Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Netflix

  • Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Casting Members of The Fire Nation

    Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Casting Members of The Fire Nation

    The Last Airbender amassed a huge following on Nickelodeon when its first episode premiered over 16 years ago. The story of Aang, a young Airbender, uniting with two Water Tribe siblings, and the exiled son of the Fire Lord, as he returns from being stuck in time resonated with people both young and old. Following Aang’s journey as he learned how to master the elements in preparation for his fight with the aforementioned Fire Lord was a masterclass in storytelling, and so many incredible stories were woven into its 61 episode runtime.

    At the height of its popularity, a live-action film was inevitable. M. Night Shyamalan was enlisted to bring the story to life, with Noah Ringer as Aang, Dev Patel as Prince Zuko, Nicola Peltz as Katara, and Jackson Rathbone, fresh off his role in Twilight, as Sokka. It was promptly ravaged by critics despite it earning more than double its budget. Like the Water Tribe, Avatar fans have been waiting for news of Aang especially after the incredible Legend of Korra. Well, the wait is almost over, as Netflix announced the core cast for a live-action remake of the cartoon in August of this year: Gordon Cormier (Gabby Duran and the Unsittables) as Aang, Kiawentiio (Beans) as Katara, Ian Ousley (Physical) as Sokka, and Dallas Liu (PEN15) is Zuko. Today, we have even more casting news.

    Thanks to our good friends at The Illuminerdi, we now have word on what roles the showrunners are looking to cast.

    First up, it seems, is General Iroh. For Avatar fans, that name will mean a lot as he is who counsels Prince Zuko into joining with the Avatar instead of doing his father’s bidding and who has one of the most heart-wrenching stories when he is recounting the Battle of Ba Sing Se. His character description describes him as a “now retired, but once top athletics coach in the country. Known for his tough coaching and winning record he’s calmed since his retirement and takes the time to smell the roses and taste the pleasures in life.”

    Up next, they are looking to cast who can only be Azula. For those who don’t remember her, she is the Princess of the Fire Nation and a firebending prodigy who manages to produce blue fire when battling Zuko in the later seasons. While she doesn’t play a big role in season one, she plays an integral role down the stretch and is the perfect foil for Prince Zuko. This character is described as a person who “has been training her entire life to live up to the legacy of her father. She inherited his single-mindedness and ambition and like her father has developed a ruthlessness that she exerts toward anyone she sees as competition, including her own family.”

    Lastly, we have the Fire Lord himself, Lord Ozai. Described as an “intense and steadfast CEO of a major corporation with perfectionist standards that he believes everyone around him should live up to. Infamously willing to sacrifice everything to gain power including his marriage. He sees it as his duty to groom his teenage children to see the world as he does and to be just as ruthless.” Ozai abused Zuko and then exiled him, took the throne without a challenge from General Iroh, and ruled over the world while Aang was frozen. Think the Mandarin to Shang Chi, and you’ll have an idea.

    This is all exciting news for fans of the cartoon, as a lot of us were hoping something would be done to redeem the series after the terrible job done by M. Night. As of right now, release is tentatively slated for the 2022 Holiday season.

    Source: Illuminderdi

  • New Photos Surface of Going Merry on the Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Set

    New Photos Surface of Going Merry on the Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Set

    We’ve been long waiting for any sign of life of the upcoming One Piece adaptation by Netflix. They’ve currently set their eyes on promoting Tomorrow Studios’ first anime adaptation with Cowboy Bebop but that doesn’t mean the adaptation of Eiichiro Oda‘s popular manga series. In September, we got our first glimpses of production gearing up in South Africa. We were also able to confirm that Black Sails and Daredevil director Marc Jobst will tackle the series’ pilot. Yet, as things have calmed down last month, some set photos have surfaced teasing the Straw Hats iconic ship, the Going Merry.

    Reddit user u/… updated a piece showcasing various updates on the Netflix series since its launch similar to what we prepared back in August. What caught our eye was the updates from October 3rd and September 25th. These link to Imgur accounts that feature new looks at the Cape Town to featuring a familiar-looking lamb head attached to one of the boats.

    It’s the first sighting since we got a glimpse back in March. They continue to confirm that production is preparing, as we’re still waiting for an exact production start date or even a glimpse at the cast. The pandemic delayed its production by quite a bit. Interestingly enough, the last time we saw photos the horns were covered. WE get a better look at them this time around, but they haven’t been colored yet. So, it’s uncertain if these are older photos that simply surfaced now again, or that step took a backseat due to production delays.

