Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • ‘Wish’ Underperforms as ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Napoleon Surprise at the Box Office

    ‘Wish’ Underperforms as ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Napoleon Surprise at the Box Office

    The fall box office is rough, that’s certainly sure now. Though, not for everyone. In a surprise twist, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes seemingly pulled in a stronger second weekend than expected even with a B+ CinemaScore; further adding to its validity for telling movie’s legs nowadays given Five Nights at Freddy’s had an A- and just crashed in its second weekend. However, the film was also promoted by its cast before the premiere due to getting a waiver during the strikes,w which likely gave it a bit of a boost. It added $28.8M over the weekend (a 38% drop) and generally had a $42M run over the Thanksgiving holiday.

    The Marvels‘ managed to pull in $6.4M over the weekend with $9.2M in the holidays, which is putting it on a path to be the first MCU film to make less than $100M. Still, a 37% drop after its first massive drop is a much better hold than Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’s 60% and The Flash’s 65%. If it manages to surprise and hold a bit better it could still surprise but that just depends on if Marvel Studios and Disney decided to drop it before Christmas as an early gift for subscribers (which wouldn’t be new for them). Plus it had quite a bit of competition with two new releases and the other three from last weekend. Not going to change much but still worth noting.

    The true disappointment of the weekend is, however, that Disney’s 100-year celebration release Wish only earned $35M over the weekend and pulled in $45M in the Thanksgiving timeframe. It’s miles ahead of Strange World from last year which opened to $18M, but it’s definitely not close to where Encanto was two years prior. It only opened in 27 markets overseas, which means its global tally is $49M as most of the slate this year has underperformed with very high budgets and the fall doesn’t come with that summer bonus. It does have an A- CinemaScore but glancing at Hunger Games and Five Nights at Freddy’s, who knows how valuable that really is.

    It may be a general issue with Disney+ showcasing a similar effect with Five Nights at Freddy’s second-weekend drop. If Wish faces a similar development, it showcases that audiences are going to need some time before they adjust to the new non-45-day release schedule on streaming platforms. Plus, Disney turned its own films into “wait and see” releases with its overall push into streaming. It’ll take time and focus to heal, which will likely happen but has shown its thorns in 2023; an overall detrimental year for blockbuster releases.

    The surprise was Napoleon who opened to $78.8M worldwide and had a $21M weekend opening with $32.5M over its first five days. Yet, it continues the trend of a $200M budget for a film that is massively underperforming to cover its bill similar to Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which stands at $151M globally. The comparison with superhero flicks is commonly that those are made for all age audiences and is also a point made by Variety, but given that many point to Oppenheimer as the “cinematic revival” of long-films with R ratings doing well at the box office: the point becomes far more difficult as that film’s success is looking more and more like an exception.

    One thing continues to dominate the box office: it is struggling and while Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian points out that it’s doing better than the last few years and sees it as “encouraging,” it’s very likely that studios are going to avoid this timeslot moving forward if things don’t change with high-budget releases. The fall box office is looking grim overall, as even the second entry to the billion-dollar Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is going to premiere quite low and who knows if it’ll actually enjoy a holiday boost given just how volatile this year has been.

    Source: Variety Deadline, Deadline

  • ‘Aquaman’ Sequel’s Box Office Projected at $32M to $42M

    ‘Aquaman’ Sequel’s Box Office Projected at $32M to $42M

    Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s early projections are in and it looks like the fall box office continues to be questionable moving forward. Early projections by Box Office Pro are hinting at an opening weekend that matches the rest of the year so far, as it may open between $32M to $42M. That is quite a drop and even lower than The Marvel’s opening just a few weeks ago.

    The only difference is that Aquaman sequel has the holiday legs in its favor given it’s releasing over the Holidays. Yet, even the reliable holiday season has become questionable as Thanksgiving isn’t giving many major releases a bigger push than some were hoping to see from their newest high-budget releases like Wish and Napoleon.

    It’s starting to look like the original pre-COVID mapping of massive projects released in the fall is starting to drop. There’s not a lot of box office to gain here given recent numbers, but 2023 is generally been a detrimental box office disaster across the board. Many are pointing at the classic “superhero fatigue” but considering just how many productions have been hit, it seems like the year was just overstuffed and the price of admission was simply to high if there wasn’t a reason.

