Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU News

  • ‘X-Men ’97’: Director Removes One Possible Perpetrator of the Genoshan Massacre from the List of Suspects

    ‘X-Men ’97’: Director Removes One Possible Perpetrator of the Genoshan Massacre from the List of Suspects

    Episode 5 of X-Men ’97, “Remember It”, was indeed memorable. In one of the most shocking episodes of Marvel Studios-produced TV to date, “Remember It” saw the mutant island nation of Genosha attacked by a Wild Sentinel. The body count from the attack seemed to include Gambit and Magneto, both of whom sacrificed themselves in amazing displays of their powers in order to save other mutants, including Rogue, who was in quite a particular pickle before the attack. Theories about who perpetrated the attack on the island have taken over social media and message boards and a few names have risen to the top of the suspect list. However, according to X-Men ’97’s key creatives, it’s time to remove one of the most popular potential mass murderers from the list.

    Unfortunately for the X-Men, the list of characters who have enacted terrible schemes resulting in the mass murder of mutants is pretty expansive. However, the mutant body count of one of those villains stands above the rest. In Grant Morrison’s New X-Men arc, “E is for Extinction”, Cassandra Nova–the twin sister of Charles Xavier–murdered 16,000,000 mutants in a matter of minutes in what became known as the Genoshan genocide. That arc served as the template for “Remember It” but according to supervising producer Jake Castorena, fans should not expect to learn Nova was behind the attack.

    In an interview with Inverse, Castorena scratched her name off the list of suspects saying, “I wouldn’t get my hopes up for Cassandra Nova being a huge villain in our show. But what I will say is, I don’t think people will be disappointed with our choices.” Though she’s not behind the attack, it seems as though the creative team has thought plenty about Xavier’s twisted twin. Emi Yonemura, who directed Episode 5, explained what she loves about Nova and may have given some insight into the team’s plans for the character. “I love her because she is a challenge for Xavier. I really love the tensions that she brings, the whole other level that she brings,” said Yonemura. “I love her character design as well. I cannot say where we go, but I think what’s so nice about using the original series and the comics for where we start [is that it] gives us so many options with so many rich characters like Cassandra to get to play with.” So while Nova won’t be popping in for a visit next week, it sounds as though she’s certainly a good bet to appear once Charles returns from his respite in Shi’ar space.

    The first five episodes of X-Men ’97 are not streaming on Disney Plus.

    About Cassandra Nova

    Cassandra Nova is a formidable antagonist within the Marvel Universe, renowned for her cunning intellect and ruthless demeanor. As a mutant with telepathic abilities, she poses a significant threat to the X-Men and all who oppose her nefarious schemes. With a shape-shifting prowess that rivals even the most skilled adversaries, Cassandra Nova is a master manipulator who utilizes her powers to infiltrate and subvert the most secure organizations.

    The Twisted Twin Sister of Charles Xavier

    Conceived as the malevolent counterpart to Charles Xavier, Cassandra Nova embodies the darkest aspects of mutant potential. In a shocking twist of fate, Charles Xavier, unaware of his twin sister’s existence, unknowingly attacked Cassandra Nova while she was still in the womb. This event, shrouded in mystery and tragedy, set the stage for their tumultuous relationship and Cassandra’s eventual emergence as a formidable antagonist within the Marvel Universe. The repercussions of this prenatal conflict reverberate throughout their intertwined destinies, shaping the course of their lives and the fate of mutantkind.

    Emerging from the depths of the Xavier Institute’s history, she has been a constant thorn in the side of the X-Men, often orchestrating elaborate plots to undermine their efforts for peace and equality. With ties to the Shi’ar Empire and Genosha, Cassandra Nova’s reach extends far beyond the borders of Earth, making her a global threat of unparalleled magnitude.

    A Powerful Adversary

    Driven by an insatiable thirst for power and domination, Cassandra Nova’s ambitions know no bounds. Whether manipulating world leaders or inciting conflicts between mutants and humans, she seeks to sow chaos and discord at every turn. Her ultimate goal remains shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: Cassandra Nova will stop at nothing to achieve her malevolent objectives.

    Possessing a genius-level intellect and unparalleled telepathic abilities, Cassandra Nova is a formidable adversary capable of outwitting even the most seasoned heroes. Her shape-shifting prowess allows her to assume any form, making her a master of deception and subterfuge. Ruthless and manipulative, she will exploit any weakness to further her own agenda, leaving destruction in her wake.

