Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: TV News

  • ‘Hawkeye’ Director Duo Bert and Bertie in Talks With Marvel Studios for Another Project

    ‘Hawkeye’ Director Duo Bert and Bertie in Talks With Marvel Studios for Another Project

    The directing duo Bert & Bertie have just recently tackled some of Hawkeye‘s best episodes and added a nice touch of grounded flair to the overall series. Adapting the My Life as a Weapon sequence with Clint and Kate driving away from the Tracksuit Mafia has made for a memorable live-action adaptation. It’s a shame they only get to direct a few episodes in the series, but it seems that the duo might have a future with Marvel Studios after all.

    In an interview with ComicBook.com, Bert & Bertie discussed their joy of tackling the recent Disney+ release, and especially with the more grounded take on the series. It seems they want to continue their work with that approach, as they’ve “already had conversations with the filmmaker about other franchises.” Of course, they couldn’t reveal anything but Bertie did highlight what their approach would be.

    I think whatever we do, we’d always want to keep a character grounding, whether that’s in the human world, whether that goes elsewhere into the universe, that would be the center of anything we did.

    Bertie

    A grounded story would hint at a potential exploration of our street-level heroes. There are hints that some familiar faces from the Netflix series might make their appearance. So, perhaps they could offer a fresh take on characters like Jessica Jones, or even characters that haven’t gotten a chance in live-action yet. With Echo continuing where Hawkeye likely ends, we might explore more grounded stories moving forward.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • Latest ‘Hawkeye’ Offers New Footage of Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova

    Latest ‘Hawkeye’ Offers New Footage of Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova

    The fourth episode of Hawkeye has finally dropped and offered our first look at Florence Pugh‘s return as Yelena Belova. She takes on our favorite archer, building on the post-credit sequence from Black Widow. Yet, we only got a brief meeting between the two and we don’t know what exactly her role will be in the upcoming final two episodes. Luckily, the latest teaser trailer for the Disney+ series offers a tease of what’s to come with her character.

    While the young Black Widow points out she is still going to kill Clint Barton, we see her in civilian clothes, which might build on the moment teased between her and Kate. There’s a parallel between the “shot not taken” that Clint talked about in the episode and the same done by Kate before Yelena jumped off the building.

    The two develop an unlikely friendship not only opens up some fun ideas for future entries but also builds on the parallels that the series is set up between her and her unwilling mentor. We’ll see how she’ll tie into the story and push Clint to his limits, as she might become an unlikely ally at one point in the story.

    Source: Twitter

  • New Look at Pablo Schreiber’s Master Chief in Paramount+’s ‘Halo’ Series

    New Look at Pablo Schreiber’s Master Chief in Paramount+’s ‘Halo’ Series

    Halo has been going through quite a revival, as not only has the Halo: Infinite multiplayer been welcomed with open arms but its campaign was added recently. Entertainment Weekly used the opportunity to also share a new look at Pablo Schreiber‘s upcoming take of the franchise’s protagonist, Master Chief. The production was hit hard by the pandemic, as they had to take a six-month hiatus during its filming in Budapest. Luckily, after a long wait, we’ll finally see what a live-action take on the franchise might look like and Master Chief’s design looks quite fateful to the games.

    HALO

    The actor has described the role as “a herculean task” and what it meant to bring the character to life for the now Paramount+ original series. It’s planned to finally release later this year. In a recent interview he highlighted the weight that was on their shoulders for tackling this project:

    It’s a huge job, from setting the tone on set down to the grueling task of waking up at the crack of dawn to work out, then go to shoot, and go home to work out some more. Nothing about it is easy, and I wouldn’t want it to be.

    He promises that the series will “crack the veneer” to bring the iconic video game franchise to life, especially with how most adaptations face some issues in translating into other mediums. It’s an exciting prospect and here’s hoping it can live up to the weight of the original.

