Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Disney Plus

  • The Road Map to ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’

    The Road Map to ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’

    For nearly two years, fans of the MCU took to social media to voice their concern that Marvel Studios’ post-Infinity Saga era lacked direction. Those criticisms seemed misplaced at the time (imagine pretending to know that Thanos was coming following 2011’s Thor) but once Kevin Feige rolled out the first look at the Multiverse Saga at SDCC ’22, they became completely irrelevant. Feige’s ambitious plan for the new saga included another double-dip of Avengers films among the current total of 13 unreleased films (expect Spidey 4 to join that number eventually).

    Even with the One-Above-All’s plan laid out in plain sight, it’s still a bit hard to see how the MCU gets from here to there. After all, at this point in the Multiverse Saga, only a handful of projects have been…Multiversal. So which projects in Phases 5 and 6 are shaping up to be the most important on the road to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty? Here’s our best guess…

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

    This one isn’t much of a guess as it’s all but confirmed to lead directly to Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. But how? Our best guess is that the events of Quantumania won’t actually result in Kang getting turned loose into the world just yet. Why not? Because there’s just too much story to get through between Quantumania and The Kang Dynasty to have Kang running about all willy-nilly in the MCU for 2 years. What Quantumania can and will do, however, is establish Kang the Conqueror as a major threat to the Multiverse and it might also serve as the Multiverse Saga’s “Thanos is coming” moment. Whichever members of the Ant-Family make it out of the Quantum Realm will surely relay their knowledge of the villain to whoever it is that makes up the new team of Avengers. Sounds like it’s going to be Cassie Lang’s turn to follow in her father’s footsteps and make up for a big mistake…

    Loki, Season 2

    Season 2 of Loki both is and is not exactly what you think it is. As details about the villain of the series start to trickle out, fans are starting to put together some pretty great theories about what might happen…but most of those theories get off to a false start. Though Season 1 lead writer Michael Waldron is off working on Avengers: Secret Wars, Eric Martin (who did a great deal of work on Season 1), took the lead. The continuity from Season 1 to Season 2 is going to pay major dividends as Season 2 picks up directly where Season 1 left off. It’s just that Season 1 didn’t leave off in the way many believe it did. Season 2 will also deal with the now out-of-control Multiverse and see Sylvie faced with the consequences of the choice she made when she shanked He Who Remains. He warned her. She didn’t listen. What happens when she finds out just how bad it’s gotten? Finally, Season 2 looks to include Jonathan Majors‘ Kang. Is he the same Kang as the one in Quantumania? Has he escaped from the Quantum Realm or is this before he became trapped there? Is he a new Variant? Season 2’s gonna be a trip.

    The Marvels

    It’s likely that every project in Phases 5 and 6 will have something that is ultimately somehow related to one or both of the Avengers’ films in the Multiverse Saga. Whether it be plot points, character developments or threads left hanging, most of the projects will tie into them one way or another. The big rumor for The Marvels is that it will actually delve pretty heavily into the idea of incursions that was introduced in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. That’s a pretty important bit as Reed Richard’s explanation of what they are might not have given the entire picture, but just what he knew about them at the time.

    Captain America: New World Order

    Don’t expect Kang to pop in here or for a world-ending incursion to happen in the first act. Do expect this to be the first global-level story of the Multiverse Saga and for it to clarify some details that have been fairly casually thrown into different Phase 4 projects. The Sokovia Accord were established in Captain America: Civil War and the Avengers spent an entire movie fighting over them; those same accords were casually revealed to have been repealed in one line of dialogue spoken by Matt Murdock in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. So what happens when there’s something worth fighting over now? The present-day MCU has no Avengers. But they’ll need some in 2025 otherwise calling it Avengers: The Kang Dynasty would be pretty silly. Will the New Avengers be formed during this movie? Or will this movie be the pivot point for the Multiverse Saga in that it will make it clear that the time has come for the New Avengers to come together?

    Deadpool and Wolverine

    Hugh Jackman‘s revelation that whatever this movie is called will involve time travel all but confirms that it will be an incursion-fest. I actually love the idea of Deadpool causing a whole mess of incursions that accelerate the destruction of the Multiverse. He’s not a serious character who should be trying to face off against Kang, but it is in keeping with the character that his actions, as noble as he may think they are, would create a major mess that others would have to clean up. If this film becomes the adaptation of Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe which has been theorized here and there, it would be a wonderful way to build a true, all-inclusive Multiverse while capitalizing on Ryan Reynolds‘ popularity and love for Deadpool.

