Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Production Speeds Up! ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’ Officially Begins Filming

    The fastest franchise in Hollywood isn’t slowing down. Following the massive global success of the third installment, Paramount Pictures has officially moved into the next phase of the Blue Blur’s cinematic journey. Director Jeff Fowler took to Twitter today to confirm that production on Sonic the Hedgehog 4 has officially begun.

    Fowler’s post featured a “Ready 4 Action” teaser image from the set, showing him holding a high-fidelity physical prop of Amy Rose’s Piko Piko Hammer against a backdrop of massive blue screens.

    The Pink Hedgehog is Here: Kristen Bell Joins the Cast

    The production start comes just weeks after the industry-shaking announcement that Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Frozen) has officially signed on to voice Amy Rose, who first appeared in a mid-credit scene in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

    The casting was first teased on IG by Ben Schwartz, where he posted a photo of the two actors holding their respective character figurines. Bell’s inclusion marks a major win for the franchise, bringing a voice-acting powerhouse to one of the most beloved characters in the Sonic lore.

    The Rumor Mill: Metal Sonic, Time Travel, and “Sonic CD”

    While Paramount is keeping the script under lock and key, the start of production has reignited a frenzy of rumors. Here’s a recap of what fans are expecting from the fourth installment in the franchise.

    Many fans believe the fourth film will take heavy inspiration from the classic game Sonic CD, a theory bolstered by the fact that both Amy Rose and Metal Sonic debuted in that title. Rumors from reliable insiders suggest the plot revolves around a “Bad Future” scenario, that finds Sonic traveling through time to stop a world ruled by Dr. Robotnik’s automated army.

    While Amy is the focus now, fans are already hunting for clues about Silver the Hedgehog. Rumors suggest he may not appear in the main film but is a prime candidate for the inevitable post-credits stinger for the film, which is set to release March 19, 2027.

  • Rumor: Stephen Strange to Serve as Doom’s Right Hand in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

    Rumor: Stephen Strange to Serve as Doom’s Right Hand in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

    As the Marvel Cinematic Universe hurtles toward the collision of realities in Avengers: Doomsday, the power vacuum left by the Multiverse’s decay is beginning to fill with some familiar, yet formidable, faces. While fans have been catching up on plot leaks detailing Victor von Doom’s plans, a new report from industry insider Daniel Richtman suggests that Doom won’t be ruling alone.

    According to Richtman, Stephen Strange is set to serve as Doom’s primary lieutenant—a move that mirrors one of the most iconic dynamics in modern Marvel Comics history. Richtman’s report claims that “Doom’s right-hand man is “a wizard who can use a sling ring. He wears a mask similar to Doom’s, but with a slot for a third eye on his forehead.”

    For those well-versed in Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 Secret Wars, this development feels like destiny. In that storyline, Strange takes on the mantle of Sheriff Strange, the high justice of Battleworld who serves at the right hand of God Emperor Doom. Strange’s decision wasn’t born of a heel turn, but of a desperate pragmatism; he believed Doom was the only being capable of stitching together the fragments of a dying multiverse. If this rumor holds true, Avengers: Doomsday may find our Master of the Mystic Arts making a similarly impossible choice—sacrificing his morality to preserve what’s left of existence.

    Strange’s absence from the recent round spoilers left many with questions about why the only 616 hero with intimate knowledge of Incursions was nowhere to be found in the action. Richtman’s report would go a long way in explaining this, while setting up what would likely be a key reveal either late in Avengers: Doomsday or in its follow up, Avengers: Secret Wars.

  • Mhor Thor: Chris Hemsworth Teases Life Beyond the Multiverse Saga for the Odinson

    After a series of projects took everything away from him, Thor saw the tide begin to turn in the final act of Thor: Love and Thunder. Though he lost Jane Foster following a brief reunion with his old flame, the God of Thunder found a renewed purpose, choosing to watch over Love, the daughter of Gorr, as his own.

