Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU

  • Time Keepers Are Always Watching: Exploring a Potential Dark Secret of the TVA

    Time Keepers Are Always Watching: Exploring a Potential Dark Secret of the TVA

    Loki gives us a thrilling adventure through time and space. It introduced us to the secretive organization that lives outside of time known as the Time Variance Authority or the TVA. The first two episodes offer us a glimpse at the daily life of the bureaucratic society that spends their every day to preserve the Sacred Timeline. They exist to abide by the rules set by the Time Keepers, who mysteriously don’t show their face to the organization except for Ramona Renslayer as revealed in the second episode. Strangely, a top official like Mobius has never even seen them. We also notice a lot of time-based propaganda hidden in the background of the offices. Is there a darker truth hidden deep beneath the TVA’s archives?

     

    Loki: The TVA Is More Powerful Than the Infinity Stones | CBR

     

    The latest episode spends a lot of time exploring the worldviews of our two protagonists. It all surrounds a simple discussion about Mobius’ love for jet skis. We learn in the same episode that only Renslayer gets to keep gifts from some of their cases, which is odd considering every agent is told not to disrupt the timeline. Still, he may swipe a magazine that got discontinued, as many of the products they consume like his favorite drink Josta Soda, only had short-lived shelf lives. Yet, as we learn in the first episode, some of them have no idea what exists outside of their desks. It’s almost as if their entire existence is only to serve the Time Keepers. The TVA may be just a pawn in keeping the timeline alive that truly only serves the Time Keepers to ensure their existence. As time keeps looping, perhaps they are as well without realizing it.

     

    Loki Season 2 Reportedly in Development

     

    We also briefly discussed the massive amount of propaganda that you can find in many of the TVA-focused shots. There are the massive statues of the three Time Keepers that are spread throughout the location. Miss Minutes’ introduction video also makes them seem like all-mighty beings that rule over time and existence. They are never given names but exist with the cryptic description of their role. In a way, it keeps the mystery alive of their otherworldly role. In a way, it is the belief that keeps these begins where they are and it seems fitting that it’s another god-like being that questions their rules, especially after he was forced to question his role in the timeline. The series plays around with Loki’s classic line in which he claims to be “burdened with glorious purpose.” Yet, it got twisted on its head when he was forced to face the inevitability of his existence in the first episode. Perhaps the TVA will go through that same lesson once Sylvie’s plans are put into motion.

  • How ‘Loki’s Villain Reveal May Set Up the Return of the Original Multiverse

    How ‘Loki’s Villain Reveal May Set Up the Return of the Original Multiverse

    The latest episode of Loki has finally dropped, and it gave us our first look at the deadly Variant of our titular character. It was indeed Sophia DiMartino playing a female version of the God of Mischief. Yet, if you remember, earlier in the episode, we are introduced to various Variants that all have one thing in common, they always have a resemblance to Tom Hiddleston. It also matches what we see teased in the first trailer for What If echoing Variants of existing Marvel Cinematic Universe characters. So, while DiMartino‘s accent seems inspired, there are many distinctions from her original counterpart that make her stand out as a unique character. Perhaps her origins are connected to the original multiverse?

    There is one curious detail that may hint at DiMartino‘s Loki potentially being a unique incarnation. The Spanish credits give her the name Sylvie and not Loki. Now, that name might ring a bell for comic readers as a version of the villainous Enchantress was named Sylvie Lushton in the 616 universes. Luckily, there is an actual confirmation within the episode. In the sequence where Loki goes through paperwork on the past events, there is a document that confirms her name is Sylvie Laufeydottir. The detail got uncovered by Reddit user LTC145, who shared it on Reddit.

     

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    So, if the Sacred Timeline always entails Loki Laufeyson going through his history, a version going by the name Sylvie would not match with the rules from the first episode. We also have to keep in mind the TVA doesn’t address people by how they identify. They reference them by their birth name, such as Loki technically archived as Laufeyson rather than Odinson. So, even if the files teased that he is genderfluid, each version from the episode’s opening still went by “Loki.” There is also the fact that DiMartino‘s version openly was disgusted by the name even though she doesn’t deny that she is a different version of the God of Mischief. It reminds me of a theory where we believed that the upcoming Spider-Men from the Sam Raimi and Marc Webb films might be part of the original Multiversal War, as they aren’t all Tom Holland look-a-likes. So, she too could be part of a time before the Time Keepers created the current MCU timeline.

