Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel Studios

  • The Leader Won’t Be Sam Wilson’s Only Adversary in ‘Captain America: New World Order’

    The Leader Won’t Be Sam Wilson’s Only Adversary in ‘Captain America: New World Order’

    As Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson has grown into larger roles over the course of his time in the MCU, there’s been a concerted effort on the part of Marvel Studios to evolve his fighting style. While he relied heavily on his sidearms during Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, his array of flying fighting moves and the utility of his wings has grown over time. As The Falcon and The Winter Soldier VFX supervisor, Eric Leven, told Murphy’s Multiverse, a great deal of thought was put into his action sequences in that series, including how to incorporate the shield and how to reduce the amount of shooting he would do as Captain America.

    Moving into his first feature film, Captain America: New World Order, Wilson’s action sequences have been handed off to Julius Onah, who is stepping into the MCU for the first tie. In an interview with Phase Zero, Onah discussed how they planned to handle Cap’s action without retreading old ground.

    There’s a lot we’re going to bring to the table. Again, this is a new set of challenges and a new set of adversaries. I love classic, paranoid thrillers and that’s a big part of the inspiration for this film. We want to find action that is grounded and tactile and give him new things to do that you haven’t seen in those other films. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say we are planning some really, really exciting things.

    Julius Onah

    Onah’s mention of new adversaries is of note to those with a keen ear. While Tim Blake Nelson was announced as part of the cast at D23 Expo and his Samuel Sterns poses a formidable and cerebral threat, he’s certainly not the kind of character who typically engages in fisticuffs. Suddenly, who Cap might find himself squaring off against in the film becomes a very interesting question.

    In the comics, Sterns was part of a group of radical and genius super-minds called the Intelligencia. However, like Sterns, most of them are more cerebral and less hands-on, though they could certainly devise a devious plan that could result in Captain America, Joaquin Torres, and new hero Sabra up against some major muscle.

    We’ll wait to find out more as Captain America: New World Order won’t hit theaters until May 3, 2024.

    Source: Phase Zero

  • Giancarlo Esposito Reveals ‘Professor X’ Fan Casting Led Him to Approach Marvel About a Movie Role

    Giancarlo Esposito Reveals ‘Professor X’ Fan Casting Led Him to Approach Marvel About a Movie Role

    With so many iconic Marvel properties seemingly on the horizon for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fan casting and speculation seems to be at an all-time high. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is one of the beloved talents that fans want to see cast in huge roles. There are, of course, rumors swirling now that Esposito is already in talks with Marvel Studios to play Charles Xavier, or Professor X, in the future of the MCU. But the actor recently explained how fan casting has affected his relationship with Marvel Studios.

    During a panel at Rose City Comic Con, Esposito was asked by an audience member about the Marvel rumors. The actor comedically described how fans create all of the rumors themselves:

    I love how all this happens…[t]he fans come to me when I’m in line, a lot of comic cons, and it started with Dr. Doom maybe over a year ago. And then fans came and said [that I should do Freeze]…then it was Magneto. And these are fans suggesting to me what might be appropriate for me to do.

    Giancarlo Esposito

    Still, the actor detailed how the Professor X fan casting may have changed his outlook on the situation. Specifically, he suggests that the overwhelming fan support over time, and specifically for Professor X, got him to contact Marvel Studios directly. He detailed:

    And then, right, so the last year…people are coming and saying it’s [Professor] X. And they asked me, would you like to do that? I said I’d love to be in the Marvel Universe. And so all that got translated when the fan casting started to blow up that they’d like to see me play Professor X. It got so huge, I finally had to have my people call Marvel and explain that, you know, that this is a fan want and we would love to work with you. And [Marvel Studios isn’t] quite ready to get into that conversation. But when they are, I am here.

    Giancarlo Esposito

    Interestingly, Esposito notes that Marvel isn’t ready to have that casting conversation with him. Of course, all types of casting news for Marvel should be taken with a grain of salt due to its notorious secret. In any event, Esposito has made it clear he is ready to be a part of the MCU.

