Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Movies

  • How to Watch ‘Black Adam’

    How to Watch ‘Black Adam’

    Dwayne Johnson‘s 15 years of dedication and passion to Black Adam didn’t result in the type of box office he or Warner Bros. Discovery hoped for and any of Johnson’s future plans for the character seem to have been blown to bits by the change in leadership at DC. However, if you didn’t catch the film in theaters and still want to see it, it’s now as easy as ever.

    Black Adam, which had previously been available on VUDU for a $24.99 rental, is now available on these platforms at these prices:

    • HBO Max: free with subscription
    • VUDU: buy for $19.99
    • Prime Video: buy for $19.99
    • Redbox: buy for $19.99

    The film was not well-received critically, compiling a 39% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 41 Metascore on Metacritic. Audiences seemed to enjoy it a bit more, giving it a B+ Cinemascore. If you already subscribe to HBO Max, you can enjoy what looks like Dwayne Johnson’s one and only DC film appearance for free starting today!

  • REPORT: James Cameron Has an Epic Cut of ‘Avatar 3’ in the Can

    REPORT: James Cameron Has an Epic Cut of ‘Avatar 3’ in the Can

    How long can James Cameron make Avatar 3? If a new report is to be believed, the director’s latest attempt would keep audiences in their seats for quite some time. While speaking on this week’s episode of his industry insider series The Hot Mic, Jeff Sneider dropped the wildly intriguing tidbit that Cameron recently handed in a cut of his untitled Na’vi threequel that spanned a whopping nine hours in length. If that wasn’t enough, the veteran filmmaker reportedly also wants to keep the cut and finish the entirety of it’s VFX before any effort is made to shorten it’s runtime in the editing room.

    The Avatar franchise has earned a reputation for producing long films, with 2009’s debut entry clocking in at two hours and forty-one minutes and this month’s Avatar: The Way of Water hitting three hours and twelve minutes. Amra Ekta Cinema Banabo (We Will Make A Cinema), a Bangladeshi project from 2019, holds the record for longest non-experimental film ever put in theaters at twenty-one hours and five minutes. While Avatar 3‘s nine hours are a far cry from that, they’re still probably a bit much for the average theatrical audience, and it should be expected that the movie will be cut down significantly. However, considering how confident Cameron is seemingly feeling about his full-length sequel, this report may indicate viewers are in for another three-plus hour experience in 2024.

    Avatar: The Way of Water is now in theaters, and Avatar 3 has – obviously – already been filmed. If both of these movies find success, Cameron has up to five more sequels conceptualized and ready to enter production. There is no report on how long Avatar 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 may be.

    Source: The Hot Mic

  • REPORT: Austin Butler Chasing Hot Marvel Studios Role

    REPORT: Austin Butler Chasing Hot Marvel Studios Role

    The breakout star of Baz Luhrmann‘s Elvis is reportedly ready to flame on. Austin Butler, the 31-year-old actor who burst onto the film scene this year after nearly two decades of steady work on television, is supposedly putting himself in contention to play Johnny Storm in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Fantastic Four. The film is one of the most anticipated superhero projects currently in development, and there have been no shortage of rumors swirling around its potential cast. This information comes from a recent episode of Jeff Sneider‘s The Hot Mic, in which the industry insider dropped the possible bombshell that Butler had spoken to his representation and his agents were in the process of “putting him up for Human Torch.”

    This does not mean that Butler is a front-runner for the role, or even that Kevin Feige and the folks at Marvel are genuinely interested in him as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s future. If true, however, it might be another indicator of just how coveted roles in the Matt Shakman-directed blockbuster have become in Hollywood. The Fantastic Four are major players in the Marvel Universe, and landing a leading role in Shakman‘s project could mean several years of big money and bigger exposure to follow. As Sneider puts it in the same episode of his show, Fantastic Four is one of two “crown jewels” for Marvel’s next era in the MCU, and “all the actors in town want to be part” of it.