    Source: Entertainment Weekly

  • ‘Hawkeye’ Director Shares Why Marvel Studios Now Includes Multiple Directors in their Disney+ Productions

    ‘Hawkeye’ Director Shares Why Marvel Studios Now Includes Multiple Directors in their Disney+ Productions

    Marvel Studios had quite a unique approach to their long-form storytelling early on. The initial Disney+ series, WandaVision, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki, relied on a single director to bring the unified vision to life. Yet, the latest entry, Hawkeye, has taken a very different approach. The last two episodes moved from Rhys Thomas’ direction style to that of the director duo Bert and Bertie. It highlights that Marvel Studios is still learning how they bring their shows to life and it paid off so far.

    In an interview with ComicBook.com, director Bertie of the duo offered some insight on what might’ve inspired the production studio to take that very approach. The third episode includes a one-shot that kicks off one of the series’ longest action sequences. Kate and Clint drive off from the Tracksuit Mafia while shooting them down with the help of trick arrows. Even the latest ended on a rooftop showdown and it seems the prep work needed for action is one of the leading reasons they’ve started moving on from the one-director concept.

    We can only imagine that that was a choice based on wanting to make sure that every episode had a lot of attention on it. It’s such a huge universe, and when you’re doing these action sequences, there’s so much prep that goes in that…by being a team with [director Rhys Thomas], as we were, to kind of create and craft the whole thing with [producers Trinh Tran and Kevin Feige] and a whole team, but then to be able to concentrate on our individual episodes, it was actually a way of ensuring that each episode had its own stamp and its own arc and its own bigness, if you like.

    Bertie

    It wouldn’t be too surprising to see this standardized throughout future entries, as it allows each creative team to tackle projects how they see fit. Not every director has experience with action sequences and can set their focus on dramatic storylines. Loki had some great depth and character work but was a bit lacking in its action, as the Asgardian seems to struggle with everyday people. So, we’ll see what it might mean for future entries in the franchise.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • EXCLUSIVE: John Harvatine IV and Seth Green On Developing the Unique Animation Style in ‘Crossing Swords’ Season 2

    EXCLUSIVE: John Harvatine IV and Seth Green On Developing the Unique Animation Style in ‘Crossing Swords’ Season 2

    In a world that’s become almost infested with adult animated comedies, it’s becoming harder and harder to stand out amongst them all. The first show to really present a unique style was Robot Chickens’ stop-motion animation style. Robot Chicken writers Tom Root and John Harvatine IV definitely took a page out of that book when developing Crossing Swords, with the show’s unique style revolving completely around peg people, and pushing the limits with what they could do with this limited style. 

    We recently had the chance to chat with Root and Harvatine about the upcoming second season, and one thing we were curious about was the show’s animation style, and how they went about improving it and trying out new things.

    I think this season what was fun and what we were looking to do was more practical effects, like more in camera stuff. We really liked last season how we used fiber-fill and hot glue, and things like that. This season we pushed it, we did even more of it, so I think visually going into the season we really wanted to do as much in camera and as little in the computer as possible, so that was something we wanted to do and I think we achieved.

    John Harvatine IV

    Executive producer and voice of Blinkerquatz, Seth Green, added a bit more on how they evolved the animation style of the series.

    Also we were able to use a lot of the motion control rigs to get some far more dynamic cinematography then we’ve had before.

    Seth Green

    Using peg people to make a series is not an easy task. However, Crossing Swords continues to push the envelope on its animation style. Fans will be able to see more of what Harvatine IV and Green mean when Season 2 of Crossing Swords drops on Dec. 10, exclusively on Hulu.

  • Fra Fee on Why His Kazi in ‘Hawkeye’ Strays from the Comic Version

    Fra Fee on Why His Kazi in ‘Hawkeye’ Strays from the Comic Version

    When it was announced that Fra Fee would be bringing Kazi Kazimierczak to the screen in Hawkeye, fans on the iconic Matt Fraction and David Aja run on the comic of the same name were thrilled at the idea of seeing the character terrorize Clint and Kate. In the comics, Kazi certainly displayed all the characteristics of a psychopath but, so far in the show, we’ve seen a much more subdued take on the character. Fee talked to ComicBook.com about the differences between the character we’ve seen so far on the show and the one from the comics and whether or not we might ever see him unleash the true evil he displayed in the great run.