    As seen in one of four teasers for Avengers: Doomsday, that relationship looks to be central to Thor’s arc. The prayers said by Chris Hemsworth‘s character in the short look at the upcoming film have led to fans theorizing that the upcoming film will be the final chapter for the MCU’s Thor, however, a new interview with Hemsworth would seem to offer some hope for further adventures.

    “I was talking to Kevin Feige about it, and he said it’s cool because the audience now expects dramatic turns with the character,” Hemsworth told the SmartLess podcast. “And whatever we do next—we’ve got some ideas to do something pretty unique again and hopefully be [different].“

    While it’s certainly far from official confirmation that Thor 5 will ever make it to the big screen, Hemsworth seems to be fully invested in finding a way to continue on in the role, adding that after the critical and fan response to Thor: Love and Thunder, he’s learned “you need to be careful” with the direction of any new projects. However, given how much of Thor’s comic book history has yet to be explored in the MCU, Hemsworth and whoever comes on board to write and direct any further installments, will have plenty of material from which to choose.

  • Scorpion’s Mech Suit Revealed as ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Leaks Continue

    Scorpion’s Mech Suit Revealed as ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Leaks Continue

    Nine years after teasing Mac Gargan’s vengeful vendetta against Spider-Man, Michael Mando is returning in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and it looks like hell is coming with him!

    Following recent leaks which teased Gargan’s Scorpion suit, a fully detailed look at Mando in his new gear has finally emerged online.

    Though it’s not an exact replica, the suit looks to have taken some inspiration from the one worn by the character during the “Big Time” arc of Dan Slott‘s Amazing Spider-Man. Following his time as one of Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers, Gargan was serving a prison sentence on the Raft. He was broken out by Allistaire Smythe and given an all-new, all-different Scorpion suit and turned loose with other newly-created Spider Slayers to take down J. Jonah Jameson. And of course, Spidey intervened…

    Notably, Gargan’s Brand New Day mech suit is represented here without a helmet but rumors and reports that came before the leaked image indicated that one will indeed be present when the character is fully suited up in the film.

  • Hi-Res Look at Merch Provides First Look at Troublesome Trio from ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    Hi-Res Look at Merch Provides First Look at Troublesome Trio from ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    With just over five months until the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Sony has yet to release so much as a teaser trailer for the all-new, all-different fourth installment in the franchise. Fans have been treated to plenty of photos and videos from the set, however, and now as retailees begin to prepare for merchandise hitting their shelves, a first look at three of the film’s characters has found its way online.

    After low-res photos of a backpack made the rounds recently, Twitter user @JuanEditzs provided a higher-resolution look at the bag, which provided clear-but-shadowy first looks at a trip of characters set to cause trouble for Peter Parker in the upcoming film.

    Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, Michael Mando’s Scorpion and Boomerang–recently rumored to be played by Tom Holland‘s brother, Harry–can all be seen by zooming in on the pack.

    Mando‘s Mac Gargan–who will return to the series for the first time since Spider-Man: Homecoming–has been rumored to be sporting a suit that’s a mix of the classic comic book Scorpion suit and the one seen in Insomniac’s Spider-Man video game franchise. The tail on the suit from the film can clearly be seen to have some significant mechanical structure to it.

    The appearance of Boomerang on the bag confirms the character will appear after he was first reported to be in the film in May 2025. It will be interesting to see if first-time franchise director Destin Daniel Cretton has chosen to the recent relationship dynamic between Parker and Boomerang that saw the two as roommates with Boomerang unaware of Parker’s alter ego.

    And as for the Hulk, it’s long been reported that Brand New Day will feature a more savage Green Goliath doing battle with Spidey. A recent Lego set leak seems to have confirmed this and the shadowy appearance of the character on the bag, where he looms behind Spidey, hardly makes the case he’ll be a hero.

    Spider-Man: Brand New Day will hit theaters on July 31st!

  • ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Promo Provides Detailed Look at Doom’s Iconic Mask

    ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Promo Provides Detailed Look at Doom’s Iconic Mask

    Soon, Marvel Studios’ stars will be back in London preparing for additional photography on Avengers: Doomsday ahead of the film’s December release. A series of short, character-driven teasers for the film successfully built much-needed hype, though fans are still eagerly awaiting a true teaser trailer.