    Fantastic Four

    It’s hard to imagine a Fantastic Four film taking place in the MCU that doesn’t somehow connect to the Multiverse Saga. The current rumblings around the plot point toward it shaping up to be a little Cosmic in nature and to involve the Silver Surfer. Of course, at this point in the game, there’s no context for what his purpose in the film might be. Whatever the case, he’s certainly no villain but one of his comic book powers might serve an interesting purpose in Fantastic Four. When gifted with the Power Cosmic by Galactus, the Cosmic Wanderer gained Cosmic Awareness. This power allowed him to sense things about the universe that others couldn’t. He could perceive changes in energy in the universe and determine the location of said changes. If the 616 reality were in some jeopardy through an incursion, it’s incredibly likely that the Surfer would know about it first. From there it’s not much of a…stretch…to think he might find himself working with one of the smartest people on the planet to determine the nature of the incursion. From there it follows that Reed might create a device that would allow him to peer into other realities to see if they’re in similar danger. From there it’s possible he might meet other Reeds. Having a plan for dealing with incursions and/or Kang would seem like a pretty major deal. Could an evil Reed be the villain here? Another version of Kang, such as Immortus? Too many unknowns at the moment, but if Marvel Studios wants to set this apart from Fox’s efforts with the First Family, this would do the trick.

    Shang-Chi 2

    The rumored title of Shang-Chi and The Wreckage of Time opens up some fascinating possibilities for the sequel to 2021’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. More importantly, it also established one of Marvel Studios’ newest heroes as one of the key figures in the Multiverse Saga. The Wreckage of Time would seem to point directly at Kang’s involvement in this movie and, as indicated earlier, he still has to get out of the Quantum Realm somehow. I still think this movie takes place before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, though the current slate does not show that. I’ve been asking for a Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel team-up and this could be it. Theories that those two characters have weapons that are ultimately a major part of the Multiverse Saga might be on to something, but instead of them being part of taking down Kang, what if they somehow end up being part of how he’s freed from the Quantum Realm. Just because Kang can’t get out doesn’t mean he might now have allies on the outside. Once freed from the Quantum Realm, Kang would certainly be at liberty to do some serious damage to the timestream.

    Nomad

    Source: MCU Exchange

    Is Nomad even happening?! There’s still no official word on the project that we first reported was in the works over 2 years ago, but it really is…right? Is it a TV series? A film? Nobody seems to know but if it were a film about Steve Rogers’ time returning the Infinity Stones, it could turn into an incursion-palooza that, much like Deadpool and Wolverine, could speed up the timeline toward Avengers: Secret Wars. As detailed here, a guy like Steve Rogers visiting these other timelines could be a way worse idea than you’d think. If he chose to right some minor wrong while he was in each of those alternate timelines (as nicely detailed in the image from MCU Exchange), this project could serve as the ultimate connecting piece between Marvel Studios’ two Sagas and show fans just how time messes back, as Tony Stark warned.

    It’s not exactly the Yellow-Brick Road, but these projects could easily set the stage for the events of The Kang Dynasty. How does the story go from there to Secret Wars? Stay tuned, True Believers…

  • ‘Shazam’ Star Joins Disney+’s ‘Spiderwick Chronicles’

    ‘Shazam’ Star Joins Disney+’s ‘Spiderwick Chronicles’

    It looks like Disney+ has nabbed an up-and-coming star for its adaptation of the Spiderwick Chronicles. In a new report from Variety, they reveal that Shazam star Jack Dylan Grazer has joined the cast for the upcoming series. It seems he won’t be appearing personally though, as he’ll be voicing the character of Thimbletack, a boggart that lives withint he Spiderwick Estate’s walls. He described to be “hundreds of years old, Thimbletack is still a teenager amongst his kind, a mischief-maker with an explosive temper. He could be a great help to the Grace children…if only he could learn to control his own larger than life emotions.”

    He joins an already strong cast that includes Lyon Daniels, Noah Cottrell, Joy Bryant, Christian Slater, and Mychala Lee. Paramount Television is producing the series alongside 20th Television with Aron Eli Coleite set as its showrunner. Kat Coiro is currently attached to direct the first two episodes but it’s unclear who is working on the rest. It’ll adapt the popular book series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.

    We’re excited to see what they do with this adaptation and Disney+ has been quite clever in expanding its young adult offering. This series joines Percy Jackson as one of their many adaptations of classic children/young adult stories. So, they may be building their own market similar to how Netflix has been quite focused on bringing anime into live-action (somewhat desperately at times). So, we’ll see if they manage to pull it off and create their next key market moving forward.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘The Santa Clauses’ Renewed for Season 2 on Disney+

    ‘The Santa Clauses’ Renewed for Season 2 on Disney+

    Ahead of the Season 1 finale, Disney Plus has renewed The Santa Clauses for a second season. The news was announced by Disney on Wednesday evening, with Ayo Davis, the president of Disney Branded Television, expressing excitement over the news. “This franchise has had a lasting impact for so many families, truly becoming part of their annual holiday traditions,” the statement read. “Bringing it back as a series has been a true gift.”