    Outside of a few exceptions (this year’s Top 10 tells you everything you need to know about 2023), the year wasn’t kind to any new release and we’ll likely see a change in how they handle it. Sony is currently dedicated to pushing out as many projects as possible while Marvel Studios took a step back. Disney has reshuffled its schedule and not much is known about the rest. So, we’ll see what the future holds.

    Source: Box Office Pro

  • ‘Red Sonja’ Writer Working on Live-Action ‘Naruto’ Film

    ‘Red Sonja’ Writer Working on Live-Action ‘Naruto’ Film

    After Netflix finally managed to pull off a live-action adaptation of the popular anime One Piece, it seems the stones are set in place for the next major attempt. Masashi Kishimoto‘s iconic Naruto franchise seems to be the next in line for an adaptation. Still, unlike the 1000+ chapter adaptation before it, this one will act as a film rather than a TV series.

    In an article by Variety, they reveal that Red Sonja writer Tasha Huo is currently working on a script for a live-action adaptation of Naruto for Lionsgate. Sadly, they don’t reveal much outside of that this is her next project, but it does sound like they might be further along now that the strikes have ended. She does share the following on her passion for adapting iconic characters:

    Adapting iconic characters or IP makes the writing of it easier, because the passion for writing it is already there. I’m so inspired by these characters already that it’s exciting to just take a part of their journey and try to tell that fun story in a way that would appeal to me as a fan.

    Tasha Huo

    Naruto is going to be quite a different beast than One Piece. Mostly due to the nature of its story being strongly focused on colorful ninjas. So, it’s not going to be a project where you can easily just westernize it, unlike Eiichiro Oda’s work which has a very diverse cast as revealed by the creator. So, it’ll be interesting to see how they pull this one off.

    Source: Variety

  • Heir to the Empire: Dave Filoni Becomes Lucasfilm’s New Creative Grand Admiral

    Heir to the Empire: Dave Filoni Becomes Lucasfilm’s New Creative Grand Admiral

    Short of George Lucas, nobody associated with Lucasfilm understands what makes Star Wars tick quite like Dave Filoni. Now, the creator behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka will step into a new role as Chief Creative Officer.

    “In the past, in a lot of projects I would be brought into it, I would see it after it had already developed a good ways,” said Filoni. His new role as CCO will change that and allow him to oversee Star Wars projects from the start. “In this new role, it’s opened up to basically everything that’s going on,” Filoni said. “When we’re planning the future of what we’re doing now, I’m involved at the inception phase. I’m not telling people what to do,” Filoni explained. “But I do feel I’m trying to help them tell the best story that they want to tell. I need to be a help across the galaxy here, like a part of a Jedi Council almost.”

    Filoni is still expected to helm a New Republic-era film that will tie together the stories of Disney Plus series The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett and Skeleton Crew. He explained that his new role involves “understanding the intent of the filmmakers and being a resource to them.” After spending years working with Lucas and developing films, Filoni has established himself as a wise, old master of the galaxy far, far away. “Literally, hours now of Star Wars storytelling I have done,” he said. “See…I even phrased that like Yoda.”

    Filoni hopes those hours–numbered no doubt in the hundreds–will allow him to make a major difference with the filmmakers Lucasfilm brings on to continue telling Star Wars stories. “To truly help filmmakers, it was really important for me to experience it firsthand,” he said. “I can also lend a perspective on the challenges that telling these stories will present. I feel more capable of actually being helpful outside of just saying, ‘Well, Jedi are like this, and Sith are like this…” As challenging as Star Wars fandom can be, Filoni’s experience will allow him to be a Wayfinder for future storytellers.

    Source: Vanity Fair

  • Karate Here: Sony Finally Moves Forward with Long-Gestating ‘Karate Kid’ Film

    Karate Here: Sony Finally Moves Forward with Long-Gestating ‘Karate Kid’ Film

    After a year-long delay that included a pair of strikes that greatly impacted all facets of production in Hollywood, Sony is moving forward with their new Karate Kid film. Murphy’s Multiverse first broke the news of Sony developing the film with Rob Lieber on board to write.

    According to THR’s Borys Kit, the new film–which he described as “positioning as the fusing and continuing the mythology of the original franchise,“–will team original Karate Kid Daniel Russo and Cobra Kai star Ralph Macchio with Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han in 2010’s The Karate Kid, and will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle.

