Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU News

  • Two More Names Emerge as Potential Scribes for Marvel Studios’ ‘X-Men’

    Two More Names Emerge as Potential Scribes for Marvel Studios’ ‘X-Men’

    Recent rumors have pointed to Marvel Studios bumping their X-Men reboot to the front of the line with an eye on rolling it out as part of the Multiverse Saga. With each passing day, it looks as though there may just be some merit to that as more rumblings surface about the studio’s search for a creative team for the project. It’s not always easy to separate facts from bullshit but it does seem clear that the studio is indeed narrowing down the pool of potential writers for the film. Now, a new report provides a pair of surprising names that might be in the mix as well as a potential timeline.

    According to Jeff “The In” Sneider, Rafe Judkins and Michael Lesslie are among the names on Marvel Studios’ shortlist to write the screenplay for their X-Men reboot. Sneider also believes that the studio could settle on a scribe for the project by the end of the month.

    Judkins, who wrote 5 episodes of the ABC melodrama Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Tom Holland-led Uncharted, has most recently served as the showrunner for Amazon’s Wheel of Time adaptation. Lesslie recently wrote the screenplay for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and, in 2016, the screenplay for Assassin’s Creed.

    Sneider has made no claims about the studio favoring one or the other of the two and it’s important to remember that there’s no indication of how many other writers are on the shortlist. Ryan Coogler, whose name was recently floated as a potential director for the X-Men project, would likely also prefer to write the screenplay for the project were he to in fact be hired to helm it. With a project as big as X-Men, you can be sure the trades are doing everything they can to find out as much as possible about it so if Sneider’s report has merit to it and the studio is closing in on a writer, a trade breaking the news would be expected.

  • Marvel Studios Finds Its Galactus

    Marvel Studios Finds Its Galactus

    With The Fantastic Four set to begin production this summer, Marvel Studios has been busily rounding out what’s become a stellar cast. Now, after months of rumors about the film’s villain and who was in line to play him, Marvel Studios has settled on their Galactus.

    According to trade reports, British actor Ralph Ineson has joined the film as the Devourer of Worlds.

    Ineson has become somewhat of a horror icon over the past several years having appeared in films such as The Witch, The First Omen and The Pope’s Exorcist.

    Without seeing a second of whatever Ineson will bring to the Hunger That Does Not Cease, there’s no doubt Marvel Studios’ version of the character will be better than the ethereal fart cloud that appeared in Fox’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

    Updating…

    Source: THR

  • Captain America: Brave New World Still Offers First Look at Xosha Roquemore’s Mystery Character

    Captain America: Brave New World Still Offers First Look at Xosha Roquemore’s Mystery Character

    Originally slated to hit theaters in 2024, Captain America: Brave New World has seen its release date moved a few times over the past year. Though it is currently on track for a February 14, 2025 release, it seems as though some marketing decisions were made with a 2024 release in mind. Over the past month, promo art, McDonald’s Happy Meal toys and other assorted merchandise have provided first looks at some of the characters. Additionally, the latest issue of Empire Magazine included some bits about the film and several new stills the latest of which gives fans their first look at Xosha Roquemore‘s new character.

    Via The Cine Geek, the BTS still from Empire shows Roquemore and Anthony Mackie prepping for a scene with director Julius Onah.

    Roquemore’s character–who is rumored to be Leila Taylor–is sporting some sort of lapel that looks similar to a U.S. Marshall’s badge. If Roquemore is indeed playing Taylor, it would be an all-new, all-different iteration of the character. In the comics, the character was a reporter and one-time romantic interest of Wilson’s who mostly got into a lot of dangerous situations that allowed Sam to do some heroing. From the looks of the still, the MCU’s Taylor might be doing some heroing of her own.

    Captain America: Brave New World flys into theaters on February 14th, 2025.

  • Marvel Rumored to Have Set Their Sights on a Familiar Face to Direct ‘X-Men’

    Marvel Rumored to Have Set Their Sights on a Familiar Face to Direct ‘X-Men’

    As X-Men ’97 continues to remind fans just how great Marvel’s uncanny mutant heroes and villains can be, rumored details about the studio’s upcoming live-action reboot continue to pop up. With the studio reportedly having narrowed down the list of candidates to write the film, a new rumor about a potential director for the film has emerged and while there’s been no word about Marvel Studios having talks with directors, this particular name coming up does bring some intriguing possibilities to mind.

