Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • Kevin Feige on the High-Bar Marvel Studios Has Set for ‘Fantastic Four’

    Kevin Feige on the High-Bar Marvel Studios Has Set for ‘Fantastic Four’

    Three years after being announced at SDCC ’19, Marvel Studios Fantastic Four finally has a release date. During SDCC ’22’s Hall H presentation, Marvel Studios One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, revealed to fans that the first ever MCU-set Fantastic Four film will hit theaters in November of 2024.

    While a release date has been carved out, much about the film remains up in the air. Without a director, after Jon Watts exited the project, and no writer announced as yet, Fantastic Four seems, for the moment at least, pretty directionless. Rumors have swirled that Feige has shown interest in some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Steven Spielberg, to helm the film but SDCC came and went without a hint of a director…or a cast. It’s not all bad news, however, as Feige explains to THR, it’s because he and the top brass of Marvel Studios are taking great care in developing the project and separating it from Fox’s prior attempts to bring the First Family of Marvel Comics to the screen.

    A lot of people know this origin story. A lot of people know the basics. How do we take that and bring something that they’ve never seen before? We’ve set a very high bar for ourselves with bringing that to the screen.

    Kevin Feige

    Unpacking Feige’s quote (and the implications from the original article), it’s clear that the plan is NOT to retell the origin story of the team again. Marvel Studios took the same approach when introducing Spider-Man into the MCU, choosing to sprinkle in jsut enough info about how Peter Parker became Spidey via dialogue as opposed to spending an act or two of a film on it. Does this mean that the Fantastic Four might, as Spidey did before them, enter the MCU in another film? Rumors and speculation have identified Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania as a potential entry point for the team, but without casting decisions for the team having been made, the clock is ticking on that as the Ant-Man threequel hits theaters in February.

    Whatever the plan, it’s encouraging to know that Feige understands the gravity of this film and that Marvel Studios MUST take great care to set it apart from Fox’s less-than-successful films. As of now, all eyes are on D23, September 9-11th in Anaheim, as a potential time and place for Feige to trot out a director and cast. With less than two months to go until the event, fans are holding out hope that Feige can solve everything.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Leauge of Super-Pets’ Circling the Top Spot at The Box Office

    ‘Leauge of Super-Pets’ Circling the Top Spot at The Box Office

    DC’s League of Super-Pets looks ready to fly high at the box office this weekend. The animated flick is eyeing a $25 million-plus debut this weekend, which should be enough to take the top spot from Jordan Peele’s Nope.

    While that’s far from a bang, that’s a decent enough start to earn first place at the domestic box office. Current projections have it opening between $25 million and $30 million when it opens across 4,300 theaters in North America. With a reported $90 million price tag, League of Super-Pets will need to stick the landing among families and comic book fans. Universal’s Minions: The Rise of Gru has shown family films are still big business despite the pandemic, with the film surpassing the $300 million domestic mark.

    One thing working in the film’s favor is that it has the DC Comics branding attached to it. Being based on comics could help carry the film, at least through its opening weekend. However, the film being its own entity and not attached to a popular film franchise could also hurt it. 

    The film is directed by Jared Stern and features voice performances by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Diego Luna, Natasha Lyonne and Kate McKinnon as the pets of Justice League members. DC League of Super-Pets was written by Stern and John Whittington (The Lego Batman Movie). It flies into theaters this weekend.

    Source: Variety

  • REPORT: Fox Contracts Delaying the X-Men’s MCU Introduction

    REPORT: Fox Contracts Delaying the X-Men’s MCU Introduction

    In 2019, Disney officially completed its acquisition and merger with 20th Century Fox, one of the biggest such mergers in entertainment history. What many fans focused on, however, was the idea that Marvel Studios gained the live-action rights to many beloved characters from the Marvel universe, such as the X-Men and The Fantastic Four. Three years removed from the excitement, we’ve yet to really see much happen aside from X-Men ’97 being made, Deadpool 3 being green lit and Kamala Khan retconned as the MCU’s first mutant and it seems there may be a reason behind that.

    In a recent podcast at his Patreon, CInema Sangha, journalist Devin Faraci shared some information about the situation behind the scenes with the delayed introduction of the mutants in the MCU.

    Despite the introduction of mutants at the end of Ms. Marvel, there’s no mutants in Phase 5. I know why. I know why there’s no mutants. I know why this is going to take a while. There might be individual mutants, there might be other characters that show a certain interest. The reason why is the contractual situation with the original Fox stuff is going to be in effect until 2025. So, if they don’t want to use those actors, then they have to wait until that contract all expires.

