Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU

  • ‘What If’: Agatha Christie Inspired Episode Will Explore ‘Fury’s Big Week’ Prelude Comic

    ‘What If’: Agatha Christie Inspired Episode Will Explore ‘Fury’s Big Week’ Prelude Comic

    Total Film got a chance to talk with the team behind Marvel Studios’ first foray into animation, What If. They offered some insight into what we can expect from the new Disney+ series, which will explore different outcomes of iconic storylines. The latest trailer focused on T’Challa as Star-Lord, Killmmonger saving Tony Stark, and Peggy Carter taking the Super Soldier serum. It’s only a glimpse of what the series has to offer. Head writer A.C. Bradley teased the flexibility the animated show gave them a chance to tackle each episode creatively.

    Our episodes are either darker or lighter than a traditional Marvel movie, and we also have a couple of straight-up tragedies. We have an episode that’s like a political thriller. We’ve got a dark Doctor Strange episode that’s like a tragic love story. One of them is just me wanting to goof off and relive my favourite movies as a kid. Can’t Hardly Wait was a touchstone… I can’t imagine any other point in my career when I’m going to get to write one of those National Lampoon crazy party movies

    We’ve first heard rumblings of the Doctor Strange episode some time ago. Bradley confirms that the tragedy will be the point of no return when Strange goes down a much darker path. It opens up the question of his story might even connect to the teased zombie episode. If he tries to bring back Christine Palmer to life, he may cause something even darker.

    It seems they won’t just retell the films, but even adapt an MCU tie-in comic, as executive producer Brad Winderbaum also teased an Agatha Christie episode that takes place in the Fury’s Big Week storyline, which was only part of a comic run that acted as a prelude for Marvel’s Avengers.

    Then we have a great Agatha Christie episode. It takes place in this obscure point of detail that only hardcore fans know called ‘Fury’s Big Week’.

    There were quite a few hints in the first trailers that they may tackle this story, where Fury has to clean up the mess left behind by the Avengers. It even featured a cameo by Samuel Sterns, who last appeared in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. There’s a lot of potential with this series, and it may even indirectly fill some holes between films that never got explored before. As it takes place in the Multiverse, it would be fun to get a brief cameo by Edward Norton as Bruce Banner or Terrence Howard as Rhodey.

    Source: Total Film

  • RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness’ to Feature ‘What If’s Captain Carter

    RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness’ to Feature ‘What If’s Captain Carter

    The upcoming What If Disney+ series will open up the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the multiverse. While the latest trailer teased this development, it was Loki‘s finale that cemented it. The only question remained if Marvel Studios’ first foray into animation may crossover into live-action. It has worked for Star Wars. So, it didn’t seem far-fetched of an idea. Luckily, a new rumor may hint at a connection as the latest episode of the DisInsider Show hinted at a rumor that Hayley Atwell‘s Captain Carter will appear in next year’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

    It was part of their Rumor of the Week segment. So, we can only take it with a grain of salt for now. They also could only state that she’ll have a small part in the film. It would make sense for someone to crossover into the film from the series, as the first trailer even hinted at the presence of Benedict Cumberbatch‘s Doctor Strange in the animated series.

    We even had a glimpse of what could’ve been her facing off against Shuma-Gorath. The stories seem to intersect at some point. So, she might end up facing the god-like creature before getting sucked up into whatever multiverse she meets up with Strange. Either way, it would be exciting to see Atwell‘s return to live-action in a brand new style. If the rumor pans out, it’ll be curious if she will have a future with the newly formed Marvel Cinematic Multiverse.

    Source: DisInsider Show

  • New Artwork Reveals ‘Loki’ Almost Featured a Rocket Variant

    New Artwork Reveals ‘Loki’ Almost Featured a Rocket Variant

    The Time Variance Authority introduced the world to the concept tof Variants. To keep the multiverse from springing into existence, they would prune that version of the character from their original timeline. The entire series follows the story of various Loki Variants. If you look closely in the background, we even seem to get a brief cameo from someone who looks like Haley Atwell‘s Peggy Carter. Sadly, it never got confirmed if the actress returned for the role for that cameo.

    It was strange we didn’t get too many Variants covering the halls of the TVA from familiar MCU characters. It seems that there might’ve been plans for a Rocket Variant to appear, as the latest episode of the Assembled documentary reveals artwork that features the iconic waiting line from the series’ first episode. In it, the waiting room was empty as the time organization kept a very good eye on the timeline. Well, in the concept art, they originally were going to have quite a line for Loki to sit through. If you look closely at the end of the row, Rocket is also waiting in line.

