Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: TV News

  • Bushman was Originally Going to be ‘Moon Knight’ Main Antagonist

    Bushman was Originally Going to be ‘Moon Knight’ Main Antagonist

    Moon Knight is set to wrap up its six-episode run this week with its finale that hopefully can avoid the curse of other series rushing its ending. The finale will see the next confrontation between the avatar of Khonshu and Arthur Harrow, whose determination to free Ammit may have unleashed an unexpected evil.

    It looks like this was not always the plan, however, and the series initially featured a much more familiar foe to fans of the Moon Knight comics. In an interview with the House of R podcast, Jeremy Slater revealed that Raul Bushman was originally set to be the main antagonist of the series.

    There was a lot of specifics in the pitch that didn’t wind up working in the show, Bushman was intiailly going to be the main villain, I think he was going to be possessed by an egyptian god by the end of it, and you’d have a big sort of avatar battle.

    Jeremy Slater

    This of course did not happen, and we’ve only gotten a brief reference to Bushman. So, his only real “appearance” was in the recent episode where Marc confirms that his partner killed the group of archeologist when he got greedy, leaving Marc for dead. So, the series still is following the comic’s origin story but does not focus too much on it, keeping it open for future exploration.

    Its been reported that when developing the story the team had decided that the character of Bushman was too similar to that of Erik Killmonger, the main antagonist of Black Panther. The series instead opted to take a minor character from the comics and rework him into a bit of an original character, but it seems like they may have kept the plans for Bushman and used him for Harrow.

    Source: TV Line

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Almost Featured Echo as a Love Interest

    ‘Moon Knight’ Almost Featured Echo as a Love Interest

    Here’s a rather surprising reveal, but it seems that at one point Echo, better known as Maya Lopez, was considered to be the love interest for Marc Spector in the Moon Knight Disney+ series. Head writer Jeremy Slater revealed in an interview with the House of R podcast that they had Echo as the love interest at one point in its scripting phase, especially as Marvel Studios was interested in introducing the character.

    At the time, Echo was going to be our love interest, solely based on the fact that they knew Marvel liked the character of Echo and was trying to find a show to put her in.

    Jeremy Slater

    While the character was a love interest in the comics, they had a hard time fitting her into the storyline. As it’s a collaborative process, they pitched different ideas and it seems that they’ve realized the bigger potential to explore her character in Hawkeye at some point in the process.

    They were like, ‘You know what, we’ve got this Hawkeye show and we feel like she would fit in a lot better there and we were like, ‘Oh, thank God.”

    Jeremy Slater

    It looks like they had gone through quite a few ideas early on in the process, which was teased in the past as they had concept artists and writers support the teams to bring these ideas together. The Disney+ shows are also a new venture for Marvel Studios which also comes with many new learnings moving forward. So, we’ll see what other projects went through quite a few changes as they release more.

    Source: House of R via TV Line

  • New ‘I Am Groot’ Merch Features Multiple Baby Groots With Facial Hair

    New ‘I Am Groot’ Merch Features Multiple Baby Groots With Facial Hair

    We still know very little about the upcoming animated I Am Groot project. It seemingly may be a small project similar to the final Blue Sky series, Scrat Tales. Instead of a fully-fledged show, it’s more like a vignette of small episodes featuring the adorable version of Groot we were introduced to in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. While we are still waiting for an update on the project, it seems that some merchandise has found its way online.

    Box Lunch has shared some promo art as part of its clothing line which teases Baby Groot. They are titled “I Am Groot” which would hint at a connection to the upcoming release, and it’s not uncommon for its merchandise to find its way online long before the project does. There is one rather curious detail that stands out, it features a second Groot with a mustache.

    Marvel I Am Groot Bathtime Hair-Dos Hoodie, BLACK, hi-res
    Marvel I Am Groot Hearts Trio Long Sleeve T-Shirt, NAVY, hi-res

    Now, facial hair isn’t the actual big aspect, even if it’s a funny design element. It may tease that the upcoming animated series may include multiple different versions of Groot, as we can clearly see them with different facial hair. Now, it seems unlikely that this project will explore the multiverse but there is one possibility that works within the series canon.

    In Guardians of the Galaxy, Groot sacrifices himself and is blown up while protecting his friends. The current Baby Groot was made from the remnants of some twigs that would eventually grow into the current Groot we know and love. Yet, there’s a possibility that other versions were born the same way and his upcoming adventure may end up meeting other versions of himself.

    Source: Box Lunch

  • Most of ‘That ’70s Show’ Original Cast Returning for 90s Spinoff Series

    Most of ‘That ’70s Show’ Original Cast Returning for 90s Spinoff Series

    Here’s a pleasant surprise, as it looks like most of the original cast of That ’70s Show is returning for the newly announced sequel, That ’90s Show. When we first heard about the project, Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp were the only cast members attached to the sequel series, returning as Red and Kitty Forman. Now, it looks like they managed to convince Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama, and Mila Kunis to return as guest appearances throughout the spinoff series.

