Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: TV News

  • REPORT: Apple TV+’s ‘Godzilla’ Spinoff Series Eyeing to Cast Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell

    REPORT: Apple TV+’s ‘Godzilla’ Spinoff Series Eyeing to Cast Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell

    The Monsterverse is expanding with a new TV series. While we all expected the Warner Bros. distributed series to remain with the company, Apple TV+ was the lucky one to get their hands on the rights to produce a new Godzilla spinoff series, which is still untitled. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the series, but we were able to share some details earlier in January, as it’s currently titled Hourglass and was originally eyeing a production start sometime this month.

    It’ll follow up after San Francisco was leveled by Godzilla, as a family’s connection to the secret organization Monarch is unraveled. It looks like part of the cast might be a character named Lee Shaw, who is “a military leading man type.” According to Illuminerdi’s latest piece, it seems they are currently eyeing Kurt Russell, which was first reported by Giant Freaking robot, and his son Wyatt Russell to play an older and younger version of that very character.

    While they can’t offer more details, these are two big names to add to the series. It’s uncertain if the project may generally feature more Godzilla, or even lead into one of their upcoming projects. The Monsterverse reached a new high with Godzilla vs. Kong, but we generally haven’t heard much on what the future has in store for viewers as they start their expansion into its first TV venture.

    Source: Illuminerdi, Giant Freaking Robot

  • Viola Davis in Talks to Star in a ‘Peacemaker’ Spin-Off

    Viola Davis in Talks to Star in a ‘Peacemaker’ Spin-Off

    The DC Extended Universe saw its first venture into television with James Gunn‘s spin-off of The Suicide Squad with Peacemaker, featuring the return of John Cena as the titular character. Gunn revealed before the series had even wrapped on its first season that he was already developing another DC series although he would not go into details about what that series might be.

    Deadline is reporting that the star of Suicide Squad and its sequel, Viola Davis, will reprise her role as Amanda Waller in an upcoming HBO Max series. She will also serve as an executive producer on the project alongside James Gunn, Peter Safran, and Christal Henry, who will write and serve as an executive producer on the series.

    There are no plot details on the series just yet and all we know is that it will not be in the same vein as Peacemaker was, with Gunn previously stating his next spin-off “won’t be as much a comedy as Peacemaker“.

    The series could follow the aftermath of Peacemaker, where Waller’s own daughter, Leota Adebayo, went on national television to expose ARGUS and bring Task Force X into the light. Effectively Adebayo put a target on her mother’s back and revealed everything from what happened in Midway City to the project Starfish in Corto Maltese.

    There has been no other details plot or casting wise as the project still seems to be in early development but it could be cool to see them explore Checkmate or even the Secret Six with a project like this, with Waller acting as the mockingbird figure.

    Source: Deadline

  • Oscar Isaac Sees ‘Moon Knight’s Steven Grant as “A Bit on the Spectrum”

    Oscar Isaac Sees ‘Moon Knight’s Steven Grant as “A Bit on the Spectrum”

    Marvel Studios has quite the week and weekend planned for fans, with both the premiere of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and the finale of Moon Knight dropping within days of each other. Despite naturally needing to compete for attention from the highly-anticipated Doctor Strange sequel, Moon Knight has made a name for itself and fans are eagerly awaiting what the finale of the series has in store.

    The Disney+ series’ finale remains mysterious, but the show’s focus on the character dynamics between Marc Spector and Steven Grant is likely to continue to be showcased. Oscar Isaac so far has been praised for his performance of the two characters, connected by Marc Spector’s dissociative identity disorder. In a recent interview with Collider, Isaac opened up even more about how he tackled the role. Interestingly, he described his take on Steven as being on the autism spectrum, something not acknowledged with respect to any other character in the MCU:

    You know, I saw him as a bit on the spectrum. I actually loved watching Love on the Spectrum. That was like one of my favorite things to look at, because I just found it so moving and touching because it’s people that… All the same feelings we have in those situations, but they just haven’t developed all the masks to hide it all. So there was cues that I took from that. I imagined him as quite tall but wanting to feel smaller when he walks through rooms and things, and just played with the physicality and then just a very open face, which reminded me of my clown days back at school, where you play with the red nose and the way that it opens up your face, and then doing the opposite of that with Marc, making him, although much more present, like a marble in the middle of a room, but also tighter in the face and closed off. Lots of defenses up.

    Oscar Isaac

    For one, the significance of representing autism–even if not explicitly recognized in the series–is another example of how Marvel Studios is starting to open the door to a wider range of underrepresented groups in the universe. While this may have been more of a creative choice on Isaac’s part, the showrunners undoubtedly gave him that creative freedom. Obviously, in general, this allowed for a stunning performance by Isaac, and it crafted rich and well-developed characters to explore. It seems like a reason to be optimistic about creative freedom given to talent going forward in the MCU, which is a topic in many fans’ minds. In an event, it is another look at fan-favorite Steven Grant’s personality and how detail-oriented Isaac was in his performances.

    The first five episodes of Moon Knight are now streaming on Disney+.

