Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: What If…?

  • Seth Green Teases Howard the Duck’s Role in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If’ Disney+ Series

    Seth Green Teases Howard the Duck’s Role in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If’ Disney+ Series

    It seems Howard the Duck may have more than a bit role in Marvel’s What If…?, according to actor Seth Green. The Hollywood Reporter recently published a retrospective on 1986’s Howard the Duck film, in honor of the cult classic’s 35th anniversary. The piece includes numerous interviews, including one from Green, who has been portraying Howard in the MCU since 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Among his comments on the character were interesting tidbits on his future in the Marvel wheelhouse, and a confirmation in which episode we can expect him:

    […] it resulted in a scene between T’Challa and Howard.

    Fans discovered Howard would be involved in the show via a surprise appearance in its first full-length trailer. Green’s comment seems to confirm he will appear in an episode featuring Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa replacing Peter Quill as Star-Lord and reveals he will play a big enough role to include a speaking part. The famed comedian also shared how he chose to portray the character, with a manner more in line with his comic history:

    He’s a punk rock noir detective, at least that’s the way I play it.

    Howard was written as a private eye in Chip Zdarsky’s 2015 run on the character, and it appears that former Howard the Duck actress Lea Thompson found inspiration from the same comics when developing her ideas for a potential MCU reboot. Thompson has been vocal about wanting to direct a modern remake of Howard, and some of her comments on the topic, from the same retrospective, do hint at a future for everyone’s favorite space Duck in the MCU:

    Marvel liked the pitch, but they have different plans for the different characters.

     Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • New ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Funko Leak Teases Multiple Strange Variants

    New ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ Funko Leak Teases Multiple Strange Variants

    It looks like a new Funko Pop list has found its way online that leaks some rather interesting new additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It includes a list of characters for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Hawkeye, and Ms. Marvel. There aren’t many surprised in the Disney+ list, but the Strange sequel has the most interesting teases. The list includes the known characters of Doctor Strange, Scarlet Witch, Christine Palmer, Mordo, America Chavez, and Rintrah.

    That is not all, as it also teases different Variants of our titular hero and Wong. The list includes Supreme Strange, Defender Strange, and Defender Wong. The Defender naming could be a new costume, but the inclusion of Supreme Strange, who is to make his debut in the upcoming What If series hints at him facing different Variants across the multiverse. Instagram user mariobros612 shared the leak.

     

     

    The inclusion of the dark version of Doctor Strange is a curious one. In a way, it makes sense he would join the live-action adaptation, as we did see a regular version of the character in the first What If trailer. So, the series and his upcoming film might intersect at some point, which also adds some credence to the live-action inclusion of Haley Atwell’s Captain Carter. It’s only been a few days since she was rumored to appear in the Doctor Strange sequel. So, the inclusion of his What If counterpart adds more credence to this rumor. The film is set to release in March and we might get a trailer before the end of the year that may finally hint at how much of the multiverse Strange will face in the upcoming film.

    Source: Instagram

  • New ‘What If’ Funko Pop for Party Thor Revealed

    New ‘What If’ Funko Pop for Party Thor Revealed

    We’ve covered quite a few of Marvel Studios’ Funko Pop lines. They’ve offered some insight into character designs or even confirmed leaked storylines for the upcoming What If series. We normally get a small line-up of characters ahead of the series premiere with new reveals following shortly after. Yet, the animated series might have the largest line-up ahead of its August premiere.

    It makes sense with each episode focusing on a new Variant from the recently established multiverse. Just the other day we got our first look at an exclusive Black Widow and Collector Funko Pop for Marvel’s Collector Box. It seems they aren’t the only one, as Party Thor’s Funko Pop is heading to Walmart.

     

    The episode will explore a party so large, it threatens the future of the galaxy. We got a glimpse of this version of Thor facing Ultron bots in an earlier trailer, which may hint at them intersecting at some point. We still don’t know exactly if each episode will be unique and then crossover at some point. We did get a full look t his golden armor with some early artwork leaks. It seems like this version of the God of Thunder never learned humility as he became the next ruler of Asgard. Here’s hoping we get another glimpse n the coming weeks of what this party is all about and who the guests might be. If he involves the entire galaxy, we might see quite a few familiar faces join the festivities.

