Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Nets $610M+ Profit, Highlights Importance of Theatrical Releases

    ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Nets $610M+ Profit, Highlights Importance of Theatrical Releases

    If you’ve ever wondered just how profitable Spider-Man: No Way Home was, it has now been reported by Deadline that the film managed to net a profit of $610M minus all ancillaries. This matches earlier reports from December of 2021, where this was the estimated income just based on the film’s impressive momentum. While it was just shy of $2 billion, it seemingly has reinstated some hope into the theatrical release. Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group president Josh Greenstein shared his thoughts on their belief in the theatrical release:

    Our theatrical model is driving our success and that is our core business. Our biggest movie ever had the longest window.

    Josh Greenstein

    No Way Home also had the longest theatrical window release of 88 days during the pandemic. They are the only studio that has no direct connection to a streaming service but mostly has made a smart move through pay-one TV deals with Netflix (an exclusive for 18 months) followed by Disney. It supposedly brought them up to $3 billion in profit. So, they can dominate streaming without the necessary investment to keep one service running.

    Streaming is additive to our business. It’s not our core business. We participate in the streaming economy strategically with certain films. We’ve licensed some films to streamers during Covid, but our long-term big business model will always be driven by theatrical

    Josh Greenstein

    As Netflix faced its first loss in subscribers with a harsher Q2 on the horizon, Sony’s strategy is pulling off. the only drawback is that films are now dependent on making the most money within a shorter window. Streaming might face a harsh development soon and the dependency on subscriber income will lead to a long-term investment that requires time. One streaming service taking a hit will affect others as well, as the uncertainty of the market remains. For now, it’s going to be quite interesting to see how things develop but the theatrical release will remain an essential aspect of any future strategy.

    Source: Deadline, Deadilne

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Cinematographer In Talks For More MCU Projects

    ‘Moon Knight’ Cinematographer In Talks For More MCU Projects

    Moon Knight has left quite the imprint with fans, especially as the latest episode surprised many scratching their heads. It definitely looks like the team has also left an imprint with Marvel Studios, as the directing duo of Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson were chosen to spearhead the second season of Loki. Well, it seems they aren’t the only one as Moon Knight‘s Director of Photography Andrew Droz Palermo is also currently in talks to potentially join other Marvel projects in the future.

    I’ve been asked a few things. I can’t say what. The timing hasn’t been right for me yet. But I would love to do other Marvel stuff, I’d love to get the chance to do it again. For me, it’s always about the filmmaker who is who’s leading the ship and because those are the people that I’m with day in and day out for hours and hours on end. So I really need to be excited and inspired, and also like them personally. It’s really important to me.

    Andrew Droz Palermo

    It’s great to hear that they are in talks for multiple projects, and it’ll be exciting to see what project he may end up getting his hands on. There are a lot of projects that seemingly are in an early stage of development. While he only worked on two episodes, he certainly left quite an impression and going by his incredible work on The Green Knight and A Ghost Story, there’s a lot of potentials to add a unique visual flourish for any upcoming Marvel project.

    Source: Film Speak

  • New CinemaCon Poster Offers First Look at ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

    New CinemaCon Poster Offers First Look at ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

    It’s been some time since the John Wick franchise grace the silver screen. The last entry of the revenge story hit theaters back in May of 2019 with John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Of course, Keanu Reeves is set to reprise the role once again in John Wick: Chapter 4 but we’ve heard very little about the project. Luckily, a poster has found its way online offering our first look at the fourth entry.

    While it isn’t much, it is our first look at Reeve‘s return as Wick. He still has his trademark hair and beard, but he does seem a bit more disheveled from the last entry. Considering how that story ended, it’s no surprise that he might not have had time to visit a barber. This film and John Wick: Chapter 5 were originally set to film back-to-back but due to the ongoing pandemic those plans were abandoned by Lionsgate.