    Devin Faraci

    It seems like fans are gonna have to wait a while to see quite a few of the big names that they’re looking forward to seeing pop up in the MCU. The problem seems to be that some of the talent brought on by Fox have contracts that are still in effect and carried over following the acquisition of 20th Century. These actors cannot be recast until the contract concludes in 2025. This will most likely result in an X-Men likely not coming till 2026 once Phase 7 begins.

    If they’re going to have stuff hitting in 2025 at the end of the contract, then they’ll announce it. But I think they actually can’t go into production until the contract’s up. So it’s not even a release – it’s the same thing with Superman. So they’re going to be Phase 7. So you’re not going to see mutants until Phase 7. There are going to be mutants that will show up after the Multiverse Saga is over.

    Devin Faraci

    The Illuminerdi was able to back up this claim, saying that their own sources reported that Marvel Studios is holding off on the X-Men due to talent and producers still being contractually attached to anything regarding that group of characters. Feige and company obviously would like to move in a different direction with these characters following the films produced by Fox, and would like a fresh slate to revamp many that may have been mischaracterized and underutilized in the Fox era.

    For now, fans will just have to wait for X-Men ’97 to hit Disney+ next year to get their mutant fill.

    SOURCE: Illuminerdi

  • New ‘Madame Web’ Set Photos Offer Closer Look at Dakota Johnson

    New ‘Madame Web’ Set Photos Offer Closer Look at Dakota Johnson

    Madame Web is quite the weeb of mysteries. Not only is Sony’s general direction with its Spider-Man franchise sans Spider-Man heading in a questionable direction, but it also seemingly is trying to set up something. Morbius‘ post-credit sequence hinted at some kind of team-up but even forcefully pulled Michael Keaton‘s Vulture into the multiverse to do so. Now, we also have a story focused on a primarily minor supporting character that weaved throughout the Spider-Verse.

    While we still question just how this project is going to come together but the casting of Dakota Johnson in the titular role is something to be excited about. We had a glimpse of set photos hinting at an early 2000s version of the story but the latest set photo offers our closest look yet at her in costume. Well, she’s wearing a red jacket over some regular clothing but it’s at least something to talk about.

    https://twitter.com/MarvelCrave/status/1551805010081636353

    There have been hints that this story might actually be something very different from what we’re expecting; that is hard to define, to begin with. Given her connection to the multiverse, it may potentially be an element that will lead to the recently announced Avengers: Secret Wars. There have been slight hints at a connection to Marvel Studios, but with Kevin Feige mostly having a supporting role over at Sony by consulting on projects, it’s unclear if that may have caused some confusion. Yet, there’s potential with this project and we’ll see if future looks behind the scenes make it clearer what exactly is heading our way.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘The Gray Man’ Universe a Go at Netflix

    ‘The Gray Man’ Universe a Go at Netflix

    Netflix is looking to build a franchise with The Gray Man. It was announced today that the streaming giant is developing not only a sequel to the film but also a spinoff title. The news comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, with the outlet revealing Ryan Gosling will return to headline the sequel. Also returning for the sequel are directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who will produce through their AGBO banner once again. Details regarding the spin-off are sparse, however, Deadpool writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese are on board to pen the film; no director is attached to the project. 

    The Gray Man hit Netflix on July 22nd, following a limited theatrical run on July 15th. It is based on the best-selling book series by Mark Greaney, which currently consists of twelve books. The film adaptation stars Ryan Gosling as Six, a secret agent who is being tracked by Chris Evans’ sociopathic mercenary at the behest of a top government official hoping to hide his own wrongdoing.

    “With so many amazing characters in the movie, we had always intended for the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and we are thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan,” the Russo brothers said in a statement to the press. 

    Scott Stuber, who serves as the head of global film for Netflix, noted the service’s desire to build out the film universe. “With The Gray Man, the Russos delivered an edge-of-your-seat spectacle that audiences around the world are loving. We’re excited to continue to partner with them and the team at AGBO as they build out The Gray Man universe.”

    The Gray Man, which currently has a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is now streaming on Netflix. A release window for The Gray Man’s sequel has not yet been announced.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Toys Reveal Major Changes to Namor’s Origins

    ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Toys Reveal Major Changes to Namor’s Origins

    On stage at San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios finally gave the world its first look at Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The highly-anticipated sequel had been the subject of rumors for quite some time, but with a trailer now online and the full cast revealed, the film’s biggest secret is out in the open. Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta, and his Atlantean army will serve as the project’s main antagonists, finally bringing Marvel’s first major character to the big screen. The only thing is, Namor and his army might not be Atlantean at all.

