Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: HBO Max

  • Three Stories We’d Like To See Adapted For ‘Constantine’

    Three Stories We’d Like To See Adapted For ‘Constantine’

    Earlier last year, news broke that J.J. Abrams and his production company, Bad Robot, had signed a deal with Warner media and HBO Max to develop series and films based around the characters of DC’s Justice League Dark. Just a few days ago, it was announced that Abrams had begun development on new series following John Constantine, everyone’s favorite demonologist, but it really depends on who you’re asking. The series is set to be written by Guy Bolton, who’s already written a pilot script for the project, and casting has begun with the production looking for a late ’20s, BIPOC actor to portray the character in the upcoming series and any spin-offs or team-ups that may happen down the line. While it’s currently unknown if the series will find itself in the mainline DCEU, Constantine is a character with a rich history and riveting stories, and we’ve thought up just a few that would make for great a great adaption.

    Marks of Woe  

    hbo max constantine

     

    One of the most recent stories featuring Constantine was written by Simon Spurrier and released late last year. The book John Constantine: Hellblazer features the characters return to the Sandman Universe, with Constantine finding himself taken from an Apocalyptic future and placed right back into his old stomping grounds of London. Upon his return, Constantine has come to realize that there’s been a bit of a supernatural outbreak and a local gang has become terrorized by these spirits. When the leader of said gang reaches out, with no dollar to his name, Constantine has no choice but to help exercise these spirits and send them back to where they came from. This seems like an easy task for Constantine, an open and shut exorcism like the good ol’ days, but things get much more unpredictable when John finds himself facing a younger version of the boy who was destined to become the most powerful mage of all time.

    All His Engines

    All His Engines was published back in January of 2005 and was written by Mike Carey. The Story once again finds John Constantine on the streets of London alongside his trusty Cabbie, Chas Chandler. John has returned to look into a mysterious bug going around the city that’s putting people into comas, including Chas’s granddaughter, Tricia. In an attempt to communicate with Tricia and find out what’s going on, the seance is interrupted by Beroul, a demon who’s set up his own personal Hell in California, who tells John and Chas to come there. In order to face Beroul, John Summons the Aztec god known as Mictlantecuhtli, who helps him summon the foes of Beroul in order to take him down. While this story still includes a heavy amount of biblical influence just on the art alone should tell you this story could be something truly horrifying and fit the vibe they’re trying to establish with this new take.

    Going Down?

    Constantine: The Hellblazer, written by the great James Tynion IV, features another great storyline with the character that would be perfect for a horror-inspired introduction of the character in this new “Dark Universe.” John Constantine is a very haunted man both literally and figuratively, and this story is one that sees him face his past, a very dark and muddy past. Suddenty, something has begun killing the ghost that haunts him, banished from the afterlife, and cast into oblivion. Returning to London, Constantine must reunite with Georgiana Snow, now an official paranormal consultant for the British Government, in an effort to stop who or what is killing ghosts and taking away their after-life.

     

     

  • ‘Harley Quinn’s Started Recording for Its Third Season

    ‘Harley Quinn’s Started Recording for Its Third Season

    DC has been producing a variety of great shows in the last few years. What started with Titans has expanded into a plethora of original productions. They used the opportunity to explore the different aspects of the comic universe. Once Warner Bros. migrated them to HBO Max, we’ve seen a large increase in new shows entering a form of production. Of course, the sophomore series that started on the original DC Universe app is continuing, as well, such as the before-mentioned Titans currently in production.

    The stand-out, however, was the R-rated animated comedy Harley Quinn, which saw Kaley Cuoco take on the role of the Joker’s most iconic henchwoman. We got to see her grow into her love the course of two seasons, and many were ecstatic when the third got announced last September. We’ve been anxiously waiting for an update, and it looks like it finally arrived, as executive producer Patrick Schumacker shared an official update on Twitter.

    It is great to see the return of Diedrich Bader, Jim Rash, and Chris Meloni, who gave some iconic performances in the last two seasons. The idea of a washed-up Gordon just hanging on as best as he can be a genius interpretation of a commissioner living in the most crime-ridden city of the world. Bader was a perfect choice for this universe’s Batman, especially how much it contrasts the version he played in Batman: The Brave and the Bold. I cannot wait for the next season, especially how they plan to continue where the last one ended.