    According to the internet’s busiest leaker, My Time To Shine Hello, Marvel Studios is looking to MCU veteran director Ryan Coogler to helm their new X-Men movie.

    Despite there having been no previous buzz about Marvel being ready to move forward in their search for a director for the project, the rumor about Coogler does track on multiple levels. If the previous rumor about the studio being close to selecting a writer for the film was accurate, it’s possible that Coogler could serve as both the writer and director for the film. He has filled dual roles on both of his previous MCU entries, Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, as well as on five other films including his upcoming vampire film that will star his friend and frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, Coogler has a well-developed relationship with Disney which includes a five-year overall deal to create projects for Disney Plus. The first of those projects, the animated series Eyes of Wakanda, is expected to debut on the streaming service later this year.

    Coogler already has some experience with mutants, having brought Namor into live-action in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Additionally, Coogler has shown a gift for creating and building out expansive worlds within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, something that may well be part of Marvel Studios’ plan for their iteration of the X-Men. One oft-rumored direction for the reboot involves it being inspired by Jonathan Hickman’s recent run on X-Men comics which involved a massive retcon of the history of the mutant island known as Krakoa. Should Marvel Studios indeed head in that direction with their X-Men franchise, it would certainly play to one of Coogler’s strengths. For now, it’s nothing but a rumor but it is certainly a solid match.

  • Wild New Rumor Has The Rock Joining the MCU as a Major X-Men Villain

    Wild New Rumor Has The Rock Joining the MCU as a Major X-Men Villain

    Dwayne Johnson‘s first efforts as a superhero certainly didn’t work out as the star hoped. Black Adam was a critical and commercial miss and with an all-new DC Studios emerging as the film was in theaters, there was no future for the character or for Johnson. Now amidst his return to professional wrestling as a full-blown WWE heel, a new rumor has him joining the MCU as one of the X-Men’s deadliest villains.

    According to one of the online community’s most active leakers, My Time To Shine Hello, Marvel Studios is interested in casting Dwayne Johnson as En Sabah Nur, better known as Apocalypse.

    The character–played by Oscar Isaac–was the antagonist of Fox’s 2016 debacle X-Men: Apocalypse and has been one of the X-Men’s most formidable foes over the years in the comics. Writer Jonathan Hickman recently made some significant changes to the character’s history which not only made him more interesting but also provided a path forward in the MCU without retreading too much ground covered in the horrific Fox film.

    Given he’s one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, there’s a pretty good chance that Marvel Studios would like to work with Johnson at some point, casting the star as Apocalypse seems like a terrible idea at best. Outside of the sheer horror that could come from The Rock revisiting ancient Egypt and reminding audiences of The Scorpion King, there’s also the matter of Johnson’s staunch refusal to play villains. Perhaps his heel turn in the WWE represents some movement on this front but that remains to be seen.

    Who is Apocalypse?

    Marvel Comics’ Apocalypse, also known as En Sabah Nur, stands as one of the most formidable and iconic villains in the X-Men universe. With his ancient origins and insatiable thirst for power, Apocalypse is a force to be reckoned with.

    Born thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, Apocalypse is an immortal mutant with godlike powers and an indomitable will. Possessing advanced technology and genetic manipulation abilities, he is revered as the world’s first mutant, wielding immense strength and intelligence.

    Apocalypse’s primary goal is the survival of the fittest, believing in the principle of mutant superiority through strength. Throughout history, he has sought to cull weaker mutants and shape the world in his image, often unleashing chaos and destruction in his wake. From assembling his Four Horsemen to manipulating global events, Apocalypse stops at nothing to achieve his vision of mutant domination.

    Encounters with the X-Men

    The X-Men, led by stalwart heroes like Cyclops and Wolverine, have repeatedly clashed with Apocalypse in epic battles of will and power. His encounters with the X-Men often result in cataclysmic showdowns, testing the limits of their strength and resolve. Apocalypse sees the X-Men as both worthy adversaries and obstacles to his grand design, making their conflicts legendary in the annals of Marvel Comics.

    Apocalypse’s legacy extends beyond mere villainy, influencing the course of mutantkind and leaving a lasting mark on the Marvel Universe. His actions have shaped the destinies of countless mutants, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Despite facing defeat on numerous occasions, Apocalypse’s influence looms large, a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by those who seek absolute power.

