Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Paramount Plus

  • Paramout+ Pulling a Warner Bros. and Removing Freshly Canceled Shows

    Paramout+ Pulling a Warner Bros. and Removing Freshly Canceled Shows

    Warner Bros. Discovery started a terrible trend when they started pulling projects from their streaming services. Not just projects they were licensing but also originals that weren’t readily available in any legal capacity outside of their specific streaming service. Then, Disney+ joined in by pulling some great shows like Big Shot and Willow, which were only released recently. It seems the streaming wars are slowly nearing their final chapter as Paramount+ is now pulling the exact same stunt.

    The streaming service has decided to cancel four shows, which include Star Trek: Prodigy, Queen of the Universe, The Game, and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Yet, to add insult to injury, they have also decided to completely remove the shows from the streaming service in the coming days. So, if you haven’t seen any of these projects and still want to check them out, this might be your last chance before they are gone. A spokesperson shared the following statement:

    We want to extend our thanks to our tremendously talented cast and crew and our producing partners for their passionate work and dedication on these programs, and we wish them all the best on their future endeavors.

    The depressing aspect of this trend is simply that it highlights the importance of physical media as who knows if any o these projects may be released anytime soon on other streaming services or on network television. Some actions are done for tax reasons, but they may not just wait it out before releasing the projects as part of bundle deals with others. The only question is if this is perhaps just the beginning of other purges from Paramount+.

    Source: Variety

  • Christopher Lloyd, Cary Elwes, and More Join ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’s Knuckles Spinoff

    Christopher Lloyd, Cary Elwes, and More Join ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’s Knuckles Spinoff

    Still hard to believe that we’re discussing a spinoff series from a successful Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Not just that, we’re getting more time with a character like Knuckles the Echidna, who was only just introduced in the latest movie of the franchise. The Paramount+ original has been busy filming and it looks like the Idris Elba-led project has unveiled five new cast members.

    Variety has unveiled that the series has added not one but five new members to its cast. The biggest additions are the Back to the Future icon Christopher Lloyd, who has been busy with a variety of TV show appearances such as the last season of The Mandalorian. He’ll be joined by The Princess Bride’s Cary Elwes, Grease’s Stockard Channing, Rob Huebel of Bob’s Burgers fame, and Veep‘s Paul Scheer.

    They also join guest stars Tika Sumpter, who reprises her role as Maddie, and Rory McCann. Naturally, Elba is back to voice the leading role but there’s no word on who exactly the cast members might be playing. It’ll follow the story of Knuckles taking Wade under his wing to teach him what it means to be an Echidna warrior. Sadly, we don’t know if we’ll see other characters from Sonic the Hedgehog‘s gaming universe.

    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 writer John Whittington is behind the pilot and also serves as a head writer on the series. He was supported by Brian Schacter and James Madejski to continue Knuckles’ story beyond the major film release from last year. Of course, Jeff Fowler, who tackled both films, is also returning as an executive producer while also directing the pilot episode.

    Source: Variety

  • Paramount+ Gives Movie Order to ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Starring Michelle Yeoh

    Paramount+ Gives Movie Order to ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ Starring Michelle Yeoh

    Back in 2018, it was announced that Paramount+ was developing yet another Star Trek series. The show was to star Michelle Yeoh and would focus on Section 31. Over the years, reports indicated that the project would still move forward, however, there was never any strict timeline as to when the project would actually enter production. Well, after years of being “in development,” Paramount+ is finally moving forward with Section 31… but it’s going to be a movie now.

    On Tuesday, the streamer revealed that Michelle Yeoh will star in Star Trek: Section 31. The movie will see Georgiou join a “secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past.” The movie is being penned by Craig Sweeney and will be directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi — both Sweeney and Osunsanmi have worked on Star Trek: Discovery, where Yeoh made her debut as Georgiou.

    “I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long,” Yeoh said in a statement to the press. “Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of Star Trek launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”

    Alex Kurtzman, who returns as an executive producer for Section 31, revealed that Yeoh initially pitched a spinoff series for her character back in 2017 – before anything was officially announced as being in development. ” “All the way back in 2017, before the first season of Star Trek: Discovery had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spinoff for her character, Philippa Georgiou. She broke new ground as one of the first two women onscreen in the pilot to usher in a new age of Trek, and now, six years later, Section 31 finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win.”

    Section 31 will kick off a new phase for Trek on Paramount+. The streamer is hoping to do a “Star Trek made-for-streaming movie every two years.” Production on the project will kick off later this year.