    Source: Twitter, IMDb

  • ‘GCPD’ First Casting Detail’s Tease Seasoned Leads

    ‘GCPD’ First Casting Detail’s Tease Seasoned Leads

    The Batman hasn’t even hit screens yet but this isn’t stopping WB from going all-in on Matt Reeves’ new take on Gotham City and its resident caped crusader. It was announced a while back that Matt Reeves had begun development on a prequel to his upcoming film centered around the GCPD and the corruption within, with the series taking place during Batman’s first year of activity. Initially, many fans jumped to assume this series would be an adaption of Gotham Central, a storyline written by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker that focused on the cops of the GCPD and how they adjusted to life with Batman’s rise to prominence in the city and his war on crime.

    The first casting details, although vague, could hint at some familiar faces around the GCPD. The casting details don’t give names but do state they’re looking for one male and one female to serve as leads for this series. The casting details remain vague but I think that the male lead could indeed be a familiar face from the Batman mythos. The production is aiming for a caucasian male in the ’30-’40s range for a “Police Detective, Works for Commissioner James Gordon.” Now that could really be anyone as the GCPD is obviously full of cops, but my first thoughts lead me to believe it could be Harvey Bullock.

    At Fandome, Reeves stated that the show would follow the perspective of a corrupt cop in Gotham City. With the age range and close ties to Gordon, Bullock seems like the perfect fit for this role. I’m not so sure about the other casting. The production is looking for a black female in the ’35-’45 age range for a “former detective who was injured on the job and becomes the new Gotham district attorney. This could be an original character for the series as there really isn’t any character that fits this description. It’s also interesting to note that in the upcoming film, Peter Sarsgaard is set to play Gil Colson, the sitting district attorney at the time.

    The upcoming spin-off to The Batman currently has no set release date but will release exclusively on HBO Max. The series will be executively produced by Reeves’ 6th and Idaho production company with Joe Barton serving as showrunner on the series.

    Source: Illuminderi

  • RUMOR: HBO Max Seeking a Riz Ahmed Type for ‘Constantine’s Titular Role

    RUMOR: HBO Max Seeking a Riz Ahmed Type for ‘Constantine’s Titular Role

    It looks like HBO Max has some grand plans for its DC line-up. They took over the series that started on the original DC Universe streaming service, such as Doom Patrol and Titans. Now, they will expand their DC catalog. We are about to get next month’s Zack Snyder: Justice League release, and a Green Lantern Corps series is in active development. They are working on another brand new series that will explore the darker side of the DC Multiverse. Last September, it was revealed that shows focused on Zatanna and Constantine are in development. HBO Max is developing them alongside J.J. Abrams‘ Bad Robot Productions. Illuminerdi learned a few details on the Constantine show. They state it will be different from previous incarnations, as it will be more horror-focused. That is not all, as it seems casting has already started.

    They are switching it up with their casting, as they are looking for a BIPOC actor in his late 20s. The description hints at them looking for a Riz Ahmed type in the titular role. Keep in mind, it doesn’t mean they are casting the actor but looking for someone who fits his description. It certainly sounds like they want to mix up the casting to distinguish it from Matt Ryan‘s run with the character. Guy Bolton will write up the horror story. It is a great angle to take, as they could use this chance to connect it to DC Universe’s canceled 2019’s Swamp Thing show. As they point out, previous incarnations were more focused on the religious angle of the character. It is still a defining trait of his characterization. So, it might play just take a backseat in the series. I am excited to see where they could potentially take this storyline and can’t wait to see who nabs the iconic anti-hero role for the series.

