Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Matt Reeves Developing Multiple Projects Based on Batman’s Villains

    Matt Reeves Developing Multiple Projects Based on Batman’s Villains

    Along with developing a sequel to the critically acclaimed The Batman, Matt Reeves is looking to expand his DC universe. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that, along with the previously announced Penguin spinoff, Reeves is currently meeting with writers and directors to build out movies focused on Batman’s rogue’s gallery. It is of note, that the outlet suggests the projects will focus on both established and obscure villains, including characters ranging from Scarecrow to Professor Pyg.

    All of these projects are said to be in the very early stages of development, but Reeves is keen to build out movies on these characters. Like with The Penguin, Reeves will be involved to an extent, but his main focus is The Batman 2.

    Updating…

    Source: THR.

  • James Gunn is in Talks for At Least One More DC Movie

    James Gunn is in Talks for At Least One More DC Movie

    Following the success of The Suicide Squad and its television spinoff, Peacemaker, director James Gunn looks ready to get back to work on another DC project. The Hollywood Reporter had exclusively revealed that Gunn is currently in talks, alongside producer Peter Safran, on a mystery DC movie that Gunn would tackle. The outlet notes, however, that Gunn might actually be developing two different projects with Warner Bros. Discovery and DC.

    Gunn will, of course, prioritize the second season of Peacemaker first and foremost. However, with the studio seeming to be keen on developing a Superman project, that could always be a possibility for Gunn. Per THR, Mission: Impossible director Christopher McQuarrie was initially on the studio’s wishlist for a Superman film, but with McQuarrie being incredibly busy with the next two installments of that franchise, it leaves the character and the project wide open.

    Whatever project — or projects — Gunn is working on remains to be seen, but the director seems eager to stay within the DC universe.

    Updating….

    Source: THR.

  • ‘Fantastic Four’ Production Update

    ‘Fantastic Four’ Production Update

    It’s been over two years since Murphy’s Multiverse first shared the news that Marvel Studios had created a limited liability company under the name Solve Everything Productions for its Fantastic Four film. Since then, information on production has been slow coming as the project lost its original director Jon Watts. But with a new director on board, Matt Shakman, working with writers Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, things seem to be gearing back up. With the new crew of creatives now together and a release date of February 14, 2025, now in place, it seems Marvel Studios has turned its attention to getting production underway.

    To that end, Marvel Studios has apparently locked down studio space in the UK for the production of Fantastic Four. While no dates have been made available yet, past scheduling precedent would indicate that Marvel Studios would be looking to get production underway in the Fall of 2023. With the film originally having been slated for a November 8, 2024 release, a Fall 2023 start of production would have been in line with a typical Marvel Studios production. By bumping the title’s release back 3 months, not much changes other than having some additional time to finish VFX.

    Of course, there’s still a lot of work to be done before Shakman and crew can start principal photography, most importantly, finding a cast. Rumors continue to swirl about dozens of actors involved in talks for all the main roles but while it’s certainly likely that Marvel Studios is in the process of casting, no official word has fallen on the results of that process. Then there’s the completion of the script, which given the title of the production company, may likely take heavy inspiration from writer Jonathan Hickman‘s take on Marvel Comics First Family.

    Given that the film is said to kick off Phase 6 of the Multiverse Saga, it wouldn’t be a…stretch…to imagine that it might take on one of Hickman’s wildest creations, The Interdimensional Council of Reeds, which was first introduced in Fantastic Four #570, ironically titled “Solve Everything: Part One.” Earth 616’s Reed Richards joined a multiversal collection of his other selves by using one of his inventions, The Bridge, which allowed him to observe and access other worlds.

  • CONFIRMED: Harrison Ford is General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross

    CONFIRMED: Harrison Ford is General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross

    Last week, rumors began circulating that Harrison Ford was being eyed to take over the role of General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. Now, Deadline has confirmed that Ford will, indeed, portray Ross in Captain America: New World Order alongside Anthony Mackie.

    Ford will take over the role originated by Oscar winner William Hurt. Hurt, of course, began playing the role in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk and last appeared as the character in 2021’s Black Widow. He, unfortunately, passed away in March of this year at the age of 71 due to complications from cancer. Following Ford’s appearance as Ross in Captain America: New World Order, he will reprise the role in director Jake Schreier‘s Thunderbolts.

    This marks yet another legendary franchise for the ever-busy actor. Ford, of course, reprised his role as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and most recently worked on Indiana Jones 5, which he has promised will be the last of the franchise for him. That film is slated to be released next summer.