    Cassandra Nova’s modus operandi revolves around manipulation, scheming, and plotting. With a penchant for orchestrating elaborate schemes, she seeks to undermine her enemies from within, using their own vulnerabilities against them. Whether infiltrating secure facilities or instigating conflicts, she employs a wide array of tactics to achieve her goals, leaving chaos and destruction in her wake.

    Coming Soon to the MCUDeadpool 3 Trailer Reveals First Look At Major New X-Men Villain As Powerful As Professor X

    Cassandra Nova will make her live-action debut in Deadpool and Wolverine. Played by Emma Corrin, Nova will be the primary antagonist of the film and is rumored to be in a position of power in The Void, a region outside of time where pruned Variants are sent by the TVA.

    Deadpool and Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th.

    Source: Inverse

  • CinemaCon: Marvel Studios Title Change for 2025 Film Sparks Online Speculation

    CinemaCon: Marvel Studios Title Change for 2025 Film Sparks Online Speculation

    Marvel Studios One Above All, Kevin Feige, took the stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas for the first time and the head honcho did not disappoint. In addition to rolling out the first looks at footage from Deadpool and Wolverine and Captain America: Brave New World, Feige also confirmed a minor title change to one of their 2025 projects and left fans with a cryptic tease about its meaning.

    During a recently staged behind-the-scenes video from Marvel Studios’ star Florence Pugh, a new logo and title for the studio’s Thunderbolts project was revealed. Originally titled Thunderbolts, the film’s new logo revealed it was now titled Thunderbolts*. About as minor of a change as one can imagine. During his time on stage in Las Vegas, Feige confirmed the title change while showing off the new logo and also leaving fans hanging as to the meaning of the asterisk. “Yes, you’ll notice the asterisk on Thunderbolts. That is the official title of Thunderbolts and we won’t talk more about that until after the movie comes out.” teased Feige, leaving fans to do what they do best: speculate wildly.

    Typically when placed at the end of a word, an asterisk indicates some sort of footnote is being cross-referenced. That does not seem to be the case here which leaves a little mystery around the minor change to the title. It’s possible the asterisk indicates some additional context is needed to understand the title of the film which is also the title of the team of antiheroes who undertake a secret mission in the film. Given all the online hubbub about one purported explanation for how the team gets the name, it’s possible that the asterisk is indeed a reference to how the team chooses its moniker. However, fans are looking much deeper for explanations.

    One possible explanation that’s beginning to take root is that the asterisk somehow indicates that the team will become known as the Dark Avengers, a team that debuted in Marvel Comics in 2009. Ironically enough, word reached my ears almost 6 years ago that Marvel Studios commissioned a writer to put a Dark Avengers script together. At the time, the studio was also still developing Eternals, Black Widow and sequels to hits like Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man: Homecoming and Guardians of the Galaxy that were all intended to be set after Avengers: Endgame, which still hadn’t even hit theaters at the time. Time went on, COVID happened and we assumed that like many other projects that begin development–such as Power Pack–, Dark Avengers was moved to the bottom of the pile, never to be heard from again.

    Could the asterisk point to a Dark Avengers adaptation? Possibly, though the composition of the current roster of Thunderbolts (Yelena Belova, Taskmaster, Ghost and John Walker) is a long way from the collection of scum and villainy that Norman Osborn put together for the Dark Avengers. Even thematically, the name change doesn’t truly fit since the Dark Avengers were almost all non-redeemable sociopaths and psychopaths. However, as we say far too often, Marvel Studios has no qualms about co-opting names and titles without any intention of comic-accurate adaptations, as proven by the fact that their roster of Thunderbolts features not a single character from the original team despite Daniel Bruhl’s Zemo, founder of the OG team in the comics, being fully established in the MCU. Thunderbolts* is cool but Dark Avengers has the A-word in it and the A-word sells.

    Thunderbolts* is currently slated to hit theaters on May 2, 2025.

    About Dark Avengers

    The Dark Avengers, a formidable and morally ambiguous team within Marvel Comics, emerged as a stark departure from the traditional hero archetype. Introduced during the “Dark Reign” storyline, orchestrated by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato, the Dark Avengers debuted in “Dark Avengers” #1 in 2009.

    Led by Norman Osborn, the former Green Goblin and head of the clandestine organization H.A.M.M.E.R. (replacing S.H.I.E.L.D. during the “Dark Reign”), the Dark Avengers were a twisted reflection of the original Avengers. Osborn meticulously handpicked each member, often selecting individuals with dark pasts and a willingness to embrace villainy or anti-heroism.