    What will stick out is that the only missing main cast member is Danny Masterson. While Netflix’s The Ranch featured him and Kutcher as brothers, even sometimes acting as a That 70s Show reunion with many other cast members appearing on it, the actor is currently preparing to stand trial due to multiple sexual assault allegations.

    The series also will feature newcomers Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Callie Haverda, Sam Morelos, and Reyn Doi. The story follows Haverda as Leia Forman, the daughter of Eric and Donna, as she is visiting her grandparents. The multi-cam show will see her gather a new group of friends across ten episodes at Point Place while under the supervision of Kitty and Red. Creators of the original series, Bonnie and Terry Turner are joined by their daughter Lindsey as writers and executive producers. That ’70s Show Alum Gregg Mettler is also joining as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.

    Source: Variety

  • New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Set Photos Offer a Close-Up of Mantis and Drax Enjoying the Holidays

    New ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Set Photos Offer a Close-Up of Mantis and Drax Enjoying the Holidays

    We’ve had a few set photos in the past from the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. It teased that the upcoming special will see the Guardians return to Earth. There were even rumors that hinted at Kevin Bacon potentially appearing in the Disney+ special but there was no hint on what role he might have in the project. No matter what it might end up being, a new batch of set photos has found their way online with our best look yet at Dave Bautista‘s Drax and Pom Klementieff‘s Mantis.

    The photos provided by @guardiansupdate offer some close-up images of the two seemingly enjoying the wonders of the Holidays on Earth. The reaction of the Mantis to a human statue is an adorable addition. Her costume has seemingly changed the least between films but Drax got quite an upgrade with his outfit.

    https://twitter.com/guardiansupdate/status/1520192538367385601

    It’s strange not to see Bautista shirtless as Drax, as there was an ongoing joke that his nipples are sensitive in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. We’ll see if the others forced him to put on some clothes while on Earth so that he wouldn’t stick out too much, but they may not include any reference. Still, it seems likely that this is also the design he’ll have in Vol. 3, which might wrap up his story in the franchise.

    Guardians of the Galaxy’s current roster might undergo quite a change moving forward if the team remains at all. Director James Gunn will wrap up his time with the team and move on to other projects afterward. So, we’ll see who will remain within the MCU or who might be leaving the franchise behind.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Canceled After 7 Seasons by The CW

    ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ Canceled After 7 Seasons by The CW

    Hot off the heels of Batwoman‘s cancelation, it seems that the CW is busy cleaning up as Legends of Tomorrow is now also facing a similar fate. The series ran for seven seasons on the network and many feared the cancelation due to it still being on the fence even after The Flash got its early renewal. Yet, there are expectations that the last of the original CW series potentially also come to an end with the upcoming ninth season, it seems they are entering a new era for their DC projects.

    It doesn’t mean they aren’t going to further explore DC projects, as they are currently working on the Gotham Knights series, which isn’t a Batwoman spinoff even if it has a similar setup. The only other series still waiting for a renewal is the latest addition to CW’s schedule, Naomi. As there are rumors of Warner Bros. potentially interested in selling the entire network to focus more on HBO Max, it’s unclear just how long these series might stick around with the current trends moving forward.

    For now, it’s unclear what the future of the Arrowverse looks like, but it’s still impressive it ran for as long as it did. They included various crossover events that adapted some iconic comic storylines. While it confused those that we’re only watching a select few episodes, it definitely was something special for many and perhaps we’ll get one big final moment with a farewell if the franchise is coming to an end while the rest of the multiverse explores new stories independent fro the original.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Netflix Continues Cancel Spree, ‘Space Force’ Won’t Return for Season 3

    Netflix Continues Cancel Spree, ‘Space Force’ Won’t Return for Season 3

    Space Force was a strange addition to Netflix at the time, as the series was fast-tracked in reaction to Donald Trump‘s plans for a space exploration branch of the army was announced. Instantly, Steve Carrell and some The Office creator Greg Daniels jumped at the occasion to mock the concept with a series. They even managed to replicate elements from the project and get the name out before it was an actual reality. Sadly, it seems that the comedy series is coming to an end as Netflix has canceled it after two seasons.

    Carell played General Mark Naird, who was stuck with the new administration alongside an all-star cast that consisted of Diana Silvers, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Lisa Kudrow, and many more. Daniels and Norm Hiscock were the active showrunners on the series’ first and now only two seasons.