    Chapter 4 was originally intended to release next month but was delayed by an entire year for unknown reasons. It’s possible the studio wants to hold it so that the fifth film in the franchise has time to shoot so that they can release the films back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. Yet, we haven’t gotten an update on the production start on the fifth entry.

    Many details for the film such as plot and characters remain under wraps but the film will see the return of Reeves alongside Ian Mcshane, Lance Reddick, and Laurence Fishburne. The film has added quite a few names like Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins, Clancy Brown, Rina Sawayama, and Shamier Anderson.

    Source: Twitter

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Reportedly Considering a Theatrical Release for ‘Batgirl’ After All

    Warner Bros. Discovery Reportedly Considering a Theatrical Release for ‘Batgirl’ After All

    The DC Extended Universe is in a bit of a workshop period, as the shared universe is reportedly getting an overhaul in the near future. It’s certainly a fitting timing given that The Flash will reportedly set the DCEU on a new path and see a new timeline with Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne now replacing Ben Affleck‘s version in this new universe. Along with Keaton comes a new Batgirl, one that many fans are excited to see. New reports may hint that we could possibly catch the film on the big screen after all.

    Puck is reporting that Warner Brothers Discovery is debating whether or not Batgirl should go theatrical. The film is currently set to be an HBO Max exclusive film as the company looks to strengthen its streaming content. The recent success of The Batman looks to be influencing this decision as it dominates on HBO Max after pulling in over $750 million in total at the box office.

    This would not be a decision that’s out of the ordinary as Warner Brothers made a similar move last summer with another DC film. Originally announced as an HBO Max exclusive film, Angel Manuel Soto‘s Blue Beetle is set to hit theaters in August of 2023. It was an exciting announcement as it also moves away from relegating smaller projects to streaming-only releases.

    This would definitely be a decision that would delight a lot of fans similar to what happened to Blue Beetle. The film has the star power to carry a theatrical release and draw the crowds with Leslie Grace, Keaton, and the possible big-screen return of Brendan Fraser. The film could make for the perfect Holiday 2023 release as it is set during Christmas and Warner Brothers Discovery currently has no DC films dated following the release of Blue Beetle in august.

    Source: Puck News

  • ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Writer Teases Shadow as Sonic’s Biggest Challenge

    ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Writer Teases Shadow as Sonic’s Biggest Challenge

    The post-credit sequence for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 revealed that the few Sonic Adventure references weren’t just window dressing. It was unveiled that Robotnik’s past will come to haunt him, especially with the reveal of Project Shadow. The first tease of Shadow the Hedgehog is definitely something fans were excited to see in the live-action film series, and we got quite the confirmation in the post-credit sequence. Yet, it also opened up the question of just how they might tackle the character.

    While the second entry did introduce Knuckles on the villain’s side early on, he was more misled by Robotnik and his own honor code. Still, having a “bad guy who becomes a good guy” storyline in two films in a row might be overkill. Luckily, writer Pat Casey offered some insight into what makes Shadow stand out in his interview on The GHZ Podcast.


    He’s a match for Sonic, but like with such a different personality. And not like Knuckles, who is sort of mislead. Shadow is driven by anger and revenge, you know? I almost feel like Sonic, when he encounters Shadow, he’s like: “Well, I’ll just teach him about the power of friendship like with Knuckles, bada bing bada boom,” but that not going to work on Shadow, you know? This is like, Sonic’s never had to deal with someone as emotionally damaged as Shadow but he has with Robotnik.

    Pat Casey

    It definitely sounds like they are fully embracing Shadow’s character from the original films. Sonic having a family and a few victories against Robotnik might put him on a high horse. Especially as it’ll be his first time seeing another hedgehog-like him, which may add to his hope to befriend him. We don’t know if we might expect other new characters to get introduced like Rogue or Amy, but there’s definitely the possibility that the cast will grow. So, it’ll be exciting to see what the third entry has to offer and maybe even a more mature storyline as Sonic faces his biggest challenge yet.

