Tag: Marvel Studios

REPORT: ‘Werewolf by Night’ Series In Development At Disney+

The supernatural side of the MCU is getting bigger, and furrier. The good folks at The Cosmic Circus are exclusively reporting that Werewolf by Night, a fancy name for Marvel’s Wolfman, will be getting his very own live-action series on Disney Plus. The report claims the show will begin filming next February, under the clever working title “Buzz Cut”. The production company for the show will supposedly be “Natural History Productions LLC”.

If true, the news makes Werewolf by Night one of the many unannounced projects Marvel has teased in the past. The character was previously rumored to be making an appearance in Oscar Isaac’s secretive Moon Knight series, as the two characters share a long history together. That could still be true, given Marvel’s penchent for debuting characters in other projects before their solo outings. Not long ago, director Kevin Smith stirred the lycan pot by revealing Marvel Studios had prevented the character from appearing in his unproduced Howard the Duck cartoon. This sort of blockage is usually a good sign the company plans to use that character in the near future.

Debuting in 1972, the original Werewolf by Night has a complicated history that stems from usage of the Darkhold. A modern descendant of ancient werewolves, Jack Russell is born with his family’s curse and acts as Marvel’s first Wolven protagonist. In recent years, a Native American character named Jake Gomez took on the title. It’s unknown which of these characters might be the focus of the show when it airs.

Source: GWW, Cosmic Circus

August 3, 2021
‘What If’ Executive Producer Brad Winderbaum Talks Recasting MCU Characters

Ever since the last trailer dropped of What If we’ve been hotly discussing the odd absence of actor Robert Downey Jr. Once the official cast list dropped, we noticed big names like Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland, and Brie Larson were noticeably absent. There was even the surprise mention by Dave Bautista that he was never approached to reprise the role, which also got featured in the previously mentioned trailer. In an interview with Comic Book, executive producer Brad Winderbaum gave some insight into their approach with the voices.

One early decision was we were not going to let the show be defined by the actors we thought we could get. Part of the fun of What If…? is being able to tell stories in any corner of the universe you want to and that means that you need that infinite canvas, you need that infinite potential. Also, I was afraid we wouldn’t get any actors to come back. The fact that we got as many as we did, 85% of the actors came back or something like that. It’s incredible and it’s a real honor and privilege to work with all of them

Interestingly, they don’t mention why specific actors didn’t join. There’s a chance that the dealings with the various returning voices were not done directly by the creative team, but rather by Marvel Studios directly. Winderbaum did discuss their approach to finding

In the cases where we couldn’t get the original voice actors back, and many of which were very iconic roles, very identifiable voices, we prioritized the performance over the soundalike. So you might be able to achieve a perfect Tony Stark voice, but if the depth of the character wasn’t there and the acting, the performance didn’t have dimensionality to it, it wouldn’t matter. You’d be taken out. That would take you out.

He also goes on to discuss that working within a parallel universe does help them sell the fact that the voices aren’t the same. It’s great their focus is on keeping the character’s spirit alive, but it would be nice to know why specific actors didn’t join. Especially Brie Larson’s absence is odd, as she seems to love playing the character, but she may not be comfortable doing voice work. We do have a theory on why Tom Holland isn’t included with the confirmed appearance of Spider-Man, which you can check out here.

Source: ComicBook

August 3, 2021
Connecting Imaginary Dots: A Newly Formed LLC Could Hint at Ghost Rider Joining the MCU

A new Marvel Studios production LLC might be a hint that they’re working on a Disney+ series involving Danny Ketch’s Ghost Rider. It was recently revealed that Richmond Street Productions LLC was one among many new production companies created by Marvel Studios. Apart from the fact that Richmond Street Productions is listed as a production entity for a DTC (direct-to-consumer) streaming series, it might seem innocuous upon first look but when checking out that street in Brooklyn you can see how close it is to the Cypress Hill Cemetery.

Not only is Cypress Hill a featured location in 90’s Ghost Rider runs and the cemetery itself a base of the Midnight Sons for a time, it’s also the location where we first meet Danny Ketch in Ghost Rider Vol 3 #1. While oftentimes the production companies reference the events the film or TV show, they do occasionally reference the comics, like Grass-Fed Productions being used for Secret Invasion is a making a joke about some Skrulls who were tricked into transforming into cows in Fantastic Four Vol 1 #2. If Richmond Street Productions is a reference to Danny Ketch, it would seem to suggest a localised setting similar to the 90’s comic run.

Marvel Studios currently has 10 unannounced streaming series that haven’t been reported on at various stages of development. Nova, Secret Warriors, and Illuminati are other candidates for projects within those 10. Limited liability companies are created to mitigate risk and keep the accounting for each project separate, which might mean they are in the processes of hiring writers once the LLCs are created. With Marion Dayre listed as a showrunner for a yet-to-be announced Marvel Studios show, it seems Marvel Studios could be gathering creative talent for a new round of projects.

