Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Netflix

  • Netflix Nearing Biggest Streaming Deal Ever for ‘Knives Out’ Sequels

    Netflix Nearing Biggest Streaming Deal Ever for ‘Knives Out’ Sequels

    It looks like Rian Johnson‘s Knives Out franchise has a bright future ahead. According to Deadline, Netflix is currently closing in on a deal worth $400M+ for the two sequels. They would focus around a mystery solved by the super sleuth Benoit Blanc. Daniel Craig will return to the iconic role. Johnson is already working on the sequel’s script and will produce alongside Ram Bergman. The film is aiming for a production start in Greece by June 28th. It is the largest deal in streaming history that became a bidding war between Netflix, Apple, and Amazon. The original film was acquired by MRC, who distributed it with the help of Lionsgate. On a very modest budget of $40M, it managed to make $300M worldwide. As such, any future sequels became a hot commodity for making a lot of money on little investment.

    Still, the deal could imply that the future sequels will get a budget increase. The money is made to balance out what the film would’ve gained through the regular Box Office. Netflix saw the property and believed in its potential to make up for it through its subscription model and took the investment opportunity. As Deadline points out, it would be quite the event film franchise for the streaming giant. It’s interesting to think that the film came together during the downtime for Daniel Craig after Danny Boyle‘s departure from the James Bond franchise. The last film had an amazing cast and after its success, we might see many more iconic actors try to weasel their way into the next production.

    Source: Deadline

  • Laurence O’Fuarian Joins ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’

    Laurence O’Fuarian Joins ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’

    Netflix has struck gold with its adaption to the popular book series, The Witcher. It is already in development on a few spin-offs as well as another season of the show. The series sees Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia. He is a witcher making his way through the land fighting monsters. Now, Netflix plans to tell another story, one even older than this in The Witcher: Blood Origin. The story is set before the conjunction of spheres and will explore the origin of the prototype Witcher.

    Deadline is reporting that actor Laurence O’Fuarian has joined the cast of the upcoming project alongside Jodie Turner-Smith. O’Fuarian will play a character named Fjall. He is born into a clan of warriors, who are sworn to protect the king at all cost. The man is haunted by the death of a loved one who died protecting him and just can’t let it go. Fjall will find himself fighting alongside a group of unlikely comrades, as he searches for a way to honor the sacrifice made for him and finally make peace with their death.

    The Witcher: Blood Origin will be a 6-part series, but currently has no release date. It’s unclear when filming on the project will begin, as the cast currently consists of just Laurence O’Fuarian and Jodie Turner-Smith. It’ll be interesting to see if they add story elements that might end up carrying over into Cavill‘s run in the franchise.

    Source: Deadline

  • Netflix Announces ‘BRZRKR’ Sequel Anime and Live-Action Adaption

    Netflix Announces ‘BRZRKR’ Sequel Anime and Live-Action Adaption

    Keanu Reeve has been on a hot streak for some time now. The man has become unstoppable as a movie star. He recently even played Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk: 2077 and even wrote his comic book. Just two weeks ago, the first issue of BRZRKR hit the shelves, a story about an immortal warrior known as “B.” He has been around for over 80,000 years, fighting through wars across history, who just so happens to be half-mortal and half-god. In the modern era, he has become an operative for the US government, who fights the battles no one else wants. Now, he is hellbent on uncovering the secret to his neverending life. 

    Netflix has acquired the rights to the new comic book series, which has already sold a whopping 615,000 units according to its publisher, Boom! Comics. Netflix will develop a live-action adaption alongside a sequel series in the form of an Anime. It’ll serve as a follow-up to the comic that will run for twelve issues. Reeves is also set to star in both projects, as the character’s likeness is based on his own.

     

    BRZRKR’s first issue has hit shelves two weeks ago. The story was developed by Reeves, who worked on it alongside Matt Kindt. As these new projects are early in development, they currently have no release date. So, it’s the perfect time to explore the BRZRKR universe.

    Source: THR, Twitter

  • Stephen Fry Reveals Involvement with Netflix’s ‘Sandman’

    Stephen Fry Reveals Involvement with Netflix’s ‘Sandman’

    Sandman is another title that was trapped in development hell for quite some time. At one point, Joseph-Gordon Levitt was attached to a star before fizzling out. Luckily, that all changed as the Netflix adaptation started releasing its cast. It looks like even more cast members are coming out of the woodwork, as another actor revealed his involvement with the series. Stephen Fry accidentally let his involvement slip during an appearance on Channel 4. It was during the coverage of cricket, where a small remark on his recent work led to the revelation.