    You can watch the full interview with writer Pat Casey here:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YExgbNku6JQ

    Source: YouTube

  • Pom Klementieff Wrapped Filming on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    Pom Klementieff Wrapped Filming on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    It looks like principal photography is slowly coming to a close on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, as Pom Klementieff took to her Instagram account to share that she has finished her work on the project. Of course, the film won’t release until May 5th, 2023 and they might definitely plan some reshoots in the coming months. Still, Klementieff, who plays Mantis that became a permanent member of the Guardians after the second entry, shared a cake with the iconic “We are Groot” line as a way to celebrate finishing up her work on the threequel.

    Her saying “We are Groot Forever” continues to highlight that this film is very likely wrapping up the franchise or at least the version that we’ve been following since 2014. We don’t know how exactly it’ll warp up the storyline and what members might continue their journey across the galaxy afterward.

    Sadly, there have been hints that a good amount of members might end their time with the MCU in the upcoming project, but many things can get adapted throughout the production process. Yet, Gunn has envisioned this film for quite some time and is gladly returning to finish what he started. Still, it definitely feels like it’s going to leave us with an emotional gut-punch once the film ends up.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’s Ray Porter on Why Darkseid Never Returned to Earth

    ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’s Ray Porter on Why Darkseid Never Returned to Earth

    2021 saw the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a film that definitely caused some ruckus upon its initial release back in 2017. The theatrical cut of the film by Joss Whedon saw many crucial elements and character arcs cut in order to meet a two-hour studio-mandated runtime. One element, in particular, that was cut revolved around the Lord of Apokolips himself, Darkseid. Reduced to only a few mentions within the film the character was nowhere to be seen until Snyder got back to work.

    One thing that’s still causing a lot of folks to scratch their heads, even a year after the release of the film, was how Darkseid did not remember that the anti-life equation was on Earth. Following a brutal defeat by the tribes of man and their allies, the then-called Uxas and his army of Parademons were chased back to Apokolips, and simply never returned. Luckily, actor Ray Porter, who lent his voice to the character, recently sat down with FandomWire to chat where he gave his take on the subject.

    Consider the fact that he’s turned a hundred thousand worlds to dust; it was so long ago that he found this equation and then it was taken from him in battle and he always wanted to ‘re-find’ it. We are talking so many thousands of years, so many planets, universes, and possible Earths. Uxas, the person who became Darkseid has also changed so much in that long timespan. So, for someone whose knowledge spans so much, maybe the knowledge got lost in the vastness that it was on this Earth in particular. And then, Steppenwolf, of all people approaches him about this.

    Ray Porter

    One day we may see Darkseid return to DC Extended Universe but it looks like it could be a while before he makes his way back to earth. For now, all we get is his short appearance in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

    Source: FandomWire

  • James Gunn Requested A Few Adjustments to the Guardians in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    James Gunn Requested A Few Adjustments to the Guardians in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is still some time away, but that doesn’t mean we’ll have to wait too long for them to make their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer revealed, we got a glimpse at the team’s return alongside their latest addition, the God of Thunder. While it seems their paths won’t cross for too long, it does seem like this film will lead into the upcoming third entry of the film. As such, it would make sense for its director James Gunn to have some input.

    Luckily, Twitter user @NerfSolo asked the director if he might have had some say in how Taika Waititi tackled the team, and the director swiftly answered that he asked for them to make a few adjustments. As a lot of these projects are a collaborative effort, it seems that Waititi made the requested adjustments from James Gunn.

    https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1517867561706266624

    Of course, we’ll likely never find out what exactly he requested to change, but it highlights that the directors still continue to exchange notes as they work on the various projects. Perhaps some of the adjustments were made to ease in viewers from that project into the third entry, but Vol. 3 might be mostly disconnected. Last time we saw the Guardians in Avengers: Endgame, they were making their way to find the displaced Gamora, who originated from a different timeline. Going by trailer, it seems they are still doing some work for hire, but it’s uncertain if that may still play into the film in any way.

