Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: TV

  • ‘Secret Invasion’ Will Show a New, More Human Side of Nick Fury

    ‘Secret Invasion’ Will Show a New, More Human Side of Nick Fury

    Nick Fury has always been the MCU’s man with the plan. Always several steps ahead of the guy who thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room, Samuel L. Jackson‘s old spy has seen it and done it all. By the time the Chitauri invaded Earth in 2012’s The Avengers, ol’ Nick was already a seasoned veteran of alien affairs, having dealt with the Kree-Skrull War in the 1990s-set Captain Marvel. Next up for Fury is an alien invasion of a different kind in the Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series Secret Invasion and it’s set to show MCU audiences a whole new side of Fury.

    Secret Invasion will see Fury faced with his inability to keep a promise he made to the group of Skrull refugees he set out to help find a new home world nearly 30 years prior. As series co-star Emilia Clarke said, Fury “promised a lot of stuff a long time ago, and not a lot has happened. So understandably, a certain amount of resentment has been built.” According to Jackson, that Fury is not the same man featured in Secret Invasion. “Here you have a guy who’s showing his face, and showing his age,” said Jackson in a new interview with Empire, adding “It’s an opportunity to humanize someone that everybody thinks is superhuman.“

    In Marvel Studios’ new series “Secret Invasion,” set in the present day MCU, Nick Fury learns of a clandestine invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls. Fury joins his allies, including Everett Ross, Maria Hill and the Skrull Talos, who has made a life for himself on Earth. Together they race against time to thwart an imminent Skrull invasion and save humanity.

    Official synopsis of Marvel Studios Secret Invasion

    As opposed to the comic book event from which it takes its name, Marvel Studios Secret Invasion is anything but a superhero cameo fest. That’s by design, according to executive producer Jonathan Schwartz, who wanted to take the focus off the MCU’s godlike icons and place it on the shoulders of its mere mortals. “One of the things we really wanted to bring to this show that makes it a little bit unique in the Marvel universe is vulnerability,” explained Schwartz and that means putting characters like Fury, Maria Hill, Everett Ross and newcomer Olivia Colman‘s Sonya Falsworth at the center of the show’s action. “Nick Fury is just a human, Maria Hill is just a human. A single bullet could take them out. That’s something we don’t always get in the MCU. To bring that level of tension, fear and vulnerability into one of our shows was really exciting,” said Schwartz.

    And so when audiences reconnect with Fury at the beginning of the series, gone is the eye patch and trenchcoat so long associated with the character. “All those things are part of a Nick Fury that’s invulnerable,” Jackson explained and Secret Invasion is more about peeling back the layers of who Fury is…and who he has been behind all the secrets. “It’s great to have an opportunity to find out who he was and delve into how much of a toll his job actually takes on his personal life,” said Jackson adding that the new spin on the character has given him a renewed interest in continuing to portray the character, “I love playing him, and I love the fact that they’re opening him up to all these other possibilities and this whole life that he has.” With Secret Invasion hitting Disney Plus in just over a month, audiences will get to find out just what that life has been and what the cost of it might be.

    Sources: Empire, Vanity Fair

  • First Look at Michael Gandolfini from the Set of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    First Look at Michael Gandolfini from the Set of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

    Despite a significant drop off in the volume of set photos showing up online, Marvel Studios Disney Plus streaming series Daredevil: Born Again is still filming in and around New York City. While the ongoing WGA strike may eventually shut production down, the series has continued with its business and last week one of the series’ stars was spotted for the first time.

    New York Newswire Director of Photography Steve Sands snapped several shots of Daredevil newcomer Michael Gandolfini in action on the set of Born Again.

    No official word has come from Marvel Studios on who Gandolfini will be playing in the series, rumors have swirled that he’ll be portraying a younger version of Wilson Fisk during flashback sequences. The set photos certainly give away anything that seems to confirm nor deny that rumor.

    As of now, Daredevil: Born Again is expected to stream on Disney Plus sometime in 2024.

  • ‘Stranger Things’ Final Season Production Halted in Solidarity With the WGA Strike

    ‘Stranger Things’ Final Season Production Halted in Solidarity With the WGA Strike

    The WGA Strike is going strong, as various productions have been slowly getting paused. Hollywood is still trying to push a few through that have finished scripts; though writers being on set is also an essential aspect to ensure adaptations can happen to tighten scripts along the production timeline. Marvel Studios just recently put a hold on Blade which was set to start production soon.

    Oddly though, they are not planning anything for Deadpool 3 as of now but that might just be them playing chicken until production has to start and the script might be deemed more “done” than the other that only recently revealed another writer was attached. Yet, we’re slowly seeing more and more productions affected such as Stranger Things writers and creators the Duffer Brothers confirming they have paused production until the strike is over on Netflix’s flagship series.