     

     

    Interestingly, this version of the waiting room teases quite a variety of aliens going through the TVA. The show seemed to focus primarily on humans with one Skrull in the first episode. There’s a chance that they had to cut down on some ideas due to the pandemic postponing production and even influencing budgetary restraints. The empty room does make it a bit more sinister and they can introduce this busier version with the second season. Now that the multiverse was born, it seems like the perfect time to round up quite a few Variants that could cause trouble for the newly established leader.

    Source: Disney+

  • ‘Loki’s Jonathan Majors Teases Many Iterations of Kang in the MCU’s Future

    ‘Loki’s Jonathan Majors Teases Many Iterations of Kang in the MCU’s Future

    It’s been ten months since Jonathan Major‘s casting as Kang the Conqueror got announced. He was going to make his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quntumania. Of course, we knew that film wasn’t going to release for some time. So, the early casting was quite a curious reveal. It almost felt like he was meant to appear in another property long before his first appearance as Kang.

    The final episode of Loki confirmed our suspicions, as Majors appeared as a Kang Variant only known as He Who Remains. It is our first glimpse at the iconic Marvel character. Luckily, Marvel Studios’ new behind-the-scenes series Assembled also gave us a hint at what we can expect with the character and it seems

    I think with He Who Remains, the objective for me was to give me the largest canvas possible. And then from that, as Kang begins to rear his head and do his deeds, in so many ways, he has no choice but to be in opposition or to be different from He Who Remains. That was the thing that grabbed me and pulled me into the role. The fact that Kang lives in so many iterations. As He Who Remains says: ‘Reincarnation, Baby’.

    His appearance was even teased as the embodiment of the next Phase in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It sounds like Kang will definitely be a very different character from He Who Remains, who was inspired by characters like Willy Wonka. There’s also a very likely chance that Kang isn’t just one singular threat. We might meet various versions of the iconic character that’ll make the Avengers life a living hell. The ending of Loki‘s first season teased his dominance over the Time Variance Authority. So, he won’t be an easy villain to take down.

    Source: Disney+

  • ‘She-Hulk’: ‘Arrow’s Josh Segarra Joins Disney+ Series

    ‘She-Hulk’: ‘Arrow’s Josh Segarra Joins Disney+ Series

    It looks like She-Hulk still had some secrets up their sleeve, as Deadline just revealed that Arrow alum Josh Segarra joined the Disney+ series. There was no confirmation which character he is playing alongside Tatiana Maslany‘s Jennifer Walters. The last casting news we got was when Jameela Jamil joined as the titular villain Titania. He joins the legal comedy that will follow the story of Bruce Banner’s cousin, who ends up getting similar abilities. Jessica Gao is the show’s head writer with Kat Coiro and Anu Valia directing.

    Segarra will appear in the second season of HBO Max’s The Other Two. He played RuPaul’s boyfriend in Netflix’s AJ and the Queen. Comic book fans might recognize him as Prometheus from Arrow. So, the actor has some comedic and action experiences. There are rumblings she’ll face the Wrecking Crew, but he might not have that kind of role in the series. He might be playing Augustus Pugliese, who has been rumored for quite some time now.

    Around eight months ago, we got some character description that teased She-Hulk was looking for a John Krasinksy-type person. We theorized he might play Jennifer’s roommate, who had a secret crush on her. There’s a good chance they are changing the role but keeping Pugliese. He even had a story that involved Spider-Man suing J. Jonah Jameson, which would be a perfect episode for the series after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Whatever role he got, we’ll hopefully find out by the next Disney Investors Day.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Loki’: Jack Veil Talks Kid Loki’s Time in the Void

    ‘Loki’: Jack Veil Talks Kid Loki’s Time in the Void

    There have been many standouts throughout Loki‘s six-episode run on Disney+. In the fifth episode, it embraced the zaniness of its Variant concept. We met one Loki after another. The episode gave. bigger focus on Richard E. Grant‘s Classic Loki, who helped our main duo in their confrontation with Alioth. There was also Alligator Loki, who has become a fan-favorite with many hooping to see his return.

    Of course, many also hope to see the grand return of Kid Loki, played by Jack Veil, who was a prominent member of the Young Avengers in the comics. We only learn that he managed to kill his version of Thor and go pruned as a result of it. Sadly, we have no idea where his story led him afterward, but Veil offered some insight into his backstory in an interview with Comic Book Movie.

