Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Legends of Tomorrow

  • James Gunn Reacts to Ayer Cut Trending, Teases DC Studios’ Future Approach

    James Gunn Reacts to Ayer Cut Trending, Teases DC Studios’ Future Approach

    If there ever is one thing that stands out on Twitter (ignoring current events), it was the fact that the director and now co-CEO of the newly formed DC Studios, James Gunn, has always been quite vocal about stories that would end up trending online. He’d often shoot down rumors before they would start getting too much traction.

    In his new position, he can no longer be as vocal as possible with every little project he’s involved with, but with a sudden influx of #SaveLegendsofTomorrow and #ReleaseTheAyerCut hashtags on Twitter, he took to his personal account to share some insights into what fans may expect from the franchise.

    He goes on to highlight that their core focus remains on exploring the future storylines for the franchise and not just retelling stories that already existed. He highlights “telling the biggest story ever told across multiple films, television shows & animated projects,” which hints at the new DC Universe won’t just rely on live-action adaptations, as even Marvel moved away a bit from having direct influences from their new animated series.

    It’s definitely great to see James Gunn react to what is being discussed online, especially with the way the Ayer Cut discussions have spun out of the long-battled Snyder Cut. We likely will have to wait at least until next year or even 2024 to get a clear vision of what the future looks like for DC Studios’ line-up, especially with Gunn‘s work on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 going on until the films May release. So, we’ll have to be patient.

    Source: Twitter

  • The Reasoning Behind ‘Batwoman’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Getting Canceled

    The Reasoning Behind ‘Batwoman’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Getting Canceled

    In recent years, it has been normal for the CW to renew nearly all of its titles despite their often-low ratings. This year, however, following the successful merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery, the network is being forced to reevaluate all ofits titles.

    The Hollywood Reporter did a deep dive into what is being called “the Red Wedding at WBTC/CW.” After canceling ten shows – so far – the network’s volume of original titles has dipped to what is considered its lowest level since 2012. While the CW has never been profitable, the network was ultimately launched as a means to supply low-scripted shows from both Warner Bros. and CBS Studios to cash in from “lucrative international rights.” The network would then strike a huge deal in 2011 that saw Warner Bros and CBS Studios add revenue from a $1 billion deal with Netflix to stream its titles.

    So, how did all of this factor into the cancellation of Batwoman and The Legends of Tomorrow? Well, after the Netflix deal was not renewed, the plan was to switch to streaming CW titles on HBO Max and Paramount+. This impacted foreign rights deals, making it so the lower-rated shows were no longer “profitable” enough to keep on the air. While Mark Pedowitz, the CEO of the CW, wanted to renew both Batwoman and The Legends of Tomorrow, Warners was unwilling to pay the leases on the studio space for these shows, resulting in them expiring on May 1st.

    Both shows struggled in their final seasons, pulling in under 600,000 same-day views and only nabbing a 0.1 in the all-important 18-49 demographic. While both were loved by fans around the world, it ultimately came down to money. Neither title was pulling enough in regarding profits to keep them alive for the network.

    With the network expected to go up for sale, the CW will look drastically different in the next year or two. For now, fans at least have the DC shows on HBO Max that they can enjoy.

    Source: THR.

  • How DC’s TV Series May Change With the Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

    How DC’s TV Series May Change With the Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

    When it comes to the DC Extended Universe, it would be fair to say it is in a bit of a predicament. Since the merger, Discovery is looking to revisit the DC slate in hopes of crafting a unified DCEU within one universe, akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While most of DC’s previously announced films look to be relatively safe, with the exception of Wonder Twins, the same can’t be said for DC’s television shows. With that in mind, we look at the current state of DC TV and try to guess how the merger will impact the remaining series.

    The Arrowverse

    When it comes to the Arrowverse, what shows remain are far from safe, especially as the CW was recently revealed to never have been profitable. The chances of many of the beloved superhero shows surviving are even more limited if the CW does go up for sale.

    The CW has already said goodbye to series like Arrow, Supergirl, Black Lightning and will now say farewell to Legends of Tomorrow and Batwoman. This leaves only Superman and Lois, Stargirl, Naomi and The Flash, which already looks to be reaching the finish line with its upcoming ninth season.

    Superman and Lois, Stargirl, and Naomi are series that do not find themselves very involved with the overall universe unlike the rest of the Arrowverse. While Stargirl has yet to be renewed for a fourth season ahead of Season 3’s debut, Superman and Lois is already set to return for a third season. This, of course, could result in the series potentially ending after Season 3, or it could meet a similar fate to Wonder Twins and be axed before things get moving on production. The upcoming debut of the Justice Society in the DCEU could also spell bad news for Stargirl, whose whole thing is the JSA, and with the strange rules surrounding the use of certain characters in other mediums, the series could meet its end. Naomi is another detached series that could continue onward, but is currently airing its first season and has yet to score a renewal for season 2.

