Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Taika Waititi Struggled Balancing ‘Our Flag Means Death’ and Editing ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Taika Waititi Struggled Balancing ‘Our Flag Means Death’ and Editing ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Taika Waititi has been quite busy as of late. Besides producing various projects, he’s also been trying to get some projects going that sadly wouldn’t move forward, like a live-action Akira but ended up focusing on directing Thor: Love and Thunder. Yet, he was also involved in playing Blackbeard in the HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death. Turns out, he may have overestimated the projects after all and ended up editing while still in costume.

    In an interview with SlashFilm, the Love and Thunder director talked about it being the first project where he was asked to take on the role. It seems that David Jenkins had him in mind when creating the seris’ take on Blackbeard, and somehow they made it work out that he was able to take on the role.

    This is one of the rare occasions where I didn’t put myself in my own thing; someone else asked me to do it. David Jenkins wrote Blackbeard with me in mind and, at first, I was just too busy to do it. But with some shuffling of schedules, we were able to do it, which was great because I really wanted to play the role. I would have been really bummed out if I had missed out on it.

    Taika Waititi

    He highlights how he would end up editing the project at night after playing Blackbeard

    I was Blackbeard by day and then was editing ‘Thor’ by night and doing various other things. I was trying to work from set with the shaggy hair and the beard. It was a management nightmare, but we pulled it off and it was probably one of my favorite roles that I’ve played because it’s something I didn’t have to write so I could bring a lot of myself to it.

    Taika Waititi

    The irony of two unique love stories overlapping production is a curious fate, but it may have helped develop them. While he does call it a “management nightmare” it seems that he certainly is passionate about both projects. So, we’re the lucky ones to get to see him bring Blackbeard to life and Love and Thunder.

    Source: SlashFilm

  • Don’t Expect the Multiverse in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Don’t Expect the Multiverse in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    In an interview with Total Film, director Taika Waititi got the chance to discuss some of the theories that have run rampant ever since the first time he announced that Natalie Portman was going to become the Mighty Thor. Some believed that they may be a version from the multiverse, as many other projects like Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness start expanding beyond the Sacred Timeline. Yet, while there wasn’t a clear confirmation, Waititi confirmed that this is definitely not part of the expanding multiverse.

    While he said that he “[likes] the idea of the Multiverse,” he wants to make clear that this film is “the singular-verse” part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that “nothing like that in this film.” Though he does highlight that he wanted this project to stand out from the rest as it also focuses quite a bit more on romance, which isn’t too surprising with a title like Love and Thunder.

    ”I feel like this one feels more original and unique, and stands apart from a lot of other Marvel films because of that element of love, and leaning into that idea of what love means for all these characters. You never go to those superhero movies to see a movie about love. It’s a preposterous answer. No fan wants to see that. But as I said with the last film,  they don’t know what they want until they get it.

    Taika Waiti

    So, if you’ve been wondering if we’ll explore the multiverse in the upcoming film, here’s your clear confirmation that won’t be the cast. Some might not be too excited for a romance subplot in the MCU again, as they were mostly sidelined for the main story but it does seem like Waititi had an idea to make it stand out.

    Source: Total Film via The Direct

  • BREAKING: Marvel Studios President Confirms SDCC Panel on MCU’s New Movies and Shows

    BREAKING: Marvel Studios President Confirms SDCC Panel on MCU’s New Movies and Shows

    There have been many debates if Marvel Studios will even show up during this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. With D23 and Disney+ Day on the horizon, it does seem strange to also add one more event to the list. Yet that isn’t stopping them after all as Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has just confirmed during the Thor: Love and Thunder press conference that they will be attending the event.

    There’s naturally no exact word but as the event is only a little over a month away, it means we’ll be in for a plethora of information regarding where the Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading. San Diego Comic-Con is mapped out to run from July 21 until July 24th but there’s no exact wording on when exactly the panel may take place. So, we might get a clearer picture once we’ve entered July next week.

    It’s certainly exciting to see where the future is heading for the franchise, especially as Phase 4 has been quite diverse in its offerings. As their plans have gone through some massive shifts due to the pandemic; as has most of the industry has been hit. So, we may have a clearer picture moving forward and maybe even the confirmation of the next Avengers title.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Thor Love and Thunder’s Natalie Portman Wants to Team Up With Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel

    ‘Thor Love and Thunder’s Natalie Portman Wants to Team Up With Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel

    In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, crossovers are one of the fun aspects that such an interconnected universe offers. Newly introduced characters will get a chance to meet others which leads to interactions you wouldn’t expect. Luckily, it seems that Natalie Portman, who is returning as Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, is game to meet other members of the MCU. In an interview with Variety during the red carpet event, she revealed that she would love to team up with Brie Larson‘s Captain Marvel.

