Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • Lucasfilm Rumored to Be Negotiating with Another Sequel Trilogy Star to Return for the New Jedi Order Film

    Lucasfilm Rumored to Be Negotiating with Another Sequel Trilogy Star to Return for the New Jedi Order Film

    As part of a series of announcements at Star Wars Celebration 2023, it was revealed that director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy‘s film, which began as writer Damon Lindelof‘s “top secret project”, will feature the return of Daisy Ridley‘s Rey. Set 15 years after the events of 2019’s Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, the untitled film will be set in an all-new era of Star Wars stories known as the New Jedi Order era and has always been rumored to see the return of sequel characters such as Rey. Now a new rumor suggests she’s not the only headliner returning.

    According to the Hot Mic Podcast, Lucasfilm is negotiating a return of sequel star John Boyega. If true, it’s especially noteworthy given that Boyega had relatively recently made it clear that he had no plans to return to the franchise.

    At this point I’m cool off it. I’m good off it. I think Finn is at a good confirmation point where you can just enjoy him in other things, the games, the animation. But I feel like ‘[Episode] VII’ to ‘[Episode] IX’ was good for me.

    John Boyega on Tell Me Everything

    While the only known details about the film indicate it will focus on Rey and tell “the story of rebuilding the New Jedi Order and the powers that rise to tear it down” the Hot Mic Podcast co-hosts also suggested that Rey will not be the film’s lead but rather fill the sort of mentor role that Luke Skywalker did in the sequel trilogy. Those rumors seem to fall in line with a previous rumor that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II had joined the project in a lead role. It’s unknown just how big of a role Boyega‘s Finn would have in the film should he agree to return.

    With Lucasfilm looking to use the New Jedi Order film to launch the return of Star Wars to theaters, casting for the project is likely to continue over the next several months. Though the project doesn’t have a release date yet, it is believed that Lucasfilm would like for it be ready for December 2025.

    Source: HMP, Tell Me Everything with John Fugelsang

  • ‘Ted Lasso’ Star Juno Temple Joins ‘Venom 3’ in Lead Role

    ‘Ted Lasso’ Star Juno Temple Joins ‘Venom 3’ in Lead Role

    Tom Hardy’s upcoming third and potentially final Venom film is seemingly adding quite a bit of talent, as Ted Lasso’s Juno Temple has been revealed to have a role in the upcoming threequel. Not just that but she is seemingly taking on a lead role opposite Hardy, but there’s now ord on who she might be playing. It seems negotiations are still underway and her casting remains tightly under wraps as per usual with these kinds of announcements.

    Andy Serkis surprisingly isn’t returning to direct the third entry, as it’ll be directed by Kelly Marcel, who was the writer of the series since the first entry. She and Hardy have worked on the screenplay for the film with the usual Sony crew back to produce, which includes Amy Pascal, Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Hutch Parker. There is no word if anyone else from the previous entries will return in the upcoming sequel.

    Venom is a curious entry in Sony’s hope to expand its own Spider-Man universe. It originally set out to do so but mostly did its own thing and is the only project that is acknowledged by the mainline Marvel Cinematic Universe with Hardy’s appearance in the Spider-Man: No Way Home post-credit sequence. There’s a chance that the thrid entry is the final one as a last hurrah for this take on the character before Marvel is allowed to make use of that little tease at the end of the Spider-Man crossover film.

    Source: Deadline

  • Disney and Victoria Alonso Settled Over Recent Firing

    Disney and Victoria Alonso Settled Over Recent Firing

    Marvel Studios is going through quite a bit of change. Not only did it have to work its way through the pandemic and Bob Chapek’s leadership, but it also was suddenly seeing a familiar face at the top once more with Bob Iger. The company is undergoing some harsh firing waves and many were shocked when long-time VFX chief Victoria Alonso was fired from her position. While the Internet obsessed with the topic believed this would start a new era for VFX works, many different allegations have come forth on the topic.

    Some stated Alonso was a kingmaker that kind of destroyed their relationship with VFX agencies, while others claimed she played a big role in keeping projects together. Nothing concrete ever came out of it but the firing certainly lead to some wild accusations of “consequences” by Alonso’s lawyers. Multiple statements have been shared on why she was fired, which included her work on a project and seemingly neglecting responsibilities; a report that has never been confirmed.

    Now, it seems that Disney and Alonso have settled with a multi-million compensation over her firing. It was seemingly reached just recently after many discussions surrounding her 17-year tenure at Marvel Studios and work in Argentina, 1985. We’ll likely never find out what exactly the threatening “consequences” are for Disney and Marvel Studios, but perhaps it’s only a matter of time before a report pops up with a claim about what it might be. For now, it seems that there won’t be further discussions or public announcements of Disney moving forward until the next major figure is fired.

