Here’s some interesting news on upcoming Netflix series White Stork, which I hope Tom Hiddleston fans will appreciate. Insider Daniel Richtman kindly agreed to let me share a report from his Patreon that Claire Foy has been sent an offer to play series female lead Asher Millan opposite Hiddleston.
The English actress is well known for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in Netflix series The Crown and would certainly be a very talented match to go up against Hiddleston in this new series. It has also been reported that White Stork will be ten 60 minute episodes and is slated to stream in 2022. Likely, filming will begin in the United Kingdom early in 2021, soon after Hiddleston finishes filming the Loki series in the United States.
Daniel Richtman also listed some character descriptions and a couple new character names for White Stork, which give some clues about those roles in the series.
See a screenshot of the listing from Daniel’s Patreon (shared with his permission) below:
Netflix, in the midst of a run of dominance in the Streaming Wars, has not been afraid to dabble in original content that has been tried and failed at before. Their team has been quite successful with their adaptation of Castlevania, and this success even led to the announcement of a series based on Devil May Cry. Now, it looks like they are eyeing one more gaming franchise to adapt, as they have confirmed that a Resident Evil series is currently in development. Not only do we have that, but we also got a tease of what we can expect from the adaptation that will explore two separate timelines. Supernatural‘s Andrew Dabb and The Walking Deads’ Bronwen Hughes are attached as showrunners. It will consist of eight episodes with an hour runtime. We got the following description for the show:
In the first timeline, fourteen-year-old sisters Jade and Billie Wesker are moved to New Raccoon City. A manufactured, corporate town, forced on them right as adolescence is in full swing. But the more time they spend there, the more they come to realize that the town is more than it seems and their father may be concealing dark secrets. Secrets that could destroy the world. Cut to the second timeline, well over a decade into the future: there are less than fifteen million people left on Earth. And more than six billion monsters — people and animals infected with the T-virus. Jade, now thirty, struggles to survive in this New World, while the secrets from her past – about her sister, her father, and herself – continue to haunt her.
Off the bat, it is an odd choice to explore the current day with a brand new Raccoon City and what sounds like the post-apocalypse, but the franchise has been interpreted in many different ways across many different gaming generations. After Resident Evil 4, the games started to embrace a more action-oriented approach, but the seventh entry flipped the script by returning to its roots while adding a first-person perspective. Capcom has even started remaking the classic games, with some exceptional twists, that focus more on the Zombie horror and jump scares that made us fall in love with the franchise so many years ago.
This series, at least initially, sounds like it will take a lot from the Resident Evil games AND films. Paul W. S. Anderson reinterpreted the franchise and only loosely based it on the games with only the zombie designs and names of characters carrying over. The confirmation that the series will star a pair of Wesker twins named Wesker already alludes to the iconic villain from the games. However, he also had a recurring role in the film franchise when he first appeared in Resident Evil: Extinction. Constantin Film, who produced the films, is also returning for this project. They do confirm this will be a brand new story but it wouldn’t be surprising to see even more elements from the films carried over. Whatever it may end up being, it will certainly be a wild ride.
Making of-Series are all the rage right now. Disney+ created Disney Gallery to show how they made their originals. Currently, the first season only showcases the making of behind The Mandalorian. They even released an exclusive Frozen 2 BTS series titled Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2. Looks like Netflix wants a part of this BTS pie. They have now officially released Making The Witcher that offers a look into Lauren Schmidt Hissrich‘s adaptation of the iconic book series. They also released a trailer to let everyone know what they can expect.
The Witcher was a great addition to Netflix’s ever-expanding media library. It was a bit confusing in how often it jumped between different time periods but it still was quite a fun ride. Henry Cavill was a perfect choice as Geralt of Rivia. He certainly has a talent for grunting at people. I cannot wait to see how they got a lot of those creature effects done. Some of them looked outstanding and the blend of practical with CGI is always a major plus. The special will be around 32 minutes long with interviews of the cast.
The series is already renewed for a second season. As the first focused on short stories that took place before the main storyline, we do not know what will be the focus in the next eight episodes. A prequel is currently in the works under the title The Witcher: Blood Origin. They even announced an anime spin-off as well. Series was one of Netflix’s most-watched debut shows so they will milk it as much as they can. Production has already resumed for the second season so maybe we will get some teases in this special feature on what we can expect moving forward.
Not too long ago, we discussed how Netflix’s business model sadly keeps shows from going beyond a certain amount of seasons. Sadly, it seems that their cyberpunk series Altered Carbon was also affected by it. It was officially announced that the show would not return for a third season. The show based on Richard K. Morgan’s 2002 novel followed Takeshi Kovacs as he switched between different bodies. In the first season, he was played by Joel Kinnaman before Anthony Mackie took over in the second.
