Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movie News

  • Kevin Feige Responds to the Prospect of a ‘The Wasp’ Solo Film

    Kevin Feige Responds to the Prospect of a ‘The Wasp’ Solo Film

    In 2018, Evangeline Lilly‘s Wasp became the first female character to have her name in the title of a film in Ant-Man and The Wasp. The Wasp is back (and back in the title) in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania and the character has undergone significant growth since being introduced in 2015’s Ant-Man. With Scarlett Johannson‘s Black Widow off the board, The Wasp now shares the title of the MCU’s longest-tenured female lead with Zoe Saldaña‘s Gamora and Elizabeth Olsen‘s Wanda Maximoff.

    While there’s already been talk of a fourth Ant-Man film in the works at Marvel Studios, one that would almost certainly see Lilly return as Hope, the actress also has bigger plans in mind for her character. During the world premiere of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, Lilly expressed her desire to see her character star in her own solo project, “a Wasp standalone film.” During the global press junket for Quantumania, Marvel Studios One Above All, Kevin Feige, was asked about the prospects of such a project. “The opportunities within the MCU are endless, as they are in the multiverse,” said Feige.  “So, we will have to see what happens in the future.“

    Feige’s non-commital comments shouldn’t be read into too deeply. The head honcho of Marvel Studios wouldn’t confirm or deny the existence of such a project during a junket. Phase 5’s slate looks to be set and probably won’t even include whatever Peyton Reed and Paul Rudd throw together for Ant-Man 4; however, the Multiverse Saga is certainly not the end of the MCU and, as Feige says, the possibilities for its future are endless and those may just include The Wasp somewhere down the line.

    Marvel Studios kicks off Phase 5 with Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania on February 17th.

  • ‘Quantumania’ Star Paul Rudd on What He Admires Most About Scott Lang

    ‘Quantumania’ Star Paul Rudd on What He Admires Most About Scott Lang

    10 years ago, Paul Rudd may not have been on a lot of lists to portray a Marvel superhero. After making a name for himself in 1995’s Clueless, the actor had a great run of comedies in the early 2000s with memorable supporting roles in Anchorman, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I Love You, Man. Then, in 2015, Rudd debuted as Scott Lang, who has become one of the MCU’s greatest heroes. A lot has changed for Rudd–and Lang–since then and now he’s back for another go around as the MCU’s most everyman hero in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.

    As Quantumania begins, Lang and his family look to have put their superhero days behind them. Since the events of Avengers: Endgame, Lang has published, Look Out for the Little Guy, a memoir of his time in the suit. Memoirs require reflection and thus, during the global press event for the upcoming entry in the Ant-Man franchise, Rudd was asked to reflect on his time as Lang and about what he likes (and dislikes) the most about the character.

    Well, I think what I like most about him is that he is a regular guy who has reservations about all of this, still.  And that, you know, he’s just a dad.  I like the fact that he is kind of a part of this group with some pretty impressive people, and superheroes, and that he would be the first guy to say, “What the hell am I doing here? This makes no sense at all.” 

    Paul Rudd

    Rudd’s words certainly call to mind his first encounter with Captain America and the Avengers during the events of Captain America: Civil War. Lang’s superheroing has mostly gotten in the way of his best intentions with his daughter, Cassie, and his relationship with her has been at the core of the Ant-Man franchise. That relationship has drawn fans to the franchise and, unsurprisingly, is part of what Rudd enjoys the most about the character.

    And, you know, he’s a real person.  And so you want to play, I mean, as an actor, somebody who is relatable and hopefully a sympathetic person.  And somebody that, you know, you understand maybe what they’re going through.  And I like that.  I like playing the father aspect.  I like playing the, trying to, you know, wrap my brain around the situation that I find myself in.  So his human quality is the thing that I like the most.  And as opposed to probably his cyborg quality, which is the, you know, the part I don’t like. No, there’s nothing about the character that I don’t.  I like the guy.  Yeah.  I mean, I’m biased, I guess, but yeah. 

    Paul Rudd

    Rudd’s joke aside, Lang has become one of the MCU’s most lovable characters making it no surprise that Marvel Studios has already begun talking about a fourth Ant-Man film. That film is certainly a ways off given the studio’s already jam-packed slate, but it seems Rudd has more to offer the character before bowing out of the shared cinematic universe.

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania debuts in theaters on February 17th.