August 3, 2021
“What If…? Writer Confirms Show As MCU Canon

Ever since Marvel Studios announced their first animated series, What If…?, it’s status as canon has been a heavy topic of debate among fans. Now, thanks to the series’ head writer A.C. Bradley, we can say with confidence that the show is a firm part of the MCU’s lore. In a recent interview with IGN, Bradley cemented the revelation with a decisive quote:

The events of What If…? are canon. It’s part of the MCU multiverse. The multiverse is here. It is real, and it is absolutely fantastic, people.

The idea that What If…? would explore alternate universes, especially in an animated format, had previously led many to believe it wouldn’t have an effect on the larger MCU. It seemed possible the project would be closer in impact to Lucasfilm’s The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, which played with canon material but was ultimately not canon itself. Luckily for Marvel fans, the events of Kate Herron’s Loki opened up the multiverse and will allow for What If…?’s episodes to exist within a grand, branched timeline.

The trailer for the animated series hinted at many of the series’ teased protagonists coming together at some point, which might be something fans should look at when pondering how the show could effect the future of the franchise. It’s possible that characters like Hayley Atwell’s Captain Carter, Chadwick Boseman’s Star-Lord, and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange Supreme have a bigger role to play in Marvel’s tapestry than we initially believed. We’ll find out for sure when What If…? begins airing on August 11th.

Source: IGN

August 3, 2021
‘What If’: Chadwick Boseman Voices Multiple Versions of T’Challa

What If has a lot of challenges ahead. It is Marvel Studios first attempt at an animated series, and also will be the last time we get Chadwick Boseman’s performance as T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ever since the first trailer was released, the series shared a first look at the future Black Panther traveling through space and taking Peter Quill’s place.

Well, it seems that he’ll appear in four episodes, and executive producer Brad Winderbaum confirmed he’ll play different versions of the character. His tragic passing also influenced the show’s development, especially their approach to the score to honor T’Challa’s story in the new Disney+ series.

He plays different versions of the character. I wouldn’t say that anything changed drastically. We wanted to honor, frankly, his performance and his eagerness to be a part of the project. In retrospect, he recorded this episodes for us knowing what we all know now. We wanted to honor what he did, so we actually didn’t change a lot of it. There were certain things, in the context of his passing, especially musically…Lauren Karpman delivered what I think is an incredible score for the entire series and the way she approached T’Challa throughout, especially in light of his passing, is really beautiful.

There’s a good chance one version of T’Challa will appear in the Killmonger-focused episode, which teases him appearing in Wakanda. We even got a Funko Pop teasing his future connection to the country in this alternative universe. Still, it’s great to see that the animated series will pay respects to the actor. It’s still uncertain how the live-action Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will tackle his tragic passing and continue the story set-up with his appearances throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No matter what, his legacy will live on no matter what.

Source: Comic Book

August 2, 2021
Don’t Expect New MCU Characters in ‘What If’

We’re only over a week away from Marvel Studios’ new venture on Disney+. Not just that, it’ll be their first animated series that explores the vast multiverse introduced in Loki. The creative team behind the series confirmed they weren’t restricted by other series exploring this concept. Yet, it seems there was one specific rule set by Marvel Studios’ head Kevin Feige. In an interview with the Malaysian site Kakuchopurei, director Bryan Andrews revealed that they weren’t allowed to introduce new characters.

We basically had operating instructions from Kevin Feige. Basically, we can’t introduce anyone or any character that hasn’t already been introduced in an MCU movie. You won’t be seeing, like, some random person pop up from the comics or other franchises that we hadn’t seen already in MCU proper

It’s an interesting rule to set. While it makes sense they would want to focus on What If scenarios featuring well-known characters, they could’ve added some characters that normally would never get the spotlight in a film or series. Yet, it also opens up the possibility they might have some plans after all.

Of course, it’s also a way to avoid theories surrounding these newly introduced characters existing during the original run. It could cause some continuity errors if they plan on introducing these characters in a future series or film if one looks too deeply into their appearance. We still don’t know how they’ll tackle the multiverse in the future, and if this might also connect to Loki‘s He Who Remains storyline. We got introduced to Kang. So, he could technically appear.

Source: Kakuchopurei

August 2, 2021
REPORT: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Likely Delayed to an Early 2022 Premiere

After a long wait, we finally got our first look at Ms. Marvel’s full costume for the upcoming Disney+ series. It included her brand-new ability that seems to envelop her hand in purple energy. We still have no idea if she will remain an Inhuman and keep her Embiggen abilities, but there are some changes heading our way. Sadly, it seems like we’ll also have to wait longer due to a report by veteran television insider Matt Webb Mitovich from TVLine. In his latest Matt’s Inside Line entry, he shared the following insight on the series potentially delayed-release:

I asked around and it is very safe to assume at this point that Ms. Marvel is now on track for an early 2022 premiere.

There has been a lot of speculation that this delay was imminent due to Hawkeye getting an official release this November. It’s uncertain what it might mean for the original line-up, but there’s a chance that her series requires more effects work and, as a result, got pushed back. We know very little about the series, with rumors all over the place throughout the last few months.

