Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: MCU

  • ‘Quantumania’ Producer & Director Weigh In on the Film’s Most “Insane Character”

    ‘Quantumania’ Producer & Director Weigh In on the Film’s Most “Insane Character”

    M.O.D.O.K. seemed like one of the most unlikely characters to jump from the pages of Marvel Comics to the shared cinematic universe being created by Marvel Studios. Everything about the character seemed for too over-the-top for a live-action version to be accepted…and then came Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. Against all odds, M.O.D.O.K., played by Corey Stoll, will make his debut in the film as a member of Kang’s Quantum Realm crew. The inclusion of the character, who was greatly reimagined for the film, was no easy task but thanks to the commitment and imagination of the creatives working on Quantumania, M.O.D.O.K. is ready for his grotesque closeup.

    “For me, it was a personal thrill,” said director Peyton Reed about the inclusion of the massively craniumed character. “I was a kid who spent a lot of my childhood alone in a room reading Marvel comics.  And M.O.D.O.K. was always this insane character.  And he’s grotesque.  He’s a giant head that has been turned into a mechanized organism designed only for killing,” explained Reed. “That was intriguing. So, we started talking about, is there a place in the MCU in the Ant-Man movies, for a live-action version of M.O.D.O.K.?  And what would that look like and how would we go about it?“

    Reed’s line of questioning was addressed by Marvel Studios’ Parliament member and Quantumania executive producer Stephen Broussard. “I mean, it’s a very odd character, to say the least,” stated Broussard.  “It’s kind of loomed large in our imagination of how and if we could pull that off.  You know, it always felt like a challenge, like, going back years, here at Marvel.  And we hit on an idea.  And we think we had an idea that we were excited about,” he added of bringing the character to the MCU. “And I don’t wanna say too much here in this forum,” teased Broussard, “but I think the time was right to bring M.O.D.O.K. to the big screen, finally.“

    M.O.D.O.K. was almost certainly not on many lists as a character who would make their way into the MCU, but as Broussard said, the time was right and tying Stoll’s Darren Cross’s grotesque exit in 2015’s Ant-Man to M.O.D.O.K.’s classically discomforting look was a brilliant way to tie things together and find an in for the villain. Judge for yourself if Reed and Broussard made the right choice wit the character when Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania opens in theaters on February 17th.

  • Kevin Feige Responds to the Prospect of a ‘The Wasp’ Solo Film

    Kevin Feige Responds to the Prospect of a ‘The Wasp’ Solo Film

    In 2018, Evangeline Lilly‘s Wasp became the first female character to have her name in the title of a film in Ant-Man and The Wasp. The Wasp is back (and back in the title) in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and the character has undergone significant growth since being introduced in 2015’s Ant-Man. With Scarlett Johannson‘s Black Widow off the board, The Wasp now shares the title of the MCU’s longest-tenured female lead with Zoe Saldaña‘s Gamora and Elizabeth Olsen‘s Wanda Maximoff.

    While there’s already been talk of a fourth Ant-Man film in the works at Marvel Studios, one that would almost certainly see Lilly return as Hope, the actress also has bigger plans in mind for her character. During the world premiere of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lilly expressed her desire to see her character star in her own solo project, “a Wasp standalone film.” During the global press junket for Quantumania, Marvel Studios One Above All, Kevin Feige, was asked about the prospects of such a project. “The opportunities within the MCU are endless, as they are in the multiverse,” said Feige.  “So, we will have to see what happens in the future.“

    Feige’s non-commital comments shouldn’t be read into too deeply. The head honcho of Marvel Studios wouldn’t confirm or deny the existence of such a project during a junket. Phase 5’s slate looks to be set and probably won’t even include whatever Peyton Reed and Paul Rudd throw together for Ant-Man 4; however, the Multiverse Saga is certainly not the end of the MCU and, as Feige says, the possibilities for its future are endless and those may just include The Wasp somewhere down the line.

    Marvel Studios kicks off Phase 5 with Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania on February 17th.

  • ‘Quantumania’ Star Paul Rudd on What He Admires Most About Scott Lang

    ‘Quantumania’ Star Paul Rudd on What He Admires Most About Scott Lang

    10 years ago, Paul Rudd may not have been on a lot of lists to portray a Marvel superhero. After making a name for himself in 1995’s Clueless, the actor had a great run of comedies in the early 2000s with memorable supporting roles in Anchorman, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I Love You, Man. Then, in 2015, Rudd debuted as Scott Lang, who has become one of the MCU’s greatest heroes. A lot has changed for Rudd–and Lang–since then and now he’s back for another go around as the MCU’s most everyman hero in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.