    Source: Movieweb, Illuminerdi

  • HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker’ Adds Alison Araya and Lenny Jacobson

    HBO Max’s ‘Peacemaker’ Adds Alison Araya and Lenny Jacobson

    Hot off the production of The Suicide Squad, James Gunn got right to work and began writing a series based around Peacemaker. The series would reportedly follow the origin of the character following his debut in the upcoming film. John Cena will reprise the role. Christopher Smith is a man who seeks peace no matter what the cost is. Not much else is known about the series’ story so far, but we did get some early casting announcements. The inclusion of Vigilante is hinting at a Janus Directive-inspired story. Shortly after, we got the casting announcement for Judomaster, whose origins are tied to Charlton comics, where Peacemaker made his debut.

    It looks like they are still rounding out their cast. Variety has revealed that actors Alison Araya and Lenny Jacobson have joined the project in recurring series roles. They only that they will play Amber and Evan, a married couple in the series. Interestingly enough, this isn’t Araya‘s first step into the DC Universe, having played two characters on Arrow.

    Peacemaker is currently set for a January 2022 release exclusively on HBO Max. The project will be written by Gunn, who will direct multiple episodes of the upcoming series. The series cast includes John Cena, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Chris Conrad, Nhut Lee, and Annie Chang. It is Gunn’s last project before he starts work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Hopefully, this spin-off’s success could lead to more stories inspired by characters from The Suicide Squad.

    Source: Variety

  • First Official ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Trailer Teases the Coming of Apokolips

    First Official ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Trailer Teases the Coming of Apokolips

    Yes, it has been a long wait but the official full trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League has finally dropped. As one might suspect, it gives us a good look at the many elements that didn’t make it into the original 2017 release of the film. We get a good look at Darkseid, the new design for Steppenwolf, and so much more. The age of heroes has returned with the brand new trailer that is sure to make a lot of people happy that are highly anticipating our first real look at Snyder‘s original vision of the film.

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM-Bja2Gy04

     

    The trailer offers a lot of the sequences that have been teased ever since it was officially revealed. We get a closer look at our favorite heroes and Superman’s new black suit. It will be interesting to see how different the film will be once it officially releases on HBO MAx next March. Surprisingly, there is no showcase of Martian Manhunter, who has been revealed to be in the film some time ago. So, there is a chance there are still quite a few secrets that Snyder is keeping close to the chest for once it officially releases. At least, we got our first look at the SWAT uniform version of Jared Leto‘s Joker. We only have to wait for a little over a month until it finally is released, so you can be sure we will be checking it out once the Snyder Cut is finally released to the world. Let’s see what the future may hold for the DCEU as it continues to expand and explore new ventures.

    Source: Twitter, YouTube

  • ‘Wonder Girl’ No Longer In Development at The CW

    ‘Wonder Girl’ No Longer In Development at The CW

    We recently reported on CW moving forward with a pilot order for a live-action adaptation of Powerpuff Girls. It also included the official order for DC’s Naomi which will be produced by Ava DuVarney and former Arrow executive producer Jill Blankenship. There was one show that was surprisingly missing in the pilot orders. A few months ago, it was announced that a new series based on Wonder Girl was being developed focused on Yara Flor, who was a brand new character that only recently joined DC in their Future State event. It looks like we found out why it was missing, as Dailyn Rodriguez took to Twitter and announced that they passed on the project.

    https://twitter.com/dailynrod/status/1360324356354629633?s=21

    It is a shame that they aren’t moving forward with their first Latino superhero series. I do wonder if this would’ve been set in the Arrowverse’s future. It would’ve been an interesting way to expand the cast with iconic DC characters while also giving the show a bit more freedom. Hopefully, the world that Rodriguez teases gets another chance at HBO Max. Perhaps the streaming service could offer her the budget to create a live-action Future State adaptation that would make it stand out among other DC shows. CW has become more selective in which shows are moving forward, as various veteran shows like Black Lightning and Supergirl are ending. They even skipped on a sequel series to the show that started it all, as Green Arrow and the Canaries was passed on. It’s going to be interesting to see how the Arrowverse continues in the coming years.