    “This franchise has had a lasting impact for so many families, truly becoming part of their annual holiday traditions. Bringing it back as a series has been a true gift, and I’m grateful to our producing partners at 20th Television and, of course, Tim Allen and team, that we have yet another reason to celebrate this holiday season.”

    Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television

    The first season focused on Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), who has been Santa for nearly thirty years. Unfortunately, while Calvin is still as jolly as ever, Christmas’ popularity has seemingly declined over the years, which impacts his Santa magic. Unable to keep up, he seeks to find a new Santa Claus in order to retire and become both a better father and husband.

    Initially billed as a limited series, The Santa Clauses hails from Last Man Standing creator Jack Burditt. The series Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell and David Krumholtz, who reprise their roles as Mrs. Claus and Bernard the elf from the original films. The series also stars Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra, Devin Bright as Noel, Austin Kane as Cal, Matilda Lawler as Betty, Rupali Redd as Grace and Kal Penn as Simon Choski. The series is now streaming on Disney+.

    Source: Deadline.

  • ‘Echo’ Showrunner Confirms Disney+ Series’ Delay

    ‘Echo’ Showrunner Confirms Disney+ Series’ Delay

    Marion Dayre, the showrunner of the upcoming Marvel Studios’ series Echo has recently joined Ben Blacker‘s The Writers Panel and during the recording she seemingly confirms that the upcoming Disney+ series may have been postponed. Not only that, but it might be quite a bit longer until we see the series premiere.

    In her interview, she reveals that it’ll release “probably a year from when this comes out.” There have been rumors swirling that Echo might be facing some challenges behind-the-scenes, and a delay by a year might be a sign of heavy reshoots in its future. The reasoning for this delay? We might never know and there are always multiple factors to why these decisions are made.

    It’s part of the mystery with these projects and delays aren’t as uncommon as one might think. Marvel Studios is likely going to shift its release schedule quite a bit moving forward, SDCC was always more for the fans that wanted to know what’s heading their way. Still, they aren’t rushing any project out to take its release date or haven’t announced anything. Perhaps a new Special Presentation could be filmed in time for the summer?

    Also, Marvel Studios already had a pretty massive 2023 planned. So, one project getting pushed back may not be the end of the world for the production studio. They’ve been taking their time to get Blade just right, and with Echo having already filmed, they are using the time to put the pieces together. For now, we only have a rumor mill and Dayre‘s confirmation of it not hitting its originally revealed Summer 2023 release.

    Source: Writer’s Panel

  • ‘Loki’s Harsh Reflection of New Employment

    ‘Loki’s Harsh Reflection of New Employment

    Last year, Marvel Studios released Loki on Disney+. Most of the time spent with the series, we explore Tom Hiddleston‘s return as the reluctant hero, as he finds himself beyond time with not much left ahead. The only way for survival? Join the Time Variance Authority and try to find his purpose once again in a world he’s unfamiliar with. He’s a fish out of water, stuck at a desk job with small moments of looking beyond. He starts realising that there’s more at play, as some big shot at the top is guiding everyone’s stories and seemingly determining whatever fate has ready for everyone across the timestream.

    Loki is a science fiction story at its hear that offers a unique tale even among the already varied Phase 4 of projects. Yet, looking back, there’s something that perhaps got lost in the usual Marvel flair. There are many interpretations that could stick with someone looking at Loki’s journey alongside his new mentor Mobius. He’s asked to do one simply thing: work within the perimeters set by the TVA, become a member of its overarching cause and belief in the leadership of the Time Keepers.

    It’s not difficult to make the connection that the TVA’s monotony and the way they only know what’s important to their job reflects the way we assimilate to the job’s that help us afford a livinig. If we want to exist, we need money to pay for everything. So, we get stuck with the work and at one point find ourselves in an endless cycle that seems almost impossible to escape. Mobius represents the man who’s been there long and starts to see what’s going wrong to finally embrace a new freedom. Perhaps he’ll finally make that dream come true and find some peace; no matter how short-lived it might be.

    Yet, like clockwork, everything resets and he’s exactly where he was just under new leadership. In some ways, we’re creatures of habits stuck in routine and a little hope that one day we can ride that jet ski ourselves. Loki represents those that are searching for purpose in a new position. Perhaps trying something different, leaving the familiar is a way to find that purpose one couldn’t seemingly grab before. You try the usual but it doesn’t really seem to work like it used to. You’re asked to adjust and figure out how things work, but you’ll never truly feel “at home.”

