Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel Movies

  • Chloé Zhao Reflects on ‘Eternals’ Critical Reception

    Chloé Zhao Reflects on ‘Eternals’ Critical Reception

    Eternals was quite the departure for Marvel Studios, as indie darling Chloé Zhao spearheaded a project that tried to explore a very different part of the MCU. What seemed like a sure hit ended up becoming a surprisingly divisive film among its critical reception as it ended on 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience reception has overall been more positive, but it definitely left its mark on the market as a curious experiment of Marvel Studios trying to break away from its usual fare.

    In an interview with Empire, the indie director looks back at the overall reception and offers her takeaway from what the melding of these two worlds may have ended up leading to its reception. She highlights generally how a general “level of comfort” has set itself within the industry for Marvel films just as well as for indie films.

    When people have that feeling, like they need to put order into things, they need to understand it by putting it into boxes… It is not about us, it is about them. And I say that lovingly, because they have a level of comfort [with] how their entertainment and their world – their beloved Marvel, or their beloved indie filmmaker – functions. That’s the order of the logic of their world that’s being disturbed. So I appreciate their passion, to try to make sense of it.

    Chloé Zhao

    She then goes on to highlight that the melding of these two worlds has just ended up adding different perspectives that may take away something or not. She highlights those that look for that conflict, while also discussing that making people “uncomfortable” pushes their project forward.

    So I completely understand the divisiveness coming from critics and the fans. Because when you take this to extremes that are seen as opposition – the world I come from and the world of Marvel, that has been divided in a way that’s so unfair and unfortunate – and to merge the way we did, I actually see the reaction as a testament to how much we had merged with each other; how uncomfortable that might make people feel.

    Chloé Zhao

    Overall, the viewer reception has been stronger than the critical one, but you can definitely see that some have taken away different things from this film. I’ve personally tended to call it an indie film with a Marvel coating due to the way it focuses more on character moments rather than the usual bombastic fair–the final being the exception to that rule. One could also argue that some actors didn’t fully sell their characters as much as they could’ve due to an enlarged cast on top of a very exposition-heavy film. It’s still interesting to hear the director’s thoughts and we’ll see if the film might get a second life later down the line.

    Source: Empire

  • Kevin Feige Debunks Rumors on Why Scott Derrickson Exited the ‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel

    Kevin Feige Debunks Rumors on Why Scott Derrickson Exited the ‘Doctor Strange’ Sequel

    We’re all excited to see what the future has in store for the ever-expanding Marvel multiverse with Sam Raimi‘s premiere MCU film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverseof Madness. Yet, at one point this project was going to be in the hands of director Scott Derrickson, who introduced the character with the first solo title. Sadly, it seemed that creative differences led to him exiting the project. Naturally, that got the rumor mill going on his take being “too scary” as he wanted to dive into a more horror-themed entry.

    Luckily, in the latest Empire magazine, while promoting the film Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige also takes a look back at what could’ve been. He doesn’t give away any details, but once again highlights that the reason Derrickson left was due to creative differences, but they were all-in for the “creepier side” of the MCU. So, he is debunking any rumors on the horror aspect being the reason they went their separate ways. His full quote is as follows:

    We love Scott and I think Scott feels the same. Nobody believes it, but it was just creative differences. There’s been some thought that that was the creative difference with Scott and Marvel, and it was not. Because we love that idea. The intention was that Strange would guide us into a much creepier side of the world

    Kevin Feige

    The director has opened up on the matter some time ago, where he highlighted that he’d be open to returning to the franchise to direct another entry. He’s also still in a producing role on the project, so he didn’t leave it with ill intent and also shared his love for the horror veteran Raimi taking over the project. Disney+ is adding Halloween specials with the first potentially focusing on Werewolf by Night. So, maybe it’s his gateway to explore more horror-themed projects in the MCU if he ever desired to return.

    Source: Empire via The Direct

  • Latest Empire Issue Confirms the Name Illuminati for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Latest Empire Issue Confirms the Name Illuminati for ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    The latest Empire magazine has finally found its way online and it seemingly includes some curious details about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. What may be the biggest reveal is that the article finally names the mysterious multiversal organization that captures Doctor Strange at some point in the film. While it seemed like it was inspired by the comics organization called Illuminati, it seemed that producer Richie Palmer was hesitant to call them by that name.

