Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU Movies

  • Marvel Studios Reportedly Loses Veteran Director Ahead of Expected Sequel Launch

    Marvel Studios Reportedly Loses Veteran Director Ahead of Expected Sequel Launch

    Marvel Studios’ plans for the First Family just hit a major speed bump. According to a report from Jeff “The In” Sneider, Matt Shakman is reportedly moving on from the MCU to helm a new, original Planet of the Apes film for 20th Century Studios.

    While Shakman’s work on The Fantastic Four: First Steps was designed to launch a new flagship franchise, his jump to a different Disney-owned mega-brand suggests that a direct sequel to the 1960s-set space adventure may be further off than fans hoped—and likely under new leadership.

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 21: Eric Pearson attends The Fantastic Four: First Steps World Premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California on July 21, 2025. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney)

    Shakman isn’t making the jump alone. He is bringing First Steps screenwriter Josh Friedman with him to develop what is being described as a “new original story” for the Apes franchise.

    With First Steps pulling in a respectable but not record-breaking $521.8 million at the global box office, Disney is reportedly pivoting Shakman to revitalize the Apes brand while the Fantastic Four characters are integrated into the larger Avengers narrative.

    (L-R): Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 MARVEL.

    The Fantastic Four cast (Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are already locked in for massive roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. This Avengers window gives Marvel breathing room to find a new director for a standalone sequel, which was reported by Variety to be in development for a potential 2028 release.

    Shakman was the architect of the FF’s aesthetic. His departure signals that Marvel is moving away from the director-led era of solo trilogies–like James Gunn‘s Guardians and Jon Watts Spidey–and back to a more utilitarian model where characters move between directors as they flow in and out of the Avengers event films. For fans, this means the  First Family will be plenty busy—but their next solo outing might look very different.

  • Lee Sung Jin Reveals What Media Fuels His ‘X-Men’ Vision

    Lee Sung Jin Reveals What Media Fuels His ‘X-Men’ Vision

    The Mutant Saga just secured a powerhouse creative roster that should have every Marvel fan breathing a sigh of relief. In a major interview with Men’s Health, Lee Sung Jin (the Emmy-winning creator of Beef) officially confirmed he is deep in the “writing trenches” for Marvel Studios’ X-Men reboot, have some insight into the studio’s vision for the project and what X-Men content has shaped his love for the mutant heroes and villains.

    Director Jake Schreier previously worked with both Lee and co-writer Joanna Calo on Thunderbolts* and Beef. This shorthand allows them to tackle the “ideology and interpersonal drama” of the X-Men with a level of grit and realism rarely seen in blockbusters.

    What I’m excited about with Jake’s vision for the X-Men—and [Marvel president Kevin Feige and co-president Lou D’Esposito] are fully aligned with his vision—is that he wants to get back to focusing on the characters first. These are amazing characters with very rich backstories full of so much emotion. There are so many intra-team dynamics and relationships. There’s soapy stuff. And sure, there are political themes baked into the DNA of X-Men too, and those are evergreen, but we want to get back to character-first storytelling.

    -Lee Sung Jin

    Jin’s comments signal a massive tonal shift for the franchise. Rather than focusing on multiversal cameos or cosmic threats, the Beef creator is aiming for the heart of what made the original Chris Claremont comics a cultural phenomenon.

    Lee emphasized that Schreier’s vision is to lean into the “soapy” interpersonal dynamics. “These are amazing characters with very rich backstories full of so much emotion,” Lee told Men’s Health.

    A lifelong fan, Lee revealed he grew up on the 90s animated series and “devoured” X-Men ’97. He’s bringing that deep-rooted love for the “found family” aspect of the team to the script.

    The writing process is reportedly a hands-on, daily collaboration between Lee, Calo, Schreier, Kevin Feige, and Lou D’Esposito. Lee described the sessions as “invigorating,” with the team “in the lab every day” to perfect the draft.

    While the immediate focus is on a single great movie, Schreier and Feige have confirmed they are already mapping out sequels and spin-offs. The goal seems to be  to move away from the villain-of-the-week model and toward a long-term ideological war narrative… something that the X-Men are well-suited to handle.