    Here’s hoping that the wait won’t take much longer until we get a new update on the production. The first teases and trailers of Cowboy Bebop did showcase a promising adaptation that tries to stay true to the original while also keeping Western tastes in mind. It’ll be interesting to see if they might utilize the upcoming 1000th episode to kick off their live-action venture.

    Source: Imgur via Reddit, Twitter

  • Matthias Schweighöfer Was a Favorite During Test-Screenings as ‘Army of Thieves’ Was Already in Pre-Production

    Matthias Schweighöfer Was a Favorite During Test-Screenings as ‘Army of Thieves’ Was Already in Pre-Production

    Zack Snyder moved on from his DC franchise to establish a new universe over at Netflix. Taking another stab at the zombie genre, he twisted it in creative ways through Army of the Dead. The story explored an unlikely group of mercenaries that are pulling off a casino heist during a zombie apocalypse. In that team is the German named Ludwig Dieter played by long-time German star Matthias Schweighöfer.

    He’s made quite the name in the German-speaking market but now he had his big time to shine in the States when he joined Snyder’s new film and was going to lead its first prequel, Army of Thieves. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he talks about the scene where he tried his best to prove he’s part of the big leagues now.

    It was a ten-minute scene in the original version. It was huge. There was one moment where I knew, ‘OK, I’m in this film. It’s when Dave touches the blueprint, and I say, ‘Take your sausage fingers away, Mr. Big Hand.’ Dave started laughing. Zack started laughing. And I knew, ‘OK, welcome to the show.’

    Matthias Schweighöfer

    It seems he didn’t have much time, as he just met the director before this scene and had to perform to confirm his place in this new film. His character even became quite the popular character for many viewers. So, Schweighöfer’s casting was one of Snyder’s best moves yet he does confirm it was one of the more difficult roles to cast. THR’s Aaron Couch added on Twitter that he became a fan-favorite during test screenings just as Army of Thieves was already in pre-production.

    When Schweighöfer found out they were looking for a director, he threw his hat in the ring fresh off of his experience in the Amazon series You Are Wanted. The Snyders took a gander at it and it helped convince them he was the man for the job. So, once they got the green light, they gave him the call. The rest, as they say, is history.

    Source: Twitter, Hollywood Reporter

  • Benedict Wong, Tsai Chin Join the Cast of Netflix’s ‘Three-Body Problem’

    Benedict Wong, Tsai Chin Join the Cast of Netflix’s ‘Three-Body Problem’

    Netlix has set the cast for its forthcoming series adaption of Three-Body Problem. Joining the cast of the Liu Cixin adaption are Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Tsai Chin (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), John Bradley (Game of Thrones) and Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones). Also joining the cast are Jovan Adepo (When They See Us), Eiza Gonzalez (Baby Driver), Jess Hong (Inked: The Brokenwood Mysteries), Marlo Kelly (Dare Me), Alex Sharp (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), Sea Shimooka (Arrow), Zine Tseng and Saamer Usmani (The Mauritanian).

    The new cast additions join actress Eiza Gonzalez, who was cast in the project earlier this year.

    Back in September, we exclusively revealed 7 roles the Netflix series was looking to cast. While none of the characters were named, and Netflix is remaining tight-lipped regarding character details, there are a few roles some of the actors do fit. Namely Tsai Chin, who fits the role of one of the scientists. The role called for a female Lead who is of Chinese heritage and between the ages of 70-85.

    Three-Body Problem tells the story of what happens when humanity discovers that we are not alone in the universe. Production on Three-Body Problem kicks off in November in the UK.

    No release date has been set for Three-Body Problem.

    Source: Deadline

  • EXCLUSIVE: Character Breakdowns for Netflix’s ‘Beef’ with Steven Yeun

    EXCLUSIVE: Character Breakdowns for Netflix’s ‘Beef’ with Steven Yeun

    In March, Netflix announced it was developing a comedy-drama series titled Beef starring both Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead, Invincible) and Ali Wong (Baby Cobra, Always be my Maybe). The story centers around two people who allow a road rage incident to burrow into their minds and slowly consume their every thought and action.

    Since the show’s announcement, though, details regarding the forthcoming series have been sparse. Until now, at least. We here at Murphy’s Multiverse have character breakdowns for some of the other characters set to appear in the Netflix series.