    I love Captain Marvel. Brie is a dear friend so that would be a fun one.

    Natalie Portman

    The two powerhouses would definitely make for a strong duo, especially with Valkyrie joining the fray. So, we’ll see what the future has in store, especially if there are any other crossovers planned. There’s still no official announcement for an Avengers film, which may still be on the horizon and could open up many opportunities for the MCU to grow in unexpected ways. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has teased that they may make some announcements in the coming months. Perhaps, we’ll find out more about what the future has in store. So, even if we don’t know when we can expect a Mighty Thor and Captain Marvel team up, it does seem like at least Natalie Portman is down for one.

    Source: Twitter

  • Uche Agada on How He Got the Role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘Rise’

    Uche Agada on How He Got the Role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘Rise’

    It’s not an easy task when an actor has to now only bring a performance to life but also based on someone that really existed. So, imagine if that person is still alive and you have to take on the role of one of the NBA all-stars Giannis Antetkounmpo. Well, that task landed in the hands of Uche Agada who shared his story during the Disney+ film’s press conference.

    The young actor revealed that this was his first role, and it was him sending in a video after he saw that Giannis shared a link to getting cast in his Disney+ film. Somehow, he ended up getting the callback and would eventually get the role. Not only that, but

    And for me, I was never an actor prior to this, so this was very weird for me. So, when it said callback with a director of a movie, in my mind, I’m like, yo, that’s crazy. But I did that callback and did another callback. And eventually, they told me I got the part, which is absolutely incredible.

    Uche Agada

    He also reveals that he would be asked a rather curious question, as a “couple of weeks later, they asked me if I had any siblings” which would lead to his real-life brother, Ral Agada getting cast as Athanasios Antetkounmpo in the Disney+ film. He even revealed that they had the brothers to have a chemistry read.

    So, I go on the court, put in some clips, and then they asked me to do a chemistry read with my brother. I’m like, “Hm, all right.” ‘Cause he is my brother. It shouldn’t be hard to act like that.

    Ral Agada

    It definitely sounded like an interesting experience and it’s a nice touch to have actual brothers portray the two main characters of the film. It seems that it didn’t take long after he sent in some clips that they were called up to film the film during the summer. They even got to film on location in Greece, as revealed by Ral Agada. It’s crazy to think what a random Instagram post can lead to.

  • Chris Pratt’s Mario Portrayal to be ‘Unlike Anything You’ve Heard in the Mario World’

    Chris Pratt’s Mario Portrayal to be ‘Unlike Anything You’ve Heard in the Mario World’

    Chris Pratt is ready to bring something new to the Mario landscape, whether we’re ready to or not. While talking with Variety during the premiere of his new Amazon Prime series The Terminal List, the actor discussed the direction he will take for the upcoming Illumination Entertainment and Universal film being produced based on the popular Nintendo character.

    I worked really closely with the directors and trying out a few things and landed on something that I’m really proud of and can’t wait for people to see and hear. It’s an animated voiceover narrative. It’s not a live-action movie. I’m not gonna be wearing a plumber suit running all over. I’m providing a voice for an animated character, and it is updated and unlike anything you’ve heard in the Mario world before.

    Chris Pratt

    This quote from Chris Pratt certainly piques interest into what exactly is planned for this film adaptation of the Super Mario Bros franchise. Many questions and concerns have been raised about Pratt’s casting and the risk of him providing a needlessly stereotypical performance. Though having a wildly different interpretation of the character also runs the risk of alienating audiences familiar with the source material for the sake of fitting a square peg in a round hole with Chris Pratt as Mario. His involvement with the film also has come with a large amount of fatigue based on the actor being cast in a large swath of animated projects portraying the main protagonist. 

    Pratt’s analysis of his performance also comes off of Illumination’s CEO Chris Menedandri giving high praise for what the actor is bringing to the role. It will be interesting to see whether these quotes end up holding actual merit, or are simply a means to draw empty good-will and early marketing towards the project.

    Along with Pratt, the untitled film is set to co-star with the likes of Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, and Seth Rogen. The film is being directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic of Teen Titan Go! fame and is scheduled to release on April 7, 2023.


    Source: Variety

  • ‘Furiosa’ Synopsis Teases a War for the Wasteland

    ‘Furiosa’ Synopsis Teases a War for the Wasteland

    George Miller’s Furiosa, a prequel to 2015’s Fury Road, has begun production in Australia ahead of its May 19, 2023 release date. Now Warner Bros. has released a new synopsis for the film, which will see Anya Taylor-Joy step into the role of Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, and reveal the origins of the “powerhouse character.”

    As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.  Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe.  While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. 

