Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU

  • New Rumor Details Namor’s Powerful Presence in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

    New Rumor Details Namor’s Powerful Presence in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

    Tenoch Huerta Mejía‘s Namor stands as one of Marvel Studios’ most wonderfully constructed antagonists with his performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever leaving fans wanting more. Though characters from the World of Wakanda were expected to play key roles in Avengers: Doomsday, Huerta Mejía‘s name stood out among those revealed to be part of the cast of the 2026 film. And with the Russo brothers directing, K’uk’ulkan’s return should be expected to make a splash…and it sounds as though it will.

    VFX artist turned social media scooper James Mack–who has accurately reported on some details about Avengers: Doomsday–took to X to share details about a massive and VFX-heavy battle featuring Namor and it sounds as though the Emperor of the Deep will unleash the full extent of his powers next year.

    According to the scoop, Namor–accompanied his Talokanil army and a giant octopus–will unleash a “massive tsunami” in an unknown opposing force in Avengers: Doomsday.

    After sharing the original scoop, Mack returned to X to share an image of the giant tidal wave known as the Ultimatum Wave as it wiped out Manhattan. Of course, in Marvel Comics continuity, Magneto, not Namor, caused the Ultimatum Wave. However, that won’t stop Marvel Studios from showing off just how powerful Namor can be in Avengers: Doomsday.

    Mack’s scoop names two new Talokanil soldiers: Andromeda and Orka. Given the legions of soldiers in Namor’s army, namea aren’t dished out to all of them; in fact, only Attuma and Namora were named in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. With those two characters expected to return, perhaps is reasonable to assume Andromeda and Orka might have similarly sized roles. Neither have particularly exciting histories in the pages of Marvel Comics, with Andromeda canonically the daughter of Attuma and Orka typically a blunt instrument. It’s possible that the two are part of an MCU iteration of the Defenders of the Deep, Namor’s hand-picked strike force.

    With a trailer for the film rumored to be headed to theaters in December, this rumor seems relatively believable as this would be JUST the sort of big action beat that could be included in the trailer to raise expectations for the film.

  • ‘Severance: Star Tramell Tillman Casts Doubt on the Nature of His Role in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    ‘Severance: Star Tramell Tillman Casts Doubt on the Nature of His Role in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    In August, trade reports indicated that Severance and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning star Tramell Tillman joined the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Initially, the word that Tillman was set to join the fourth installment of the Spidey franchise as a villain; however, months into filming, Tillman’s role remains a mystery and now the star has called into question the veracity of those early reports.

    In a brief interview with Variety, Tillman played coy about his role while responding to a question about his potentially villainous character by asking, “Who says I’m playing a villain?”.

    Interestingly, despite never having been caught on location yet, Tillman revealed he’s already begun work on the film, scheduled to hit theaters on July 31, 2026.

    I’m told that Marvel has a plan to say goodbye to Kang. They’re going to wrap him up. I think they want to give him the boot just to put to bed any…I think they’re going to deal with Kang somehow. A small little thing… probably in one of the Avengers movies. I’ve heard Doctor Doom could be the one who kills him.

    -Jeff “The In” Sneider

    While reports from early 2025 claimed that Tillman was set to take over the role of Kang from Jonathan Majors, more recent insider buzz has made an effort to discredit the idea. Truly, yet another villain in Spider-Man: Brand New Day seems like overkill with Tombstone, Scorpion and, allegedly, Sadie Sink‘s shape-shifting character set to antagonize Spidey while he’ll also have to deal with both a rampaging Hulk and The Punisher.

    Given the expansive roster of interesting characters in Spidey’s orbit, there’s no doubt that Tillman would be a far greater asset to the MCU as a character–ally or enemy–who can carry on beyond a one-off appearance in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

  • Details from Marvel’s Scrapped Avengers Film Reveal One New Team Was Set to Play a Key Role

    Details from Marvel’s Scrapped Avengers Film Reveal One New Team Was Set to Play a Key Role

    In February 2023, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania writer Jeff Loveness described Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, as “the biggest movie in the world.” However, whatever “big, sweeping” ideas Loveness had for Avengers: The Kang Dynasty were thought to be lost to time as he was replaced as the film’s writer by Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness writer Michael Waldron in November 2023. By July 2024, original director Destin Daniel Cretton had also left the project and was replaced by Anthony and Joe Russo, who brought along old pal Stephen McFeely to work on the script for what became Avengers: Doomsday.

    One early rumor about Loveness‘ plans for the film indicated that it would include multiple teams of heroes, something that was all but confirmed when concept art from Marvel Studios Senior Concept/Visual Development Mushk Rizvi was discovered online in early 2025. While there’s always plenty of space between concept and execution, we now know one “big idea” Loveness had for one particular team whose presence in the film was revealed by the concept leaked art.