    First up is the role of George. The character is said to be an early 30s-40s Japanese-American Male. He is described as the “chiseled and attractive” husband of Amy, who also happens to be the son of a renowned architect and designer. His character is the type who wears full bicycle gear and rides hundreds of miles every morning while listening to the Tom Ferriss podcast. George also happens to be a ceramicist who makes vases that are hard to sell, but he’s keen to focus on his business after his wife, Amy, sells off her own. This role is that of a series regular.

    Next up is June, the daughter of Amy and George. The role calls for a young girl between the ages of 4-6 who is Asian-American. June is described as “adorable” and “shy.” She’s also known to have outbursts when she becomes too frustrated. While she is sweet toward both parents, June has a closer relationship with her father. She also enjoys painting, yoga and eating candy. This role is also that of a series regular.

    Then there’s Isaac. The character is a Korean-American male who is between his mid-30’s and late 40’s. Isaac is the cousin of Danny and Paul. He is a bigger guy with the build of a high school or amateur football player. Isaac was recently released from jail after being arrested for illegal-export activities. While he believes in traditional Korean values, he will break the law when needed and justify it as being for his family. The character will appear in 7 out of 10 episodes.

    Finally, there’s Fumi. This character is a Japanese-American woman in her 60s. She is the mother of George and Amy’s mother-in-law. Fumi is described as elegant and attractive, and she wears head-to-toe designer clothes. She is also the widow of a renowned architect who has never worked a day in her life. With no job, she spends her time as a doting grandmother and visits her son’s family often. Fumi has high expectations of others, including her son, and prides herself on her artistic taste. The character will appear in 7 out of 10 episodes.

    Netflix’s Beef consists of 10 episodes and Lee Sung Jin (Dave, Tuca & Bertie) serves as the showrunner.

  • ‘Squid Game’ Continues to Dominate With Over 3 Billion Minutes Watched in a Week

    ‘Squid Game’ Continues to Dominate With Over 3 Billion Minutes Watched in a Week

    Netflix’s latest blockbuster series from South Korea, Squid Game, has been dominating the streaming market. It’s been all the rage with TikTok videos paying tribute and the recent reveal of a new Funko Pop selection. The series pulled in 142M viewers in just its first four weeks. Nielsen’s U.S. rankings have added an updated top listing and the series managed to become the sixth title to pass 3 billion minutes watched within just a week. As a result, it’s also the best performing series in the United States.

    The chart also includes Ted Lasso, What If…?, Only Murders in the Building, and Goliath, but Squid Game was the clear winner. What is interesting to note is that the former Apple TV+ series had its first appearance in the top listing after its Emmy win. Interestingly enough, HBO Max is the only streaming service to enter Nielsen’s top listing regularly. The only exception was Wonder Woman 1984. to put Squid Game’s 3 billion in comparison, the second place went to another Netflix series, Midnight Mass, with 1.71B minutes watched. Lucifer took the third spot with 535M minutes.

    Given Netflix’s long history in the streaming market, they are the only streaming service to pass the 3B minutes in a week milestone. Its other series that managed to do so were You, Tiger King, Ozard, The Umbrella Academy, and The Crown. Of these shows, Tiger King managed it twice while Ozark dominated three weeks. It’ll be interesting to see if there are other series that’ll join this special club.

    Source: Deadline

  • Zack Snyder Hints at Ludwig Dieter’s Return in His ‘Army of the Dead’ Sequel Now Titled ‘Planet of the Dead’

    Zack Snyder Hints at Ludwig Dieter’s Return in His ‘Army of the Dead’ Sequel Now Titled ‘Planet of the Dead’

    Zack Snyder‘s deal with Netflix will continue to bring more content to audiences in the forthcoming years. After this year’s Army of the Dead and the upcoming prequel titled Army of Thieves, which Snyder respectively directed and produced, we are now entering sequel territory with the newly named project, Planet of the Dead. This in-development sequel, that Snyder teased back in May 2021, does not, as of yet, have a release date nor has its production schedule been announced. In an interview, Snyder offered one glimpse into the upcoming sequel with the potential return of Ludwig Dieter. 

    But the real adventure would be to see what happened to him when that safe door closed. Did he get killed by Zeus or not? What happened? We don’t see him die on camera, and there’s still some time left. I won’t tell you what happens in Army of the Dead 2 — aka Planet of the Dead — but let’s just say that there’s a chance Dieter survives.