    Source: Men’s Health

  • A Glorious Twilight — Kenneth Branagh Pitches ‘Logan’-Style Finale for ‘Thor 5’

    A Glorious Twilight — Kenneth Branagh Pitches ‘Logan’-Style Finale for ‘Thor 5’

    The God of Thunder might finally be heading for his sunset. In a series of recent interviews, Kenneth Branagh, the man who originally brought Asgard to the big screen in 2011, officially threw his name into the ring for a return to the Thor franchise.

    Speaking with Business Insider and Variety, the Oscar-winning filmmaker revealed that while he turned down The Dark World to “smell the roses,” he has never stopped thinking about where Thor’s journey should end. Branagh’s vision for a potential Thor 5 is a drastic tonal pivot, describing his pitch as being “more in the territory” of James Mangold’s Logan.

    …part of me would love to finish my relationship with that character. I’d always wanted to do more and indeed had a couple of ideas, more in the territory of James Mangold‘s brilliant Logan. I would love to see Chris Hemsworth and the others have their own individual final story that takes Thor into a glorious twilight.

    -Kenneth Branagh

    With Chris Hemsworth recently teasing life beyond the Multiverse Saga for the Odinson, perhaps the time has come for him to reunite with Branagh and send the God of Thunder out with a bang.

  • Inside the First 3 Pages of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    Inside the First 3 Pages of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    Marvel just pulled a move we haven’t seen from them before to promote their next summer blockbuster. Via Entertainment Weekly, the studio published the first three pages of the script for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, complete with handwritten annotations from director Destin Daniel Cretton, Tom Holland, and more.

    The film opens directly on the Marvel Studios title card, but with a twist. Cretton’s notes reveal that the usual fanfare will be replaced by footage of Peter’s adventures from the first trilogy—specifically the memories that Ned and MJ no longer share.

    Channeling Kevin Feige‘s favorite film, Back to the Future, Cretton writes in the margins that Peter has “vanished from existence like Marty,” emphasizing that for the first time in his life, Peter is “entirely alone.”

    Over the logos, Holland’s voiceover reads the letter he wrote to MJ at the end of No Way Home—the one he never actually gave her.

    While the bulk of the film takes place four years later, the opening scene picks up just nine months after Strange’s spell. Peter is still in the dingy apartment where we last saw him, but he’s already physically changing.

    The script describes Peter experiencing a “small, sharp headache,” which the writers note is our first inkling that “living completely in the shadows is taking its toll—something is changing, and maybe not for the better.”

    Without Stark Tech (that should please a large segment of fans), Peter has built his own AI assistant named E.V. The script notes call E.V. “sadly, the closest thing Peter has to a friend.“

    The script sets the stage for a massive montage, perhaps bridging the gap from Month 9 to Year 4. It also confirms that Peter’s new suit was inspired by his interaction with both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield‘s respective Wall-Crawlers.

    The script pages truly signal a back to basics approach for Soidey. No multiversal cameos are mentioned in these opening pages; it’s a pure, character-driven study of isolation. If No Way Home was about the loss of a life, Brand New Day is about the struggle to build a new one while your own body—and the city you protect—tries to reject you.

    Source: EW

  • Scarcity and Surprise — Ryan Reynolds Isn’t Rushing for ‘Deadpool 4’

    Scarcity and Surprise — Ryan Reynolds Isn’t Rushing for ‘Deadpool 4’

    After the $1.3 billion carnage of Deadpool & Wolverine, fans have been checking their watches for a sequel announcement. But according to Ryan Reynolds, Wade Wilson is going into a bit of a self-imposed hibernation. In a new interview with Collider today, the actor revealed that while he is constantly writing, he is in “no huge rush” to center a movie around himself again.

    Reynolds confirmed a major shift in how the Merc with a Mouth will function in the MCU moving forward and cast doubt on a recent insider report that indicated another Deadpool film was set to kick off Phase 7.

    Scarcity is Key

    “Deadpool works best on both scarcity and surprise,” Reynolds told Collider. “Jumping right back into it full-on right now is probably something I’m not going to do.”