    Captain America: New World Order will be directed by Julius Onah from a screenplay by Malcolm Spellman and Dalan Musson. It is set to star Mackie, Ford, Shira Haas, Tim Blake Nelson and Carl Lumbly.

    Source: Deadline.

  • RUMOR: Rihanna Has Recorded Songs for the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack

    RUMOR: Rihanna Has Recorded Songs for the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Soundtrack

    A new rumor suggests that Rihanna might be lending her voice to a forthcoming soundtrack. The folks over at Hits Daily Double claim to have heard the superstar has recorded two songs for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

    This, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt for the time being. However, it is worth noting Marvel Studios and writer-director Ryan Coogler did work with Kendrick Lamar on delivering a curated soundtrack for the first Black Panther film. That soundtrack featured songs by Lamar, The Weeknd, Zacari and Jorja Smith. While a soundtrack for Wakanda Forever has not yet been officially revealed, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if Marvel Studios once again got some of the biggest acts to deliver new songs for the film.

    However, this isn’t the first time rumors of Rihanna being involved with the Black Panther franchise have circulated. The singer and actress was also rumored for a role in the sequel in late 2020 – that rumor has since been proven false. With the movie’s release less than a month away, here’s to hoping we get some more concrete information regarding the movie’s potential soundtrack.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is co-written and directed by Ryan Coogler. It is set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: Hits Daily Double.

  • ‘Halloween Ends’ Originally Ended Much Differently

    ‘Halloween Ends’ Originally Ended Much Differently

    David Gordon Green’s Halloween Ends has proven to be incredibly divisive, sparking a great deal of internet debate about the creative choices of the final film in the director’s trilogy. On one side of the debate, fans expressed their frustrations at the lack of screen time for series’ boogeyman Michael Myers; on the other side, fans appreciated the choice to take the focus off the slasher and keep it on the impact the ongoing battle between Myers and Laurie Strode had on Haddonfeild.

    While both sides would probably agree that the film’s finale gave them the satisfactory conclusion to the Myers-Strode feud that they had been hoping for, it seems that the very cut-and-dried ending that made the final cut of Halloween Ends wasn’t always so cut-and-dried. According to Viewer Anon, the scripted ending played out much differently.

    https://twitter.com/ViewerAnon/status/1581780522900258817?t=v1qC7Ig3LLh90tqUAp76qw&s=19

    The full thread linked above claims that the film followed a different path with the “evil doesn’t die, it just changes shape” theme explored in the film. In the version that fans have seen, it seems that evil does in fact die with the deaths of Corey and Michael; however, the script apparently saw Laurie infected with the same evil, even after killing Michael in her kitchen. In the original version, that played out by having Laurie attempt to strangle her granddaughter before coming to her senses.

    Ultimately, what was put to film in the final cut worked really well as Laurie and the entire town of Haddonfield were able to collectively put their Boogeyman behind them. The trilogy explored the way that Myers’ evil infected every corner of the town where his rampage took place, impacting more than just those who lost people to his evil, so a denouement where they dispose of him and his legacy as a community works well as a definitive ending to THIS trilogy. Of course it’s hard to imagine there won’t be more Halloween films in the future, but Green’s work with Myers is done and taken as one long-form story, it’s a truly terrifying narrative on evil.

  • Amber Midthunder is Ready to Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Amber Midthunder is Ready to Join the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    After starring in the Predator prequel this summer, actress Amber Midthunder is already looking ahead to her future. The actress was in attendance at the Newport Beach Film Fest and spoke briefly with the folks at Variety. Midthunder was asked if there was a franchise she would love to be a part of, or if there was something she’d dreamed of doing.

    She responded by expressing her enjoyment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially the Avengers films, as well as Fox’s X-Men films. Interestingly enough, though, Midthunder opted to play coy regarding which character she could potentially play.

    I’m definitely a big MCU fan. I’ve always loved the X-Men movies, all the Avengers movies. I’ve always been a big fan of the MCU. We’ll talk about [who I could play] later.

