Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Film

  • Bryan Edward Hill to Write Hasbro’s ‘Power Rangers’ Film

    Bryan Edward Hill to Write Hasbro’s ‘Power Rangers’ Film

    Power Rangers has been seeing a resurgence as of late. Not too long ago, Hasbro hired Jonathan Entwistle to supervise the franchise over multiple media platforms. As such, it gives credit to the rumor that Hasbro, the new owner of the franchise, has ended ties with Toei. We still have no official confirmation, as one more season to be released on Nickoledoen that is based on the Super Sentai series. The upcoming film will be the third time the iconic teenagers with an attitude appear on the silver screen. This release will also reboot the 2017 version that is disappointed at the Box Office. Now, they are moving forward with the new film and, according to Deadline, has closed a deal with Bryan Edward Hill to pen the script.

    Hill has quite the history in the industry. Just recently was behind the adaptation of Studio 8’s Black, and he is the co-producer of DC’s Titans show. He was also a staff writer on Ash vs Evil Dead, which is a personal favorite. He also worked on a variety of comics, such as Killmonger, American Carnage, and Detective Comics to name a few. The earliest rumors pointed to the show to include some time travel elements, so it will be interesting to see if that remains as the script develops. We also know that Entwistle will supervise TV and film, so we might see some potential spin-offs being in the works. So, there is a good chance that Hill might return for future projects. It certainly is a project to keep an eye on.

    Source: Deadline, IMDb

  • ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Series in Development at Netflix

    ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Series in Development at Netflix

    Assassin’s Creed is one of those gaming franchises that are perfect for a live-action adaptation. We finally got the first attempt in 2016, which featured Michael Fassbender in the titular role. Sadly, while the film was a step-up of previous video game adaptations, it still only managed to get an 18% on Rotten Tomatoes with a mixed audience score of 43%. It seemed like that would be it for any future adaptations of the iconic Ubisoft franchise for the time being. Seems like they weren’t done yet, as Netflix has announced that they are developing a brand new series that wishes to re-explore the history of the Assassins. Jason Altman, Head of Ubisoft Film and Television gave the following statement.

    or more than 10 years, millions of fans around the world have helped shape the Assassin’s Creed brand into an iconic franchise. We’re thrilled to create an Assassin’s Creed series with Netflix and we look forward to developing the next saga in the Assassin’s Creed universe.

    Netflix is known for greenlighting projects early on before they even have a creative team ready. Just recently, they did the same thing with their new show focused on the iconic Conan the Barbarian franchise. This time it is no different as Netflix is still searching for a showrunner. As such, it is uncertain how long it would take before the show would enter production. Netflix’s Peter Friedlander also gave the following statement.

    We’re excited to partner with Ubisoft and bring to life the rich, multilayered storytelling that Assassin’s Creed is beloved for. From its breathtaking historical worlds and massive global appeal as one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, we are committed to carefully crafting epic and thrilling entertainment based on this distinct IP and provide a deeper dive for fans and our members around the world to enjoy.

    It also looks like an official logo to mark the new cooperation was released. This reveal will also be the start of larger cooperation that will include animated and anime series, similar to their approach with The Witcher.

    It also will be exciting to see how they explore the different eras. The show concept could lend itself to each season focusing on a unique timeline to further develop the plot. Plus, this would allow Netflix to keep the show running for multiple seasons, as each one would feel fresh and new. It won’t be cheap to constantly switch between new sets, costumes, and much more so we’ll see what direction they take.

    Source: Rotten Tomatoes, The Hollywood Reporter, Twitter

  • First Official Look at Tom Holland’s Nathan Drake in ‘Uncharted’

    First Official Look at Tom Holland’s Nathan Drake in ‘Uncharted’

    Just today, we got our first real tease of the upcoming Uncharted film. It will adapt the iconic franchise by the game developer Naughty Dog. It will feature Tom Holland in the iconic role of Nathan Drake. Once voiced by Nolan North, the treasure hunter traveled the world to uncover hidden treasures and lost cities. The last entry was a spin-off title The Lost Legacy that was released in 2017, which took the focus away from the iconic character and give his supporting cast more attention. Drake’s story officially ended in the fourth entry known as Thief’s End. Now, we are all waiting anxiously for the upcoming film that is slowly finishing up production. After a short tease of North visiting the set, we also got our first official look at Holland in costume.