    So, you start to question what exactly are you doing here. Suddenly, he gets a chance in the form of a free pass out of this world he thought could give him what he wanted. Sylvie gives him exactly what he was looking for or had no idea he might need at the time. It begs the question, would you take it? May it be a new job or a business opportunity, isn’t Sylvie just that same reflection back at us? Not just that, doesn’t she also represent the self-doubt that we face ourselves making that very decision, may it be before or even after. Could it be that we’re just replacing one cubicle with another?

    Even as you build a connection with someone like Loki and Mobius did, there might be that feeling of something being off. The purpose you hoped to find and prove it to the person that brought you on, the one that believed in you, may just be a raindrop leaving its ripples in an ocean. Sometimes you may have a chance to take that experience with you, but there’s also the chance you’ll be walking a rather lonely path. Sometimes the harsh reality is just: you don’t quite fit in as you’d hoped you would.

    It’s not a universal issue. Some might be that person that fits in perfectly. They find their own purpose in taking that deep dive into a world they can feel comfortable in. Yet, there are also those that may not realize just how their old stomping grounds shaped them to not fit in anywhere else. No matter if the discussion becomes about nature vs. nurture, there’s still a place out there for us. Sometimes leaving the familiar forces us to accept that very fact. The question always remains: what are we willing to sacrifice along the way?

    The things we love won’t always stay that way, as our mental health may take its toll through every new hardship we are confronted with. Even places we once felt at home will potentially change and leave its own sour taste. So, any venture outside will not be easy and there will be bumps along the way. If it doesn’t work the first time, one might try and try again. The biggest challenge is not to lose yourself along the way or get too stuck with who you were; especially not who you wanted to be if it’s not in sight. We all have our moment of sitting there, reflecting on our life and the future that lies ahead. The future we envisioned may never came to pass with a simple snap, and it becomes even harsher if the new one we try to shape doesn’t quite measure up to it. But, just like Loki, perhaps Season 2 can lead us down the path we’re looking for. One can always hope.

  • Disney+ Orders ‘Witch Mountain’ Pilot with Bryce Dallas Howard

    Disney+ Orders ‘Witch Mountain’ Pilot with Bryce Dallas Howard

    Disney is making a return to Witch Mountain. On Monday, it was announced that Disney+ has ordered a pilot based on Escape to Witch Mountain. The project will star Bryce Dallas Howard, who will lead the cast, as well as Isabel Gravitt (The Watcher), Levi Miller (Streamline), Bianca “b” Norwood (WeCrashed) and Jackson Kelly (Straight Man) also set as series regulars.

    Howard is set to play Audrey, described as “Tia’s devoted and loving mother.” While Gravitt will play Tia, Miller will play Ben, Norwood will play Corey, and Kelly stars as Peter. Tia is described as “a straight-A student who’s regarded by her classmates as ‘perfect,’ although she regards herself as flawed.” While Ben is described as a troubled teen with a hot temper who is at risk of expulsion. Corey is Ben’s best friend and is described as being a very mature teenager. And Peter is said to be Tia’s closest male friend and is said to be lovesick with Tia and very devoted to her.

    The pilot was co-written by Travis Fickett (12 Monkeys) and Terry Matalas (12 Monkeys), and is said to be a modern take on the long-running franchise and follows “two teens that develop strange abilities and discover their sleepy suburb may not be as idyllic as it seems.” Augustine Frizzell, who has directed episodes of Euphoria and Sweetbitter, is attached to direct the pilot.

    John Fox and John Davis of Davis Entertainment are set to executive produce the project alongside Gary Marsh. While ABC Signature will produce the project for Disney+.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Strange World’ Hitting Disney+ This Month

    ‘Strange World’ Hitting Disney+ This Month

    Strange World is coming home. Disney announced on Monday that the animated film will hit Disney+ on December 23rd, just in time for the holidays. The move comes after Strange World has failed to find its footing at the box office. The film, which was released on Nov. 23rd, has only earned $53.4 million at the worldwide box office. Its opening weekend ($12.1 million domestically) was one of Disney’s worst opening weekends in modern times, especially for the studio’s animated films.

    Along with the announcement, Disney also unveiled a brand new poster celebrating the movie’s upcoming release on Disney+.

    Strange World tells the story of a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob called Splat; Legend, the family dog; and a slew of ravenous creatures.

    Strange World was directed by Don Hall (Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-director/writer Qui Nguyen (co-writer Raya and the Last Dragon). The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union and Lucy Liu.

