Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Marvel Studios President Plays Coy on Potential ‘Namor’ Spinoff

    Marvel Studios President Plays Coy on Potential ‘Namor’ Spinoff

    Namor is a big character in the comics, who has had quite a few comics under his belt. So, the character making his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opened up the question if we could also expect a solo project in the near future. Theories have gone wild online on what they may do with the soon-to-be-introduced Talokan

    Twitter user @namorcosplay got a chance to interview Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige during the red-carpet premiere of Wakanda Forever on a potential solo spinoff and he definitely didn’t give away any potential plans. His only reaction was a quick “we’ll see, depends on this” while pointing at the theater where the premiere is taking place.

    While many like to point out that Marvel Studios has plans mapped out for years, they do also keep a close eye on how reactions develop or even if someone comes in to pitch an idea for a project. Such as with how Armor Wars turned into a film from a Diosney+ series, Marvel Studios isn’t as strict as they seemingly tend to be seen as with their Phase announcements.

    We’ll see if they may wait until the next SDCC or bigger event to announce that Namor is getting his own spinoff. It would be a shame not to further explore the world they are introducing in the film, especially with Namor uncovering his place in the wider MCU. Still, we’ll have to wait until Marvel Studios makes an official announcement.

    Source: Twitter

  • Ryan Coogler Talks Potential Return for ‘Black Panther 3’

    Ryan Coogler Talks Potential Return for ‘Black Panther 3’

    We are still around two weeks away from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever‘s release in theaters but many already have set their eyes on a potential third entry. There’s been no official announcement if they’d continue the franchise, but that wasn’t the focus while promoting the second entry, especially with its emotional anchor surrounding the fate of T’Challa reflecting that of the actor that made him an icon.

    Yet, while the promotion remains on Wakanda Forever, some still can’t help but wonder if Ryan Coogler was interested in returning for a third entry and it seems that this is definitely not on the director’s mind at the moment in an interview with ComicBook.com.

    I got no answers for you. Yeah, no, I try to finish what I’m doing, and then think about what’s next.

    Ryan Coogler

    It makes sense given just how much work was put into releasing the second franchise entry. Still, it does seem likely we’ll see a third entry eventually, especially with how important the Black Panther franchise has become in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Phase 6 line-up is still uncertain and there’s a possibility that they further explore this corner of the world before entering the multiverse fully.

    There’s also the question of who will truly lead the project moving forward. Wakanda Forever is seemingly more of an ensemble piece with many hints about who is taking on the role of Black Panther in the trailers. Yet, it’s not a certain element nowadays as there hasn’t been an official “passing of the torch” announced and we’ll see if the weight of the cowl will remain.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • Ryan Coogler Reacts to ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Rumors

    Ryan Coogler Reacts to ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Rumors

    To say that the list of potential directors for Avengers: Secret Wars is long, is an understatement. Many have thrown their hopeful choice into the ring, especially when it came to bringing one of Marvel’s most iconic storylines to life. The top choice has seemingly been Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, who has a way of combining blockbuster action with a more grounded touch.

    While promoting Wakanda Forever, ComicBook.com got a chance to sit down with the director and ask him the question on everyone’s mind: is he already attached to directing Avengers: Secret Wars? As it turns out, he was more surprised by the question than anyone might’ve expected, and mostly just wants to wrap up his work on the Black Panther sequel.

    Bro, I ain’t heard nothing about that man, I’m trying to finish this one.

    Ryan Coogler

    One can’t blame the director for just wanting to wrap up his work on Wakanda Forever. The production has been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved, especially since Chadwick Boseman passed away. He’s also in the middle of promoting the film that isn’t set to hit theaters for another few weeks.

    Avengers: The Kang Dynasty already has Daniel Destin Cretton set as its director, which had many stoked and highlighted just how much trust Marvel Studios had in the director. Early on, many theorized the Russo Brothers might return to tackle the franchise once more given their experience, but it’s great to see Marvel take a new direction with their latest entries. So, we’ll have to see who takes on the role.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Executive Producer Teases the New Meaning of Namor’s Name

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Executive Producer Teases the New Meaning of Namor’s Name

    One of Marvel’s first characters, Namor, is going through quite a bit of a change in his introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tenoch Huerta will take on the iconic role that is now strongly inspired by Mayan culture. The first teasers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teased his new design and went on to reveal that his own people of Talocan describe him as a God. Yet, we never heard him referred to as Namor.

