Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Dwayne Johnson is 100% Committed to Building the DC Universe

    Dwayne Johnson is 100% Committed to Building the DC Universe

    Dwayne Johnson has been hyping up the arrival of Black Adam for years, and now it looks like he’s in it for the long run. After nearly a decade of development on Black Adam, whose live-action presence was first conceived as being the villain of Shazam! before shifting to a solo spin-off instead, Johnson is ready to make the character his own.

    The wrestler-turned-actor-turned-renaissance man revealed in a recent interview with Comic Book that he is “100% committed” to sticking around as the violent anti-hero for years to come. Not only that, but he’s willing to help build the entire DC Universe as well:

    I am 100% committed to not only Black Adam but then expanding the Black Adam universe, the DC universe. I am an optimist from the word, ‘Go.’ So, to me and to all of us up here, all universes exist in our heads. I will, we all will, work very hard to make sure we are honoring the mythology but also giving the fans what they want. I hear the fans, we all do, and I pick up everything they’re putting down. It doesn’t get by me, it doesn’t get by these guys [producer Hiram Garcia, producer Beau Flynn, director Jaume Collet-Serra]. This is the beginning, hopefully, fingers crossed, of a very long storytelling road that Black Adam is the anchoring jet fuel now that will then push and press this universe out.

    Dwayne Johnson

    The DC Extended Universe, or DCEU for short, has experienced some tumultuous growth in the past few years. Starting as a cinematic world crafted by Zack Snyder, several critical flops led to a tonal rebranding that featured more colorful and comedic projects like James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, and the aforementioned Shazam!.

    The past couple of weeks have seen more changes in leadership, so perhaps the company could use someone of Johnson‘s caliber to assist in setting things straight. Black Adam appears to have the makings of a bona fide hit, and time will tell if the film’s vision is worth expanding into other projects.

    Source: Comic Book

  • ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ Eyeing $325M+ Opening Weekend Worldwide

    ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ Eyeing $325M+ Opening Weekend Worldwide

    Top Gun Maverick and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness have reinvigorated the box office, as we are slowly nearing the usual developments from before the pandemic shook up the world. Now, a third film is eyeing a massive opening weekend as early projects have Jurassic World Dominion eyeing a domestic $125M+ opening weekend with a release within 4,600+ theaters. On top of that, it will add $120M+ worldwide. So far, it has already earned $55.7M in specific territories.

    Colin Trevorrow is taking over the third entry of the Jurassic World franchise after J.A. Bayona took over for the Fallen Kingdom. While the opening with $125M+ is strong, it’s only the third-best opening for the franchise as the first entry opened to $208.8M back in 2015 before its first sequel took in $148M three years later. The original Jurassic World dominated the box office back in the day and it was overtaken by Star Wars: Force Awakens half a year later.

    The big selling point for the new entry is naturally the return of legacy actors Sam Neil, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. While Goldblum was sold as returning in the last entry, he only had a brief role at the end of the film. This time around, all three will have bigger roles this time around. It was one of the few films that started production during the pandemic and had faced some delays due to positive COVID tests. It took them 100 days to finish production.

    Generally, it seems that Jurassic World: Dominion is facing similar developments as Top Gun Maverick, but it’ll be interesting to see if it can even compete with the legs that the jet-fueled blockbuster. Speaking of, that film might face its biggest decline with a predicted 50% to fall to $45M. Yet, its word-of-mouth has been powerful and with Dominion getting some mixed reviews, it may have a stronger hold once again. Luckily, the older target audience for the Tom Cruise film might not bite too much into each other’s box office but is also one of the core reasons for its longevity, as an inactive movie-going audience is making up for its absence for the last few years.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Black Adam’ Producer Teases “Real Violence” That is “Rough and Gruesome”

    ‘Black Adam’ Producer Teases “Real Violence” That is “Rough and Gruesome”

    There was some uncertainty about just how brutal the upcoming adaptation of Black Adam will be. Yet, the first trailer drop certainly confirmed that he’ll have a darker turn as he’s a hero that isn’t scared of killing off anyone who stands in his way. Dwayne Johnson is usually an actor that has stuck primarily to pushing the PG-13 rating but it looks like the upcoming film will remain for all four quadrants but will offer “real violence” according to its producer Beau Flynn.