  • Michael Douglas States His Terms for Hank Pym’s Return in ‘Ant-Man 4’

    Michael Douglas States His Terms for Hank Pym’s Return in ‘Ant-Man 4’

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hasn’t been released in theaters yet but there’s already talk of a fourth installment in the Ant-Man franchise. Marvel Studios’ Parliament member and executive producer Stephen Broussard recently indicated that a plan has been hatched for another Ant-Family film, citing “whispers” between Kevin Feige, director Peyton Reed and himself. With Quantumania looking to take in $100M or so in its opening weekend at the box office, it’s likely those whispers will grow a little louder and that Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Kathryn Newton, Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas will all be reprising their respective role in Ant-Man 4.

    While Newton’s MCU career is on its first leg, however, Douglas‘s may be on its last though it isn’t because the legendary actor is getting shoved out the door by Marvel Studios. Quite to the contrary, Douglas, who joined the MCU as Hank Pym in 2015’s Ant-Man seems to be ready to turn the page. When asked about his interest in returning for a fourth Ant-Man film, Douglas agreed he’d do it on one condition. “As long as I could die,” the actor joked about Pym’s return.

    The 78-year-old Douglas has had a stellar career and should undoubtedly go out on his own terms. Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, have only played supporting roles in the MCU thus far and it seems unlikely that further films in the Ant-Man franchise would provide more opportunities for meatier roles. Perhaps there’s still more life for the characters in a 70s set Disney Plus series following their adventures, but if so it seems like Disney may have to look to replace Douglas.

    Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania hits theaters on February 17th.

  • Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier Might Have One More Death in Him in ‘Deadpool 3’

    Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier Might Have One More Death in Him in ‘Deadpool 3’

    Few actors are as deeply associated with comic book movie characters as Patrick Stewart is with Charles Xavier. Stewart has portrayed Professor X in seven films, a post-credit scene and even voiced him in a few video games and has become inextricably linked to the character. He most recently returned to the role as a member of the Illuminati in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and after a memorable entrance was dishonorably discharged from his service by the Scarlet Witch. That wasn’t the first time Stewart’s Charles kicked the bucket on the big screen; according to him, it may not be the last.

    Marvel Studios is just a few months away from beginning production on the third installment of the Deadpool franchise, a film that will introduce Ryan Reynolds‘ Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine to the MCU. While Stewart hasn’t been confirmed for the film, he did tell Comic Book that he’s “been told to standby,” before adding, “I know nothing more than that, honest.”

    Given the connection between Wolverine and Charles, it wouldn’t be remotely surprising to see the Professor in the film. However, one of the most sensible theories about the film–and one that seems to be picking up steam–is that its plot will be an adaptation of the Marvel Comic series Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe. Should that be the case, the film might find room for a fourth and final (?) death for the character before Marvel Studios begins their work on the X-Men and recasts the role.

    Deadpool 3/Wolverine and Deadpool begins production in May ahead of its November 8th, 2024 release as part of Marvel Studios’ Phase 4.

    Source: Comic Book

  • John Leguizamo Explains How He Was Almost in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

    John Leguizamo Explains How He Was Almost in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

    John Leguizamo has a long history with the world of comics. The actor starred as Violator in 1997’s Spawn, played Javier in 2013’s Kick-Ass 2, created PhenomX for Image Comics in 2021 and voiced The Riddler in the podcast Batman: The Audio Adventures through 2022. It seems Leguizamo almost had one more big role to add to his resume until another icon swooped in and took it.

    In an interview with Comic Book, Leguizamo revealed that he was set to play Adrian Toomes, aka the Vulture, in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. That role ultimately went to Michael Keaton but as Leguizamo explained, it was a last-minute switch.

    I was supposed to be the Vulture. We had negotiated and I was about to play him, and they said that Michael Keaton wanted it back and they asked me if I would give it up. I said, ‘Well, okay I guess.’ They said, ‘No, we’ll work with you again, we’re gonna…’ That’s what happened there.

    John Lequizamo

    Leguizamo‘s story calls to mind Keaton’s interesting history with the role. After being reported as in talks, Keaton dropped out of negotiations before swooping back in and landing the role a month later. After being expected to reprise the role of Toomes in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Keaton’s character was nowhere to be found.

    Leguizamo added that he has since turned down another role with the studio. “They offered me something tiny,” he said, adding,”I went, ‘Nuh uh.’” That means that fans of the talented actor can still hold out hope for him to find the right role in the MCU a some point down the road.