    He certainly has the looks down for the iconic character. The colors of his outfit seem similar to the one he wears in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. It would be interesting if they pay tribute to the various colors he has worn throughout the franchise in this film. We also see Sir Francis Drake’s iconic ring, which states Sic Parvis Magma, which translates to: “Greatness from small beginnings”. It is an item that heavily defines Drake’s character in the games. We also get a tease of the set design, as he is standing on a destroyed galleon There aren’t any dead giveaways if this connects to the recent reveal of Ferdinand Magellan or if it is part of an expedition that tried to find whatever treasure they are hunting. In the games, you spend a lot of time going from one clue to the next until you uncover the actual secret of the story. Still, Holland looks fantastic in the role, and cannot wait to see how they translated this game franchise to the silver screen.

    Source: Instagram

  • EXCLU: Joel McHale to Team with Justin Long and Malin Akerman for ‘GAMER DOWN’

    EXCLU: Joel McHale to Team with Justin Long and Malin Akerman for ‘GAMER DOWN’

    After some digging, we got our hands on a rather interesting exclusive. It looks like a brand new film has been in the works titled Gamer Down. This film will bring together Joel McHale of Community fame, Justin Long (Live Free or Die Hard, Galaxy Quest), and Watchmen‘s Malin Akerman. So far, they are the only actors confirmed for the film, but casting is already well underway. Gamer Down will focus on a man named Finn Bryant, who seems to have a bad gaming habit. He funds it through card-counting but still piles on debt. So that he can get out of it, he joins a brand new rehab center that specalizes in gaming addiction. There he runs into the eccentric guru Slate, who will make his life at the center quite the chaotic experience.

    In the meantime, his step-brother Jamie is using his brother’s account to get close to a girl named Christina. She is part of Finn’s online guild, so he tries to impress her yet also manages to lose a very valuable item. He starts getting trapped in the lie and dives deep into the world of online gaming. Justin Long is set to play Finn with Joel McHale set as the eccentric guru Slate. Malin Akerman will play the role of Cristina but there is no mention of who will play Jamie. The description already promises a rather interesting comedy that could shed some light on the trappings of online gaming. Jillian Armenante is currently set to direct the film, which was written by Steve Weinberger and Marvin Willson. It will be interesting to see how they tackle the topic of gaming addiction that has become a hot discussed topic with games featuring microtransactions and gacha-elements.

  • Justin Lin Set to Direct the Final Two ‘Fast & Furious’ Films

    Justin Lin Set to Direct the Final Two ‘Fast & Furious’ Films

    Fast & Furious is a rather fascinating franchise. It started off with street races before they were jumping between buildings with their cars. It also was a Box Office juggernaut, so it didn’t seem possible it would ever end. Well, in a surprising twist, Deadline has exclusively reported that Justin Lin will return to direct the final two films in the series. As such, the eleventh film will continue the story of Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Sung Kang. It isn’t confirmed yet but they believe that Chris Morgan will return to pen the script.

    Currently, his fifth film in the franchise, F9, is still in post-production. It will add Charlize Theron, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Cardi B, and Ozuna to its cast. They also started experimenting with spin-offs like the recent Hobbs & Shaw that focused on Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham‘s characters. It is uncertain if they will also return to the main franchise’s finale. It is crazy to think how far this franchise has come since it started in 2001. Next year will mark its 20th anniversary, so it is fitting for the next installment to release next year. There were jokes about the crew potentially heading to space next, but Michelle Rodriguez may have confirmed more craziness.

    Source: Deadline, Collider

  • ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Spin-Off ‘Furiosa’ Casts Anya Taylor-Joy in Titular Role

    ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Spin-Off ‘Furiosa’ Casts Anya Taylor-Joy in Titular Role

    Mad Max: Fury Road was a personal favorite when it was released in 2015. The film revived an iconic franchise with a completely new cast, as Tom Hardy took over the role of Max. It also introduced the world to an amazing character known as Imperator Furiosa, who was played by Charlize Theron. We were all hoping for a continuation of the film, but director George Miller has been busy with his upcoming project Three Thousand Years of Longing. Still, it didn’t mean that the Mad Max world is not going to see a new entry, as the spin-off focusing on a younger Furiosa has now gathered a star-studded cast.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anya Taylor-Joy will take over the staring role that Theron made so iconic. The cast also includes Chris Hemsworth and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Here is the kicker, the film has not received the green light. Their plan seems to use this casting as a showcase that the project is worth investing in. Fury Road wasn’t a massive financial hit, so the studio might be uncertain if it is worth the investment. Miller will return as director, co-write and produce the film alongside Doug Mitchell. 

