Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel Movies

  • Dan Stevens Seemingly Playing Kro in ‘ETERNALS’

    Dan Stevens Seemingly Playing Kro in ‘ETERNALS’

    Eternals features a lot of borderline obscure characters but easily the most obscure of the entire ensemble is the Deviant big bad Kro. So to hear Legion star Dan Stevens casually namedrop the character in an interview seems oddly peculiar. Stevens was spotted two years ago hanging out with the Eternals cast in London, prompting fan speculation then. In an interview with Collider, Stevens had this to say about the speculation.

    Kro comment [laughs]. Even if I could say anything, I wouldn’t be able to and would have to kill you on Zoom. Is that cryptic enough?

    So unless Stevens just happens to be a real diehard comic book reader that knows the deep cuts, this is a solid indication that he’s playing Kro. The performer playing the CGI character has been noticeably omitted from any of the marketing materials. Having an actor as amazing as Stevens behind the character is assuring, to say the least. It’ll be interesting to find out if he did the motion capture in addition to the voice.

    Source: Collider via Twitter

  • Joshua Collins Cast in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

    Joshua Collins Cast in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

    Details about Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania are still scarce ahead of its February 17, 2023 release date. Filming began in early 2021 and is expected to continue into 2022, but we may have learned another kernel of information about the cast.

    According to his Spotlight profile, actor Joshua Collins is set to play a character named “Derrick” in the film. Collins is a British-American actor known for roles in movies What’s Love Got To Do With It (2021) and Against the Law (2016) among others.

    Collins’ role as Derrick is presumably small, but time with tell how he will stack up next to Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Johnathon Majors whose Kang the Conquerer is set to make his film debut in Quantumania.

    Source: Spotlight

  • R-Rated ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Was Considered At One Point

    R-Rated ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Was Considered At One Point

    There has been much debate on the Venom franchise’s choice on a PG-13 rating. In the first film, the character chews off someone’s head and is no stranger to darker stories. Yet, they still went with the audience rating that draws in the most viewers. It wasn’t a surprise that the sequel would share the same rating, but it looks like it was on the table at some point in development for Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

    Mit Carnage, aber ohne Gemetzel: "Venom 2" wird wirklich kein Superhelden-Blutbad - Kino News - FILMSTARTS.de

    In an interview with ComicBook.com, Tom Hardy does confirm they’ve explored the potential of an R-rating. Yet, it seems they wanted to not limit their choices based on the comics, but rather focus strongly on what was right for the film’s overall tone.

    100% we considered it. With all of these symbiotes, you know, you consider it. You read the comic books and it is extreme, but that’s not what we’re here to do. We came here to make a movie which, and correct me if I’m wrong, I mean, there’s a law and a rule into creating a movie that’s accessible to a lot of people, as well as that caters for everybody, including the hardcore fans.

    Tom Hardy

    He does go on to say that they wanted to stay true to Carnage as much as possible, highlighting the scene where he stuffs his tongue down one person’s throat.

    So I hope the hardcore fans at least take home that they look at Carnage and go, ‘Yeah, I recognize Carnage from the comic books. I’m happy with that.’ And yeah, no, we didn’t bite everybody’s head off, but we did stick a tongue down someone’s throat pretty… and managed to come in at a level of rating which is reputable so that grandma can come but also I’ll come watch it too.

    Tom Hardy

    The comment of wanting to watch a film titled Venom with grandma is quite a funny idea. Mine would already hit her limit with the whole gooey alien monster that takes over human bodies to kill strangers. Still, it’s great they are putting the film’s overall theme first instead of forcing a rating in. Director Andy Serkis does tease they also want to leave some moments to the viewer’s imagination. Logan and Deadpool proved the potential of an r-rated project, but not every director will feel comfortable with it. So, here’s hoping that Carnage remains true to his name throughout the film.

    Source: ComicBook

  • REPORT: ‘Assembled’ Episode of ‘Black Widow’ Eyeing an October Release

    REPORT: ‘Assembled’ Episode of ‘Black Widow’ Eyeing an October Release

    Marvel Studios Assemble has become a new format for the company to showcase behind the scenes of their new Disney+ series. Yet, it seemed like they might avoid releasing episodes focused on their various film releases, as they are normally included with the physical release. Yet, it seems that they might get a focus after all, as a special look behind-the-scenes episode might release on October 20th for Black Widow.

    The release makes sense if you consider that Black Widow will be available to all subscribers as of October 6th. So, they’ll take a similar approach with their shows releasing the Assembled episode sometime after its Disney+ release. We just got the announcement that Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings will release on Disney+ as of November 12th. So, we could expect an episode on it around two weeks later as well. Unlike the series, they are a one-time release and there’s no real build-up from one episode to the next, which might be the reason there’s a long wait between releases. It gives the film some additional life as people might want to check it out alongside the Assembled episode.