    I was fully aware of the origins of this character. And I think it was a really intriguing character in the comics. And there was a lot that I was able to take from his persona in the comic books. What I love about Kazi, he’s got this really intense, sort of brooding, everything’s simmering at the surface sense of himself. And I believe that’s because he’s harboring a lot of stuff. There’s a lot of issues and there’s a lot of painful things that have happened. And also deep rooted passions that make for this very intriguing character that doesn’t necessarily wear on his sleeve, unlike his counterparts in the mafia that are big, brash versions of themselves. He’s not, he’s got a quiet intensity. Whether or not it is to be seen that he takes on this persona that is traditionally viewed in the comics, we’re not sure. But like you said, I think that the comic book figure is inherently evil.

    It’s always interesting to hear how deeply involved actors become entangled in the characters they play. Fee has clearly put a great deal of thought into how who Kazi WAS defines who he IS.

    What I love about Marvel Studios and how they’ve tackle tackled villainous characters is that we have a much more fully fledged out version of themselves. There’s a sense of history, there’s always a reason to be, there’s always a reason why these characters act the way that they do. And so to be able to actually figure out why Kazi is who he is, how he’s got to the place that he has found himself, that’s really, really exciting rather than just playing an evil dude. Whether you need to know the why, and I think we’re able to do that here.

    Through four episodes, Fee’s relationship with Maya seems to be vital to who is at the moment, a relationship he discussed here with our own Charles Villanueva. It would be interesting to see what might become of Kazi should his relationship with Maya fall apart. As Fee said, the reasons the characters become who they are is a part of fleshing out the characters for these adaptations, so maybe, in this adaptation, we’re just in the middle of Kazi’s Clown persona’s origin story.

    Source: Comicbook.com

  • Lucasfilm Eyeing Amandla Stenberg to Lead Disney+’s ‘The Acolyte’

    Lucasfilm Eyeing Amandla Stenberg to Lead Disney+’s ‘The Acolyte’

    We’ve been hearing quite a bit more from Star Wars‘ upcoming Disney+ series, especially their The Mandalorian spinoff, Ahsoka. Well, it looks like a bit more has been happening with their other project, The Acolyte. We know very little about this upcoming project outside of the fact it is eyeing an early 2022 production start. There have been a few rumors surrounding the project led by Leslye Headland. Luckily, The Illuminerdi might have gotten their hands on something interesting.

    According to them, Lucasfilm has already set its eyes on its potential leading star. For a while, they’ve been focused on hiring a woman of color in their late teens. It seems that they might have decided that The Hunger Games‘ Amandla Stenberg would be perfect for the role. Stenberg, who identifies as non-binary, has gone on to star in The Hate U Give, Where Hands Touch, and they recently appeared in Dear Evan Hansen.

    UPDATE: Variety has confirmed Stenberg is in talks to star in The Acolyte. Per the outlet, details regarding their role are not known.

    Source: Illuminerdi

  • EXCLUSIVE: Fra Fee on a Potential Romance Between Kazi and Maya

    EXCLUSIVE: Fra Fee on a Potential Romance Between Kazi and Maya

    Last week’s episode of Hawkeye gave us two new characters in the MCU; Maya Lopez and Kazi Kazimierczak. Both key players in this Christmas crime tale, the episode explores the two lieutenants’ relationship, dating back to their childhood days up until the present, where Kazi serves as Maya’s interpreter in the Tracksuit Mafia. The episode has left fans wondering about a potential romance between the two characters.

    We sat down with Kazi himself, Fra Fee, for a couple of minutes and asked about the character’s relationship with Maya Lopez.

