Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • First Tease of High Evolutionary Spotted in New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Set Photo

    First Tease of High Evolutionary Spotted in New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Set Photo

    We’ve long wondered who might be the villain in the upcoming third entry of the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Recent set photos offered a hint at what may be the MCU’s interpretation of Halfworld, Rocket’s homeworld in the comics. It looked like a replica of Earth with some outdated clothing, but what stood out is that every “human” seemed like they were also a hybrid of a random animal. Now, Cosmic Circus has shared what may be our first tease of the High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

    There have been rumors that Chukwudi Iwjui might be playing the character, but we still haven’t gotten an official announcement on who exactly he’s playing in the upcoming threequel. The tease is certainly interesting and the alien language further hints at similarities to Earth but with some unique distinctions. It may be a different take on the Counter-Earth, which was high Evolutionary’s way of creating a “purer” version of the normal Earth.

    Image

    It still seems possible that his history is with Earth and that may have been his inspiration. He’d actually make a perfect counter to Star-Lord, who also has a history with the planet but is still stuck in a very different time. They may bond over that era before realizing that while Star-Lord learned to embrace the future, especially going by the Holiday Special teases, Evolutionary is still stuck to a bygone era. So, they may use this as a way to create a contrast between the two.

    Source: Cosmic Circus

  • Producer Hiram Garcia Reveals Why ‘Black Adam’ Was Delayed

    Producer Hiram Garcia Reveals Why ‘Black Adam’ Was Delayed

    A while back fans were disappointed to learn that the DC Extended Universe film slate was hit with quite a few big delays, sending films previously dated to release this year like The Flash and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom into 2023. One casualty fans felt was the delay of Black Adam, a film that had been stuck in development hell for quite some time and was finally close to releasing. It was initially dated for July 27th, 2022 but was sent back a few months to October 21st, 2022 and now we finally know why.

    Producer on the film, Hiram Garcia, has revealed just why Black Adam would not be making its previously dated July release date. Garcia stated that due to the pandemic there became such a backlog of work for VFX studios that they would not be able to complete work on the film in time for the set date.

    I think we’re just in a world right now where there was a huge and understandable freeze-up when the pandemic hit and a lot of productions were put on hold, Now that the industry has really roared back, the pipeline for VFX is so jammed. Obviously all these superhero movies just require so much VFX, and we’re just in a situation where the majority of the VFX houses are just completely swamped with work.

    Hiram Garcia

    Garcia went on to talk about how well the film was coming together and just how grateful they are for the VFX talent they have working on the project.

    They’re busting their ass and we’re so grateful for all those VFX houses, It feels like things are starting to calibrate and I think you’ll start to feel less shifts down the line. We’re excited about it and we’re really excited with the way the movie’s been looking and excited to finish it and get it out into the world.

    Hiram Garcia

    Fans will have to wait just a little bit longer to witness the debut of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as Black Adam, but they wanna make sure it’s well worth the wait and the best film it can be. Hopefully, this news will help ease some tension amongst fans who were worried about its delay.

    Source: The Wrap

  • New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Set Photos May Tease Rocket’s Halfworld

    New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Set Photos May Tease Rocket’s Halfworld

    Not too long ago, we covered a few set photos from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 that seemingly gave us our first look at some comic-accurate costumes for the Guardians. At the time, it gave us a good look at Star-Lord and Nebula. Now, a new batch of set photos has found its way online from JustJared. While they don’t include any other Guardian members, it does give us a good look at the planet they are on, which looks a lot like Earth. Yet, the characters running around are seemingly humanoid and animal hybrids. Could this potentially be a new interpretation of Rocket Raccoon’s home planet Halfworld?

    As these images are provided by JustJared, we cannot share them but they can be checked out by clicking here.

    In the images, we get a good look at characters that look like they have attributes of a bat, a boar, a cat, and more. They are all very humanoid with some animal attributes. So, it doesn’t look like they are normal-sized unlike Rocket, who is mostly a raccoon with some improvements. Yet, the clothing seems quite outdated, which makes you wonder if perhaps this is a planet where another evolution echoed that of Earth but got stuck in another timeline.