    This is a huge blow to the streaming service that greatly has been trying to build up its offerings as it first faced a drop in subscribers not too long ago. They also have been rumored to be one of the big holdouts during the meetings with the WGA. Either way, this is an important move by the Duffer Brothers and a showcase of how important this current strike is.

    Streaming services have changed the way we watch our favorite movies and shows, but they also left quite an impact on how writers earn their money. They have smaller writing rooms with a lot more work put on the backs of fewer people. More importantly, they also have less money as a result of this new model and can no longer rely on residuals. Here’s hoping that these talks end in favor of those that create the series and films we love so dearly.

    Source: Twitter

  • Yoda’s Age in ‘Young Jedi Adventures’ Revealed

    Yoda’s Age in ‘Young Jedi Adventures’ Revealed

    Though Lucasfilm’s new animated series, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, is set during the High Republic Era, a period of time that spans 500 BBY-82 BBY and is set well before the prequel films, it does include a familiar face. At the center of the series are three Jedi Younglings, Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay and the adorable Poob, Nubs, who are learning the ways of the Force and the core values of the Jedi Order. While the trio of Younglings are assigned a Jedi Master at their Jedi Temple on the planet Tenoo, they are frequently visited throughout the seven-episode series by one of the most iconic Jedi: Master Yoda.

    Including Yoda gives the show a sense of familiarity while exploring the High Republic era, a time period which to date has only been developed through comic books and novels; additionally, it fills in the gaps of the Jedi Master’s long life. Fans of the original trilogy remember that Yoda was 900 years old at the time of his death in The Empire Strikes Back. Given that the events of that film took place four years after the Battle of Yavin, that places Yoda’s birth in the year 896 BBY…well before the beginning of the High Republic Era. So how old is Yoda in Young Jedi Adventures?

    Though he’s already walking with a cane, Yoda is a bit sprier than he’s shown to be during the prequel era…as to be expected from a youngster only in his 600s! According to an official synopsis of the show, the events of Young Jedi Adventures are set 200 years before the events of The Phantom Menace. That film was set in the year 32 BBY, so following that canonically established timeline, Young Jedi Adventures is set in the year 232 BBY meaning Yoda would be 664 years old during the time period explored in the animated series.

    By the time Luke Skywalker came to him on Dagobah, Yoda had been training Jedi for over 800 years and that’s exactly what he’s up to in Young Jedi Adventures. Given his incredibly long life, Yoda’s inclusion in the High Republic Era was always a given and this is hardly the first time he’s appeared in a project set during that time. Since the conception of the High Republic Era’s rollout, Yoda has always been a part of the plan to introduce the new time period and has been featured in multiple comic books already. According to Daniel José Older, a lead story architect for the High Republic Era publications, Yoda is “already a respected member of the Jedi Council at this point,” and is “doing what he loves best: looking out for the young folks.” Given the expansion of Yoda’s story currently ongoing in a solo comic, it’s safe to say the wise, old Jedi Master will continue to show up across Lucasfilm’s line of media.

    Source: Star Wars

  • ‘One Piece’ Creator Offers First Tease of Netflix’s Live-Action Designs

    ‘One Piece’ Creator Offers First Tease of Netflix’s Live-Action Designs

    The latest news for Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece has finally arrived with an official statemenr by series creator Eichiiro Oda. Yet, after a close inspection and tease by the cast, it seems there’s a lot more here than just an episode count confirmation.

    Emily Rudd, who plays Nami in the live-action adaptation, shared a piece on Instagram that Oda drew Nami with her blue-eyes instead of her usual design. Taking a closer look, there are quite a few changes that actually highlight this is the series creator drawing the live-action cast as the characters.

    Taz Skylar’s Sanji also is missing his curly eyebrows, which confirm he will have regular ones throughout the first season. Of course, they could just be to simplify the design for these chibi art style but it is part of his design. They could use the curly eyebrows when he reaches a certain story point to have that original design bleed into live-action.

    The other major change is Jacob Gibson’s Usopp has a short nose rather than the elongated one from the manga. It was the one change many expected at the time but there’s always a chance it is slightly longer than normal or they bring it back for comedic bits like a running gag of stuff getting stuck on his nose.

    Still, it may just be a tease for now but it’s certainly highlighting that the show’s release is just on the horizon. Here’s hoping that the actual first look isn’t too far off to confirm what they look like in the costumes that already seemed quite close to the original.