    The best part is that Fry didn’t stop there. H ended up revealing that he’ll be playing an ‘Edwardian Writer’ named Gilbert. Many fans will know this as the alias for Fiddlers Green, a sentient part of the Dreaming that all travelers dream of finding someday. Green is known to be able to take a human form, enjoying some wandering from time to time. Fry went on about the excitement that he had for joining this new fantasy project:

    It’s part of what we call the DC Universe but it’s really its own thing. I’m really looking forward to that, I’ve not been in anything quite like it before. I suppose the Hobbit counts as a fantasy world.

    Netflix’s Sandman currently has no release date, and it is set to star Tom Sturridge as Dream, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, Boyd Holbrook as the Corinthian, Charles Dance as Roderick Burgess, Asim Chaudhry as Abel, Sanjeev Bhaskar as Cain, and Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne.

    Source: Metro

  • EXCLUSIVE: Russo Bros.’ Production for Netflix’s ‘The Gray Man’ Set After Delays

    EXCLUSIVE: Russo Bros.’ Production for Netflix’s ‘The Gray Man’ Set After Delays

    We are only a few days away when Joe and Anthony Russo‘s next major film, Cherry, releases on Apple TV+. It is their first film since their work on Avengers: Endgame that will see them tackle a more intimate story of a young man, played by Tom Holland, going down a dark path. The two aren’t going to take a break, as the directing duo is already eyeing the next blockbuster project, The Gray Man. The film is described as Netflix’s most ambitious feature film, which will see Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans in the leading roles. The last time we heard anything from the production was in July, as the film was eyeing a January production start. However, we have exclusively learned that the film is facing a production delay.

    Originally, it was going to start shooting the film in January, but it was delayed until March or April. They are currently still casting for the film, but no details are given for the delay. The production start was already delayed for two weeks back in December due to the rise of COVID concerns, so it is most likely why it was given another two to three months.

    The story is an adaptation of the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney, where a deadly duel where the former CIA operative Gosling‘s Gentry is hunted by his former cohort Lloyd Hansen, who is played by Evans. The film’s script was written by Joe Russo with some polish by their Captain America and Avengers co-writers, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. It will be produced by their production house AGBO.

    Source: Deadline (Film), Deadline (COVID)

  • RUMOR: Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Finds New Showrunner in Albert Kim

    RUMOR: Netflix’s ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Finds New Showrunner in Albert Kim

    The first few months of quarantine were a bit of an adjustment for many, but people found a way to make the most of it. One saving grace was the debut of Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix. It gave people a much-needed break and escape from the world. Following its release, many people began to remember that Netflix was also developing a live-action adaption of the beloved series. After the first misfire on a live-action debut, it made many fans skeptical. It didn’t help that the original creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, left the project due to creative differences. It left fans with a sour taste in their mouth, and many wished for it to end there.

    A new report suggests the Netflix may have already found a new showrunner to helm the project. Following the original creator’s departure, it seems Netflix has recruited Albert Kim to take on the challenge. Kim has worked on a variety of other series, such as TNT’s Heist and FOX’s Sleepy Hollow. She served as writer, producer, and executive producer on the latter. Details for the series are still unknown, and it’ll be interesting to see how the show handles its seasonal structure. The original told its story across 20+ episodes each season, which may be difficult to compress into Netflix’s regular show length.

     

    avatar showrunner

     

    The report also offered some new details on its casting, as the series will reportedly change the ages of the characters. This time Katara will be the oldest at 16. Sokka is being aged down to 14, while Aang remains 12. These changes seem weird and unnecessary, but they could change up the dynamic between the team, especially when you consider Aang and Katara’s relationship in the original series. We’ll see what else they might change.

    Source: Illuminerdi

  • How Marvel Studios Can (Re)introduce The Defenders Into the MCU

    How Marvel Studios Can (Re)introduce The Defenders Into the MCU

    Marvel’s Netflix venture gave fans some of the most interesting programmings for Marvel TV. From the gritty, suspense, and dark themes of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and The Punisher to the Superhero Street vibes in Luke Cage & Iron Fist, Marvel’s Netflix had something for everyone. On top of it all, the casting in these shows was phenomenal. They embodied these characters, and it was the interactions that sold us on their chemistry. Charlie Cox‘s Daredevil with Jon Bernthal‘s Punisher gave life to a very memorable showdown in Daredevil‘s second season. Krysten Ritter‘s Jessica Jones and Mike Colter‘s Luke Cage shared some incredible chemistry during their time together. In their attempt to recreate the Marvel Cinematic Universe formula on a smaller scale, these Netflix shows created a tiny world set within a larger universe.