    Source: Rose City Comic Con

  • Giancarlo Esposito Reveals He Did Not Turn Down ‘Loki’ Role: “I Wasn’t the One Who Was Chosen”

    Giancarlo Esposito Reveals He Did Not Turn Down ‘Loki’ Role: “I Wasn’t the One Who Was Chosen”

    Last month, a report circulated that beloved actor Giancarlo Esposito—known for his roles in Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Mandalorian, and more—turned down a role in Marvel Studios’ Loki series. It was speculated that perhaps Esposito sought a film role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe rather than on television. After all, rumors spread last month that the actor was in talks with Marvel Studios to play the iconic character Professor X in the MCU. However, Esposito himself revealed that he did not turn down a role in Loki. In fact, he says he did not get the part. 

    Speaking to a crowd at Rose City Comic-Con on Sunday, Esposito answered a fan question about his rumored relationship with Marvel Studios. Not only did Esposito say he did not believe he was the one chosen for the unknown Loki part at issue, but he revealed he likely would have liked to have played that role. Esposito stated:

    The truth of the story Is this. about four years ago I met with Louis D’Esposito who [is] in the television unit of Marvel. And they had come to me to play possibly play Loki on the television side. And so I did not do [that part], and there were reasons for it. I think I wasn’t the one who was chosen [would] be the honest truth. But I would have maybe liked to do it.

    Giancarlo Esposito

    Interestingly, Esposito stated that not getting the Loki part is actually what led him to be interested in a film role within the MCU. He continued:

    And then I thought when I wasn’t selected for that, that it would be great if I could be in a Marvel movie, not just a television show because I like films a lot. I love television, obviously I had a great run in the television world, doing last year was four shows at one time and the year before five shows. 

    Giancarlo Esposito

    Only time will tell if Esposito joins the MCU. But one thing is certain: fans all over the world would celebrate the announcement.

    Source: Rose City Comic Con

  • D’Onofrio Teases ‘Daredevil: Born Again,’ Promises ‘Incredible’ Take

    D’Onofrio Teases ‘Daredevil: Born Again,’ Promises ‘Incredible’ Take

    With D23 officially in the past, the waiting game for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe slate moves forward. With that in mind, one of the most heavily anticipated projects for Phase Five of the MCU is Daredevil: Born Again. Audiences have long been clamoring for Charlie Cox to reprise his role of Matthew Murdock in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the cancellation of the original Netflix series in 2018. And by the point in which casual fans had generally resided themselves to the notion that the Netflix universe of characters was fully finished, Marvel Studios dropped two bombshells late last year with the return of Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home and Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk in Hawkeye. And now following Charlie Cox’s upcoming involvement in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Matt Murdock will once again star in his own series with Born Again.

    Following D’Onofrio‘s return in Hawkeye, his fate was left in question with the finale of the Disney+ series. It has since been confirmed, however, that Wilson Fisk will be involved with both Echo and Daredevil: Born Again. And when it comes to Born Again, D’Onofrio has been outspoken in his excitement for his involvement with Charlie Cox. In a tweet today, the actor discussed his return and has promised fans that the revival will be worth the wait.

    It certainly is a lofty promise from Vincent D’Onofrio about Daredevil: Born Again. Though with three times the episode count of the other Marvel Studios Disney+ franchises and the quality of most of the original Netflix series, it’s certainly not impossible to match. The concept of these characters being fully present in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the larger-than-life nature of the franchise certainly could become a major point of interest. At this time, not much is known about what Born Again may entail and if anyone else from the original Netflix series (or other Marvel Netflix franchises) will be involved.

    Daredevil: Born Again is currently scheduled to begin filming next year and release its 18-episode run in the Spring of 2024.

  • Home Office and Higher VFX Demand Led to Marvel Studios’ Increase in Leaks

    Home Office and Higher VFX Demand Led to Marvel Studios’ Increase in Leaks

    Many have noticed that throughout COVID, a lot more things have leaked from the normally super secret house of Marvel Studios. The company was well-known for keeping things tightly under wraps but much has changed in the last few years. COVID and a rise in home office have become one of the sources of their dismay as of late, at least according to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter.

    They have shared that quite a few leaks have happened not because people are sharing them directly from home but rather curious family members or friends get a quick snapshot. They also highlighted how their dependency on smaller studios also led to a rise in demand, which also meant schooling a lot of new people and scattering their offerings across more vendors. Of course, scattering their footage also didn’t help from things finding their way online.

    That didn’t stop them from their usual strict guidelines according to an anonymous source for THR, as they still tried to keep a tight lid as usual even during these difficult times:

    I had to go through a whole training course to make sure that I know exactly what I need to do and where to report [anything suspect.