    I will say that I love the Illuminati. But if we ever introduce the Illuminati in the future, it might be more MCU-driven and have some more ties to our characters in the MCU, versus just replicating what’s in the comics.

    Richie Palmer

    Yet, the latest Empire issue may have accidentally confirmed that it is, in fact, the Illuminati that we know from the comics with a brief mention in the captions as the organization that Strange is facing for his crimes against the multiverse. It’s the exact same scene that we see in the trailer, where we hear the familiar voice of Patrick Stewart.

    Stewart was shy on confirming that the Super Bowl trailer voice was his, but would eventually confirm it. We still don’t know exactly who the members are of the Illuminati, but it does seem safe to assume that a Variant of Iron Man and Captain Marvel is part of the team. It would be fun to see other familiar faces from older Marvel projects, or even characters you would least expect. It’s curious that Empire would just use the name while producers are shy on using the name, but with reshoots currently ongoing who knows if that name might not even survive the final cut.

    Source: Twitter, Empire

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Concept Art Reveals Alternative Goblin Glider

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Concept Art Reveals Alternative Goblin Glider

    As Spider-Man: No Way Home is about to hit digital and it seems like more and more artwork is finding its way online. We just recently got a first look at an alternative design for the Lizard, and it seems that the Green Goblin also almost featured a very different glider. While Norman Osborne ditches his mask in the film, it seems that one version of the script may have seen him stitch it back together and plant it firmly on the glider, as revealed in some artwork by Josh Nizzi.

    What makes this version of the Glider stand out is that it’s actually put together by different elements from past Spidey films. It would not only include Stark tech but even be built based on some of Mysterio’s drones. The mask was an addition to pay tribute to the original design, but sadly it seems that Willem Dafoe didn’t get a chance to ride this great variation of the glider in the final film.

    Sadly, we don’t know what lead to them scrapping this idea, but it seems likely that having to explain how he got his hands on this tech might’ve just complicated an already stuffed-to-the-brim film. It would’ve brought the Damage Control unit back who vanish after their introduction earlier in the film, but it would only detract from the emotional build-up between the three Spider-Men in the film. So, sometimes cuts have to be made to ensure the flow of the film remains.

    Source: Instagram

  • Benedict Cumberbatch Improvised a Major Moment in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

    Benedict Cumberbatch Improvised a Major Moment in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

    Spider-Man: No Way Home is no longer a secret. All of the surprises, cameos, details, and moments from the massively succesful film came to light when it was released in December. Three months later, the cast and crew are talking more about the making of the movie ahead of its digital release on March 15. While a lot of attention is still on Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield’s appearances as their respective Spider-Men, Benedict Cumberbatch has has plenty to say with respect to his experience on set and Doctor Strange’s role in the film.

    In an interview with Collider, Cumberbatch revealed that he improvised one of Doctor Strange’s most memorable moments and one of the film’s most emotional. While praising director Jon Watts’ ability to adapt, the actor described how he decided to alter the scene where Peter Parker chooses to have the world forget him:

    There was this one moment near the end of the film, where we were really trying to make that moment work, at the top of the Statue of Liberty. Tom [Holland] was having a tough time with the script, as it was before the reshoots. And then, we did the reshoots and I came up with this idea of, to show that I love him, I didn’t want him to make the sacrifice of being forgotten. He was like, ‘That’s gonna be in the film.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, cool. That’s great.’

    Benedict Cumberbatch

    The moment in No Way Home that Cumberbatch describes is a memorable one. While Doctor Strange spent much of the film as a somewhat stoic mentor or helping hand, the moment where he shows a sense of loss at the thought of forgetting Peter highlights the emotional tone of the ambitious movie and makes Peter’s decision all that more impactful. Cumberbatch also revealed that his interest in improvising was influenced by his time on the set of Avengers: Infinity War:

    You throw yourself out there in those huge sand pits. The remarkable thing I learned from Tom Holland and RDJ on Infinity War was seeing how at ease he was, just in improvising about Aunt May with Robert Downey Jr. He did this thing which wasn’t scripted at all. I’m quite a canon guy. It’s about the text for me. To be free with that and to have some maneuverability in it and to be able to improvise, and on such a large canvas, was a real eye-opener.

