Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: TV News

  • Daredevil, Kingpin Confirmed to Return for ‘Echo’

    Daredevil, Kingpin Confirmed to Return for ‘Echo’

    Rumors have swirled for quite some time, but now it’s official. Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio are returning to reprise their roles as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, respectively, in Marvel Studios Echo.

    When Marvel Studios confirmed the cast for Echo back in May, many fans were quick to note the absence of both Cox and D’Onofrio. However, as is often the case, the initial casting announcement only included a handful of cast members: Alaqua Cox as Echo, Devery Jacobs (ReservationDogs) and Graham Greene. Joining them will be Chaske Spencer (The Twilight Saga), Tantoo Cardinal (Wind River), Cody Lightning (Four Sheets to the Wind), and Zahn McClarnon (Reservation Dogs), reprising his role as Maya’s dad, Willie Lopez. It is currently unknown how many episodes the actors will appear in, however, they are also rumored to be joined by former Defender, Krysten Ritter, who has long been rumored to reprise her role as Jessica Jones. Interestingly, while THR does address the Ritter rumors, the outlet does not confirm or deny her potential appearance in the series.

    As for how Cox’s Matt Murdock/Daredevil will be incorporated into the series, THR reports that Echo is set to feature a plotline in which Daredevil is on the search for a former ally. Cox starred in all three seasons of Daredevil and also starred in the team-up series, The Defenders, while D’Onofrio played Wilson Fisk on Daredevil for all three seasons.

    Cox most recently appeared as Matt Murdock in Spider-Man: No Way Home, while D’Onofrio recently appeared alongside Alaqua Cox in Hawkeye. Production on Echo has been underway in Atlanta since May. As of now, Echo has no release date.

    Source: THR

  • ‘Guardians of the Galaxy ‘ Director Confirms New Awesome Mix for Holiday Special

    ‘Guardians of the Galaxy ‘ Director Confirms New Awesome Mix for Holiday Special

    The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise just wouldn’t be the same without its iconic music. Director James Gunn added a lot of energy to the franchise with his work and made some songs deeply tied to the space-traveling pirates that end up saving the world at random times here or there. With not only a third entry on the horizon but also a Holiday Special, many wondered if both projects may end up getting their own music.

    Luckily, James Gunn confirmed that a new Awesome Mix is heading our way with the upcoming Disney+ Holiday Special. There are no details on what songs he might include but given the topic, we might get some fun Christmas and Holiday songs were thrown into the mix that might add something special. Here’s hoping there are even some surprises thrown into the mix that will catch us off-guard.

    There’s likely a chance we’ll get a glimpse of the music once the first trailer drops. As it’s definitely heading for a Holiday release later this year, we might not see the official trailer until October given they usually release the first trailer for a Disney+ project around two months in advance. Of course, it’s just a theory but it definitely will be interesting to see how the music for these projects may also differentiate between the Holiday Special and the third entry that’ll follow in 2023.

    Source: Twitter

  • Duffer Brothers Working on Multiple ‘Stranger Things’ Spinoffs

    Duffer Brothers Working on Multiple ‘Stranger Things’ Spinoffs

    As Stranger Things 4 remains in the cultural zeitgeist for some more time past its recent release, news is beginning to circulate about new projects within the universe that will be in the works down the road. Firstly, The Duffer Brothers are officially launching Upside Down Pictures, a subsidiary production company under Netflix. The notable duo has hired experienced television executive Hilary Leavitt to run the organization. In a statement, The Duffer Brothers discussed their excitement for her to have an active role in their company.

    It didn’t take long into our first meeting with Hilary, where we bonded over films like Jaws, Home Alone and Speed, to know we had found a kindred spirit. Hilary’s passion for storytelling is perhaps matched only by her passion for the storytellers themselves, for whom she is fiercely protective. No wonder so many writers and directors are drawn to working with her. She is a rare talent indeed, and we feel extremely grateful to have her at our side as we build Upside Down Pictures.

    The Duffer Brothers

    With the formation of this production company, news of the first batch of projects under their banner is being unveiled. Namely, a live-action Stranger Things spinoff series also created by The Duffer Brothers is in development. Not much is known about who and what will be covered in this new series. And with the large ensemble of characters still around, it’s hard to determine main contending options (assuming that the series will directly follow any of the current main cast of characters).