    Anonymous VFX Artist

    There has been an increase in security since the COVID leaks from Marvel Studios, especially surrounding Black Panther: Wakanda Forever which seemingly had the least information hit the web so far. It’s seemingly the return for many to their office that has helped even if some things still might find their way online in the future.

    Kevin Feige has openly discussed the leaks and focused on keeping the experience alive with or without knowing ahead of time. So, we’ll see how much finds its way online with future releases or if merchandise remains our main source for first looks at projects.

    Source: THR

  • ‘She-Hulk’ Actress Teases More Law-Focused Future for the Disney+ Series

    ‘She-Hulk’ Actress Teases More Law-Focused Future for the Disney+ Series

    As She-Hulk: Attorney at Law continues its run on Disney+, much speculation has arisen about where the plot of the series will go next. The fourth episode, which premiered earlier today, left off with Jennifer Walters having a lawsuit filed against her by a newly released Titania over the trademarked name of “She-Hulk”. Audiences who are anticipating a continued focus on the legal aspects of the series from this revelation should be excited for what’s in store. Actress Ginger Gozaga, who plays the role of Jen Walters’ best friend Nikki, spoke with TVLine about what audiences can expect for the second half of the series.

    Yes, that hot legal action with pens and highlighters that you’ve all been asking for! [Laughs] The show is now definitely switching into what it looks like when you have petty, idiot supervillains and superheroes who are either antagonizing you or need to be represented by you. The thing about working in a superhuman law division is we can represent anyone, so we get comic book characters that haven’t entered the Marvel Universe yet, that you haven’t seen in any of the trailers. And you get to see the idiocy of the ridiculously fun superheroes who have legal trouble and may or may not listen to their attorneys. I’m really excited for people to see these guest stars that are in the comic books.

    Ginger Gonzaga

    Based on what Gonzaga has described, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is fully swinging into the perspective of the “legal comedy” that the series was initially previewed to be. Specifically, a legal battle between the characters of She-Hulk and Titania could very well become a more central arc that the show can take on for the remainder of its first season. This is something that Jameela Jamil seemingly alluded to as early as the red carpet premiere of the series.

    Ultimately, fans of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will have to wait till next week to find out more about this direction of the series as the fifth episode is set to premiere on September 15 on Disney+.

    Source: TVLine

  • REVIEW: ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 4

    REVIEW: ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 4

    The fourth episode of the nine-part series of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law doubles down on its intent to embrace an episodic half-hour comedy, and it is consistent with the success of Episode 3 with this premise. Episode 4 keeps She-Hulk as funny as ever. It is perhaps the first MCU project that will get fans excited for each week, not because they want to find out what happens, but simply because it is so enjoyable.

    With certain characters and concepts (like Wong) carrying across multiple episodes, the series is avoiding a super strict “weekly” episodic structure that might forget all previous episode narratives. Still, the B story seems to act as an anchor for the structure—while certain stories span multiple episodes, the magic of Donny Blaze keeps it nicely choppy. It is a solid balance that embraces its MCU-unique style without limiting the stories and story arcs to miniature blips that exist purely within one short episode. She-Hulk is making it clear that it can do both. 

    Episode 4 continues many of the themes and tones the series has previously set out. The Donny Blaze story is small, but Wong’s inclusion gives it more weight and intrigue. The fact that Wong can be reframed in this series in such a funny way without necessarily affecting the character in the greater MCU is brilliant. She-Hulk feels like comics or comic runs where characters take on very different facets of themselves at different times, but the MCU has previously avoided treading into this territory. In fact, some fans tend to lend harsh criticism to the studio if their favorite character comes across differently than how they have in the past.

    But She-Hulk’s embrace of this strategy undoubtedly will go on to benefit how the MCU is able to tell different stories. It is especially clear at the tail end of Phase 4, a very experimental and sometimes messy phase, that the MCU wants to expand its offerings in a variety of directions. This series is a prime example of how the studio can do this successfully. Perhaps some stern fans simply need to embrace stories as they come, rather than investing themselves fully in one idea of what the MCU is. “Wongers” will certainly prove to be practice for some to take things less seriously, but Daredevil’s eventual appearance in She-Hulk will surely be a real test.

    In any event, after two episodes that fully embrace the format and structure, it seems obvious from this episode that the back half of the series is going to be even better than what we have already seen. Supporting cast, cameos, and one-off performances are all hitting at the same level, meaning the episodic and mini-story experience can thrive. If anything, She-Hulk has only had a couple of episodes to fully take advantage of that structure, and those couple of episodes were some of the MCU’s best television. With five more episodes to go, things are only looking up for the unique series.