    Benedict Cumberbatch

    Fans can refresh their own memories of No Way Home when it makes its digital release on March 15. Audiences can also look forward to seeing more of Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness hits theaters May 6, 2022.

    Source: Collider via The Direct

  • The Scarlet Witch’s Powers Will Be on Full Display in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    The Scarlet Witch’s Powers Will Be on Full Display in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Over the course of the 9-episode streaming series WandaVision, fans saw Wanda Maximoff go on a powerful and emotional journey of self-discovery and unlock an enormous amount of abilities that she was previously unaware she could wield. When the series concluded, Wanda had become the Scarlet Witch and was studying the Darkhold in search for the power to bring back her children. As incredibly powerful as she was in Avengers: Endgame, there’s no doubt she’s powered up since.

    The newly dubbed Scarlet Witch is set to play a major role in Marvel Studios next theatrical release, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and, as the trailers have shown, she looks to be even more powerful yet. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Marvel Studios producer Richie Palmer teased that Lizzy Olsen’s Wanda may prove to be a more powerful sorceress than Stephen Strange.

    I don’t know who’s more powerful than Wanda. Meeting the Wanda Maximoff at the end of Endgame would have been a lot for Strange. Who comes out on top as the most powerful being in the universe? Maybe we find out at the end of the movie.

    Richie Palmer

    It’s an interesting juxtaposition set by Palmer and one that seems to place the two characters, who as Palmer points out, have not really spent much time together, on opposite sides of things despite Strange seeking out Wanda’s help. Of course, the trailer has hinted at Strange and Wanda not seeing things from the same perspective and with Wanda continuing to study the Darkhold, it’s increasingly likely that she’ll be changed by its dark powers. And so while Palmer promises that we’ll get to see Wanda unleash her powers in the upcoming film, fans are left wondering what her own personal endgame is and if she and Strange might not find out who is more powerful through a good, old-fashioned duel.

    So who is more powerful? Fans don’t have long to wait now as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is set to debut on May 6, just less than 2 months away!

  • Benedict Cumberbatch Still Working on ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’s Reshoots

    Benedict Cumberbatch Still Working on ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’s Reshoots

    Now, this is a rather surprising reveal. It seems that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may still be busy doing reshoots ahead of its May release. It’s not too long until the film hits theaters, but its main star, Benedict Cumberbatch, revealed in an interview on the red carpet for the BAFTA Awards. When talking about his current stay in Los Angeles, it seems that the topic came up on him still staying there due to the busy shoot.

    I’m having a really nice time doing reshoots for Doctor Strange.

    Benedict Cumberbatch

    What stands out is that America Chavez actress Xochitl Gomez has also shared a TikTok with her stunt double on what seems like the set of the Doctor Strange sequel. As such, it seems they are still busy doing reshoots, which has been quite extensive given how far back we first heard of them conducting them. There’s a chance that they are working on some post-credit elements that are filmed in secrecy or later on in the production to keep them from prying eyes. Yet, it’s crazy to think they’re still busy working on the film.

    The strange thing is, we heard they wrapped work on the film back in January. So, this is either another set of reshoots or they had to pause production at some point. We’re only more than a month away from the film’s release, and they tend to work on the effects simultaneously, but it is still surprised he is still busy working on the film. For now, we’ll see if more details are revealed but we likely won’t know anything until the behind-the-scenes footage drops.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter

  • Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez Will Teach Doctor Strange about the Multiverse

    Xochitl Gomez’s America Chavez Will Teach Doctor Strange about the Multiverse

    We’ve all wondered just what may unleash Doctor Strange into the multiverse. The end of Spider-Man: No Way Home seemingly hinted that his own actions might be the trigger that opens up the world to a threat far beyond its comprehension. Yet, Strange did mention that very little is known about the multiverse. Which would mean he’d require a guide in his time throughout it. As it turns out, Xochitl Gomez‘s America Chavez will take on exactly that role for the character, as revealed by its director Sam Raimi in an interview with Empire.