    As well, Upside Down Pictures will follow the footsteps of the Harry Potter franchise, as a stage play set within the world, and the mythology of Stranger Things is currently in the works. Director Stephen Daldry of The Crown, Billy Elliot, and The Reader fame will be helming this project. It certainly will be fascinating to see if this universe and franchise can be successfully transposed into the stage medium. And overall, it will be a story worth following to see if these ancillary Stranger Things projects will have legs to stand on, especially when the series ultimately reaches its near conclusion.

    Source: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter 

  • ‘Stranger Things’ Duffer Brothers Working on Live-Action ‘Death Note’ Series for Netflix

    ‘Stranger Things’ Duffer Brothers Working on Live-Action ‘Death Note’ Series for Netflix

    It looks like Netflix isn’t quite done with Stranger Things or Death Note, as the Duffer Brothers‘ newly founded Upside Down Pictures is now involved with a new production. Orphan Black and Ozark’s Hilary Leavitt joined the production house to run it and they are actively working on another attempt at a live-action Death Note series for the streaming giant.

    There are no details on how they might be tackling this adaptation outside of it definitely being a series, unlike the 2017 film adaptation. There’s no word if they are only in a producing role or if they might even be showrunning the project, as they will also be busy on adapting Stephen King and Peter Straub‘s The Talisman. It’s Netflix’s second attempt at the franchise created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.

    In 2017, Moon Knight writer Jeremy Slater alongside director Adam Wingard gave their shot at bringing the franchise to life. Supposedly, a sequel was even in development by Greg Russo back in 2021 but this new series may be a hint at that project having been scrapped at some point. The concept does lend itself more to a serialized format, yet even a Japanese production broke the first half of the original manga into two films back in 2006. Whatever they have planned, Willem Dafoe is still the perfect Ryuk. So whatever they may end up going, they should still bring him back if he is game to bring the Shinigami back to life.

    Source: Deadline

  • New Rumor Teases Daredevil Seeking a Fellow Defender in ‘Echo’

    New Rumor Teases Daredevil Seeking a Fellow Defender in ‘Echo’

    There have been quite a few rumors surrounding the upcoming Echo series. Not only would it continue the storyline of the character introduced in Hawkeye, but also potentially add even more screentime for Charlie Cox’s return as Daredevil. Now, a new rumor has hit the web from the folks over at Weekly Planet. During the Hot Scoop or a Shot of Poop segment, James Clement hinted at what he heard about the upcoming appearance of the Man Without Fear.

    While the series is still set to focus on Alaqua Cox‘s character, it does seem like Daredevil will be featured in around three episodes. Vincent D’Onofrio is also set to return and will be around for four of the total six episodes. He may be wearing an eye patch from his last meeting with his adoptive daughter. The big reveal, however, is that Charlie Cox‘s Daredevil is actively seeking his fellow Defender, Jessica Jones.

    Yep, Daredevil is in it for three episodes, as in Charlie Cox. Kingpin, Vinnie D’Onofrio is in four. The Kingpin storyline is building up to him running for mayor of New York City. Apparently, he’s going to be wearing an eye patch because he was shot in the head in Hawkeye… Daredevil is also going to be rocking a red and black suit and is looking for Jessica Jones.

    James Clement

    There have been rumors that Krysten Ritter was potentially going to make a return in one of the upcoming Disney+ series. Her arrival in the Echo project would be quite the surprise and could hint at a cameo. The question is also why he’s actively looking for her. Perhaps she has some dirt to take down Fisk once again, or a Defenders reunion is in our future?

    Disney+ did recently change the title of the Netflix series to A.K.A. Jessica Jones, which further hints at some kind of major plan for the character with a potential new series. We might have to wait a little longer until we truly find out but if this rumor turns out to be true, Echo could be climbing people’s must-watch lists.

    Source: YouTube via The Direct

  • ‘She-Hulk’ Star Teases Disney+ Series as the “Antithesis” of Superhero Narratives

    ‘She-Hulk’ Star Teases Disney+ Series as the “Antithesis” of Superhero Narratives

    There’s been quite the discussion surrounding the release of the She-Hulk trailer. While one part of thee internet enjoyed its humor and promise of a legal comedy through the eyes of a superhero world, many others were mainly focused on the CG. Still, the Disney+ series has a massive star at the forefront with Tatiana Maslany, who offered a tease of what’s heading our way with the latest addition to Disney+’s growing repertoire.