    This follows his comments earlier this month on Sunday Today, where he stated, “I don’t think I am ever going to center him again. He is a supporting character. He is a guy who is great in a group.”

    Despite the lack of a release date, Reynolds admitted he has “a few things written that I love.” These are rumored to be team-up scripts that position Deadpool as a chaotic foil to other major MCU players rather than the solo lead.

    I’ve talked to Marvel off and on, always. We have a really great relationship, you know? It’s always a conversation. I’m always just looking to be additive and help on anything, even if it’s not a movie I’m in. And I’m always writing. I mean, it’s how I kind of get it out of my system. I love writing. That character and that world is one in which anything is possible, and that in and of itself allows for so much freedom and storytelling.

    -Ryan Reynolds

    With Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars on the horizon, the working theory is that Deadpool will be the legacy anchor who bridges the gap between the Fox universe and the new MCU X-Men roster…but there’s no doubt Marvel will have Deadpool back on the big screen before long.

  • SDCC ’26: Marvel Studios to Assemble the Avengers in Hall H This July

    SDCC ’26: Marvel Studios to Assemble the Avengers in Hall H This July

    According to a report from The Wrap, Marvel Studios has officially locked in its return to Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

    After a calculated absence from the major presentation circuit during the height of the 2025 production shifts, Kevin Feige is heading back to the convention floor with one primary mission: the global unveiling of Avengers: Doomsday.

    While a teaser trailer for the December 18th release is rumored to be coming “soon”, it seems highly likely that the cast of the film will be on the big stage in Hall H to roll out a trailer and launch the tidal wave of hype for the first Avengers film since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

    In addition to a big Doomsday blowout, it’s possible the studio will confirm some of the cast for Avengers: Secret Wars, though they’ll have to pick and choose–as they did with the Doomsday cast reveal–to avoid spoilers. However, with filming on Secret Wars expected to kick off in June, it’s possible fans may already be privy to the identity of many of the cast members, even if the studio isn’t ready to announce them.

    Source: The Wrap

  • Forgotten Marvel Star Confirms Studio Has Discussed His Return in Long-Rumored Horror Ensemble

    Forgotten Marvel Star Confirms Studio Has Discussed His Return in Long-Rumored Horror Ensemble

    After years of rumblings and rumors, it seems as though the occult corner of the MCU may finally be coming out of the shadows. In an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Moon Knight star Oscar Isaac confirmed that “interesting conversations” are happening regarding a Midnight Sons movie—and he has one specific request for the casting director.

    From rumored writers to directors and cast members, the big screen team-up flick has allegedly been in development since 2022 and its potential to be a hit is undeniable. Werewolf By Night helmer Michael Giacchino was originally floated as a potential director before Fede Álvarez‘s name popped up on the radar in 2024. Alvarez’s involvement seemed to be attached to a screenplay being drafted by Logan scribe Michael Green and it seemed as though the studio was hoping to fast track the project. While it’s possible the studio had originally planned to get the supernatural squad together before the end of the Multiverse Saga, the deployment of the Time Ripper to accelerate the end of uneven Saga through the removal of scheduled films could have delayed its announcement and arrival.

    Most recently, a rumor claimed that the  Midnight Sons team would feature Dane Whitman, Blade, Elsa Bloodstone, Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Moon Knight, Werewolf By Night and Wong. Isaac’s confirmation that talks have taken place does nothing to quell that rumor and, in fact, may even throw gasoline on the fire.

    Yeah, there was an interesting conversation about Midnight Sons. It’s tonally very important because we’re playing with real stuff [DID] in that one. It’s expressing something very real, challenging, and difficult, so for me, I have a lot of respect for that.

    -Oscar Isaac

    When asked about the persistent fan-casting of Ryan Gosling as the MCU’s Ghost Rider, Isaac didn’t hesitate: “Make it happen, fellas. I mean, it’s a no-brainer.”

    Isaac’s revelation and request comes shortly after Gosling confirmed that he’s had “some discussions” with Marvel about portraying Ghost Rider but that it was a “complicated situation.”