    It’s interesting what we’ve actually seen so far: Kazi is acting as Maya’s interpreter but then there’s quite a bit of friction. But yes, you’re right. They are loyal to each other and have known each other for a long time. Whether that is something romantic or more in line with a brotherly and sisterly companionship is something I will allow you guys to watch yourselves. I know what I was thinking with what I wanted Kazi to feel but it would be unfair to reveal that [laughs].

    Should there be a romance between them, this week’s episode certainly puts that in jeopardy as Clint makes clear the pitfalls of Maya’s quest for vengeance. Now, with an actual Black Widow in the mix of things, things will only get harder for Maya and ergo, Kazi. The final two episodes will be an amazing watch as the show reaches its climax. Let’s hope Kazi finds a way to survive whatever ordeal awaits the characters at the end.

  • ‘X-Men ’97’: Original Rogue Actress Already Started Recording Episodes

    ‘X-Men ’97’: Original Rogue Actress Already Started Recording Episodes

    It would seem that production on Marvel Studios’ animated X-Men ’97 revival series is already well underway. Lenore Zann, the voice actress known for bringing Rogue to life in the original seasons of X-Men: The Animated Series, has revealed she’s already started work on her dialogue for the first three episodes of the new show. The news would indicate that X-Men ’97 is not only done being written but is already a good chunk of the way into the recording stage. It also double confirms that Zann will return to her iconic role, re-joining a cast that is mostly comprised of her fellow X-Men alumni, after earlier reports stated that most of the surviving Animated Series line-up would be back for more mutant mayhem.

    Outside of playing Rogue in numerous Marvel projects, Zann is best known for her vocal work on animated series like Rescue Heroes, Animal Mechanicals, and the short-lived Avengers: United They Stand. She has also spent time as a politician in her home country of Canada, serving as a Member of Parliament for the riding of Cumberland-Colchester in the House of Commons of Canada.

    X-Men ’97 does not currently have an official release date but is rumored to be dropping on Disney+ sometime in 2023. The series will pick up where X-Men: The Animated Series left off, just after team leader Charles Xavier leaves Earth with the Shi’Ar Empress Lilandra. It remains to be seen just how big a role Zann will play in the series, but it’s now safe to say she’ll be in at least the first three episodes.

    Source: Facebook

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tara Strong on Bringing Coral to Life on ‘Crossing Swords’

    EXCLUSIVE: Tara Strong on Bringing Coral to Life on ‘Crossing Swords’

    Perhaps one of the most notable voice actresses working in the industry today is Tara Strong, who is best known for her work as Raven, Harley Quinn, Batgirl, Ben 10, and even Bubbles from the Power Puff Girls. But with all of her roles, she’s rarely taken on one as raunchy as Coral, the ruthless pirate sister of our protagonist, Patrick the squire.

    Ahead of the release of Season 2, we recently spoke to Strong about her character’s return in the upcoming second season of Crossing Swords. One question we couldn’t help but ask Strong was how she brings the swashbuckling maiden, Coral, to life.

    Well, whenever you’re doing a different character its a completely different headspace, because you are coming at these characters from an actors perspective, so you have to put yourself in their bodies, in their universe. So, the process is pretty similar but the spaces are all unique to their world and certainly Coral is part of a world that is much more irreverent and adult then most of the other shows that I do. So, to get to be in a studio and swear and talk about highly sexualized experiences is unique to anything else that I’m doing right now, but its a lot of fun.

    Tara Strong

    Following up on that previous question, we asked if there were any previous roles from her ever-expanding roster of voicework that she pulled from to bring Coral to life. Unsurprisingly, Strong noted that each character is its own creation, so she tries to approach them as their own entities, rather than drawing on her previous work.

    That’s a good question, I don’t think so. I don’t know that its a past character. You know, whenever there’s a new audition or new character they’ll give the actor a drawing of the character, a small character description, sides from the show, and maybe a show bible to let you know who they’re talking to in the world that they exist in. Then I create that character based on the information I’m given and what I think production would most like that character to sound like, so she’s really her own entity that only exists in this world.

    Tara Strong

    Fans of both Strong and Crossing Swords can catch more of Coral when Season 2 hits Hulu this Friday.