    She highlights what makes She-Hulk’s story so interesting is how she’s an “antithesis of most superhero narratives” Maslany teases that the two personalities will be at odds, especially as Jennifer Walters tries to deny the Hulk within her subconscious.

    She really is the antithesis of most superhero narratives. There’s this great element of denial in her that’s relatable. For me, it was about rejecting what’s happened for as long as I could, as that’s what causes the fun tension between Jennifer and She-Hulk.

    Tatiana Maslany

    There actually was some merchandise that teased that the upcoming series may explore their dual personality which is very likely at odds throughout its showrun. So, some of the comedy may come from her losing control while She-Hulk enjoys her new freedom. Perhaps we even get to explore the concept of the Green Door or generally what is the true cause for the Hulking transformation. It’s all just speculation but with Ms. Marvel slowly coming to an end, eyes are already shifting towards the next project.

    Source: Empire

  • Full Creative Team Assignments Behind ‘Andor’ Revealed

    Full Creative Team Assignments Behind ‘Andor’ Revealed

    With Obi-Wan Kenobi now behind them, Star Wars fans have begun to focus on the next project headed to Disney Plus: Andor. Set to serve as a prequel to the events of Rogue One, the series will follow Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor as he navigates the galaxy in the early days of the Rebellion.

    The first trailer for the 12-episode season got fans stirring about the grungy look of the series and given the time period in which it is set, fans have also had a blast speculating about which characters may show up for a surprise appearance. All those decisions, of course, rest in the hands of the creative team behind the show, and while Tony Gilroy oversaw its development as showrunner and served as one of the writers, he wasn’t alone. Now, thanks to an official release from Disney (via Bespin Bulletin), the full team of writers and directors has been revealed, along with an official synopsis.


    The “Andor” series will explore a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.

    While the directors and writers of the series have been known for some time, the official release gives us a clear picture of how they split up the 12-part first season.

    Episodes 1-3

    • Written by Tony Gilroy
    • Directed by Toby Haynes

    Episodes 4-6

    • Written by Dan Gilroy
    • Directed by Susanna White

    Episode 7

    • Written by Stephen Schiff
    • Directed by Benjamin Caron

    Episodes 8-10

    • Written by Beau Willimon
    • Directed by Toby Haynes

    Episodes 11 and 12

    • Written by Tony Gilroy
    • Directed by Benjamin Caron

    Taken by groups of episodes, it presents an interesting window into how the series might shape up. While Lucasfilm has done a fine job of using multiple directors on projects so far, it does seem to fall into line that directors get to work through their own stories and, seemingly, work on episodes that play to their strengths. With that in mind, it’s interesting to see Caron listed on Episode 7, but then not return until the final two episodes while Toby Haynes is listed on 1-3 and then returns for 8-10. Something to keep an eye on when the series debuts on August 31st.

    Source: Disney

  • EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Director Teases More Reveals About the Clandestines

    EXCLUSIVE: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Director Teases More Reveals About the Clandestines

    Since first meeting Najma and the Clandestines, the audience (and Kamala Khan) have learned an awful lot about the other-dimensional beings…and not all of it has been good. They’ve gone from a stranded family to a group of exiled refugees willing to destroy Earth in order to return home. The audience has heard their side of the story; the audience has heard Waleed’s side of the story. With Aisha’s side of the story still yet to be told, we asked director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy if we could close the book on the Clandestines as villains, or if there might be more to the story.

    I think you have a lot left to uncover about who these people are and what their desire is and what they want to do. I will say this, that it was so important for us to sometimes look at villains as people of circumstances and that not all villains are black and white, that there are shades of grey in that. I think that with the Clandestines, there is a lot of grey.

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

    As with any good villain(s), allowing the audience to empathize with them can go a long way. By drawing parallels between the Clandestine and the millions of people displaced in the Partition, the team of directors behind Ms. Marvel is creating a fascinating bit of cognitive dissonance in the audience and forcing them into some uncomfortable places.

    Episode 5 of Ms. Marvel, which will likely resolve some of the untold bits of the Clandestine’s story, will stream on Disney Plus tomorrow.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Farhan Akhtar on Waleed’s Past

    EXCLUSIVE: Farhan Akhtar on Waleed’s Past

    The good news was that Marvel Studios cast Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar in a key role in Episode 4 of Ms. Marvel, “Seeing Red.” The bad news is that, barring a miracle, Akhtar’s Waleed doesn’t seem to have much of a future.

