Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: James Gunn

  • ‘Superman: Legacy’ adds María Gabriela De Faría as DC Villain

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ adds María Gabriela De Faría as DC Villain

    The moment the SAG strikes end, all the casting news seems to drop as fast as it can. The next major addition to James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy has arrived as Angela Spica, better known as The Engineer. Venezuelan actress María Gabriela De Faría will be taking on the role after having worked on various Fox comedies.

    What makes this character addition interesting is that she’s a DC character introduced in The Authority Vol. 1 #1 back in 1999. The new DC Universe that is being set up by James Gunn is poised to introduce the superhero group to the world later down the line. So, the addition makes sense if they are potentially planting the first seeds early on in this storyline.

    It’s still unclear what we should expect from the DC film, as while we expected a back-to-basics storyline for Superman, Gunn’s vision is more focused on building the future. DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran is attached to produce and the film is set to hit its 2024 July release date so production is expected to start sooner than later.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Superman: Legacy’ Narrowing Down its Leading Duo & Lex Luthor

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ Narrowing Down its Leading Duo & Lex Luthor

    It looks like James Gunn is still busy trying to find the next Superman and Lois Lane for his next film Superman Legacy. In its second week of screen testings, it seems that he may be slowly narrowing down who he wants in the role, while also potentially reaching out to who would take on the iconic villainous role of Lex Luthor in his newly established DC Cinematic Universe.

    In a new entry of the Heat Vision newsletter from The Hollywood Reporter, they reveal that they have now paired up the potential cast members. Gunn has been busy casting for the feature film with the following pairings: Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan, David Corenswet with Emma Mackey, as well as Tom Brittney and Phoebe Dynevor.

    Seems they were given several scenes in makeup and wardrobe as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, but also in costumes as the iconic superhero. He’s trying to make sure that they nail this casting, as their future development for the franchise may hinge on this very development. Surprisingly, this isn’t too dissimilar from how Ryan Reynolds‘ casting as Green Lantern went back in 2011.

    That isn’t all, as it seems he’s also already looking to cast the villainous Lex Luthor for his film. At the moment, it seems that two brothers are being eyed, Alexander and Bill Skarsgard. Even Nicholas Hoult supposedly put himself at one point in the running before fully embracing a chance as Superman, but if he doesn’t get cast there’s still a chance. Gunn is currently hoping to start filming in early 2024.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • James Gunn Calls Out Recent Superhero Movies as “Really Lazy”

    James Gunn Calls Out Recent Superhero Movies as “Really Lazy”

    James Gunn is going to have his hands busy with saving DC’s brand in the views of cinemagoers. The last few years haven’t been kind and going by The Flash’s box office, it’s not looking better. Still, the CEO and director took his time in the Inside of You podcast to bad-mouth other superhero entries. He goes as far to say it’s not quite the issue with volume but more with them being “really lazy.”

    People have gotten really lazy with their superhero stories. And they have gotten to the place where, ‘Oh, it’s a superhero, let’s make a movie about it.’ And then, ‘Oh, let’s make a sequel, because the first one did pretty well,’ and they aren’t thinking about, ‘Why is this story special? What makes this story stand apart from other stories? What is the story at the heart of it all? Why is this character important? What makes this story different that it fills a need for people in theaters to go see?’

    James Gunn

    While one can definitely argue that some films hold up better than others, the question remains what he’s talking about exactly. Marvel’s recent releases were still strong box office performers and seemed to have a hold. The only time a superhero movie really fumbled was Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania but this might be more of a comment on the DC Extended Universe. He mentions that “having very different genres” is a way to solve this which is pretty much how Marvel Studios handled the genre for many years.

    The Flash, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and more have been showing a lack of interest in this particular brand. And, Gunn’s job moving forward is to ensure that isn’t the case. In the same interview, he goes on to highlight his approach to ensuring it’ll be “as good as it can possibly be.”

    We’re going to be very careful with the product that we put out and making sure everything is as good as it can possibly be.

    James Gunn

    That is a great statement and pretty much just echoes the overall quantity over a quality issue that people claim, but he also stated that The Flash was among the best films he’s seen in the genre. So, the question remains on why he wouldn’t go by that same rule with the latest release if this is a concern of his or is this a push towards what he’ll over with the DCU to be in contrast to the DCEU? We won’t know until Superman Legacy releases. Still, it seems a bit harsh for someone trying to push the genre forward to badmouth it at the same time.