    It’ll be interesting if the Disney+ episodes offer some additional footage that isn’t available on the physical releases to make it stand out. Disney’s main goal is always to draw in new subscribers. As such, it might be an initiative to get some eyes to check out footage that is only available on the streaming service. We don’t have an official announcement on the release, but we’ll likely get a poster in the coming weeks to confirm this release.

    Source: What’s on DisneyPlus

  • Disney+’s MCU Library Deserves a Commentary Track by ‘What If…?’s Jeffrey Wright as the Watcher

    Disney+’s MCU Library Deserves a Commentary Track by ‘What If…?’s Jeffrey Wright as the Watcher

    What If..? is a curious experiment into the multiverse. We get brief narrations by Jeffrey Wright as the Watcher throughout each episode. He never truly takes centerstage but rather is just a guiding voice. The first breaking of that rule is his brief interaction with Doctor Strange. Plus, he’ll likely return for future seasons, especially as a second one is already in development for next year. Still, he never takes away from the episode is only in the background, especially visually. Yet, Wright‘s narration is a highlight of the series and there sometimes’s a lack of it. There’s a way Disney+ and Marvel could offer more of his narration to promote the rewatch value of older MCU entries, such as adding a special commentary.

    Marvel Studios' 'What If…?': Jeffrey Wright Talks Voicing Marvel's Most 'Passionate Fan' with The Watcher | Marvel

    Considering he watches every part of the multiverse, he must’ve witnessed the Sacred Timeline at some point. In a way, Marvel Studios and Disney+ could bank on the Watcher’s role to offer some very creative new bonus material. Just imagine having a new Watcher narration added to each of the previously released Marvel Studios films. Not only do we get more of Jeffrey Wright, but also some fun jabs at past franchise changes. Why not have him mention that it’s odd that Don Cheadle‘s Rhodey looks different than before or reference that he preferred his multiversal counterpart.

    There’s a lot of potential just to have fun with it. Why not have him joined by another Watcher played by Kevin Feige? They may have discussions over story elements and how they connected back in later entries of the franchise. Offer some meta-commentary that plays with the conventions within the MCU. He’s seen the multiverse. So, why not let the narrator comment on how scenarios would’ve been different if this was in another universe. Teasing the endless possibilities of an ever-expanding franchise. Marvel Studios can have fun with it and it would be an amazing way to add something special to Disney+.

  • ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ to Focus on Gamora and Nebula

    ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ to Focus on Gamora and Nebula

    Even after countless delays, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is still quite a mystery. Director James Gunn has hinted that the story will take a stronger look at Rocket’s secret past that was only briefly given a focus in the first film. Now, it seems there might be a bit more to it as Seth Green, who voices Howard the Duck in the franchise and currently running the What If…? series, revealed that the series will offer a stronger focus on Gamora and Nebula’s story. In the interview with ComicBook.com he shared the following:

    I don’t know if Howard’s a part of it, I haven’t heard anything about that. The only thing I know is that it’s the girls’ story, it’s the sisters’ story, that it’s Gamora and Nebula’s story. So I don’t know if it’s a prequel, or if it comes off in the new timeline that’s splintered post-the Time Heist. Honestly, I don’t know anything about it.

    Seth Green

    It’s a curious statement as it contradicts the focus on Rocket that was teased by the director. Of course, it’s ending a trilogy and might focus on all members. Guardians Vol. 2 was about Peter Quill meeting his father just as much as it was Gamora and Nebula confronting each other. There’s simply a chance that the core of the story, especially considering it’s not the same Gamora from the MCU’s main timeline, is about finding her for Quill and Nebula.

    She now has the chance to take the role her sister did for her when she was lost in the darker side of what their father taught them. In their travels, they may end up getting wrapped up in whatever Rocket’s secret past is. Gunn has always been talented in interweaving multiple storylines that share common themes. We can’t wait to see how this story comes together in 2023.

    Source: ComicBook

  • ‘Shang-Chi’ to Release on Disney+ in November to Celebrate Disney+ Day

    ‘Shang-Chi’ to Release on Disney+ in November to Celebrate Disney+ Day

    Shang-Chi has been making headlines as it dominates the box office throughout the last three weeks. Naturally, some have been wondering when we can expect the series to finally premiere on Disney+, as it’s one of the first pandemic films from Disney not to get a simultaneous release. Luckily, it seems the wait isn’t as long as one feared. Disney has unveiled its plans for Novembers’ grand Disney+ Day. The day will feature specials on Star Wars‘ popular bounty hunter and even a glimpse into the MCU’s future. Disney took the opportunity and will also release Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings alongside this special occasion. As such, the film will be available on November 12th for subscribers of the streaming service.

    It’s not the only thing to release on that day, as Jungle Cruise will also be available to all subscribers. It was the last film to release under the Premier Access banner, which is uncertain to return in the future. The box office has been doing better as of late, but Disney might keep it in their back pocket in case the pandemic acts up again. It’s curious they wouldn’t try to also get Free Guy on the service, as it’s also PG-13 and a major theatre-only release this year. Of course, it’s not part of the new 45-release window deal that was made with Shang-Chi, but it’s curious they didn’t try to re-negotiate after its success at the box office. Either way, it’s great that more people get to see one of Marvel Studios’ best origin film.

