Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • Sugar Bear Set to Return for ‘Deadpool 3’

    Sugar Bear Set to Return for ‘Deadpool 3’

    X-Force’s most surprising member is back for another round in Deadpool 3! According to Deadline, Rob Delany who played Peter, aka Sugar Bear, in Deadpool 2 has signed on the dotted line for a return to the role.

    Like almost all of the members of Deadpool’s X-Force, Peter met a grisly fate during the team’s first mission in Deadpool 2. While attempting to save Zeitgeist from a woodchipper, Peter was killed by Zeitgeist’s acidic vomit. However, during the post-credit scene to Deadpool 2, Deadpool used Cable’s time-traveling device to save Sugar Bear from his fate.

    In a 2018 interview with Empire, Reynolds explained why Deadpool chose to use the device to save only Peter, the only unpowered member of the team, rather than any of the other members of X-Force. “I love that he just completely ignores this marquee cast that he could’ve saved of useful and wonderful superheroes, but instead went back and saved [Peter],” explained Reynolds, adding, “I always felt that it was important to save Peter, just because in the helicopter before we jump, I say to him ‘I’d never let anything happen to you, sugar bear. I’m just saying this to impress the other guys.’” So, I felt like that was a promise that Wade made early on in the movie, and it was nagging him, so he went back and got Peter.“

    Delany joins Fox holdovers Hugh Jackman, Monica Baccarin, Karan Soni, Stefan Kapicic and Leslie Uggams in the jump to the MCU. The returning crew will be joined by Emma Corrin and Matthew Macfadyen, whose roles have yet to be revealed. Deadpool 3 is set to begin production later this month.

    Source: Deadline, Empire

  • ‘Fantastic Four’ May Include One of Galactus’ More Ignoble Heralds

    ‘Fantastic Four’ May Include One of Galactus’ More Ignoble Heralds

    Though the Silver Surfer is by far the most well-known of the Heralds of Galactus, he was neither the first nor the last to serve The Hunger That Does Not Cease. Due to his role in the comics, various animated series and his appearance in the 2007 film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, he is often at the forefront of most conversations surrounding Marvel Studios Fantastic Four reboot. Given his heroic nature and status as one of Marvel’s greatest cosmic heroes, there’s no doubt that The Sentinel of the Spaceways will be part of Marvel Studios plans, however, it seems that the studio might be willing to explore other of Galactus’ heralds as they introduce the character into the MCU.

    Several beings have been imbued with the Power Cosmic and served as a Herald of Galactus, searching out planets for the Devourer of Worlds to consume. While the more heroic Silver Surfer did so begrudgingly and often sought to lead Galactus to unpopulated planets, not all of Galactus’ Heralds were so noble. According to an interesting bit of info shared by Twitter scooper MyTimeToShineHello, Marvel Studios Fantastic Four may feature one of Galactus’ most immoral Heralds: Terrax the Tamer.

    Sought out by Galactus for his unconscionable personality, Terrax was once a powerful mutant named Tyros who ruled the planet Birj with an iron fist. Unlike the Silver Surfer, Terrax took joy in finding his master fertile and populated planets to destroy, often culling part of the population himself for sport. Though he was a successful Herald, Terrax wasn’t loyal to Galactus and used his power to enslave an entire planet which he then ruled over as their god. Ultimately, he was stripped of his power by Galactus and left for dead.

    At this point, it’s tough to read too much into the inclusion of Terrax in Marvel Studios Fantastic Four. While his time in the comics as Herald of Galactus comes after Silver Surfers, Marvel Studios has continued to stray further and further from the comics as they develop their films so it shouldn’t be assumed that Terrax’s time as Herald comes after the Silver Surfer’s or that the Surfer won’t play a part in the MCU. Rumors persist that a Silver Surfer solo project remains in the works and it’s hard to imagine an MCU that can finally include all the wonderful characters associated with the Fantastic Four would not include one of the most beloved from that group.

  • Rumor: Paul Mescal Offered Major Role In Marvel Studios’ ‘Fantastic Four’

    Rumor: Paul Mescal Offered Major Role In Marvel Studios’ ‘Fantastic Four’

    We are closer than ever to the casting reveals for Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four, according to multiple insiders. The project was first announced by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige during 2019’s San Diego Comic-Con and has been stuck in development ever since. The initially-attached director Jon Watts left the project, and Matt Shackman filled in for him. Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer’s screenplay for the movie is now being rewritten by Josh Friedman.

    According to industry scooper Daniel Richtman, Paul Mescal was offered the role of Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch for Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four. It is currently unknown if Mescal turned down the role or accepted it.

