Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • Uche Agada on How He Got the Role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘Rise’

    Uche Agada on How He Got the Role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in ‘Rise’

    It’s not an easy task when an actor has to now only bring a performance to life but also based on someone that really existed. So, imagine if that person is still alive and you have to take on the role of one of the NBA all-stars Giannis Antetkounmpo. Well, that task landed in the hands of Uche Agada who shared his story during the Disney+ film’s press conference.

    The young actor revealed that this was his first role, and it was him sending in a video after he saw that Giannis shared a link to getting cast in his Disney+ film. Somehow, he ended up getting the callback and would eventually get the role. Not only that, but

    And for me, I was never an actor prior to this, so this was very weird for me. So, when it said callback with a director of a movie, in my mind, I’m like, yo, that’s crazy. But I did that callback and did another callback. And eventually, they told me I got the part, which is absolutely incredible.

    Uche Agada

    He also reveals that he would be asked a rather curious question, as a “couple of weeks later, they asked me if I had any siblings” which would lead to his real-life brother, Ral Agada getting cast as Athanasios Antetkounmpo in the Disney+ film. He even revealed that they had the brothers to have a chemistry read.

    So, I go on the court, put in some clips, and then they asked me to do a chemistry read with my brother. I’m like, “Hm, all right.” ‘Cause he is my brother. It shouldn’t be hard to act like that.

    Ral Agada

    It definitely sounded like an interesting experience and it’s a nice touch to have actual brothers portray the two main characters of the film. It seems that it didn’t take long after he sent in some clips that they were called up to film the film during the summer. They even got to film on location in Greece, as revealed by Ral Agada. It’s crazy to think what a random Instagram post can lead to.

  • ‘Furiosa’ Synopsis Teases a War for the Wasteland

    ‘Furiosa’ Synopsis Teases a War for the Wasteland

    George Miller’s Furiosa, a prequel to 2015’s Fury Road, has begun production in Australia ahead of its May 19, 2023 release date. Now Warner Bros. has released a new synopsis for the film, which will see Anya Taylor-Joy step into the role of Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, and reveal the origins of the “powerhouse character.”

    As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.  Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe.  While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home. 

    Immortan Joe featured prominently in Fury Road and the comic series that followed. Furiosa served as Joe’s Imperator before betraying and eventually giving him a grisly death via a harpoon to the mouth. Though WB has not commented on who will be playing Joe in Furiosa, it’s believed that Tom Byrne (A Discovery of Witches) will be playing the younger version of the character, who was a Colonel during the Oil Wars that precede the event of the original Mad Max. The film will also star Chris Hemsworth, who may well be playing the opposing Warlord, Dementus, who will vie for dominance of the Wasteland with Joe.

  • Jurnee Smollett Teases ‘Black Canary’ Film, Discusses Her Time as the Hero

    Jurnee Smollett Teases ‘Black Canary’ Film, Discusses Her Time as the Hero

    While Warner Bros. Discovery looks to revamp its DC offerings, it looks like Black Canary is still in the works. During a recent sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter to promote the Netflix film, Spiderhead, Black Canary actress Jurnee Smollett briefly teased what’s to come for the character.

    Ever since the character’s live-action debut in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a Black Canary project. Then in April 2021, it was confirmed that a Black Canary movie was in the works at HBO Max with Smollett confirmed to return and Lovecraft Country creator Misha Green set to pen the script. While that project seems to have survived the DC clean-up – so far – Smollett isn’t actually able to talk too much about it. “I can’t talk about it, as you know. But I can say I really am excited about what we’re developing.”

    Prior to the announcement of the Black Canary film, fans had taken to trending #BlackCanaryHBOSeries in hopes of landing a series sequel to Birds of Prey with Smollett’s Canary. For the actress, seeing the fan response was exciting. “Truly, one of the great joys of my professional career has been playing Black Canary,” she said. “To see the response from the fans online and engaging on Twitter. They are a massive reason why I am where I am, and any excitement I have about continuing on the Black Canary trajectory, it’s being made possible because of the fans.”

    The actress also revealed that upon being cast in Birds of Prey, she received some great advice from a legendary actor that has made his own mark in the comic book movie world — Samuel L. Jackson. He has been playing Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since Iron Man’s post credit scene. Upon being cast, she called him in hopes of figuring out how to approach the role. “And he said, “Baby, just go and piss on your territory.” So I’ve been just so truly, truly humbled by the response from the fans.”

    As of now, the Black Canary movie for HBO Max does not have a director or a planned release date.

    Source: THR.

  • Henry Czerny Joins the Ensemble Cast of ‘Scream 6’

    Henry Czerny Joins the Ensemble Cast of ‘Scream 6’

    The actor is the latest addition to the growing ensemble for the sixth Scream installment at Paramount and Spyglass Media. He will join franchise newcomers Dermot Mulroney, Jack Champion, Liana Liberato, Devyn Nekoda and Josh Segarra. While Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding and Jenna Ortega who are reprising their roles from the most recent Scream film, and Hayden Panettiere will reprise her role from Scream 4.