  • The Hypothetical 2025 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V1

    The Hypothetical 2025 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V1

    In March of 2022, it was reported that Sabir Pirzada, who worked with Marvel Studios on both Moon Knight and Ms. Marvel, was developing a Nova project with the studio. The trade report indicated that it was unclear whether or not Pirzada’s work was for a film or streaming series and, as of publishing, that was still unclear. However, Prizada’s current track record with Marvel allows one to lean towards expecting a series about The Human Rocket.

    Confidence is high that Destin Daniel Cretton’s sequel to 2021’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings will hit theaters ahead of Avengers: The Kang Dynasty. It seems like Cretton and star Simu Liu are going to be very busy starting in 2023.

    When the search for an actress to portray Kamala Khan was ongoing, a rumor indicated that whoever would eventually take on the role would have a pretty heavy workload that would consist of Season 1, a film, and Season 2 all being filmed over the course of 3 years. If that rumor still holds any water, Iman Vellani is going to find herself on set for Season 2 of Ms. Marvel sometime in the next year so that she can also be available to fit Avengers: The Kang Dynasty into her schedule. It would not be incredibly surprising if this were among the announcements made during either Disney Plus Day or Marvel Studios’ Showcase at D23.

    It’s been a long, long time since our original scoop that Marvel Studios was developing a Nomad project. However, no news does not always equal bad news. Confidence is high that Nomad is still in development and is intended to be included as part of the Multiverse Saga.

    The first of what is currently set to be a 2025 Avengers double-feature, The Kang Dynasty might just have a lot to do with some of the artifacts fans have already seen in some of Phase 4’s early projects. It remains to be seen, but it’s very possible that both Ms. Marvel and Shang-Chi’s accessories might play major roles in the Multiverse Saga.

    A second Moon Knight season seems a sure thing. Star Oscar Isaac and director Mohamed Diab have teased it. Fans are hungry for it. There’s no reason Kevin Feige doesn’t announce it at D23…unless it’s not happening. That would be a good reason not to announce it.

    At this point, why not? Rumors about this film have dried up, but a recent piece of information that Marvel Studios may regain the distribution rights to live-action Hulk films does give some hope that it might come to fruition. Bruce Banner’s trip to Sakaar in Episode 2 of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is right in line with the earliest rumors I ever heard about what will essentially be a prelude to this film, but we’ll have to wait until Episode 9 to find out if Marvel Studios is going forward with this project…unless they decide to grace fans with a Hulk-sized gift at D23.

    *NOTE*

    While it’s not a Disney project and won’t be announced at D23, it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see Spider-Man 4 hit theaters in the space between Marvel Studios May 2nd film and their November 7th film.

    According to the Phase 6 slate unveiled by Kevin Feige at SDCC ’22, there’s one spot left to fill and, to be honest, there isn’t enough strong info around any one project to confidently place it here. With that in mind, rumors of a Harry Styles-led Starfox project made the rounds some time ago, and while I initially dismissed them, I was told by someone I trust that to keep an ear to the ground as there might be some fire to that smoke. So while we’d set the odds very low here (I’d say under a 1% chance this is correct), it’s as good of a guess as any.

    The capstone of the Multiverse Saga, fans should expect Marvel Studios to pull out all the stops for this one and for it to include all the bells and whistles, including possibly bringing back some of the biggest stars from the Infinity Saga. It could also serve as a way for the studio to reset things with new actors in old roles, old actors in new roles, or any manner of shenanigans.

  • Rosario Dawson Hopes to Return for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    Rosario Dawson Hopes to Return for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    Once thought to be a lost remnant of Marvel Television, the character of Daredevil has become a recent and sudden mainstay in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Between the addition of a second brief scene with the character in the theatrical re-release of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the anticipation for his involvement in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Charlie Cox’s portrayal of the character has become a major talking point for the online fan landscape. The gradual return of Matthew Murdock is ultimately set to culminate in the revival series of Daredevil: Born Again, which is currently set to arrive on Disney+ in the Spring of 2024.