    As Quantumania begins, Lang and his family look to have put their superhero days behind them. Since the events of Avengers: Endgame, Lang has published, Look Out for the Little Guy, a memoir of his time in the suit. Memoirs require reflection and thus, during the global press event for the upcoming entry in the Ant-Man franchise, Rudd was asked to reflect on his time as Lang and about what he likes (and dislikes) the most about the character.

    Well, I think what I like most about him is that he is a regular guy who has reservations about all of this, still.  And that, you know, he’s just a dad.  I like the fact that he is kind of a part of this group with some pretty impressive people, and superheroes, and that he would be the first guy to say, “What the hell am I doing here? This makes no sense at all.” 

    Paul Rudd

    Rudd’s words certainly call to mind his first encounter with Captain America and the Avengers during the events of Captain America: Civil War. Lang’s superheroing has mostly gotten in the way of his best intentions with his daughter, Cassie, and his relationship with her has been at the core of the Ant-Man franchise. That relationship has drawn fans to the franchise and, unsurprisingly, is part of what Rudd enjoys the most about the character.

    And, you know, he’s a real person.  And so you want to play, I mean, as an actor, somebody who is relatable and hopefully a sympathetic person.  And somebody that, you know, you understand maybe what they’re going through.  And I like that.  I like playing the father aspect.  I like playing the, trying to, you know, wrap my brain around the situation that I find myself in.  So his human quality is the thing that I like the most.  And as opposed to probably his cyborg quality, which is the, you know, the part I don’t like. No, there’s nothing about the character that I don’t.  I like the guy.  Yeah.  I mean, I’m biased, I guess, but yeah. 

    Paul Rudd

    Rudd’s joke aside, Lang has become one of the MCU’s most lovable characters making it no surprise that Marvel Studios has already begun talking about a fourth Ant-Man film. That film is certainly a ways off given the studio’s already jam-packed slate, but it seems Rudd has more to offer the character before bowing out of the shared cinematic universe.

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania debuts in theaters on February 17th.

  • Michael Douglas States His Terms for Hank Pym’s Return in ‘Ant-Man 4’

    Michael Douglas States His Terms for Hank Pym’s Return in ‘Ant-Man 4’

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hasn’t been released in theaters yet but there’s already talk of a fourth installment in the Ant-Man franchise. Marvel Studios’ Parliament member and executive producer Stephen Broussard recently indicated that a plan has been hatched for another Ant-Family film, citing “whispers” between Kevin Feige, director Peyton Reed and himself. With Quantumania looking to take in $100M or so in its opening weekend at the box office, it’s likely those whispers will grow a little louder and that Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Kathryn Newton, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas will all be reprising their respective role in Ant-Man 4.

    While Newton’s MCU career is on its first leg, however, Douglas‘s may be on its last though it isn’t because the legendary actor is getting shoved out the door by Marvel Studios. Quite to the contrary, Douglas, who joined the MCU as Hank Pym in 2015’s Ant-Man seems to be ready to turn the page. When asked about his interest in returning for a fourth Ant-Man film, Douglas agreed he’d do it on one condition. “As long as I could die,” the actor joked about Pym’s return.

    The 78-year-old Douglas has had a stellar career and should undoubtedly go out on his own terms. Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, have only played supporting roles in the MCU thus far and it seems unlikely that further films in the Ant-Man franchise would provide more opportunities for meatier roles. Perhaps there’s still more life for the characters in a 70s set Disney Plus series following their adventures, but if so it seems like Disney may have to look to replace Douglas.

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters on February 17th.

  • Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier Might Have One More Death in Him in ‘Deadpool 3’

    Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier Might Have One More Death in Him in ‘Deadpool 3’

    Few actors are as deeply associated with comic book movie characters as Patrick Stewart is with Charles Xavier. Stewart has portrayed Professor X in seven films, a post-credit scene and even voiced him in a few video games and has become inextricably linked to the character. He most recently returned to the role as a member of the Illuminati in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and after a memorable entrance was dishonorably discharged from his service by the Scarlet Witch. That wasn’t the first time Stewart’s Charles kicked the bucket on the big screen; according to him, it may not be the last.

    Marvel Studios is just a few months away from beginning production on the third installment of the Deadpool franchise, a film that will introduce Ryan Reynolds‘ Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine to the MCU. While Stewart hasn’t been confirmed for the film, he did tell Comic Book that he’s “been told to standby,” before adding, “I know nothing more than that, honest.”

    Given the connection between Wolverine and Charles, it wouldn’t be remotely surprising to see the Professor in the film. However, one of the most sensible theories about the film–and one that seems to be picking up steam–is that its plot will be an adaptation of the Marvel Comic series Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe. Should that be the case, the film might find room for a fourth and final (?) death for the character before Marvel Studios begins their work on the X-Men and recasts the role.

