Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Adds Harry Lawtey

    ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ Adds Harry Lawtey

    With production expected to kick off in December, Joker: Folie à Deux has added yet another actor to its ensemble. Deadline has announced that Harry Lawtey is the latest to join the sequel’s cast. While details regarding his role are sparse, the outlet reports that Lawtey’s role will be a “big” one.

    Joker: Folie à Deux is expected to be set in Arkham and will feature musical elements. While not confirmed, it’s expected the sequel will take cues from the Mad Love comics storyline. The first film, Joker, was a surprise hit at the box office upon its release in 2019. It went on to surpass $1 billion at the worldwide box office and earned both leading man Joaquin Phoenix and composer Hildur Guðnadóttir Oscars.

    Lawtey currently stars in HBO’s Industry, which recently wrapped up its second season. He can next be seen in the adaptation of Louis Bayard‘s novel The Pale Blue Eye, where he’ll star alongside Christian Bale. He’s also set to star in the ITV series, You & Me.

    Joker: Folie à Deux will star Joaquin Phoenix, who returns as the titular character, and Lady Gaga, who is presumed to be playing Harley Quinn. Also starring in the film are Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener and Zazie Beetz. The film is being directed by Todd Phillips from a screenplay he penned with Scott Silver; it’s set to hit theaters on October 4, 2024.

    Source: Deadline.

  • RUMOR: ‘1917’ Star George MacKay May Replace Ezra Miller As The Flash

    RUMOR: ‘1917’ Star George MacKay May Replace Ezra Miller As The Flash

    Backlash from all corners of the internet continue to persist as Warner Bros. stays on course for Ezra Miller‘s upcoming The Flash film. The actor recently pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ to a hefty case that may lead to two decades of prison time, something that will surely pose as a thorn to the Flash film and the future of DCEU no matter the outcome.

    Today, a wild, wild, wild, wild rumor is making the rounds saying Miller may be replaced by 1917 star George MacKay after the film releases.

    https://twitter.com/GeekVibesNation/status/1583076946271166464?t=xUMzjV-chGiMGmYVX0HO_g&s=19

    Whether this rumor is true or not, much of the Flash’s fate is uncertain until the film hits the marketing circuit. Miller has apologized publicly for their actions but many think that their apology does not equate to accountability as Miller will continue to see residuals in spite of the damage done.

  • Charlize Theron Says ‘The Old Guard 2’ is a “Big Movie”

    Charlize Theron Says ‘The Old Guard 2’ is a “Big Movie”

    An early saving grace of the pandemic was Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s superhero action film, The Old Guard. Based on a graphic novel by Greg Rucka and starring Charlize Theron in the lead role, the film chronicled the modern adventures of several centuries-old warriors, who survived for years with the help of unexplained regenerative healing abilities. The project was a surprise hit for Netflix, and one of the first major movies to release directly on streaming following the global shutdown. Less than a year after the first film’s debut, The Old Guard 2 was given the green light, with Theron and the majority of the cast set to return.

    Speaking to Variety at a red carpet event for her latest movie, The School For Good And Evil, the former Mad Max star was asked how the cast and crew planned to up the ante for the sequel. Theron responded that, while all actors tend to claim the second movie is bigger than the last, she really means it when she says it. She elaborated:

    You know, it’s so pretentious when an actor is like ‘It’s so much bigger! So much better!’, and I think you know that I’m not that person. It’s pretty impressive what we did because it felt very specific the first time around, and we wanted to kind of take it out of that. Like, what we let the audience think was this set world, we really kind of turned that on it’s head. So, I’m excited about that and we have a bigger cast and it feels more global. It’s a big movie.

    Charlize Theron

    The Old Guard 2 will be helmed by Victoria Mahoney in her big-budget directorial debut, with Uma Thurman and Henry Golding joining an already stellar cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, KiKi Layne, and Theron. There is no current release date.

    Source: Variety

  • Laurence Fishburne Thinks ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is “Best One” Yet

    Laurence Fishburne Thinks ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is “Best One” Yet

    It feels like it’s been ages since the last John Wick film hit theaters. The saga’s third chapter, Parabellum, was released to critical acclaim in 2019, but audiences won’t be able to see the movie’s sequel until March of 2023. John Wick: Chapter 4 was originally set to debut on May 21st, 2021, but was delayed nearly two years by the global COVID-19 pandemic and star Keanu Reeves’ prior commitments to The Matrix Resurrections. As a result, expectations for the fourthquel have never been higher. Luckily for fans, franchise staple Laurence Fishburne thinks the wait will be well worth it.

    Speaking to Variety on the red carpet for his newest project, The School For Good And Evil, the Hollywood icon revealed his opinion that the next John Wick is the best they’ve ever made. When asked what people should expect from Chapter 4, the actor responded:

    For me, I’ve gotta tell you. Honestly, when I read it, I was like, ‘This is the best one’. On the page, it just was. I mean, from the way that it opens, there are like three or four really incredible set pieces that are, just like, ‘Whoa!’. There’s new characters, one in particular that’s so much fun. Well, actually, three that are crazy fun. Yeah, and I got to be in it again. I come back from the dead.

