Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel Studios

  • RUMOR: Disney May Regain Theatrical Distribution Rights to Hulk Films in 2023

    RUMOR: Disney May Regain Theatrical Distribution Rights to Hulk Films in 2023

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s relationship with the Incredible Hulk has been relatively awkward since the film was released in 2008. The was film met with terrible reviews and remains at the very bottom of most fans’ MCU rankings. Edward Norton played Bruce Banner in the original film, but Mark Ruffalo was given the role in 2012’s The Avengers and all subsequent appearances of the character.

    Marvel Studios’ relationship with the Incredible Hulk and with the character of the Hulk generally is further complicated by the fact that Universal Studios retained the theatrical distribution rights of the original film and all sequels. This has made it difficult for Marvel Studios, and parent company Disney, to make Hulk-centered films. Disney and Marvel still hold the rights to develop movies starring the Hulk, but Universal has the first refusal opportunity to distribute the project and takes a significant chunk of the profits. This legal issue has led the MCU to limit Hulk to supporting roles and seemingly avoid solo projects altogether.

    Still, it was reported back in October 2021 that a World War Hulk was in development and eyeing a 2022 production start. That prospect raises a lot of questions about how the Marvel-Universal legal relationship will come into play. Now, unearthed legal documents filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by Marvel may indicate that Universal loses its rights in Hulk films in June 2023.

    As discovered by Reddit user u/vidoardes, a couple of SEC filings when read together suggest that the theatrical distribution rights to The Incredible Hulk and Hulk-centered films will revert to Disney next year. An official SEC filing by Marvel in December 2006 stated:

    Universal Studios has agreed to distribute Marvel’s film The Incredible Hulk and sequels on essentially the same terms as those on which Paramount has agreed to distribute the other films financed and produced under the film facility…

    Interestingly, the amended studio agreement, also available through the SEC, between Marvel and Paramount dictates a 15-year deal:

    6. Distribution Term: Paramount shall have the right to exercise its Paramount Distribution Rights with respect to each Picture for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the initial Theatrical Exhibition of such Picture (the “Initial Distribution Term”);…

    So while there is no apparent confirmation that Marvel’s deal with Universal also had the 15-year agreement, the fact that Marvel stated that the deal is on “essentially the same terms” as those with Paramount is some evidence pointing to the time limit of the Marvel-Universal agreement. If it also ends after 15 years, that would mean that Disney would regain the distribution rights 15 years after The Incredible Hulk in June 2008, which would be June 2023.

    While the June 2023 date is not confirmed, it would make sense given that the World War Hulk film reportedly in development is eyeing a late 2023 or early 2024 release.

    Source: SEC via Reddit

  • ‘She-Hulk’ Will Debut a “Lighter Side” of Daredevil

    ‘She-Hulk’ Will Debut a “Lighter Side” of Daredevil

    It has been a dramatic ride for Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, in his return to the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the #SaveDaredevil campaign, Cox’s cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home, and the recent announcement that Daredevil: Born Again, it is clear that Daredevil is set to make a significant impact on the MCU proper years after the Netflix Daredevil series.

    Most recently, Cox has been confirmed to portray Daredevil in the upcoming Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and was teased in the show’s official trailer. Though his appearance is brief, it is obvious that Murdock is donning a yellow Daredevil suit rather than the red one fans of the Netflix series were accustomed to.

    Now, She-Hulk series creator and head writer Jessica Gao has opened up about how the show approached Daredevil as he appears in the series. In an interview with The Direct, Gao teased a not-so-dark interpretation of the beloved character:

    “What was so fun about bringing him and Daredevil into our world is that people have already seen a Daredevil who is very dramatic, little bit on the heavy side, very dark, brooding…And it was so fun to be able to do–and we do this with every character cameo from the MCU–is we take them from the environment that you know them from, which is a much more dramatic and action-oriented role, much more on the serious side, and we bring them into our world and they get to play in the tone of She-Hulk. And they got to explore and we get to see a lighter side of that character.”

    —Jessica Gao

    While some will be eager to see a new side of the live-action character, others have grown attached to the darker and grittier version of Daredevil that came out of the Netflix series. As Gao notes, Daredevil in She-Hulk is not the final word on how the MCU will work with the superhero. The writer makes it clear that the half-hour comedy series was able to play around with Cox’s character in contrast to how the character may otherwise exist in the broader MCU down the line.

    She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will premiere on Disney+ on August 18.

    Source: The Direct

  • ‘WandaVision’s Jimmy Woo Gets His Own Marvel Legends Figure, Available for Pre-Order

    ‘WandaVision’s Jimmy Woo Gets His Own Marvel Legends Figure, Available for Pre-Order

    The Marvel Studios’ series WandaVision may have ended its run on Disney+ nearly a year and a half ago, but the cultural impact the show has had on the Marvel Cinematic Universe fanbase continues to be evident. Now, a supporting character of the show is getting their own Marvel Legends action figure.