    Source: THR & THR.

  • First Details and Cast as Knuckles’ ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Spinoff Starts Filming

    First Details and Cast as Knuckles’ ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Spinoff Starts Filming

    It’s been a hot minute since Paramount announces its plans to expand its video game adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog with its first spinoff series. Besides the early confirmation of a threequel, the newly introduced Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, will get his own Paramount+ original.

    After a long pause, we suddenly have more details on not just the story but also its cast and even the confirmation that it started filming. The official Sonic the Hedgehog account has shared the news that Sonic the Hedgehog director will tackle the pilot episode and includes a familiar hat for long-time fans.

    The story will focus on Knuckles, who “agrees to train Wade as his protégé and teach him the ways of the Echidna warrior.” Sadly, we don’t have any further details but it wouldn’t be too surprising if they use the series to further explore that part of the franchise’s mythology.

    Adam Pally will once again reprise his role of Wade Whipple with Elba also set to return. They will be joined by Edi Patterson, Julian Barratt, Scott Mescudi, and Ellie Taylor. John Whittington wrote the screenplay of the pilot and is also the head writer on the series. Brian Schacter and James Madejski also wrote episodes of the series.

    Source: Variety, Twitter

  • ‘Star Trek Discovery’ to End in 2024 with Fifth and Final Season

    ‘Star Trek Discovery’ to End in 2024 with Fifth and Final Season

    Sadly, it seems that Star Trek Discovery is entering its fifth and also final season. It’s set for an early 2024 release and will sadly mark the end of Paramount+’s first true venture into a modern Star Trek series. Taking cues from the J.J. Abrams-kickstarted films and a dash of the franchise’s long history, we got a wonderful adventure that started back in 2017. Showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise had the following to say about wrapping up this adventure:

    As lifelong fans of Star Trek, it has been an immense honor and privilege to help bring Star Trek: Discovery to the world. The Trek universe means so much to so many – including us – and we couldn’t be prouder of everything Discovery has contributed to its legacy, particularly with representation. If just one person sees themselves, or the possibilities for their future, in a new way because of Discovery, then we think we’d have made Gene Roddenberry very proud.

    Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise

    The official statement has also been shared on Twitter with a new key visual for the final season:

    The story will continue the tale of the U.S.S. Discovery as they seek an ancient power that has been hidden for centuries, but they aren’t the only ones looking for it. Star Trek Discovery won’t be the end of the franchise, as it also was the jumping-off point for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds which explored the tales of the U.S.S. Enterprise under the command of Christopher Pike, played by Anson Mount. So, the franchise will continue but the one that kickstarted this new generation is sadly coming to an end.

    Source: Star Trek

  • Paramount+’s ‘Frasier’ Sequel Series Adds Nicholas Lyndhurst

    Paramount+’s ‘Frasier’ Sequel Series Adds Nicholas Lyndhurst

    Paramount+ is moving forward with the Frasier sequel series, as they have no cast Nicholas Lyndhurst to star opposite Kelsey Grammar. As such, he’s the firs tone to join the new production, but it’s not the first time these two actors have worked together. They both worked at the English National Opera in Man of La Mancha, so it’ll be a fun reunion for the two actors.

    Lyndhurst is set to play the character of Alan Cornwall, who was Frasier’s old college friend who now is a professor himself. He is described as: “british, boozy and larger than life, Alan has an intellect on par with Frasier’s—if only he ever felt like using it. Alan’s mischievous streak might be just what Frasier could use to shake up his routine, while Frasier’s thoughtful guidance might help Alan find some of the direction he’s been missing in his own life.”

    So far, not much is known about the series’ overall plot, but the following logline has been released on the series: “Frasier is off to a different city with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge, and an old dream or two to finally fulfill. Frasier has re-entered the building.” Taking the character out of his familiar environment makes for a great set-up and gives the writers of the project some freedom on how to approach the sequel series.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Series in Development at Paramount+

    ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Series in Development at Paramount+

    Dungeons & Dragons is set to expand further into the world of live-action Hollywood content. Paramount+ has ordered up eight-episodes straight-to-series based on the popular fantasy role-playing game from Hasbro. Rawson Marshall Thurber, the director of Netflix’s most viewed original film Red Notice, has written the script for the pilot episode and is also set to direct the series which will be a co-production between Paramount Pictures and eOne.