    As it turns out, the team behind Wakanda Forever may have found a clever way to establish his name, as revealed by executive producer Victoria Alonso. It seems that the meaning of Namor’s name is short for “El niño sin amor” which means “the boy who grew up without love.”

    It definitely is a clever way to find way to still use his name of “Namor” and tie it once again to the new origin. In some way, it also seems like the title of the name may tie into his story of the Black Panther sequel. He likely is a child of two worlds, especially with a massive tease of a burning home in the first trailer, and that he lost his family before becoming the leader of an underwater kingdom.

    Marvel continues to showcase how they can cleverly reinterpret these characters that have existed for countless years. It not only adds new layers to these characters but also offers some unique takes that make them stand out. The Mayan-inspiration also makes one of the most interesting additions that could open up many more new takes on classic Namor storylines for the future. So, we’ll see what the future has in store for Huerta‘s take on the character.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Black Panther’ Producer Teases Eternals Return to the MCU

    ‘Black Panther’ Producer Teases Eternals Return to the MCU

    There have been many discussions surrounding Marvel Studios’ first venture into more indie-driven filmmaking with Eternals. While one can discuss in many ways about its quality, the Chloe Zhao film was definitely something of her own and still stands out as part of the ever-growing Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ever since some of the members were taken away by the Celestial Arishem, we’ve wondered if perhaps we wouldn’t see them back in the franchise.

    Luckily, Marvel Studios producer and VP of Production, Nate Moore, offered an update in an interview with ComicBook.com. While he doesn’t give any real details on when we might expect their return but confirms that we definitely haven’t seen the last of these iconic new additions to the Marvel mythos.

    I don’t want to spoil anything, but we have not seen the last of those characters.

    Nate Moore

    The Eternals’ future is quite uncertain, especially with how they may tie into the newly established Multiverse Saga that sees Kang the Conqueror as its main antagonist. They may support the Avengers in their fight against the multiversal conqueror or perhaps his end goal may have a deeper connection with the Celestials.

    It would be quite interesting to see if perhaps there’s a closer relationship between Kang and the Celestials. While in the comics he was described as a relative of Reed Richards, they may take a very different approach, especially with the concept of there being multiple Variants out there. Perhaps the Celestial body sticking out of Earth may have a bigger purpose after all.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • New Zealand Cinema May Have Revealed ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’s 3-Hour+ Runtime

    New Zealand Cinema May Have Revealed ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’s 3-Hour+ Runtime

    We’ve all wondered just how long Avatar: The Way of the Water might end up being. James Cameron is famous for trying to incorporate as many shots as he can to offer a living experience through his films. It’s one of the reasons why the first Avatar became such a success in addition to its use of 3D technology; pioneering the model before it became a cinema regular offering.

    Now, if a listing from Monterey Lounge Cinema in New Zealand is to believe, the second of many entries in this franchise, The Way of the Water, is likely to run for 190 minutes. That would put the film at a runtime of around 3 hours and 10 minutes. As such, it would be even longer than the first entry, which ran for around 162 minutes when it was released in 2009.

    A Chinese outlet, Sohu, also had it at the same runtime, as pointed out by The Direct in their report on the potential runtime. The Avatar director also didn’t mince any words when he discussed that people shouldn’t complain about long theatrical experiences given the current climate of binge-watching multiple hours of television; though one could discuss that being at home gives you more freedom than in a theater. Still, it does seems safe to say that Avatar: The Way of the Water is going to be a lengthy entry.

    Source: Monterey Loung Cinema via The Direct

  • ‘Wicked’ in Final Talks with Jeff Goldblum to Play The Wizard

    ‘Wicked’ in Final Talks with Jeff Goldblum to Play The Wizard

    In the IP renaissance, we’re seeing many iconic franchises making a grand return. As such, almost every iconic film or TV series is seemingly returning with a new design and style. Even musicals aren’t safe, as it seems that Jon M. Chu‘s upcoming two-part Wicked adaptation is still busy casting. While Fiyero has already been cast with Jonathan Bailey set to star alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, they may have also found their Wizard.

    As reported by Variety, it seems that Jeff Goldblum is currently in final talks to take on the role of the Wizard. It seems that the deal is still not fully finalized, but there’s a good chance he’ll take on the role. He would definitely be a perfect addition to the cast, as Goldblum is always a scene-stealer when given the opportunity and he’s also no stranger to music.