There’s still a chance we might get a surprise release, especially with the series getting a brief sizzle reel during Disney’s Investors Day last December. If it does end up releasing in 2022, it may take WandaVision’s January slot. It’ll likely run six weeks. So, it might not affect any plans for next year’s release schedule, which Marvel Studios is still keeping close to the chest. Here’s hoping we get some insight in the coming months into what their plans are for 2022.

Source: TVLine, Comic Book

August 2, 2021
‘What If’: Pandemic Pushed an Episode Into Season 2

It looks like we might’ve finally gotten the confirmation on how many episodes we can expect in Marvel Studios’ first foray into animation. What If executive producer Brad Winderbaum confirmed that they originally planned ten episodes in the first season before pushing one into the second due to the ongoing pandemic. It also seems to imply that we might get the second entry sooner rather than later.

We had to push an episode into Season 2. It was just, honestly, like everything else, that was a COVID impact. There was an episode that just wouldn’t hit the completion date, but luckily we do get to see it in the second season of the show. Season 2 will also be 9.

He also goes on to describe their approach to the length of each episode, as they weren’t restricted or given any mandate in regard to how they would tackle each episode, which acts as its own individual story.

We targeted a half an hour for each episode. Some of them come in a little longer, some of them come in a little shorter. We wanted to tell as many stories as we could and we had a certain budget we had to work with so it felt like that 10-episode — now 9-episode run — was the right quantity.

There are rumors that at least Captain Carter would make her way into live-action in the upcoming Doctor Strange sequel. The latest trailer also teased that this team of multiversal members will unite as the Guardians of the Multiverse. So, it’s uncertain how it might connect to an overarching story and continue into the second season. It’s still an anthology series at its core. At this point, anything is possible in the MCU.

Source: Collider

August 2, 2021
What I Heard This Week: Namora and ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’

Every now and then I come across some information the veracity of which can be confirmed by a second source. What happens FAR more often is that I come across some information that while believable and from trustworthy sources, cannot be confirmed by other sources for various reasons. Typically, when the second scenario occurs, I move on and forget about the information unless, in rare instances, it turns out to be proven true somewhere down the road. With that in mind, understand that this piece of news is NOT confirmed by Disney, Marvel or any other source and, for now, should fall under the category of rumor until further confirmation comes through.

We’ve known for a while now that Marvel Studios was looking to cast two major, supporting characters in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The Illuminerdi were first to report that the casting calls for two Mayan warriors, codenamed Zyanya and Cadmael, were for the roles of Namora and Attuma, two major Atlantean characters from the comics set to join Tenoch Huerta’s Namor in the 2022 sequel. Now, we may be able to associate a name with one of those roles. I heard this week that actress Mabel Cadena has joined the cast as Namora, the cousin of Namor and one of the original members of the Agents of Atlas!

The 30-year old Mexican actress checks all the boxes for the role of Namora. Marvel Studios was looking for an Hispanic or Latino actress, 20-40, with previous experience in physical roles. Cadena, who recently starred in Dance of the 41 (now available on Netflix) and Hernan (now available on Amazon Prime), has been in the Atlanta area and been hitting the gym to prep for the role.

Huerta also recently began interacting with Cadena on Instagram, which may add a little more fuel to the rumor mill fires, if you’re into that sort of thing. Again, at this point there is no confirmation from any official source, so this should be treated as a rumor; however, a lot of supporting evidence does exist.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters next summer!

August 2, 2021
‘What If’: Captain Carter to Utilize Scrapped Captain America Storyboards

We’ve seen some creative ideas make their way into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, there is still something that sadly ends up on the cutting room floor. Normally, a franchise doesn’t get a chance to revisit them, but Marvel Studios’ new animated series What If gives them a unique opportunity. Director Bryan Andrews confirmed that some unused concepts will get utilized through the newly introduced Captain Carter. He’s been with the company since 2010s Avengers as a storyboard artist and finally has the chance to reuse scrapped ideas.

There’s a ton of Captain America stuff that I had done over all the years that just never quite got in there. And I was like, ‘Ah-ha!’ ‘Cause now we have Captain Carter and she’s got the shield, there’s a lot of stuff ready to go… The moves are visually invigorating and they should be on the screen.

Of course, he does confirm there will be a lot of unique elements that belong to Captain Carter and make her stand out from Steve Roger’s time. It’s great they get to bring back old ideas through this show. Who knows, we might even see some concepts from earlier entries that never made it on the silver screen but get adapted in animated form.

The concept of the What If series opens up what feels like endless possibilities and could become a mainstay in Marvel Studios’ line-up. We know that they’ll also adapt a prelude comic, as head writer A.C. Bradley confirmed a version of Fury’s Big Week will get adapted as an Agatha Christie-style story. It’ll be interesting to see what else the ten-episode season might offer once it premieres in a few weeks.

Source: The Direct

August 1, 2021