    Many people don’t know this, but Kid Loki is the oldest one in The Void. He was pruned thousands of years before and just didn’t age because of The Void being the end of time as said by Judge Renslayer. It is also the sheer fact that he killed Thor. As I said, no other Loki would dare try or even do that successfully. That not only makes him the Oldest but the most intimidating as well.

    It explains why he was the Loki in charge. Not only was he the only one able or willing to kill Thor, but he’s been trapped in the Void long enough. If he were able to escape, he would offer a unique dynamic to a group of young heroes. Here’s hoping that the show’s second season could build upon his story and further build the Young Avengers story that is being teased throughout the Disney+ series.

    Source: Comic Book Movie

  • REPORT: Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova To Appear in Multiple ‘Hawkeye’ Episodes

    REPORT: Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova To Appear in Multiple ‘Hawkeye’ Episodes

    Black Widow was more than just a farewell to Scarlett Johansson‘s Natasha. It also acted as a passing of the torch with Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh, to continue her sister’s legacy. The post-credit sequence confirmed her return in the upcoming Hawkeye Disney+ series. Julia Louis-Dreyfus‘ mysterious Val made the claim Clint Barton is behind Natasha’s death. Outside of this detail, not much is known about the upcoming series and her involvement. It seems that Cosmic Circus might offer some details on what we can expect from her upcoming appearance.

    While they cannot offer any insight into her exact storyline, it luckily won’t be a one-and-done. Pugh will appear in multiple episodes of the show. Sadly, no exact insight for how many episodes we can expect her, but it looks like her search for vengeance won’t be over in an instant. We know the Tracksuit Mafia will also make an appearance. So, Clint and his new protegé, played by Hailee Steinfeld, will have quite a bit of trouble at their hands.

     

    Florence Pugh Describes Yelena & Natasha's Relationship In Black Widow - 24htinnhanh

     

    The series will also introduce us to Alaqua Cox as Echo. Whatever Val’s end goal is, she may have some new recruits on her radar once the show premieres sometime later this year. Currently, it doesn’t look like she will appear in the series, but Belova may also find some new friends throughout the series’ run. It seems November might be a likely release date for the series, which will most likely be the last Disney+ entry for 2021. So, here’s hoping we get a first look after What If premieres this August.

    Source: Cosmic Circus, IMDb

  • ‘Black Widow’ Takes Top Spot as Most Pirated Film in the Pandemic

    ‘Black Widow’ Takes Top Spot as Most Pirated Film in the Pandemic

    The digital release of any film is a considerable risk. As such, Black Widow‘s release on Disney+ Premier Access and theaters was going to be a gamble. Not only because it influenced its theatrical run but also due to piracy. This is why a delayed-release in China is a considerable risk for Marvel Studios’ Box Office return. As predicted, it became a reality, as Torrent Freak shared their overview of the most torrented movies of the year. Marvel Studios’ latest has been holding that spot ever since it was released.

    To add a positive twist to the matter, it shows the strong demand for Marvel Studios films. There always was a risk involved in releasing it via their streaming service at a price. The fact they still sold $60M is impressive, and the film caught the top spot during the pandemic for its opening weekend. It also seems that the Disney+ U.S. household viewers have nearly doubled throughout the second week, which does show a generally good development for the game.

    The problem that piracy creates is the film’s longevity. Throughout its Box Office run, films gain additional income through repeat viewings. Disney+ is not a one-time payment. So, you can rewatch it from the comfort of your home. Others might take to piracy to avoid the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. These developments are a big challenge for streaming services.

    They need to find ways to protect their offerings from torrent sites. It affects others such as Amazon’s The Tomorrow War and Netflix’s Gunpowder Milkshake joining the Top Three. Piracy is a general issue but took on a whole new level during the pandemic. The big question is if Jungle Cruise will face similar developments and if it might be the end of Disney Premier Access.

    Source: Torrent Freak, Gadgets 360

  • Mahershala Ali’s ‘Blade’ Eyeing ‘Mogul Mowgli’ Director Bassam Tariq

    Mahershala Ali’s ‘Blade’ Eyeing ‘Mogul Mowgli’ Director Bassam Tariq

    It looks like Marvel Studios has finally found its director for the Mahershala Ali-led Blade film. Deadline is reporting that Bassam Tariq is in talks to join the project to bring the famous vampire hunter to life. Stacy Osei-Kuffour joined the project around five months ago to write its script after her work on HBO’s Watchmen. The director is best known for his work on Mogul Mowgli, where he worked together with Riz Ahmed. Negotiations aren’t final as of now. It seems they’ve been meeting with dozen of candidates since last fall.