    Marvel Legends has made available for pre-order an action figure of Agent Jimmy Woo. Played by Randall Park, Woo first made an appearance in 2015’s Ant-Man before having a larger role in WandaVision. Woo has been a fan favorite in the MCU even with his limited screen time. The figure even includes alternate hand to recreate Agent Woo’s sleight-of-hand magic trick from the series. Check out the full figure below:

    Marvel Legends

    The Woo figure joins Marvel Legends figures of the Scarlet Witch and White Vision from WandaVision. Recently, a Ms. Marvel figure was revealed to be part of Hasbro’s Marvel Legends Infinity Ultron BAF wave, which also includes Kate Bishop, Clint Barton, Moon Knight, and Mr. Knight from other MCU Disney+ series.

    The Agent Jimmy Woo action figure is now available for pre-order ahead of a March 2023 release date.

    Source: Marvel Legends

  • ‘Watchmen’ Showrunner Shares His Thoughts on Marvel’s Expansion

    ‘Watchmen’ Showrunner Shares His Thoughts on Marvel’s Expansion

    There’s been a lot of discussions surrounding Marvel Studios’ recent expansion. Fans of the franchise have been enjoying a smorgasbord of offerings with fan-favorite characters getting a chance at a live-action adaptation, which wouldn’t happen in any normal circumstance. Yet, some also feel like the franchise is watering down its offerings with the Disney+ series and releasing up to four or five films a year.

    Well, Watchmen showrunner Damon Lindelof shares the latter sentiment, as he highlights his own personal taste when it comes to media. In an interview with Variety, he highlights his own personal feelings towards franchises; something that has gotten quite popular from many more veteran members of the cinematic landscape.

    It’s always going to be hard because once you’ve got someone’s attention, you want to keep it. And so the idea of letting it go and not knowing if you’re ever going to get it back again is sort of like it’s antithetical to the way that we’re wired.

    Damon Lindelof

    He also gives that he believes that less is more in this case, as he’d love to see more memorable projects. Yet, he also makes the point that he simply likes things to end, one aspect of how he approached Watchmen that some believed could get a sequel season but remained a limited series after all.

    From a slightly sort of more cynical standpoint, this is a business. It’s an industry. And if you make a couple of great Marvel movies, the instinct is, ‘We need to make more Marvel movies, and we need to expand this.’ And I have this sort of interior feeling of like, ‘Wow, I wish they made less because it would make each one that came out a little bit more special. But I watch all of them…People don’t want things to end. I do.

    Damon Lindelof

    Lindelof also makes sure to point out that he doesn’t blame Marvel for doing what they are doing. It simply makes sense and he’s not innocent in working on franchising as well given his experiences with Star Trek and Prometheus.

    I don’t begrudge them the right to keep it going. I’ve made prequels and sequels and reboots, so I can’t be a hypocrite and say, ‘God, come up with an original idea.’ Meanwhile, I’m making two ‘Star Trek’ movies and ‘Prometheus.

    Lindelof

    Damon Lindelof‘s points are definitely fair as something being short-lived tends to get a different view than when they continue going on. Phase 4 has been hit with criticism even by long-time fans due to hitting that sophomore slump that any long-running show or franchise tends to hit. There is a fun addition to this story, however, as Lindelof actually highlighted that he actively watches all these projects on his personal Instagram account, which adds an interesting bit of levity to the discussion

    So, it seems that Lindelof is also a fan of the franchise and it’s a shame that this may have been committed from the interview. He also goes on to highlight praise for Ms. Marvel as “one of the best things I saw on any network, streamer or movie screen in the past year. Originality masked in I.P… and a cultural authenticity that dares the entire industry to rise to it“

    Source: Variety, Instagram

  • Zoe Terakes is the Latest Actor to Join the Cast of Marvel Studios’ ‘Ironheart’

    Zoe Terakes is the Latest Actor to Join the Cast of Marvel Studios’ ‘Ironheart’

    Nearly a month after reports first surfaced of Zoe Terakes joining the cast of Ironheart, Deadline has confirmed the Wentworth actor is joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The outlet revealed Terakes’ casting late on Wednesday evening, confirming the actor will be playing a key role in the series. Further details surrounding Terakes’ role remain unknown.

    The actor’s casting is incredibly noteworthy as Terakes is both transgender and non-binary. With still a long way to go regarding LGBTQ+ presentation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the addition of Terakes is a step in the right direction. Terakes most recently starred in Wentworth and Nine Perfect Strangers. They can next be seen in a film titled Talk to Me where they’ll star as a character named Hayley.

