Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU

  • First Look at Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher in New ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Set Photos

    First Look at Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher in New ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Set Photos

    The God Butcher has finally arrived, even if it’s only for additional photography. The Daily Mail has reportedly obtained the first ever images of actor Christian Bale as Gorr, a renowned god killer and the main antagonist of the next installment in the Thor film franchise. The leaked set photos feature the acclaimed British actor appearing in an all-white getup, with his face coated in makeup and prosthetics, lumbering around a blocked off section of Malibu. Also included is a black robe and hood, though that appears to be part of an attempt to hide his identity and not part of the actual costume.

    Bale was announced in the role late last year, as part of Disney’s annual Investor Day presentation, though his involvement in the Marvel project was known for months prior. He now seems to be taking part in a bit of extra filming, as the main Thor: Love and Thunder shoot wrapped back in June. His character, the aforementioned Gorr, is an alien extremist who makes it his mission to rid the universe of gods. This goal comes from years of a torturous life and unanswered prayers, making Gorr bitter and vengeful. Traditionally, the God Butcher wields “All-Black the Necrosword”, a blade crafted from the remnants of a Celestial, but this prop is not seen anywhere in the set photos.

    Thor: Love and Thunder is set to release on May 6, 2022. The film will see the return of Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Jaimie Alexander, and Natalie Portman as the newest God of Thunder. Taika Waititi will also return, as both director and the lovable alien Korg.

    Source: Daily Mail, Twitter

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

    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

  • ‘What If’ Executive Producer Brad Winderbaum Talks Recasting MCU Characters

    ‘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

    Captain America & Iron Man als Zombies, Hawkeye als Hulk & viel mehr: Das verrät der "What If?"-Trailer über die MCU-Serie - Serien News - FILMSTARTS.de

     

    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

  • Connecting Imaginary Dots: A Newly Formed LLC Could Hint at Ghost Rider Joining the MCU

    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. 

    Danny Ketch, Ghost Rider (Origin) - Comic Basics

    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.

  • ‘What If’: Chadwick Boseman Voices Multiple Versions of T’Challa

    ‘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

  • Don’t Expect New MCU Characters in ‘What If’

    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

  • REPORT: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Likely Delayed to an Early 2022 Premiere

    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

  • ‘What If’: Pandemic Pushed an Episode Into Season 2

    ‘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

  • ‘What If’: Dave Bautista Reveals He Was Never Asked to Voice Drax in Disney+ Series

    ‘What If’: Dave Bautista Reveals He Was Never Asked to Voice Drax in Disney+ Series

    In all our excitement for the upcoming animated series, What If, we’ve been wondering about the noticeable absence of specific actors. We know that a handful of actors, which includes Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and Tom Holland aren’t returning for the series. Yet, there was also the surprising absence of Dave Bautista in the list even though we got a brief glimpse of his Drax interacting with T’Challa’s version of Star-Lord. Well, the actor took to Twitter and unveiled he never got asked in the first place.

     

    https://twitter.com/davebautista/status/1422297797588623361?s=21

     

    This reveal is rather surprising, as the actor has been outspoken on his love for the character. We also know he’ll return in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. So, why wouldn’t they want him to reprise the role? Either they already reached their limit on the budget with the massive voice cast, or Drax might not even have a line in the series. Yet, as the image above proves, he’ll interact with T’Challa at some point in the series.

    So, it’s a bit baffling how they determine who joined the cast and who doesn’t. It would be great to get an official statement on how this got determined throughout production. Animation takes quite a bit of time, and they confirmed they’ve been working on it long before either Loki or the Doctor Strange sequel entered production. Even James Gunn was surprised by this statement in a reaction to his tweet. He’s openly stated that the upcoming Guardians film is likely the last time he’ll portray the character. We’ll see what the future holds for the iconic team member.

     

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Doctor Strange’ and a Multitude of Cameos: Exploring the Film’s Many Rumors

    ‘Doctor Strange’ and a Multitude of Cameos: Exploring the Film’s Many Rumors

    Besides a few hints and plenty of rumors, we know very little about Doctor Strange’s travel through the multiverse. The aptly titled Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will build upon the events of Loki and will follow after Benedict Cumberbatch’s appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Yet, the multiverse opens up the franchise to what seems like endless possibilities. We know that Wanda Maximoff will return after the events of WandaVision, as she searches for her children throughout the multiverse. America Chavez will also make her MCU debut with the upcoming film. Yet, there are countless more rumors  So, let’s take a closer look at the multitude of cameos and appearances rumored for the sequel.

     

    WandaVision“: Das Ende von Folge 9 erklärt – Das steckt hinter den Post- Credit-Szenen · KINO.de

     

    Let’s start with those that might have larger roles in the film. A recent Funko Pop leak teases the addition of different Variants of Strange and Wong. There will be Supreme and Defenders versions, which may or may not be allies in their multiversal travels. It also included the naming of Rintrah, who Adam Hugill is reported to be playing. The iconic comic character will also get a Funko alongside the Variants, which may hint at them having a somewhat larger role in the story.

    The only hint at an overarching villain we got was the hint at the appearance of the multiversal being, Shuma-Gorath. The upcoming What If series may have hinted at his inclusion, and he seems like the perfect choice for this type of storyline. He’ll likely connect to the appearance of America Chavez, whose abilities may become the catalyst for the overarching narrative in the film. Now that we got the bigger roles out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the various teased or rumored cameos for the upcoming film:

     

    Doctor Strange 2: Does Shuma-Gorath Work For Mephisto? | CelebJar

     

     

    Bruce Campbell in 'Doctor Strange'-Sequel dabei?

     

     

    There are quite a few rumors and who knows what else might appear online in the coming months, ahead of its release. At one point, Mads Mikkelsen was rumored to make a grand return before it swiftly got debunked. It was a given that the moment Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange jumped into the multiverse that almost any possible appearance has become a possibility. So, if the rumors surrounding Spider-Man: No way Home turns out true, who knows if they may also connect with Strange’s upcoming adventure with his appearance confirmed. So, we’ll see if this list ends up growing as time goes on.