    Source: Twitter, Instagram

  • ‘Young Jedi Adventures’ Synopsis Clarifies Canonicity of the Animated Adventure

    ‘Young Jedi Adventures’ Synopsis Clarifies Canonicity of the Animated Adventure

    As part of Star Wars Day 2023, Lucasfilm rolled out new a seven-episode animated series set in the High Republic Era, Young Jedi Adventures. Though it’s aimed at younger audiences, the question of whether or not the events in the series are considered canon has been raised as the series introduces new characters–and even a brand new species–during an era that’s yet to be explored outside of publication. In a press release, Lucasfilm has addressed the issue of the canonicity of the new series.

    Set 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way. Produced by Lucasfilm in collaboration with Wild Canary for Disney+ and Disney Junior, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” is executive produced by Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes. Michael Olson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is showrunner and executive producer; Elliot M. Bour (“Elena of Avalor”) is supervising director and co-producer; Jeannine Hodson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is producer; and Lamont Magee (“Black Lightning”) is consulting producer. “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” stars Jamaal Avery, Jr. as Kai Brightstar, Juliet Donenfeld as Lys Solay, Dee Bradley Baker as Nubs, Emma Berman as Nash Durango, Jonathan Lipow as RJ-83, and Piotr Michael as Master Yoda. 

    The reference to the events of The Phantom Menace would certainly seem to cement the series as canon in the Star Wars universe despite the show not really targeting the type of audience who cares about such things. As executive producer and Lucasfilm Senior Vice President Franchise Content & Strategy James Waugh explained “Star Wars transcends generations; fans of all ages deeply connect with its imaginative worlds, mythic stories, and unique characters.”

    Fans of the Marvel animated series, Spidey and His Amazing Friends, will find it shares a lot in common with Young Jedi Adventures. Not only does the new Star Wars series share the animated style of the Spidey show, it’s also similarly formatted and each pair of episodes is packed with opportunities for young viewers to learn core values through brand new characters. “When developing Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, the first Star Wars series created for preschoolers, the creative team never stopped thinking about how this show may be a “youngling’s” first step into a larger world and their first time experiencing the limitless potential of the Star Wars galaxy,” explained Waugh. “The show’s characters, tone, and the life lessons woven throughout each episode were written just for them, and our talented team was committed to honoring the cinematic legacy while staying true to the expectations of parents for the youngest of audiences.“

    You can read our full review of the new animated series right here before checking out the series which is now streaming on Disney Plus.

    Updating…

  • CONFIRMED: Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Will Consist of 8 Episodes

    CONFIRMED: Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Will Consist of 8 Episodes

    It’s been a long road but after a long bit of silence, we finally get an official update for Netflix’s ambitious adaptation of One Piece. Surprisingly, the news drops is an official statement from series creator Eiichiro Oda to celebrate Monkey D. Luffy’s birthday.

    In an official statement, Oda shared the trials he underwent early on trying yo find a compromise between him and Tomorrow Studios, as the cultural differences make such an adaptation quite challenging for everyone involved.

    He also goes on to highlight that while a 2023 release is confirmed with the posters earlier this year, they promised to not release the series until it has his final stamp of approval, which further highlights just how involved he is with the series.

    That is not all, as it also confirms that One Piece won’t consist of ten episodes as previously announced back in 2017. As we shared in January of last year, the series will not consist of eight episodes overall. It’s been a long ride since the news initially broke with mang hints along the way until the final confirmation.

    Overall, it’s great to get an update on the series and see the passion Oda has for this franchise. There’s a lot riding on getting this adaptation right for himself, fans, and those involved in production. Showrunners Steven Maeda and Matt Owens have proven their love for the series many times, which adds to the hope even more of finally seeing the first footage.

  • Joe Locke’s ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’ Role Revealed Disappointing Dozens

    Joe Locke’s ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’ Role Revealed Disappointing Dozens

    Ever since he was cast in Marvel Studios WandaVision spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos, Joe Locke has been at the center of one of the greatest controversies of our time. Would Locke’s character, described as “a gay teen with a dark sense of humor” and “a fanboy”, be an immensely popular character from the Marvel Comics who fits the description perfectly and, like Agatha, is connected to the events of WandaVision or would he be a character that dozens of fans of Wikipedia skimming recently discovered?

    Despite it making much more sense for Locke to be playing Billy Kaplan, the former of the two characters, more than one insider and plenty of fans were sure he was playing the latter: Nicholas Scratch. The mystery was deepened even further recently when actress Patti LuPone, who admittedly has no clue what the MCU is all about much less too much about the comics on which it’s based, said Locke was playing a “familiar” in Coven of Chaos. LuPone’s words threw fans into a tizzy but fortunately, it seems everyone can relax as Locke’s body double has revealed the Heartstopper star’s role.