    Midthunder

    If Midthunder were to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is of note that this wouldn’t be her first time starring in a Marvel project. Midthunder previously appeared in the FX series, Legion, as Kerry Loudermilk. Other credits to her name include the CW’s Roswell, New Mexico, Banshee and Longmire. Following her work on Hulu’s Prey, Midthunder is next set to appear in Netflix’s live action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Werewolf By Night’s Michael Giacchino Rules Himself Out of ‘Blade’ Director Search

    ‘Werewolf By Night’s Michael Giacchino Rules Himself Out of ‘Blade’ Director Search

    Production on the highly anticipated Mahershala Ali-led Blade movie is currently shut down after losing director Bassim Tariq. After Tariq’s departure, it was revealed that Beau DeMayo had agreed to rewrite the script. With the hiring of DeMayo, it was expected that Marvel Studios would quickly fill the director position, but instead, the studio has slowed down to “deepen the search” for a new director, while also taking time to further strengthen the film.

    One name has received a lot of attention as a potential new director for Blade after the recent success and critical praise of Werewolf By Night. In fact, some think director and composer Michael Giacchino should be the architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s horror future.

    On Comicbook.com’s Phase Zero podcast, Giacchino addressed whether he could take the reins on Blade. Unfortunately for fans, it looks like the list of potential directors does not include the Werewolf By Night director. Giacchino expressed that Blade would conflict with some of his other projects in the works timing-wise:

    “I mean, look, I love Blade. I think that’s an amazing, amazing character. It’s one of my favorites. But I feel like that thing is already in motion in a way that is like, and I’m in motion on other things as well, and there’s just– It’s a whole… you know. It’s just, timing-wise, it’s a little crazy. So I feel like, you know… I want that to be a great movie. I want that to be an awesome movie, because that character deserves it in a huge way. But yeah, right now, I mean, no.”

    Michael Giacchino

    Fans will have to keep waiting for news on who will replace Tariq. Marvel Studios has given itself more time to get Blade in order, as it delayed its release date to September 6, 2024.

    Source: Phase Zero

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Tracking for Massive Debut

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Tracking for Massive Debut

    With less than a month until release, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, is tracking for a massive debut. Box Office Pro has unveiled the latest tracking for the film, and as it stands, Wakanda Forever could potentially set a new November record.

    Box Office Pro believes Wakanda Forever could open between $180 million and $225 million. Working in the film’s favor, of course, is that Black Panther was a phenomenon and demolished records with its $202 million domestic debut. The character later went on to become a big part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and later in an episode of What If…? on Disney+. With a huge gap between films, fans have been eagerly awaiting Wakanda Forever‘s release, helping to push the film’s trailer views past those of its predecessor.

    Of course, given that we are still very much in a pandemic, it’s possible the film could open lower than expected. The box office has struggled since COVID first hit in 2019, and it’s still struggling to return to normal. Moviegoers don’t seem as ready to head to theaters like they once did. It doesn’t help either that Thor: Love and Thunder had such a mixed reception, or that many feel as though there’s too much content hailing from Marvel Studios thanks to Disney+.

    Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters on Nov. 11th. Tickets are on sale now.

    Source: Box Office Pro.

  • RUMOR: Tom Ellis in the Running for Reed Richards

    RUMOR: Tom Ellis in the Running for Reed Richards

    With a director set in place and a set of writers tackling the script, it shouldn’t be too surprising then that stories regarding the film’s cast have begun to circulate. A new rumor from the folks at Deux Moi suggests that Marvel Studios is already looking at actors for its first family, including actors from Lucifer and Hamilton.

    Per Deux Moi, Maddie Hasson and Tom Ellis are reportedly in the running for the roles of Sue Storm and Reed Richards. The site also claims that Daveed Diggs has auditioned, although it’s not specified as to which part that might have been for. It’s also rumored that Michael Provost is the favorite for Johnny Storm, while Jason Biggs is thought to have auditioned for The Thing. It’s of note that this is all merely a rumor. In fact, Deux Moi previously reported that Alexandra Daddario and her brother, Matthew Daddario, were being considered for the movie.

    These names, however, are an interesting mix of up-and-coming actors and established actors. Hasson has worked on a lot of television shows, such as ABC Family’s Twisted and Peacock’s Mr. Mercedes adaptation. While Ellis is perhaps best known for his starring role in Lucifer. Diggs, of course, got his big breakout with Hamilton and has since built a rather impressive resume that includes the Snowpiercer television series and the forthcoming Little Mermaid film. As for Provost, like Hasson, he’s perhaps best known for his work on the small screen, including Netflix’s Insatiable and Fear Street: Part Two – 1978. Biggs, of course, is best known for the American Pie films, but he’s also appeared in Orange Is the New Black and recently appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

    Production on Fantastic Four is expected to kick off next year. The film is slated to hit theaters on Feb. 14th, 2025.

    Source: Deux Moi, via Reddit