Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • Marc Forster Set To Direct Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Graveyard Book’ Adaption for Disney

    Marc Forster Set To Direct Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Graveyard Book’ Adaption for Disney

    Neil Gaiman adaptions are quite the trend right now, and everyone wants a slice of the pie. Deadline is reporting that Marc Forster, who is known for his work on Christopher Robin, Quantum of Solace, and World War Z will direct an adaption of The Graveyard Book for Disney. The project will be an adaption of a book by the same name written, as you guessed it, by Neil Gaiman.

    The project will be produced through 2Dux2, Forster‘s production company with Renée Wolfe, who will produce the project alongside Gil Netter. Ben Browning also serves as a producer on the project. The film will be written by David Magee, whose previous works include Mary Poppins Returns and Life of Pi.

    The award winning 2008 novel follows a young boy named Nobody Owens, better known as “Bod” to those closest to him. The boy’s life is perfectly normal, up until his entire family is brutally murdered and the young boy comes to find a new home in a graveyard, where he is raised by a handful of supernatural beings such as Ghost, a werewolf, and an Vampire caretaker of the cemetery. So long as Bod remains in the graveyard, he is able to use ghost-like abilities that allow him to phase through walls, talk with the dead, and even become invisible to humans.

    This is one of a few high profile adaptions of Gaiman’s work in the past few years, with Amazons Good Omens upcoming season and Netflix’s highly anticipated adaption of The Sandman, set to release on August 5th. No release date has been set for the film, and no casting announcements have been made at this time.

    Source: Deadline

  • John Boyega Teases ‘Attack the Block’ Sequel 

    John Boyega Teases ‘Attack the Block’ Sequel 

    John Boyega is about to have his second wind. The actor found his mainstream footing with a lead part in the latest Star Wars trilogy, but now that his time in a galaxy far, far away is over, he’s ready to look at what’s next. Among Boyega’s many brewing projects is a sequel to Attack the Block, one of his first-ever roles, in which he will return as London-born alien-killer Moses. When the film, directed by Joe Cornish, released in 2011, it became an instant cult classic. It was announced last year that both Cornish and Boyega would come back for a second installment.

    Speaking with Deadline at the premiere of Jordan Peele’s Nope, Boyega finally gave fans an update on the film’s progress. The Golden Globe winner explained that he and Cornish met to discuss the sequel just last week, and that more official news about the project should be coming soon:

    We’re in the lab. We’re cooking, we’re cooking. I sat down with Joe Cornish just literally a few weeks ago. So expect some news soon. We’re still in development but we’re cooking something real sweet. We’ll have something soon.

    John Boyega

    Attack the Block centered around a group of London teenagers, led by Boyega’s character, who band together to fend off an alien invasion inside their own housing building. There has been no word on whether or not anyone else from the original cast will also return, but it’s possible viewers will see more of Jodie Whittaker or Nick Frost when the sequel hits theaters. Until then, Boyega can be seen in the upcoming films The Woman King and They Cloned Tyrone.

    Source: Deadline

  • Brett Goldstein Discusses MCU Future and Surprising His Parents 

    Brett Goldstein Discusses MCU Future and Surprising His Parents 

    The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest A-list addition is Brett Goldstein. Best known for his role on AppleTV+’s Ted Lasso, the British actor made his surprise debut as Hercules in the post-credits scene for Thor: Love and Thunder. The reveal came as a huge shock for audiences everywhere, and apparently, it was a bombshell for Goldstein’s parents as well. In a recent interview with Variety, Goldstein explained that he kept his new role a secret from almost everyone, including his folks, and sent his family to see the film without telling them he’d be making an appearance:

    I didn’t tell anyone because Marvel put a chip in my neck that said ‘If you talk about this you’re dead’. My mom and dad, I sent them a text and said ‘I’ve just seen “Thor.”‘ I knew it’s not the kind of film they’d see. I said, ‘You should go see it. It’s funny.’

    Brett Goldstein

    The ruse was close to working too well. The Superbob star continued his story and revealed his mother almost missed her son’s cameo:

    My mom is texting me all the way through the film giving me a running commentary. I’m like, ‘Just watch the film!’ It gets to the end bit, where it shows Russell Crowe… My mom texts me ‘Russell Crowe’s in it again, he’s very funny.’ I go, ‘Fucking look up at the screen!’