    Since their respective cancellations in 2018, people have been waiting for Marvel Studios to bring them back. So now, after years of waiting, all of Marvel’s Netflix rights have reverted to Disney and Marvel. Now, we have to wonder what will follow now that Marvel has all of these characters at their disposal. So, Kevin Feige has a slew of choices ahead of him. How do you introduce these characters into the MCU? Do you recast them or try a soft reboot? Can you continue their stories from their time on Netflix, or would they require new backstories? These are all essential questions moving forward. If only we had a precedent as to what we can expect. Luckily, we can.

     

    Daredevil

     

    Daredevil is a perfect candidate to stick with long-form storytelling. I do believe that he needs to have his first appearance in the MCU in another franchise. We know that Charlie Cox will reprise his role as Matt Murdock in the upcoming Spider-Man threequel, which will release at the end of this year. How exactly that will play out remains to be seen, but given how Spider-Man: Far From Home ended in 2019, chances are Peter Parker is going to need one hell of a lawyer. The dynamic duo of Nelson and Murdock are perfect candidates to tackle this case.

    If you ask me what I’d adapt for this series, I believe Daredevil: Gang War by Frank Miller and Tom DeFalco would be a fantastic story for a future show. You would already have Matt Murdock established in the MCU as Daredevil, and it would also be a brilliant way to reintroduce Wilson Fisk. In this particular run, he retired in Japan with his wife, Vanessa. She had grown sick of Fisk’s life of crime, but they are forced back due to his wife getting kidnapped by a former rival gang. It could explain Kingpin’s absence in the MCU, and I have an excuse to say that I want Vincent D’Onofrio back as Kingpin.

     

    Jessica Jones

     

    Following a similar introduction pattern of Daredevil, there are rumors that Jessica Jones could make her appearance in the upcoming She-Hulk series. Like before, we have no idea how she might play into the story. I am working on a theory of what role she might have in She-Hulk, but that still needs some time in the oven as a potential Theory Thursday piece.

    Story-wise, I liked Jessica Jones: Blind Spot by Kelly Thompson, and it is a story that would be the perfect choice for her MCU introduction. It is a murder mystery thriller, where Jessica Jones is the prime suspect in a murder. Her regret haunts her, as she failed to help her years ago. Not only would it showcase Jessica’s investigative abilities, but also uniquely retell her origin. The murderer could tease her alongside the audience with bits and pieces of her past. The viewers get immersed in the murder mystery and allow them to piece together Jessica’s origin.  

     

    Heroes for Hire (Luke Cage/Iron Fist)

    The fact that we never got the chance to see Mike Colter and Finn Jones truly embrace the dynamic Heroes for Hire duo is criminal. A buddy cop series similar to the styles of Bad Boys, Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour, and 21 Jump Street is how I could see these two pull appear in the MCU. And I would keep their origins the same way and have it play out like in the comics. Luke Cage was exonerated, so both of them meet at a party and get into a fistfight. Afterward, they both become great friends by the end of it. It also would allow viewers to truly explore Iron Fist’s vast history from the comics with Cage as the straight man trying to figure out all the craziness that starts to haunt them.

     

    The Punisher

    Say what you want about The Punisher, but Jon Bernthal‘s portrayal of the character was incredible in Daredevil and his spinoff show. In the comics, Frank Castle always appeared as a secondary character or even as an antagonist. He got into fights with the likes of Spider-Man and, of course, Daredevil before being given his comic run. Netflix replicated the formula by making him appear in the second season of Daredevil. He had a recurring role before being given a spinoff. My money’s on Marvel Studios doing the same thing. Castle will appear in another franchise before being given his show. And there are several places he could appear in if you consider Castle’s military background.

    He could be a former ally to Col. James Rhodes and have a brief cameo appearance in the upcoming Armor Wars series. There is also the chance that he could make his MCU debut in the Moon Knight series. Their interactions in the comics have been iconic. I am not sure what story to give Punisher’s new MCU series because I’m unfamiliar with his comic runs. What I do know is that the show should be similar to the Netflix counterpart. We will explore Castle’s motives before he becomes the Punisher. It shouldn’t shy away from the dark and gritty, which would still be possible to showcase on Disney+.

  • Netflix Unveils ‘Godzilla Singular Point’s King of Monsters Design

    Netflix Unveils ‘Godzilla Singular Point’s King of Monsters Design

    Around four months ago, Netflix unveiled that they are working on a brand new anime focused on Godzilla. The series will follow after their last adaptation, the Godzilla: Planet of Monsters film trilogy. In the announcement, we got a small glimpse at the design of the titular King of Monsters. They pulled in some heavy hitters, as his entire look is created by the legendary Ghibli animator Eiji Yamamori. The first tease already showcased quite a bit of detail that is going into the iconic design. Now, after a long wait, they unveiled our first look at his complete design. They also revealed that Yuji Kaneko colored this design to finish off his iconic look.