    Perhaps Halfworld is the playground for the High Evolutionary, who was from Earth. With his time in space, he may have wanted to return to an era when he last saw his home and while creating the various creatures that roam this planet, ended up also replicating something that is similar to Earth. Rocket may have been part of earlier experiments and these are the most advanced results of the Evolutionary research. It would be a fun way of playing with the Guardians and the audience. For now, it’s just speculation but it does look like we’ll get a very unique interpretation if this is indeed Halfworld.

    Source: JustJared

  • Kevin Feige Agress There Were Too Many Spoilers in the ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Trailers

    Kevin Feige Agress There Were Too Many Spoilers in the ‘Doctor Strange 2’ Trailers

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a film that was always going to have a rough time promoting. Most of the film is seemingly building up Strange’s adventure through the multiverse and even a meeting with the Illuminati. While the initial tease of Patrick Stewart in the trailer was something that got many people’s attention, later promos included quite a bit more than what people were bargaining for. One even included some massive reveals that probably weren’t meant to make their way online before the release.

    It seems that Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, also agrees with that sentiment. As when he was asked during the premiere, he stated without hesitation that “there’s been too much in the trailers“. Something many would agree with, especially with those trailers that were made publicly available this short ahead of the film’s release.

    There’s been too much in the trailers, I don’t want to talk about anything else. But I will say, Sam has made this movie to be experienced on as big a screen as possible, and it’s even the first one in a long time that 3D was really taken into account too, because the first Doctor Strange film I think was out best film ever in 3D, and this one now will be right alongside that.

    Kevin Feige

    It’s unclear how much influence Marvel Studios has over its marketing, as the trailers may have been coordinated directly via Disney. Though, one would assume they would require a sign-off from the company and producers, as there were hints directors also actively work with the marketing teams. It does seem safe to say that Feige might take this feedback internally and ensure that it doesn’t repeat again.

    You can watch the red carpet event here:

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • THEORY TIME: Illuminati’s Dark Secret in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    THEORY TIME: Illuminati’s Dark Secret in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    We are only a week away from Marvel Studios’ next film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. With a title like that, there’s a lot that they can do and with the horror elements teased, it does seem like Doctor Strange is in for quite the ride. We know he’ll meet America Chavez, Wanda may fully embrace the Scarlet Witch, and he’ll meet a mysterious organization, which recently finally was confirmed as the Illuminati. Yet, there’s still one major question that’s on everyone’s mind: What exactly is going on?

    What stood out to everyone in the second trailer released for Multiverse of Madness may be the confirmation of Patrick Stewart returning to the Marvel universe. Yet, they are still keeping his appearance a mystery with the bizarre words “We should tell him the truth.” We hear Mordo accuse him early on that he is on trial due to something that he’s done to reality, which many believed could be a connection to Spider-Man: No Way Home. As is Marvel’s usual process, they could’ve easily cut a few scenes together to make that sequence come together with the way it does. Who knows if Mordo is actually referring to the Strange we know at this very moment.

    So, it could be that the crimes he’s standing trial for are not his own, but rather the result of a Variant–especially with the different incarnations of Strange teased throughout the various trailers. Or, there’s always the chance that he does something alongside Chavez that ends up dragging him across the multiverse and in front of the Illuminati. Still, it doesn’t explain exactly the “truth” that is implied in the trailer. It’s almost as if they are hiding something from the world or even the multiverse.

    While in the comics, they have done some shady things as a group, especially when they were the cause for Hulk’s invasion of Earth after shooting him into space. Yet, as that storyline has been explored without their inclusion in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Thor: Ragnarok, it opens up other opportunities. The most prominent one might be that they have some kind of connection to what may lead Wanda Maximoff down a darker path within the MCU.

    What Is The Darkhold In The Marvel Universe?