    The film is to be in “advanced development” which doesn’t mean we will see the film anytime soon. Right now, they seem to focus on getting the confirmation so, they can enter pre-production officially. This development matches Fury Road‘s development hell, as the pre-production of that project started back in 1997. The cast is fantastic, so hopefully, we will see Furiosa pick up the pace in the coming months, as we cannot wait to re-explore the apocalyptic wasteland.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline

  • Sega Developing Live-Action ‘Yakuza’ Film

    Sega Developing Live-Action ‘Yakuza’ Film

    Sega has become synonymous with their Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. It has become their tentpole franchise even as the game’s quality has not been consistent. The character is so popular he got his own film back in February. While it didn’t have much competition, the film was a big hit and Sega is looking into future ventures on the silver screen. There is one franchise that is perfect for a live-action adaptation and that is Yakuza. In Japan, the series is better known as Ryū ga Gotoku, which means Like a Dragon.

    The 2005 franchise consists of seven main titles with various spin-offs. It follows the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a small-time member of the Dojima family. He takes the fall for the murder of the family’s patriarch and lands in prison for 10 years. 1212 Entertainment and Wild Sheep will be developing the live-action adaptation. They gave the following statement on the film’s production.

    Yakuza offers us a new playground in which to set compelling stories with complex characters in a unique environment that audiences have rarely seen before. The saga of Kazuma Kiryu has a built-in cinematic appeal – a mix of kinetic action with bursts of comedy, multiple converging storylines, and a gripping journey towards redemption.

    It makes sense with the franchise becoming a bestselling hit worldwide. Erik Barmack, Roberto Grande, and Joshua Long are attached as producers. Barmack pointed out that they will make use of their background in global storytelling. You can’t make a film about Yakuza without filming it in Japan to bring Kamurocho to life. The location is a fictionalized version of the real-world’s Kabukichō in Tokyo. It will be interesting to see who they attach as director. The franchise has its roots in Yakuza gang. dramas. The Outrage series could be a big influence on the film. It would be a dream if they get Takeshi Kitano involved with the project, who just finished the Outrage trilogy a few years ago.

    Source: Variety

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Perry’s Next Film Revealed

    EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Perry’s Next Film Revealed

    Tyler Perry has compiled quite the filmography behind him: he is well-known for directing and starring in the Madea films but in looking at the rest of his work both as an actor and director one sees a lot of diversity. Perry appeared in supporting roles in a variety of dramas like Vice and Gone Girl, and he was cast as the lead in Alex Cross. He has, also, directed quite a few romantic-comedies: 2018’s Nobody’s Fool was his first R-rated comedy, the premise being a story about someone being catfished. When reviewing his extensive work, you can definitely see a director that is no stranger to infusing his projects with a variety of political and cultural aspects and influences.

    Back in 2016, he discussed the possibility of exploring a Madea film that tackles the topic of police brutality:

    “I have been able to use this character to bring messages to people who no one has been able to get a message to… She can talk about anything. She can make them laugh. And it’s so disarming — it’s like anesthesia… If I could find a way to talk about police brutality, and all of these people being shot by police officers, through this character — and I’ve been thinking about it — I think it would speak volumes to what so many people can’t say.”

    Four years later, the topic of police brutality is still as relevant as it was in that interview. Perry has been extremely vocal about the events that have transpired across the US and he has openly spoken about the protests that have taken place in Atlanta in the aftermath of another innocent Black person gunned down by police. With that in mind, it looks like the Black Lives Matter movement will be a big inspiration for his upcoming project as a casting grid has revealed various details that may focus on a story that will discuss the Black Live Matter protests and, of course, police violence.

    The film will take place in Atlanta where one of the leads is a pastor in the Sweet Auburn area of the city which is being rocked by violent protests following the questionable use of force by a white police officer on a gay, Black man celebrating his college graduation.

    In contrast to the 2016 interview, Perry’s next project does not appear to feature Madea. We have five different leads, all with their own individual stories that will seemingly connect. The leads are connected to an overarching mystery, which could lend itself to every character having a dark secret.

    The previously-mentioned pastor tries to secure the church from what is described as a “potentially violent protest.” Going by what is pictured, we most likely have a story of police brutality that gets national attention and causes a protest that puts various members of the family on opposite sides given their own history. The film will definitely feature a BLM protest which will may ultimately find the leads locking themselves in the church where they are confronted with each other to sort out the secrets they’ve been keeping for long. This is all just speculation, as we will see which direction Perry will take.

    Production on the film is set to kick off early next month in Atlanta.

     

  • Warner Bros. & Sony’s “Only in Theaters” Strategy Facing a Digital Revolution

    Warner Bros. & Sony’s “Only in Theaters” Strategy Facing a Digital Revolution

    2020 hasn’t been kind to anyone. COVID has made the life of many difficult and halted many prominent industries. The film industry has certainly been hit hard. Not only have all their productions been halted, but they also can’t air any of their finished films. Most tentpole productions have budgets that go beyond the $200 million mark. Every release past March was postponed either until the fourth quarter or even for a full year into 2021. September was the month that everything should change. Cinemas were slowly opening again. Tenet was promised to reignite the Box Office again.