    Source: Twitter

  • New ‘What If’ Funko Pop Leak Offers Closer Look at Black Widow and Collector

    New ‘What If’ Funko Pop Leak Offers Closer Look at Black Widow and Collector

    It looks like the next wave of What If Funko pops have found their way online. It’s been only three weeks since the first wave found its way online featuring Captain Carter, Star-Lord T’Chall, Hydra Stomper, Gamora, and Doctor Strange Supreme. Now, the next two Funko’s have found their way online from the upcoming animated series that will be available with the Marvel Collector Corps. They feature the version of Black Widow from the post-apocalypse and The Collector. Instagram user dis.trackers provided the first look at the new Funko Pops that are a must-buy for many collectors.

     

    It’s been around two months since we first heard about the post-apocalyptic episode featuring Black Widow. The episode would explore the aftermath of Ultron dropping Sokovia and decimating the planet. It could be the first time we see the comic location known as the Wasteland in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We don’t have any details on the episode, but the official poster does tease Vision in Ultron armor wielding all Infinity Stones. So, he might’ve finally obtained his perfec body and ruled the galaxy while he was at it.

    The Collector isn’t too much of a departure from what we know of the character. There was a tease of T’Challa facing off against him, which seems to be the most likely episode to feature him. In it, Yondu picks up the Wakandan instead of Peter Quill and he becomes an integral part of the Ravagers. The trailer teases a very unique dynamic between the two and could see the world unravel in a unique way. Wht If premieres August on Disney+ and we can’t wait to see what other scenarios we might witness.

    Source: Instagram

  • ‘What If’: Agatha Christie Inspired Episode Will Explore ‘Fury’s Big Week’ Prelude Comic

    ‘What If’: Agatha Christie Inspired Episode Will Explore ‘Fury’s Big Week’ Prelude Comic

    Total Film got a chance to talk with the team behind Marvel Studios’ first foray into animation, What If. They offered some insight into what we can expect from the new Disney+ series, which will explore different outcomes of iconic storylines. The latest trailer focused on T’Challa as Star-Lord, Killmmonger saving Tony Stark, and Peggy Carter taking the Super Soldier serum. It’s only a glimpse of what the series has to offer. Head writer A.C. Bradley teased the flexibility the animated show gave them a chance to tackle each episode creatively.

    Our episodes are either darker or lighter than a traditional Marvel movie, and we also have a couple of straight-up tragedies. We have an episode that’s like a political thriller. We’ve got a dark Doctor Strange episode that’s like a tragic love story. One of them is just me wanting to goof off and relive my favourite movies as a kid. Can’t Hardly Wait was a touchstone… I can’t imagine any other point in my career when I’m going to get to write one of those National Lampoon crazy party movies

    We’ve first heard rumblings of the Doctor Strange episode some time ago. Bradley confirms that the tragedy will be the point of no return when Strange goes down a much darker path. It opens up the question of his story might even connect to the teased zombie episode. If he tries to bring back Christine Palmer to life, he may cause something even darker.

    It seems they won’t just retell the films, but even adapt an MCU tie-in comic, as executive producer Brad Winderbaum also teased an Agatha Christie episode that takes place in the Fury’s Big Week storyline, which was only part of a comic run that acted as a prelude for Marvel’s Avengers.

    Then we have a great Agatha Christie episode. It takes place in this obscure point of detail that only hardcore fans know called ‘Fury’s Big Week’.

    There were quite a few hints in the first trailers that they may tackle this story, where Fury has to clean up the mess left behind by the Avengers. It even featured a cameo by Samuel Sterns, who last appeared in 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. There’s a lot of potential with this series, and it may even indirectly fill some holes between films that never got explored before. As it takes place in the Multiverse, it would be fun to get a brief cameo by Edward Norton as Bruce Banner or Terrence Howard as Rhodey.