    Source: Variety

  • DC Studios CEO Confirms Blue Beetle as First Character of the New DCU

    DC Studios CEO Confirms Blue Beetle as First Character of the New DCU

    The DC Cinematic Universe is about to be reborn and it’s going to be quite a messy transition. James Gunn is taking on a rather challenging movie franchise, as he’s set to not only end what Zack Snyder started but also start his own take on the iconic comic universe. The only challenge is that he still carries over some of the old projects.

    So, the question remains what exactly will be the new beginning for this franchise? While taking part in the Inside of You podcast with Michael Rosenbaum, he revealed that while Superman Legacy will be the first true DCU film, Blue Beetle is the first DCU character; hinting at Jamie Reyes’ future in the franchise.

    I mean the first DCU character, for sure, is Blue Beetle, and the first full DCU movie is Superman.

    James Gunn

    It’s definitely interesting and leaves a lot of room for interpretation. As perhaps Reyes ends up being transported into the DCU as part of The Flash’s consequences across the multiverse. Of course, it could also be something we’re not even considering as there’s always something that is adapted shortly before the release.

    You can watch the full interview with James Gunn here:

    Source: The Wrap via YouTube

  • ‘Superman Legacy’ to Introduce DCU’s The Authority

    ‘Superman Legacy’ to Introduce DCU’s The Authority

    It’s Friday and that means we get the traditional Heat Vision newsletter from Hollywood Reporter. This usually comes with a big scoop but sometimes they hide away big reveals in the smallest sections of the text. This time around, it seems THR has gotten its hands on the details that James Gunn’s upcoming film is set to introduce one major addition to the new DC Cinematic Universe.

    Hidden away in a section on the recent casting bits for Superman Legacy, they reveal that The Authority will also be introduced in the upcoming film. While they don’t state which members will appear, it does seem like Gunn is dead set on using the upcoming film as a jumping-off point for his overarching storyline.

    They also mention that they are likely to cast Lex Luthor, which is a tradition at this point given how closely tied the character is with Superman, but it’s curious that they’d not try to build it up over time but instead jump straight in. It does make you wonder how he is setting up this universe and if we’ll see way more crossovers rather than individual projects.

    We knew for some time that The Authority will be introduced and while most might be disappointed we’re not just getting the Justice League, it’s a clever way to give audiences a new group of superheroes that are quite obscure. With Justice League having left a bad taste with audiences some years ago, it’s a way to have a major crossover team without retreading familiar ground.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • James Gunn and DC Studios Closing in On New Superman & Lois

    James Gunn and DC Studios Closing in On New Superman & Lois

    Superman Legacy is James Gunn’s biggest project yet. Not only is it him tackling a new superhero but it’s also his proof of concept that the DC Cinematic Universe with his leadership will prosper in this new era. So, there’s a lot riding on finding the right person to play the iconic superhero that was previously played by Henry Cavill in the Snyderverse. According to Deadline, it seems that the first in-person meetings are set to take place, interestingly enough, on Father’s Day.

    DC Studios’ CEOs Peter Safran and James Gunn are spearheading the auditionings. So far, it seems Nicholas Hoult, Tom Brittney, and David Corenswet are going to audition for the role. They are also testing for Lois Lane; likely to ensure they can test out the tension between the acting duos as well given how integral their relationships are. Currently, Phoebe Dynevor, Emma Mackey, and Rachel Brosnahan are set to test for the role.

    It’ll be interesting to see what they are looking for, as many still wonder what exactly a Superman film will be by Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad director James Gunn. He definitely has proven his love for the comics and understanding of these universes, but there’s always the question of if he’ll use his iconic style of humor or might try to be a bit more subdued to focus on the messaging he has teased.

    Source: Deadline

  • DC Studios co-CEO Weighs in on Competing with Marvel Studios

    DC Studios co-CEO Weighs in on Competing with Marvel Studios

    Marvel vs. DC is seemingly half of what makes the Internet the Internet. There’s always been a competition on who has the coolest hero, the best character developments, the most iconic moments, and whatever a nerdy brain can think up. Yet, it’s a very different picture for those involved in trying to make these companies and their projects a success.

    Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has very openly stated that he hopes to see DC succeed, as he believed it was beneficial to everyone. And now DC Studios co-CEO, James Gunn, has echoed those same words. He believes that “every movie Marvel has is sort of an advertising for comic-book films, and vice versa.”

    I think it’s the opposite. To be frank, I think the better Marvel movies do, it’s better for DC, and the better DC movies do, it’s better for Marvel. When people see bad movies, they don’t want to spend more money on seeing more movies. So you want good movies to happen, especially since we’re making two or three movies a year at DC. So every movie that Marvel has is sort of an advertising for comic-book films, and vice versa. And you don’t want to scare off people from going to the theater. And if we’re both making good movies, that’s the best of all situations, which keeps the ball bouncing back and forth. At that point, we can talk about rivalries, and it’d be fun.