    There even is a chance she might have taken part in the first Multiversal War and is a remnant that waited for the right time to put her plan into motion. It would also explain why she is so focused on creating brand new branches. It’ll distract the TVA long enough to infiltrate their base and face the Time Keepers. It’ll give her a chance to restore the original multiverse and bring back the timeline she lost. Her actions may also lead into Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s introduction of Spider-Man variants and forces Doctor Strange on the path to face the titular Multiverse of Madness. Whatever the future may hold, the introduction of this unique Variant will push the MCU’s multiverse into unfamiliar territory and the TVA will get quite a bit busier in the near future.

    Source: GamesRadar, Reddit

  • Namor and the Invaders: Marvel Studios’ Best Chance to Rewrite History

    Namor and the Invaders: Marvel Studios’ Best Chance to Rewrite History

    Before there were Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy, there were The Invaders. The group, created in the 40s and branded as the “All-Winners Squad,” came together during World War Two to help American forces take down Hitler and the Axis powers. The team has since been a recurring presence in the comics, often appearing in flashbacks showing the valiant efforts of heroes now lost to time. Captain America: The First Avenger was riddled with references to the Invaders, but with Cap’s time in WWII coming and going, it seemed we missed our chance to see the team in live-action. That is, until it got reported that Namor, the Sub-Mariner, will make his live-action debut in 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Namor’s arrival to the MCU opens the door for this team to join him in the public eye, and with some tweaking, that bygone group could become Marvel’s most timely heroes yet.

    The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showed us Marvel isn’t afraid to retcon their own history. Revelations about Isaiah Bradley showcase how they can introduce characters and stories that we haven’t seen before. The filmmakers at Marvel seem to have made the bold and geographically correct decision to make Namor and his Atlanteans descendants of the Mayan Empire, as evidenced by the hiring of Tenoch Huerta. As such, he wouldn’t fit the norm of that time’s propaganda. If the Sub-Mariner had emerged from the depths to fight Nazis, it’s a fair criticism to say the government might have covered it up to prevent societal panic and added these victories to Steve Rogers’ legacy. After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. does seem to know something important is in the Atlantic. With that in mind, what’s stopping the same logic from extending to the whole team?

     

     

    Marvel Studios has a golden opportunity to craft a film, or Disney+ series, about of group of outcasts who come together to end a war in the wake of Captain America’s disappearance. A team consisting of heroes that hid from the world, and whose legacy would eventually be swept under the rug by an ungrateful nation. An Invaders project can potentially be a perfect thematic extension of the “hidden heroes” concept presented via Isaiah Bradley in FATWS. I think Marvel should seize the opportunity to rewrite MCU history.

    Outside of Namor and Captain America, the Invaders roster has always been populated by lesser-known names from Marvel’s vast library. Due to the timing of their creation, these characters were often on the campy side with wacky origin stories and outlandish adventures. It wouldn’t be too difficult to take costumed vigilantes of the day and change their features to make them a little more interesting for the modern audience. Some changes could even use ideas that have existed in comics and connect the story to the grander MCU with ease. A good example of this would be one of the Invader’s most frequent members, Union Jack.

     

     

    The most well-known Union Jack is James Falsworth, who made his singular MCU appearance as a Howling Commando in The First Avenger. He never went by the Union Jack moniker, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still exist in the Falsworth line. His daughter, Jacqueline, also became a costumed vigilante for a time. She went by the name Spitfire, inspired by the warplane because the form-fitting uniforms women were obligated to wear in comics at the time did not allow for the Union Jack to fit across her chest. In the MCU, Jacqueline could be reimagined as James’ younger sister, who joins the war in his honor after his tragic death. Because of her gender, she would be forced to operate under the guise of testosterone, wearing a mask and using the “Union Jack” name to hide her own.