    One of the most notable aspects of the Dark Avengers was their masquerade as Earth’s mightiest heroes. Osborn, now rebranded as the Iron Patriot, donned a modified version of Iron Man’s armor and positioned himself as the leader of this new Avengers team. The team roster comprised individuals who assumed the identities of classic Avengers characters, albeit with their own unique twist. For instance, Bullseye took on the mantle of Hawkeye, Moonstone portrayed Ms. Marvel, Venom (Mac Gargan) became Spider-Man, and Daken, the son of Wolverine, assumed the guise of his father.

    The dynamic within the Dark Avengers was fraught with tension and moral ambiguity. While some members harbored genuine desires to reform or redeem themselves, others reveled in their newfound power and embraced their darker impulses. This internal conflict often led to explosive confrontations and power struggles within the team.

    Despite their dubious motives and methods, the Dark Avengers proved to be a formidable force, wielding significant influence over the Marvel Universe during the “Dark Reign” era. Their actions challenged the very fabric of heroism, blurring the lines between good and evil and forcing readers to question the nature of heroism itself.

    Over time, as Osborn’s machinations unraveled and his grip on power weakened, the Dark Avengers disbanded, with each member returning to their own path, whether it be redemption, continued villainy, or anti-heroism. However, their legacy continues to linger in the annals of Marvel Comics, serving as a testament to the complexity of the human condition and the ever-shifting nature of morality in a world of super-powered beings.

  • New BTS Photo Reveals Another Key ‘Daredevil’ Actor Has Returned for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    New BTS Photo Reveals Another Key ‘Daredevil’ Actor Has Returned for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    Once upon a time in 2022, Charlie Cox called Daredevil: Born Again “a whole new deal,” making it clear that Marvel Studios’ bigbest shooter, Kevin Feige, did not intend for it to be Season 4 of Netflix’s Daredevil but rather Season 1 of Disney +’s version. Needless to say, that’s outdated information in 2024.

    Following a paused production and a creative retooling, Netflix’s shows became MCU canon and Daredevil: Born Again now seems to very much be the fourth season of the series that debuted on Netflix in 2015. After having originally left out, stars Wilson Bethel, Elden Henson and Deborah Ann Woll all joined the cast when production resumed and now another key member of the original cast has been captured on set.

    Ayelet Zurer, who played Vanessa Fisk, nee Marianna, has returned for Daredevil: Born Again.

    Of all the returning cast members, Zurer’s is by far the most surprising because the role.of Vanessa was recast. In March 2023, Sandrine Holt was reported by the trades to have been cast as Vanessa.

    The photo comes shortly after the crew of Daredevil: Born Again threw a wrap party though it’s very normal for additional photography to continue even after production “wraps.” Either way, the bulk of the work on the first nine episodes is done and production is reportedly going on hiatus until November, when the cast and crew will begin work on the next nine episodes. No release date for the first nine episodes has been revealed.

    Source: stevesandnyc

  • ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ Promo Art Provides a Great Look at the Deadpool Corps, Wolverine’s Amazing Costume

    ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ Promo Art Provides a Great Look at the Deadpool Corps, Wolverine’s Amazing Costume

    Deadpool and Wolverine won’t hit theaters for another 3+ months but but there will be plenty of marketing and promotion to help pass the time. While the film’s two title characters will clearly be the stars of the show, there will be plenty of other highlights and it’s becoming clear that some version of the Deadpool Corps will be one of them.

    In the comics, the Deadpool Corps was a team of alternate-universe versions of Deadpool that assembled in 2010’s Prelude to Deadpool Corps to take on a multiversal threat. With Deadpool and Wolverine largely set in The Void, it seems that the MCU’s iteration of the Corps will be Variants who have been pruned from their timelines.

    The promo art gives us our best look yet at the members of the Corps: Dogpool, Headpool, Kidpool and Babypool(?). Absent from the art but also rumored to appear in the film is Lady Deadpool.

    Another piece of art for the project sees Deadpool and Wolverine face to face and provides a great look at Wolverine’s comic accurate mask. Nearly 25 years after his first film appearance, Hugh Jackman will finally be sporting a comic-accurate costume when Deadpool and Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th.