    In a Reddit Q&A, Waldron pulled back the curtain on plans he and Loveness had for the Young Avengers before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty was scrapped in favor of Avengers: Doomsday.

    Jeff Loveness and I spent an afternoon pitching on the Young Avengers defeating a version of Kang and being so stoked about it…only to discover that that particular Kang carried a little card that said to Be Patient with him, it was his first day as a Kang. And then they were so bummed. I think he was gonna be the lizard Kang from the end of Kang Dynasty? I don’t know. Anyway we had fun.

    -Michael Waldron, Reddit Q&A, October 28, 2025

    Given the response to the defeat of Jonathan Majors‘ Kang the Conqueror in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, it seems unlikely such a scene, even if treated as a joke, would have landed well with the grumbly segment of the Marvel “fan base.” However, it is entirely in line with the sensibilities of Loveness and Waldron and also at least partially consistent with one of the Young Avengers first collective missions in the comics.

  • Fans Believe Marvel Studios May Have “Soft Launched” Its New Black Panther

    Fans Believe Marvel Studios May Have “Soft Launched” Its New Black Panther

    In January 2025, a report from Jeff “The In” Sneider indicated that Marvel Studios planned to recast the role of T’Challa, with a new actor set to portray the character originally played by the late Chadwick Boseman. Sneider claimed the new actor would step into the role for three upcoming films, starting with Avengers: Doomsday and continuing on in both Avengers: Secret Wars and Black Panther 3.

    Sneider’s report was quickly countered by social media scooper My Time To Shine Hello, who claimed that the recast wasn’t for the character played by Boseman but rather for T’Challa II, played by Divine Love Konadu-Sun in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Former Marvel Parliament member Nate Moore seemed to put the rumblings to rest in February, explaining that without a story in place for Black Panther 3, the studio was unable to make a decision about replacing Boseman in the role. However, as believable as Moore‘s words were, one of the biggest oopsies ever quickly turned the tide of the story one more time.

    We don’t know what the story is, so I couldn’t tell you whether or not we’re open to recasting. It certainly wasn’t our instinct for Wakanda Forever. I’ll never say never to anything, but it’s too early to talk about any of that stuff. We have to figure out what the story’s going to be.

    -Producer Nate Moore

    In March, Senior Concept/Visual Development Artist Mushk Rizvi posted a significant amount of concept art from the studio’s upcoming slate to her Art Station account. Among there were several designs for a new Black Panther that looked to be using actor Damson Idris as a model. 

    The idea of Idris as the MCU’s new T’Challa took hold quickly among the fanbase; however, further inspection of the files posted on Art Station revealed that the character in the concept art was T’Chanda, the Black Panther of Wakanda in World War II and the grandfather of T’Challa. Despite the excitement, the buzz died down and with principal photography on Avengers: Doomsday having been completed with no sign of Idris among those revealed to be part of the cast, fans seemed to have moved on…until now.

    An appearance by Idris at Vogue World: Hollywood, alongside Black Panther franchise star Angela Bassett, has fansvonce again believing he’s set to be the MCU’s next Black Panther.

    With Bassett spotted holding hands with Idris while outfitted in the same garb work by her Queen Ramonda, fans quickly began to call the event a “soft launch” for the recasting of Boseman‘s iconic role. Theories and speculation have begun to spread across social media platforms and message boards, though no single theory seems to be taking hold. Is Idris a Multiversal Variant, a grown T’Challa II or T’Chanda? Has he been cast in Avengers: Doomsday at all? Given the fact that characters from the World of Wakanda are confirmed to play a major role in the film, all of the options would seem to be in play. With the studio rumored to be planning to roll out a teaser for the film before year’s end, perhaps we’ll all find out soon.

  • ‘Daredevil’ Star Confirms Season 3 Return

    ‘Daredevil’ Star Confirms Season 3 Return

    After being originally left out of Marvel Television’s Daredevil: Born Again, Wilson Bethel joined the cast following the creative retooling that brought it into alignment with the original Netflix series. Thanks to a little retcon, Bethel‘s Bullseye became a bit more interesting, having influenced Matt Murdock enough to have him take a bullet for the Fat Man.

    Set photos have revealed that Bullseye will play an integral role in Season 2, perhaps even as part of Murdock’s resistance, though it’s unclear just how long the pair will remain allies, given Dex offed Matt’s bestie. What is clear, however, after a recent con appearance by Bethel, is that Dex will survive the events of Season 2 and be back in action when season 3 hits D+ in 2027.

    “As some of you might know, we’ve already got picked up for another new season that we will start doing next year,” said Bethel. “We’ll have more Bullseye on the way and Kingpin and all the rest.” Yay…

    As exciting as it is to learn that Marvel Television has no interest in moving away from Kingpin and Bullseye six seasons into Daredevil, Bethel did try to prime the pump for Dex’s appearance in Season 2.  “There are whole new avenues of Dex’s interesting, messed-up psyche that we get to explore, and there’s some really, really fun stuff that’s on the way for Bullseye and Dex,” Bethel said.