    Following the film’s formal unveiling at Hall H, Hasbro began its official marketing push for its release. The company’s website is now accepting pre-orders for all Wakanda Forever-related merchandise, including a Marvel Legends action figure of Namor himself. The description of the Sub-Mariner’s figure describes him not as the King of Atlantis, but as the ruler of a hidden undersea civilization called “Talocan” instead. While this change may seem strange at first, it actually makes a lot more sense with a dive under the surface. Marvel Studios likely wants to differentiate their underwater kingdom from the popular depiction of Atlantis shown in Jason Mamoa’s Aquaman franchise, and they’re doing so by tying it to real-world mythology.

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Namor and his people appear to be connected to Aztec and Mayan culture, and the name “Talocan” is further proof of this. In Aztec legend, Tlālōcān is a mythological realm of paradise ruled by the rain god Tlālōc. Marvel Studios has seemingly designated this hydro-heaven as their version of Atlantis, with Namor and his Royal bloodline possibly filling the Tlālōc role. Interestingly, Talocan does exist in the comics, as the home of the Tēteoh pantheon of gods. With so many recent God-based projects, like Moon Knight and Thor: Love and Thunder, it will be curious to see if Marvel claims Namor and his society as Gods themselves, or if they just really wanted to use the name.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11th.

    Source: Screen Rant

  • Marvel Studios President Teases New Approach With ‘Avengers’ Movies

    Marvel Studios President Teases New Approach With ‘Avengers’ Movies

    San Diego Comic-Con was quite the experience and have us a first real look at the future of Marvel Studios’ projects. Not only did they unveil Phase 5 but also confirmed that the Multiverse Saga will come to an end with Phase 6. However, what stood out for many was that we won’t be getting an Avengers film to wrap up a Phase as we used to. Many expected that to be the case with a surprise announcement to wrap up Phase 4, but it turns out that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has the privilege of that placement.

    In an interview with MTV News, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige offered some insight into how they are tackling the new approach, especially with how Disney+ has opened up many new gateways for them to introduce other characters in new and interesting ways. He also compares to how their approach has changed from the previous Infinity Saga.

    Well… it’s never about going bigger just to go bigger. Sometimes, by the nature of the number of characters that you have in the toy box to then bring into the sandbox of the story, things can get bigger. But you know, the truth is, when we were doing Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, there were less projects over more years. And they were smaller projects and individual character stories. And it felt appropriate at that point that after, you know, every two or three years that it took for a phase, we would do an Avengers film. As 4, 5, and 6 were coming together, there are more projects in less years because of all the amazing stuff we’re now allowed to do on Disney+ and getting and getting characters from Fox, for Fantastic Four and Deadpool, that it felt like… and certainly after Infinity War and Endgame that we thought, ‘Avengers movies aren’t cappers

    Kevin Feige

    While some have seen this as slightly controversial due to the number of projects available in less time than previously offered, they are aware of that fact and are also not trying to just rush out Avengers films as a result. They are trying to keep its place as an “event” within the build-up and have other franchises.

    So many of our movies now, the Multiverse of Madness, what you’re about to see in Quantumania, are big team-up films introducing big parts of the mythology and that Avengers films really should be the capper to a saga. Which is really all we wanted to to lay the groundwork for today, is say, ‘We are currently in the midst of the Multiverse saga which will culminate in two Avengers films.

    Kevin Feige

    Of course,e it’s an interesting strategy to wrap up the Saga with not one but two films. It may be a showcase of what they learned with the success of Infinity War going into Endgame. Yet, it does seem curious they wouldn’t want to keep a year between these projects to build into it. Of course, there’s always the chance that is the plan and they are keeping a potential shift of their release dates just in case, as they still don’t have a director set.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • ‘Wakanda Forever’ Almost Doubles ‘Black Panther’s 24-Hour Trailer Viewership

    ‘Wakanda Forever’ Almost Doubles ‘Black Panther’s 24-Hour Trailer Viewership

    The trailer drop for Black Panther Wakanda Forever was something special. Given the weight surrounding the project and the expectations in regards to carrying on Chadwick Boseman‘s legacy, it wasn’t going to be easy. Yet, the somber trailer offered something different from the usual trailer fare and made it potentially stand out from the rest. That same has seemingly been accomplished with the trailer almost doubling the original Black Panther‘s 24-hour viewership.