    As we first reported, the film will feature a Chinese teen lead, referred to as “Li”, who relocates to Brooklyn from Beijing with his mother.

    Li is said to be struggling with a past tragedy, which drives a wedge between him and his doctor mom, who has managed to handle the same tragedy in her own way. After Li meets Mia, a student from his high school, and her father, Victor, at a local pizza restaurant, he’ll soon find his life has changed yet again – for the better. Li soon finds himself training Victor in the art of Kung Fu, despite his mother’s stance against violence and fighting, and ultimately back in the ring himself.

    From our original exclusive, August 2022

    In the first 24 hours after the film was announced, an open casting call for the lead role received over 10,000 submissions.

    Sony hopes to begin production on the new film next Spring with Sony currently hoping it’s ready for theaters on December 13th, 2024.

    Source: THR

  • Miss Teschmacher!! Sara Sampaio Joins ‘Superman: Legacy’ Cast

    Miss Teschmacher!! Sara Sampaio Joins ‘Superman: Legacy’ Cast

    Ahead of an expected January start of production, DC Studios’ Superman: Legacy continues to add to its cast. According to a trade report, Portuguese model Sara Sampaio has signed on to play the role of Eve Teschmacher.

    First introduced in Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman where the character was played by Valerie Perrine, Eve Teschmacher is an ally and possible love interest of Lex Luthor. Luthor will be played by Nicholas Hoult, who recently landed the role after months of speculation.

    Superman: Legacy has been described as the “launch of the DCU” and, according to DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran, will be centered “on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” The film was written and will be directed by Safran’s partner James Gunn who explained that Superman, played by David Corenswet, “is for everyone. [Superman] four-quadrant film that should speak to everyone in the world,” explained Gunn. “With our stories, we want to take it away from good guy vs. bad guy. There are really good—almost saintly—people and Superman is among them,” added the director.

    Gunn’s saintly take on Kal-El is slated to hit theaters on July 11th, 2025.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Superman: Legacy’ Finds Its Jimmy Olsen

    ‘Superman: Legacy’ Finds Its Jimmy Olsen

    The Righteous Gemstones and Santa Clarita Diet actor Skyler Gisondo has landed a key role in James Gunn‘s Superman: Legacy. Gisondo will play cub reporter, photojournalist and–most importantly–Superman’s pal in the 2025 film.

    After the character was rumored to be part of the Man of Steel’s latest theatrical reboot, Gunn–as is his way–confirmed the speculation on Twitter earlier this year. Multiple actors have brought Olsen to life over the years with Gisondo set to be the ninth live-action version of the character. Given his acting resume, Gisondo seems very likely to be much more in line with the “Jeepers Mr. Kent” version of the character than the Snyderverse’s version played by Michael Cassidy.

    Gisondo joins new Kal-El David Corenswet, new Lois Lane Rachel Brosnahan along with Nathan Fillion, Isabel Merced, Anthony Carrigan, Edi Gathegi and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Superman: Legacy is slated to start production early in 2024 ahead of a July 11, 2025 release.

    Source: THR

  • Daisy Ridley on What She Expects from Her New Jedi Order Film

    Daisy Ridley on What She Expects from Her New Jedi Order Film

    This past April, Lucasfilm made quite a splash at Star Wars Celebration 2023 by announcing three new Star Wars films set in three all-new eras of storytelling. One of those films will be set following the events of the sequel trilogy and will see Daisy Ridley reprise her role as Rey who will be attempting to resurrect the Jedi Order. While there have been no official updates on the film from Lucasfilm’s new CCO, Dave Filoni, Ridley gave some insight into the film in an interview with Collider.

    “I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited,” said Ridley who explained that she was “shitting” herself ahead of her appearance at Star Wars Celebration 2023, “because no one knew I was going to that.“

    The New Jedi Order film began as a top-secret project co-written by Lost and HBO’s Watchmen Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, who left the project in the Spring of 2023, just a few months after Lucasfilm had hired Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy to direct it. Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight came on to continue developing the film, allowing it to be part of Lucasfilm’s big announcement that Star Wars would finally be returning to theaters. In the Summer of 2023, Disney added two new Star Wars films to its upcoming theatrical slate (May 22nd, 2026 and December 18th, 2026) and it’s long been expected that Ridley’s Rey film, which will pick up 15 years after Star Wars: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker, would be the first of the trio to hit screens.