    Strange is still learning about the Multiverse. And here’s a character that can actually travel through it. He’s such a know-it-all all the time, and to have to learn from a kid probably smarts.

    Sam Raimi
    Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness – exclusive

    It’ll be interesting to see how this affects the character’s ego and what it might mean for his development throughout the story. The latest trailer hinted at him being accused for something, which may also be the act of one of his Variants but the almost Sorcerer Supreme might get humbled throughout the story. Benedict Cumberbatch does highlight that this story is “a lot of self-discovery” for the character.

    There’s a lot of reckoning. And a lot of self-discovery. Strange is almost a stranger to himself before this film unfolds and reveals what, essentially, is in his nature, that he then has to either confront or resist or fall into or become

    Benedict Cumberbatch

    It’s a fitting direction for the character, who has mostly been a side character up to this point. Taking him out of an environment he is familiar with and adding a new character with more experience would definitely push him to let go. We saw a compassionate Strange when he helped Peter make the hardest decision in his life, but who knows how forgetting him may have affected him as well. Perhaps he no longer wants to let anyone near him out of fear of losing again, even if subconsciously. Whatever it may be, we’ll find out in May and cannot wait to see how they explore the multiverse.

    Source: Empire

  • Benedict Cumberbatch Promises ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ is “On the Level of” ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

    Benedict Cumberbatch Promises ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ is “On the Level of” ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

    We’re already in March and while Moon Knight is just around the corner, all eyes are still on the next multiversal chapter with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Quite a few MCU projects have been teasing the storyline, but Benedict Cumberbatch will finally take a step into the multiverse after keeping it from collapsing after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. While there are quite a few rumors making the rounds, we know very little about the film’s story and Cumberbatch promises that “it’s a big, big movie.” He even goes on to compare it to No Way Home.

    It’s going to be an absolute riot. And if it brings off the level of ambition it’s got, we’re going to have a success on the level of Spidey. There you go, I’ll put my flag in the sand

    Benedict Cumberbacht
    Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness – exclusive

    After the first trailer gave us a glimpse of a popular character from the 20th Century Fox franchise making a return, the comparison is well-deserved. Most of the latest Spidey film’s marketing was focused on the returning faces while keeping quite a few elements hidden. Marvel Studios took that to a new level with the hint at Ultron bots, which would imply the return of a Variant of Tony Stark, someone fighting Wanda with Captain Marvel-like abilities, and a very familiar voice.

    There’s a lot riding on the project, and who knows how it may further expand the multiverse afterward, especially with hints that the events of Loki were building up to an adaptation of Secret Wars. Strange might be at the center of everything moving forward, and this journey into the insanity that is the multiverse might be the only thing that’ll ensure that it doesn’t fully break down and unleash even worse nightmares.

    Source: Empire

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ to Release Digitally a Week Early

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ to Release Digitally a Week Early

    Here’s a nice surprise, but it looks like Spider-Man: No Way Home is getting released digitally a week early. So, the wait won’t be as long with the film now releasing on March 15th. The news was just shared by Fandango’s Erik Davis and comes hot off the heels of a digital HD version of the film leaking online. It seems that the early release was also accidentally leaked earlier by the Apple store as noticed by The Direct.

    Of course, one can’t complain that we’re getting access to one of the biggest films since the pandemic started from the comfort of our home. It’ll be interesting to see how well it sells, as the nostalgia-filled romp through Spidey’s cinematic history will definitely be on everyone’s must-have list. The physical release sadly didn’t get an earlier release, but that could change as time goes on.

    No Way Home somehow managed to balance a heartfelt and empowering story with many moments of nostalgic bliss. The return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield probably managed to push the film even more, as many wanted to confirm if the countless leaks were true or not. We’ll see what the special features may reveal that almost made its way into the film.

    Source: Twitter