    Brett Goldstein

    Perhaps much like his own parents, fans are desperate to learn when they might see the Son of Zeus pop up again in the MCU. The post-credits scene hinted strongly he’d return, but there has been no confirmation from Marvel Studios themselves. Unfortunately, it could be a while, as a later bit of the Variety interview had Goldstein stating he has no idea when he might be coming back:

    I truly, honestly — this isn’t me lying or being coy — I know nothing. All I know is what I did that day and that’s it. That could be it. It was a fun three seconds.

    Brett Goldstein

    Thor: Love and Thunder is in theaters now.

    Source: Variety

  • Misha Green’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Sequel Currently Delayed Indefinitely

    Misha Green’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Sequel Currently Delayed Indefinitely

    There was a lot of excitement when it was announced that Lovecraft Country‘s Misha Green was hired to not only write but also direct the sequel to 2018’s Tomb Raider reboot. Alicia Vikander was set to return as well, but the project has seemingly gone silent. While Vikander has been busy since, especially with the HBO series Irma Vep, she got a chance to sit down with Entertainment Weekly and reveal that the sequel is currently in limbo.

    With the MGM and Amazon buyout, I have no clue. Now it’s kind of politics. I think Misha and I have been ready, so it’s kind of in somebody else’s hands, to be honest. I’ve been excited to show the world. I love what she’s done with Lovecraft Country.

    Alicia Vikander

    There are a lot of questions in regards to why there has been no movement on the project. This statement by Vikander is our first real insight into what has led to it getting delayed indefinitely. As long as the MGM deal isn’t fully finalized, it seems quite unlikely we’ll get any update on the project. There’s also the possibility that they’ll simply pass on the project, as the first entry didn’t really light up the box office.

    Tomb Raider is one of gaming’s most iconic franchises and Angeline Jolie made it one of gaming’s most-successful ventures on the silver screen. While we’re currently in a renaissance for live-action adaptations from the medium, it’s strange that they aren’t using the opportunity to also continue the franchise. Green’s vision likely would’ve breathed a new fresh life into the project but we’ll have to wait a little longer until we get an update.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ Director Teases Kamala Will Gain Even More “Spectacular Power” in the Future

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ Director Teases Kamala Will Gain Even More “Spectacular Power” in the Future

    Ms. Marvel recently ended its run on Disney+ as one of the most critically well-received Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series made viewers fall in love with Kamala Khan and get invested in the mysterious unraveling of what exactly her powers are. By the end of the show, audiences are already excited at seeing what comes next for Kamala in The Marvels. Iman Vellani will star alongside Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, who appeared in the final post-credits scene of Ms. Marvel.

    Kamala’s powers in the MCU raised a lot of eyebrows and questions. First, there were significantly different from the abilities and origin she had in the comics. But Ms. Marvel also dropped the huge fact that Kamala may be a mutant in the MCU, and it never fully explained her powers and her Clandestine background. Some of this was due to time constraints for the series, but the series’ director Adil El Arbi recently told The Direct that fans have quite a bit to look forward to regarding Kamala’s powers going forward. El Arbi stated:

    And I think, power-wise, we saw just the tip of the iceberg of Kamala Khan. I think there is so much more she can do, and on that front, I think there’s a big road for that, some more spectacular power.”

    Adil El Arbi

    Considering Kamala’s powers were introduced and developed in a fairly unique way in the MCU, it makes sense that we are not done learning about them. The series’ creators previously mentioned that Ms. Marvel’s new MCU powers were, in part, meant to help the character fit in better with The Marvels. Director Billal Fallah added that her power growth will result in “a great can of action sequences.” The promise of Kamala’s abilities evolution certainly begs the question of whether she will ultimately have powers on par with Captain Marvel, who is arguably one of the strongest characters in the MCU.

    Ms. Marvel is now streaming in its entirety on Disney+. The Marvels is scheduled to hit theaters on July 28, 2023.

