness, the show has seen a series of different titles emerge over the past year. Now, we can add another to the list.

    In a new post across its social media platforms, Marvel Studios has rolled out another “new” title for the streaming series.

    https://twitter.com/MarvelStudios/status/1790049609877729500?t=fEKlqdnqVWAlPA57JuKCJg&s=19

    The new title, Agatha: The Lying Witch with Great Wardrobe–which is clearly a spin on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe–, is the latest in a line of titles that fans have started to believe will ultimately be the names of the individual episodes of the show. It joins Agnes of Westview, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, Agatha: Darkold Diaries and Agatha among the six different titles revealed…so far. If thr fan theory is correct, we should expect to see 3 more title cards before the show hits D+ this Fall.

  • ‘X-Men ’97’ Showrunner Reveals How Many Seasons He Had Planned, Teases a Major Potential Storyline

    ‘X-Men ’97’ Showrunner Reveals How Many Seasons He Had Planned, Teases a Major Potential Storyline

    Not since WandaVision has a Marvel Studios’ streaming project generated as much positive online hype as X-Men ’97. The animated revival has been overwhelmingly well-received and has fans clamoring for more projects set within a connected animated universe. With Season 1 nearing the end of its run, fans are already looking ahead to Season 2, which is deep in development. A third season of the series was recently given the green light but with a comic book history as deep and storied as that of the X-Men, it’s a series that could certainly make a long run. Just how long is unclear but it seems as though there was a clear plan in place at one point.

    According to Beau DeMayo, who served as the showrunner for Season 1 and the yet-to-be-released Season 2 before being relieved of his duties, there was a 5-season plan in place for X-Men ’97.

    (L-R): Beast (voiced by George Buza), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Professor X (voiced by Ross Marquand), Jean Grey (voiced by Jennifer Hale), and Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase) in Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.

    Though he’s no longer officially associated with the series, DeMayo has been incredibly active on social media. Whether addressing fan questions and concerns, explaining creative decisions or supplying fans with weekly “homework assignments” to prepare them for the next episode, DeMayo has been a major part of the weekly water cooler discussion. When asked this week if the impending Season 1 finale would end of a cliffhanger, DeMayo skirted the question while also providing a very interesting bit of information.

    While we’ll have to wait until next week to see how things will be left, it seems as though the studio, at one point in time, had big plans for the series. Whether or not the studio will go through with DeMayo’s original plan remains to be seen but with the amount of positive attention the show has received to date, it’s hard to imagine they won’t milk it for everything they can.

    With Season 1 ending soon, fans are already looking ahead to what future seasons may hold. While the most recent episode has generated a lot of speculation about the Marvel Comics villain Onslaught making an appearance, another major X-Men villain has been the subject of most fan theories for quite some time: Apocalypse. When asked by a fan if adapting the villain’s most famous story, Age of Apocalypse, into a future season of X-Men ’97 was part of the plan, DeMayo made it pretty clear things are headed in that direction.

    Of course, there’s plenty left to wrap up in next week’s season finale and with the fast pace of the animated series, it’s not as though an adaptation of Age of Apocalypse–or any other revered comic book story–would last an entire season. However, given the success of the series, it’s good to know that even though he’s no longer part of the team, DeMayo may have left behind a very complete road map to success for future seasons.

  • Disney and Warner Bros. to Release Streaming Bundle

    Disney and Warner Bros. to Release Streaming Bundle

    It was inevitable, but the time has officially arrived. Netflix has long dominated the streaming market and to remain competitive, we’re going to see the first cross-company partnership in the streaming market as Disney and Warner Bros. announce a Disney+, Hulu, and Max package. There is no exact release date outside of plans to have it available by the summer, though it’ll support ad-free and ad-supported models.

    There’s a lot of streaming services out there, which is going to continue reshape the way we view the offerings. While many still love comparing it to basic cable bundles, this was an inevitable development to push forward on their hopes to make these cost sinkers profitable. Plus, Netflix remains dominant in the market and the challenge is an open invitation to the major companies to do something to gain a higher churn rate and subscription growth.