    A major question being discussed is how much of the supporting ensemble of the original Netflix series (or any of the shows set within that specific pocket of the universe) will be returning for the show. At this time, it’s only confirmed that Charlie Cox will return in the titular role and that Vincent D’Onofrio will return to portray Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. The Kingpin. Though if she had her way with the series, actress Rosario Dawson would like to return to her role of Claire Temple. The actress sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss her desire to return for Daredevil: Born Again and be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    Oh yeah. For sure. You don’t even see her in that last ‘tell Claire to go home’ moment on Luke Cage. So what is that? You know it’s terrible. So, yeah, I’d be super curious, but I’m just so stoked for everybody, though. It’s been a long time coming. I was really excited to know that all of our shows are actually part of the MCU now, with Charlie [Cox] and Vincent [D’Onofrio] coming over into these different projects now. So, yeah, 18 episodes [of Daredevil: Born Again]? I’m there! Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, they know where I am.

    Rosario Dawson

    It’s not a massive surprise for someone working in the entertainment industry to have a desire to be part of a marquee franchise project. And she already has a working connection with Disney through her recent involvement in the Hulu series Dopesick and her widespread involvement as the live-action Ahsoka Tano in the greater Star Wars universe. It ultimately remains to be seen if a return in Daredevil: Born Again will happen, but it certainly will have people talking even more in anticipation of the series.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ From Page to Screen: Episode 3

    ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ From Page to Screen: Episode 3

    Welcome back to another installment of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law From Page to Screen. In the show’s first week, we looked at the differences between the comics’ and series’ versions of Jennifer Walters becoming She-Hulk as seen in the first episode. In Episode 2, viewers got a live-action introduction to Jen’s new legal job, taken straight out of Dan Slott’s and Juan Bobillo’s 2004 She-Hulk run—Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway (GLK&H). Episode 3 took She-Hulk in a bold direction. While it didn’t appear to be the most comics-inspired episode, it did introduce an apparently reimagined version of a comic villain.

    At the end of the episode, Jen is jumped by four men who wield the stolen tools of an Asgardian construction worker. The gang is apparently the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the supervillain team, the Wrecking Crew. The group first appeared in 1974 in The Defenders #17. Since then, however, the Wrecking Crew has primarily been associated as a villain to Thor, though they appear as adversaries in a wide variety of contexts in Marvel Comics.

    Despite being construction-themed, the Wrecking Crew has a rather fantastical origin. The Wrecking Crew began in Marvel Comics with Dirk Garthwaite, a demolition worker whose violent upbringing made him equally unstable and violent. Dirk donned a mask and costume and assumed the criminal persona of “Wrecker,” causing mayhem at crime scenes with a crowbar. Wrecker’s crime spree one day brought him Loki, who was summoning his ally the Norn Queen to restore his magical power. Dirk was mistaken for Loki after stealing and wearing Loki’s helmet, and he was granted magical power in the form of superhuman strength and endurance.

    Wrecker used his newfound power to carry out Loki’s command and battled Thor. Wrecker was defeated by the Destroyer armor after several attempts to kill Thor and was imprisoned. Wrecker eventually escaped from prison with three other inmates: Bulldozer, Piledriver, and Thunderball. The villain found his crowbar (which held his enchanted powers) and decided to share his power with his new crew of escapees. The Wrecking Crew was born when a thunderbolt hit the crowbar while all four held it.

    The Defenders #17 (1974)
    The Defenders #17 (1974)
    The Defenders #17 (1974)

    In She-Hulk, the Wrecking Crew so far seems to be a rather puny, comedic version of the comics’ team. Though the group’s live-action origin is a nice nod to the heavy Thor-based comics crew, as they got their “abilities” by robbing an Asgardian construction worker of his enchanted tools. The Wrecking Crew members weren’t just looking for a fight with Jennifer Walters. Thunderball, wearing a ski mask, tries to inject her with what appears to be a blood sampling device. This opens the door for questions about the MCU Wreck Crew’s “boss” and what they want with Hulk blood.

    Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 3
    Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 3
    Marvel Studios’ ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Episode 3

    The live-action Wrecking Crew has barely appeared in She-Hulk, so it is difficult to say if they will remain this fairly de-powered version of the classic comics team, or if they have more development later in the series. In She-Hulk comics, there is a comedic moment where the Wrecking Crew is imprisoned in the Big House, a Pym particle shrunken-down prison. Perhaps there is a chance for even more Ant-Man references in an MCU Disney+ series.

    She-Hulk #5 (2004)

    She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is now streaming on Disney+.