Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Bad Bunny’s Marvel Film Lands Director and Writer

    Bad Bunny’s Marvel Film Lands Director and Writer

    El Muerto is the latest in a long line of Spidey-less Spider-Man movies Sony threatens to unleash upon cinemas. Music superstar Bad Bunny is slated to lead the film, a story about a luchador who gains mystical powers. According to the Wrap, the film has found its director and writer, Jonas Cuaron and Gareth-Dunnet Alcocer, respectively. Cuaron is best known for his acclaimed film Desierto and being the son of legendary director Alfonso Cuaron while Alcocer recently penned DC’s Blue Beetle film.

    As unexciting as a Spidey-less Spider-Man cinematic universe sounds, El Muerto does have the tremendous distinction of being the first Marvel film led by a Latino character. Having huge names such as Bad Bunny, Cuaron, and the burgeoning Alcocer behind the film gives the project legitimacy and prestige. It’s hard to imagine how this film will tie in to Sony’s other Marvel properties but the pedigree attached to the project should keep fans hopeful that the studio gets a superhero movie correct after Morbius and Venom.

    Source: The Wrap

  • ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Nabs the Top Film Premiere on Disney+

    ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Nabs the Top Film Premiere on Disney+

    It’s all just a bunch of Hocus Pocus.

    After being officially announced in 2019, Hocus Pocus 2 finally hit Disney+ on Friday, and fans were quick to devour the long-gestating sequel. And, unsurprisingly, the follow-up to Hocus Pocus proved to be a smash. Disney announced on Tuesday morning that Hocus Pocus 2 has earned the #1 film premiere on Disney+ within the United States to date. This was calculated based on the hours watched domestically within the film’s first 3 days of release.

    The film’s success shouldn’t be too surprising, of course. Back in June, it was revealed that the trailer views for Hocus Pocus 2 managed to surpass those of another Disney+ favorite — The Mandalorian. Within 24 hours of release, the Hocus Pocus 2 trailer had amassed an impressive 43.6 million views. A sequel to the 1993 classic, Hocus Pocus, was rumored to be in development for some time but hit plenty of speed bumps along the way. After finally securing a green light in 2019, Disney set the return of the Sanderson sisters in a film that would be exclusive to Disney+ — a move that is (so far) proving to be a smart one.

    While the original film wasn’t a critical success when first released, earning 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, it has since gone on to become a Halloween classic. And now, it would seem Hocus Pocus 2 is on track to do the same.

    Check out our review of Hocus Pocus 2 by heading here!

  • Barry Keoghan’s ‘The Batman’ Audition Tape Is Now Public

    Barry Keoghan’s ‘The Batman’ Audition Tape Is Now Public

    When Matt Reeves’ The Batman was released earlier this year, one of its most hotly debated features was the surprise casting of Barry Keoghan as yet another live-action Joker. As it turns out, however, the iconic arch-nemesis was not the member of Bruce Wayne’s rogues’ gallery Keoghan originally auditioned for. According to an audition tape, which has just been made public, the Irish actor had actually been trying out for the role of Edward Nashton, better known as the film’s main baddie – The Riddler.

    The footage shows Keoghan waltzing around an empty hallway with a cane and an outfit inspired by the character’s comic book appearance. According to the Eternals star, via a report by GQ UK, he sent his tape unsolicited to Reeves’ team before being told that the production had already filled the role. Of course, Paul Dano eventually landed the part after Jonah Hill passed, playing a version of the Riddler that felt far more original than most fans were expecting. Luckily for Keoghan, the film wasn’t done casting, and he received news from his agent four months later that The Batman wanted him for The Joker instead.

    The tease that Joker does exist in Reeves’ universe seemed like a set-up for the sequel, but the director has gone on record to say that isn’t exactly the case. Whether or not the villain appears in The Batman 2 is still up in the air, but Keoghan says he’ll be ready if the call does come in:

    As soon as that call comes I’m there, man, I’m there.

    Barry Keoghan

    Source: Variety

  • Taissa Farmiga Returning for ‘The Nun 2’

    Taissa Farmiga Returning for ‘The Nun 2’

    Taissa Farmiga is coming back for more. Deadline has confirmed that the actress will return as Sister Irene in The Nun 2. Farmiga will join the previously announced Storm Reid, who was cast in an unspecified leading role.

    The Nun was a prequel spinoff from The Conjuring 2 that focused on Bonnie Aarons as a demonic nun. The film took place in a monastery in 1952 and focused on a priest (Demain Bchir) and a young nun (Farmiga) as they sought to fight the nun’s evil possessions. While The Conjuring films are incredibly popular, The Nun has actually become the highest-grossing Conjuring film to date, having earned $365.55 million worldwide at the box office.