    Source: Total Film

  • RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness’ to Feature ‘What If’s Captain Carter

    RUMOR: ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness’ to Feature ‘What If’s Captain Carter

    The upcoming What If Disney+ series will open up the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the multiverse. While the latest trailer teased this development, it was Loki‘s finale that cemented it. The only question remained if Marvel Studios’ first foray into animation may crossover into live-action. It has worked for Star Wars. So, it didn’t seem far-fetched of an idea. Luckily, a new rumor may hint at a connection as the latest episode of the DisInsider Show hinted at a rumor that Hayley Atwell‘s Captain Carter will appear in next year’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

    It was part of their Rumor of the Week segment. So, we can only take it with a grain of salt for now. They also could only state that she’ll have a small part in the film. It would make sense for someone to crossover into the film from the series, as the first trailer even hinted at the presence of Benedict Cumberbatch‘s Doctor Strange in the animated series.

    We even had a glimpse of what could’ve been her facing off against Shuma-Gorath. The stories seem to intersect at some point. So, she might end up facing the god-like creature before getting sucked up into whatever multiverse she meets up with Strange. Either way, it would be exciting to see Atwell‘s return to live-action in a brand new style. If the rumor pans out, it’ll be curious if she will have a future with the newly formed Marvel Cinematic Multiverse.

    Source: DisInsider Show

  • Peggy Carter’s ‘Legends’ Episode May Confirm ‘Agent Carter’s Canonicity

    Peggy Carter’s ‘Legends’ Episode May Confirm ‘Agent Carter’s Canonicity

    There have been many debates about canonicity surrounding the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Agent Carter, Agents of SHIELD, and Marvel Netflix series have direct tie-ins to the film’s events but not the other way around. SHIELD has been a popular point of discussion. Agent Carter‘s Jarvis, played by James D’Arcy, appeared in Avengers: Endgame and added to the debate that they are, in fact, canon. We may get a more definite answer as of August 4th, as Disney+ will release brand new episodes of Marvel Studios’ Legends. Alongside the Avengers Initiative and The Ravagers episodes, Peggy Carter will get her own episode ahead of her What If return.

    Why is that relevant? Well, the Legends series acts as a supercut of their adventure through the MCU. Haley Atwell‘s return as the character was one of the main focus points for the animated series. Before her grand return in Endgame, she had a cameo in SHIELD and later headlined her own series for two seasons titled Agent Carter. If her appearances in both are utilized in the supercut, it would confirm that the series are indeed canon.

    Of courses, the Disney+ series takes place within the multiverse, which we witness grow in Loki‘s final episode. We’ve played around with the idea that these storylines can always be part of the more fittingly titled Marvel Cinematic Multiverse. At the end of the day, it’s less about canonicity but rather if Marvel Studios will acknowledge Marvel TV’s work. They have included many references to the films and even followed their storylines to connect to them. It may be the first time we get a more definite acknowledgment outside of an actor’s cameo.

    Source: ComicBook.com

  • ‘What If’: Andy Serkis Confirms Return as Ulysses Klaue in Disney+ Series

    ‘What If’: Andy Serkis Confirms Return as Ulysses Klaue in Disney+ Series

    What If‘s latest trailer shocked people when Tony Stark appeared on screen not voiced by Robert Downey Jr. While there were rumblings that not every MCU cast member was open to returning in the animated series, it still was strange to see it happen. Especially if you consider how many iconic stars are returning to reprise their roles. All the way when the first cast listing was announced during SDCC 2019, we wondered if they purposely left some out. It seems we were right, as Andy Serkis just confirmed via his Instagram page that he’ll return in the upcoming series as Ulysses Klaue.

     

    Klaue made his MCU debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron before stealing every scene in Black Panther. Sadly, the character met his untimely doom at the hands of Killmonger. He is getting an episode focused on his unlikely alliance with Tony Stark. We got a brief snippet of how they meet in the latest trailer and even see him in Wakanda. A toy leak may have also confirmed he might take on another mantle in the series. Klaue might once again be his entry point into the African metropolis, as he is the only one who knows how to break into the secure city.