    The film, set to be released on February 14th, 2025, will be the fourth attempt at bringing the titular team to life on the big screen, and fans are hoping it will be better than what they’ve seen in the past. There are currently no actors officially attached to the cast.

    Source: The Direct

  • Justice League Meets RWBY in New Animated Project

    Justice League Meets RWBY in New Animated Project

    No, you did not read that title wrong but it looks like the multiverse is opening up in unexpected ways. The Hollywood Reporter has unveiled that DC is partnering with Rooster Teeth for the project Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One. Besides a bizarrely long title, the story will see Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Vixen, Cyborg, and Batman transported to the world of Remnant. Now once again stuck as teenagers, they work alongside the heroes Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang to take down Grimm before he destroys everything.

    The project is based on a script by Meghan Fitzmartin with RWBY director Kerry Shawcross set to helm the project. The project has a massive cast that includes the following:

    • Chandler Riggs as Superman
    • Nat Wolff as Batman
    • Natalie Alyn Lind as Wonder Woman
    • Ozioma Akagha as Vixen
    • Jen Brown as Pyrrah
    • Aaron Dismuke as Oscar
    • David Errigo Jr. as The Flash
    • Shannon McCormick as Professor Ozpin
    • True Valentino as Cyborg
    • Jeannie Tirado as Green Latnern

    The original RWBY cast is also back with Lindsay Jones as Ruby, Kara Eberle as Weiss, Arryn Zech as Blake, and Barbara Dunkelman as Yang. There are no further details on this project and it’s uncertain if this might be something they’ll release for Direct-to-Video or Streaming. It surprisingly marks the second time these two worlds collide, as there was also the comic line published by DC from 2021 until 2022. Perhaps, there were already plans for this release around that time, building up to the adaptation.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Nikyatu Jusu Set to Direct ‘Night of the Living Dead’ Sequel for MGM

    Nikyatu Jusu Set to Direct ‘Night of the Living Dead’ Sequel for MGM

    Night of the Living Dead is back and it looks like MGM is already set to return to the iconic zombie franchise. Nanny‘s Nikyatu Jusu is already attached to direct the film for Village Roadshow Pictures, Westbrook, Origin Story, Vertigo Entertainment, and Sanibel Films. It seems the deal was grown out of a “highly competitive situation.” The film will be based on a script by LaToya Morgan, who is no stranger to zombies given her time on The Walking Dead. MGM is setting it for a theatrical run.

    George A. Romero‘s original adaptation Night of the Living Dead back in 1968 was technically the film that defined the genre and went on to spawn sequels, reboots and countless others trying to capitalize on the “Living Dead” genre. To this day, Night of the Living Dead already has five sequels directed by Romero and it’s uncertain if this one will continue where the last entry left off. It’s plot is under wraps and it’s only titled as a sequel and not a reboot.

    Jusu has made quite the splash with her work on Nanny, which was the first horror film to win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, which also made her only the second Black female director to receive the reward. So, it’s no surprise that Amazon wasn’t going to waste any time to get her attached to a new project, especially one with such a legacy behind it. It’ll be interesting to see if they try to stick to what makes this genre iconic or rather try to twist the genre on its head with a new look t a zombie-infested world.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Avatar 2’ No. 1 in All International Markets, Strong Day One Box Office

    ‘Avatar 2’ No. 1 in All International Markets, Strong Day One Box Office

    It looks like James Cameron already on a roll, as the day one estimates are already at $15.8M in specific international markets, which includes France, Germany, Italy, and Korea. It’s looking quite strong, even at 99% in some markets and it’s 124% ahead of the original Avatar and even 13% higher than Jurassic World: Dominion. It’s Chinese release isn’t as strong as hoped due to COVID issues in the market. It’s made an additional $5.41M over Wednesday and Thursday.