    Source: Comic Book

  • ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman Recently Met with Mila Kunis

    ‘Fantastic Four’ Director Matt Shakman Recently Met with Mila Kunis

    Casting for Marvel Studios Fantastic Four is underway and while it seems a new front-runner for the role of Reed Richards emerges each week, another and potentially more important role of the film never gets quite the same amount of attention. While Reed is the brains, Sue Storm is the heart and soul of Marvel’s First Family and any successful film adaptation of the source material would benefit from a strong actress in the role. Though the rumor mill for Sue had been quiet, it’s likely about to heat up now.

    Thanks to the Daily Mail, it’s been revealed that Fantastic Four director Matt Shakman recently met with That ’70s Show star Mila Kunis. While there’s no indication that the two met to discuss a role in Fantastic Four, it is possible that Kunis has the star power necessary for the part. While she’s a strong comedic actress, Kunis received Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and Screen Actors’ Guild nominations for her supporting role in Black Swan.

    Of course, even if the meeting was for a role in Fantastic Four, there’s no guarantee that it was for the role of Sue. With Jonathan Hickman‘s influence being felt across the Multiverse Saga, it’s possible Shakman could be ironically looking at Kunis for the role of Yabbat Ummon Turru, Marvle’s own Black Swan who played a large role in Marvel Comics’ 2015 event Secret Wars. Kunis also has a wealth of experience as a voice actor, having voiced Meg Griffin on Family Guy in 393 episodes over the past 24 years as well as doing voice work on Stoner Cats, Wonder Park and more.

    Though no casting announcements have been made officially, Shakman is deep in the process. Production on Fantastic Four is currently scheduled to get underway early in 2024 ahead of a February 14, 2025 release.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • ‘WandaVision’ & ‘Moon Knight’ Writer Peter Cameron Set to Serve as Executive Producer on New Horror Short ‘Hunger’ (Exclusive)

    ‘WandaVision’ & ‘Moon Knight’ Writer Peter Cameron Set to Serve as Executive Producer on New Horror Short ‘Hunger’ (Exclusive)

    Peter Cameron has become a go-to guy for Marvel Studios. Cameron served as a writer on WandaVision, Moon Knight, Werewolf By Night and is currently in the writer’s room for Agatha: Coven of Chaos. Though he’s certainly not turning his back on his writing days, Cameron has begun to expand his footprint, recently serving as the executive producer on the disaster movie Doomed and will now add another project to his resume.

    Cameron will next serve as executive producer on the Indie horror short, Hunger, created by Junayed Alavi, which will be screened at the First Cut Youth film festival in Ireland and at Lift-Off Global Network festival. Alavi provided Murphy’s Multiverse with details on his background and his new short, Hunger.

    Junayed Alavi is a 24 years old Independent filmmaker from West Bengal, India. Previously, he has written, directed and produced many short films. He is also a podcast host of Bengal’s only live Hollywood podcast show called “Late Night Show with Alavi”, where Hollywood A-listers join and share their journey to inspire the next generation of artists. Till now, many hollywood celebs like Avengers Endgame actress Lexi Rabe, Back to the future actor Jeffrey Weissman, Narnia and The Martian Music Composer Harry Gregson-Williams, Wrong Turn Director Rob Schmidt, Director of Disney’s Black Beauty Ashley Avis, Oscar nominated Make-up Artist of Dune, Blade Runner 2049, Spider-Man: Far From Home Donald Mowat and many more. Junayed met Peter on a podcast episode. They were in touch since 2021. Peter liked one of his short films Eventually. Junayed planned a short film after watching Marvel Studios’ Werewolf by Night, directed by Michael Giacchino, co-written by Peter. After watching some glimpses of Junayed’s short film Hunger, Peter wished to executive produce it. Hunger is a fictional horror story based on The great Bengal famine of 1770.   

    Cameron also worked as a writer on Carnival Row and has continued to show a penchant for combining classic horror elements with more modern sensibilties.

  • Elizabeth Banks Wanted to Direct ‘Thor: Ragnarok’

    Elizabeth Banks Wanted to Direct ‘Thor: Ragnarok’

    Elizabeth Banks, who is currently promoting her newest film Cocaine Bear, recently revealed she tried to direct a Marvel Studios film in the past. In an interview with Variety, Banks admitted she had reached out to Marvel Studios to direct Thor: Ragnarok. The actress-turned-director said she decided to put herself out there for the job because it was an opportunity most women directors don’t get.