    Sadly, it brought in just $20 million and is barely scraping by in the States. We’ve already seen the results of this underperformance. Now, Warner Bros. has postponed Wonder Woman 1984 to December. This is just a week after Dune premieres which would cannibalize their own production. Sony is deciding to wait for COVID to be a thing of the past, which is still unknown. On the other hand, Disney is testing the waters with a brand new Premium Access option on its streaming service. Universal was the one that kickstarted a digital revolution by releasing films on video-on-demand.

    Delaying the Inevitable

    It’s more than just a question of time at this point. Even as cinemas open, people will be a bit cautious about returning to a cramped dark space. Even countries that reopened cinemas are now changing direction. Here in Austria, you have to wear a mask as of next month while watching a film. This state-mandated rule will just encourage people to stay home and not take the risk. There is the discussion point at what point can one even consider it to be “safe” to return to cinemas. Sony’s strategy could drag out well into 2021. This could go as far as delay the third Spider-Man‘s December release. Warner Bros. might also go mad by constantly delaying their productions without an end in sight.

    Production budgets are borrowed money. The longer they drag out the releases, the more expensive it might become. Most 2020 productions will have to take some loss into account. We won’t be seeing any record-breaking releases anytime soon. In the end, Universal and Disney might be on track for the best strategy right now. Smaller production companies also combined physical and digital releases at this point so they don’t have to market each delay. Marketing budgets would continue to grow as they’d have to rework every trailer. At this point, it is all about cost minimization. Even if 2021 opens up the floodgates, it will be so packed with new productions they will cannibalize each other. There is a good chance, film productions won’t recover until 2022.

    Facing a Digital Future

    AMC already had issues with Universal’s strategy by banning them temporarily from cinemas. People criticized Disney+’s pricing for Mulan which was around $30. If you compare it to the $20 rental fee for Bill & Ted Face the Music, it’s surprisingly reasonable. Plus, Disney+ focuses its marketing towards families, so a four-headed family gets off pretty cheap than paying upwards of $40 for tickets. Plus, they can save money by avoiding the concession prices. For some, the price isn’t that bad. Disney might not just be able to cover costs but even turn in a profit. It not only boosts their subscription numbers but also makes up for the Box Office loss it would’ve faced otherwise. We can expect films like Black Widow to be added to Disney+. If you are interested in a deeper analysis to check out Edward’s analysis by clicking here.

    Warner Bros. and Sony are simply postponing the inevitable. When we were discussing the implications of the WW84 delay, Charles made the good point that Disney might be able to dominate the market. They would be the only company to make their tentpole releases available to everyone without any competition. As such, they don’t have to worry about cannibalization. Even as AMC tries to lawyer up against these strategies, it’s the only option to keep the industry alive. If production companies can’t cover their costs, there won’t be any films to show in empty theatres. Believe me, I would want nothing more than to return to a cinema again but it’s still a massive risk. Right now, Disney and Universal have a better strategy and it wouldn’t be surprising for the others to follow suit. From this perspective, Sony and Warner Bros. are going to face a very rough 2021.

    Source: CNet, The Verge, IndieWire, Forbes

  • First Look At “Dune” Funko Pops Leaked

    First Look At “Dune” Funko Pops Leaked

    A recent leak courtesy of anerdydad on Instagram has offered fans their first look at the Funko Pop Vinyl line for the highly anticipated feature film Dune. The lineup includes lead Timothee Chalamets Paul Atreides including a hooded variant. Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho, the loyal bodyguard to the Atreides family andOscar Isaac’s Duke Leto Atreides have their figurines. The Vynil line is rounded out with the ghastly Baron Harkonen and Gaius Helen Mohiam.

    The vinyl figures currently have no set release date. It’s unknown if any other retail exclusives will release alongside the wave. There is always the chance that some additional pops are released in a second line to build up hype when the film would eventually release. The film has quite a large cast, so it wouldn’t be too surprising.

    Dune is currently set to hit theaters December 18th, 2020 but that is still uncertain. Tenet‘s recent disappointing performance may have pushed more releases into 2021. Even Sony is deciding not to release any films until the pandemic truly calms down which is still uncertain at this point. Whatever may happen, it will be interesting to keep an eye out for. With the constant delays, it also affects the release of tie-in products. It is also the reason that the Dune Funko Pops haven’t been officially revealed yet.

    Source: Instagram