Deadline reports that this show wasn’t affected by COVID. The decision was already made back in April. It is common for Netflix to cancel shows around their second season. They also just recently canceled the shows The Society and I Am Not OK With This. Those, however, were due to the pandemic. Ironically, the show is from Skydance Television, who Netflix has worked on the comedy Grace and Frankie which will end its run with seven seasons.
Netflix is still working with Skydance as they are also the ones that produced The Old Guard. Sadly, it looks like Takeshi’s body-swapping story has come to an end. Maybe further down the line, they can revisit this world with a new cast but we did get a great interpretation with two very unique seasons. Netflix is already expanding its sci-fi slate with a new season of Another Life and Away. Who knows what else they are already working on for the future but we will be there to keep you updated.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a childhood classic for many. It’s three-season run left quite the impression on people. We entered a world full of people that could bend the elements to their whim. A diverse cast of characters gave us humor, drama, and plenty of action. The original creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko put a lot of love into this franchise. It was so popular that Nickelodeon continued with the sequel series The Legend of Korra and continued to tell the stories of the original’s through comics. Sadly, the translation to live action didn’t go as hoped. Director M. Night Shyamalan became infamous after he released his version back in 2010. Now, people were looking to Netflix to give fans the live-action adaptation they’ve been dreaming of. Even better, the original creators were given full reigns to create the series but sadly it seems as if some things aren’t meant to be.
On his personal blog, Michael DiMartino had announced that after two years of development, he and Bryan Konietzko are leaving the production. As such, they have backed down as showrunners for the series. He does not offer any significant details on what may have transpired but it seems to be due to creative differences. This is a heavy blow for the franchise, as many hoped that their vision would help keep this live-action version as close to the original as possible. Sadly, this isn’t uncalled for especially with the current climate. They do remain optimistic about the future of this adaptation, and after two years of investment, Netflix won’t just back away from it so easily. DiMartino also confirmed that he will continue his work in this universe, so the stories of Aang and Korra will continue. Now all eyes will be on Netflix and who they announce as the new showrunner for the show. Whoever it may be, they have some big shoes to fill.
With filming in Lithuania wrapped (filming that I heard included not only David Harbour but also Winona Ryder), production is heading back to the United States. While I initially believed it would start in early March, it turns out I was WAY OFF. Production is set to begin in Atlanta tomorrow, February 28th.
This is good news for fans of the show as once it moves back to Atlanta, it should be easier to follow and cover. I expect to be able to bring you guys more news on the show over the next several weeks! Stay tuned to Murphy’s Multiverse…
Every now and then I come across some information the veracity of which can be confirmed by a second source. What happens FAR more often is that I come across some information that while believable and from trustworthy sources, cannot be confirmed by other sources for various reasons. Typically, when the second scenario occurs, I move on and forget about the information unless, in rare instances, it turns out to be proven true somewhere down the road.
As I reported in early January, production on the fourth season of Stranger Things kicked off last week in Lithuania. Filming was set to take place in and around the Lukiskes prison before moving back to its more familiar home in Atlanta. The Lithuanian prison setting has generated no shortage of fan theories as to just what to expect in Season 4 and the bit of info I heard this week will no doubt add to them…
A thing I heard this week: Winona Ryder joined David Harbour on location in Lithuania last week.
As is often the case (and to be expected with filming taking place overseas) I don’t have any context to add to what I heard. However, given that we know we will meet two new Russian characters, both of whom are fluent in English and at least one of whom is a smuggler, it’s possible that either Hopper has found some way to contact Joyce or Joyce has found some evidence of Hopper’s location and a “rescue mission” is underway!
From here on out, I prefer to leave the speculation to the more hardcore Stranger Things fans out there, but I know that this little piece of information will definitely drive some discussion out there. Please feel free to have it in the comments so I can get an idea of what you guys are thinking!
Streaming giant Netflix is developing DeadEndia, a series of graphic novels by Hamish Steele, as an animated series. The studio is currently casting for voice actors to portray leads, Barney and Norma, and is eyeing a June start of production.
Blink Industries is taking the lead on producing the series (as seen above in a screenshot from their website), but until now it was not know where the series would stream.
DeadEndia tells the story of two friends, Barney and Norma, who are employees at a haunted house at Dead End theme park which also appears to be a portal to Hell. The series has been lauded for its representation of diversity as Barney is a transgender male and Norma Khan is of Southeast Asian descent.