    However, Akhtar’s character made a big impression in a short time, giving Kamala Khan a bit of a history lesson on the Clandestine’s Noor Dimension and sacrificing himself to save her and Kareem. Akhtar inhabited Waleed with such gravitas and authority, however, that it was clear the actor knew much more about the character. In an exclusive interview, Akhtar credited the creative team behind Ms. Marvel with giving him everything he needed to know about the character’s past.

    Honestly, a lot of the hard work on this was done by the writers and by the creative producer. I mean they really came and gave me a really good sense of Waleed, explained to me Waleed’s past, where he probably met Aisha for the first time-since he refers to her, he knows about her-what experience he has with the bangle, how does he know the Clandestines, when did he first meet them, when did he first battle them, how did he get that scar on his face.

    Farhan Akhtar

    As the authority figure of the order of the Red Dagger, Waleed certainly gave off the impression that he had been through some things that a young hero like Kamala might not understand. There’s also the currently unanswered question of how he knew Kamala’s great-grandmother, Aisha, and why he didn’t seem to lump her into the same category as the villainous Clandestines. According to Akhtar, he simply tapped into the history of the character as given to him by the team.

    So we had all these conversations. So by the time we came into these scenes, I had all that history with me. I could tap into all that and I had that understanding of who this guy is. When he’s sharing stuff with Kamala, the kind of authority that he speaks with, that he’s had these experiences, that is something that the writers and producers shared with me and I’m very thankful for that.

    Farhan Akhtar

    Though Waleed certainly seems dead, there’s no reason we couldn’t see Akhtar in the role again, whether that be in the upcoming fifth episode or in another season of the show via flashbacks. Fans of the show would definitely welcome more of the character and given the way Akhtar has spoken about his time with the show, it seems he might too.

    Ms. Marvel is now streaming on Disney Plus.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Farhan Akhtar Explains What Drew Him to ‘Ms. Marvel’

    EXCLUSIVE: Farhan Akhtar Explains What Drew Him to ‘Ms. Marvel’

    Episode 4 of Ms. Marvel, “Seeing Red”, put a new spin on Kamala Khan’s ally, Kareem, making him one of an order of Red Daggers who serve to protect the people of Pakistan from unseen threats. In establishing the Red Daggers as an organization, Marvel Studios was able to give Kareem a mentor in the form of Waleed, played by Indian multi-hyphenate legend Farhan Akhtar.

    Akhtar stays unbelievably busy writing and producing, but seems fairly selective when it comes to acting. In an exclusive interview, Akhtar recalled how he came into the role of Waleed and why it was so important for him to be a part of Ms. Marvel.

    When my agent reached out and said that Marvel is looking to cast people from India for this new show that they are doing, I was immediately interested. Firstly, it’s Marvel which is a big deal, you know we are all fans of what they make. Their films are entertaining and are always made on this amazing scale that has something for everyone. So I was immediately interested.

    Farhan Akhtar

    Akhtar’s interest in the role grew when he found out that Marvel Studios was hoping to find a role for him in Ms. Marvel, a show Akhtar saw as groundbreaking. According to the actor, he had a feeling early on that he was joining a very special production.

    And then when we found out more, we realized it’s Ms. Marvel, it’s a show about the first Pakistani-Muslim girl superhero, it speaks about the Asian community in the U.S., it travels all the way to this part of the world, it taps into the culture of this place, the folklore of this place, the history of this place. So it immediately felt like Marvel was treading new ground here, you know, in doing something that hadn’t been done before. And then they had people like Sharmeen on board-like Sana as a creative producer, so it really seem like this was going to be special. That’s what it felt like. And I wanted it. So I just said, “Listen, please whatever it is just call me and I’m gonna do it.” And after that, of course, we discussed Waleed and we discussed that character and all that more.

    Farhan Akhtar

    Fans fell immediately in love with Akhtar’s Waleed who, unfortunately, seems to have met his end saving young heroes Kareem and Kamala. Whether we see Waleed again in the future or not, it’s safe to say Akhtar made his mark in his limited role and that his feeling he was going to be part of something special was spot on.

    The first four episodes of Ms. Marvel are now streaming on Disney Plus.