    As much as we run at fun in terms of what these films can be, we also run at the complexity and difficulty of what these movies can do at a narrative level. I think we’ve found a new level of that in Doomsday.

    -Anthony Russo via Empire Magazine

    Despite the lack of said teaser, fans have had ample opportunity to get a peek at the film’s villain (and protagonist), Victor Von Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. And with just 10 months until the film hits theaters, those opportunities will continue to increase as marketing begins and merchandise hits shelves. And right on cue, a new piece of promo art for the film has provided a detailed look at Doctor Doom’s iconic mask.

    According to reports, the mask will be hiding a disfigured Victor whose look was inspired by “classic Universal monster movies.” In an interesting twist, it’s been rumored that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will not see Doom’s face, though the audience will, keeping a potential reveal to the Avengers in place for the follow up film, Avengers: Secret Wars, which will hit theaters in December 2027.

    Avengers: Doomsday is set for release on December 18, 2026.

  • New Rumors Add Even More Baddies to the Cast of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’

    It’s clear that Tom Holland‘s Wall-Crawler will have his hands full in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Michael Mando will be suiting up as classic Spidey villain Scorpion and Tramell Tillman will be heading up Damage Control’s as the mutie-hating William Metzger, providing plenty of problems for Peter Parker. Throw in crime bosses Tombstone and Fredrick Foswell, Tombstone, Boomerang and Ramrod, along with a rampaging Hulk and, of course, Frank Castle punishing scum and it becomes clear that Brand New Day will be a very different film from any of its MCU predecessors.

    First-time franchise director Destin Daniel Cretton looks to be building an entire world around the Webslinger unlike anything that’s been done in the genre to date. And in doing so, he may be preparing to introduce one of the most comic book locations in all of Marvel Comics: The Bar with No Name.

    A slew of rumors made the rounds over the weekend, all of which claimed that the already impressive roster of villains in the new film would be further filled out than fans had been less to believe. Baddies such as The Enforcers, Miles Warren–aka the Jackal–and 8-Ball were each name dropped by industry insiders, adding to an already impressive cast of rogues. And with Cretton reportedly sticking close to the comics, The Bar with No Name is the perfect establishment to bring them all together while they lick their wounds.

    Though it first appeared in Captain America #318, The Bar with No Name has frequently been seen in the pages of Spidey comics. While rumors of a montage of Spidey fighting villains have circulated for some time, it would be FAR more entertaining to see the hero track one of his foes to the bar only to find himself battling dozens of his enemies.

  • Another Infinity Saga Star Reportedly Set to Return to the MCU in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    Another Infinity Saga Star Reportedly Set to Return to the MCU in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’

    As rumors, speculation and reports about the Russo brothers’ plans for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars begin to give MCU fans an idea of what to expect from the two-part (or will it be three-part) Multiverse Saga finale, it’s becoming fairly apparent that the directing duo has no intention of holding back. Though fans are bemoaning “fan service” moments 11 months before the debut of Doomsday, the four teaser trailers for the film generated some serious excitement. As the Russos prepare for additional photography on Doomsday ahead of principal photography on Secret Wars, an interesting bit of casting information has emerged.

    According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, Josh Brolin will return as Thanos in Avengers: Secret Wars.

    This isn’t the first time that Brolin‘s return as the Mad Titan has been in the news. In late 2024, ComicBookMovie.com claimed that Marvel Studios had plans for Thanos to return in the Multiverse Saga finale. While there’s never been any confirmation of it by Marvel, Brolin has never denied it and has remained open to reprising the role.

    Fans of the comics will remain hopeful that the presence of Thanos in the film will lead to the recreation of the moment shown above from Jonathan Hickman‘s 2015 Secret Wars. In it, God Emperor Doom quickly and easily dispatched of Thanos, establishing himself as THE ultimate power in the universe.