    Now, take this line of thought and apply it to the whole team. A Miss America who’s perfect in every way, except for her sexuality. A Blazing Skull whose flaming head spits in the face of Christianity, and whose Japanese origins scare the white Allied forces. The list could go on, but you probably get the point. Much like they did with Bradley, the United States would alter their history books to ensure school children did not learn about these sedulous heroes. Like it or not, comic adaptations have become a primary source of entertainment for today’s youth. In the same vein as HBO’s Watchmen unveiling the horror of the Tulsa Massacre to a brand new audience, Marvel’s Invaders could be a way to teach family-friendly viewers that what they learned in school wasn’t always the whole truth.

  • Orginal ‘Spider-Man’ Editor Bob Murawski Working on ‘Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness’

    Orginal ‘Spider-Man’ Editor Bob Murawski Working on ‘Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness’

    Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness has added another familiar face to its production crew. During a recent interview with Vanity Fair’s Still Watching podcast, the film’s writer Michael Waldron casually revealed that Bob Murawski had boarded the project. The news is significant, as Murawski is a long-time collaborator with director Sam Raimi. The pair previously worked together on all three original Spider-Man films, as well as Oz: The Great and Powerful, Army of Darkness, and Darkman.

    Other notable credits for Murawski include Orson Welles‘ recently finished film The Other Side of the Wind and Kathryn Bigelow‘s Academy Award-winning The Hurt Locker. He joins a growing list of frequent Raimi partners working on Marvel Studios’ highly-anticipated movie after composer Danny Elfman was confirmed to return earlier this year. Bruce Campbell has been rumored to cameo, but his involvement has not been officially confirmed.

    Raimi joined the production of Multiverse of Madness early last year after writer and director Scott Derrickson, who helmed the franchise’s first installment, left due to creative differences. The project marks Raimi‘s first comic book adaptation since 2007’s Spider-Man 3. Despite its original reception, there is an immense amount of excitement for his return to the world of superheroes, especially joining a Marvel Studios production. Raimi is a long-time fan of the Doctor Strange character and even included a reference to the Sorcerer Supreme in Spider-Man 2. The large-scale film is set to be one of Marvel’s most explosive entries in Phase 4.

    Source: Still Watching Podcast

  • Vin Diesel Teases Groot’s Return to Planet X in the MCU

    Vin Diesel Teases Groot’s Return to Planet X in the MCU

    Even after being delayed for quite some time, we still know very little about the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘s plot. We only know that director James Gunn will part ways with the franchise once he finishes his trilogy. Now, it seems that Vin Diesel, the voice of Groot, has confirmed his character’s homeworld will appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at some point. He revealed the news in a recent video interview with ComicBook’s Brandon Davis, which he shared on Twitter. He references the plot development by pointing out it’s a story Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige is quite excited about in an upcoming project. However, he doesn’t outright confirm which one it might be, as the character is slated to appear in next year’s Thor: Love and Thunder, the Disney+ series I Am Groot, and, of course, Guardians of the Galaxy‘s third entry. Going by the interview and Davis‘s tweet, it seems likely he is referencing the next Guardians film.

    In the comics, Planet X is the homeworld of Groot’s species, the Flora Colossi. The location was referenced in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film when it was listed on the Nova Corps’ prisoner profile for Groot. Interestingly, the planet was referred to as “Taluhnia” in the initial trailer for the movie, before being changed in the final product. If Diesel was indeed teasing a plot point for the next Guardians, it’s possible Gunn goes back to this alternate name as a way of branching out and exploring the planet’s culture. After all, the filmmaker does have a history of changing his character’s comic origins. Sadly, it may be a while until we know for sure.