    Bethel also teased “a truly fucking awesome” sequence filmed for Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, which will debut on D+ in March 2026. “I think the coolest Bullseye fight sequence that we have yet to see in the show is part of [Season 2].” Hopefully it involves some buzzing and more of him using odd shit to kill people because there’s nothing more interesting.

  • Marvel Studios Reportedly Moving Ahead with a Second Season of Its Latest Animated Hit

    Marvel Studios Reportedly Moving Ahead with a Second Season of Its Latest Animated Hit

    Though Marvel Animation’s Marvel Zombies wasn’t the studio’s highest-rated streaming series, the four-episode mini-event drew a lot of eyeballs. A report from The Direct claimed the series exceeded expectations and given that Marvel’s streaming skipper, Brad Winderbaum, said that the studio would be looking at viewership numbers before unleashing a second season of Marvel Zombies, it’s seemed likely that more zombies were on the way…and it sounds as though they are.

    According to Marvel Studios insider Daniel Richtman, the powers that be have decided to move ahead with a second season of Marvel Zombies.

    Frenetic, savage and gadgety-on-the-brink-of-gimmicky, Marvel Zombies ended up a bit less than the sum of its parts while still managing to deliver a sinewy supernatural survivor story.

    -Murphy’s Multiverse review of Marvel Zombies

    While Season 1 of Marvel Zombies wasn’t perfect, it delivered some absolutely phenomenal fun, including “a truly all-time great zombie apocalypse moment that sits right there with 28 Days Later and World War Z.” And while the finale teed up a second season, there are plenty of other tales to be told on the alternate Earth where the Dead Queen rules, meaning there’s plenty of meat on the bone for additional seasons.

  • Excelsior! ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ D+ Debut Date Revealed

    Excelsior! ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ D+ Debut Date Revealed

    Hot on n the heels the release of physical media, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is headed to Disney Plus.

    In an official release provided across its social media outlets, Disney revealed that the Marvel Studios film will hit the streaming platform on November 5th.

    The film, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, introduced Marvel’s First Family to the MCU in time for the group to star in both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. The film took in just over $520M worldwide and played well for critics and audiences alike and will likely continue the trend of Marvel Studios’ films becoming streaming darlings.

    Following Disney CEO Bob Iger’s statement that the film “successfully launched this important franchise into the Marvel Cinematic Universe,” Marvel boss Kevin Feige reportedly set his sights on developing a sequel with director Matt Shakman back on board. Though no official word has come down, screenwriter Eric Pearson shared some ideas about the direction of a potential sequel, which could allow the project to come together in time for a 2028 theatrical release.

  • Longtime Marvel Star Shares Renewed Hope for Team Up Project

    Longtime Marvel Star Shares Renewed Hope for Team Up Project

    Released on D+ in 2021, Hawkeye still stands as one of Marvel’s strongest and most complete streaming series. The Christmas setting and dynamic between Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld‘s Hawkeyes made the street-level story a hit with fans, who immediately began pushing for a second season, something the cast and creatives were also keen to make work.

    I cannot speak to future plans in the tradition of secrecy. Again, the show coming out, you never know how it’s going to be received and it has been amazing to see how warmly people have taken it and enjoyed it. And it’s been great to see Hailee’s character embraced and sort of land so firmly in the MCU. I sincerely look forward to where that character goes next. And yes, I loved walking on the streets of the MCU and would gladly enjoy doing it again.

    –Hawkeye director Rhys Thomas

    For a multitude of reasons, including a snow plow accident that nearly killed Renner, a second season of the series hasn’t materialized four years hence. Though the project seemed to be gaining momentum in early 2024–and the studio reportedly had an insanely good story ready to go–the shift to making Marvel Television more Netflixy seemed to put and end to hopes for more Hawkeye. However, Renner has provided renewed hope for the further adventures of Clint, Kate and Lucky.

    In an interview with The Playlist, Renner shared his belief that following recent conversations with the powers that he, a second season of Hawkeye might find its way to D+ after all.

    “We got to where we’re trying to do the second season,” revealed Renner. “And I think I’ll get strong enough to be able to do it. And we’ll work it out. It’s gonna be great.”

    “I really enjoyed doing the series version because it was a bit more intimate and had the family dynamic, which is always a huge part of him,” said Renner. “I think Clint’s superpower is the human side — he’s a superpowerless superhero. He’s one of the few, but I think his superpower is that sort of grit of the human condition and his loyalty and family. It’s like, otherwise, what are you fighting for? We’re fighting for that love and that loyalty of family. And so exploring that was always great. And then there’s the Christmas theme — being in New York, that was great too.”