    Production on the film is currently underway. While details remain sparse, it is thought that this installment will follow the four survivors of the most recent film as they leave Woodsboro behind in hopes of beginning a new chapter. This will mark the first Scream film not to feature Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott, while Courtney Cox is expected to return as Gale Weathers.

    The sixth Scream film will hit theaters on March 31st, 2023. It is being directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who helmed the most recent film, from a script by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. Kevin Williamson, who penned the first Scream film, is also on board as a producer. It’ll also be produced by Project X Entertainment’s Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein and William Sherak.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Rise’ Director Wanted to Direct a Film About Giannis Antetokounmpo Since His NBA Draft

    ‘Rise’ Director Wanted to Direct a Film About Giannis Antetokounmpo Since His NBA Draft

    Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s journey is a complex one. While he grew up in Greece, he has Nigerian roots through his parents that lived as undocumented immigrants in the country. So, finding a fitting director to tell that story must’ve been a long one and luckily they found a fitting choice in Nigerian director Akin Omotoso. During the official press conference, he revealed that he’s been hoping to tell this story ever since Antetokounmpo was drafted in the NBA.

    In 2013, when Giannis was drafted, every year I’ll look at the draft and I’ll pick out who the African players are drafted. And when Giannis was drafted, I remember reading, you know, reading up a story and I was like, “If ever I was to make a film about basketball and life, it’ll be this gentleman’s story.

    Akin Omotoso

    He also went on to highlight that they found out about the project through a magazine, which led to him instantly inquiring his agent to give him a chance to just be in the room to talk bout potentially directing the film.

    And by chance, like Dayo, you know, I picked up a magazine. And in the magazine, it said Disney was making a movie about their life. And I said to my agent, whatever you do, you got to get me in that room so that I tell Disney how I would make this film.

    Akin Omotoso

    He also highlighted that he kept that magazine by his bed until he would at least find out if someone else got the chance to direct the film. It seems that it was his way of showcasing his dedication to making his six-year dream true before fate would finally lead to him making it a reality. In a way, it’s fitting given the message of the film is about people being inspired to chase their dream.

  • ‘The Marvels’ Star Praises Director Nia DeCosta as a “Guiding Light”

    ‘The Marvels’ Star Praises Director Nia DeCosta as a “Guiding Light”

    Marvel Studios’ The Marvels is finally set to hit theaters next summer after numerous delays. While details are still relatively sparse on the Captain Marvel sequel, it has been confirmed that Zawe Ashton will be marking her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in the film in an unknown role. While the actress hasn’t been able to say much of anything regarding the project, she did briefly tease her experience in a new interview with Variety.

    While she wasn’t able to comment on the film itself, Ashton did sing the praises of director Nia DeCosta, calling her a “guiding light” of directors. “I just can’t say even one thing. Other than I had the best time,” she said. “And Nia DeCosta is one of the guiding lights of directors that we have. She is so precious and special and the doors that she’s going to open – that she already has – are extremely, extremely exciting.”

    Following the announcement that Ashton had joined the cast of The Marvels, fans quickly began reposting photos of the actress in a Captain Marvel costume from 2019. In the photos, she’d been joined by Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Cox who’d opted to dress as one another’s Marvel characters. While Ashton isn’t sure if DeCosta saw those photos ahead of her casting, she did explain that she’d met with the director for a role prior to The Marvels. “You know, I had met her about a very low budget period piece right when the pandemic had hit and we just got on like a house of fire,” she said. ‘“Candyman” hadn’t come out yet but we were familiar enough with each other – I’d seen her brilliant debut feature “Little Woods” and had been really impressed and thought, “I’d like to work with that woman one day.” So, it was just a meeting of the minds, the seeing of souls and she decided to take me on one of the biggest journeys that she could possibly be undertaking.”

    The Marvels hits theaters on July 28th, 2023. Also starring in the film are Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani.

    Source: Variety.

  • ‘Blade’ Casts ‘The Wonder Years’ Actress in Lead Role

    ‘Blade’ Casts ‘The Wonder Years’ Actress in Lead Role

    Actress Milan Ray, who is best known for her role as Keisa Clemmons on ABC’s The Wonder Years reboot, has been cast in Marvel Studio’s Blade. According to the report from The Direct, Ray will portray a “key character” in the film.

    While the report did name Ray’s role, a report from over a year ago indicated that the production was searching for “Ruby”, a teenager described as “thoughtful, serious, and burdened by growing up in a complex world.” At the time, it was widely speculated that this role would turn out to be Blade’s daughter, a concept abandoned by Marvel Comics in 2015. It’s sensible that Ray’s character will be how Marvel Studios chooses to bring that character, Fallon Grey, to life in the MCU.