    Just from the experience of all the Dwayne Johnson movies we’ve been privileged to be part of, we’re a four quadrant. I mean, we really like to service all demos, all ages, but we had to be authentic to Black Adam and we had to really push,” Flynn said. “The violence is real and it can be rough and gruesome in places, but I think the audience will be okay. I think the kids will be okay. There is a huge heart in this movie. And at the same time, you have to have fun. You have to have joy in these movies. And I think even when you see the trailer, you see, there’s like even the palette, the colors, the world, it’s not as dark as some other movies, but it still has some dark undertones. And I think that’s important. The tone I think is what I’m really most proud of with the film. That’s hard. Tone is hard.

    Beau Flynn

    So, if you were worried that it wouldn’t live up to the standards of Black Adam’s usual violence in the comics, you’ll be in for a treat. The first trailer did tease that some more fun shenanigans will also be at play but the one guy he punched into the ocean might not have survived that enforced travel. We’ll see if future trailers tease more of the action that is heading our way and if it truly can hold a candle to what they promise.

    Source: ComicBook

  • ‘Black Adam’ and ‘Shazam’ Were Originally One Film

    ‘Black Adam’ and ‘Shazam’ Were Originally One Film

    After a long wait, the Black Adam trailer has finally arrived Dwayne Johnson‘s dream project of taking on the role of Theo-Adam is finally revealed to the world. The trailer gives us a quick recap of his origin and teases his eventual battle with, or perhaps against, the Justice Society of America. Yet, it turns out that the original plan was for him to appear in the Shazam film, which would’ve actually been the origin of both. We did get a brief tease, but Johnson offered some insight into their initial plans.

    The original plan, maybe five or six years ago I think, was to tell the two origin stories of Shazam! and Black Adam in the same movie. That’s what we had worked on. The script was delivered. When we all read the script, I immediately felt like, ‘We have to separate these two movies. We have to honor Shazam! and that origin story and what that is and what that can be for the fans and then we also have to tell our story, too, as well.’ I think in separating them, with the majority of the world not knowing who Black Adam if you weren’t a serious comic book fan, it was important I think to separate them and tell each story respectively.

    Producer Beau Flynn also recalls what it was like when he and Hiram Garcia got the call from Johnson that they would turn Black Adam into its own separate project rather than just have both these properties smashed together.

    I got a phone call very early in the morning from Dwayne Johnson which is always very intimidating. He called Hiram and I, he just said, ‘Brothers. We’re gonna make Black Adam. We’re gonna tell this story. It’s so big and so important,’ and that was it. It was really an amazing… Dwayne’s instincts are so extraordinary but he was right. Again, we were deep in it and developing that script with both of them and there’s a reason why sometimes in our business sometimes you have to keep moving forward and sometimes the business tells you. We weren’t really cracking it. It wasn’t really working and then that’s when that call came through and everything changed.

    Beau Flynn

    It’s certainly interesting to get a look behind the scenes and find out how films were originally pitched. The move was definitely smart as it gave the films a unique opportunity to build up a special crossover while also giving their respective (anti-)heroes time to find their footing in the world.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • 2006’s ‘Silent Hill’ Director Tackling a New Entry in the Franchise, Eyeing 2023 Release

    2006’s ‘Silent Hill’ Director Tackling a New Entry in the Franchise, Eyeing 2023 Release

    Here’s a rather interesting surprise, but it looks like the director of 2006’s Silent Hill film is returning to tackle a new entry. Christophe Gans has been mentioned in an article by Jeux Video, where his involvement with a new adaptation of the iconic horror franchise has been confirmed. In the interview, he reveals that he was inspired during COVID to write two scripts, one of which is for his upcoming adaptation. That’s not all, as he is also seemingly eyeing a 2023 release of the film, which will be an independent release from the previous two entries. The following quote from Gans has been translated by Twitter user @LordEmmerich.