    Source: Twitter

  • Family and Indie Films Show Strong Performance Over the Weekend as ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Fumbles

    Family and Indie Films Show Strong Performance Over the Weekend as ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Fumbles

    The box office numbers are once again here, and it’s been quite an interesting weekend. Smaller programming has been on a raise as The Northman pulled in $12M and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent managed $7.1M. What is interesting is that the former had a worse audience score with a B but still had the stronger pull. Robert Eggers‘ film may get hit a bit in its second weekend with word-of-mouth but it still had a stronger pull and will secure its audience. As Deadline points out, these two films share a similar audience which ends up cannibalizing each other. In the era of Netflix losing its momentum, it may be a showcase of the importance of counter-programming to streaming offerings.

    The smaller pull and adding non-four-quadrant programming also add some momentum to the theater that may become an advantage for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness once it opens in just a few weeks. Speaking of Multiverse, Everything Everywhere All at Once has been continuing to expand and is climbing up the ladder to become one of A24’s most successful releases. So, it’s definitely an uplifting trend to see these titles gain more momentum once again, as smaller budget films pulling in an audience.

    The weekend’s top performer ended up being The Bad Guys, as the Universal and Dreamworks Animation’s film is overperforming. Initial expectations saw it at $15M but it ended up ending the weekend with $24M. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 had a stronghold as well, as it now is nearing $150M with a $15.2M weekend. So, the weekend has been quite strong for indie and family showings. The Sonic sequel is also currently further moving towards $300M worldwide as it holds strong as the best performing video game adaptation.

    Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has managed to hold on to the third spot, but it’s the worst second-weekend drop for any entry of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, but it’s the second-worst for the Harry Potter franchise which had a 72% drop. To be fair, it was also coming off of a $169M opening weekend. Yet, it must be highlighted that the film has been doing strong international, which is becoming its saving grace but might not be able to balance out its current standing as part of the Wizarding World franchise.

    Source: Deadline, Deadline (int.)

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Polar Bear’ Director Discusses Difficulty of Making the Documentary

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Polar Bear’ Director Discusses Difficulty of Making the Documentary

    Disneynature’s upcoming documentary Polar Bear is the latest installment in the film studio’s collection after 2020’s Elephant. Helmed by directors Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson, the directing team behind Disneynature’s 2019’s Penguins, the documentary tells the story of a particular polar bear over a 15-year time period.

    Given the immense time period and the unforgiving Arctic environment in which Polar Bear was filmed, making the documentary unsurprisingly came with extreme challenges. In an exclusive interview with Murphy’s Multiverse, director Jeff Wilson described some of these challenges, including why a 15-year time period was necessary:

    We also wanted to tell this amazingly important environmental story. And to tell that over a three-year period would be dishonest and impossible. But to tell it over a fifteen-year period was absolutely the right time scale in order to kind of capture the change that would happen within a bear’s life.

    Jeff Wilson

    Polar Bear also specifically follows one bear, making the process that much more arduous. Wilson went on to explain why they needed a female bear to film:

    [B]ear behavior is all learned from a mother bear. And so it was crucial for us to tell a story from a mother’s perspective and the story about the mother bear, because that’s where all the interesting behavior happened. That’s where the cubs learn from their mother. So we knew that we had to have a female bear.

    Jeff Wilson

    But finding the bear for Polar Bear—and filming in general—came with enormous environmental difficulties as well. WIlson continued:

    [We] have to spend as much time in that there’s presence as we can possibly stand. And bear in mind that we’re working at the temperatures down to minus 45 degrees. And there’s only so long that you can actually, you know, physically survive in that environment before you have to go back and get a hot meal and have some sleep. And so on any given day, you will have to start from scratch and try and find that bear again and go out and try and find that mother and her cubs again. So it’s a very, very difficult process.

    Jeff Wilson

    The work put into to the documentary will pay off when audiences get to enjoy the film soon. Disneynature’s Polar Bear launches exclusively on Disney+ on Earth Day—April 22, 2022.