    Terakes is the latest to join the cast of Ironheart joining leading lady Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Manny Montana, Alden Ehrenreich, and Shea Couleé. Ramos, as long rumored, was confirmed to be playing The Hood in Ironheart after set photos surfaced earlier this week, while Ehrenreich has long been rumored to be playing the son of Obadiah Stane, Ezekiel “Zeke” Stane. Details regarding the roles of the rest of the cast are currently unknown, although recent rumors suggest Couleé could be playing none other than Shade.

    Production on Ironheart is currently underway in Atlanta.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Brett Goldstein Comments on Reactions to Hercules Cameo and His Uncertain Future in the Role

    Brett Goldstein Comments on Reactions to Hercules Cameo and His Uncertain Future in the Role

    A major talking point coming out of Thor: Love and Thunder was the surprise cameo in the film’s first post-credits scene. In it, actor Brett Goldstein was revealed to have been cast as Zeus’s son, Hercules.

    Goldstein is well-liked for his role as Roy Kent in the acclaimed Ted Lasso series. His brief appearance in the credits of the fourth Thor film was likewise well-received by general audiences. In an interview with The Playlist, Goldstein opened up about his feelings about fans’ positive reactions. He stated:

    It would be a real bummer if people weren’t interested. Of course, I care. I have to say I was surprised and delighted, as in it seemed to get a real positive response. And that, it’s amazing. I just, I’m not in charge of what they’re doing or what they want to do. And in a way, that was an experience that I hadn’t had for a long time, where I had no involvement in the behind-the-scenes of it. Look, you’re in f**king good hands. They make really good shit. You know what I mean? And Taika Waititi’s fucking brilliant, so it was like, ‘I’m in the best hands possible.’ But, it’s amazing. Who knows if anything will come of it, who knows, but it was a fun thing to do, and I’m pleased that people seem to have enjoyed it… I’m going to eat 30 chickens a day from now on; it will be fine.

    Brett Goldstein

    While there is no official news on how Goldstein or Hercules will contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the future, there is little doubt that Marvel Studios has plans for the character after the exciting cameo and reveal. Still, the actor stated that “who knows if anything will come of it,” which will continue to stir up rumors about where Hercules might appear next. Goldstein, like many actors and creators in the MCU, may very well be completely in the dark just like the rest of the world. Or, perhaps the actor has already mastered Marvel Studios’ secrecy in interviews.

    Thor: Love and Thunder is currently playing in theaters.

    Source: The Playlist

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Extended Cut Ticket Sales Delayed

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Extended Cut Ticket Sales Delayed

    After the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Sony decided to release an extended cut of the film in theaters nearly nine months after the original film debuted in December of 2021. Spider-Man: No Way Home “The More Fun Stuff Version” is expected to add about 15 minutes of footage to the original 148-minute cut. It is not clear what exactly will be added in the extended cut, but the theatrical release is scheduled to swing into theaters on September 2, 2022.

    While it was previously announced that tickets for “The More Fun Stuff Version” would go on sale today, August 9, many would-be ticket holders were confused when they were unable to purchase any tickets. Luckily, it does not appear that the release date for the extended cut has moved, but Fandango’s Erik Davis confirmed in a tweet that ticket sales have indeed been delayed. Unfortunately, however, there does not seem to be a known date on which the tickets will actually go on sale:

    Considering the release of “The More Fun Stuff Version” is mere weeks away, presumably, ticket sales will be re-announced relatively soon. Given Sony’s recent record with poorly re-releasing its films with Morbius, the success or lack thereof of the release of No Way Home’s extended cut—with the original film already available on digital—will be significant for the studio.

    Spider-Man: No Way Home “The More Fun Stuff Version” is set to release in theaters on September 2, 2022.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Directors Tease Lockjaw in Possible Season 2

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Directors Tease Lockjaw in Possible Season 2

    Ms. Marvel captured the attention of fans and critics during its six-week run on Disney+. The series, starring Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan is now one of the highest-rated projects in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. While we know that Ms. Marvel will appear next in the upcoming The Marvels, the show’s success begs the question of whether Kamala will end up with a second season or solo feature.

    There are plenty of reasons why Season 2 of Ms. Marvel could be in the cards for Phase 5 or 6 in the MCU. Unsurprisingly, series directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have been questioned numerous times about the possibility. In an interview with IGN, Fallah remarked that “there’s much more we can do with Kamala Khan,” including further exploring and growing her powers. El Ardi added an additional, and potentially exciting, comment:

    “[Ms. Marvel] has that big dog. If there’s another season or a movie, the big dog is going to have to be a big character in it.”

    Adil El Arbi

    El Arbi is referring to Lockjaw, a massive dog and loyal companion to the Inhuman royal family with the power of inter-dimensional teleportation. The idea of Lockjaw appearing in future Ms. Marvel solo projects is interesting on multiple levels. First, of course, it adds to the question of whether Inhumans exist in the current MCU and Kamala’s connection to them. This traditional aspect of the comic book character was seemingly changed when the series finale indicated that Kamala was a mutant. Second, Lockjaw has already made a live-action appearance in the greater Marvel Universe in Marvel TV’s infamous Inhumans. Like Blackbolt in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Lockjaw could appear as a multiversal variant of his Inhumans version.