    Immortan Joe featured prominently in Fury Road and the comic series that followed. Furiosa served as Joe’s Imperator before betraying and eventually giving him a grisly death via a harpoon to the mouth. Though WB has not commented on who will be playing Joe in Furiosa, it’s believed that Tom Byrne (A Discovery of Witches) will be playing the younger version of the character, who was a Colonel during the Oil Wars that precede the event of the original Mad Max. The film will also star Chris Hemsworth, who may well be playing the opposing Warlord, Dementus, who will vie for dominance of the Wasteland with Joe.

  • Jurnee Smollett Teases ‘Black Canary’ Film, Discusses Her Time as the Hero

    Jurnee Smollett Teases ‘Black Canary’ Film, Discusses Her Time as the Hero

    While Warner Bros. Discovery looks to revamp its DC offerings, it looks like Black Canary is still in the works. During a recent sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter to promote the Netflix film, Spiderhead, Black Canary actress Jurnee Smollett briefly teased what’s to come for the character.

    Ever since the character’s live-action debut in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a Black Canary project. Then in April 2021, it was confirmed that a Black Canary movie was in the works at HBO Max with Smollett confirmed to return and Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green set to pen the script. While that project seems to have survived the DC clean-up – so far – Smollett isn’t actually able to talk too much about it. “I can’t talk about it, as you know. But I can say I really am excited about what we’re developing.”

    Prior to the announcement of the Black Canary film, fans had taken to trending #BlackCanaryHBOSeries in hopes of landing a series sequel to Birds of Prey with Smollett’s Canary. For the actress, seeing the fan response was exciting. “Truly, one of the great joys of my professional career has been playing Black Canary,” she said. “To see the response from the fans online and engaging on Twitter. They are a massive reason why I am where I am, and any excitement I have about continuing on the Black Canary trajectory, it’s being made possible because of the fans.”

    The actress also revealed that upon being cast in Birds of Prey, she received some great advice from a legendary actor that has made his own mark in the comic book movie world — Samuel L. Jackson. He has been playing Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Iron Man’s post credit scene. Upon being cast, she called him in hopes of figuring out how to approach the role. “And he said, “Baby, just go and piss on your territory.” So I’ve been just so truly, truly humbled by the response from the fans.”

    As of now, the Black Canary movie for HBO Max does not have a director or a planned release date.

    Source: THR.

  • Henry Czerny Joins the Ensemble Cast of ‘Scream 6’

    Henry Czerny Joins the Ensemble Cast of ‘Scream 6’

    The actor is the latest addition to the growing ensemble for the sixth Scream installment at Paramount and Spyglass Media. He will join franchise newcomers Dermot Mulroney, Jack Champion, Liana Liberato, Devyn Nekoda and Josh Segarra. While Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding and Jenna Ortega who are reprising their roles from the most recent Scream film, and Hayden Panettiere will reprise her role from Scream 4.

    Production on the film is currently underway. While details remain sparse, it is thought that this installment will follow the four survivors of the most recent film as they leave Woodsboro behind in hopes of beginning a new chapter. This will mark the first Scream film not to feature Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott, while Courtney Cox is expected to return as Gale Weathers.

    The sixth Scream film will hit theaters on March 31st, 2023. It is being directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who helmed the most recent film, from a script by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. Kevin Williamson, who penned the first Scream film, is also on board as a producer. It’ll also be produced by Project X Entertainment’s Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein and William Sherak.

    Source: Deadline

  • Universal Taps Leigh Whannell to Lead ‘The Green Hornet and Kato’

    Universal Taps Leigh Whannell to Lead ‘The Green Hornet and Kato’

    Deadline is reporting that Leigh Whannell is in talks to direct The Green Hornet and Kato for Universal. The studio reportedly spent the past couple of weeks meeting with potential directors, however, as soon as Whannell’s name was put into the mix, it’s said they felt he “had the edge” to direct the film. Whannell, of course, directed the Invisible Man remake for the studio, which pulled in $143 million worldwide. David Koepp (Jurassic Park) penned the script for the film, and with the studio reportedly happy with Koepp’s work, pre-production is expected to be fast-tracked once Whannell officially signs on. 

    Universal optioned the rights to The Green Hornet in Spring 2020 following a competitive bidding war earlier in the year. Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo, who initially acquired the rights from creator George W. Trendle’s family in 2020, will produce the film for Amasia. The Green Hornet was one of early radio’s most popular shows before it was turned into a series of movies in the 1940s and eventually a television series in 1966. Sony made a live-action film starring Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz and Jay Chou in 2011, but the film was only a modest success having managed to make $227 million worldwide on a $120 million budget. 

    Whannell, who has built an impressive career as an actor, has been steadily building his directing resume in recent years. Along with the critically acclaimed Upgrade, he has also directed Insidious: Chapter 3 and is currently attached to direct a remake of Escape From New York.

    Source: Deadline