    Dungeons & Dragons was part of an extensive bidding war from eOne that included various major studios in the television landscape. Ultimately, Paramount came away the victors and will add the gaming stalwart to their library. This acquisition comes after the commercial success Paramount Pictures had with Halo on Paramount+. The move to work with eOne is logical as the two studios are already working together to produce and finance Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, a major theatrical release set for March 31 of this year. There is no word on if there’ll be any connections between the feature film and this newly announced series.

    It’s been rumored that eOne has had the notion of adapting Dungeons & Dragons into a television series a top priority since acquiring Hasbro in 2019. The newly announced series is to be the largest project the studio has worked on by a significant margin. Assuming the project is successful, there is potential for eOne to expand into creating an expanded universe of multiple projects that interconnect to some degree. It will be interesting to follow if this iteration of Dungeons & Dragons can become one of the next major cinematic franchises in Hollywood.

    Source: Deadline

  • New Details on Paramount+’s ‘Grease’ Prequel Series

    New Details on Paramount+’s ‘Grease’ Prequel Series

    Prequels and sequels to well-established franchises are all the rage once again. In a year where a sequel to Top Gun Maverick was among the biggest box office releases. Now, it seems another classic is making a return in the form of Grease with a new musical comedy titled Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

    The series will take place around four years before the original Grease in 1954, the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll. The series explores the story of four outcasts, who will spark a new direction for Rydell High. Creator Annabel Oakes shared the following on the series during a TCA panel.

    Our characters will get to experience from a different lens and how those experiences overlap with others with a marginalized identity. I think we have the opportunity to represent another struggle that overlaps with things we’re dealing with today like racism.

    Annabel Oakes

    The cast of the series includes Jackie Hoffman as Asst. Principal McGee, Marisa Davila playing Jane, Ari Nortartomaso as Cynthia, Shanel Bailey taking on the role of Hazel, Jane will be played by Marisa Davila, Tricia Fukahaara is Nancy, Madison Thompson‘s Susan, Jason Schmidt as Buddy, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper taking on Wally, and Jonathan Nieves as Richie. Justin Tranter, who is known for his work with Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, and more, will write the series’ original new music. The first episode is directed by Made for Love’s Althea Jones.

    Source: Deadline

  • Paramount Orders Up Adaptation of Image Comics ‘Geiger’

    Paramount Orders Up Adaptation of Image Comics ‘Geiger’

    Paramount Television has reached a deal to adapt Geoff Johns’ Image Comics title Geiger. Set in a Mad Max-esque dystopia in 2050, Geiger tells the story of a man named Tariq who survived the Unknown War of 2030 and now protects the people of the wastelands from criminals and scavengers. According to Deadline, Johns will write the pilot and then serve as showrunner and executive producer alongside Justin Simien.

    Published in 2021, Geiger’s first story arc ran for six issues and was followed up by an old-school 80-page giant-sized issue that looks to be setting up a Geiger-verse full of characters called The Unnamed who are somehow connected by through fighting in wars dating back to American Revolution of 1776. One of the characters, a robot named Junkyard Joe who fought in the Vietnam War, recently debuted his own solo series.

    As of publication, no timeline for the start of production of the series was given, but it’s safe to say fans shouldn’t expect it to hit the screen until late-2023 at best, but more likely 2024.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Fatal Attraction’ Series Adds to Ensemble Cast

    ‘Fatal Attraction’ Series Adds to Ensemble Cast

    The upcoming series reviving the Fatal Attraction brand continues to round out its growing cast. The upcoming Paramount+ series has cast David Meunier and Dee Wallace in ensemble roles. Meunier is set to play Richard Macksey, a psychology professor with personal ties to characters in the series. Meanwhile, Wallace will portray Emma Rauch, a retired professional with a charming personality to those around her, sans main character Alex (played by Lizzie Caplan).

    The rest of the main cast includes the likes of Joshua Jackson, Amanda Peet, Alyssa Jirrels, Wanda De Jesus, Walter Perez, Toby Huss, Reno Wilson, and Brian Goodman. Alexandra Cunningham is serving as showrunner after having written the series from a story co-written with Kevin J. Hynes.

    Fatal Attraction is said to be a psychosexual thriller akin to the classic 1987 film and explore the themes of marriage and infidelity from a modern lens with different societal sensibilities. The series is a remake and reimagining of the film and not a continuation of the original Michael Douglas and Glenn Close-led project. For the series, the roles of Dan Gallagher and Alex Forrest will be played by Joshua Jackson and Lizzie Caplan respectively.

    Filming for the series began during the summer of 2022. With that in mind, audiences should look to expect Fatal Attraction on Paramount+ to premiere at some point in 2023.

    Source: Deadline