    Ray joins Mahershala Ali, Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre in the film which does not yet have a release date and looks to begin filming late this summer or early this fall. Bassam Tariq will direct the reboot based on a script by Watchmen scribe Stacy Osei-Kuffour.

    Source: The Direct

  • Netflix’s ‘Spy Kids’ Finds Its Family

    Netflix’s ‘Spy Kids’ Finds Its Family

    Deadline reports that Gina Rodriguez and Zachary Levi will headline the newest Spy Kids film, while Everly Carganilla and newcomer Connor Esterson will play their kids. The new film will be directed and produced by Spy Kids creator Robert Rodriguez. He’ll also co-write the latest film with Racer Max. This marks a return to Netflix for Rodriguez who saw success with his 2020 family film, We Can be Heroes, on the streaming platform.

    The latest chapter of the Spy Kids franchise will see the children of the world’s greatest secret agents unwittingly help a powerful Game Developer unleash a computer virus that will give him control of all technology. This will lead the kids to become spies themselves to save their parents and, of course, the world.

    Rodriguez, who is perhaps best known for her leading role in the CW’s Jane the Virgin, has seen her star rise considerably over the years. Along with having appeared in Someone Great and Amazon’s I Want You Back, she’s also set to star in the ABC series Not Dead Yet. While Levi is perhaps best known for his work on the TV series Chuck, as well as his leading role in Shazam! For DC and Warner Bros.

    Also producing the film will be David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance, as well as Elizabeth Avellan and Racer Max. While Spyglass’ Gary Barber and Peter Oillataguerre will executive produce and Nick Nesbit will serve as Netflix’s creative lead on the film.

    Source: Deadline

  • Taika Waititi on the Loki Story He’d Like to Tell

    Taika Waititi on the Loki Story He’d Like to Tell

    Thor: Love and Thunder marks director Taika Waititi’s second chapter in the MCU journey of the Norse God of Thunder and it promises to be a wild entry. The film will see Chris Hemsworth’s Odinson undergo a personal renaissance, Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster become the Mighty Thor and the two former lovers team up to take on one of the MCU’s most terrifying villains yet, Gorr the God Butcher.

    Promotional footage from the film has heavily featured many characters who are returning from Thor: Ragnarok, but so far, one major character from that film has been notably absent. Though a Variant of him is plenty busy having his own adventures, there’s been no sign that Loki would appear in Thor: Love and Thunder. This is sensible, of course, because the Loki from the timeline explored in this movie had his neck broken by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, making it difficult for even the God of Mischief to return. That doesn’t mean Waititi doesn’t have ideas about what he’d like to see Loki get up to in the MCU, however.

    In an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Waititi talked about how he’d like to see one of Loki’s most colorful adventures from Norse mythology adapted to the MCU:

    Loki at one point turned himself into a female horse, had sex with, like, a serpent, and then got pregnant. And then gave birth to an eight-legged horse. Why was that not in Avengers? We’re gonna start a petition, we need to see Tom Hiddleston pregnant with a horse.

    Taika Waititi

    That eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, is the mythological steed of Odin and made an appearance in 2011’s Thor. And while Waititi may be conflating a few different mythological stories about Loki’s exploits, it’s certainly shows that with Waititi, none of the wild idea from Norse mythology are off the table.

    Thor: Love and Thunder will open in theaters on July 8th.

  • First ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Draft Included Wasp as Illuminati Member

    First ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Draft Included Wasp as Illuminati Member

    We’ve always wondered who else was going to be part of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ Illuminati. The potential of exploring a multiversal take on the secret organization that mirrors the Sacred Timeline’s Avengers was filled with potential. We got some truly amazing additions in the form of Charles Xavier, Captain Carter, Mr. Fantastic, Black Bolt, and even an alternative Captain Marvel. Not too long ago we learned that there were plans to include Namor, but it seems there was one more member that was going to join.

    On the digital releases’ commentary track for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, writer Michael Waldron offered some insight into how he brought the script together. While teasing that he was inspired by Aliens and didn’t think Marvel would let him, the heroes ended up as fodder for the Scarlet Witch in the film. Among them was going to be the Wasp as well, who faced a swift end as well.

    Yeah, I think I watched Aliens and was just thinking about the way those Marines get massacred, and, yeah, I was glad it worked. “I think originally, the Wasp was in a version of the Illuminati, and the Wasp shrunk down and flew at Wanda, and [Wanda] just clapped her hands and just smushed the Wasp in the first draft.

    Michael Waldron

    It definitely would’ve been interesting to see the Wasp try to heroically take on Wanda for her only to get taken out in the simplest way possible. Of course, she would be powerful enough to break free from someone clapping but the master of chaos magic isn’t just your regular enemy. There’s no detail on which version of Wasp that was going to be, but it definitely is an interesting detail that could’ve been.

    Source: The Direct