    James Gunn

    It’s also fitting that the director of a Marvel and DC film feels this way, as his belief isn’t far-fetched from reality. We’ve seen all these films at their best when others succeed, as there’s a certain boost from one project going into the next. As such, these projects need each other to offer something unique to make them stand out, while also boosting their success. Here’s hoping whatever dragged the last two films down is about to take a different direction.

    Source: Rolling Stone

  • James Gunn Likely to Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’

    James Gunn Likely to Direct ‘Superman: Legacy’

    After a long wait, the DC Cinematic Universe has finally a structured future with James Gunn and Peter Safran spearheading the newly founded DC Studios. One can definitely tell that Gunn’s love for comics is scattered across the entire line-up. There are definitely also a few projects that are definitely passion projects for the director that showcase the way he wants to build the first chapter titled “Gods & Monsters” for the DCU.

    The first “true” DCU entry will be the revival of Superman with Superman: Legacy that’ll take its inspiration from some of the character’s most uplifting and hopeful storylines. Gunn is already busy writing the adaptation and has been quite vocal about his love for the character and what he stands for. Hidden away in The Hollywood Reporter’s latest Heat Vision newsletter, there’s a detail that reveals that as of now, Gunn is not only writing the project but also very likely set to direct the Superman revival.

    There has been some concern that Gunn would dominate a lot of projects with his position as co-CEO and director. He was responsible for writing the Creature Commando animated series and is likely involved with Waller, which seems to be the sequel to Peacemaker. There definitely is a passion to bring these projects to life and it’ll be interesting to see how many projects he’ll directly have his hands on, as Swamp Thing was hinted to be in James Mangold‘s talented hands.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • James Mangold in Talks to Write and Direct ‘Swamp Thing’ at DC Studios

    James Mangold in Talks to Write and Direct ‘Swamp Thing’ at DC Studios

    Following the official slate announcement of DC Studios’ Chapter One, James Gunn and Peter Safran are continuing their news with a major revelation. Elite filmmaker James Mangold is in early talks to both write and direct the upcoming Swamp Thing film. This would be a return to the world of superheroes for Mangold following his Academy Award-nominated work on 2017’s Logan. The director is also in the process of working on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which is set to release this summer.

    James Mangold provided a brief tease of interest for Swamp Thing via Twitter this morning. James Gunn has retweeted the textless image, which is now followed by the news of this potential partnership.

    When announced yesterday, Swamp Thing was described to be the most tonally different project of DC’s Chapter One. However, Gunn and Safran confirmed that the character would be an integral part of the interconnectedness of the DC Universe. Allusions were made to how a character like Rocket Raccoon successfully fits into Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame for example.

    The notion of James Mangold being hired for Swamp Thing would be a massive coup for the young branch of Warner Bros Discovery. It would go a good way in establishing DC Studios as a true Hollywood player for creatives. And if the film is successful and is allowed to be made in Mangold’s image, it will further the thesis Gunn set for DC having storytelling as its king.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • DC Studios Reboot to Focus Heavily on Younger Actors

    DC Studios Reboot to Focus Heavily on Younger Actors

    With James Gunn in the process of relaunching the DC Universe for the big screen, many have wondered what specific direction the filmmaker will take for this world of superheroes. In an interview with Insider, Dave Bautista confirmed he won’t be playing the role of Batman villain Bane in the new universe because Gunn is looking to start a youth movement. This shouldn’t come as a surprise based on how early Gunn is with developing anything for his cinematic vision. Though the star actor further elaborated on why he won’t be in the role, which establishes a key conceit for Gunn’s master plan.

    I have had conversations with James about that, but I think the direction he’s leaning in, completely rebooting that whole universe, he’s starting from scratch and starting younger and fresher and I think you need to do that. I think for the DC Universe to be revived, you need to start from scratch, and I think you need to start with younger actors. You need to start to plan for the next 15 years, and I just don’t think you can do that with me.

    Dave Bautista

    The notion of using young actors for key roles shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s a logical decision that seemingly guarantees the ability to have a long-term narrative plan for the DC Universe. Gunn would be borrowing from how the Marvel Cinematic Universe developed and still maintains itself as the strongest film franchise currently running. Having a long-term plan will help DC move past the issues that have plagued Warner Bros for the past decade, and will allow for fruitful culminations in the long term.

    Gunn‘s ability to successfully craft a long-term cinematic universe may ultimately make or break DC’s place in the superhero movie industry. If Gunn nails it, the age of superheroes on the big screen will expand even further into the 21st century.

    Source: Insider