    Disney and Warner Bros. is also quite an interesting combination given there are quite a few challenges for whatever they plan growing outside of the United States. Max isn’t available in many countries and it’s shows are available through services like Sky in some European countries. So, it’s uncertain if perhaps there are plans on how they want to grow their worldwide growth or rather this is a pure US-centric move like with Hulu.

    Source: Deadline

  • How Bob Iger’s Mandate Could Reshape Marvel Studios Future Slate

    How Bob Iger’s Mandate Could Reshape Marvel Studios Future Slate

    Though it had long been clear that Marvel Studios was dialing back on the number of projects to be released each year, Disney big wig Bob Iger quantified what fans should expect in a recent investor call. According to Iger, the plan moving forward is for Marvel Studios to slowly get to a point where they release 2 streaming series and 2-3 movies each year. Given the most recent updated slate from the studio still had 4 films set to release in 2025 and 4 more in 2026, it’s easy to see how that might be a problem. While it’s possible Disney will roll out a new Marvel Studios slate at this year’s D23 in August, all we can do for now is speculate as to what the future may hold…and so we will, operating under the assumption that Iger was referring to live-action series given Marvel Animation has several series that could easily be released in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

    2025

    During the investor conference call, Iger only mentioned two 2025 releases by name: Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts*. Both of those films will definitely be ready to roll out in 2025, though there has been some doubt expressed that Brave New World will be ready for its February 14, 2025 date as it has some significant work to do via reshoots. However, both The Fantastic Four and Blade are also on the 2025 theatrical slate and if Iger sticks to his plan, only one of those would hit theaters next year and that’s only IF the studio decides to go with a third film. Of those, The Fantastic Four is the best bet as it will begin production soon enough to make it out before the end of 2025.

    Cracking the potential lineup for the streaming projects is actually quite a bit simpler. After recently completing filming, Season 1 or Part 1 of Daredevil: Born Again will almost certainly hit sometime in 2025. It’s most likely to be joined next year by Ironheart, which has more or less been in the can for nearly two years.

    Ultimately, a scenario like the one we predicted back in mid-January might just work.

    Films

    Captain America: Brave New World
    Thunderbolts
    The Fantastic Four

    Streaming

    Daredevil: Born Again
    Ironheart

    2026

    Since the project should begin production in 2025, it becomes easy to slide Blade into 2026. After that, projects such as Armor Wars, Spider-Man 4, Shang-Chi 2 and Avengers 5 are all rumored to be headed into production at various points in 2025. While Marvel Studios will produce the new Spidey film, they have no control over its release date so we won’t waste time and energy thinking about that one for now. Iger also sounded very eager to get to another Avengers film so if we had to pick 3 for 2026, we’d go with Blade, Armor Wars and Avengers 5.

    Again, the streaming slate seems far easier to work with simply because there are far fewer projects to think about. Wonder Man seems like a sure bet for 2026. And while the second season/second part of Daredevil: Born Again used to seem like a good fit, it’s possible Vision Quest might beat it to the punch should its rumored October start date hold.

    Films

    Blade
    Armor Wars
    Avengers 5

    Streaming

    Wonder Man
    Vision Quest

    2027

    Breaking the pattern here for a beat, by 2027 the number of known live-action projects in development is reduced to Daredevil: Born Again. Sure, there are a number of rumored projects but given Iger’s comments, how many of those can truly be counted on to make it to the screen?

    Theatrically, 2027–which as of now only has a date set aside for Avengers: Secret Wars–could include Shang-Chi 2, Doctor Strange 3–which has not been confirmed to be in development by the studio or any trades. Our best guess is that by the time 2027 rolls around, we’ll only get two films and Secret Wars will get pushed down the road a bit.

    Films

    Shang-Chi 2
    Doctor Strange 3

    Streaming

    Daredevil: Born Again Part 2/Season 2

    As we wait for the studio to officially address the slate (or for a trade to break some news), it’s best not to take any of this too seriously and to understand we are in a time of ever-increasing uncertainty. Iger did say they would slowly change things around which might mean fans can look forward to 4 films a year in 2025 and 2026 before things slow down in 2027 and beyond. Either way, Iger’s comments point to fans having 4-5 Marvel Studios projects a year to enjoy which is great any way you slice it.