Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • Mahershala Ali’s Introduction to Blade was the 1998 Wesley Snipes Film

    Mahershala Ali’s Introduction to Blade was the 1998 Wesley Snipes Film

    Blade is technically the grandfather of Marvel’s cinematic ventures. When the Stephen Norrington-directed film was released in 1998, it revolutionized not only superhero films for many years to come, but also played an integral role in representation within cinemas. Soon, Mahershala Ali will take on that very role as part of a wider universe, the fittingly titled Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    While still professionally avoiding questions on the project, Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast got a chance to ask the actor how he was introduced to the character. It seems, he went through the same story as many of us, as he states that:

    Well, only what I discovered like everyone else in the 90s with Wesley Snipes. […] I don’t think the guy even notice how at that time I was just accustomed to there not being black superheroes. The best you got was, like, He-Man, there was, I forget the character’s name in that, there was supposed to be a black character. At least, he was voiced by a black guy and modeled after a black guy, […] but you just weren’t seeing anyone. Once Spawn came out and Blade, then it was really exciting just to have some superheroes that look like you.

    Mahershala Ali

    It once again highlights how rare it was back in the day for kids of any age to feel represented in media. While downplayed, many kids from different backgrounds look for heroes they can look up to. So, there’s an important reason why Ali is tacking on the role and its importance of carrying on the torch that was lit by Black Panther, as he also briefly discusses in the podcast.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Quantumania’ Crew Merch Includes Cracked Ant-Man Helmet and Popular Kang Fan Artwork

    ‘Quantumania’ Crew Merch Includes Cracked Ant-Man Helmet and Popular Kang Fan Artwork

    Just recently, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania wrapped production. Everyone has kept an eye out on the Internet if some crew merch might find its way online and luckily exactly that happened. Ace Ruele shared a t-shirt the stunt team used that had quite an interesting tease. What sticks out is that Paul Rudd‘s Ant-Man helmet is heavily damaged and cracked, which may not bode well for our favorite size-changing hero. If you look closer you’ll see Kang in the helmet’s reflection that may be familiar to people.

    If you look closely, it turns out its fanart from artist spdrmnkyxxiii that you can find online based on what Jonathan Majors could look like as Kang. It’s not uncommon for these to find their way online and crew merch is commonly not created by official sources but brought to life by the teams. They sometimes tease elements of the film or TV show but don’t include actual artwork. Still, it’s a great design.

    https://twitter.com/AceRuele/status/1462806940053028869

    Here’s the original design as shared by the artist back in September of 2020 that seemingly was used in the stunt team’s crew merch:

    It’s still a great tease and highlights once again that Kang the Conqueror will have quite a large role in the upcoming story. We know very little about Quantumania and the usual comedic Ant-Man franchise might face quite the shakeup. The cracked helmet is quite foreboding especially with how involved the stunt team is in the action. We’ll see what the future has in store for Scott Lang.

    Source: Twitter

  • New Look at Netflix’s ‘Hilda and the Mountain King’ Shared Ahead of Trailer Release

    New Look at Netflix’s ‘Hilda and the Mountain King’ Shared Ahead of Trailer Release

    The heartwarming story of Hilda offered a beautiful adaptation of Luke Pearson’s graphic novel series. We visit a world where humanity lives alongside mythical creatures. After a long life in the middle of nowhere, she and her mother moved to the walled-in Trolberg. That didn’t keep her from getting in quite a bit of trouble and various adventures. The latest at the end of the second season ended up with her switching with a mountain troll and becoming one.

    After a long wait, the film is finally on its way that’ll adapt the story Hilda and the Mountain King, which will follow up where the previous season left off. The official Twitter account released a new piece of the upcoming entry. It also seems to be teasing something, which means we’ll very likely get a trailer soon.

    The animation for this series has always been a highlight, especially with how mellow and welcoming it is. It’s a very approachable story and is a great show to forget the world. The Netflix series is sadly coming to an end as a final third season is planned as a follow-up to The Mountain King. It’ll be interesting to see if it can keep up the pacing as it comes to an end.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Shang-Chi’s Awkwafina Joins Universal’s Dracula Film ‘Renfield’

    ‘Shang-Chi’s Awkwafina Joins Universal’s Dracula Film ‘Renfield’

    Just recently we learned that Nicolas Cage joined Universals project Renfield, which will explore the classic story of Dracula from a different perspective. Nicholas Hoult will take on the main role of Dracula’s servant and will help bring the project to life alongside director Adam McKay. It looks like the casting process has just begun, as Deadline just reported that Awkwafina has also joined the project.