    Korea has also pulled in $2.6M additionally on Thursday with the Wednesday release being the market’s second highest opening day for the month ever. To no surprise, Avatar: The Way of Water has pulled in thee top spot in all markets with barley any competition out there to slow it down. Estimates surrounding China are quite shy with the markets uncertainty but it’ll still give the film a decent boost for its release.

    Will the film be as record breaking as everyone believes it’ll be? Most still truly believe that the film has a good chance to break records, 2022 has been a rough year for the bo xoffice. Besides a lack of releases and the market building any momentum, there’s the potential that this film could have the same legs that Spider-Man: No Way Home had with no real competition after its release this week. Still, it’s uncertain if it’ll have the same legs that pushed its original release after Top Gun: Maverick already dominated this year.

    Source: Deadline

  • Patrick Brice to Adapt ‘Party & Prey’ for Legendary and AfterShock Media

    Patrick Brice to Adapt ‘Party & Prey’ for Legendary and AfterShock Media

    It looks like Legendary Entertainment is joining forces with Aftershock Media to devleop a feature film based on the graphic novel Party & Prey by Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe. Patrick Brice of Creep fame is already attached to adapt the film based on a script by Rob Forman. The graphic novel only released last year, which explores the story of Alan, who meets Scott at a nightclub, who he shares a strong chemistry with and ends up at his house. There, they both uncover each other’s dark secrets as they end up having a wild night together. Foxe had the following to share on the adaptation:

    Creating PARTY & PREY alongside Alex, Juancho, Hass my fellow Steve, and the crew at AfterShock was a taboo thrill all its own an opportunity to tell a violent horror story entrenched in the gay community, without its rough edges sanded off for easier consumption. I can’t wait to see P&P interpreted into a new medium for an entirely different audience to discover.

    Steve Foxe

    The film will be produced by Lee Kramer, David Sigurani, and Jon Kramer. Max Zupanovic will also co-produce alongside the original creactors Orlando and Foxe, who have an executive producing role. Orlando shared his enthusiasm about the adaptation.

    From our nightmares to reality, in the best way possible! Here we are at a moment with PARTY & PREY that we never expected, but couldn’t be more excited for! This has been a story that’s clawed its way to life from the start, first from out of both my mind and Foxes, but as well from those of Alex Sanchez, Juancho! and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. And, of course – AfterShock! I couldn’t be prouder of this book – its lens, its action, its horror, and its representation across the board. We created the comic we wished would be on the stands, and now I couldn’t be more honored and energized for the world to see it on the screen.

    Steve Orlando

    It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt the story and thrillers are always a good seller. Plus, it’s a production for the queer community, as highlighted by its creators, which once again pushes representation in every genre forward.

    Source: Deadline

  • Dwayne Johnson Turned Down a Cameo in ‘Shazam 2’

    Dwayne Johnson Turned Down a Cameo in ‘Shazam 2’

    You know what’s weird? That the Shazam franchise has seemingly no real direct connection to the Black Adam franchise even though those characters are famously rivals in the original comics. During San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. had a panel promoting both next entries, especially with Shazam: Fury of the Gods‘ original release around the corner, but they didn’t use the chance to have these obviously connected characters interact with each other to hype up fans. There was no Zachary Levi squaring off against Dwayne Johnson eventhough that would’ve been the perfect build-up for these two characters. Now, it seems that Dwayne Johnson has even turned down a potential cameo in the upcoming Shazam sequel.

    The Wrap’s Umberto Gonzalez took to Twitter to react to a post highlighting that these two characters won’t likely ever meet due tot he DC Studios’ shake-up with its new co-heads very likely rebooting the entire franchise. There, he highlighted that Johnson passed on a cameo in the upcoming sequel and was approached directly to join in. It would’ve made sense to also build up to an eventual confrontation in the third entry but it seems even more apparent that Johnson‘s interpretation of the character is purely as Superman’s rival.