    Laurence Fishburne

    Fishburne closed his statement with a reference to the last time viewers saw his character, The Bowery King. Parabellum ended with both the King and Reeves’ protagonist severely wounded, but ready to take revenge on those who wronged them. As for the “fun” new faces, Fishburne could be talking about Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, or Bill Skarsgård – all of whom are major stars making their Wick debuts in the film.

    John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to release on March 24, 2023.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Black Adam’ Now Eyeing $60 Million Opening

    ‘Black Adam’ Now Eyeing $60 Million Opening

    Earlier in the month, tracking for Black Adam had the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson-led flick looking at a $70 million opening, with the potential to go even higher. Now, following less-than-stellar reviews, it looks like those estimates have dwindled a bit. Box office experts currently have Black Adam on track for a $60 million domestic opening.

    In the Pandemic-era, that’s not necessarily a bad number. However, Black Adam is said to have cost $195 million to produce. With such a hefty price tag, Black Adam will need to legs at the box office and hope that word of mouth among audiences is better. While that is still higher than 2021’s The Suicide Squad, which opened to $26 million while simultaneously debuting on HBO Max, it’s far behind The Batman‘s $134 million opening. That film, of course, featured one of DC’s most famous characters, the Caped Crusader. Black Adam does not have that same advantage, though.

    Black Adam will easily defeat Universal’s Ticket to Paradise starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, which is expected to open with $15 million from 3,500 cinemas. It should also easily overtake the poorly reviewed Halloween Ends, which opened with $41 million last weekend. As is often the case with estimates, though, it’s entirely possible Black Adam could open lower than expected. Worldwide, the movie is only expected to clear $135 million worldwide. With a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s possible word of mouth hurts the film, but it’s also a superhero film, so that should help push it forward some.

    Source: Variety.

  • Lupita Nyong’o Comments on the Marvel Movie Debate

    Lupita Nyong’o Comments on the Marvel Movie Debate

    Marvel Studios has been the top player in the superhero genre for quite some time now, and with more titles still yet to come, the studio has become the subject of some big debates among creatives. In the past, we’ve seen creatives such as Martin Scorsese, Bong Joon-ho, Ridley Scott, Francis Ford Coppola, Jodie Foster, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu speak out against Marvel movies – and often superhero films in general. They seem to feel that these projects are hurting smaller projects, are not true cinema, or are simply for children.

    During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, actress Lupita Nyong’o was asked to weigh in on this debate. Especially as, not only was Black Panther nominated for Best Picture, but Nyong’o has moved between franchise films and indie films throughout the years. As it puts it, it all boils down to what one deems art and what one deems to be its purpose.

    “It becomes a philosophical question about what is art and what is its purpose. I believe that art plays a role in moving the people that experience it, and a lot of people are moved by Marvel. Is you being moved by this thing less important than me being moved by Picasso?”

    Using sugar as a metaphor, the actress continues to explain why she feels options are not necessarily a bad thing. And that, just because something is a small character-driven film, it doesn’t mean it lacks an emotional pull.

    “I think to be culturally prosperous, to be artistically prosperous as a people, is to have options. In Kenya, sugar was sugar, it was brown or it was white. You come to the States, and a whole section in the supermarket is dedicated to sugars. So many different sugars. That is a symbol of prosperity, when you have options. So I personally love a good Marvel movie, but it doesn’t take me away from really wanting the little character-driven film. I believe in the fight for those things to be kept alive because the one thing we always want, the ultimate privilege, is choice.”

    While superhero films and television shows have been a mainstay for a while now, they’re not merely just mindless titles for children. As Nyong’o explains, there’s nothing wrong with giving people a choice.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, a film meant to honor the late Chadwick Boseman, will hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: THR.

  • Nyong’o on Why She’s Glad T’Challa Wasn’t Recast

    Nyong’o on Why She’s Glad T’Challa Wasn’t Recast

    Following the incredible success of Black Panther, many were curious when a sequel to the blockbuster film would follow. Fans were eager for more of Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, as well as more of the Dora Milaje and Letitia Wright’s Shuri. What no one knew, though, was that Boseman was terminally ill. His untimely passing was a shock to nearly everyone, including the cast and crew of Black Panther, and in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lupita Nyong’o discussed what it was like to lose him.

    As the actress noted, Marvel Studios and the rest of the cast and crew from Black Panther didn’t know how – or if they could – revisit the franchise without their leading man. As Nyong’o explains, director and co-writer Ryan Coogler had already drafted a screenplay for the sequel before Boseman’s passing. That film would’ve heavily focused on T’Challa and it was expected to “delve deeply into his psyche and situation.” Many fans had expected Marvel Studios to recast the role, but out of respect, the studio opted not to. The sequel was later reworked, instead turning Wakanda Forever into a film meant to honor T’Challa and Boseman without recasting the role – a decision the actress wholeheartedly agrees with.