    As of now, Wakanda Forever, which has been the main focus as a title for its promotion, has pulled in 172M views within 24 hours. That is almost twice as much as the first back in 2017, which stands at a still impressive 88M. The film was also trending for five consecutive hours and Black Panther pulled in 893K mentions. So, it was definitely the talk of the town. The film’s viewership actually rivals that of most Avengers films, closing in on Avengers: Infinity Wars which stood at 179M.

    Spider-Man: No Way Home still is the most viewed film at a historic 355.5M views. Thor: Love and Thunder is still a surprising 209M, which showcases how viewership doesn’t necessarily translate to box office openings. Still, its main point of comparison is the previous entry and doubling those viewership numbers of a film that managed to pass $1 billion mark back in 2018. It’ll be quite interesting to see how far the film manages to grow and if subsequent trailers could continue pushing its numbers to even rival that of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which pulled in around $950M this year.

    Source: Variety

  • Marvel Studios Sets Eight New Theatrical Dates for Phases 6 & 7

    Marvel Studios Sets Eight New Theatrical Dates for Phases 6 & 7

    Marvel Studios laid out an impressive road map during their Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, giving fans a comprehensive look at what’s now officially known as the Multiverse Saga. The Multiverse Saga will consist of three phases and is set to wrap up with Avengers: Secret Wars in November of 2025.

    While Marvel Studios One-Above-All, Kevin Feige, gave the beginning and end points of the Saga, he also left plenty of blanks to fill in over the next couple of years including what look to be 3 projects in the Fall and Winter of 2024 and 5 more over the course of 2025. While it wasn’t made entirely clear during the panel, it seems that all 8 of those projects are destined for Disney Plus. With Agatha: Coven of Chaos beginning in 2023 and ending in 2024, Daredevil: Born Again is currently the only D+ series on the slate for 2024. Adding in the other dates would bring the 2024 D+ tally to 4.5, which is in line with what the studio is doing in 2023. Moving to 5 series in 2025 wouldn’t be too much of a leap, at that point.

    Adding to the likelihood that all 8 unannounced projects might head to Disney + was some news that got lost in the excitement: Marvel Studios 2025 and 2026 theatrical dates.

    In addition to dating Avengers: The Kang Dynasty and Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel Studios has dated two other untitled Phase 6 films in February and July of 2025.

    • February 14, 2025: Untitled Marvel Studios Film
    • May 2, 2025: Avengers: The Kang Dynasty
    • July 25, 2025: Untitled Marvel Studios Film
    • November 7, 2025: Avengers: Secret Wars

    And with Phase 6 and the Multiverse Saga coming to a conclusion in 2025, the studio has already turned their attention to the beginning of Phase 7 with 4 untitled films set for 2026.

    • February 13, 2026: Untitled Marvel Studios Film
    • May 1, 2026: Untitled Marvel Studios Film
    • July 24, 2026: Untitled Marvel Studios Film
    • November 6, 2026: Untitled Marvel Studios Film

    With the Fantastic Four set to arrive just in time for Avengers: Secret Wars and Marvel Studios yet to reveal any long-term plans for mutants in the MCU, it seems like Phase 7 could belong, at least in part, to the studio’s plans for them.


  • SDCC: Marvel Studios President Confirms Spider-Man is Now a Street-Level Hero

    SDCC: Marvel Studios President Confirms Spider-Man is Now a Street-Level Hero

    The events of Spider-Man: No Way Home changed a lot for Peter Parker. Not only has everyone forgotten who he is, but he’s also now further away from the Avengers than ever before. Once looking up to his heroes, the young man is faced with a very different world. Many still questioned if that meant that we can expect a more grounded storyline for the character moving forward. For those wondering, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige fully confirmed it.

    Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man swung out of his new small apartment to tackle whatever threats he can in a new suit. According to Feige in an interview with MTV News’ Josh Horowitz, he’s now truly a street-level hero on the same level as Daredevil. It’s a big revelation that may answer some people’s concerns about his stories taking a more focused role moving forward.

    We’ve got the supernatural angles, we’ve got the street-level with our announcement of Daredevil, and of course, Spidey going into the street-level heroes.

    Kevin Feige

    Feige did confirm that they are working on a fourth entry, and as director Jon Watts has kind of moved on, who knows which director might take over to give his unique spin on the character. With a more grounded approach, they could also connect him to the also mentioned Daredevil and have him face off against mobs while struggling to pay rent. In a way, the next entry will be a return to form from the character that we’ve known from the earliest entries in cinema, and who knows what else might be heading his way.

    Source: Twitter via Total Film