    “I definitely wanted to make something muscular and masculine. I wanted to break down some of the mythology around what kinds of movies women are interested in making,” she explained. “For some bizarre reason, there are still executives in Hollywood who are like, ‘I don’t know if women can do technical stuff.’ There are literally people who are like, ‘Women don’t like math.’ It just persists.”

    Unfortunately for Banks, Marvel Studios never called her back and the gig ultimately went to Taika Waititi, who would also go on to helm the fourth Thor installment. As it stands, Banks harbors no ill will toward Waititi, as she feels the right person landed the gig. “No one called me. Taika Waititi got the job. Rightfully so.”

    Next up for Banks is Cocaine Bear, which she directed and calls a “ginormous risk.” That film will hit theaters on Feb. 24th.

    Source: Variety.

  • Director Peyton Reed on How the Father/Daughter Dynamic Remains the Core of the Ant-Man Franchise

    Director Peyton Reed on How the Father/Daughter Dynamic Remains the Core of the Ant-Man Franchise

    Though it could be argued that Scott Lang’s MCU history is largely comprised of “stealing some shit”, anyone who has seen the films knows how important his daughter, Cassie, has been to his journey as Ant-Man. Upon leaving prison, Lang tried to forge a strong relationship with Cassie, which seemed to be going well until Thanos’ snap trapped him in the Quantum Realm. Lang emerged from there to find he’d missed five years of Cassie’s life and that idea is central to the choices he makes in Quantumania, which puts their father-daughter relationship front and center once again.

    “The Scott/Cassie dynamic is the spine of these movies, right?,” said director Peyton Reed in an interview with Comic Book. Reed went on to explain that from a storytelling perspective, the five-year Blip provided Quantumania’s creative team with a “gift.” “He’s an Avenger to be sure, but his biggest goal in life is to be a good father to his daughter and the events of Endgame gave us this gift, which is this [five-year time jump]. He’s always trying to find time with his daughter and he’s lost five more years.“

    Cassie Lang, now played by Kathryn Newton, is no longer the little girl who wanted to be Ant-Man’s partner but rather a young adult who has her own ideas about what it means to be a hero. “Before he can blink an eye, he’s been relating to her as a little girl and now she’s a young woman,” explained Reed. “She’s 18 and now she has her own ideas about justice and about what being a hero looks like and she can be quite critical of her dad, and that’s seemed like a fun dynamic to fulfill.”

    With talk of a fourth Ant-Man film and a Young Avengers project in development at Marvel Studios, it seems like Quantumania will serve as Cassie’s opening act as a hero. Now that she’s apparently a full-fledged member of the Ant-Family, it’ll be interesting to see the continued development of the dynamic with her father and follow their continuing adventures.

    Source: Comic Book

  • ‘Werewolf By Night’ Was Just the Beginning of Marvel Studios’ Foray into Horror

    ‘Werewolf By Night’ Was Just the Beginning of Marvel Studios’ Foray into Horror

    Marvel Studios’ first Special Presentation, Werewolf By Night, was largely successful with critics and audiences alike when it debuted in late 2022. The self-contained story didn’t explicitly set the table for another Marvel Studios horror romp, but it did make it clear that monsters have and continue to exist in the MCU. The studio’s long-awaited Blade film is gearing up for a late May start of production and will introduce audiences to another dark corner of the universe but according to Marvel Studios Parliament member Stephen Broussard, these two projects are just the beginning of Marvel’s foray into horror.

    “Well, I will say that we’re starting to introduce some cool characters that are in the darker side, the more monster side and the supernatural and the occult, in a very organic way as you’re seeing these characters pop up,” said Broussard. “I think in very organic ways, it feels like there could be ways to continue those stories in ways that feel very fresh and new and keeping our toe in that horror side of things.“

    Marvel Comics has a long and distinguished stable of monsters, ghouls, ghosts and demons that would make for thrilling streaming series or films. Werewolf By Night only skimmed the surface of a giant pool of possibilities and gave fans the itch for more. Keeping the talented Gael García Bernal‘s Jack Russell at the center of their efforts would be a wise choice and telling more stories involving the surprisingly wonderful relationship between Russell and Man-Thing while they meet and introduce new monsters to the MCU might just be the surest path to success.

    Source: Comic Book