    We’ve seen glimpses of her at the facility that matches the one where the Illuminati reside. While Doctor Strange may have gotten their attention with his activities across the multiverse, they aren’t that innocent either. The biggest threat to their reality was already hinted at in WandaVision when Agatha Harkness revealed the power that Scarlet Witch holds and what it may unleash upon reality.

    If the Illuminati feared what she may unleash upon all realities due to the same prophecy, it wouldn’t be too surprising that they had a hand in keeping her from potentially reaching her true potential. Perhaps, it’s connected to her children Billy and Tommy that technically exist within the multiverse but have become a constant that they always keep away from her. It’s a dream that is never meant to come true and they are the reason for exactly that.

    Tom Cruise als Iron Man & mehr: Dr. Strange 2 wird wild! - Analyse

    Ironically, it might be the exact reason that her fury is unleashed upon the multiverse. We’ve seen it teased in the trailers, as a blood-drenched Wanda is seemingly unleashing chaos magic. If their comic history is anything to go by, the Illuminati tends to screw up the life of others for the “greater good” and it tends to backfire on them. So, with Wanda’s prominence in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, it seems likely they will once again be their own worst enemy.

  • REVIEW: Sam Raimi Did It Again With ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    REVIEW: Sam Raimi Did It Again With ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

    Sequels aren’t always a sure thing. For every The Empire Strikes Back, there’s a Speed 2. Sequels to superhero films have the benefit of a little more freedom in telling a good story as they are no longer shackled by the weight of the “origin”, but they don’t always hit the mark either. In 2004, Sam Raimi delivered what many consider to be the best superhero sequel of all time in Spider-Man 2. It featured a flawed protagonist and a sympathetic villain; it featured what were, at the time, some of the most well-shot action scenes of any film in the genre. Not just that, but it also featured a story that stirred emotions across the spectrum. In 2022, Raimi has done it again.

    The path to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was about as chaotic as Stephen Strange’s trip through the multiverse in the first act of the film. Scott Derrickson, who helmed 2016’s Doctor Strange was set to be back in the director’s chair, but in January of 2020, Derrickson dropped out of the film when it became clear he and Marvel Studios had two entirely different films in mind. A month or so later, Marvel Studios began putting together a new creative team made up of Michael Waldron, whose work on Loki thrilled the folks at Marvel, and Raimi, who had been out of the superhero game since 2007’s Spider-Man 3. COVID delayed the start of filming and then the film underwent significant additional photography. Perhaps no Marvel Studios film caused more preemptive hand-wringing than this film did, but the end product makes it clear that Waldron, Raimi, and the rest of the team were truly taking their time to deliver the best possible version of this film and that’s exactly what they did.

    Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

    The film opens up in media res and introduces the audience to a Variant Doctor Strange who is protecting Marvel’s newest young hero, America Chavez, from a pretty terrifying demon. Amid a brutal assault on Defender Strange, we learn that this demon is in pursuit of Chavez because it wants her powers, which allow her to travel the multiverse. Chavez and Defender Strange are not only trying to evade the demon but also get their hands on the film’s big MacGuffin, the Book of the Vishanti. When things get ugly, so does Defender Strange, setting the stage for one of the film’s running themes: that no matter what universe we’re in, Stephen Strange is a danger and can’t be trusted. Using a star-shaped multiversal portal, Chavez escapes and finds her way to the MCU’s Prime universe and is under attack once more. After battling the beast, Strange and Wong realize that the source of its power is different from theirs and decided to seek out a magic-user with a similar set of powers: Wanda Maximoff.

    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the first MCU film that has the Disney Plus series as “required viewing”, especially when it comes to Wanda. While fans could have skipped WandaVision and figured things out as they go along, having been along for the ride is helpful. It’s here, with Wanda, that Marvel makes one of their boldest choices to date: having one of their core Avengers turn heel, just as she did in the comics. Following a brief conversation with Strange, Wanda reveals that she is after Chavez’s powers in order to find a way to reunite with her sons. A conversation between Strange and Wanda leads to a confrontation in which the Scarlet Witch unleashes a shockingly brutal attack on Kamar-Taj, which rounds out the first act of the film, sending Strange and Chavez on their trip through the multiverse.

    Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

    Fans may never know what Derrickson‘s film would turn out to be, but Marvel Studios should be damn glad that Raimi wanted to make this version. From beginning to end, this is a Sam Raimi film. Sure, he’s telling a story within the confines of Marvel Studios’ shared universe, but he’s telling it in classic Raimi fashion and appearing to have a whole lot of fun in doing so. Multiverse of Madness looks like a Raimi film; it delivers his signature (and surprisingly violent) horror; it delivers, most importantly, the most complete and emotionally stirring story of Phase 4. After a decade-plus away, Raimi showed that he understands now, maybe more than ever, that a good superhero story has to have a heart, especially when someone is trying to rip it out.

    Lizzie Olsen’s Scarlet Witch holds nothing back as she attempts to do just that. Much as with Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2, Wanda’s turn as a villain works so well because the audience wants what she wants: for her to have her kids back. Corrupted by the Darkhold, however, the lengths to which Wanda is willing to go to get them back allowed for some of Marvel Studios’ most innovative and interesting action scenes to date where Raimi and crew got to have a whole lot of fun devising fascinating ways to show magic being used on screen. Olsen’s performance continues to demonstrate her total command of the character. It’s the subtle head tilt here, the smirk there, and the changing tones of her voice that come across as truly terrifying.

    Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

    Opposite Olsen and in her way is Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange. Cumberbatch is given much to do here, playing multiple versions of his character, and puts together easily his best turn as the character so far. Following the 2016 origin film, the character hasn’t had much room to grow. Here, Strange’s path through the multiverse, where he learns the stories of other Stranges, forces the hero to look inward, providing the growth necessary to propel the character forward into whatever story he’s placed into on Marvel Studios’ shared tapestry.

    As strong as its lead performances are, the film is enhanced by the knockout performances of Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and Xochitl Gomez. McAdams is particularly surprising in her return as Christine Palmer, who has much more to do here than one might have expected, including some of the film’s strongest statements about Stephen Strange. It’s the moments like these that Palmer, Wong, and Chavez spend with Strange that build an emotional currency within the audience and a master like Raimi knows just how to spend it. This is a huge film that makes big moves within the MCU, but Raimi manages to balance that with a series of small exchanges between characters that resonate because both the audience and Strange know he is flawed.

    Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

    For the MCU to continue to thrive, the aforementioned big moves need to continue to be made. In that sense, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness seems to be to the MCU what Captain America: The Winter Soldier was in 2014. Not only does this film feel as different from its predecessor as Winter Soldier did from First Avenger, but it also comes out swinging with an almost merciless 20-minute deluge of information that’ll be sure to have fans wanting to head right back in for a second showing and heading to Wikipedia after that. If you thought Marvel Studios gave it all away when they teased the Illuminati in a TV spot, you’re sorely mistaken. This film is a game-changer and the most direct setup for the MCU’s next big event film.

    In the end, it all comes back to the magic touch of Waldron and Raimi. They delivered on characters, story, and action to make the most complete film of Phase 4 and maybe one of Marvel Studios’ most complete films to date. Fans of Raimi‘s work will have plenty to smile about as well, with a few references sprinkled in and the obvious influence of Raimi on some of the creature and character designs. Against all odds, he came into a project that seemed to be held together by a thread and by capturing that old magic formula, made one of the best superhero sequels of all time.

  • Benedict Wong Teases How ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Will Explore the Consequences of Doctor Strange’s Actions

    Benedict Wong Teases How ‘Multiverse of Madness’ Will Explore the Consequences of Doctor Strange’s Actions

    We’re just a few days away from yet another installment within the WCU, better known as the Wong Cinematic Universe, and we couldn’t be more excited. Benedict Wong will reprise the role again following his brief appearances in Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings as well as Spider-Man: No Way Home.

    Deadline caught up with Benedict Wong at the red carpet premiere of Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, where he dished on what we can expect to see in the film.