    I love the design. It feels like a combination of Toho’s classic with some influence from 2014’s American incarnation. His body shape is interesting, as they went out of their way to make his legs and tail massive. The design makes it look like he is part of a Ghibli film, which makes me wonder what a Ghibli film would look like made by Hayao Miyazaki. I love the design, so I am curious to see him in action. Godzilla Singular Point will also feature the work of Blue Exorcist’s Kazue Kato for the human characters. We did get a trailer last year that teased this design in action. It also confirmed that the monster designs are all going to be in 3D. It is certainly turning into a must-watch for any Godzilla fan out there.

     

    Source: Twitter, YouTube

  • Finn Jones Reveals Scrapped ‘IRON FIST’ Season 3 Plot Details

    Finn Jones Reveals Scrapped ‘IRON FIST’ Season 3 Plot Details

    The Marvel-Netflix shows may have had their ups and downs, but no other series pulled as much of a one-eighty as Marvel’s Iron Fist. The series debuted in 2017 to meager reviews from fans and critics alike, who took issue with the pacing of the story and the underwhelming action sequences. However, the show began to find its footing with a shorter second season thanks to a new showrunner, Raven Metzner. While still far from perfect, it seemed like Metzner and his team were on the right track. Sadly, Iron Fist ended up being the first victim in Netflix’s house-cleaning. For the past two years, those of us who found enjoyment in the series have been left with only our imaginations to guess what might have come after the show’s major cliffhanger ending. Luckily, former star Finn Jones was able to talk about the series candidly during a recent interview with Collider. He spilled the beans on what would have come for Danny Rand and Colleen Wing in the potential third season.

    Raven [Metzner], who was the showrunner for the second season, and I were sure that there was gonna be a Season 3, so we had already devised the whole thing. I was so excited to get into that. It really was gonna be about Danny finally assuming the role of the Iron Fist, fully accomplished, fully charged up, and fully in control of his shit, as well. It was gonna be this amazing story [with] Danny and Ward off in foreign lands as a buddy storyline almost. And then, you had Colleen in New York, isolated with this new power, struggling to come to terms with her identity and with this power. At some point, we would have met again and probably formed this crazy power couple [or] superhero relationship.

    It certainly sounds like they had some interesting plans for the third season. In a way, Danny’s time in New York City for The Defenders crossover downplayed the potential of the show. Many viewers have already moved past this take on the character and his lore, it always felt like another season may have finally brought Netflix’s Iron Fist to the place it was always meant to go. As Finn Jones points out, it feels like the show was cut down at its peak. With Kevin Feige rumored to be bringing back Charlie Cox for another go as Daredevil, one might wonder if Jones could get a second chance at the role.

    Source: Collider

  • Netflix’s ‘Sandman’ Casts Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie and Many More

    Netflix’s ‘Sandman’ Casts Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie and Many More

    The upcoming Sandman series on Netflix is by far one of the most anticipated adaptions out there. Sandman is another title that was trapped in development hell for quite some time. At one point, Joseph-Gordon Levitt was attached to star before fizzling out. Luckily, that all changed as the Netflix adaptation started filming in October. Yet, they have been tight-lipped on the show’s cast.

    After a long wait, Netflix has graced us with official casting for the upcoming adaption. They have officially revealed who will be playing the Lord of Dreaming and the Lord of Hell. Let’s start with the dreamer, as it was confirmed that Tom Sturridge will take on the role of Morpheus, one of the seven Endless. This reveal confirms a rumor from some time ago that he was in negotiations. Joining Sturridge is Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer. Boyd Holbrook will be playing The Corinthian, who is an escaped nightmare. Vivienne Acheampong has been cast as Lucienne, the librarian of dreams. Charles Dance is the charlatan and magician, Roderick Burgess.  Rounding out the cast are Asim Chaudhry and Sanjeev Bhaskar, who will be playing as the first victim Abel and predator Cain respectively.

    One notable absence from this announcement is that of Dream’s siblings, the other Endless. They are a group of anthropomorphic personification of metaphysical entities that represent Destiny, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction, and Death. It’s possible the rest of the casting has yet to be announced. As they only started filming a few months ago, they might be keeping some news under wraps until the show officially starts its marketing campaign before release. Either way, this is quite the stellar cast they’ve added and it’ll be exciting to see their take on the iconic comic franchise.

    Source: NX On Netflix