    Paul Mescal

    Another name widely rumored for Johnny Storm is Elvis‘ Austin Butler. Last year, Jeff Sneider reported on The Hot Mic that Butler was running for a major role in Fantastic Four and that the actor’s agents were “putting him up for Human Torch.”

    The film is directed by Matt Shakman, while Josh Friedman pens the script. It will commence production in early 2024. No cast members of the movie have been officially announced yet. The movie releases in theaters on February 14, 2025.

    Source: Twitter

  • Pom Klementieff Seems Likely to Join James Gunn in the All-New, All-Different DCU

    Pom Klementieff Seems Likely to Join James Gunn in the All-New, All-Different DCU

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 director James Gunn has pulled no punches as he’s transitioned from Marvel Studios to his new gig atop DC Studios hierarchy. Through his career, Gunn has repeatedly shown a sens of loyalty to various actors. Nathan Fillion and Michael Rooker, for instance, have found themselves in more than one of Gunn’s films over the years, even if only in minor roles. As Gunn’s Marvel tenure comes to an end, the shepherd of the Guardians films is continuing the trend.

    Gunn has openly stated that since hisove to DC, he’s courted talent from his time at Marvel Studios in hopes that they would follow him. Now, in an interview during the World Premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Klementieff revealed that Gunn has opened the door to a DCU role.

    When asked if she had conversations with Finn about a DC Studios role, Klementieff, who reprises her role as Mantis in Vol. 3, held nothing back.

    I’m not gonna tell you guys but we’ve had conversations and we’re like making plans already but nothing is confirmed yet.

    Pom Klementieff

    When pressed further about who that character might be, Klementieff didn’t hesitate to shut down the line of questioning.

    There would be one specific character but I can’t tell you now.

    Pom Klementieff

    While Klementieff stayed clear of revealing who she might end up playing, she did share one last detail about the character. “I mean, I knew about the character, yeah, and I thought the character was fucking cool,” said Klementieff.

    Time will tell how “cool” Klementieff’s character is and how big of a part she plays in James Gunn‘s all-new, all-different DCU when Superman:Legacy hits theaters in 2025

  • Mila Kunis Claims She’s Not in MCU’s ‘Fantastic Four’ But She Knows Who Is

    Mila Kunis Claims She’s Not in MCU’s ‘Fantastic Four’ But She Knows Who Is

    The Late Late Show with James Corden is coming to an end, which had quite a line-up of celebrities. Among them was Mila Kunis, who has recently been the focus of various curious and even surprising rumors for the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Fantastic Four. Of course, Corden used the chance to ask her about it and she reflected on when the first rumors started, a shot of her with director Matt Shakman.

    We went out to a deli and had lunch together and the next day I was somehow in Fantastic Four.

    Mila Kunis

    She goes on to confirm that she is not playing anyone in Fantastic Four, but in a curious twist, she highlights that she knows “who is” in the project. Of course, she doesn’t go on to confirm anything

    I am not in Fantastic Four, but I know who is. But I don’t want to get in trouble with The Mouse, so none of you will find out.

    Mila Kunis

    Of course, there have been quite a few times when Marvel actors denied any involvement with upcoming projects. So, there’s always that slight chance that Kunis might have a role after all, but it’s definitely interesting that she’d tease knowing who might be appearing. So, it further implies that they may have finally cast the characters that we’ve been waiting for quite some time. So, perhaps the wait isn’t that much longer.

    Source: The Wrap

  • First Look at the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Rotten Tomatoes Score

    First Look at the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Rotten Tomatoes Score

    After the red carpet premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in Los Angeles last night, the review embargo for the latest MCU installment has expired and the first reviews of the film have been shared. It’s still very early in the process but so far the film seems to be continuing the recent trend of Phase 4 and 5 films not living up to the expectations of critics.

    While some critics are hailing the film as a fitting conclusion to the Guardians trilogy (including our own Michael T. Ford III), others are seeing the film through a very different lens. Flickering Myth’s EJ Moreno called the film “a tonal mess that relies on Disney-style emotional manipulation” while Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson called Vol. 3 “an odd, lumbering patchwork of a film, occasionally fascinating but otherwise bloated and aimless” and an “awkward franchise finale.”

    The very mixed and disparate reviews for the film are reminiscent of many of the studio’s post-Endgame films which have rarely been universally hailed as successes. Marvel Studios most recent theatrical release–and its first Phase 5 offereing–, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania compiled a franchise-worst 47% Rotten Tomatoes score and of the Phase 4 releases, only Spider-Man: No Way Home and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings resonated with critics in a way that the pre-Phase 4 releases did.