    Source: Twitter

  • Production on ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Headed for Long Hiatus

    Production on ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Headed for Long Hiatus

    After production on Daredevil: Born Again paused because of the SAG and WGA strikes and a bit of a creative retooling, the first batch of episodes for the new series are almost complete. There are always some minor finishing touches but with the crew holding a wrap party, the majority of the work is done on what will either be Season 1 or Part 1 of Season 1. With an extended episode count, however, there’s much more work to do and now we have an idea of when production will kick off on the next batch of episodes.

    According to a Twitter user who spent significant time around the NYC set of the series, production on the next nine episodes of Daredevil: Born Again won’t begin until November.

    If that’s accurate, that gives showrunner Dario Scardapane seven months to put together Season 1, Part 2 or Season 2 of the series. As of now, there’s no word on when Disney plans to roll out the first 9 episodes on their streaming service; however, the original plan was to have them debut on Disney Plus in early 2025.

  • Marvel Studios Launces Viral Campaign for ‘The Fantastic Four’ Featuring the Future Foundation

    Marvel Studios Launces Viral Campaign for ‘The Fantastic Four’ Featuring the Future Foundation

    Known for years for their intense secrecy around their projects, Marvel Studios seems to be taking an all-new, all-different approach with The Fantastic Four. After first revealing the film’s cast alongside an updated logo and release date on Valentine’s Day, the studio is celebrating “4-4 Day” (April 4th) with a little viral fun.

    The official Marvel Studios Twitter account shared a new piece of concept art for the film featuring the Human Torch along with a link to Marvel.com/Fantastic Four.

    Once at the link, you’re greeted by H.E.R.B.I.E. and clever 404 “PAGE NOT FOUND” error. Upon closer inspection, a QR code can be seen inside H.E.R.B.I.E. which leads a new page with a Future Foundation logo at the top. There, 5 comics can be found which are likely key issues in which hints about the film’s plot could be found.

    The issues involve the FF’s first appearance and their fight against Mole Man, the three-issue arc that introduced Galactus and the Silver Surfer and Mark Russell’s 2021 Fantastic Four: Life Story #1 which detailed the team’s adventures in the 1960s.

    Given yesterday’s news that Julia Garner had joined the cast as a version of the Silver Surfer, the three-issue arc all but confirms the long-standing rumors that the film would feature the team taking on Galactus. And if it wasn’t clear yet, the inclusion of Life Story confirms the ’60s setting of the film.

    Additionally, the inclusion of the Future Foundation in the viral campaign adds credence to the rumors that Franklin and Valeria Richards will be included in the film. The Future Foundation was created by Reed Richards as a way to help shape the future of science by helping young people learn to think creatively. The Richards’ children were two of the Foundation’s many members.

    We’ll continue to keep an eye on Marvel to see if they have more in store on April 4!

    Sources: Twitter, Marvel.com

  • Julia Garner Joins the Cast of ‘The Fantastic Four’

    Julia Garner Joins the Cast of ‘The Fantastic Four’

    In what’s easily one of the more surprising casting moves to date by Marvel Studios, Julia Garner (Ozark) has joined the cast of The Fantastic Four as…The Silver Surfer.

    The character has long been expected to be part of the film; however, the surprise comes in that according to Deadline, Garner will play a very different version of the character than what fans have been anticipating. The trade claims that Garner will be playing Shalla-Bal, a character who is more well-known as the former lover of Norinn Radd, the original Silver Surfer. Though Radd serves as the Surfer in nearly every alternate universe in the pages of Marvel Comics, Ball did join him as a silver-clad sentry of the spaceways in Jim Krueger’s Earth X limited series.

    The casting of Garner as The Sentinel of the Spaceways could be another feather in the cap of the idea that Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four is set in an alternate universe. Choosing to have Radd’s fate befall Bal, could work to further separate the MCU project from previous versions and give Matt Shakman’s film a very different vibe from what’s expected in an MCU project.

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

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Set Photos Confirm a Pair of Spoilery Plot Rumors

    ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Set Photos Confirm a Pair of Spoilery Plot Rumors

    If it seems as though Daredevil: Born Again has been filming forever, it’s because it has. After starting principal photography in New York City in early 2023, the pause button was pressed on the series when the SAG and WGA strikes shut down productions across the board. Disney took that time to overhaul the show, bringing in a showrunner and new directors. The new creative team’s decision to make Born Again a continuation of Netflix’s Daredevil led to the canonization of that series and the return of a pair of actors who had originally been left out of the series. Once filming resumed in NYC, another returning actor, Wilson Bethel, was captured on set but shortly thereafter, things slowed down a bit as production moved out of the public eye.