    Deadpool 3/Wolverine and Deadpool begins production in May ahead of its November 8th, 2024 release as part of Marvel Studios’ Phase 4.

    Source: Comic Book

  • John Leguizamo Explains How He Was Almost in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

    John Leguizamo Explains How He Was Almost in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

    John Leguizamo has a long history with the world of comics. The actor starred as Violator in 1997’s Spawn, played Javier in 2013’s Kick-Ass 2, created PhenomX for Image Comics in 2021 and voiced The Riddler in the podcast Batman: The Audio Adventures through 2022. It seems Leguizamo almost had one more big role to add to his resume until another icon swooped in and took it.

    In an interview with Comic Book, Leguizamo revealed that he was set to play Adrian Toomes, aka the Vulture, in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. That role ultimately went to Michael Keaton but as Leguizamo explained, it was a last-minute switch.

    I was supposed to be the Vulture. We had negotiated and I was about to play him, and they said that Michael Keaton wanted it back and they asked me if I would give it up. I said, ‘Well, okay I guess.’ They said, ‘No, we’ll work with you again, we’re gonna…’ That’s what happened there.

    John Lequizamo

    Leguizamo‘s story calls to mind Keaton’s interesting history with the role. After being reported as in talks, Keaton dropped out of negotiations before swooping back in and landing the role a month later. After being expected to reprise the role of Toomes in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Keaton’s character was nowhere to be found.

    Leguizamo added that he has since turned down another role with the studio. “They offered me something tiny,” he said, adding,”I went, ‘Nuh uh.’” That means that fans of the talented actor can still hold out hope for him to find the right role in the MCU a some point down the road.

    Source: Comic Book

  • ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman Recently Met with Mila Kunis

    ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman Recently Met with Mila Kunis

    Casting for Marvel Studios Fantastic Four is underway and while it seems a new front-runner for the role of Reed Richards emerges each week, another and potentially more important role of the film never gets quite the same amount of attention. While Reed is the brains, Sue Storm is the heart and soul of Marvel’s First Family and any successful film adaptation of the source material would benefit from a strong actress in the role. Though the rumor mill for Sue had been quiet, it’s likely about to heat up now.

    Thanks to the Daily Mail, it’s been revealed that Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman recently met with That ’70s Show star Mila Kunis. While there’s no indication that the two met to discuss a role in Fantastic Four, it is possible that Kunis has the star power necessary for the part. While she’s a strong comedic actress, Kunis received Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and Screen Actors’ Guild nominations for her supporting role in Black Swan.

    Of course, even if the meeting was for a role in Fantastic Four, there’s no guarantee that it was for the role of Sue. With Jonathan Hickman‘s influence being felt across the Multiverse Saga, it’s possible Shakman could be ironically looking at Kunis for the role of Yabbat Ummon Turru, Marvle’s own Black Swan who played a large role in Marvel Comics’ 2015 event Secret Wars. Kunis also has a wealth of experience as a voice actor, having voiced Meg Griffin on Family Guy in 393 episodes over the past 24 years as well as doing voice work on Stoner Cats, Wonder Park and more.

    Though no casting announcements have been made officially, Shakman is deep in the process. Production on Fantastic Four is currently scheduled to get underway early in 2024 ahead of a February 14, 2025 release.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Director Peyton Reed on How the Father/Daughter Dynamic Remains the Core of the Ant-Man Franchise

    Director Peyton Reed on How the Father/Daughter Dynamic Remains the Core of the Ant-Man Franchise

    Though it could be argued that Scott Lang’s MCU history is largely comprised of “stealing some shit”, anyone who has seen the films knows how important his daughter, Cassie, has been to his journey as Ant-Man. Upon leaving prison, Lang tried to forge a strong relationship with Cassie, which seemed to be going well until Thanos’ snap trapped him in the Quantum Realm. Lang emerged from there to find he’d missed five years of Cassie’s life and that idea is central to the choices he makes in Quantumania, which puts their father-daughter relationship front and center once again.

    “The Scott/Cassie dynamic is the spine of these movies, right?,” said director Peyton Reed in an interview with Comic Book. Reed went on to explain that from a storytelling perspective, the five-year Blip provided Quantumania’s creative team with a “gift.” “He’s an Avenger to be sure, but his biggest goal in life is to be a good father to his daughter and the events of Endgame gave us this gift, which is this [five-year time jump]. He’s always trying to find time with his daughter and he’s lost five more years.“

    Cassie Lang, now played by Kathryn Newton, is no longer the little girl who wanted to be Ant-Man’s partner but rather a young adult who has her own ideas about what it means to be a hero. “Before he can blink an eye, he’s been relating to her as a little girl and now she’s a young woman,” explained Reed. “She’s 18 and now she has her own ideas about justice and about what being a hero looks like and she can be quite critical of her dad, and that’s seemed like a fun dynamic to fulfill.”