    While Ridley’s not quite ready to reveal everything about her next appearance as Rey, she did reiterate that she expects it to be the film that puts Star Wars back in theaters, though she’s not quite as sure that those 2026 dates will hold in this post-strike world.

    “I know the storyline for one film,” said Ridley when asked if this new film might kick off her own trilogy. “That’s not to say that that’s all it is, but that’s what I was told about,” she added. “And I imagine it will be the next film, I think. I mean, again, I don’t know, post strikes and everything, how quickly everything will start up again. But yes, so far, I know the story of one film and I think people will be very excited.“

    Given the deluge of projects that are backed up at this point, there’s no certainty that any of Disney’s previously slated films will make their dates; however, their most recent update showed two Star Wars films still on the docket for 2026 and one for 2027, so Ridley may make it back to the big screen on time after all!

    Source: Collider

  • Following His Uncanny Cameo in ‘The Marvels’, Kelsey Grammer Reveals the Future of Beast

    Following His Uncanny Cameo in ‘The Marvels’, Kelsey Grammer Reveals the Future of Beast

    As is too often the case, the post-credit scene for Marvel Studios’ latest MCU installment, The Marvels, has generated more hype than the events of the film. The tag, which revealed what happened to Monica Rambeau following her universe-saving actions in the film’s climax, took place in another universe where Monica’s mother, Maria, was the costumed hero Binary and where Charles Xavier had put together a team of X-Men. One member of that team, Dr. Henry McCoy, was voiced by Kelsey Grammer, who first played the role in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand and the scene seemed to hold some promise that it might not be the last time Grammer would reprise the role, though as we’ve learned from Marvel Studios litany of unfulfilled stingers, nothing is certain.

    While Grammer’s return to the role in The Marvels was surprising to fans, it’s something the actor had hoped might happen. And, in an interview with The Wrap, Grammer has expressed his desire to return as Beast again…and perhaps teased that his return is imminent. “It is my hope that you will,” replied Grammer when asked if audiences might see him as the furry, blue genius. However, as is refreshingly becoming more and more common with actors working with the studio, Grammer went a bit further, adding, “I can say with a certain amount of confidence that you will. I would love to.”

    The actor, who also recently returned to his career-making role as Frasier Crane, shared that he was “very pleased” by the reaction to his return as Beast. “I’ve always wanted to play him again, said Grammer. “I see him as an extraordinary character, a real character of gravitas and importance in our culture. I’m delighted Beast is back and hope he’s back in a real way.”

    This certainly seems like a case where Grammer is well-aware of what’s in store for the character but is not quite willing to completely cross the line. Obviously, Monica Rambeau will be expected to reunite with at least Carol if not Kamala and find her way back to the 616 universe. Given the level of genius possessed by Hank McCoy–and his status as a member of the Illuminati during Marvel Comics Secret Wars–he seems as good of a character as any to start to figure out the just how damaging the ongoing Incursions are to the Multiverse.

    Source: The Wrap

  • BREAKING: James Gunn Finds His Lex Luthor in Nicholas Hoult

    BREAKING: James Gunn Finds His Lex Luthor in Nicholas Hoult

    It looks like the rumors were true, as many hints dropped that Nicholas Hoult was in the running for a role in the upcoming Superman Legacy movie, which James Gunn will direct. As he took over as the newly minted co-CEO of DC Studios, he has made it his mission to re-establish the iconic comics universe with one of its most iconic heroes.

    Now, it’s been revealed that Hoult has gotten a role in the film. While he was eyed to potentially becoming Superman, the role went to David Corenswet, who’ll appear next to Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Yet, he has gotten an even juicier role, as the former X-Men will take on the iconic bald icon, Lex Luthor.

    It’ll be interesting to see what his approach will be to the role. The announcement also comes at a perfect time just after the SAG strike wrapped up, but it’s unclear if he may have already gotten the role before that took place. Either way, Hoult has been campaigning for a major role in a DC film for some time so it’s great to see his patience result in him becoming an iconic character like Luthor.

    Source: Deadline