    Source: Collider

  • New Netflix Animation Trailer Includes First Look at ‘Sonic Prime’

    New Netflix Animation Trailer Includes First Look at ‘Sonic Prime’

    Here’s a fun surprise, but it looks like a new trailer on Netflix’s current and upcoming animation projects includes our first look at Sonic Prime. It’s a fun surprise that arrives at the end of the trailer, which only includes the blue blur running through a few rings with the iconic sound effect before dropping a jokey line. Surprisingly, it sounds like they have once again recast the voice but it’s unclear who is voicing him. At one point, it was announced that Roger Craig Smith was retiring from voicing the character but would confirm he’s back to voice Sonic after all. So, it’s interesting that the animated series has a different voice actor altogether.

    Image

    As with any new voice actor, it’s going to take some time to get used to. This new Sonic the Hedgehog sounds like he has the same attitude of what we’ve come to love from the character, but it’s an even bigger departure from the live-action voice provided by Ben Schwartz. There’s not much to the line and generally, we don’t get a lot of time with him in this short clip. So, it’s not much to really make an analysis based on, but the design looks quite promising and feels like a direct adaptation of the games.

    Overall, it’s exciting that Sonic the Hedgehog is going through a renaissance with his latest film release, new games, and an animated series. We’re still waiting anxiously on what Sonic Frontier might have to offer, but luckily classic fans will get to return to their favorite games with some unique animations as well to tie all four initial games together. So, Sonic fans are eating well right now.

    You can check out the full trailer and the brief clip here:

    Source: YouTube, TWitter

  • Paramount+ Developing New ‘Jackass’ Series

    Paramount+ Developing New ‘Jackass’ Series

    It looks like Paramount has been quite happy with the success of Jackass Forever, as they are reviving the original TV series for their Paramount+ subscription service. During their Q1 earnings call, they not only highlighted their impressive subscriber growth but also went on to tease some of their additional plans, which included the announcement of a new Jackass TV series. It would be the first time they return to a TV format since the original three seasons aired on MTV back in 2000 to 2001. Bob Bakish, Paramount’s Global CEO, shared the following statement on the new series order.

    Based off the success of ‘Jackass Forever,’ we’re working with the creators to continue the partnership with a new series, bringing even more ridiculous antics straight to Paramount+.

    Bob Bakish

    Not too long ago, they announced countless new projects and are continuing to push forward with their expansion of the service. Johnny Knoxville, who’s the de facto leader of the Jackass crew, has recently hinted that he’s done with the stunts after his work on Forever. One stunt was highlighted as exceptionally dangerous, which luckily didn’t lead to a dark end.

    Of course, he could still have a role in the project and use it as an opportunity to pass the torch to a new generation, as he has a more creative role in creating the different stunts that are performed. For now, it seems they’ve mainly ordered a series with the producers, who’ll likely discuss it with the original team and we’ll see how many “veterans” will stick with the new series or potentially leave the franchise behind with their swan song that was Forever.

    Source: Variety

  • Billy Magnussen Offers Update on ‘Aladdin’ Spinoff

    Billy Magnussen Offers Update on ‘Aladdin’ Spinoff

    Disney has been focused on creating various spinoffs from their live-action remakes. While the Beauty and the Beast project is now on hold indefinitely, it seems we finally got an update on the Prince Anders-focused spinoff for Aladdin. Billy Magnussen took on the role and was going to be the focus of the new series, which would explore the fictional European kingdom of Skanland.

    Not much was actually known about the project, and we haven’t heard anything about it since its release three years ago. Magnussen did offer an update during an interview with ScreenRant. While it seems the project is still in its writing phases, the actor confirms that it is still “in development” and teases what’s to come for Prince Anders’ story.

    It’s in development. We are in the stages of rewrites right now, and it’s still moving forward. Yeah, it’s really exciting … I loved making that character up, and to have the opportunity to create a world and a story with him in it has really been a treat. I love that. That’s what I really love about this industry; to play in such a way like that … To be the not-Prince-Charming Prince, you know? We always see Prince Charming, so I was like, ‘Let’s mix it up.”

    Billy Magnussen

    It’ll be interesting to see how long it’ll take before the spinoff finds its way to Disney+. The three-year difference in addition to how long production will need, the momentum of building upon the original release might’ve been missed. Still, it’s great they are still actively working on it and Prince Anders’ popularity after the initial release might still make it work more as an original story rather than as an Aladdin spinoff.

    Source: ScreenRant

  • ‘Ms. Marvel’ to Release in Pakistani Theaters as 3 Parts

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ to Release in Pakistani Theaters as 3 Parts

    Disney and Marvel Studios have something special planned for their upcoming release of Ms. Marvel. While it’s still planned as a weekly release on Disney+ worldwide, it seems like there will be a special release in Pakistan. Ms. Marvel will release in theaters across the country. Not only will they create a special format for all six episodes, but it’ll be made available in three parts.

    As revealed by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy on her official Instagram account, the six episodes will release in batches of two, which are set to find their way to Pakistani theaters on June 16th, June 30th, and finally on July 14th. It’s a way to celebrate the first Pakistani Marvel superhero and offer it to the country that doesn’t yet have Disney+ access.