    Many will notice that over the past few years, the CW has attempted to get multiple new Arrowverse series like Green Arrow and The Canaries, Painkiller, and Wonder Girl off the ground but to no avail. Gotham Knights is the only one that’s actually been able to film a pilot that was not a spinoff from another pre-existing show, but even that has yet to even secure a series order. Justice U, the David Ramsey-led series that would see him reprise the role of Jon Diggle and train new superheroes has also yet to film a pilot, which means it could also see the chopping block.

    HBO Max

    HBO Max has become the adoptive home of multiple DCTV series like Doom Patrol, Titans, and Harley Quinn. While a show like Green Lantern could very much still happen, especially as casting has been announced, shows like Strange Adventures and Superhero High appear to be dead in the water. We’ve heard nothing on either of them since they were announced, which seems to suggest they’ll be meeting the chopping block.

    The harder question here is the fate of Doom Patrol and Titans. Both series have been running for multiple seasons now and feel like they could come to an end very soon. With Warner Brothers Discovery looking to consolidate and unify its DC Universe, these shows definitely feel like they could indeed be canceled as casualties of war.

    Projects that will most likely be safe are those pertaining to Justice League Dark and what Matt Reeves has in the works like The Penguin. Shows like Constantine and Madame X are products of a deal between J.J. Abrams production company and Warner Bros Discovery, they feel like safe bets due to the fact they could contribute to the unified DC the new leadership wants and that they all lead into a big Defenders-like crossover event.

    Peacemaker will most likely be fine, as it seems highly unlikely that the series will be canceled following its success and how great James Gunn has been for the DC brand since releasing The Suicide Squad. While a series like Michael B. Jordans‘ Val-Zod series seems likely to be canned as it would take place in another universe and just does not seem like it would be a priority for the new leadership moving forward. And animated series like Young Justice and Harley Quinn will most likely remain unaffected due to these series being a completely separate entity from the other live-action series. 

    The TV side of things feels like it is going to see much more of a shakeup as the overhaul moves forward at DC Entertainment and Warner Bros Discovery. The new leadership would be smart to evaluate each project and look for the aspects that work and see if they can’t integrate some of these characters into their prime universe.

  • ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Canceled After 7 Seasons by The CW

    ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Canceled After 7 Seasons by The CW

    Hot off the heels of Batwoman‘s cancelation, it seems that the CW is busy cleaning up as Legends of Tomorrow is now also facing a similar fate. The series ran for seven seasons on the network and many feared the cancelation due to it still being on the fence even after The Flash got its early renewal. Yet, there are expectations that the last of the original CW series potentially also come to an end with the upcoming ninth season, it seems they are entering a new era for their DC projects.

    It doesn’t mean they aren’t going to further explore DC projects, as they are currently working on the Gotham Knights series, which isn’t a Batwoman spinoff even if it has a similar setup. The only other series still waiting for a renewal is the latest addition to CW’s schedule, Naomi. As there are rumors of Warner Bros. potentially interested in selling the entire network to focus more on HBO Max, it’s unclear just how long these series might stick around with the current trends moving forward.

    For now, it’s unclear what the future of the Arrowverse looks like, but it’s still impressive it ran for as long as it did. They included various crossover events that adapted some iconic comic storylines. While it confused those that we’re only watching a select few episodes, it definitely was something special for many and perhaps we’ll get one big final moment with a farewell if the franchise is coming to an end while the rest of the multiverse explores new stories independent fro the original.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • 7 Familiar Faces to Return for ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s 100th Episode

    7 Familiar Faces to Return for ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s 100th Episode

    Earlier this month, we learned that Wentworth Miller will make his return to Legends of Tomorrow‘s 100th episode. Of course, we expected a few more familiar faces to make a return and it seems Entertainment Weekly finally got the full list. Seven actors are returning for the special, which includes Arthur Darvill‘s Rip Hunter, Victor Garber‘s Martin Stein, Franz Drameh‘s Jax, Falk Hentschel‘s Hawkman, Courtney Ford‘s Nora Darhk, and last but not least, Brandon Routh‘s Ray Palmer. They also shared the reunited cast in a few new photos from the set. Sadly, it seems that Mick Rory isn’t returning as Heat Wave.

    DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
    DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

    The finale will focus on Gideon, the artificial intelligence within the Waverider. Amy Pemberton will play the physical version of the character after voicing the AI since the show’s pilot. After she gets overwhelmed, the team needs to reboot her. So, the only way they can achieve this is by diving into her mind and revisit her long history with the group of unlikely time travelers. It’s a simple but great way to bring these characters back after some of them met untimely ends to save the team. Just reviving them could’ve undermined their sacrifices. As such, it’s a great way to circumvent that issue and still bring in some familiar faces.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • Wentworth Miller to Return in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s 100th Episode

    Wentworth Miller to Return in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’s 100th Episode

    Looks like DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has found a special guest to celebrate its 100th episode. Wentworth Miller will reprise his role as Leonard Snart, or better known as the Flash villain Captain Cold. It’s set to air on October 27th as Caity Lotz revisits the past seasons through the eyes of the A.I. Gideon. Executive producer Phil Klemmer talked to TVLine and confirmed his appearance.

    Not just that, he also hinted that he’ll get joined by some other familiar faces on the way. While they prepare for a new generation of unlikely heroes, Klemmer teased that we’ll get one last hurrah with some familiar faces in the 100th episode.

    We also wanted to give a chance for the newest generation of Legends, the Astras and Spooners of the team, to meet up with some of the original gang.

    Phil Klemmer

    Of course, Klemmer didn’t go into detail or tease further additions. We still have some time until it airs, which could give them more time to tease returning actors. Brandon Routh will have a role in the upcoming The Flash crossover event. So, he may have filmed a few scenes for this series as well. Perhaps we also get one last moment with Martin Stein or Rip Hunter, who both heroically sacrificed their lives at one point in the series.

    Source: TV Line

  • UPDATE: Dominic Purcell Exits ‘LEGENDS OF TOMORROW’

    UPDATE: Dominic Purcell Exits ‘LEGENDS OF TOMORROW’

    UPDATE: Purcell has now deleted the initial posting and seemingly has backpedaled on there being any problem with the studio. He did confirm he will be leaving full-time, but we may expect him to make an appearance throughout the series’ future seasons. It is unsure if this may have been planned in advance, but his character isn’t leaving the Arrowverse for good.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CNyF5DuhAp_/

    Source: Instagram

     

    The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow adds another name to the series’ long history of cast shake-ups. Dominic Purcell has announced via his Instagram account that he will be leaving the long-running DC show after an apparent fallout with the studio. The British-Australian actor was one of the few remaining original cast members on the show after previous storylines and personal decisions led to the departures of names like Brandon Routh, Victor Garber, and Wentworth Miller.

    He made his debut in 2014 as a recurring villain on The Flash. Purcell was promoted to leading status for Legends of Tomorrow and went on to portray Mick Rory (a.k.a. Heat Wave) as an anti-hero for five seasons. There had not previously been any indication of his impending exit from CW’s Arrowverse, but an expletive-laden social media post from the actor revealed he had been having issues with higher-ups behind the scenes.

    Aside from his work with DC television, Purcell is known for playing the “tough guy” in a variety of projects. He famously worked with his former Legends of Tomorrow partner, Wentworth Miller, as one of the leads on Fox’s cult hit Prison Break. He also once dipped his toes into the Marvel side of things, bringing Dracula to life for the infamous Blade: Trinity. It’s sad to see him exit the show and, hopefully, there is another project out there that will allow the actor to let loose.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘Batwoman’, ‘The Flash’, and Many Other CW Shows Get Early Renewal

    ‘Batwoman’, ‘The Flash’, and Many Other CW Shows Get Early Renewal

    The pandemic has changed up the TV landscape with many shows seeing a postponed release. We are a far cry away from the original September release date. Still, some broadcasters put a lot of trust in their shows even before they even officially aired. Among them, The CW is quite famous for its trend of early renewals. Well, it looks like they have started 2021 with a bang by doing exactly that. Their renewal includes various veteran shows, such as The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and Riverdale. Jared Padalecki‘s Walker was picked up for an early second season before it officially aired. Various shows were also renewed for their third or fourth season, such as Batwoman, In the Dark, Legacies, Nancy Drew, and Roswell, New Mexico. Superman & Lois is also getting an additional two episodes for its upcoming season.

    CW’s CEO Mark Pedowitz gave the following statement on this early renewal strategy:

    Though we’re just a few weeks into the new season, we wanted to get a strategic head start on next season with these early renewals, which allows our production teams to start laying out story arcs and hiring staff, and at the same time, continues to provide us with a strong, stable schedule to build on for next season.

    It is hard to deny that the ongoing pandemic might still have a strong influence on this decision. Cinemas are still closed, so TV is the dominant offering for those seeking some escapism. It was the perfect season for streaming services to grow, but it also was an opportunity for channels to gain a wider audience. CW is aiming to expand with some spin-offs, such as one focused on Painkiller from the recently canceled Black Lightning show. There was still the surprising cancelation of Green Arrow and the Canaries, which was going to continue on the show that put the channel’s DC shows on the map. We’ll see what direction the CW heads with its 2021 series and what the future has in store for its DC line-up.

    Source: Variety