    Source: Deadline

  • New Report Details When and Where Production on ‘Superman: Legacy’ Will Take Off

    New Report Details When and Where Production on ‘Superman: Legacy’ Will Take Off

    James Gunn‘s Superman: Legacy has consistently been making headlines recently. Gunn recently indicated that he had put together a wishlist of talent for the project and that “early pre-production” on the 2025 release was underway. Now a new report from Heroic Hollywood reveals that the cameras are set to roll on DC Studios’ first theatrical release sooner than expected.

    According to the site, Superman: Legacy will kick off principal photography in Atlanta in January 2024. Atlanta has been a hub for superhero projects over the last decade with dozens of Marvel Studios films and streaming series being produced in and around the area. Agatha: Coven of Chaos and Captain America: New World Order are currently filming in Atlanta with Blade on deck.

    Gunn described Superman: Legacy as the “launch of the DCU” and co-chair Peter Safran explained that the film will see Superman trying to balance “his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” A fan of Richard Donner‘s 1978 Superman, Gunn will look to incorporate some of the classic Superman themes that were on display in the film in his Legacy project, according to Safran who said, “Superman represents truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned.”

    Superman: Legacy is set to land in theaters on July 11, 2025.

    Source: Heroic Hollywood

  • ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Is Finally Coming to Disney Plus

    ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Is Finally Coming to Disney Plus

    Peter Parker’s first solo MCU adventure is finally heading to Disney Plus. As part of a series of announcements by Marvel, it was revealed that Spider-Man: Homecoming will be available on the streaming service beginning May 12th.

    Sam Raimi‘s Spider-Man trilogy (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3), starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, will be available to stream on the service beginning April 21st as well Mark Webb‘s The Amazing Spider-Man, which starred Andrew Garfield as the Web-Head. Homecoming and Sony Pictures Venom will join the other films on the service on May 12th.

    Of course, all three Spider-Men appeared side-by-side-by-side in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home and that film’s post-credit scene featured Tom Hardy‘s Eddie Brock and his symbiote hanging out in the MCU. As fans wait to see what’s next for Tom Holland‘s Spidey in the MCU, now hey can at least rewatch his first MCU adventure and some of the multiversal Spidey shenanigans on Disney Plus.

  • A Rumored Shortlist of Candidates for Sue Storm Makes the Rounds

    A Rumored Shortlist of Candidates for Sue Storm Makes the Rounds

    Though it’s not expected to begin filming for quite some time, Marvel Studios Fantastic Four film continues to be the subject of casting rumors. Recently, Adam Driver, whose name has been circulated in connection with the film previously, was rumored to be in final talks for the role of Reed Richards. And now another name familiar to those who have been following the rumor mill has popped back up on a list of potential candidates for Sue Storm.

    According to a popular YouTube sensationalist, Academy Award Nominess Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman) tops director Matt Shakman and casting director Sarah Finn‘s wishlist for the role of the Invisible Woman. According to the rumor, the rest of that list includes Allison Williams, Jodie Comer and Mila Kunis. Interestingly enough, Kunis was spotted meeting with Shakman in February, sparking speculation that she might be involved with the project.

    A previous trade report indicated that Shakman and crew were looking to find their Sue Storm before casting anyone else, suggesting Sue was the “center” of the team and after finding the right fit, they would build “out the rest of the team.” There’s not a bad choice on the list of rumored front-runners and it’s very likely that the casting process is coming to a close given that it has been ongoing for months.

  • ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ Sets Production Timeline

    ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ Sets Production Timeline

    With multiple Marvel Studios projects shifting release dates in 2023 and 2024, the growing expectation among fans is that it’s only a matter of time before the film slate revealed at SDCC ’22 will shift as well. That slate currently has four films set for release in 2024 (Captain America: New World Order, Thunderbolts, Blade and the untitled Deadpool and Wolverine film) and four dates slated in 2025 and 2026. Among the films fans feel most likely to get pushed are the next two Avengers films, The Kang Dynasty and Secret Wars. The former of the two is currently scheduled for a May 2nd, 2025 release but between the shifting slate and troubling allegations mounting against star Jonathan Majors, making that date seems a dubious proposition at best to fans.

    If they are planning to push the film, Marvel Studios isn’t tipping their hand. They haven’t addressed any major changes to the upcoming slate outside of recently moving The Marvels into November and, according to Variety, are moving ahead with their work on The Kang Dynasty. According to the trade, production on the next Avengers film is on track to kick off in the Spring of 2024 which would put it on track to keep the May 2, 2025 release date.