  • Marvel Studios’ ‘Wonder Man’ Potentially Eyeing Late 2023 Release

    Marvel Studios’ ‘Wonder Man’ Potentially Eyeing Late 2023 Release

    Marvel Studios has been quite busy with the various films and TV shows. Among the many projects in the pipeline, their recently announced Wonder Man has become quite an exciting addition, as it not only focuses on one of Marvel comics’s Avengers that almost joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe back in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Nathan Fillion was set to take on the role yet now Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been cast in the iconic role. We are still waiting for when Marvel Studios gets ready to start development on the project, but a new listing may have hinted at their planned release date.

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Hawkeye‘s Andrew Guest is moving on from a consulting producer role to become the head writer and showrunner for Wonder Man. We still don’t know a lot about how they’ll tackle the characters powers and roots as a Hollywood star; here’s hoping for Marvel Studios to also venture out with some creative jabs at itself like they did in She-Hulk, Attorney at Law. Still, it seems a new listing on the WGA has revealed that the series is very likely eyeing a late 2023 release for its first season.

    The listing includes “2023-2024” and with the show already revving up its castings, such as recent reports on Bob Ordenkirk potentially joining, it does seem like a fitting timeline for when the show might release. Of course, we know that Hawkeye, which is listed for “2021-2022” wrapped up before the year ended, but it does fit with the timing that was initially expected. Of course, there’s always a chance that the project could get pushed back with everything on Marvel Studios’ plate but it does give us a window on all-in they are with this project.

    Source: WGA

  • Leaked ‘The Acolyte’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Lee Jung-jae

    Leaked ‘The Acolyte’ Set Photos Offer First Look at Lee Jung-jae

    It looks like The Acolyte is already busy filming and it seems like the first set photos for the Star Wars series has already found its way online. The first batch of set photos have seemingly revealed our first look at Lee Jung-jae on the set, who is seemingly playing a Jedi going by his outfit. There were recent hints that the story is focused on a Sith, which means they could be the Jedi that are in the way or even the reason they turned to the dark side of the Force.

    The Acolyte might become one of Star Wars’s most exciting new series, as its the first project completely detached from the many legacy-oriented projects we’ve had so far. The Mandalorian started off as its own storyline until it started connecting with Star Wars Rebels and even featuring Mark Hamill‘s return as a de-aged Luke Skywalker. So, who knows if there might be ome bigger connections that haven’t been revealed quite yet.

    There is also Skeleton Crew, which may be hinting at the future direction for the studio as it slowly tries to unshackle from what came before. We still might have those shows that start to connect the mythos of this galaxy but Lucasfilm might be trying to explore projects they otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to do so. Even Andor, which is a prequel to Rogue One, mostly works as its own project but still has some connective tissue to the larger universe we’ve come to love over the years.

    Source: Daily Mail via Twitter

  • Gugu Mbatha-Raw Says Ravonna is a “Powerful Presence” in Season 2 of ‘Loki’

    Gugu Mbatha-Raw Says Ravonna is a “Powerful Presence” in Season 2 of ‘Loki’

    In the Season 1 finale of Loki, Gugu Mbatha-Raw‘s Ravonna Renslayer made the decision to leave the TVA after learning of her nature as a Variant who had been taken from her timeline by He Who Remains. When Season 2 of the streaming series hits Disney Plus next Summer, that thread won’t be left hanging loose, according to Mbatha-Raw.

    While talking with Entertainment Tonight, Mbatha-Raw said that her character, who left in search of free will and the power to truly “be in charge” of the Time Variance Authority, teased the return of her character in Season 2. “In Loki, Ravonna is a powerful presence,” hinted the actress, saying “selfishly, Renslayer makes it out of the TVA, which I’m really excited about.“

    In the comics, Ravonna has deep ties to Jonathan Majors‘ Kang, for whom the stage has been set to become the overarching villain of Marvel Studios’ ongoing Multiverse Saga. While it’s unclear if Mbatha-Raw’s character will play a role outside of Loki, it’s very likely she’ll come across one Variant or another of Kang at some point. Perhaps that’ll happen in Season 2 which, according to Mbatha-Raw, is shaping up to be another wild ride.

    It’s been amazing to shoot the second season of Loki. [Fans] are gonna be in for a real treat because the show is bolder and more surreal. And in many ways, goes to some bigger, bolder places than season 1, which is really exciting.

    Gugu Mbatha-Raw

    Unfortunately, fans are still in for a bit of wait to get that treat as Season 2 of Loki isn’t set to hit Disney Plus until next Summer.

    Source: ET