  • Marvel Reportedly Exploring Extending the Multiverse Saga Timeline

    Marvel Reportedly Exploring Extending the Multiverse Saga Timeline

    Once upon a time, Marvel Studios ambitiously planned to release two Avengers films in one year. As part of its big Hall H presentation at SDCC ’22, Marvel revealed that Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars were set to hit theaters on May 6, 2025 and November 7, 2025, respectively. It’s 2026 and neither of those films have hit theaters yet and their release dates are now a full year apart, however, a new report claims that the studio may once again be considering double dipping on Avengers films, this time in 2027.

    According to the Hot Mic’s John Rocha, the Russo brothers have put together a Multiverse Saga finale so grandiose that it may require the studio to split it into two parts.

    On the January 23rd edition on the show, Rocha reported that he had been told Marvel was “considering splitting Secret Wars into two parts.” He also shared that his source had “heard that Doomsday could run for three hours and that it’s huge.“

    Of course, this isn’t the first time the possibility of a second Avengers film hitting theaters in 2027 has come up, though the studio abandoned its prime July 23, 2027 date late last year. That doesn’t mean a third Avengers film couldn’t slide into one of the studio’s four 2028 slots, only that the next saga couldn’t kick off until it did.

    Source: The Hot Mic

  • ‘The Brave and the Bold’ Reportedly Set to Reunite Creatives Behind Divisive 2023 Box Office Bomb

    Despite being one of the first DCU projects revealed to be in development in January 2023, The Brave and the Bold has faced it’s share of struggles in getting off the ground.

    Though director Andy Muschetti has been attached to the project since mid-2023, DC Studios co-chair James Gunn seemed to make it clear in late 2024 that a script for the project hadn’t been developed and that there was “no set timeline for anything.” Just a few weeks later, Muschetti stated that the project wouldn’t “be happening for a while” and now it looks like there’s an easy explanation for why it has taken so long to get a script together.

    The one thing that I’ve tried to make clear to people from the beginning, and the way that I hope we’re different, is that everything in DC is gonna be based on the writers. Until we have a screenplay that I’m totally happy with, that movie is not going to get made, no matter what it is.

    -James Gunn
    According to industry insider Jeff “The In” Sneider, Christina Hodson, who teamed with Andy Muschetti on The Flash, will pen the screenplay for DC Studios The Brave and the Bold.

    Following Sneider’s report, scooper Apocalyptic Horseman took to Twitter to report he had heard the same news and explain that the delays in getting the production off the ground helped Hodson land the role after she had initially passed on it. According to ApocHorseman, Hodson “was the original choice to write it but scheduling must’ve gotten in the way and all the delays and past writers not working out worked in her favor.”

    Despite being extraordinarily divisive among fans and bombing at the box office, Gunn called 2023’s The Flash “one of the best superhero movies I’ve ever seen,” calling Hodson’s script “magnificent” and crediting her “wonderful writing” with allowing the film to work “so well.” Hodson also wrote scripts for Birds of Prey and Batgirl, the latter of which was deemed by Warner Bros. to be “unwatchable” and was never released. She also wrote the script for Bumblebee, one of the most well-regarded installments in the Transformers franchise.

    Based on Grant Morrison’s Batman and Son arc from his epic run on Batman that began in 2006 which Gunn called one of his “favorite Batman runs,” The Brave and the Bold was described by Gunn as “a very strange sort of father-son story,” that will introduce the DCU’s new Batman alongside his son, Damian. Gunn revealed it will also “feature other members of the extended Bat-Family just because we feel like they’ve been left out of the Batman stories in the theater for far too long.”

    At its core, The Brave and the Bold will be “a story of Damian Wayne, who’s Batman’s actual son that he didn’t know existed for the first eight to ten years of his life. He was raised as a little murderer and assassin,” explained Gunn, who also called Damian his “favorite Robin.” The film will mark the first time a Robin has appeared in a live-action film since 1997’s Batman and Robin.

    Source: Jeff Sneider