    Currently, the Shang-Chi actress’s role remains under lock and key, but she’s a perfect addition to the more comedic take on the horror classic. Cage will tackle the role of Dracula in the film produced by Skybound Entertainment. They’ll be working off of a script by Ryan Ridley.

    Our titular character, R.M. Renfield, was a former asylum member that went on to become the servant of the prince of darkness. Details are scarce on the project, but it looks like it won’t be a period piece but rather a modern interpretation of the original Dracula novel. It’ll be interesting to see just how different this take on the project might end up being and if it starts off a new, more comedic, Dark Universe.

    Source: Deadline

  • Ethan Hawke’s Role in ‘Knives Out 2’ is Just a Cameo

    Ethan Hawke’s Role in ‘Knives Out 2’ is Just a Cameo

    Ethan Hawke has been quite busy as of late. Comic fans are excited to find out what his mysterious role might turn out to be in the upcoming Disney+ series Moon Knight. But that isn’t all he is working on, as he was also spotted on the set of Knives Out 2. It’s unclear what exactly his role is going to be, but there were many theories on what role he might potentially have. Turns out, he’s not really in the film that much according to his latest interview with ScreenRant. In it, he stated that:

    Knives Out 2, I just have a cameo in that movie. Don’t expect much from me

    So, it does open a curious question of what exactly a cameo would entail in a murder mystery. In a way, he may be the sequel’s victim that brings Daniel Craig’s, Detective Benoit Blanc, to join the unlikely party to uncover what exactly happened. Christopher Plummer took on the role of victim in the first film, where he had a minor role outside of the opening and a few flashbacks. So, he might have a similar role in the film.

    Yet, there’s also the chance that he really has nothing more than a brief cameo before he disappears. Perhaps his character might set up a third entry that is already in development as part of Netflix’s multi-million deal. It’s uncertain if director Rian Johnson wants to take a “cinematic universe” approach with the project, or will keep individual projects as a separate storyline with only Blanc acting as the connective tissue. Only the film’s release will give us a clear indication of where this new franchise is heading.

    Source: ScreenRant

  • Nicolas Cage Joins Universal’s ‘Renfield’ Movie as Dracula

    Nicolas Cage Joins Universal’s ‘Renfield’ Movie as Dracula

    Nicolas Cage seems like the actor who could appear in almost any project and you’ll never expect it. Well, he’s now joined Universal Studios’ attempt at reviving their monster franchises as the lord of darkness himself, Dracula in the upcoming film Renfield. He’ll be joined by Nicholas Hoult who’ll take on the role of the count’s iconic henchman.

    Chris McKay, fresh off the work on The Tomorrow War, will tackle the project. He is producing alongside The Walking Dead‘s Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Bryan, and Sean Furst. The titular character was brought to life in Bram Stoker‘s 1897 novel, who becomes obsessed with his new lord as they end up depending on each other. It is teased as a modern-day adventure with a comedic tone, which makes sense given McKay‘s filmography. Of course, the addition of Nicolas Cage just adds to that very fact.

    It’ll be interesting to see if Universal is still focused on bringing a cinematic universe to life. While the Dark Universe failed to pick up steam after The Mummy, the more comedic approach might add an extra layer to the experience and make it stand out from other crossover franchises. They might even play on the cheesiness of the original films and bring that to life in curious ways.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Shang-Chi’s Ta Lo Village was Built From Scratch

    ‘Shang-Chi’s Ta Lo Village was Built From Scratch

    We are only a few days away from the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings on Blu-ray. In addition to the Disney+ making-of special Assembled on the film, we also get some additional hints at how they brought the various locations to life. In a special focus on the sets of the film, we get a closer look at one of the newest additions to the MCU. As our protagonist learns about his mother’s past, he uncovers the mystical village of Ta-Lo hidden away in a pocket dimension. In one of the special features, we learn that the entire set was built on location.

    Production designer Sue Chan shared a look at the set that unveils how they brought the entire town to life in the Prospect Reservoir in Sydney. Awkwafina jokingly says “they’re putting in full plumbing,” but they highlight that most of the town is built based on actual Chinese architecture, such as including a stone foundation. The temple where Shang-chi takes on his father was even built with all the details bringing the fictional village to life.