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 84%
    Thor: Love and Thunder 63%
    Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 74%
    Spider-Man: No Way Home 93%
    Eternals 47%
    Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 91%
    Black Widow 79%

    That said, it’s still very early in the game and Vol. 3’s score could still move quite a bit. While it’s unlikely to end up as high as 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy‘s 92%, it could end up comparing favorably to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2‘s 85%.

    Source: Rotten Tomatoes

  • REVIEW: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Reminds Us Why We Love the MCU

    REVIEW: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Reminds Us Why We Love the MCU

    With an Awesome Mix of humor, heart, action, drama, and off-the-wall imagination, James Gunn delivers the long-awaited conclusion to the cosmic trilogy that reminded us that We Are Groot. And like the familiar tree guy, this franchise has branched in unpredictable yet fascinating ways but has always remained rooted in themes of found family, redemption, and reinvention.

    In this third film, Gunn feels particularly confident and audacious as a filmmaker, pushing forward with a propulsive plot that knows when to release the tension with comedy and quirky character beats, as well as when to shift gears from heart-wrenching drama to awesome action and sci-fi space opera. There are some really fun set pieces and sequences, and only a couple of instances where things get a little too messy and chaotic. But overall, it’s a thrill ride visually.

    Much like he did in the first two entries, Gunn deftly employs his signature needle drops to guide us through the varying emotional beats and tonal shifts. In the center of the story is Rocket’s journey from raccoon to rogue, as we learn his origin, and that of his first found family of misfits, through a series of flashbacks. The film invites us to peer behind his tragic eyes, and from his perspective, we experience the longing, love, and loss that coalesces into regret, before finally coming to understand that Rocket’s emotional scars truly are as lasting as his physical ones. It is within these flashbacks that we also meet The High Evolutionary, a villain with the kind of god complex his name would suggest, and the capacity to make Rocket’s old wounds fresh.

    If you’re familiar with the comics, then you have a pretty good idea of what The High Evolutionary’s goals are, what lengths he’s willing to go through to achieve them, and just how many people he’s willing to kill or make suffer along the way (Hint: It’s all of them). And Chukwudi Iwuji performs the role to a T, knowing when to strike the notes of cold calculation, when to soften, and when to unleash his wrath. He’s not really an antagonist you root for in any fashion, and the movie never lets him off the hook, so by the time the bill comes due, the catharsis is earned.

    Chukwudi Iwuji as The High Evolutionary in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Accompanying this main Rocket-centric story is the Peter Quill story, where he can’t get over the fact that Gamora 2, pulled from the timeline in Avengers: Endgame, missed all of the Phase 3 films, and he just can’t bring her up to speed on what she missed. Both Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldaña do a great job here, Zoe in particular. In a lot of ways she represents the viewer who doesn’t “get” the Guardians and what makes them special, but like the viewer, despite herself, she too is eventually moved by the adventure and finds her own groove to jam to.

    But all the Guardians have got moves. Mantis remains the most empathetic and intuitive, and Pom Klementieff‘s comedic chemistry with Dave Bautista‘s Drax remains as satisfying as it was in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. The juxtaposition between her emotional openness and Nebula’s cold precision and bluntness provides a different kind of energy, as their dramatic tension helps to balance the hijinks. Even newcomer Cosmo (voiced by Maria Bakalova) and the perennially underrated Kraglin (played by Sean Gunn) get their moments to shine. The family continues to grow, and though they may bicker, when it’s showtime, they find their harmony.

    Another newcomer to the Guardians story is Adam Warlock, played with flourish by Will Poulter as an ultra-powerful yet childlike being, who wants to impress his Sovereign mother figure (the returning Elizabeth Debicki), but whose hot temper constantly gets the best of him. Hardcore comic fans might find him confounding when compared to the cosmic near deity from the page, but the story leaves him with more than enough room to evolve. Keeping with the theme, after all.

    (L-R): Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

    What sets this trilogy apart from the other Marvel Cinematic Universe trilogies is that across the three films, the stories really do come full circle. Our heroes acknowledge the painful pasts that forged them, but they each stop being defined by them, and their arcs conclude with them finally being able to define themselves. And their Guardians compatriots, that aforementioned found family, grow to love and accept them, regardless of their respective flaws and scars. It’s a feel-good tale with a hopeful message, and by the end, you’re rocking out, from Knowhere to wherever the Guardians story travels next.

    Thus far, Phases 4 and 5 of the MCU have been polarizing, with very few projects leaving us with the “rah-rah” feeling that makes us want to sing its praises and go back for encores. But Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 reminds us why we love these movies and reminds us of way back when, we were first Hooked On A Feeling.