    Source: The Direct

  • REPORT: Netflix Developing More ‘Fear Street’ Films

    REPORT: Netflix Developing More ‘Fear Street’ Films

    Netflix is ready to return to Shadyside just a year after the release of all three Fear Street films. The streamer is reportedly very far into development on more installments within the franchise and plans to dive deeper into the Book of Witchcraft that has forsaken the town for so many years.

    Bloody Disgusting is reporting that they have indeed heard Netflix plans to develop more Fear Street projects exclusively for the streamer. There are currently no details on what any of these projects could be or who would return, but it can be assumed that the expansion may take place sometime around 1994 as that was where we last left Shadyside.

    For those who may not remember, near the tail end of Fear Street: 1666, the Book of Witchcraft was left behind within Nick Goode’s worship room, and before the film ends we can see a pair of hands reach out and grab it, hinting that the worst has yet to come and someone else intends to use the book.

    R.L. Stine himself, the writer of the original books on which the film series was loosely based, has heard that Netflix is looking to do more with the franchise.

    I…hear rumors about more Fear Street movies for Netflix, because the first ones did so well last summer, Those films kind of shocked me, because they were all R-rated, and I’ve never done anything R-rated! All those teenagers were getting slashed. I was like, ‘Suddenly, I have a slasher movie!’

    R.L. Stine

    Hopefully we get some more news on whats next for the series at Netflix’s upcoming TUDUM event, set to return on September 24th.

    Source: BloodyDigusting

  • Amazon’s Prime Video UI Gets Major Overhaul

    Amazon’s Prime Video UI Gets Major Overhaul

    Of all the streaming giants, Amazon’s Prime Video has seemingly been the one needing an update for the longest time. Luckily, it seems that the streamer has been working on something for secrets besides just a few tweaks over the years as they have shared their first major overhaul. This will be its biggest step since Amazon started distributing content back in 2013 and is the perfect time as they start hyping up The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s upcoming release.

    It looks like they wanted to make the navigation menu more user-friendly, especially in how one can access Prime Video’s library of originals. So far, it hasn’t been the easiest menu to maneuver, especially when it came to creating your own Prime experience with your favorite shows. There is now a side section for six primary pages: Home, Store, Find, Live TV, Free With Ads, and My Stuff.

    It seems they’ve tried to optimize the platform for users, especially given how diverse their offerings are with sports events, live TV, and more depending on your subscription model. It’ll also include a “My Subscriptions” addition for those wanting to switch between others like Paramount+ or AMC+.

    Overall, the design looks great and still adheres to some elements from the original, it gives their projects a bit more pop. Plus, it may help ease people to find what is actually part of their Prime subscription as it was mostly dependent on a small tag in the upper corner of the project. Will be interesting to see how people welcome the new design once it rolls out.

    Source: The Wrap

  • ‘Dune’ Sequel Starts Production With First Set Photo

    ‘Dune’ Sequel Starts Production With First Set Photo

    It looks like it didn’t take too long for Denis Villeneuve to continue his sci-fi epic, Dune. After quite a successful run at the box office, the auteur has swiftly jumped on the chance to continue his storyline with hints in the past that he may even have a third planned. Dune: Part Two as the title implies is the second part adapting the iconic book by Frank Herberts. To celebrate the production start, the official Duen account shared an image from the set to celebrate the occasion.

    Cinematographer Greig Fraser is back to join Villeneuve to adapt the storyline. He’s recently given us the iconic The Batman and it’ll be exciting to once again see how they adapt the sand planet Arrakis while still offering some more stunning visuals. The plans are to adapt the third film entry based on the second novel Dune Messiah, but it’s unclear if they’d further explore more entires from the six-book entries.

    Villeneuve has quite the track record with his stunning work and more slower-paced adaptations. Blade Runner 2049 was a standout when it was released it’s quite interesting to see the director tackle a franchise with even an HBO Max spinoff by Diane Ademu-John. It’s unclear if it might tie into the events of the main series, but it’ll be curious to see what the future has in store for this franchise.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel Adds ‘Game of Thrones’ Alumni

    ‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel Adds ‘Game of Thrones’ Alumni

    Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has added yet another impressive name to its cast. Deadline reports that Game of Thrones alumni Peter Dinklage has joined the cast as Casca Highbottom, who is the dean of the Academy.