    The reasoning for this investment is not only to add a feeling of realism to the film but also to support actors in bringing their performances to life. Ben Kingsley highlights the details of them even making sure the floor matches the overall design to immerse their actors in this world. It adds an additional layer to their performance as they interact with the sets and it showcases a love for detail by the team wanting to integrate Chinese culture into the film. With a sequel on the horizon, it makes you wonder what else they might tackle.

    Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings is now available on Digital and Blu-ray.

  • Adil El Arbi Shares First ‘Batgirl’ Set Photo as Production Starts

    Adil El Arbi Shares First ‘Batgirl’ Set Photo as Production Starts

    The DC extended universe seems to finally be set on a consistent path project-wise. for a while there it seemed like films were just randomly getting announced but would never really come to fruition. Thankfully, it seems like things are finally in order, especially with the upcoming Batgirl project. It was another film that struggled to really get going early on, initially picking up Joss Whedon to write and direct, before Warner Bros. cut ties with the director. After a long wait, it has officially begun production.

    Director Adil El Arbi shared an Instagram post from the set. We get a look at the office of Barbra Gordon, who has been revealed to be working as a cop, most likely for GCPD. The photo gives us a look at the current logo for the film as well as hints when it may be set. In the background there appears to be some decorative tinsel, possibly hinting at the film being set during the holiday season. It will certainly add a nice visual flair to this film’s version of Gotham.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CW6NJ64sqk9/?utm_medium=copy_link

    Some speculation could hint at Barbra beginning the film working as a cop, but something happening, involving her father, leading her to follow her own path and become Batgirl. The film was written by Christina Hodson, who previously worked on Birds of Prey and The Flash. Adil El Arbi will direct the project alongside Bilall Fallah.

    Source: Instagram

  • Marvel Studios’ Andy Park Reveals Early Shang-Chi Costume Designs

    Marvel Studios’ Andy Park Reveals Early Shang-Chi Costume Designs

    Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was one of 2021’s highlights, as the film combined the elements that made Marvel Studios the powerhouse that it is today. While telling a personal story about family, we also get a closer look at a new part of the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ta Lo offered a peek into a new dimension where our protagonist embraced his heritage and future. Even better, he got a new look that was passed on to him and his sister by their mother. The design has become quite iconic but it may have looked quite a bit different at one point.

    Marvel Studios director of visual development shared a first look at alternative designs for Simu Liu’s costume. The first includes a nice visual of the Great Protector in the background. This design is closer to what we got in the film, but had some urban elements included, such as a hoodie. The dragon skin element is still included which would become a mainstay in his final design.

    The other design is quite a departure, which almost seems like it was plucked out of a Tron film. The design was inspired by a potential spy direction for the series given the characters’ history with MI-6. Park highlights that he had no idea what the story was going to be about, which is why he just tested out concepts. It also integrates the classic Bruce Lee jumpsuit into the overall design.

    It highlights how many different angles there are with these characters. The team even enters production on the designs and brings these elements to life long before any story elements or scripts are finalized. We’ve learned that they support writers by bringing these concepts visually to life as they are developing scripts, which means there might be many others out there we haven’t seen yet.

    Source: Instagram

  • Mahershala Ali on Taking On the Mantle of Blade After Wesley Snipes

    Mahershala Ali on Taking On the Mantle of Blade After Wesley Snipes

    It was quite a surprise when during the last San Diego Comic-Con attended by Marvel Studios when Mahershala Ali walked out on stage. What caught us even more by surprise was the reveal of him taking on the role of Eric Brooks, the famous vampire hunter feared as Blade. Of course, he’s not the first to take on the role, as he’ll take over from Wesley Snipes, who played the character back in 1998.

    In an interview with Jake’s Takes to the new Apple film Swan Song, he was asked about what makes his version different from Snipes take. The Academy Award winner gave a great response on what it means about tackling this kind of role and carrying on the mantle:

    You know, what I look forward to is earning it. I look forward to earning, you know, there’s an anticipation for it, there’s an excitement for it that he owns, that Mr. Snipes owns, you know? And so in filling his shoes, I’m just working to earn my place in this. And I’m excited to get going and do the work.

    Mahershala Ali

    We only got a voice clip of the actor as Blade during Eternals post-credit sequence, and we still don’t know when the project will enter production. But you can see that the actor is excited about the role and we can’t wait to see his take on the character. You can check out the full interview here:

    Source: YouTube