    Source: Twitter

  • First Look at Granny Goodness in Latest ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Teaser

    First Look at Granny Goodness in Latest ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ Teaser

    The build-up to Zack Snyder’s Justice League has been monumental. For a while now, Snyder has been teasing the inclusion of Darkseid in his film. At one point, the character got cut from the theatrical cut of the film aside from a few name drops from Parademon grunts. We got our first look at the lord of Apokolips back at DC Fandome, and from there, fans weren’t sure just how much we would see of the character, as his uncle Steppenwolf remains the primary foe of the film. Now that the countdown has begun, it makes us wonder if we get more teases of how much of the New Gods we can expect. Snyder has dropped short teasers every day to build up to its release. It seems fans are about to get a lot more than they bargained for, as the newest teaser provides a much better look at Darkseid alongside his closest and trusted confidants.

    The short teaser offered us our first possible look at a classic New God that’s commanded the legions of Parademons and Female Furies since their very inception. In a short glimpse at what looks to be a throne room on the planet of Apokolips, we see an armor-clad Darkseid joined by Desaad. Now, the big surprise is on his other side, as it confirms the first live-action appearance of Granny Goodness. It makes sense for Darkseid to keep her close by, especially during times of war. She was the one that trains and commands his army, so she is a powerful ally to have. It looks like the film is set to feature much more of the New Gods than previously seen before. Zack Snyder’s Justice League starts streaming on March 18th exclusively on HBO Max. 

    Source: Twitter, Vero

  • ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’: First Look at Jared Leto’s Joker Released

    ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’: First Look at Jared Leto’s Joker Released

    Zack Snyders Justice League will see the return of many familiar faces, whether that be the League themselves or the new gods of Apokolips. Everyone’s sure to know one of the many faces that will show up throughout the film. A more controversial addition to the table is Jared Leto, who will reprise his role as the clown prince of crime. This inclusion marks his first return after his appearance in 2016’s Suicide Squad. He was notably absent from Birds of Prey and The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, in which musical artist Johnny Goth doubled for the character. It looks like Zack Snyder is going to explore a very unique version of Leto‘s Joker, which he revealed in Vanity Fair to the public, as we countdown to the March release.

     

    pJared Leto as Joker in Zack Snyders emJustice Leagueem.p

     

    The black-and-white image reveals that he doesn’t have the controversial tattoos from Suicide Squad. The director did confirm that we will also get a version of the character covered in police badges, which he collected as trophies, at some point in the film. This version of the character seems more road-worn. Snyder did reveal that he will play an essential part in a sequence featuring Ben Affleck‘s Batman. Justice League aims to build upon the various plot threads set-up in Batman v. Superman. He also pointed out that the Joker’s inclusion will add to the backstory involving Robin. We still never got any details on what transpired, so it’ll be interesting to get some more information on the event. We are only a few weeks away from the release, so here’s hoping we get more reveals. 

    Source: Vanity Fair

  • Nhut Le Joins ‘The Suicide Squad’ Spin-Off ‘Peacemaker’ as Judomaster

    Nhut Le Joins ‘The Suicide Squad’ Spin-Off ‘Peacemaker’ as Judomaster

    2021 is going to be a massive year for comic book fans. It also is going to be a great year for James Gunn, who has been working hard on his upcoming DC film, The Suicide Squad. The director still has some time on his hand until he tackles the next entry in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. So, he decided to make an original HBO Max show that focuses on John Cena‘s character Peacemaker, who is set to make his live-action debut in the upcoming film. The spin-off will be produced and written by Gunn, who will also direct multiple episodes.

    The series seems to take a lot of inspiration from the original Charlton Comics with many iconic characters being hinted at through the casting breakdowns. We got the first casting announcements around two months ago so we were hotly anticipating the next bit of news. Well, it has finally arrived, as Nhut Le has joined the production in the role of Judomaster.

    The character has an extensive history and originally premiered in Special War Series #4 all the way back in 1965. As Deadline points out, DC created a new version of the character in Justice League Quarterly #14 in 1994. He originally was a sergeant in the Second World War named Hadley “Rip” Jagger. There was also a female version named Sonia Sato, who made their debut in 2007’s Birds of Prey #100. It is uncertain which version the Groundlings and UCB alum might be playing. Le has played a recurring role on Comedy Central’s The Kroll Show and Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home.

    Source: Variety