    While not officially on the Phase 7 slate–nothing is, for what it’s worth–Isaac’s comments suggest the project may be in active development as Marvel looks to fill out the first wave of films in its post-Multiverse Saga plans.

  • New Insider Report Backs Claim that a Second Defenders-Verse Character Will Join The Punisher in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    New Insider Report Backs Claim that a Second Defenders-Verse Character Will Join The Punisher in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    Marvel Television’s Defendes renaissance is starting to leak over into Marvel Studios’ plans. After rumors swirled last year, a new report seemingly confirms that Rosario Dawson will appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day as Claire Temple, marking her first appearance since the Netflix days.

    Claire reportedly serves as the underground medical contact for Peter Parker. With Peter living in anonymity and avoiding traditional hospitals, Claire is the only person he can turn to when the biological mutations—and the bruises from a rampaging Hulk—become too much to handle.

    According to Jeff “The In” Sneider’, Claire’s clinic is where Peter and Frank Castle first cross paths, setting up the unlikely alliance that carries the film’s second act.

    Bringing back Claire Temple is an interesting choice for the studio that recently rebranded to make fans feel like they could escape the interconnectedness of its interconnected cinematic universe. It rewards the long-term fans of the street-level shows while giving Peter a much-needed civilian anchor who understands the cost of being a hero. Between Bernthal and Dawson, the Netflix DNA is officially part of the backbone of the new Spidey trilogy.

  • New ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Footage Said to Add Critical Link to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

    New ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Footage Said to Add Critical Link to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

    When Avengers: Endgame hits theaters again this fall, it won’t be the same film fans saw in 2019. According to director Joe Russo, fans will be getting an all-new, all-different version of the film which will include footage set within the narrative of Avengers: Doomsday.

    “It’s critically important to re-release the movie, and, in fact, we’ll be re-releasing the film with footage that is set in the Doomsday story that we have added to Avengers: Endgame,” explained Joe Russo.

    “It’s an opportunity to create a bridge from Endgame to Doomsday in a very unique way, and because the movie was so successful, we have an opportunity to re-release it. You don’t always get the chance to re-release because it costs money, so the fact that we can enhance the story of Doomsday by bridging it to Endgame and these characters that we worked with for years that we love so much, and continue their story: It’s a really unique opportunity.”

    As Russo explained further, he described the Avengers: Endgame re-release as a “critical companion story” and a “setup for what you’re gonna watch in December when you see Avengers Doomsday.”

    With Chris Evans back in a central role, one can imagine that at least some of the new footage would address Steve Rogers journey through time and which, if any, Avengers, might have known about it.

    Avengers: Endgame will be back in theaters on September 25th and Avengers: Doomsday will follow on December 18th.

    Source: Deadline

  • Beyond IMAX? — Disney and Marvel Launch “Infinity Vision” Certification for the Ultimate Theater Experience

    Disney just dropped a bombshell at CinemaCon 2026 that is set to change how we watch blockbusters. Move over IMAX and Dolby—there’s a new gold standard in town. Disney has officially launched Infinity Vision, a premier theatrical certification designed to help audiences identify the absolute “biggest, brightest, and most immersive” screens on the planet.

    Infinity Vision isn’t its own proprietary screen like IMAX; rather, it’s a certification for existing Premium Large Format (PLF) auditoriums that meet Disney’s rigorous “Director’s Intent” standards. To earn the badge, a theater must feature:

    • Max-Scale Screens: Only the largest domestic and global screens need apply.
    • Laser Precision: Mandatory laser projection to ensure superior brightness and 4K clarity.
    • Immersive Sound: Advanced premium audio formats (like Dolby Atmos) configured for maximum spatial immersion.

    The first Infinity Vision-certified screenings will begin on September 25, 2026, with a massive theatrical re-release of Avengers: Endgame. It’s a tactical move to reclaim the #1 all-time box office spot from Avatar while letting fans test-drive the new format. The re-release will also feature new footage intended to bridge the film to Avengers: Doomsday.

    The certification is primarily built for the December 18, 2026 release of Avengers: Doomsday. By seeking out Infinity Vision screens, fans can guarantee they are seeing the Russo Brothers’ vision on a scale that surpasses standard theatrical chains.