    The script was penned by Akela Cooper, with Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing stepping in recently to do another pass on the screenplay. Michael Chaves (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It) will direct The Nun 2, while James Wan will once again produce through his Atomic Monster banner alongside Peter Safran and his The Safran Company banner.

    Farmiga is currently filming Season 2 of The Gilded Age for HBO. It’s unknown when she’ll wrap filming on that project, however, filming on The Nun 2 is set to kick off this month for a Sept. 8, 2023 release date.

    Source: Deadline.

  • BREAKING: Michael Waldron to Write ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    BREAKING: Michael Waldron to Write ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    After laying the groundwork for the MCU’s major multiversal event in Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, writer Michael Waldron has signed on the write the script for Avengers: Secret Wars. Waldron joins writer Jeff Loveness, who will pen Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, as writers of the tandem of Avengers films set to debut in 2025.

    First officially revealed at SDCC ’22, Avengers: Secret Wars will serve as the capstone to Marvel Studios Multiverse Saga when it hits theaters on November 7th, 2025. According to a trade report, Waldron became the front runner for the job over the past month, in part because of the trust he’d built up with the studio over their past two collaborations.

    As far back as Loki, Waldron teased the potentiality of a connection between that project and Secret Wars, which only lived in the minds of fans at the time. Now all that remains for the studio is to complete its search for a director to allow them time to work with Waldron on the script.

    Source: Deadline

  • Ryan Coogler on Bringing Namor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    Ryan Coogler on Bringing Namor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

    One of Marvel Comics’ oldest characters is making his MCU debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Namor, the Sub-Mariner first appeared in Marvel Comics in 1939 and has remained present as a hero, anti-hero and even outright villain over the years. From the footage seen over the course of two trailers, Namor certainly looks like the antagonist of the Black Panther sequel and while his origins have been greatly changed from the comics, director Ryan Coogler made sure that some of his trademark features remained.

    In an interview with EW, Coogler explained that while developing Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he wanted to “lean into” the character’s comic book origins even while creating a new take on Namor. Now the emperor of the hidden kingdom of Talocon-as opposed to Atlantis-the MCU’s Namor is steeped in new mythology while staying true to his iconic look from the comics.

    I think with making these types of movies, you’ve got to lean into the weird stuff, or you risk missing what makes it fun. He’s got really unique features and things that don’t necessarily go together. He can breathe underwater, obviously, but he’s got these little wings on his ankles. He’s got pointy ears and walks around in his underwear. It’s all fun, man.

    Ryan Coogler

    The latest trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever certainly leans into that weird stuff as it shows Namor taking to the air to attack the Queen’s location and to avoid projectiles from a Wakandan ship. Given the character’s comic book history with Wakanda and the looks of the trailer, it appears that Coogler has stayed true to the character’s nature as well, making him an incredible threat to the nation.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters November 11th.

    Source: EW

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Trailer Teases an Ancient, Evil Artifact

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Trailer Teases an Ancient, Evil Artifact

    As is often the case with Marvel Studios, the second trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever gave audiences a little more insight into the plot of the upcoming film. The new trailer featured quite a bit more dialogue, giving audiences an idea of what Wakanda is up against in the film as the hidden kingdom of Talocan, led by Namor, comes into conflict with them. One bit of dialogue spoken by M’Baku, however, stood out as particularly interesting as it opens the possibility of one of Marvel Comics’ most dangerous artifacts making its mark on the MCU.

    Speaking to a group of Wakandans, M’Baku explains that the people of Talocan don’t refer to Namor as either king or general, but rather “K’uk’ulkan, the feather serpent god.” While Ryan Coogler went to great lengths to create a new origin for Namor, one that strayed away from the comic books’ Atlantean heritage, Namor’s title calls to mind an artifact that has ties to an Elder god and has caused quite a bit of chaos over the years.

    Before the Great Cataclysm drove their kingdom below the sea, ancient Atlanteans created the Serpent Crown. The crown served as a vessel for the power of the Elder god, Set, who created an entire race of Serpent-Men to do his evil bidding in ancient times. The Serpent Crown has popped up in the comics on several occasions and, needless to say nothing good comes of it. It’s found its way back to Atlantis several times, including recently when Namor wore it in the event Atlantis Attacks.