    It’s fantastic seeing Andy Serkis return, as he was a personal highlight whenever he was on screen. Exploring the multiverse also opens up many possibilities to revisit these characters in new and curious ways. There was always hope they might revisit T’Chaka’s early years where Klaue first got his hands on the rare metal Vibranium. There’s a lot of history that is worth exploring. It could be worth exploring in the untitled Wakanda Disney+ series. Here’s hoping his return might signal more in the MCU’s future.

    Source: Instagram, Twitter

  • Disney+’s ‘What If’ Teased As The First of Many Marvel Studios Animation Series

    Disney+’s ‘What If’ Teased As The First of Many Marvel Studios Animation Series

    Ever since the birth of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008 with the premiere of Iron Man, Marvel Studios has kept expanding and keeping Stan Lee‘s vision alive on the silver screen. Over the years, Marvel Studios has found ways to entertain us with its shared universe franchise across 24 films. They’ve produced new and innovative stories that often expand across all 4 corners of their universe.

    With the development of Phase 4, Marvel Studios has gone on to find new ways to tell its stories beyond movies and expanding into long-form storytelling. In the case of the upcoming Disney+ series, What If, Marvel took a chance on creating its first animated series for the MCU. It seems it may not be the only animated show coming from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as revealed by production and development executive Dana Vasquez on LinkedIn.

     

     

    This is our first hint at the franchise expanding with other animated series. We already know that Marvel Studios is already developing a second season of What If, but this post indicates the production studio saw a lot of potential in this new format. And they’ve definitely been looking for more animators to join their teams. Daujenae Harps, a Senior Recruiter at The Walt Disney Company, shared several job listings for animators to join Marvel Animation Studios.

    It appears as though Marvel Studios is looking to tell stories that would often seem impossible to tell via their movie formats in the form of animated series. Whether or not these series could tie into the larger scale MCU remains to be seen. If Marvel Studios is responsible for these series, it would seem likely they might tie into the multiverse in some way.

    It does open doors for characters to make their way to the small screen of the MCU and tell stories that would, more often than not, be omitted in the films. There have been rumblings of a potential series based on Power Pack and we could even see What If characters get their own spin-offs. Either way, we can’t wait to see what more Marvel has to offer in the future with its animation team!

    Source: LinkedIn (Animation) LinkedIn (Job Listings)

  • ‘What If’: Seth Green Confirms His Return as Howard the Duck in the Disney+ Series

    ‘What If’: Seth Green Confirms His Return as Howard the Duck in the Disney+ Series

    The new What If trailer offered quite a glimpse into Marvel Studios’ first animated series. What seemed to be independent episodes taking a closer look at different scenarios across the franchise’s timeline, might be way more interconnected than we thought. Many iconic actors are returning to voice their respective characters with some noticeable absentees, such as Robert Downey Jr. not lending his voice to Tony Stark. Luckily, one can easily sideline this fact by pointing out that these are Variants from another timeline, but it’s still sad to see not everyone make a return. The new trailer also revealed the grand return of Howard the Duck and his voice actor Seth Green confirmed he’ll reprise the role on Twitter.

    The actor originally voiced the cameo in a brief post-credit sequence from the first Guardians of the Galaxy film featuring Howard and Benicio Del Toro‘s Collector, who is also slated to return. The character would go on to make a brief cameo in the sequel and can even be sighted alongside the Ravagers rocking a gun in Avengers: Endgame‘s final fight. Willard Huyck once directed a film based on the Marvel character back in 1986 that introduced the world to a darker twist on Donald Duck.

    He originally was going to get his own Hulu series alongside the recently released MODOK. It was going to see the two series alongside another canceled project titled Tigra & Dazzler crossover into The Offenders. Kevin Smith and Dave Willis were executive producers alongside former Marvel TV head, Jeph Loeb. While he never got his own series, it seems that the character has a bright future in the MCU moving forward.

    Source: Twitter, Deadline