    If you watched Wandavision and No Way Home you know its basically these two projects, amazing projects, converge together and all roads lead to our movie, you know the spell that was cast, the cracks in the parallel realities have now opened, all the characters are gonna come out, lots of trouble. You know I constantly told Strange, you know, not to tamper with natural law, not to cast spells, yet, yeah im the wiser one, he’s the wayward one. So now all of a sudden this film is all about consequences of his actions.

    Benedict Wong

    Many will remember that Wong strongly advised against casting the spell that Strange had in mind to help Peter Parker back in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Of course, the spell went awry and welcomed many unsavory guests into the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a brief time. As to be expected, Strange was not going to be getting away with it that easily. While we aren’t sure just where Wong will pop up just next, with reports stating he might just be making his way into She-Hulk, you can for sure catch him next in Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness, hitting theaters May 6th.

    Source: Twitter

  • First Reactions to ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness’ Hit Social Media

    First Reactions to ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness’ Hit Social Media

    The highly anticipated sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange is set to release worldwide in just a few days after multiple delays due to the pandemic. The film will see the eagerly awaited return of not just Benedict Cumberbatch‘s Doctor Strange but also Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff, who we last saw in the WandaVision finale. The film could be one of Marvel Studios most ambitious projects, as we embark into the multiverse after only getting a taste of is in Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film just had its red carpet premiere in Los Angeles and the social embargo has lifted releasing a wave of initial reactions to the film.

    Not every review was glowing for the film, as it seems some didn’t have the same enjoyment from the film and saw a conflict between Raimi‘s usual vision not meshing well with the script, or even stating his style hasn’t evolved from his earliest filmmaking days.

  • ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ to Feature 2 Post-Credit Sequences

    ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ to Feature 2 Post-Credit Sequences

    As is tradition with Marvel Studios’ releases, there’s also always the question on everyone’s minds about how many post-credit sequences they may expect. While two have become the norm from the studio, we’ve also been surprised in the past such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 playing with the concept. Spider-Man: Homecoming had a second post-credit that was more of a little joke to keep the audiences on their toes. With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness‘ release on the horizon, the question has also been raised about what to expect.

    Luckily, hot off the heels of the red carpet premiere, ComicBook.com has revealed that the upcoming film will include two post-credit sequences. Of course, they haven’t included any details on what they entail but it helps to know going into the film. The Doctor Strange sequel will explore the vast multiverse, and may have the biggest potential in how it explores its post-credit sequences. It wouldn’t be too surprised if it sets up the future of the entire MCU, as who knows if this is just the beginning of how the rest of the universe may end up exploring this concept.

    For now, all we can do is theorize as the film is set to release in just a few more days. It’s going to be tough to avoid spoilers, but who knows how little we actually know about the film. There’s a lot of potential and Sam Raimi’s return to direct a superhero film is an exciting prospect from the get-go. It’ll be interesting to see what the film and even the future has in store for its audience.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • First Look at Comic-Accurate Guardians Costumes for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3’

    First Look at Comic-Accurate Guardians Costumes for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3’

    Production on Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 might be nearing its end, but that doesn’t mean there’s been a shortage of set photos. Thanks to Just Jared, we have a new look at some of the Guardians cast on the set, including Chris Pratt and Karen Gillan. Both Pratt and Gillan are in character and seem to be sporting new uniforms that are sure to delight comic book fans.

    Gone is Starlord’s maroon trench coat. Instead, Pratt’s Starlordis seen sporting the classic blue uniform from the comics with the red lining and classic guardians’ emblem. Also sporting the classic uniform is Gillan’s Nebula, who looks to finally be an official member of the team. While the rest of the team is absent from these latest photos, we do have a new look at some of the aliens featured in the film.

    Writer and director James Gunn recently confirmed that production is nearly finished. Production for both Vol. 3 and the Holiday Special have been filming concurrently, and we’ve seen a fair share of set photos surface in recent weeks, with one even teasing a potential Eternals connection.

    Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 is currently slated to hit theaters on May 5th, 2023.

    Source: Just Jared