    This move is definitely a great showcase of respecting the cultural background of the character and making it easier to access for those that don’t have the service. It wouldn’t be too surprising if this new theatrical release model becomes a standard for those countries that don’t yet have access to the streaming service. If the film manages to pull in an audience over the course of all three releases, it might definitely also offer a great alternative for those countries that may otherwise not have any access to the service moving forward.

    Source: Instagram

  • Benedict Wong Down for a ‘Doctor Strange’ Disney+ Spinoff Series With Jacob Batalon

    Benedict Wong Down for a ‘Doctor Strange’ Disney+ Spinoff Series With Jacob Batalon

    Disney+ has become the best place for Marvel Studios to put the focus on characters that usually only end up on the sidelines. It looks like some actors are down to explore their characters further in a spinoff series, such as a recent reveal by Benedict Wong. You’d think that the Sorcerer Supreme, as revealed in Spider-Man: No Way Home to be Wong, would deserve his own series. In an interview with Fade to Black Podcast, he agreed with that sentiment when asked if he’d be down for his own Disney+ spinoff.

    Well look, hey, I’ll just have to wait for the Wong-tourage to kind of make the placards, they’re rioting in the streets now. Hey, what do we say? It would be wonderful, wouldn’t it? I’d certainly be up for it, definitely. Where’d we go with that? We could go anywhere. So far, we always have Wong go through a portal and we don’t know what happened for the last 5 years so maybe there’s a [story] in it. Yeah, like a 5-year series. And some, they [Marvel Studios] do it so well.

    Benedict Wong

    He even goes on to pitch what he’d love to explore as a potential sorcerer and apprentice storyline. He highlights Ned as his potential padawan, who also revealed he had some magic in his bloodline when he summoned portals to help his friend in his battle against some multiversal foes.

    I’d quite like the idea of the sorcerer and the apprentice with Ned as my apprentice. Obviously, he’s got a few of the old portal skills.

    Benedict Wong

    It would be a fun idea, especially as Ned set out to MIT. Him combining both worlds as a reluctant Wong takes him under his wing would be a fun comedy series. It could also pay tribute to the many apprentice-focused storylines we’ve seen in the past. Of course, it all depends on what Wong’s fate will end up being once Multiverse of Madness rolls around. Once it releases, we’ll know more.

    You can watch the Interview with Fade to Black Podcast here:

    Source: Twitter via The Direct

  • ‘X-Men ’97’ Head Writer on Disney+ Series’ Place in the MCU Canon

    ‘X-Men ’97’ Head Writer on Disney+ Series’ Place in the MCU Canon

    If there’s ever a question on everyone’s mind when a new Marvel series or project is announced: is it canon? As it is a continuation of the original 90s series, it seems very unlikely that the series is connected, but in an interview with The Direct, head writer Beau DeMayo may have hinted that there is more to this than may meet the eye. While he doesn’t confirm anything, he does hint that their place within the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe could be revealed.

    The one thing I can say towards that is, I know sometimes we say, No comment,’ and it’s like, ‘They’re just being obstinate.’ I’m gonna go with no comment here because part of the surprise will be finding that out when you experience the show.

    Beau DeMayo

    It definitely would make for a great surprise to find out that the X-Men have been around since the 90s. It is the first time that Marvel Studios gets to work with the IP since Disney purchased the rights back through 20th Century Fox. It’s still unclear how exactly the X-Men might arrive within the ever-expanding MCU at this point.

    What does stand out is that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will feature the return of Patrick Stewart as Professor X. We’ve gotten glimpses of what looks like his iconic yellow chair from the animated series and comics. So, the show might potentially lead to the events of his upcoming introduction. For now, we’ll have a lot of fun speculating.

    Source: The Direct

  • Oscar Isaac on Potentially Returning to the MCU after ‘Moon Knight’

    Oscar Isaac on Potentially Returning to the MCU after ‘Moon Knight’

    Moon Knight is something special among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ever-expanding connective tissue. While it still is definitely part of this universe, it’s probably the most standalone project since Phase 1. Still, there’s always going to be the hope that Oscar Isaac would reprise the role in future projects, especially as the Disney+ series was hinted at as a limited series. In an interview with New York Times, he has talked about the future of his character and highlighted that he’s just happy that the project is a more self-contained story.

    It’s a new character that we’re taking a chance on. The nature of the story is this investigation, this slow-reveal mystery. If it goes somewhere else, that’s great. I’m glad it’s not just an advertisement for synergy.

    Oscar Isaac

    He does compare it to his experiences with previous blockbuster projects like X-Men: Apocalypse and the Star Wars Sequel trilogy. While he seemingly burnt out on these types of franchises, the Marvel project reignited that excitement and pulled him back in. He was also the one that pulled in Ethan Hawke to join the project, as it gave him that spark he was hoping to get.

    It’ll be interesting to see what the future has in store for Marc Spector beyond his own series. We’re only a few days away from the Moon Knight finale finally releasing on Disney+. He’s been a prominent member of the Avengers and Marvel comics throughout the years. It would be a shame to not see him interact with others throughout, especially replicating some of his hilarious interactions with Spider-Man as well as further exploring his psychology.

    Source: New York Times