    Source: Twitter

  • Connecting Imaginary Dots: Odin’s Wake and the Reforging of Mjolnir

    Connecting Imaginary Dots: Odin’s Wake and the Reforging of Mjolnir

    Early this morning, Twitter user @fernx18 alerted Murphy’s Multiverse of the following detective work by user @loventhunders:

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    As the original post points out, it appears that the Asgardians have created a monument to Odin at the spot where he died in Thor: Ragnarok. His death allowed Hela to escape her prison and subsequently shatter Mjolnir nearby. While it’s all speculation on our part, it’s possible that the set photos above are part of a longer scene in which the Asgardians say goodbye to the Allfather with a friends-and family-style memorial. Thor has been fairly busy since his father passed away what with Asgard being destroyed, half the universe being wiped out and having to travel through time to fix it, so it’s probably about time to get around to honoring his father. It doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to assume that the set photos that captured Matt Damon, Sam Neill, Melissa McCarthy and others as they act out an Asgardian drama retelling Odin’s final days could be a part of that celebration (they were shot around the same time); additionally, it also opens up a very organic way for Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster to be reintroduced after having been sidelined since the events of Thor: The Dark World.

    The memorial can be used to catch Foster up to speed (as well as new fans of the franchise) and, as we’ve seen in another set picture below, get her in front of Mjolnir where the enchanted hammer can work its magic.

     

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    While a common theory among fans has been that one or to other or both of Jane and Mjolnir would be brought in from the multiverse, the collection of evidence here seems to strongly support the idea that both are the Jane and Mjolnir that we’ve gotten to know. In every way, that makes for a stronger story as both Thor and the audience have relationships with both characters. We’ve seen Mjolnir reforged before in the comics (recently in Jason Aaron’s War of the Realms) and while it seems unlikely that Jane is going to fly it into the sun in Thor: Love and Thunder, the set photos do make it seem like something specific to Jane is the key to reforging the hammer. Perhaps it’s her previous connection to the Reality Stone, but it does seem crucial that the hammer can only be reforged by or for Jane, otherwise half of Avengers: Infinity War would seem to have been a huge waste of time.

    Great catch @loventhunders! We’ll see how all this plays out next year what Thor: Love and Thunder hits cinemas around the world.

  • RUMOR: South Korean Actor Park Seo-Joon Joins Cast of ‘THE MARVELS’

    RUMOR: South Korean Actor Park Seo-Joon Joins Cast of ‘THE MARVELS’

    It looks like Marvel is adding another talented Korean actor to its ranks. According to reports from Korean outlets, dramatic actor Park Seo-Joon will film a role in Nia DiCosta’s The Marvels later this year. The report specifies that Seo-Joon will depart for the United States during the second half of 2021, following the completion of filming for his webtoon adaptation Concrete Utopia. Supposing the rumor is true, Seo-Joon will become the second South Korean star to join the MCU. Ma Dong Seok will appear as Gilgamesh in Chloe Zhao’s Eternals.

    When asked to comment on the report, the actor’s agency Awesome ENT gave a short, simple, and suspicious response:

    No comment.

    The Seoul actor is known for his roles in dramas and thrillers. He found initial success with appearances in 2015’s Kill Me, Heal Me, and The Chronicles of Evil, before rising to stardom with leading roles in 2017’s Midnight Runners and tvN’s romantic comedy series What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. It’s unknown what role he could be taking in The Marvels, but he joins a cast that includes Zawe Ashton, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris, and Brie Larson.

    The latter three will reprise their MCU roles as Kamala Khan, Monica Rambeau, and Carol Danvers, better known as all three titular Marvels. The Captain Marvel sequel will act as the first time we see the superhero trio team up, following respective debuts in both the first film and Ms. Marvel. Up-and-coming director DaCosta will helm the film as a follow-up to her new installment in the Candyman franchise.

    Source: movie.v.daum

  • The Introspection Of Loki: When a God Accepts He Is Powerless

    The Introspection Of Loki: When a God Accepts He Is Powerless

    In the series premiere of Loki, our titular character continues his journey post Avengers: Endgame. Well, technically, his story following the first Avengers film from a timeline perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in the exposition of the Time Variance Authority. The implications of the timeline, multiversal wars, and what it all means are captivating, no doubt. There was something else that stuck out in a way that was quite jarring. It was our protagonist with his ego and power stripped away. It was a god reduced to a man, a big fish reduced to a guppie in the grand scheme of it all.

     

    Loki' Episode 1 Recap: The God Of Mischief Goes To Therapy

     

    Part of what makes storytelling impactful is when we get to know the why. Why is this story this way? What compels his actions? Owen Wilson‘s Agent Mobius interrogates Loki in a way that is more therapeutic than invasive. We know what happened in Avengers, but why? Loki has an obsession and a fixation on ruling and lording over. Yet, we never thought to ask why until now.