    Could the helmet seen on the MCU’s Namor be the Serpent Crown? And if so, is it just an Easter egg or could it become the same type of cursed artifact it’s become in the comics? It’s an interesting thought but one that we’ll have to wait to flesh out as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever doesn’t hit theaters for another 5 weeks.

  • Anthony Mackie Comments on the Possibility of a Chris Evans Return in ‘Captain America 4’

    Anthony Mackie Comments on the Possibility of a Chris Evans Return in ‘Captain America 4’

    Upcoming Marvel Studios feature Captain America: New World Order will mark Anthony Mackie’s first time leading an MCU film as the Star-Spangled Avenger. Sam Wilson takes over the mantle from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers in the wake of their last team-up effort in Avengers: Endgame and the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. By all accounts, Evans, who also said goodbye to the MCU, has been unlikely to bring back his original Captain America character anytime soon.

    Following Marvel Studios’ recent D23 presentation, Mackie joked that Sebastian Stan gets Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent in the upcoming Thunderbolts and expressed his desire to see Evans return in some manner. However, in a recent interview, Mackie had a more sobering take on the potential return, expressing Evans’ own views on where his future with Captain America rests.

    Mackie discussed the possibility of Evans reprising his role as Steve Rogers in an interview with E! News, and he made a joke about how little Evans is focused on the MCU now:

    Chris is so far gone from Marvel. Like, Marvel is not even in his radius. He’s so far gone. He’s enjoying life. He’s like an old retired dude.

    Anthony Mackie

    While a return in New World Order seems unlikely, an eventual Evans return is still unknown, especially with major cross-over films like Avengers: Secret Wars in the works. But, for the time being, Sam Wilson will shine as Captain America in the post-Infinity Saga MCU.

    Captain America: New World Order will be released in theaters on May 3, 2024.

    Source: E! News

  • Latest ‘Wakanda Forever’ Merch Focuses Teases Namor’s Iconic Battle Cry

    Latest ‘Wakanda Forever’ Merch Focuses Teases Namor’s Iconic Battle Cry

    While a lot of discussions surrounding Marvel Studios’ upcoming Black panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, focused on how they’ll juggle whoever may take on the mantle, there’s one more big element they are making sure no one forgets. The sequel will act as the introduction of Namor the Submariner into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it seems he’s getting quite the spotlight in some of their latest merchandise reveals. Among them is the confirmation that he’ll also get to use his iconic battle cry “Imperius Rex.”

    As shared by @NamorNews, we get a bunch of new designs highlighting the three main members of the MCU’s take on Atlantis. We see some familiar artwork of Attuma, Namora, and Namor but the newest addition is the fact that his battle cry is added to some of the designs. It’s the first time we’ve seen it used and it may confirm that we’ll get the shout at least once during the upcoming film.

    It’s great to see the elements they are taking from the comics. Even while they changed the character’s cultural background, it opened up the concept to stand out while still pulling in elements from the character’s comic origin. Marvel and director Ryan Coogler managed to even get his iconic green pants as part of his design with the little feet wings hinted at in the first trailer. Here’s hoping that the next trailer potentially offers a bit more from the character and shows us how dangerous he’ll be when facing against the nation of Wakanda.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Smile’ Surprises With $22 Million Opening, ‘Bros’ Stumbles

    ‘Smile’ Surprises With $22 Million Opening, ‘Bros’ Stumbles

    Paramount’s latest offering put a smile on the faces of moviegoers this weekend. Smile, directed by newcomer Parker Finn, pulled in an impressive $22 million over the weekend. The movie earned $8.2 million on Friday, which includes the $2 million the movie pulled in from Thursday previews. Smile‘s performance is all the more impressive considering the film had a modest budget of $17 million.

    Smile, which stars Sosie Bacon, focuses on a therapist who meets a graduate student that has recently witnessed a gruesome suicide. Soon after, she begins experiencing frightening experiences she can’t explain. In order to survive, she’ll need to confront her past in order to escape her horrifying new reality. The film also stars Caitlin Stasey, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert and Kal Penn.

    The only other new release this weekend, Bros, failed to take off at the box office. The movie took in $4.8 million this weekend, well under expectations for the film. Smile managed to come in fourth place, beneath Don’t Worry Darling and The Woman King. The former, of course, took in $7.3 in its second weekend, bringing its 10-day domestic haul to $32.8 million. While the latter, The Woman King, came in third with $7 million from 3,504 cinemas, bringing its domestic haul to $47 million. Coming in fifth was the Avatar re-release which took in $4.7 million from 1,860 theaters for a 10-day domestic total of $18.1 million.

    Source: THR.