Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris Join Disney’s ‘Dashing Through The Snow’

    Ludacris, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris Join Disney’s ‘Dashing Through The Snow’

    Disney’s latest holiday film has added a trio of stars to its cast. Deadline has announced that Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Lil Rel Howery, and Teyonah Parris have all signed on star in to Dashing Through the Snow. Production is currently underway in Atlanta, with Tim Story (Fantastic Four) directing from a script by Scott Rosenberg.

    Dashing Through the Snow tells the story of a divorced social worker for the Atlanta police department who loathes Christmas due to a memory from his childhood. While with his daughter on Christmas Eve, he finds himself sent on a call that will lead to him evoking the wrath of a local politician before meeting a man who will ultimately help him understand the magic of Christmas.

    Joining Bridges, Howery and Parris are Oscar Nunez (The Office), Mary Lynn Rajskub (24), Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis, and Madison Skye Validum (Ivy & Bean). Producing the holiday flick are Will Packer through his Will Packer Productions and John Jacobs through his Smart Entertainment. While Story will executive produce alongside Johanna Byer, Ross Fanger and Zac Unterman.

    Dashing Through the Snow will debut on Disney+ next year in time for the holidays.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Jordan Peele Hints at ‘Nope’ Sequel

    Jordan Peele Hints at ‘Nope’ Sequel

    Jordan Peele’s Nope took audiences by storm when it hit theaters earlier this summer. Full of unexpected plot twists and rich thematic elements, many fans are still trying to dissect and figure out the details of the film a month after its release. One such mystery, which has become a fixation of many online theorists, is the true identity of Michael Busch’s “Nobody.” The unnamed character appears in the movie’s trailers, shown walking calmly in the opposite direction of the panicking crowd, but does not appear in Nope’s final cut. “Nobody,” the character’s moniker, comes from the actor’s IMDb listing.

    In a new interview with Variety, Peele explains that there’s still plenty of story to tell regarding Busch’s Nobody. The writer and director suggests there will be some answers provided in the future.

    The story of that character has yet to be told, I can tell you that. Which is another frustrating way of saying, I’m glad people are paying attention. I do think they will get more answers on some of these things in the future. We’re not over telling all of these stories.

    Jordan Peele

    Peele has not yet announced what his next film will be, but this quote makes it sound like a sequel to Nope could be in the cards. The end of the film may wrap up nicely, but there are still plenty of questions that could be answered within the world it established. At the very least, it sounds like Peele could have plans for something set in the same universe – like a spin-off or epilogue. Other popular directors, namely Quentin Tarantino, have made similar moves in the past, crafting entirely separate stories that still manage to reference each other whenever possible. Maybe when Peele unveils his fourth opus, it will continue his trend of succinct titles and use a familiar name – Nobody.

    Nope is now playing in theaters. It’s also now available to rent through On Demand.

    Source: Variety

  • Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Taylour Paige Join Eddie Murphy’s ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Sequel

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Taylour Paige Join Eddie Murphy’s ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Sequel

    Axel Foley is back as the upcoming legacy sequel heading to Netflix has finally started getting some steam. Deadline has just revealed that Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have joined returning Eddie Murphy in the upcoming film. Production is already underway with Mark Molloy in the director’s chair. As one would expect, Murphy will once again play Axel Foley, who is also taking on a producing role alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Chad Oman.

    The film also got a new title, as it’ll be known as Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. It’s unclear what direction they are going with this sequel which will revisit one of the early comedy cinematic icons first introduced back in 1984. The franchise went on to consist of three films. There’s no word yet if other actors might be reprising their roles from previous films. It’s also unclear which role Taylour Paige and Joseph Gordon-Levitt will have in the upcoming sequel.

    The title is certainly curious as it almost feels like they are chasing something that Top Gun: Maverick put out there with its title. Of course, it’s unclear if this new title is potentially meant as a tribute to the franchise’s new direction as a last hurrah for the character. Perhaps they also hope to pass on the torch to a new generation but it’s unclear just what their goal is with the sequel. We’ll have to see once the first trailer arrives.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ Characters Revealed

    ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ Characters Revealed

    It’s the moment every Knives Out fan has been waiting for. After an auspiciously long wait, Empire Magazine has finally revealed the identities of the sequel’s many characters. The star-studded project has been the subject of much speculation since the full cast began to become public over the last couple years. Now, audiences will be able to put fictional names to all the very real faces occupying Rian Johnson‘s next Benoit Blanc mystery. Of course, Daniel Craig will be back as the now-iconic Southern detective who has become the centerpiece of the Knives Out franchise. As for the rest, that’s where things get a little more unfamiliar.