    The actor hasn’t been subtle about it, especially trying to sell his film on the return of Henry Cavill to the role; who ironically now also won’t return again after all that work threatening Warner Bros. executives to get him back. He’s been hyping up the character’s involvement quite a bit and their “big clash” which isn’t really Black Adam’s usual M.O. to beginw ith. Characters change in adaptation but one can see that he chose a character he personally liked and wanted to turn him into a Trinity level character. You have to respect the hustle but also it’s sad that he’s also the reason Black Adam was taken out of the original script for the first Shazam film only to completely move the character away from his base mythology.

    Source: Twitter

  • James Gunn Raised the Stakes for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    James Gunn Raised the Stakes for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

    James Gunn almost didn’t get to finish his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, but given the chance to do so, the director made sure it would be memorable. In an interview with EW, Gunn laid out the goals he has in mind for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and none of them are small in scale.

    Gunn hasn’t been shy in sharing that this film will be the last hurrah for this group of characters and that Rocket and his horrific origins will be at its center. “To me, Rocket has always been the secret protagonist of the Guardians movies,” said Gunn. “From the beginning, it has been rooted in who he is as a character. I think he exemplifies a lot of the traits of all the Guardians. They’ve had all these traumas, and it brings them together. I just think that his is more extreme than others. One of the reasons why I came back to [make] this movie” said Gunn of his decision to return after being let go, “was because I felt like I needed to tell Rocket’s story. I would’ve been very sad not to complete the trilogy for many reasons, but I just feel very connected to Rocket. I feel like nobody would be able to tell his full story if it wasn’t me.“

    Telling Rocket’s origins means the team will cross paths with Chukwudi Iwuji‘s High Evolutionary, who is responsible for the experiments that turned Rocket from an animal into the gruff and brilliant strategist fans know and love. “He was just fine being an animal, and he was transformed into something else he didn’t want to be,” Gunn said of Rocket. “I think that transformation itself was extremely painful, but I also think it made him feel incredibly alienated from everyone else. In Vol. 3, we learn a lot about his past — where he came from, who he is, and what he’s been through. It’s been a difficult road for the little animal.“

    It’s Rocket’s ties to the High Evolutionary that will drive the entire plot of the film, and put the Guardians in a precarious position and fans shouldn’t expect everyone to make it out alive. “This is the big one,” says Gunn of the finale. “This is where things really happen. This is where we get to know the truth about who these characters are, and we face the biggest stakes.” Who walks away and what comes next are certainly part of audiences’ fascination with the film, but the emotional first trailer for the project reminds fans to sit back and enjoy the ride and let the future take care of itself.

    Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits theaters on May 5th, 2023.

    Source: EW

  • Melissa McCarthy Headlining New Peacock Christmas Film

    Melissa McCarthy Headlining New Peacock Christmas Film

    Tis’ the season for Christmas movie announcements! According to an exclusive from Deadline, Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat) will star in a currently untitled Christmas-in-New York film that will be written by none other than Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral). Sam Boyd (Love Life, Tell Me Lies) will direct the film which will stream on Peacock.

    The currently untitled holiday hopeful is described as a fairy-tale comedy about a work-obsessed man who enlists help from a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas. Sounds like a mixture of Enchanted and Aladdin with a dash of Elf in there, with the similarity of the Walter Hobbs-esque workaholic father. Since the film is just in early development now, we can expect this film to be released probably in time for Christmas 2023. There is no word yet on who McCarthy will play in the movie.

    McCarthy has most recently been featured on television, right back where she got her breakout role as Sookie St. James in Gilmore Girls. Over the last couple of years, McCarthy has starred in Hulu’s drama, Nine Perfect Strangers before re-teaming with her husband, Ben Falcone in the Netflix comedy, God’s Favorite Idiot. She’ll next be seen as the despicable villainess sea monster, Ursula in the live-action take of The Little Mermaid in 2023. She just wrapped filming, Unfrosted, Jerry Seinfeld‘s directorial debut which follows the real-life battle between Kellogg’s and Post to create the perfect breakfast cake, the Pop-Tart.

    Source: Deadline