    “Dean Highbottom is one of the most powerful people in Snow’s life. As the austere and vindictive face of the games, he sets the rules that will determine every aspect of Coriolanus’s fate. I’m thrilled that Peter will be bringing him to life,” director Francis Lawrence said in a statement to Deadline.

    Dinklage joins a cast led by Tom Blyth, who will play the young Coriolanus Snow, and Rachel Zegler, who plays tribute Lucy Gray Baird. Also starring in the film are Josh Andrés Rivera, Hunter Schafer, Jerome Lance, Ashley Liao, Knox Gibson, Mackenzie Lansing, Aamer Husain, Nick Benson, Laurel Marsden, Lilly Cooper, Luna Steeples, Hiroki Berrecloth and Jason Schwartzman. Production on the Hunger Games prequel is currently underway, with the film slated to hit theaters next year.

    “With production underway, we couldn’t be more excited about the way this cast has come together and thrilled to be welcoming Peter Dinklage to Panem. Peter is not just a fan favorite actor who brings a commanding presence to every part he plays,” Nathan Kahane, President of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group told Deadline. “He is one of the best actors alive. He will bring a formidable, charismatic authority to the important role of the dean of the Academy.”

    The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes follows an  18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, long before he became the president of Panem, as he becomes the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games approaching, Snow is alarmed to find he’s assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a young girl from District 12 – the same district Katniss is from in the original series. Like Katniss, Lucy is defiant, but Snow finds a way to turn the odds in their favor as they race to survive and ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.

    The film will be released into theaters on Nov. 17th, 2023.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Faces Harsh Second Friday Drop at the Box Office

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Faces Harsh Second Friday Drop at the Box Office

    The numbers are in and Thor: Love and Thunder has faced quite the harsh drop going into its second weekend. Reports have stated that the latest Marvel film has plunged by around 80% after a bombastic opening last weekend. The domestic box office is showing its fangs with pretty much every production with one exception, Top Gun: Maverick, has faced similar drops. Even Minions: The Rise of Gru faced a harsh 70% drop on its second Friday.

    This marks the second highest drop for any Marvel film, as it’s around 2% ahead of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which fell from a $91M Friday. The current drop is closer to what Black Widow faced when it was released last year on June 29th and November’s Eternals (75%). So, the film is likely to wrap up around $45M and pull in $233M in its first ten days.

    Any other franchise, as Forbes’ Scott Mendelsohn points out, this would be a strong second weekend but it is simply a record for a Marvel production. The question is if it’ll avoid the $100M loser club after opening to $144M. It’ll likely pass $500M worldwide by tomorrow but with some key markets also slowing down, anything can go for now. Even Jurassic World: Dominion saw a 73% drop and it had an A- CinemaScore while critics weren’t thrilled with the project.

    Is this the “end of Marvel” as many like to call any non-record breaking box office opening for their films? Not really, as it continues a trend we’re still seeing throughout the pandemic with bigger blockbusters. $13.8M is lower than Minions’ second weekend at $14.43M but that isn’t an indicator. Frontloading has become a new norm and the B+ Cinemascore simply points to people enjoying their first watch, but in no hurry to do so again.

    What works in its favor is that there’s no real competition moving forward outside of late July’s DC League of Super-Pets which likely is going to focus on a much younger crowd. Even with a 1.35x multiplier, the film would still end up around $315M which is around the same as Thor: Ragnarok. The only risk factor is the Disney+ release but Doctor Strange didn’t slow down too much still pulling in $34M after its release. That film faced the same CinemaScore and 45 digital release window but still managed to leg out to $950M.

    Most films in this era for Marvel have had harsh drops and the pandemic is still an issue for some. So, people are much more selective about what film they’ll watch or spend money on. Korea has seen Top Gun take back the top spot where it’s been performing exceptionally well like in many other markets. While the film won’t pass The Batman at this rate, it’s a good sign such different projects can pull in very different numbers.

    Source: Forbes, Forbes (Minions), The Numbers