    Titled Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the second Blanc adventure concerns a group of old acquaintances who are summoned to Greece by a rich mutual friend for a murder-mystery game that becomes a little too real. Starring in the film will be Kathryn Hahn, who is set to portray Governor Claire Debella, a Connecticut politician who is now running for the Senate. According to director Johnson, she “pisses everyone off, and is trying to thread the needle in many different ways, in terms of her public persona and what she’s willing to compromise in order to stay in office“. Next is Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay, a fashionista, and Iron Fist star Jessica Henwick as Peg, her assistant. Not much else was said about this duo, but it’s safe to assume the talent involved in their dynamic will be a joy to watch.

    Edward Norton is set to play Miles Bron, a billionaire tech disruptor. Johnson spoke about Bron candidly, saying “the species that [Miles] is derived from will be instantly recognizable to a lot of people in our era of tech billionaires“. Leslie Odom Jr. will bring to life Lionel Toussaint, a scientist who works for Bron. As for Dave Bautista, he’ll play against type as a popular YouTuber named Duke Cody, while Madelyn Cline portrays Whiskey, his girlfriend and assistant. Finally, Janelle Monáe will be seen as Cassandra ‘Andi’ Brand, a tech entrepreneur.

    Ethan Hawke is confirmed to have a role in the film, though his character is the only one that remains unknown to viewers. It’s possible that Hawke is the rich mutual friend who brings everyone else together in the first place, or the one that bites it early in the plot, but that remains to be seen. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will stream exclusively on Netflix starting December 23rd.

    Source: Empire

  • Tessa Thompson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Board Sci-Fi Film ‘Ash’

    Tessa Thompson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt Board Sci-Fi Film ‘Ash’

    Tessa Thompson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have signed on to star in the science fiction film, Ash. The movie hails from filmmaker Flying Lotus, aka Steven Ellison, and writer Jonni Remmler. Flying Lotus, who is also a musician, is set to also compose the score for the film.

    Ash tells the story of a woman, played by Thompson, who wakes up on a distant planet and goes on to find the rest of her crew at the space station murdered. She’ll soon have to discover whether or not she can trust the man (Gordon-Levitt) sent to rescue her. While trying to get to safety, the duo will try to investigate the killings, leading them to question the innocence of Thompson’s character.

    The film is being produced by XYZ Films and GFC Films, with Echo Lake and director Neill Blomkamp (District 9) on board as executive producers. XYZ Films will finance the film and is currently handling worldwide sales for Ash, kicking off with “pre-sales” at Toronto International Film Festival in September.

    While Flying Lotus is primarily known for his music, this will actually mark his third film. His debut film, Kuso, premiered at Sundance in 2017. He also directed a piece for the horror title V/H/S/99, described as a horror omnibus, which will premiere as part of this year’s TIFF Midnight section.

    Production on Ash will kick off in New Zealand next year.

    Source: THR.

  • RUMOR: ‘You’ Star Penn Badgley In Talks to Play Mr. Fantastic

    RUMOR: ‘You’ Star Penn Badgley In Talks to Play Mr. Fantastic

    Update: Devin Faraci has taken to Twitter to clarify that he has no inside information on this rumor, which is still a rumor, just one with even less to hold onto than before.

    https://twitter.com/devincf/status/1564117254727315456

    Fantastic Four, which was formally confirmed to launch Phase 6 during Marvel Studios’ San Diego Comic-Con presentation, has been a topic of discussion among fans more frequently than almost any other MCU film in recent months. With WandaVision filmmaker Matt Shakman reportedly in talks to helm the film, the biggest question remaining is who will be cast as the First Family of Marvel.