    Goldblum famously performed music with The Mildred Snitzer, where Haley Reinhart even joined him. Plus, who wouldn’t think of him as a fun rendition of the character with his usual charm that manages to add fun to any project he’s involved with? The two films are set to release in 2024 and 2025. So, we’ll see if he signs on and what he may bring to the role.

    Source: Variety

  • Andy Serkis Won’t Return to Direct ‘Venom 3’ Writer Kelly Marcel to Take Over

    Andy Serkis Won’t Return to Direct ‘Venom 3’ Writer Kelly Marcel to Take Over

    Here’s a rather shocking surprise, it looks like Andy Serkis won’t be returning for the third installment of Sony’s Venom franchise. Instead, writer and producer of the first two entries, Kelly Marcel, is taking a jump into the director’s chair on Tom Hardy‘s third entry. She’ll also be producing the third entry while also having written the screenplay once again with some help from the series main star. Plot details remain under wraps and it’s unknown if anyone from the previous entries will also return.

    There’s no word on why Serkis isn’t returning to helm the project, as he was quite gung-ho to take on the next entry, especially with many believing that the character would face off against Spider-Man finally. The only update on why Marcel is likely chosen to continue the franchise is due to how she and Hardy have been “on the same page” when it came to the franchise’s story, especially with this third entry potentially acting like its final entry.

    It seems that perhaps throughout the writing process, they saw the potential of her taking over, especially with how much she knows about the franchise has been the only constant besides Hardy since its inception. Still, it’ll be interesting to see where Venom‘s third entry might go, especially with how a post-credit sequence set up the character’s introduction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So, even if Sony’s storyline wraps up with a third entry, the character will likely make a return in a new form as well.

    Source: Deadline

  • Daniel Bruhl Teases the Return of Zemo

    Daniel Bruhl Teases the Return of Zemo

    When Marvel Studios introduced the roster of characters set to appear in their 2024 Thunderbolts film, fans were immediately stunned by the absence of Baron Zemo from the team. In the Marvel Comics, the first iteration of characters to take on the mantle of Thunderbolts (like every Marvel Comics team, the roster has changed many times over the years) were led by Zemo under the guise of a hero known as Citizen V. With Zemo nowhere to be found among the members of this MCU-based team, fans began to wonder if Marvel Studios was simply withholding him from the public reveal to serve as a surprise later. After all, following the events of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, there’s no readily recognizable reason that fans shouldn’t expect Zemo to return to the MCU.

    Actor Daniel Bruhl took his performance as Zemo up a notch in the Disney Plus streaming series and was given much more to do than in his previous turn in the role, making the lack of Zemo even a little more confusing to fans. He danced, he fought, he betrayed, he came back…by the end of the series, it would be hard to argue that Zemo wasn’t among the highlights of it. With fans anxious to have him back in the role and no news about him being attached to any upcoming projects, Radio Times asked Bruhl if he could say whether or not fans might expect him to turn up in Thunderbolts when it hits theaters. Bruhl, unfortunately, didn’t give much away.

    Even if I could… I couldn’t, you know. The only thing I can say, everybody knows – is I’m not dead!

    Daniel Bruhl

    Not only is Zemo not dead, his last scene in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier showed that he was still able to orchestrate large-scale operations from inside his prison cell in The Raft. Zemo, of course, is a man of great patience, so while he may not appear in the Thunderbolts, at least not as a member of the main team, it’s very likely there’s still some use for the character down the road which means fans will have to adopt his patience while they wait. But it does sound like Bruhl expects to revisit the character sometime soon.

    Source: Radio Times

  • William Jackson Harper Joins ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

    William Jackson Harper Joins ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

    After rumors circulated suggesting William Jackson Harper had joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the trades confirmed his casting on Thursday evening. Harper will make his MCU debut in the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which dropped its first trailer earlier this week. The Good Place actor will appear in a mysterious role that Marvel Studios is keen to keep under wraps.

    Harper will appear along returning stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas, as well as newcomer Kathryn Newton who will appear as Cassie Lang. The movie will see the group enter the Quantum Realm, where they’ll come face-to-face with the threatening Kang the Conqueror played by Jonathan Majors. Majors, of course, made his first appearance as Kang in the Disney+ series, Loki.

    Outside of The Good Place, where he played Chidi Anagonye, Harper has appeared in Midsommar, The Underground Railroad, and Love Life. He is next set to appear in Cory Finley’s sci-fi film Landscape with Invisible Hand, and he’ll lend his voice to the Daria spinoff, Jodie.

    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania will hit theaters on Feb. 17, 2023.

    Source: Variety.