    In any event, Ms. Marvel’s directors and showrunners seem keen on ideas for a second season of the series. In Ms. Marvel comics, Lockjaw was a frequent ally and companion to Kamala, sent by the Inhuman royal family to watch over her.

    Ms. Marvel is streaming on Disney+.

    Source: IGN

  • Giancarlo Esposito Confirms Talks With Marvel Studios, Eyeing the Role of Professor X

    Giancarlo Esposito Confirms Talks With Marvel Studios, Eyeing the Role of Professor X

    We’ve heard many rumors that Giancarlo Esposito may have had talks with Marvel Studios to potentially appear in an upcoming project. The actor is well-known for his villainous and intimidating roles throughout his filmography. In a surprising twist, the actor has just flat out confirmed that he’s had talks with the role and even mentions quite a few characters that we could see him as potentially while attending the Superhero Car Show and Comic Con, where he simply revealed that he’d be down to take a different, more heroic role as Professor X

    You can watch the video here:

    @countdowncitygeeks

    #giancarloesposito announces which character he may play in themarveluniverse! #superherocarshowandcomiccon #fyp #foryourpage #celebfanfest #comiccon2022 #marvel #countdowncitygeekcast #sanantoniotx

    ♬ original sound – Countdown City Geeks

    We can’t take this as a confirmation, as it would be strange for him to flat-out confirm a role during a convention, especially with D23 on the horizon. Plus, he didn’t state he got the role but rather from the many rumors pointing out which one would interest him the most. Esposito would definitely make for a great Professor X or any of the roles mentioned, such as Magneto or even Victor van Doom. But, him taking on a more positive role that also has a long-term commitment.

    Plus, it’s not like Professor X has always been the kind version we’ve gotten accustomed to through the X-Men films by 20th Century Fox. There have been many versions where she was just as threatening as anyone else, which is something that has gotten lost in his translation to the silver screen. Plus, the actor has proven his soft side with performances like Stargirl in the past, which makes him a great candidate to bring both sides to the MCU’s take on Charles Xavier.

    Source: TikTok

  • ‘Eternals’ Star May Have Accidentally Confirmed Sequel in Development, Chloe Zhao to Return

    ‘Eternals’ Star May Have Accidentally Confirmed Sequel in Development, Chloe Zhao to Return

    Patton Oswalt might have just confirmed an Eternals sequel is in development. A Tweet circulating the internet features the actor and comedian discussing an “announced” Eternals 2, where he states Chloé Zhao will return to direct and he hopes to reprise his role as Pip the Troll. Oswalt was part of a surprise post-credits scene last year which introduced his character and Harry Styles‘ Starfox, the more handsome and charming brother of Josh Brolin‘s Thanos, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eternals released in November of 2021 to mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, causing concern from fans that a second installment might never come to fruition. There have been virtually no updates on a potential sequel since the first film hit theaters.

    Patton Oswalt might have just confirmed an Eternals sequel is in development. A Tweet circulating the internet features the actor and comedian discussing an “announced” Eternals 2, where he states Chloé Zhao will return to direct and he hopes to reprise his role as Pip the Troll. Oswalt was part of a surprise post-credits scene last year which introduced his character and Harry Styles‘ Starfox, the more handsome and charming brother of Josh Brolin‘s Thanos, to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eternals released in November of 2021 to mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, causing concern from fans that a second installment might never come to fruition. There have been virtually no updates on a potential sequel since the first film hit theaters.

    https://twitter.com/neverland__pete/status/1554947788596989953?s=20&t=r0fl5sjicM6iw9B3niLIKA

    Despite a lot of silence on the part of Marvel Studios, Eternals did a lot in it’s nearly 3-hour runtime to set up a future for it’s large cast of characters. The movie ended with it’s ensemble cast splitting in two, with one half staying on Earth to face the judgement of the Celestial Arishem and the other half jetting into space to recruit other unseen Eternals to their cause. Kit Harrington‘s Dane Whitman was included mostly as a means of propping up future appearances. Other A-List stars are also attached to the franchise and would likely return for a second entry, including Angelina Jolie and Kumail Nanjiani.

    It’s not known if a possible Eternals 2 would be set within the “Multiverse Saga” – the collective name for Marvel’s fourth, fifth, and sixth phases – or if it would come sometime after 2025’s Avengers: Secret Wars. There are a few film release slots still open for Phase 6, so it seems entirely plausible fans could see some sort of Eternals 2 in that time frame.

    Source: TikTok via Twitter