    Only a few months ago, John Krasinski brought a Marvel Cinematic Universe Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, to life in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, it appears more and more unlikely that he will come back to play the Earth-616 version of Mr. Fantastic in the MCU’s first Fantastic Four solo film after providing quite a lot of fan service with his Doctor Strange role.

    On the Marvelvision Podcast, former “Birth. Movies. Death.” editor-in-chief Devin Faraci reported that Marvel Studios had spoken with You star Penn Badgley about playing Reed Richards in the upcoming Fantastic Four film. Faraci had hopes for a Black actor to play Mr. Fantastic, but stated that Marvel Studios was likely going to be “very traditional” instead:

    The guys that [Marvel Studios] been talking to about it are all white guys. That guy [Penn Badgley] from the show You, who probably has the role already, frankly, he’s a white guy. They’re going with the standard… And he’s terrific, by the way, that’s a good choice. But, they’re going very classical.

    Devin Faraci

    Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously stated that the hunt for the ideal stars will be long and that the crew would look for “the best actor for the position(s)” in Fantastic Four, regardless of popularity. While this is currently just a rumor, an official announcement of the film’s cast could come as early as Marvel Studios’ presentation at Disney’s D23 Expo on September 10, 2022.

    Fantastic Four will make its theatrical debut on November 8, 2024.

    Source: Marvelvision Podcast

  • Daniel Kaluuya Comments On ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Absence

    Daniel Kaluuya Comments On ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Absence

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will see the return of multiple stars to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Daniel Kaluuya will not be one of them. The actor, fresh off an acclaimed turn in Jordan Peele’s Nope, was shockingly absent when the cast of the sequel film took the stage at last month’s San Diego Comic-Con. He portrayed W’Kabi, a close friend of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa and a morally conflicted member of Wakanda’s advisory board in 2018’s Black Panther. However, the Get Out breakout doesn’t seem to mind being absent from the highly anticipated second entry of the franchise. Instead, he says he’ll be excitedly rooting for his friends from the sideline.

    Speaking exclusively with Variety in a recent interview, Kaluuya was asked if he’d gotten around to watching the gorgeous trailer for Wakanda Forever released at SDCC. He responded cheerfully:

    Of course, I’ve seen it! It’s amazing.

    Daniel Kaluuya

    When pressed to comment on not having a role, Kaluuya gave another respectful and succinct answer:

    It’s what’s best for the story, what’s best for the film. I’m excited for it. I’m excited to watch it.

    Daniel Kaluuya

    W’Kabi played a big part in the political landscape of the first film, so it will be interesting to see how the sequel is better off without him. Perhaps Kaluuya’s character is away from the country when Tenoch Huerta’s Namor attacks, or perhaps he’s an early, off-screen casualty that helps propel the Black Panther story forward. Only time will tell. As for his future with Marvel, Kaluuya was forced to keep playing coy:

    You know I can’t tell you! You’re supposed to start with that!

    Daniel Kaluuya

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11th.

    Source: Variety

  • Neil Gaiman Details Rejected ‘Doctor Strange’ Movie Pitch

    Neil Gaiman Details Rejected ‘Doctor Strange’ Movie Pitch

    Netflix’s adaptation of The Sandman has put acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman back in the spotlight, and he’s using the opportunity to discuss some failed projects from his past. In a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gaiman spoke in detail about a rejected pitch he made to Marvel boss Kevin Feige over a decade ago. The creative revealed that, in 2007, he drew up an idea for a Doctor Strange film that would have been directed by auteur Guillermo del Toro. Unfortunately, at the time, Marvel was more focused on their big-name characters, and turned down Gaiman’s pitch so they could make a push toward The Avengers instead.

    Gaiman elaborated:

    Kevin and I have spoken a few times over the years on things. The only one that I wish, although, odds are probably, I think the way they did it commercially was better than…but I remember back in 2007, having minimalistic conversations with Kevin Feige about ‘What about Doctor Strange?’ Then talking to Guillermo Del Toro, and Guillermo and I having these ideas about Doctor Strange and starting the beginning, me starting the beginning of the conversation with Kevin about ‘I could do Doctor Strange with Guillermo.’ And basically, they said, ‘We just want to concentrate on the core characters right now. Doctor Strange is way up the line. We don’t want to go there.’