    9.75/10

  • James Gunn Reveals Who Won’t Play Superman in ‘Superman: Legacy’ and What Traits He’s Looking for in the New Actor

    James Gunn Reveals Who Won’t Play Superman in ‘Superman: Legacy’ and What Traits He’s Looking for in the New Actor

    As James Gunn closes the door on his time at Marvel Studios, he’s already firmly entrenched in his new job at DC Studios and working hard on bringing the first chapter of the all-new, all-different DCU to life. A major part of that first chapter, Gods and Monsters, is Superman: Legacy, a film that’s being written and directed by Gunn and is slated to hit theaters in the Summer of 2025. Production on that film is reportedly kicking off in Atlanta in January and the search for the next actor to bring Kal-El to life is already underway. While at the world premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Gunn was asked what he’s looking for in his new Superman.

    It’s hard but we’re looking and we actually have some really great choices which I’m excited about. It has to be somebody who has all the humanity Superman has but he’s also an alien. It’s gotta be somebody who has the kindness and compassion that Superman has. And it has to be somebody that you want to give a hug. All the Supermen have been good and so we just have to add to that story.

    James Gunn

    Just in case that sounds like Gunn is describing Guardians star Chris Pratt, he was quick to confirm that’s not the case; in fact, it sounds increasingly more likely that Gunn will be looking to cast a relative newcomer as Kal-El, rather than an already established Hollywood star. It goes without saying that much of the success of the new DCU will rest on the shoulders of Superman: Legacy and the audience’s perception of the actor portraying the Man of Steel. As Gunn and co-chair Peter Safran took over the future of DC films for Warner Bros. Discovery, they moved on from much of the Snyderverse era of projects, including actor Henry Cavill who portrayed Superman in several of those projects. The new actor will have to live up to audiences’ perception of Cavill’s Superman in addition to Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh and others who have forged the live-action legacy of the character.

  • Andy Samberg Reportedly Joins the Cast of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’

    Andy Samberg Reportedly Joins the Cast of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’

    One of 2023’s most anticipated films, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, is just over a month away from hitting theaters and news is still emerging about its impressive voice cast. The sequel already boasts an impressive lineup of talent including Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, Issa Rae, and Daniel Kaluuya among its stars and now, another big name has been revealed to voice a key character.

    According to One Take News, Andy Samberg provided the voice work for Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider in the upcoming film. An SNL vet and the star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Samberg’s role in the film was apparently top secret until very recently while Reilly’s presence in the film has been know for some time.

    Reilly is a controversial character in comic book circles with his origin story being one of the more divisive Spidey stories of all time. It seems unlikely, however, that Across the Spider-Verse will delve too deeply into the Clone Saga as OTN’s report describes Scarlet Spider’s role in the sequel as that of a “secondary supporting character.” That said, there’s a chance the character returns for the third film in the franchise and or even in another animated or live-action film.

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse hits theaters on June 2nd.

    Source: OTN

  • Hunger, If You Dare! Antonio Banderas Rumored to Be Discussing a Massive Marvel Studios Role

    Hunger, If You Dare! Antonio Banderas Rumored to Be Discussing a Massive Marvel Studios Role

    The rumor mill around the cast of Marvel Studios 2024 theatrical release, Fantastic Four, continues to churn out some fascinating information. Shortly after rumors of Adam Driver, Mila Kunis, Jodi Comer and more being on director Matt Shakman‘s shortlist for key roles in the film, a new rumor has emerged that might just be the best of them all.

    Scooper My Time to Shine Hello has revealed an unexpected–and quite frankly brilliant–potential choice for a major Fantastic Four character. According to the account, Antonio Banderas is in talks to play the Cosmic Being Galactus.

    One of Marvel Comics most incredible characters, Galactus has been rumored to be a part of Shakman‘s Fantastic Four for some time now. Originally a scientist named Galan who existed in a previous iteration of the multiverse, Galan survived the transition into the new multiverse and became one of the most powerful beings in it and was reborn as Galactus. The Devourer of Worlds has long been one of the Fantastic Four’s greatest antagonists, though a more complete understanding of the essential role he plays in the universe has been developed over time.

    Banderas has remained a force in Hollywood since making the jump from Spanish cinema in the early 1990s. An action star, a romantic lead and a talented voice actor, Banderas has been nominated for Academy, Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards. While it’s unclear exactly what role Galactus will play in Fantastic Four and the MCU in general, Banderas‘ experiences should allow him to play Galan/Galactus in live-action and also provide voice work for the character should he be a wholly CGI creation. Marvel Studios has not yet commented on the cast of the film but at the pace the rumors are flying, it is possible it could be revealed at SDCC ’23, should the studio decide to attend.