    With talk of a fourth Ant-Man film and a Young Avengers project in development at Marvel Studios, it seems like Quantumania will serve as Cassie’s opening act as a hero. Now that she’s apparently a full-fledged member of the Ant-Family, it’ll be interesting to see the continued development of the dynamic with her father and follow their continuing adventures.

    Source: Comic Book

  • ‘Echo’ Producer Teases Marvel Studios “Grounded” Streaming Series

    ‘Echo’ Producer Teases Marvel Studios “Grounded” Streaming Series

    Despite plenty of rumors to the contrary, Marvel Studios’ streaming series Echo is coming to Disney Plus sooner or later. While based on comments by showrunner Marion Dayre it seems that the series won’t make its initial release window, Echo isn’t in the dire straits many rumors seemed to indicate it might be. In fact, according to Marvel Studios Parliament member and producer Stephen Broussard, things are progressing nicely on the show.

    “[Production] is going well,” Broussard told Collider. “It’s very different. Like, talking about Werewolf by Night to this. It’s a very different tonal sort of thing. I don’t want to say too much because there’s not a whole lot out there in the world, but it feels very grounded, it feels very spiritual in ways that feel fresh for us.“

    Echo will tell the next chapter in Alaqua Cox‘s Maya Lopez’s MCU story following her introduction in Hawkeye. Cox will be the first Native American female to lead her own MCU series and Broussard says both she and the series are setting up as special. “Alaqua as the lead is incredibly compelling,” said Broussard of the star. “I’m sort of hard-pressed to think of something that it feels like outside in the broader realm of the MCU,” he said of Echo, “let alone within what we’ve done here. So stay tuned on that really cool stuff. It’s always about embracing whatever it is, right? Like embracing a Universal Hammer Horror film, kind of leaning into that and, I think leaning into what’s unique about any viewing property. What’s unique about this property is that it’s much more grounded, and it’s in rural Oklahoma, which is where it takes place. So it’s fun, and it’s been an amazing teamwork, and working with that team behind the scenes.”

    Footage from Echo was screened exclusively at D23 and got quite a reaction from the crowd and not only for the scene featuring Maya’s reunion with Wilson Fisk. It’s good to hear a positive update about the series following months of negative rumors and speculation. Echo will likely stream sometime in late 2023 or early 2024 on Disney Plus.

    Source: Collider

  • ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman on Casting Rumors, What He Learned from ‘WandaVision’

    ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman on Casting Rumors, What He Learned from ‘WandaVision’

    Though it won’t go into production until early in 2024, Marvel Studios Fantastic Four might lead the country in rumored castings. The roles of Ben Grimm, Reed Richards, Sue Storm and Johnny Storm are certainly among the most coveted in all of Hollywood and will provide the respective talents that fill them with at least a decade’s worth of security. The constant spinning of the rumor mill and theorizing about the upcoming film are nothing new to director Matt Shakman, who boarded the project after original director Jon Watts departed it to work on his Star Wars series Skeleton Crew.

    Shakman’s time on WandaVision, Marvel Studios’s first streaming series and certainly the most “water cooler” one to date, allows him some unique perspective on the ongoing social media craze that surrounds the casting for Fantastic Four, as he explained to Comic Book.

    “There are a lot out there, man,” said Shakman of the casting rumors. “They really are. It’s pretty crazy. As I learned from WandaVision, too, it is so lovely to see the level of engagement that fans have with this material, because I’m a fan too, and I have been reading Fantastic Four since I was a kid,” the director explained.

    WandaVision‘s mysterious nature in concert with its weekly release schedule led to some wild fan theories that kept the series front and center on social media from week to week. Fans often conflated theories and rumors with facts and ended up disappointed more often than not as the Grim Reaper, Reed Richards and Doctor Strange never showed up. However frustrating it was, the experience did show the enormous amount of passion MCU fans have for certain projects, something Shakman hopes will carry over to Fantastic Four.

    “I love these characters,” said Shakman of Marvel’s First Family. “I love the chance that we have to bring them to the MCU and I really want to get it right and I know that everybody out there is really excited and feels passionate in the same way wanting to get it right. And so I encourage it. I think it’s great,” he continued before adding, “but yeah, I have no early answers for anyone today about casting.”

    While there’s nothing to be gleaned about the potential cast of Fantastic Four from Shakman’s comments, at least we can all rest well knowing someone learned something from WandaVision.

    Source: Comic Book