    Forced to witness his life and its inevitability, Loki is held accountable for his actions. There are no tricks or escapes here. Well, there is that time twister escapade for some escape hi-jinx, but ultimately it’s just a diversion. After finding out that his words directly lead to Freya’s death, we saw a crack in the armor. Then Loki got a trip into his unknown future, a reconciliation with Thor and death at the hands of Thanos. He has a realization at that moment how insignificant he truly is in the grand scheme of things.

     

    Loki' Episode 1 Analysis, Themes, and Theories - The Ringer

     

    There’s a brilliance in the writing team headed by Michael Waldron that needed to get us to a place to care about Loki. Yes, as fans in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we will buy into any morsel of story. What is accomplished here surrounds the nuance of this once villainous character. Loki’s past and potential future is summed up perfectly by his brief monologue:

    I don’t enjoy hurting people. I don’t enjoy it. I do it because I have to because I’ve had to. Because it’s part of the illusion. it’s the cruel elaborate trick conjured by the weak to inspire fear.

    NIs Loki turning into a good guy and starting a new hero’s journey? Probably not, as he isn’t the God of Mischief just for kicks. What sets this series off in a fascinating direction is the feeling that we know Loki in a way we didn’t before. Sometimes introspection leads us down the most fruitful doors.

  • Marvel Studios ‘Black Widow’ to Release Early in UK Cinemas

    Marvel Studios ‘Black Widow’ to Release Early in UK Cinemas

    It’s hard to believe that Black Widow will finally release n just a little under a month. Well, it looks like some Marvel fans might get their hands on the first MCU film of Phase 4 a little early. Marvel UK just took to Twitter to announce that we can expect the film a few days early on July 7th if you live in the United Kingdom or Ireland. Now, this does not include the Disney+ release via Premier Access but only in theater chains. It is uncertain if this will roll out across Europe, or if this might be exclusively in the UK.

    There is a good chance we might see some advanced screenings around the world, as it is part of Disney’s promise to support cinemas. While there have been hints at shorter theatrical windows by Disney CEO Bob Chapek, they have been openly discussing their wish to keep the medium alive in its original intent. As such, there is also a good chance that Black Widow might be the last Premier Access release we see as of 2021.

    Of course, the pandemic’s effects on cinema won’t go away overnight so it might be a slow process returning to the Box Office numbers we remember from 2019, but the fact that future Marvel Studios projects like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as Eternals, are eyeing pure theatrical releases is a good sign. Here’s hoping we get the news for other countries follows suit to make sure the world finally gets to see the return of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to cinemas.

    Source: Twitter, Business Insider

  • REPORT: First Details on Gamora’s ‘What If?’ Episode

    REPORT: First Details on Gamora’s ‘What If?’ Episode

    Marvel Studios’ newest endeavor into storytelling will open the door to countless possibilities and answer the long-awaited question, What if?.  We know little about what the episodes of the upcoming series will entail aside from a select few. One will see Thor arrive on Midgard, but instead of following the events of the first film, he will throw one of the biggest parties the realm had ever seen. It’ll be so big that it’ll risk the end of the world as we know it. It seems that another upcoming episode in the series could see another unexpected arrival on Earth, one of the galaxies’ most skilled assassins and daughter of the mad titan, Gamora.

    In a new report from the Illuminerdi, it seems that an upcoming Gamora-centered episode could see her hunting down the one and only Tony Stark. It could be that Gamora is after Stark following the battle of New York. Iron Man flying through the wormhole the Chitauri were invading from and destroyed their mothership. It rendered Lokis’ army, which later turned out to be Thanos’, useless.  Seeing him as a threat in his ongoing search for the Infinity Stones we could see Thanos send his favorite daughter and most skilled warrior after Tony to make sure he wouldn’t be an issue for him in the future.

    Marvel Studios What If? currently has no set release date but will release exclusively on the Disney+ streaming service. The series will feature the return of countless familiar voices from the MCU and even see the debut of Uatu The Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright.

    Source: Illuminerdi