Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Stranger Things

  • The Biggest Stories of Year One

    The Biggest Stories of Year One

    If there’s one thing I’ve proven myself capable of over and over again, it’s the ability to never have a clue what’s going to be a big story. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve told Charles V. how excited I was to run something only to find out that pretty much me and two guys in Jersey actually cared about it. The top 10 most viewed articles of the first year of Murphy’s Multiverse make one thing very clear: most people don’t care too much about Marvel Studios’ scoops. If you had asked me a year ago, I’d never guess that only 1 of the top ten would be associated with a Marvel Studios project but that’s exactly what we have here in the Top 10 Biggest Stories of Year 1!

     

    1. ‘MARVEL’S AVENGERS’ LEAK OFFERS FIRST LOOK AT ‘AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.’S JEMMA SIMMONS

    When I started Murphy’s Multiverse, it never crossed my mind to cover gaming. It had been years since I felt like a part of the gaming community and knew I was out of touch with modern gamers. Thankfully Charles and Joseph are part of the team and found a way to connect with gamers because the results are clear: gaming needs to be a big part of the future of the site. This one made its way to the top in just over 3 days, forcing me to reshuffle the top 10. The combination of Marvel Avengers with Jemma Simmons, star of the beloved Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series proved to be of great interest to readers as Year 1 came to a close.

     

    2. FIRST GLIMPSE AT ‘MARVEL’S AVENGERS’ BLACK PANTHER LEAKED

    Marvel’s Avengers game has brought a lot of new readers to the site and Joseph has worked hard to find any and all new information on the game. Fans are so hungry for info on the game that 7 of the top 10 most-read pieces of the year are about it, including this one which gave fans their first look at Black Panther.

     

    3. EXCLUSIVE: ELISABETH SHUE TO APPEAR IN ‘COBRA KAI’ SEASON 3

    As mentioned in the top scoops post, this one was essentially ignored when I wrote it a year ago but once Cobra Kai hit Netflix, the flood gates opened. Shue’s role on Amazon’s The Boys certainly represents a departure from her Ali Mills persona, so it’ll be interesting to see the actress occupy two very different prominent pop culture roles at the same time. Cobra Kai’s enormous popularity got fans searching for more info on Shue’s return and there was only one place to find it: right here at Murphy’s Multiverse.

     

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Season 4 Horror Influences Revealed

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Season 4 Horror Influences Revealed

    Production recently resumed on Stranger Things Season 4 in and around Atlanta and some interesting news has made it our way! The series has always been heavily inspired by 80’s films ranging from Fast Times at Ridgemont High to The Thing to Sixteen Candles. The brothers have also often expressed how much of the DNA of Stranger Things was inspired by legends like John Carpenter, Steven Spielberg, Stephen King and James Cameron among others. It looks like a pair of mid-80’s King and Cameron horror films may have exerted a heavy influence on Season 4.

    The set of Season 4 is rich with Easter Eggs that point towards Cameron’s Alien franchise and Maximum Overdrive, a film written and directed by King based off one of his own short stories. As production has moved around Atlanta, fans have noticed that location signs have included Weyland and Mule as code names for the production. The Weyland reference isn’t quite as deep of a cut as Mule, but for those who aren’t familiar, here’s a little breakdown.

    Weyland refers to the Weyland Corporation established in Cameron’s Alien franchise. It’s been heavily retconned as the franchise crossed over with Predator, but it was first seen as the Weyland-Yutani Corp in 1979’s Alien. In that future, Weyland-Yutani is one of the world’s mega corporations that has pushed human colonization of other worlds with the hidden agenda of acquiring Xenomorphs to be weaponized against their competitors.

    Alien: The Weyland-Yutani Corporation's History Explained

    As stated above, Mule is a little more of a deep cut. In 1986, King’s Maximum Overdrive, which he himself referred to as a “moron movie”, the Master of Horror toyed with the idea of what would happen to humans if the machines in the increasingly automated world we lived in, became sentient. Mysteriously “awakened” by a comet, sentient machines such as ATMs, vending machines and (most memorable to me) a semi with a Green Goblin face began to take out humankind. Key among the film’s main antagonists was a military vehicle, the M274 Mule (seen below), which is thankfully destroyed by the heroic Bill (played wonderfully by Emilio Estevez!).

    IMCDb.org: Willys M274 Mechanical Mule in "Maximum Overdrive, 1986"

    While it’s no surprise to see the Alien franchise’s influence exerted once again (it’s been pretty much omnipresent over 3 seasons), it’s incredibly interesting to see what influence, if any, Maximum Overdrive will exert on Season 4. The film’s message about our dependence on machines is a pretty common theme, but it could always be done again. Maybe Emilio Estevez will cameo? Season 2 gave us Ghostbusters and we know the series is moving through the mid-80s, so with Maximum Overdrive and Aliens both having been on screen in 1986, which seems like where Season 4 should fall on the Stranger Things timeline, maybe the kids are watching or discussing it in an episode.  Whether thematically or directly, however, it seems King’s self-described “learning experience” and Cameron’s beloved sequel are a part of Season 4’s DNA.

  • ‘Stranger Things’ Fourth Season Eyeing September Production Return

    ‘Stranger Things’ Fourth Season Eyeing September Production Return

    One of Netflix’s biggest series is undoubtedly the nostalgia trip of Stranger Things. The series focuses on a group of youths that are trying to get through their teenage years while facing extra-dimensional monsters. They started production on the third season back in February before getting hit by the pandemic and shutting it down. At the time, they announced that David Harbour‘s character Jim Hopper has returned with a small teaser. There we see him imprisoned in the Russian snowy wasteland after he was seemingly killed during the ending of the last season. His absence led to Winona Ryder‘s Joyce Byers moving away with her sons and Eleven. The show was renewed for a fourth season, so this would be the first time the show would leave the suburbs of Hawkins.

     

    As bad as the delays have been, it gave the show’s writers plenty of time to get the scripts together. The official Twitter account revealed that they finished the scripts for all eight episodes in June. This way they don’t have to catch up as the season films and could focus on ironing out the details. Now, the fourth season’s production can finally return to filming. They are currently eyeing September 28th to resume shooting in Georgia. Deadline did state that Netflix did not comment but it makes sense as other productions have also resumed over the last few weeks.

    This is exciting news and curious how this upcoming season will change what we know about the series. Hopper’s return is a bizarre choice after killing him off but Harbour stated that this resurrection is similar to that of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.

    I’ve had those discussions with [the Duffer brothers] from the very first season. We were always interested in that idea of the Gandalf resurrection – Gandalf the Grey who fights the Balrog and then becomes Gandalf the White. It’s the idea of the resurrection of the character. And mythologically, Hopper, in a sense, had to change. I mean, you couldn’t go on the way he was going on. He has to resurrect in some way.

    Duffer brothers have stated they planned most of the seasons in advance, so it isn’t too surprising that his death and resurrection were on the table for some time. Seems Harbour used the time between seasons to keep the secret, something he probably also had to learn during the filming of Black Widow. There is a good chance that the Hopper we know has changed drastically and that could be a point of conflict if he reunites with Joyce and Eleven. I am quite curious about how these stories will intersect and if Hopper will even return to the U.S. anytime in the upcoming season.

    Source: YouTube, Twitter, Deadline, IndieWire

  • ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Season 4 Production Update

    If you’ve been following along, I’ve been working hard to keep fans updated on the production of the fourth season of Stranger Things. From detailing the Lithuanian production to narrowing down when to expect things to kick off back in Atlanta to introducing some new characters and even confirming a planned FIFTH season, I’ve been on top of production all along. Now I’ve got one more tidbit to pass along.

    Image result for stranger things kids

    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…

  • What I Heard This Week: ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Season 4

    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…

    Image result for winona ryder stranger things season 3

    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!

  • EXCLUSIVE: New ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Characters Shed Some Light on Season 4 Mysteries

    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…

    Image result for stranger things hopper russia

    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!

  • EXCLUSIVE: Details on Some New Faces Set to Appear Around Hawkins High in ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Season 4

    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.

    Image result for stranger things hawkins high"

    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!

  • EXCLUSIVE: Stranger Things Season 5 Plans Revealed

    As the start of production on the fourth season of the wildly popular Netflix original, Stranger Things, draws near, fans are nervously speculating that it might also be the final season. Fear not, fans; I can confirm that there are solid plans in place for a fifth, and likely final, season.

    The confirmation comes by way of a description of a key new character set to join the series in Season 4. Season 4 will introduce a new series regular, “Ashe.” The studio is searching for a mid-20s American male of any ethnicity to play the role which comes with a 2 season deal, meaning the character’s arc, described as integral to the new season, will not be resolved until Season 5!

    The Duffers have always been evasive when discussing just how long the show will run, but this information cements their plans for an additional season beyond this one. As for when we might expect Season 4 of Stranger Things to stream, it looks like we’ll have to wait until 2021. Though production is kicking off soon, the series is scheduled to film through November, making it highly unlikely we’ll see it in 2020.

  • ‘STRANGER THINGS’ Season 4 Production Update

    Earlier this month, I shared the news that production on Stranger Things would kick off in Lithuania before heading to Atlanta, though I was unable to pin down an exact date. It now looks as though we can expect stateside production on the hit series fourth season to begin in or around early March.

    Recent interviews with the cast have indicated that the production wheels are just beginning to spin on the new season, meaning more news should become available soon.

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘STRANGER THINGS 4’ Production Update

    Last year TV Line revealed that production on the fourth season of Stranger Things would kick off this month and wrap in August and now I can add a few, small details to that information.

    Though no “official start date” has been set in stone at this time, Stranger Things is preparing to start production either late this month or early next month, but NOT in its usual home base of Atlanta. Production on Stranger Things will kick off in Lithuania before completing filming back in Atlanta.

    Fans will immediately theorize that the Lithuanian setting offers the series the opportunity to authentically explore the ramifications of last season’s reveal that Hopper was alive and in what appeared to be a Russian prison. While it’s unclear exactly how long the series will film in Lithuania, they will primarily be using a prison set and filming in and around the locations where HBO filmed Chernobyl.

    Stay tuned for more news on this as it develops.