    Netflix has once again been on a cancel spree, as they also recently canceled the popular Raising Dion series, which also only managed to pull in up to two seasons. Cowboy Bebop, which was produced with multiple seasons in mind, didn’t even make it to a second one. They have new projects already in development, but their current trajectory, adds to an ongoing issue with the subscription service. If they don’t let their newest series get more than two seasons, they may continue losing people that joined for those specific offerings.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Batwoman’ Canceled at the CW After 3 Seasons

    ‘Batwoman’ Canceled at the CW After 3 Seasons

    The CW has decided to cancel Batwoman after three seasons.
    The decision was announced by series showrunner Caroline Dries. She took to Twitter to confirm the news stating:

    https://twitter.com/carolinedries/status/1520142094131613697?s=21&t=PdVQeZc_hoE63eCQCWDjHA

    Batwoman has had a bit of a bumpy path on the CW. The series initially starred Ruby Rose during its first season, however, Rose went on to leave the project ahead of Season 2. At the time, the actress hadn’t completely explained her reasoning for leaving, only saying it was a decision she hadn’t come to lightly. Rose would then elaborate on her exit, citing injuries she sustained while on set and the grueling hours required as a series lead. Things would only become more complicated down the line as reports circulated regarding Rose’s behavior on set, as well as allegations she’d made against Dries.

    The series would later reinvent itself with the casting of Javicia Leslie as the new Batwoman, Ryan Wilder. Unfortunately, though, while viewers tuned in to Season 2 to see how the new Batwoman would be introduced, the series took a bit of a stumble in its third season as it averaged around 760,000 viewers and a 0.2 demo rating – that is with Live+7 viewings already included. Those numbers are down approximately 20% from Season 2.

    As it stands, The Flash has been renewed for another season, although reports suggest Season 9 could be its last. Fellow DC series Naomi and Legends of Tomorrow have yet to be renewed, although its expected news on those titles will hit soon.

    Source: TV Line, Twitter

  • CONFIRMED: ‘Reservation Dogs’ Actor Devery Jacobs Joins ‘Echo’

    CONFIRMED: ‘Reservation Dogs’ Actor Devery Jacobs Joins ‘Echo’

    Production on one of the next Marvel Studios series for Disney+, Echo, has already kicked as confirmed by star Alaqua Cox via Instagram. In the post where she confirmed the production start, she revealed that star of Reservation Dogs, Devery Jacobs, had sent her flowers wishing her luck on the first day and telling her she would “see her soon.” This led to us speculating that Jacobs could be playing a role in Echo and it seems that turned out to be true.

    Deadline has confirmed that Jacobs has indeed joined the upcoming Disney+ original series focusing on Maya Lopez. Although her role remains unknown, the trade believes that Jacobs could be playing the character of Julie, which we speculated in our Connecting Imaginary Dots piece as Jacobs matched the description of the character quite well.

    This is the second casting for the series, with Jacobs joining both Cox and the previously announced Graham Greene in an undisclosed role. The series is also rumored to feature the return of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, which will see the two reunited following Daredevil season 3’s cancellation.

    It was announced back in March of last year, months before Cox made her debut as Echo that the deaf, Native American hero would be returning in her very own solo series. Cox made her debut as the character in Hawkeye, which premiered late last year and saw the character working alongside Wilson Fisk, before turning on him and leaving town.

    Echo is currently in production and has no set release date.

    SOURCE: Deadline

  • RUMOR: ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ May Include an ‘Eternals’ Reference

    RUMOR: ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ May Include an ‘Eternals’ Reference

    It looks like James Gunn may still be busy filming the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. While he shared a wrap gift with only a few more days to go on production, as he is working on both the special and Vol. 3, it was unclear what exactly is being filmed at the time. Perhaps a new rumor not only hints at what they are working on but even includes a great little tie-in to the overarching Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    According to The Hashtag Show’s Hunter Bolding, he shared a tweet that they are currently filming something on Hollywood Blvd. While he can’t confirm which production it is, the Christmas decorations seem to hint that it is in fact the Guardians special. The biggest reveal is that it seems there are various posters of Kingo at the location. We last saw Kumail Nanjiani‘s character in 2021’s Eternals. He’s a Bollywood star and it’s a fun Easter egg to include if they are filming at the Chinese Theater.

    Twitter user @PokeDan4 has shared a video from the set that confirms they are in fact filming at the Chinese Theater. The only thing is that it’s hard to make out any posters featuring Kingo.

    Of course, there are no details on what poster it might be but it’ll be something fun to find for those keeping an eye out. It does also open up the question if we’ll see the return of Nathan Fillion, who was cast as Simon Williams but his cameo was cut from the film. So, we’ll see if he might get a second chance to pay tribute to what almost was.

    Updated 4/29/22:

    A new video has surfaced giving us a clear look at a poster featuring Kumail Nanjiani‘s Kingo!

    @patrickadougall

    Well, this was an eventful walk. #marvelstudios #guardiansofthegalaxy

    ♬ Hooked On A Feeling – Blue Swede & Björn Skifs

    Source: Twitter