    Neil Gaiman

    Marvel’s plan eventually worked, transforming them into one of history’s most successful film studios. Scott Derrickson would go on to helm the first Doctor Strange as an origin story in 2016, with a trippier sequel from cult favorite Sam Raimi, titled Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,dropping earlier this year. Gaiman‘s take on the character apparently would have been much darker, with a focus on his flaws and a lot of visual inspiration from co-creator Steve Ditko:

    There were some cool things in it. My favorite Doctor Strange thing was the idea of…the one thing that we really wanted to do was have his adventures, have him become an alcoholic and a disbarred physician, all that sort of stuff, happen in the 1920s. So the idea is that he went through all of that and the training to become the world’s greatest magician maybe in the early ’30s, late ’20s, and he’s been living in Greenwich Village for 90 years looking the same in his place, and nobody really notices. We just sort of liked that idea, and he would have been sort of out of time. But other than that, it would have just been very sort of Steve Ditko because, you know, that’s the best.

    Neil Gaiman

    Both released Doctor Strange films are now streaming on Disney+, while Gaiman’s The Sandman is available on Netflix.

    Source: The Direct

  • Matt Shakman Exits ‘Star Trek 4’ For ‘Fantastic 4’

    Matt Shakman Exits ‘Star Trek 4’ For ‘Fantastic 4’

    Matt Shakman is suddenly a director in high demand, but it seems he won’t be able to juggle every job that’s come his way. Shortly after news broke that the former WandaVision maestro had landed Marvel’s coveted Fantastic Four gig, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that he would no longer be helming Star Trek 4 for Paramount. Shakman had been announced as the man guiding Chris Pine’s Trek franchise towards its long-awaited fourth entry in the summer of 2021. THR reports the search for his replacement will begin immediately, and it’s not clear whether the creative change will impact the film’s planned release date of Dec. 22nd, 2023.

    Paramount Pictures released the following statement regarding Shakman’s exit:

    Matt Shakman is an incredibly talented filmmaker, and we regret the timing didn’t align for him to direct our upcoming Star Trek film. We are grateful for his many contributions, are excited about the creative vision of this next chapter and look forward to bringing it to audiences all around world.

    Paramount Pictures

    Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana and John Cho are still expected to reprise their roles alongside Pine as the crew of the famous Enterprise. They were last seen together in 2016’s Star Trek Beyond, which was directed by Justin Lin. Josh Friedman and Cameron Squires, working from a Lindsey Beer and Geneva Robertson-Dworet draft, wrote the most recent version of the fourth film’s script.

    Source: THR

  • Two Other Rising Directors Were Approached for ‘Fantastic Four’

    Two Other Rising Directors Were Approached for ‘Fantastic Four’

    It has been a notable day for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with further confirmation that WandaVision‘s Matt Shakman has entered talks to direct Fantastic Four. This has come after a long and detailed search from Marvel Studios since the departure of Jon Watts earlier this year. With the announcement of Shakman, comes further information about the exhausting process to find the right director to helm Marvel’s first family. According to Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Matthews of Love and Monsters fame was the runner-up in the Fantastic Four sweepstakes.

    In addition to Matthews, it’s further been revealed that Reid Carolin was another name that met with Marvel Studios to pitch his vision of Fantastic Four. Carolin is arguably best known for his work directing the Channing Tatum-led Dog from earlier this year.

    While interesting to compare and contrast the credentials of these two names with that of Matt Shakman, it’s certainly a futile gesture as audiences don’t have any clear understanding of what creative direction is being taken for Fantastic Four and how a different director would make some sort of difference. Nonetheless, this will remain as a type of “what if” scenario to envision how the previous works of Matthews and Carolin would’ve influenced a take on the Fantastic Four team.

    In terms of Shakman, this certainly is a major score for the career of the director on the theatrical scale. While having a robust career as a director in television, Shakman has only had one feature film to his name previously. Though his work on the likes of luminary television programs such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fargo, and Game of Thrones should assure audiences of his qualifications. And most especially, his time directing WandaVision should especially make fans excited for what could be in store for Fantastic Four.

    Source: Twitter.