    “That is not the death of the Black Panther, that’s the whole point. It’s laying to rest [T’Challa] and allowing for real life to inform the story of the movies. I know that there are all sorts of reasons why people want him to be recast, but I don’t have the patience. I don’t have the presence of mind, or I don’t have the objectivity to argue with that. I don’t. I’m very biased.”

    While moving ahead with the sequel was emotionally difficult for all involved, Nyong’o said that Coogler had successfully crafted something to honor Boseman, while still carrying the story forward.

    “Ryan wrote something that so honored the truth of what every one of us was feeling, those of us who knew Chadwick. He created something that could honor that and carry the story forward. By the end, I was weeping.”

    Fans will get the chance to help honor Boseman’s legacy when Wakanda Forever hits theaters on Nov. 11th.

    Source: THR.

  • Warner Moving Ahead with A-List DC Characters; ‘Wonder Woman 3’ On Deck

    Warner Moving Ahead with A-List DC Characters; ‘Wonder Woman 3’ On Deck

    Even as claims of a “leadership vacuum” persist as the Walter Hamada era comes to an end, Warner Bros. is continuing to develop its DC properties. James Gunn is actively developing new projects; Henry Cavill is back as Superman; and Matt Reeves continues to build his Gotham universe through a series of projects being developed both for theaters and streaming. With the news of Superman and Batman projects in the works came news that the other member of DC’s Trinity is still very much in the plans as well.

    According to a report by THR’s Borys Kit, Warner Bros. expects a script treatment for Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 to be ready soon. Jenkins first brought the character to the big screen in 2017 and then again in 2020 and has been working to finish the script for the third film for the last year. At one point, it was expected that production on Wonder Woman 3 might kick off in 2023, but no updated timeline has been made available since the Warner Bros./Discovery merger.

    Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman has been one of the highlights of the DC Universe’s modern era and her character will be the first to complete a trilogy of films for the studio. She’s already appeared in 4 films and has an appearance the upcoming Shazam!: Fury of the Gods. With the news that Cavill is back as Superman, it would seem that it’s only a matter of time before the two reunite on screen…with Batman?

    Source: THR

  • WB Prepared to Move Ahead with a Sequel to ‘The Flash’

    WB Prepared to Move Ahead with a Sequel to ‘The Flash’

    Even as questions about star Ezra Miller continue to surround The Flash, news comes that WB remains incredibly committed to the property. While the first film won’t hit theaters until June 23, 2023, Borys Kit reports that the studio already has a script in place for a sequel should the first film be well-received.

    David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who penned the script for Aquaman, has put together the framework for a follow-up to The Flash, which is said to be an adaptation of the classic DC Comics story, Flashpoint. Just what the future holds for the franchise will first depend on what comes of recent events surrounding Miller, who has been arrested several times in the past year and recently pleaded not guilty to one charge. Common among fans is the theory that if WB decides they can no longer work with Miller, the Flashpoint nature of The Flash would easily allow for the role to be recast.

    The news of the potential sequel comes amidst a slew of news about the potential future of DC films. While Matt Reeves continues to build out the world of The Batman, James Gunn looks to be on board for multiple new projects and Henry Cavill is set to return in a new Superman project. As WB continues the search for the “Kevin Fiege” of their DC Universe, it seems that the good work of developing projects continues.

    Source: THR

  • New ‘Superman’ Project in Development at Warner Bros.

    New ‘Superman’ Project in Development at Warner Bros.

    Spoiler Note: There is a spoiler in the below article regarding Black Adam. The spoiler has been online for about a week now, but for those avoiding spoilers, please stop reading now.

    Along with the news that James Gunn is developing two more potential DC films, and Matt Reeves is seeking to expand upon his Batman universe, comes the news that Warner Bros. Discovery is finally ready to bring back the Man of Steel. The Hollywood Reporter has claimed that the studio is keen to get a new Superman project underway.

    While Walter Hamada was developing a new Superman project alongside writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, that project seems to be no more. Instead, Warner Bros. Discovery looks to be bringing back Henry Cavill in the role following a power play by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The Black Adam actor is said to have approached Hamada about bringing Cavill back, much to Hamada’s dismay. After Hamada rejected the idea, Johnson reportedly went over his head and went to Warner Bros. Pictures heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who gave him the approval to bring Cavill’s Superman back. The actor, of course, will appear in an end credits scene of Black Adam. (This was revealed by Johnson himself publicly.) But now, it seems he’ll also be headlining his own project again soon.

    Interestingly, THR also noted that the studio was eyeing Christopher McQuarrie, but he’s currently busy with Mission: Impossible. With Gunn said to be developing two mystery DC projects, it’s possible Superman is one of the films he’s looking to direct.

    Source: THR.