    In the realm of Marvel Comics, Apocalypse stands as a testament to the enduring allure of villainy and the eternal struggle between good and evil. With his ancient origins, godlike powers, and relentless pursuit of dominance, he remains a dark and ominous figure, casting a long shadow over the world of the X-Men.

  • New Official Look at Sam Wilson’s New Cap Costume from ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

    New Official Look at Sam Wilson’s New Cap Costume from ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

    Whether from behind-the-scenes set photos, marketing materials and merchandising leaks, there have been plenty of “first” looks at the new costume Anthony Mackie will be wearing in Captain America: Brave New World. However, with the film about to head into significant reshoots, Marvel Studios has provided the best “official” look at the costume via Empire.

    Photo Credit: Empire Magazine

    In what director Julius Onah calls Sam’s “coming-out show” as Captain America, the 2025 film will see Wilson step out of the vibrant white costume he wore in the final episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and into a predominantly blue costume that looks a bit like the one sported by Chris Evans in Avengers: Endgame.

    Much like the previous trilogy of Cap films, Brave New World will dive directly into the realm of politics as Sam steps into the role of Captain America. “Part of the challenge for Sam as Captain America, working within the government, is the way he’s going to make decisions,” explained Onah, who took care to point out that like Steve Rogers, Sam won’t be a yes man for the United States. “The point of view he’s going to have will at times put him at odds with the President,” explained the director, teasing the relationship Wilson will have with Harrison Ford‘s Thunderbolt Ross.

    (L-R): Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross and Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America in Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. Photo by Eli Adé. © 2024 MARVEL.

    And though it seems Ross will have his own very interesting arc, it’s Samuel Sterns’ The Leader, played by Tim Blake Nelson, who will be the true antagonist of the film. “Sam finds himself almost standing between Samuel Sterns and what he thinks the government owes him, and how he wants to go about getting that,” said Onah of the villain who first appeared in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. As fans of the comics know, being at odds with Sterns isn’t a great place to be and it sounds as thought that’s something Wilson will learn the hard way in Brave New World. “The action in this movie is incredibly exciting because this is a guy who can break, this is a guy who can bleed,” explained Onah. “We get to have a lot of fun pushing him to the limit.”

    We’ll see just how far the new Star-Spangled Man with a Plan can be pushed when Captain America: Brave New World hits theaters on February 14, 2025.

    Source: Empire

  • Kevin Feige Clarifies a Key ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Plot Point

    Kevin Feige Clarifies a Key ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Plot Point

    The most recent look at Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine seemed to pretty clearly indicate that Hugh Jackman‘s Logan is a Variant that had not yet been seen in any of the Fox X-Men films. The new trailer had plenty enough dialogue and context clues to deduce that Jackman was not resuming the role so much as reinventing it through an all-new, all-different Variant but the internet, of course, remained skeptical. Thankfully, Marvel Studios’ One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, has put that skepticism to bed.

    In an interview with Empire, Feige revealed that he was initially opposed to Jackman’s return to the role but came around to the notion once it was settled that he would not be playing a version of the character he had played before.

    Phot credit: Emprire Magazine

    Recalling a conversation he had with Jackman, Feige told Empire, “I said, ‘Let me give you a piece of advice, Hugh. Don’t come back. You had the greatest ending in history with Logan. That’s not something we should undo.’” And so the studio found a way to avoid undoing it by using the concept of the Multiverse to create a new version of the character (When asked by Empire to clarify if Jackman was playing version of the character that fans had not met before, Feige simply said “Correct.”), something Jackman himself wasn’t quite sure of himself until he went for a drive.

    “I was about an hour into the drive,” recalled Jackman. “And that question came into my head: ‘What do I want to do?’ And as soon as I asked the question, I wanted to do Deadpool & Wolverine. I just knew it. I drove for another hour. Couldn’t stop thinking about it. And I got out of the car, called Ryan, and said, ‘Ryan, if you’ll have me, I’m in.’”

    Whatever skepticism either Feige or Jackman had has certainly been assuaged by the reception to the two trailers for the film. Deadpool & Wolverine looks like it’s exactly what Marvel Studios needs to reestablish itself at the box office. The film hits theaters in the U.S. on July 26th.

    Source: Empire

  • Holy Mole-y! Paul Walter Hauser Climbs Aboard ‘The Fantastic Four’

    Holy Mole-y! Paul Walter Hauser Climbs Aboard ‘The Fantastic Four’

    With stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach firmly in place as the First Family and the start of production just a few months out, Marvel Studios has begun rounding out the cast of The Fantastic Four. One month after Ozark‘s Julia Garner joined the cast as the Silver Surfer, a star from another one of Netflix’s most popular series has boarded the project.