    If any updates to Marvel Studios’ theatrical slate are pending, Disney could reveal some or all of them during their CinemaCon panel on April 26th. There’s been plenty of buzz about Marvel Studios looking to return to releasing only three films per year which would significantly alter the expected timeframe for their Multiverse Saga. Currently set to end on May 1, 2026 with Secret Wars, that date could quickly end up in 2027 should dominoes start to fall.

    Source: Variety

  • James Gunn Confirms Superman’s Pal Will Appear in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    James Gunn Confirms Superman’s Pal Will Appear in ‘Superman: Legacy’

    For fans of Superman, there’s a core group of characters whose stories are hard to separate from the Man of Steel. For better or for worse, Ma and Pa Kent, Lois Lane, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen and Lex Luthor are all fairly inextricably connected to Clark Kent. With a new Superman film coming as part of James Gunn and Peter Safran‘s new DCU, it’ll be important for Gunn–who is writing and directing Superman: Legacy–to find a way to make the reintroduction of all those characters into the mainstream feel fresh, should he choose to use them. With Gunn recently revealing that he’d begun “early pre-production” on the film and posting a picture of the current script for the film, you can be sure he’s thought through which characters are a must for the first adventure and now he’s revealed who one of them is.

    Responding to a fan on Twitter, Gunn revealed that Daily Planet photojournalist and longtime bestie of Superman, Jimmy Olsen will “of course” be in the movie.

    Olsen has appeared in multiple Superman-related projects in different mediums over the years. Actors such as Marc McClure, Aaron Ashmore, Mehcad Brooks and Michael Cassidy have all added their own touches to the character with some straying pretty far from the nature of Olsen in the comics. Given that the premise of Gunn’s new film revolves around Superman holding strong to old school values, it’s possible the newest iteration of Olsen might more closely resemble the innocent “Jeepers Mr. Kent” version than the CIA operative. With Gunn noting that he’s put together a list of preferred actors and actresses for the film, the identity of the new Jimmy Olsen may be just around the corner.

  • ‘Avengers’ Directors Open to Tackling DC Studios’ Batman

    ‘Avengers’ Directors Open to Tackling DC Studios’ Batman

    Joe and Anthony Russo have been quite busy since they departed Marvel Studios and their work on the Avengers franchise. They left quite a mark in the blockbuster landscape and while some haven’t been too thrilled with their latest work like The Gray Man, they have been busy promoting a very ambitious TV series titled Citadel for Amazon.

    While promoting the series, they were asked by ComicBook.com if they were interested in tackling any DC Studios project given that another Marvel alum has taken over the CEO position at the company. While they don’t say anything definite, it does seem like they have one character they’d definitely want to tackle: Batman.

    Obviously James over there running it, it would be a no-brainer. We love him to death. We love the direction he’s going to take that world in. You know he’s gonna be inventive with it. And favorite DC characters? I mean, man. There are so many good ones. I  always answer based on the comics I collected as a kid, and the two comics I collected the most were Spider-Man — actually, the three —  were Spider-Man. X-Men and Batman. But there have been a lot of iterations of Batman, so I feel like that’s an obvious answer.

    Joe Russo

    It definitely would be interesting to see what the Russo Bros. might be capable of putting together with a Batman film that takes its inspirations from The Brave and the Bold storyline that famously had the caped crusader duking it out with his own protegé, Damian Wayne. While in the comics it was Dick Grayson as Batman, it still will act as a point of inspiration with their iconic dynamic just being passed on to Damian’s actual father.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • ‘Twister’ Sequel Adds ‘Transformers’ Star to Cast

    ‘Twister’ Sequel Adds ‘Transformers’ Star to Cast

    Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., and Amblin Entertainment are reuniting to bring back a 1996 classic, Twister. The new sequel simply titled Twisters will feature a major cast that consists of Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and now Anthony Ramos. They will be directed by Minaro breakout Lee Isaac Chung based on a script by The Revenant writer Mark L. Smith.

    Ramos is currently going to be busy promoting his upcoming blockbuster film Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and is also going to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Ironheart. So, this makes for a good little project to follow up by facing giant tornados across the United States.

    Interestingly enough, Frank Marshall is set to produce Twisters via Kennedy/Marshall Company. He is the husband of Kathleen Kennedy, the president of Lucasfilm, and the former lead producer on the original Twister film. So, it’ll be an indirect reunion on the project.

    Details are still scarce on the project’s story and if it’ll even tie into the original. They may try to just focus on a new set of characters that follow in the legacy of the original’s cast. One thing is for sure, it won’t be the same without an innocent cow making the rounds as a giant tornado picks it up.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter