Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: TV News

  • ‘Mr. Robot’ Creator Remaking Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis’ as a Series

    ‘Mr. Robot’ Creator Remaking Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis’ as a Series

    It looks like Sam Esmail, the creator behind the Mr. Robot series, has found his next project in remaking the iconic Fritz Lang film, Metropolis. The announcement comes via Apple TV+, which will become the new home for the remake of the 1927 look at a futuristic dystopia. The original script was written by Lang‘ wife Thea von Harbou and the film would go down in history as one of the first cult classics, even as it was originally met with mixed reviews.

    Universal Studio Group’s UCP will produce the project with Esmail set to serve as showrunner and director. Currently, there is no information on a potential cast with the project being in the early steps of development. It’s unclear how much of the original story will be carried over, but the social-political commentary is definitely something worth exploring in the modern age.

    This project comes fresh off of Esmail‘s work on the limited series Gaslit starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. Most remember the director and writer for his work on Mr. Robot which he worked on from 2015 to 2019. While he mainly worked in TV, he has also directed a 2014 film titled Comet. It’ll be interesting to see how he brings this cinematic classic to life and what he may add to make it stand out from the modern take on futuristic dystopias.

    Source: Collider

  • HBO Max’s ‘Titans’ Season 4 Started Production

    HBO Max’s ‘Titans’ Season 4 Started Production

    In a way, it was only a question of time but it looks like production has finally started on the next season of HBO Max’s Titans. The official Twitter account shared a picture from the TV series’ clipboards that also confirm that production originally started yesterday on February 28th. Nicholas Copus, who worked on projects like Animal Kingdom, The Right Stuff, American Gods, and more, will take on the role of director for the first episode of that season.

    We still know very little about the upcoming season outside of a few rumors, such as iconic Superman villain Lex Luthor potentially appearing. They also are eyeing Joseph Morgan and Franka Potente in the villainous role of the latest season. If these casting rumors end up true, they would take on the roles of Brother Blood and Mother Mayhem. There have been some hints sprinkled throughout the last season that would help support this direction for the fourth season as the Titans leave Gotham behind them and everything that happened with Scarecrow.

    It’ll be interesting to see how they tackle the fourth season, as it seems mostly freed from the weight that bogged it down before. The series is quite popular on the platform, and it made sense that they would renew it for a fourth season. There are even hints that they’ve already signed on the talent for the fifth season that may start production once this season wraps. Here’s hoping we might get some teases of Brother Blood and confirmation on the rumored castings soon.

    Source: Twitter

  • John Cho Looks Back at ‘Cowboy Bebop’s Cancelation

    John Cho Looks Back at ‘Cowboy Bebop’s Cancelation

    While the live-action adaptation of Cowboy Bebop was met with a mixed reception, the cast was definitely dedicated to the series. Many expected that it’ll get a second season, but Netflix suddenly pulled the plug shortly after the series finally premiered on the streamer. It was never made clear why the series wasn’t continued, but given its troubled production, it must’ve hit hard for everyone involved. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, former Spike Spiegel actor John Cho finally opened up on the cancellation.

    I put a lot of my life into it. I’d gotten injured shooting that show and so I took a year off because of the surgery and devoted myself to rehab, came back and finished the show. It was this huge mountain for me to climb healing from that injury. I felt good about myself as a result. We also shot the show in New Zealand, so my family moved there. It was just a huge event in my life and it was suddenly over. It was very shocking and I was bummed.

    John Cho

    It must be tough to fully commit to a role and face an injury that takes you out for an entire year, only for all that hard work to be thanked with a quick cancellation. He did share his thoughts on teh upside of tackling this role:

    But I was very warmed by the response. I wish I could have contacted everybody and gotten hugs. You can’t do that now, but … I don’t know what this is. I’m mystified a little bit about how you can connect with people that you don’t know doing your work, but I won’t question it. I will value it and treasure it. I’m just really deeply appreciative that anyone would care. It’s stunning to me.

    John Cho

    There was certainly a lot of love between the cast members, as some of them took to Social Media to share their thoughts on Netflix’s sudden decision. Cho has still been busy since, as he’s currently promoting his middle-grade debut Troublemaker. So, while the series has sadly come to an end, it’ll always be exciting to see what the cast has in store next.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Euphoria’ Star Javon Walton Joins ‘Umbrella Academy’ Season 3

    ‘Euphoria’ Star Javon Walton Joins ‘Umbrella Academy’ Season 3

    We have yet to get an official release date for the third season of Umbrella Academy, but things seem to be ramping up over a Netflix. So, we could be close. Over the past few weeks, Netflix has released a series of character posters featuring the Umbrella Academy and the mysterious Sparrow Academy. There’s still no date in sight, but it seems another star has joined the project in a mysterious role.

    Netflix took to Twitter today to confirm that Euphoria star Javon Walton has indeed joined season 3 of Umbrella Academy, although it is unknown just who he will be playing. He is best known for his role as Ashtray in the first two seasons of Euphoria. He played a drug dealer and was the adoptive brother of Fez. Walton first teased his casting during an interview with Complex in which he listed his upcoming projects only for Netflix to confirm it now.

    Just a last month Netflix revealed that Justin Cornwell, Britne Oldford, Jake Epstein, Genesis Rodriguez, and Cazzie David had all joined the cast as members of the Sparrow Academy. It’s possible that Walton could be playing the seventh member of the Academy, maybe even lending his voice to the mysterious cube. The cliffhanger ending of season two left fans on the edge of their seats with the reveal of a newly altered timeline due to their meddling. This season is sure to be highly anticipated and will definitely turn the series on its head.

    Source: Twitter , Complex, Deadline

  • ‘Moon Knight’ Head Writer On Marc Spector’s Avenging Future

    ‘Moon Knight’ Head Writer On Marc Spector’s Avenging Future

    Moon Knight, Marvel Studios’ next installment, is headed to Disney+ in just under a month. With the series’ March 30th release date on the horizon, Marvel is ramping up its promotion for the lesser-known superhero. While Moon Knight is a name even Marvel fans may be unfamiliar with, it looks like caped vigilante could be set to stick around the MCU in a significant way.

    Moon Knight head writer Jeremy Slater told Total Film that he does not know Marvel Studios’ long-term plan for the character. When asked if Moon Knight was gearing up to enter the wider MCU, Slater stated:

    The honest answer is I don’t know…Because Kevin [Feige] is the guy who decides all that stuff. Look, if it was up to me, he would be part of the Avengers. It’s absolutely not up to me, but I think that is the goal!

    Jeremy Slater

    While it is no surprise that Moon Knight’s MCU future is a secret, it is telling that Slater believes that goal is for the character to break out of his solo outing into a larger team-up or crossover role in the future. Of course, Marvel Studios characters tend to end up as members of the Avengers or other teams. But Phase 4 is introducing new characters at a speed and quantity that is unprecedented even for Marvel Studios, so it is easy to wonder if some characters will be handled differently than fans have been used to.

    Before any potential Avengers team-up, Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight will star in his solo series, which promises to be a unique entry in the MCU. The first episode of the series will hit Disney+ on March 30.

    Source: Total Film via Games Radar

  • CONFIRMED: Marvel’s Netflix Shows and ‘Agents of SHIELD’ Are Joining Disney+ in March

    CONFIRMED: Marvel’s Netflix Shows and ‘Agents of SHIELD’ Are Joining Disney+ in March

    The moment the various Marvel Netflix shows were leaving the streaming services, the internet was filled to the brim with theories. It seemed like a no-brainer that Disney regained the rights, but most believed it is heading to Hulu given it’s adult-themes. Suddenly, Canada is adding it to Disney+ without the Hulu equivalent Star. Rumors spread that the US will also get access through a new parental control option. After much speculation, Disney Plus has confirmed The Defenders series are joining the streaming service.

    In a short teaser posted to social media this morning, Disney+ confirmed Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, The Defenders, The Punisher and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will debut on the service on March 16th. This aligns with the recent rumors on its addition, as they also reference the new parental controls which will be available on the same day. You can check out the teaser right here:

    What a move by Disney, as the fact they are breaking away from the family-friendly content and including these series so close after they left Netflix is quite a telling move. We might also see more crossovers between Hulu and Disney+ content moving forward, especially when it comers to Marvel Studios wanting to expand beyond the PG-13 rating, such as with Deadpool 3. We might see many more new directions for the service in the near future.

    Source: Twitter

  • The DCEU Should Develop ‘The Secret Six’

    The DCEU Should Develop ‘The Secret Six’

    Over the past few years, the DC Extended Universe has gone through a bit of a development period with a few leadership changes and course corrections. It took a while, but things in the DCEU finally feel consistent and projects that are announced are happening, resulting in the shared universe finally finding its groove. In the past year, we’ve seen the DCEU march into mature content, led by James Gunn projects The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, opening a window of opportunity for another niche team from DC Comics.

    Back in 2005, comic book writer Gail Simone took over The Secret Six, an off-beat team introduced all the way back in 1968, and reinvented them, making them instantly more interesting than before. The difference between the two incarnations is that Simone’s was comprised of mostly villains and mercenaries who took on jobs of questionable morality. She introduced this new team in the villain crossover event Villains United, where the new Six would be comprised of Catman, Scandal Savage, Cheshire, Deadshot, Ragdoll, and a Parademon, all villains who refused to join Luthor’s society of supervillains.

    In the few years, the DCEU has done something the MCU has yet to attempt: making R-rated projects for mature audiences. With this shift came a willingness to explore more mature content with their characters and they’ve seen resounding success. WhileThe Suicide Squad didn’t do gangbusters at the box office, it soared on streaming, quickly becoming the highest viewed DC film on the service, topping Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Wonder Woman: 1984. Following the success of The Suicide Squad, its spinoff, Peacemaker, followed probably the most disliked character from the film and crushed it on HBO Max.

    With success like this DC and WB should be gazing through their gallery of characters to find their next big thing, and should look no further than The Secret Six. Consisting of a colorful cast of characters with a few revolving chairs, the Six are one of DC Comics’ hidden gems and could be perfect for another trip down the R-rated avenue the DCEU has been visiting. The comics feature a much more mature, violent, and at times vulgar tone than many other comics and the series would work quite well as a streaming series on HBO Max.

    The current path of the DCEU seems as promising as ever and should continue to pull from the obscure regions of their universe to make some new household names. Characters like Catman, Ragdoll, Scandal Savage, Jeanette, and Black Alice could quickly become fan favorites. The series could also feature the return of Will Smith’s Floyd Lawton, as well as King Shark, and even introduce new heavy hitters like Bane. Never did we think someone like Peacemaker would make his way to screens around the world but here we are. Let’s give The Secret Six a chance.

  • Anthony Mackie’s ‘Twisted Metal’ Heading to Peacock as Half-Hour Comedy Series

    Anthony Mackie’s ‘Twisted Metal’ Heading to Peacock as Half-Hour Comedy Series

    It’s been a while since we last heard anything on the live-action adaptation of the iconic PlayStation game, Twisted Metal. Well, it seems after a long bout of silence, the Anthonie Mackie produced series is moving forward with Cobra Kai‘s Michael Jonathan Smith serving as showrunner. Peacock will become its new home, and the series is described as a half-hour comedy. Will Arnett and Marc Forman are also involved as executive producers via Electric Avenue production company. NBC’s President for Scripted Content, Lisa Katz, shared her enthusiasm for the project’s potential:

    Twisted Metal has been a global phenomenon for more than 25 years but it was the creative vision for this live-action adaptation, led by Michael Jonathan Smith, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, that blew us away. Also Anthony Mackie starring made it undeniable project:

    Lisa Katz

    Mackie will take on the role of John Doe, a milkman who has a lead foot on his pedal. Without any memories, he may have found his home in a community obsessed with vehicle mayhem. His only way to join is to transport a package across the post-apocalyptic wasteland. It’s unclear how many of the iconic characters from the gaming franchise might make their way to the series, but as the show has only now been greenlit, we’ll see what they’ll reveal once the casting moves forward. Still, the idea of the series as a half-hour comedy would fit well to allow the series to focus on the twisted aspect of Twisted Metal.

    Source: Deadline

  • Taking One Last Look Back at Marvel’s Netflix Era

    Taking One Last Look Back at Marvel’s Netflix Era

    It was 2013, Marvel had just recently finished wrapping up their first phase of films with the release of Avengers in 2012. Agents of Shield, Marvel’s first TV program set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had just premiered. After the success of the Avengers team-up, Marvel was obviously looking to capitalize on the momentum by setting up new teams, on the big screen and on TV. With that, Netflix and Marvel announced a smorgasbord of new shows set within the MCU, starting with Daredevil and culminating in a Defenders team-up, similar to the strategy that made Avengers as big as it did.

    Now, all of these years later, the Netflix era is over, with all shows in their wheelhouse being canceled. The shows are leaving Netflix to take their place in Disney’s streaming services, and the characters are being integrated into the MCU proper after debates about their status in the canon. I want to take this time to take a look back on this era of the MCU, to appreciate what it brought us, and to theorize about where we go from here.

    When Daredevil was announced, I was 16 – a teenager already obsessed with Marvel after liking the characters when I was younger – but fell in love with them through the MCU’s first introduction in Iron Man when I was 11. When news came of that these series are M-rated, with blood and gore and more adult themes, you can guess how excited I was. The possibility of Marvel always having something going on. Different themes from action adventures, comedies to even horror seemed promising, especially with the atmosphere promised from the initial reveals and fanfare. We know now that this dream wouldn’t come to fruition until Disney+, and even then, new genres are still only being played with. The hype and possibilities were high over my head in 2013, creating the vision of a perfect MCU.

    Daredevil delivered on its promises. When it was released in 2015, I was a senior in High School. At the time, I was overhyped for the new shows and the anticipation was killing me. Finally, the show launches, and I’m there watching day one. Oh boy, did the show start slow for someone that was hyped as I was. However, after the second episode, I was hooked. Easily becoming my favorite TV show at the time, Daredevil was exactly what I wanted. Following one of my favorite characters, witnessing awesome combat with all the blood a teenager could want, and all set within the MCU. What more could a person ask for? The rest of the shows didn’t matter to me since I didn’t know the characters, Daredevil was what mattered to me, and not only did it deliver, it almost immediately was ordered for a second season. So, I was content.

    I was content until Jessica Jones released in late 2015 and showed me that Daredevil was just the tip of the iceberg. Without any knowledge of Jessica or her villain, it didn’t immediately click with the show as I did with Daredevil. I was, of course, going to give it a try. From the first episode, Jessica’s attitude and sarcasm gripped me. Being a bit of a sarcastic person myself – emphasis on a bit – and growing up with more of the same, I love characters that speak their mind. Not only did her character grip me, but the ominous Purple Man has stood firm in my top 10 villains of all time. The abilities of the character on top of the stellar performance by David Tennant is definitely a force to be reckoned with. However, aside from the two lead characters, Jessica Jones also introduced me to the incredible Luke Cage, and apparently, I wasn’t the only fan impressed with the character. Originally slated to be the last show to premiere before The Defenders, Marvel wanted to ride on the momentum of the new fan-favorite character being introduced in Jessica Jones and fast tracked production.

    Arriving in 2016, Luke Cage followed up the storyline established in Jessica Jones. At this point, I was addicted with Netflix’s Marvel properties during my time in college. After two absolutely steller seasons of Daredevil and the arrival of the Punisher into the fold, as well as a tremendously good season of Jessica Jones, Luke Cage had a lot to deliver. Arriving with positive reception, I look back at that time and remember the fans not welcoming the show with open arms like with the two previous entries. Likely due to Cage’s decline in the second half of the season, the show was great, I even skipped a lab class to binge it in my college library, but it was the first minor dip from Marvel and Netflix. The show also introduced Iron Fist, which fully lead to the decline.

    Iron Fist was constantly criticized and for good reason. The fighting choreography is lackluster at best, the writing was sloppy, and the entirety of the first season is a definite stain on Marvel’s pretty great track record. At this point only having negative reviews for Thor: The Dark World and The Incredible Hulk on the movie side of things and the lukewarm reception to Agents of Shield, Iron Fist definitely marked a critical point for Marvel TV. Lead by Scott Buck, the show ended with fans severely disappointed. I remember going into the show incredibly hyped after everything so far. Reviews started to hit the day before, but most of them were only for the first few episodes. So, I thought maybe it gets better. Even with some good characters, the show just did not deliver. Leading into The Defenders, this was definitely a bad look and a momentum killer going into the long promised team-up.

    The Defenders launched on my birthday in 2017. Even after Iron Fist, I remember being cautiously optimistic. Even if that show wasn’t great, this one was no longer in Scott Buck‘shands and has had time to develop. Alas, the show launched to mostly positive reactions, but suffered from pacing issues, a pretty lackluster story, and a crutch of once again using the Hand as villains. The show definitely could have delivered on those initial great seasons of TV that lead us there. It was said to be the least viewed show of the Netflix-Marvel shows, with a considerable drop in viewership. To me, this marked the downfall of the Netflix-Marvel era, even if we still got some great projects after.

    Following The Defenders, Marvel and Netflix attempted to capitalize on the success of the previous shows, without the major team-up this time. Daredevil got an incredible third season, largely considered to be one of the best seasons of Marvel TV to this day. Jessica Jones received two more seasons after an agonizingly long wait. Luke Cage and Iron Fist got another season each. Daredevil even received a spinoff in the form of two seasons of the gruesome series The Punisher. Even a few more spinoffs like Heroes for Hire were rumored. The Netflix shows looked to be getting back on track, and then in October 2018, the cancellations began.

    Shortly after its second season, which started to deliver a more quality experience compared to the first Iron Fist was cancelled by Netflix. Considering it was the worst reviewed show in the bunch, and rumors were flying of a possible Heroes for Hire spinoff, doom and gloom didn’t quite set in yet. Then, just a week later, Luke Cage was the second causality. Once again thanks to the Heroes for Hire rumors, fans felt like this could just be in anticipation of that show, I mean, both of those characters are in the team in the comics.

    Then came December 2018: Daredevil, the flagship show in Netflix’s Marvel arsenal, was cancelled despite a critically acclaimed and adored third season. At this point, we all knew the Netflix era was over. The Punisher and Jessica Jones both ended their final seasons and were also added to the cancellations. By February 2019, all of the Netflix Marvel shows were cancelled, finishing the era for good.

    Up until recently, you could watch the back catalog of these shows on their original home over at Netflix, but as the deal ends, Disney is regaining those rights. They are expected to remove the shows in March 2022 and move the shows to their international streaming services like Disney+, Star+, and Hulu. A definitive home is not yet known.

    While the Netflix Marvel era might be done, the characters they shaped and the stories they have built are not forgotten. From Matt Murdock appearing in Spider-Man: No Way Home to Wilson Fisk’s return in Hawkeye, it is clear that the story of these beloved characters may be just starting. The history will always be there for generations of new True Believers to adore, but their return may be some of my most anticipated moments in the MCU even with things like Secret Invasion coming up. I literally grew up with these characters as you can tell from my writing above, and I cannot wait for a new generation of Marvel fans, even if just a few years later, to discover these stories for themselves.

  • New Batch of ‘One Piece’ Set Photos Teases Luffy’s Flashback

    New Batch of ‘One Piece’ Set Photos Teases Luffy’s Flashback

    We’ve long wondered how the live-action adaptation of One Piece is tackling in its adaptation of the original manga. When production started, not much was known with Nami actress Emily Rudd being the first to join the production. Now, a slew of new set photos is finding their way online featuring the Marines and even our first look at Shank’s ship, the Red Force. The latest addition of flashbacks may hint that they are currently preparing to film the flashback to Luffy’s childhood.

    @OP_Netflix_Fan has shared a new batch of set photos that tease various windmills in the background. Now, fans of the original manga will instantly recognize it as the small village known as Foosha Village – better known for the West as Windmill Village. It’s part of the Goa Kingdom and was first introduced in the Romance Dawn arc when we first meet Luffy and Shanks.

    It’s further proof that they might be tackling his origin story next. As we’ve seen Alvida’s ship, the series isn’t shooting everything in order but they don’t have to restrict themselves to a specific order. So, the origin could be explored in a second or third episode. Hopefully, it doesn’t closely follow Netflix’s conventions of having an entire episode that mainly focuses on flashbacks ahead of the finale.

    What’s uncertain is if the series might take inspiration from the Post-War arc and also include references to the Goa Kingdom, or even Sabo and Ace. For now, it’s quite fun to speculate even if there’s still some time until the series will probably release on Netflix. Still, these set photos are quite promising and it will be great to see how they bring this series to life.

    Source: Twitter