    According to Deadline, Paul Walter Hauser has agreed to join the film in an unknown role. Hauser is a familiar face to many, having been featured in Cobra Kai and Cruella and starring as the titular character in the Richard Jewell biopic. The actor has recently signed on for two other major roles in the reboot of The Naked Gun and as Chris Farley in an upcoming film about the late comedian.

    Though Deadline’s report indicated that Hauser’s role was kept under wraps, there’s plenty of speculation (and it’s all rather reasonable) that he’ll be playing classic Fantastic Four villain Harvey Elder, aka The Mole Man. In April, the character’s appearance was teased by Marvel as part of a viral marketing campaign which featured Fantastic Four #1 which not only introduced the Marvel’s First Family but also the Mole Man! Following Hauser’s casting, insider Jeff Sneider revealed that he’d heard the character will indeed make an appearance in the beginning of The Fantastic Four.

    Now before I slay you all, behold my master plan! See this map of my underground empire! Each tunnel leads to a major city! As soon as I have wrecked every atomic plant, every source of Earthly power, my mighty mole creatures will attack and destroy everyting that lives above the surface!

    Harvey Elder, Fantastic Four #1

    Though Hauser’s casting as Elder is only theoretical, it’s also theoretically perfect. Though he evolved a bit over time, the Mole Man was originally incredibly campy. Hauser might just be the best bet in Hollywood to deliver the cheesy lines spewed by the Mole Man over the years.

    The Fantastic Four is set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ & ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Composer Teases His MCU Return

    ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ & ‘Avengers: Endgame’ Composer Teases His MCU Return

    Alan Silvestri‘s score has been the heartbeat of the MCU for well over a decade. As the composer behind Captain America: The First Avengers, The Avengers, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, Silvestri‘s work has brought the extra thrill to scenes like Thor’s arrival in Wakanda and Cap stepping out of the shadows in Edinburgh. Silvestri has had plenty of work in the past five years but has not collaborated with Marvel Studios since Avengers: Endgame. Now it seems that’s about to change.

    In an interview with Games Radar, Silvestri teased that he may be returning to score an upcoming MCU film. When asked if he was willing to return to work on a Marvel Studios project, he said “Well, it looks like that could be happening, I just can’t talk about it [laughs]. I love that universe, for sure.“

    While he’s currently working on scoring Joe and Anthony Russo’s The Electric State and Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Silvestri refused to share what upcoming MCU project he might lend his talents to. There are certainly plenty of options that would seem to be good fits for the legendary composer. Marvel Studios The Fantastic Four looks to be shaping up as a major part of the Multiverse Saga and, of course, a pair of Avengers films are in development as well. Or, perhaps, Silvestri will take a crack at scoring Marvel and Sony’s next Spider-Man film given he’s yet to work on a project featuring the Web-Slinger. Whatever project he does agree to work on, it will certainly be better because of him.

    Source: Games Radar

  • Joaquin Torres and Sam Wilson’s ‘Captain America 4’ Costumes Caught in 4K

    Joaquin Torres and Sam Wilson’s ‘Captain America 4’ Costumes Caught in 4K

    Marvel Studios loves a new costume. Unfortunately, they love it so much that even though Sam Wilson’s first Captain America costume, seen in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, may have been as good of a costume as they’ve ever thrown together, they will move on in Sam’s next appearance in Captain America: Brave New World.

    Courtesy of CanWeGetSomeToast, a hi-res look of Sam’s new Cap costume and the reworked Exo-7 gear he gave Joaquin Torres have made the rounds online.

    https://twitter.com/CanWeGetToast/status/1785203931968360604

    While Torres’ new Falcon get-up is incredibly accurate to the character’s look in the comics, it certainly isn’t something that would seem to make for a big seller on an action figure which, whether you like it or not, is a major part of the choices the studio routinely makes with costume design. On the other hand, though it’s not the vibrant white costume he wore in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Sam’s new look is far sharper.

    Though the first look at these costumes came from set photos shared online nearly a year ago, these new looks–taken from a McDonald’s promo–provide much more vivid detail of the changes fans can expect when the film hits theaters. The fourth installment in the Captain America franchise is expected to undergo some significant additional photography this summer before hitting theaters on February 24, 2025.