    The Scarlet With Update Twitter account uncovered stunt actor Jamie Sears‘ resume which lists Locke’s character as Billy.

    The news comes as a major shot to the gut to the legions of Nicholas Scratch fans out there. If Locke truly is playing Billy Kaplan, it may mean that all of Nicholas Scratch’s great comic book arcs may never be realized in the MCU. Fortunately, with or without Scratch, there’s still plenty of room for Salem’s Seven to appear on Coven of Chaos when it hits Disney Plus next year.

    What’s your favorite Nicholas Scratch story? Let us know in the comments.

    Source: Twitter

  • REPORT: ‘The Witcher’ Composers May Be Working on Netflix’s Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Series

    REPORT: ‘The Witcher’ Composers May Be Working on Netflix’s Live-Action ‘One Piece’ Series

    After releasing two posters back in January, Netflix has gone its usual cold turkey approach to promoting the live-action One Piece series. To be fair, we’ve had far more news than the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender which hasn’t even had a bit of news since production started. Yet, the One Piece fans have been quite proactive in trying to get their hands on any bit of news they can, even if it’s the smallest role.

    @OP_Netflix_Fan has seemingly shared the news that One Piece has added composers Sonya Belousova, who was heavily rumored last year, and Giona Ostinelli. Both have worked on Netflix’s other series, The Witcher, which even led to Belousova winning the BMI Streaming Series Award. They were both also nominated for Best Main Title Theme for a TV Show or Limited Series by the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

    Joseph Trapanese went on to take over the second season and it is unclear how long they’ve been involved with the series. This has yet to be announced officially by anyone, but a short piece shared by Belousova on her personal Instagram account sparked a lot of theories that it was part of the future soundtrack. We also had a Japanese commercial for the series during TUDUM, which had some speculation if it’s from the series as well.

    As we’re still waiting for an official look at the series, it would be great to hear the music alongside the trailer rather than the usual popular hit song that most trailers use. Luckily, Netflix has seemingly avoided that trope in its fantasy trailers and it would be great to see if that piece teased so long ago is actually in the series. There’s also the fun question if the classic pirate instrument, the Hurdy-Gurdy gets used.

    Source: Twitter

  • Andy Serkis Reveals the Fate of His ‘Andor’ Character

    Andy Serkis Reveals the Fate of His ‘Andor’ Character

    Season 1 of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars streaming series Andor took a deep dive into some uncomfortable corners of the galaxy far, far away. One of those corners included the moon known as Narkina 5, which was the location of an Imperial Prison Complex where Cassian Andor found himself sent following his arrest on Niamos. There, Andor met one of the series’ most talked about new characters: Andy Serkis‘ Kino Loy.

    The floor manager of Unit-Five-Two-D, Loy evolved from a no-nonsense ball buster to one of the organizers of the wonderful “One Way Out!” breakout from Narkina.

    When he was incarcerated, he then almost sheds any desire to look out for other people apart from himself. Just do his time and get out. To try and get out and just survive the sentence, the torture, the desensitization. I think it was that desensitization that made me perhaps have that slightly lost but kind of hardened and toughened shell.

    Andy Serkis on Kino Loy

    That breakout, as you might remember, led to the prisoners having to jump into the water surrounding the prison and the revelation that, after having led the prisoners to freedom, Loy couldn’t join them in their escape because he couldn’t swim. The last we saw of him, Loy was left behind in the prison to face an uncertain fate: did he make the jump or choose to remain in prison and face the consequences? In an interview with ET, series creator Tony Gilroy and Serkis recently revealed Loy’s choice.

    “Well, he didn’t die,” revealed Gilroy, adding “I don’t know what happened, but he didn’t die. We never see him die.” According to Serkis, that means Loy stayed behind at the prison because he certainly didn’t jump. “If he jumped, that would be the end of him and he would be out of the picture,” explained Serkis. “But no, he’s alive and [Kino’s] working out his next move.”

    Does that mean Loy might turn up in Season 2? While neither Gilroy nor Serkis gave any indication, the short answer is most likely “no.” While fans responded well to Serkis‘ character and there might be a time and place for him to return, Season 2 of Andor looks set to move at breakneck speed covering 4 years of time in 12 episodes. The Narkina 5 arc was beautifully designed and shot and had a major impact on the audience and Andor and with the fact that the prisoners there were making components for the Death Star already revealed, it might be best to let that part of the story remain complete.

    Andor Season 2 is expected to hit Disney Plus in 2024.

    Sources: ET Online, Collider