    Zack Snyder

    With the wait for Planet of the Dead only just beginning, audiences can catch Dieter’s return in the prequel Army of Thieves, which releases tomorrow, October 29, on Netflix. Matthias Schweighofer, who plays the German safecracker, also took over the directing role. Snyder is currently working on his Rebel Moon feature film for the streaming service, a sci-fi adventure inspired by Akira Kurosawa and Star Wars. So, the sequel might not enter production until he wraps up work on it.

    Source: Inverse

  • ‘Halloween Kills’ Jamie Lee Curtis Would Love to Play Dr. Kureha in Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Series

    ‘Halloween Kills’ Jamie Lee Curtis Would Love to Play Dr. Kureha in Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Series

    We’re still anticipating the casting for Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of One Piece. The upcoming adaptation of Cowboy Bebop will be our first window into its potential, but the recent short has proven they can capture a live-action anime quite well. Still, the casting will play a vital role in the series’ potential. So far, we have no diea who’ll take on the iconic roles from the popular manga series. The only rumor was taht they were eyeing Ludi Lin for the role of Roronoa Zoro. Well, it seems one well-known actress has her eyes set on a specific role.

    Halloween Kills‘ Jamie Lee Curtis is well-known for her love of the series. In the past, she has openly discussed her wish to play Robin. Of course, the age difference won’t make that a reality, but she does seem to have a Plan B that matches some fan castings. In an interview with the One Piece Podcast, Curtis‘ daughter Ruby Guest joined the podcast’s hosts talking about the show. She ended up also getting a question on the fans wanting her to play Chopper’s teacher, Dr. Kureha.

    My mom loves Kureha. I would be 100% for it and I honestly, since Netflix is doing the live-action adaptation, I would highly recommend her to pull some strings to see if she can. […] I know my mom is 100% for it.

    Ruby Guest

    In the interview, Guest also reveals that her mother loves Chopper. So, it almost seems like a destined casting. Of course, if they end up casting her it won’t be until the series gets a second season renewal, as Kureha doesn’t appear until the Drum Island arc. It was a pitstop on tehir way to Alabasta as Nami fell ill from their time on Little Garden. The island was famous for its doctors until the selfish King Wapol tried to monopolize their services. She was one of the few doctors that roamed the island alongside the quack Dr. Hiriluk. Here’s hoping that we’ll get to explore the Grand Line after the first season’s time on the East Blue.

    Source: One Piece Podcast via Twitter

  • Squid Game: Series Pulls in 142 Million Views Globally in First Four Weeks

    Squid Game: Series Pulls in 142 Million Views Globally in First Four Weeks

    After just four weeks in release, Netflix’s Korean drama Squid Game pulled in a stunning 142 million views by member households globally. The numbers were released by Netflix on Tuesday as part of its third-quarter earnings report in a letter to its investors. “A mind-boggling 142m member households globally have chosen to watch the title in its first four weeks. The breadth of Squid Game’s popularity is truly amazing,” the letter read.

    Squid Game launched on Netflix on Sept. 17 and has ranked as Netflix’s No. 1 show in 94 countries since its launch. Netflix also says Squid Game has “pierced the cultural zeitgeist” after being in an SNL skit, as well as becoming a meme on TikTok and other social media across the globe.

    The series centers around 456 players who are down on their luck and in need of money to pay off their debts. They meet a mysterious recruiter who challenges them to a game of ddakji. The recruiter allows them to play until their successful, going on to offer them a chance at more cash through a series of children’s games. While he doesn’t go into further details, he does offer the players a card with three symbols on the front and a phone number on the back. Upon calling the number, participants have the chance to join the game without any idea of what its store upon joining. Soon enough, though, they find out only one player will survive to win the 45.6 billion won.

    Squid Game was written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk. All 9 episodes are now streaming on Netflix.

    Source: Deadline

  • DC FANDOME: First Look at Gwendoline Christie’s Lucifer in Netflix’s ‘The Sandman’

    DC FANDOME: First Look at Gwendoline Christie’s Lucifer in Netflix’s ‘The Sandman’

    DC FanDome offered us quite a few glimpses at upcoming films, shows, and comics. Among them, we got a brief tease for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of The Sandman. They didn’t reveal too much, as we did get a reveal trailer not too long ago, but they used the chance to offer a first look at Gwendoline Christie‘s Lucifer. You can check out her new character poster right here:

    Source: DC FanDome, Twitter