    With Steinfeld‘s Bishop reportedly poised to have a bit of a bigger role inbthe studio’s Post-Multiverse Saga plans, perhaps Marvel will find a way for the further adventures of the Hawkeyes...and Mockingbird!

    Source: The Playlist

  • Elizabeth Olsen Details What Would Bring Her Back for More as The Scarlet Witch

    Though she hasn’t appeared since Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Wanda Maximoff continues to impact the events of the MCU’s ongoing shared narrative. Agatha All Along revealed that her son, Billy, was alive and well ..sort of…and 2026’s VisionQuest will see the return of his twin, Tommy. Still, fans are hungry for more of Elizabeth Olsen‘s Scarlet Witch, whose apparent death even Kevin Feige has called into question.

    There really is so much more to explore. We still haven’t touched on many of her core storylines from the comics. I don’t know that we saw her under rubble? I saw a tower coming down, and a little red flash. I don’t know what that means.

    -Kevin Feige

    For her part, Olsen has always remained open to returning to the role and seems to have something particular in mind should she do so. Now, in a new interview with InStyle, Olsen details why she will always be open to returning as Wanda.

    “Making the films are fun. Goofy. It’s ridiculous. We’re grown people like children on a playground,” said Olsen of the experience of making MCU films. “We’re flying. We’re shooting things out of our hands. And it’s a character that I’ve gotten to return to so many times after over 10 years. It’s good to put her down and then I miss  her and I want her back. I’d jump at the opportunity to be in her shoes again.”

    “It’s the consistency of a community and a job, which is hard to find. The insane camera movement, stunt work and special effects, visual effects that are happening in real time,” Olsen explained. “It’s a lot of coordination, it’s hundreds and hundreds of people on set, and it’s a powerful thing to be a part of all those people working towards one goal. The people doing the visual effects are artists… The soul, the spirit, the heart is fulfilled doing it. It does mean something. I care about the acting being great — everyone does.”

    Rumors of a Scarlet Witch solo project circulated for years. When given the opportunity to shoot them down, WandaVision and Agatha All Along creator Jac Schaeffer chose not to, fueling the fire of legions of social media Wandas. While Olsen remains mum on WHEN she will return, it continues to sound as though she most definitely WILL.

    Source: InStyle

  • The All-New, All-Different Hypothetical 2027 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V1

    The All-New, All-Different Hypothetical 2027 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V1

    Following a couple of years of more shuffling behind the scenes than I’ve ever seen, a new normal is emerging at Marvel Studios and it’s one that involves far fewer projects than fans are used to. However, it does make guessing a little easier which means the hypothetical calendars now return to having a .00001% chance of accuracy. So, for the first time in a long time…

    Early March: Daredevil: Born Again Season 3

    Marvel Television’s flagship streaming series will be back for a third season in 2027 and given Disney’s new preference for these projects to have an “annual cadence,” an early March release seems reasonable.

    Writers have begun hashing out the scripts for the next installment in the streaming franchise with an eye on production getting underway in New York City in early 2026.

    Summer: X-Men ’97 Season 3

    Marvel’s streaming skipper Brad Winderbaum recently revealed that the studio’s animation division is hard at work on Season 3 of X-Men ’97, with animatics for almost the entire season already done. He’s also said the plan is for a new season of the series to stream “every year,” providing “something that people can rely on.” With Season 2 headed to D+ next summer, we’ll go with that window for Season 3 in 2027.

    Fall: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Season 3

    Like X-Men ’97, Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is being developed as a streaming staple. According to Winderbaum, “We will have a Spider-Man season every year if I have anything to say about it.” And he has a lot to say about it, so count on Season 3 in 2027.

    Fall: Jessica Jones Project

    Following her return as Jessica Jones in Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again, Krysten Ritter looks set to headline a new streaming project of her own. While it’s currently not clear if it would shape up as a Special Presentation or a fourth season of Jessica Jones, rumors indicate it is coming together relatively quickly. With it unclear what else, if anything, Marvel Television might be working on for release in 2027, a Jessica Jones project could pair nicely with Daredevil: Born Again. Alternatively, if the studio plans to end the Daredevil series after Season 3, Jessica Jones Season 4 might slide into that March slot on the calendar.

    December 17: Avengers: Secret Wars

    Outside of 2020, in which no theatrical projects were released by Marvel due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, there has only been one other instance of Marvel releasing only one MCU film in a calendar year: 2011 when Iron Man 2 flew solo.  Now there will be another, as Avengers: Secret Wars, the final chapter in the Multiverse Saga, is the only movie on Marvel’s release calendar.

    Marvel recently removed a second date from its slate, allowing The Simpsons 2 to slide into the July 23rd spot once set aside for an Untitled Marvel Studios film. While plenty of folks still believe the studio will split Secret Wars into two films, there’s been no indication of that yet, leaving it as the only MCU film of 2027.