    Marvel Studios has been hard at work finding a director for this project. They’ve gone through various options, such as a writer-director but then decided to hire Osei-Kuffor. Her joining the project shortened the list of potential candidates. It looks like Tariq’s pitch was the one to beat out the rest but he has yet to sign a deal. The film originally was pitched by Mahershala Ali, who is heavily involved with the film’s development.

    It’ll be the director’s first major deal and is similar to how they chose Taika Waititi after his success with Hunt for the Wilderpeople. His vision of introducing the vampires officially into the MCU will be a must-watch, as it could open up darker avenues for the company. It seemed early on that the film was going to release October 2022, but the search for the right team delayed the production by quite a bit. Still, it’s good they are prioritizing the project and not rushing it out to hit a specific deadline.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Loki’s Threshold: A Scarlet Nexus Event Into the Multiverse

    ‘Loki’s Threshold: A Scarlet Nexus Event Into the Multiverse

    There’s still a lot to digest from Loki‘s grand finale. Time is no longer what it used to be, and we face a multiverse of problems. He Who Remains warned our loving duo that the other villains to follow are far more dangerous than his control over the Sacred Timeline. Yet, throughout all the explanations on the future coming of Kang, we break past a threshold. The point of no return where a single choice will change the outcome of the entire multiverse. All eyes were on Jonathan Majors‘ performance. So, we never thought to question what that very threshold ended up being. So, let’s take a closer look and see what may cause such an event where even the master of time has no more control.

    Once the threshold got broken, we see the multiverse slowly grow. It’s not at one point but multiple nexus events simultaneously. The show implied that it would be Sylvie and Loki’s love that ends everything. Yet, the threshold takes hold long before the kiss. It does lead to the eventual breaking point, as it is the last act in deviance before the multiverse completely breaks free. In the end, it wasn’t the literal breaking point but rather the event that would push it. He Who Remains knew their journey. So, the events beyond that point were merely a prediction. In a way, the way he acts before his death. It seemed like it was his hope of freedom. Somehow it was He Who Remains’ last act of free will. Even if he knew nothing beyond that point, he did know of the threshold’s existence and potential.

     

    Who Is He Who Remains in 'Loki'? Could He Be Phase 4's New Villain?

     

    Yet, if he knows what will happen throughout time, what kind of chaos would keep him from knowing beyond this point. The Time Variance Authority’s existence is to keep order across the Sacred Timeline. In a way, their natural enemy would be chaos. It’s an important element we’ve gotten introduced to in the first Disney+ series by Marvel Studios. In WandaVision, we learn that the Darkhold predicted the coming of the Scarlet Witch. A being forged out of chaos magic that may break reality as we know it. Her chapter states she will destroy the world. Yet, it never specifies which one. It doesn’t even specify but we know it connects to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of the Madness.

    All we know is the Darkhold in her possession may break reality as we know it. With the rumored appearance of Shuma-Gorath, perhaps the book was created by this being rather than Cthon to lure the being to break him free from the restraints of time. Perhaps the Scarlet Witch is a nexus being within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but not in the way we know it from the comics. Loki introduces us to Nexus events that create Variants within the Sacred Timeline. Perhaps, her fully coming into control of that power created the ultimate Variant. Her existence of pure chaos energy is not just a Nexus event but an entire being. The word exists within her dreams for a reason.

     

    WandaVision: Finale erklärt Ursprung und Schicksal der Scarlet Witch

     

    Even from an outsider’s perspective of time, it is an “event” that happens randomly to onlookers. In a way, it happens at a transfixed point of time outside of the literal timeline. The man knew when Loki and Sylvie’s Variants would come into existence. So, he must know when the Scarlet Witch would be born. He exists beyond time, but the only variable to how time breaks is through a Variant. From an outside perspective, time is flat. They aren’t living at a specific point in time. Yet, the threshold echoed throughout the room as a certain event passed. So, the only way a breaking point erupts is when a specific Variant breaks away from the timeline. We learn that Loki’s are the most frequent visitors of the TVA. They are agents of chaos. As such, they can easily break free from their timely restraints. In a way, a being that forged in pure chaos could even break beyond those limitations that even He Who Remains loses sight of what is to come.