I’ve also heard that creator Hamish Steele is working with Netflix to develop the series but I was unable to get confirmation from him before publishing this piece.
Over the past week I’ve been fortunate to come across plenty of interesting information about the Netflix streaming sensation, Stranger Things. In addition to learning that the series will continue in a 5th season, I also uncovered some details about the fresh batch of high schoolers set to meet the gang over the course of Season 4. Today, I have one last bit of info for the rabid fans and it includes some information that not only ties into the biggest mystery of Season 4 (what is going on with Hopper?) but also indicates that one of the cast may be in some trouble of their own…
In addition to the large group of teens joining the Season 4 cast, I’ve learned of 4 additional recurring roles, described below:
Dimitri
One of two new Russian characters, Dimitri will be seen often in Season 4. The casting directors were searching for someone fluent in Russian and English, so we can probably expect to see Dimitri interact frequently with Hopper
Yuri
A “seedy” Russian smuggler, Yuri’s erratic behavior is belied by his belief that he’s two-steps ahead of everyone else around him. Like Dimitri, the studio was adamant the actor be fluent in both Russian and English.
Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan
Intimidating and intelligent, Sullivan is military lifer a “no-nonsene” type who believes that he can brute force his way to victory in any given scenario.
Warden Hatch
Hatch, described as “smug” and “pretentious”, is the head of a psychiatric hospital.
While there’s not much to go on, it certainly seems that Dimitri and Yuri are going to play a key role in helping to reunite Hopper with Eleven and the gang. Whether that means smuggling Hopper out or smuggling the kids in remains to be seen, but these two Russians are going to make the most of their screen time.
As for Sullivan and Hatch, we’ll have to wait and see what new doomsday scenario requires a U.S. Military presence and which of the characters finds him/herself institutionalized; however, they do provide interesting food for thought as production on Season 4 kicks off!
Last October, TV Line reported on a handful of new characters set to appear in the upcoming 4th season of Stranger Things. I’ve been able to not only dig up some more details on those characters, but also discover a few more key new faces we should expect to see around Hawkins High School when Season 4 streams in 2021.
The vast majority of Season 3 took place in the gang’s last summer before entering high school and Season 4 seems primed to pick up right where that story ended and to introduce the kids to the whole range of high school archetypes from “the Jock” to the “Queen Bee” to the “Stoner” and more! Have a look below to meet the high school students set to interact with the heroes in Season 4.
“Angela” and “Jake”:
The power couple of the school, “Angela” and “Jake” seemed destined to cause problems for our friends at Hawkins High. Angela is the stereotypical queen bee, out to bully and demean anyone not on her level. That likely includes her boyfriend, Jake, who is certainly not going to stand on equal intellectual ground with too many people, but isn’t afraid to show those same people just how tough he is.
“Argyle”:
“Argyle” is the Spicoli-esque character described in the TV Line report. Described as having a “deeply chill” and “philosophical” vibe, “Argyle” is expected to play a fairly major role in the events of Season 4.
“Vickie”:
The stereotypical alt-girl whose unapproachable appearance belies her light-heartedness. It seems like Vickie might prove as an ally to the gang as the season develops.
“Chrissy”:
At first glance, “Chrissy” is your typical super popular cheerleader type; upon closer inspection, we’ll learn that she’s holding onto a deep-rooted darkness as she suffers under her mother’s emotional abuse
“Jason”:
The guy we thought Steve was going to be before we all fell in love with him, “Jason” is the rich, preppy jock whose mouth never quite shuts.
“Eddie”:
Another potential ally to our heroes, “Eddie” is an 80’s metalhead who is into Metallica, but also loves D&D.
“Fred”:
“Fred” checks all the boxes of the stereotypical 80’s nerd. The bespectacled “Fred”, despite being nerdy, is clever and is pursuing his passion: journalism. Given all the strange events that have taken place in Hawkins and the proximity of the series leads to all of them, we’ll see if “Fred” does more harm than good once he starts digging around.
“Mrs. Kelley”:
What high school would be complete without the guidance counselor? “Mrs. Kelley” is new to Hawkins High, meaning she might not be aware of all the crazy events. She is, however, a kind and caring soul who wears her heart on her sleeve and is out for the best interest of her students.
Given the size of the roles described above, it seems that Season 4 will spend quite a bit of time in and around Hawkins High. If there’s anything we can expect, it’s that not all of these new characters will be exactly who we think they are, but they all seem like they have their parts to play as we move towards the Season 5 denouement.
Stay tuned to Murphy’s Multiverse for more on Stranger Things!
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