    That all changed as the calendar turned to April as photos and videos from the set captured Jon Bernthal‘s return, The Punisher and Daredevil in action together and a surprising new character from a very recent run on Marvel Comics Daredevil. Additional photos from the bountiful Brooklyn set revealed an interesting detail that ultimately confirms two spoilery plot points from the series. Read on at your own peril…

    Some of the longest-standing rumors about the plot of Daredevil: Born Again center on Wilson Fisk running for and becoming the Mayor of New York City. Additionally, a hefty part of Fisk’s campaign was rumored to revolve around an anti-vigilante initiative, set to clean up the streets. That would mean characters like The Punisher, Daredevil and, yes, Spider-Man, find themselves on the wrong side of Fisk’s agenda in Daredevil: Born Again. A closer look at some details from videos and photos from last night’s Brooklyn set seem to confirm all of the above.

    Set photos of Jeremy Earl’s character, reportedly Cole North, showed him sporting not only a Punisher logo on his tactical gear but also some small patches on his sleeves. Upon closer inspection, those patches indicate that North and other personnel on the set are part of Mayor Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force.

    That means it is almost a certainty that Daredevil and Punisher find themselves under fire from the Anti-Vigilante Task Force in the video from the same set. Given how long the series has been back in production, it’s possible that this is footage from the finale of Season 1, Part 1 which could end with the heroes in a bit of a pickle and with Mayor Fisk looking every bit the hero for “cleaning up the streets of New York.” In the comics, Fisk used a new iteration of the Thunderbolts as his task force; it looks as though the version set to be seen in Daredevil: Born Again may be a bit more mundane.

    Daredevil: Born Again is currently in production and has no release date.

  • BTS Photos Reveal a Surprising Addition to the Cast of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    BTS Photos Reveal a Surprising Addition to the Cast of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    After a bit of a hiatus from filming in public, production on Daredevil: Born Again has returned to the streets of Brooklyn. Getting back on the streets of New York City means that there are plenty of cameras ready to capture the behind-the-scenes action and a recent scene provided plenty of that. In addition to the return of Jon Bernthal fully decked out as The Punisher and working alongside Daredevil, Splash News shared some photos of actor Jeremy Earl as a character who was previously not revealed to be part of the series.

    In a pair of photos from the Brooklyn set, Earl (Chicago P.D.) is seen on set and is reportedly playing Cole North.

    In the pages of Marvel Comics, North is an NYPD Detective who first appeared in 2019 during Chip Zdarsky’s Daredevil run. Originally introduced as an antagonist to Daredevil and part of Mayor Wilson Fisk’s anti-vigilante task force, North ultimately became an ally to The Man Without Fear…but only after shooting him.

    If that same arc is planned for him in Daredevil: Born Again, it’ll be interesting to see how he gets there. Long-standing rumors about the series indicated that Frank Castle’s arc in the series would include him going up against dirty cops who had co-opted The Punisher logo, which Earl’s character is sporting in the set photos. Should North end up as an ally to Daredevil, he’ll first have to survive his interaction with Frank, who is rumored to be none-too-pleased about the type of officers who are using his logo.

    Daredevil: Born Again is currently in production. No official word has been given about its release.

  • “See You Around Red”: Set Leaks Show Daredevil and The Punisher Back in Action Together in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    “See You Around Red”: Set Leaks Show Daredevil and The Punisher Back in Action Together in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    With Jon Bernthal recently spotted on the New York City set of Daredevil: Born Again, it was only a matter of time before he was caught in action as Frank Castle. That time has come and not only has Bernthal been photographed fully decked out as The Punisher, he’s also in action with his old friend Matt Murdock!

    Courtesy of Splash News come a couple of new behind-the-scenes looks at filming on the streets of Brooklyn. The first shows a bloody Castle complete with his Punisher logo front and center on his tactical gear.

    Next, an interesting set video shows Castle and a suited-up Matt Murdock working together. While the context of the video isn’t entirely clear, it seems as though the duo may be under fire both from rifles and some sort of sonic emitter. That sort of weapon would be the type of thing deployed against Daredevil only by someone who was aware of his uniquely keen senses.

    Filming on what is believed to be the first part of Season 1 of Daredevil: Born Again has been back underway in New York City for some time and, as expected, has produced quite a few looks at what to expect from the series. As of now, there’s been no word from Disney as to when to expect it to hit Disney Plus; however, before strikes stopped production last Summer, it was slated to release in early 2025.