    I’m currently working on it. There were the COVID-19 years, which finally forced us to stay at home. I took the opportunity to write two scripts. The script for a new Silent Hill movie is totally independent of the two previous movies made and respects the way Silent Hill has evolved. Most of the time, these are stand-alone stories. Silent Hill is a bit like the Twilight Zone, the Fourth Dimension, a place where anything and everything can happen.

    Christophe Gans

    He goes on to highlight that it’s an adaptation for “today’s audiences” and also goes on to praise the game for being ahead of its time. With the number of rumors teasing the franchise’s return to modern consoles, it does seem like Silent Hill could be facing a renaissance soon. It’s an exciting prospect to also have a new film entry, especially with the director of the 2006 version involved.

    While 2012’s Silent Hill: Revelation wasn’t well-received, the original did eventually become a bit of a cult favorite adaptation of the games. Tackling a unique story in Silent Hill does sound like an exciting prospect to revisit the location in various ways to explore unique storylines.

    Source: Jeux Video

  • Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix Returning for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

    Todd Phillips, Joaquin Phoenix Returning for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’

    Back in 2019, there was the heavy buzz surrounding the release of Joker, a standalone film following the origins of the clown prince of crime. The film took home a plethora of awards such as Oscars, BAFTAS, and even the coveted Golden Lion award from the Venice film festival. The film was a smash hit at the box office, bringing in over a billion at the box office with a small $60+ budget. Word has been around for quite a while now that a sequel to the film was in the works, with co-writer and director Todd Phillips returning.

    The word seems to have been true as Phillips has taken to Instagram to confirm that the script for the sequel is complete and even posted a photo with Joker himself, Joaquin Phoenix holding the script, all but confirming the actor’s return. The script was once again co-written by Todd Phillips and Scott Silver, who return from the first film. It’s unknown if Phillips will direct the sequel, but seems very likely.

    The sequel features a pretty interesting sub-title, with Folie à deux translating into “Madness for Two” hinting what the sequel will hold for fans. One plot we could see is Joker facing another Joker. Towards the end of the first film we saw Arthur Fleck rally the citizens of Gotham city to riot in the streets, and fight back against those that look at them as a lesser being. It would be interesting to see Arthur face the consequences of his actions, and come face to face with someone whom he has inspired to rise up in his absence, as we saw Fleck locked up in Arkham at the end of the film.

    We still await word on the sequel as we’ve yet to hear any casting information or even when the film could possibly release. Its definitely and interesting turn for Phoenix, as this would be the actors first sequel in his entire career.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘Inventing Anna’s Julia Garner Offered the Role of Madonna in Upcoming Biopic

    ‘Inventing Anna’s Julia Garner Offered the Role of Madonna in Upcoming Biopic

    Deadline has revealed that Julia Garner is set to play Madonna in a forthcoming biopic about the pop icon. Per the outlet, Garner managed to emerge the favorite from over a reported dozen candidates. The actress is said to have been a frontrunner for the part for a few months now, however, the offer was just now presented to the rising actress. It is expected Garner and her team will accept the offer.

    A biopic about Madonna has been in the works for a while now, but this is the first real movement on it. In the past, Madonna has expressed interest in having Florence Pugh (Black Widow) portray her in the film. Interestingly enough, Pugh is among those reported to have been in contention for the role at one point. Other actresses that auditioned included Alexa Demie (Euphoria), Odessa Young (The Professor), Bebe Rexha, and Sky Ferreira. The production took its time trying to find the right actress for the role, with those auditioning needing to showoff not just their singing abilities but also their abilities as dancers.

    The untitled Madonna biopic is currently set up at Universal Pictures and is expected to follow the early days of the “oft-controversial artist and queen of perpetual reinvention.”

    Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley won the project in a bidding war between studios. Amy Pascal, the former Chairperson of the Motion Pictures Group of Sony Pictures Entertainment, is on board as a producer.

    As of right now, the film does not yet have a release date.

    Source: Deadline.

  • Apple Purchases Brad Pitt’s Formula One Film With ‘Top Gun Maverick’ Director Attached

    Apple Purchases Brad Pitt’s Formula One Film With ‘Top Gun Maverick’ Director Attached

    Here’s a big move but it looks like Top Gun Maverick director Joseph Kosinski continues to have that need for speed. His upcoming Formula One racing film has now been purchased in a massive deal by Apple, Brad Pitt is currently attached to star in it. It took five months to finalize this deal, which will see Kosinski reunite with Top Gun writer Ehren Kruger alongside producers Chad Oman and Jerry Bruckheimer.

    What makes this deal stand out is that Apple is eyeing a theatrical distribution model for this release. A game-changer in the streaming model as it’ll be made available for at least 30 days (maybe even up to 60 days) in theaters before heading to Apple TV+. Sir Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 world champion, is also joining to produce with Pitt‘s Plan B banner, whose additions are one of the selling points for this massive deal.

    It’s not the first time this has happened, but it does seem like Apple is trying to gain a stronger share within markets. there have been theories that Netflix would follow suit with their Knives Out acquisition but no announcement has been made so far. The filmmakers also will have a 50-50 taken from the big screen showcase, which is quite a unique deal and pays the creative teams through upfront fees, buyout fees, and a theatrical backend. So, everyone might pull a nice payday from this venture even if it might not reach Maverick‘s highs.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Iman Vellani’s Continues Continuity Feud with Kevin Feige

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Star Iman Vellani’s Continues Continuity Feud with Kevin Feige

    Once upon a time, the Inhuman Royal Family was rumored to make an appearance in the Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series Ms. Marvel. With much being made about the changes to Kamala Khan’s superhero origins, it doesn’t seem like Black Bolt and Medusa will appear in the series, but thanks to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, fans know that they do exist in the multiverse, even if there’s one less Black Bolt than before.

    Anson Mount’s return as the Midnight King was short-lived and ended violently as the Scarlet Witch put him down with little more than a thought. And that ending does not sit well with Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani, who is a bit of a Black Bolt fan herself. Though she liked the movie, Vellani took issue with the way they treated the King of the Inhumans.

    I have so many opinions, which I don’t think we have time for. Here’s my TL;DR. I love Sam Raimi. I don’t care what anyone says. He’s my guy. I think they did him dirty. I did not appreciate that.

    Iman Vellani

    Vellani apparently disliked it so much that she texted Marvel Studios One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, after watching the film. In addition to expressing her displeasure over Black Bolt being killed, she also took the time to engage Feige in what appears to be an ongoing argument between the two: whether or not the MCU’s established continuity should be referred to as 616.

    Every time I talk to Kevin, we have this argument where I say, ‘The MCU is not 616. He’s like, ‘It is because I said so.’ I’m like, ‘No, it’s 199999.’ He hates it. So, we keep having this argument, and then they put 616 in the movie. I’m like, ‘Kevin, you know it’s not 616.’ He just sends me a sad face. I was like, ‘Great.’

    The MCU had previously been defined as “Earth-199999”, but over the course of a couple of films (Spider-Man: Far From Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), the comic accurate 616 has come into play. Who knows the answer? Ultimately is doesn’t matter, but it makes for a fun debate between fans and there’s no bigger fans of the MCU than Vellani and Feige.

  • GEEKED WEEK: New Zombie Film ‘ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ Announced

    GEEKED WEEK: New Zombie Film ‘ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ Announced

    It looks like a new zombie fever has started, as Geeked Week unveiled a new film titled Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead which will explore a young man that has gotten tired of life. Well, that was until a zombie apocalypse hit his town and he finally feels alive again. Eiji Akaso will take on the role of the leading man Akira in the upcoming film.