    Source: Walt Disney, Twitter

  • New Look at Spider-Man Hot Toy Offers Updated Magical Black-Gold Suit

    New Look at Spider-Man Hot Toy Offers Updated Magical Black-Gold Suit

    Long before the first trailer found its way online, we’ve seen quite a few of the new costumes for Spider-Man through the toy releases. No Way Home will continue the tradition of Peter gaining a variety of suits as he progresses through the story. The first trailer dropped and gave us our first glimpse at the upcoming film. Curious though, the new gold and black suit were only featured briefly as Spidey seems to be running through a F.E.A.S.T. center.

    Luckily, Hot Toys has offered an update on their 1:6 figure of the new suit that showcases some of the accessories. It once again confirms that he’ll make use of some magical webbing. The big question was if this costume was just his regular costume inverted, as it seemed to resemble the costume when he inverted it during Spider-Man: Homecoming. The closer look does highlight that design but there’s a curious new detail. Peter’s new suit has a magical gauntlet attached to the arms and is now more connected to the fingers.

    There’s also the fact that he doesn’t have the red fingers that were included in other designs of this suit. We even saw this model with it earlier on, which implies that they dropped it at some point in development. It’s not even included with the hand variants anymore that let you customize the design. There’s a good chance the suit is created from those gauntlets that may act as the source for his webbing. We still don’t know when this costume might come into play, as he faces off against some familiar faces from cinematic past. Here’s hoping that the next trailer offers an even better look at the design in action.

    Source: Twitter, TNS Figures

  • Victoria Alonso Promoted to President Role at Marvel Studios

    Victoria Alonso Promoted to President Role at Marvel Studios

    Marvel Studios has become the cornerstone of modern cinema. Its CEO and president, Kevin Feige, has pushed the franchise forward as it continues to interconnect across media. Of course, he wasn’t alone and built up the franchise ever since Iron Man premiered back in 2008. One of them was Victoria Alonso, who has been officially promoted to President of Physical and Post Production, Visual Effects, and Animation Production. She reports to co-president Louis D’Esposito and moved on from her previous position as Vice-President of Physical Production. Esposito had the following to say on her promotion:

    She is one of the most dynamic, candid and accessible executives in the industry and we’re thrilled that she’ll continue to be by our side in this elevated role as we lead Marvel Studios into the future.

    Louis D’Esposito

    Her first role at the company as Chief of Visual Effects and Post Production when she joined back in 2006. She went on to co-produce Iron Man and became an executive producer once Avengers premiered in 2012. Alonso still is an executive producer on the Phase 4 releases. She had the following to share on the promotion:

    When Louis first suggested I come to work with the team on Iron Man, I never could have imagined the adventure ahead, and as far as I’m concerned, it has only just begun! We have an absolutely incredible group of people who are bringing their many talents to the exciting slate of films and series we have on the horizon, and I’m especially thrilled about ramping up our studio’s animation efforts, which is a personal passion of mine. Look forward to more singing!

    Victoria Alonso

    She’s been very open on her views for the future of the company and its films. The Disney+ expansion has also become a landmark as they fused with the former Marvel TV department. It’s been a long journey for the company, but it’s a well-deserved promotion. We’ve seen a lot of movement with the company, especially since they started to expand their ambitions into animation. The future looks bright for the company and we’re lucky to join them on this journey.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’s Success Could Determine an Eventual Spider-Man Crossover

    ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’s Success Could Determine an Eventual Spider-Man Crossover

    Sony’s Spider-Man universe is set to expand and many have been wondering when Venom might finally face-off against the wall-crawler. It’s a big year for the franchise, as the Tom Hardy-led sequel Venom: Let There Be Carnage premieres in October with the third entry in the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man films arrives in December. It’s going to be quite the year, especially as we enter the multiverse and the many rumors surrounding these projects.

    Andy Serkis, the director of the Venom sequel, has recently stated that the two will collide in the future at some point in an interview with IGN during the film’s premiere. He loved the idea but wanted to spend more time with Venom before their eventual clash. His earlier statements were a bit more open-ended but in an interview with the YouTuber Jake’s Takes, he seemed surprisingly more definite in his answer on an eventual crossover, as it seems a lot is riding on this film’s success.

    Let’s see what happens on this one first. There’s more still to unpack in the Venomverse before we go there, really.

    Andy Serkis

    The wording of Venomverse is interesting, as it makes this franchise stand out from the recently titled Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. There still is no word if it may crossover into the upcoming Morbius film or how they might expand the franchise. He does highlight again that they’ll collide if they are allowed to continue making Venom movies, which highlights that there might be some pressure that Let There Be Carnage performs. Sony seemed nervous with its release, as they constantly pushed it back.

    If you’re interested, you can check out the full interview here:

    Source: YouTube