March 24, 2025 • 37 mins
Thomas Townley brings us the latest geek news with updates on DC's Lanterns cast, Kevin Smith's return to Marvel Comics, Star Wars game closures, and entertainment industry developments.
• Thomas shares his experience at Kansas Comic Con including meeting voice actors Billy West, Gray Delisle, and Townsend Coleman
• Sherman Augustus and Jason Ritter join HBO's Lanterns series in key roles
• Kevin Smith returns to Marvel for Giant-Sized Spider-Man one-shot releasing June 11th
• Doctor Aphra returns in new Star Wars comic series set in New Republic era
• Star Wars Hunters game shutting down just over a year after launch
• New Star Trek comic series "Red Shirts" will feature Starfleet's expendable crew members
• "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" announced as Big Bang Theory spinoff title
• Disney stockholders reject MAGA-aligned proposals, maintaining commitment to DEI
• Coco 2 announced with 2029 release date with original creative team returning
• Coyote vs. Acme close to finding distribution through Ketchup Entertainment
• New Starship Troopers film in development with District 9 director Neil Blomkamp
• American Dad returning to Fox after ending its run on TBS
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Tonight new Lanterns cast, kevin Smith writes Marvel
again, star Wars Hunters endsand Disney stockholders say yes
to DEI.
All that and more on thisedition of Multiverse Tonight.
Welcome to Multiverse Tonight,your source for geek news.
We dissect films, games, comicsand much more, bringing you
(00:23):
insightful commentary on popculture.
This is Multiverse Tonight.
Now here's your host, thomasTownley.
Hello again and welcome toepisode.
Let's see it's 235 ofMultiverse Tonight.
I'm of course, your host,thomas Townley, and I had a fun
(00:45):
weekend last weekend you cantell by my voice I got a little
of the con crud at the con.
This week I went to the firstedition of the Kansas Comic Con
out in Wichita, kansas, which isjust 40 miles to the west.
(01:12):
So it was pretty much myhometown con since the
Smallville Comic Con up inHutchinson ended, and a good
time.
It was not a large Comic Con,not a small Comic Con.
So it was a good time.
It was not a large Comic-Con,not a small Comic-Con, it was a
good size.
I have very few complaintsabout it.
(01:33):
I mean I wish there was more, Iwish there was any comic book
stores there, the vendor wares,but you know it's the first year
and Planet Comic-Con was justthe other day, just this past
weekend, so that was a big onein Kansas City.
So there might have been aslight, you know, conflict
(01:53):
between you.
Know, can I schlep all mywarriors up there after
schlepping them down here?
So who knows?
I did get a few autographs.
I got Billy West.
I got the Gray few autographs.
I got Billy West.
I got Gray Delisle.
I got the voice of Courage, theCowardly Dog, marty Grabstein.
(02:16):
He was great, him, gray andBilly are.
If you get their autographs,they are great.
They will talk with you,they'll do voices.
I mean, they're great.
I got, of course, the Big RedMachine Kane from WWE and then
(02:37):
Townsend Coleman, who most ofyou will probably remember from
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
I really prefer him thanremember him as the Tick, the
original Tick from the animatedseries Spoon Ta-da.
He was great too.
He was a nice guy to talk to.
(03:00):
There are plenty of our guests.
There's a couple Star Trekguests there.
There's Emily Swallow.
There were plenty of our guests.
There was a couple of Star Trekguests there.
There's Emily Swallow from youmight know her as the Armorer
from the Mandalorian, and a lotof our voice talents.
Lex Luger was there, so it wasa great time.
(03:20):
I mean, from what I'm hearing,it sounds like they're going to
have one next year, which I lookforward to with great
anticipation.
It was fun, despite having towalk all the way from walk a
mile to get to the conventioncenter, because parking in
(03:41):
downtown Wichita is a mess.
It's always been a mess becauseparking in downtown Wichita is
a mess.
It's always been a mess, butyou know that's par for the
course when you do Comic-Consometimes.
Anyway, let's go on to the DCComics News, and DC Comics News
(04:15):
begins with Sherman Augustusfrom Stranger Things, who is set
for a key recurring role inLanterns, the HBO drama series
based on the Greenland comicbook.
He joins Kyle Chandler andAaron Pierre and series regular
Kelly MacDonald.
The series from Chris Mundy,damon Lindelof and Tom King
follows new recruit Jon Stewartand lantern legend Hal Jordan,
(04:36):
two intergalactic cops drawninto a dark Earth-based mystery
as they investigate a murder inthe American heartland.
Augustus will play Jon Sr, whois John Stewart's father and the
human embodiment of stubborn.
In his own reality, he tends tofixate on the past and what
could have been.
The eight-episode Lanterns isproduced by HBO in association
(04:59):
with Warner Bros Television andDC Studios Mundy, who serves as
showrunner, lindelof and Kingare co-writing and executive
producing, and James Haas isdirecting the first two episodes
and also executive producing.
Now Augustus recurs onNetflix's Stranger Things, which
has aired its fifth and finalseason later this year, and
(05:19):
recently starred in the featurefilm the Banality.
It was also a series regular onHBO's or, excuse me, amc's Into
the Badlands and reoccurred andguest starred on HBO's
Westworld, usa's Colony, nbc'sAmerican Odyssey and AMC's Low
Winter Sun Past series.
Regular credits include ABC'sMarlowe and Fox's Prophet.
(05:40):
So there's a little Lanternsnews for you.
We also have joining the castJason Ritter for a reoccurring
role in Lanterns.
Ritter will play a characternamed Billy Macon.
In the series based on the DCGreen Lantern, billy is
described as quote, agood-looking charmer who does
his father's bidding.
(06:00):
Capitalizing on his family'sreputation, he clings to his
small-town reputation and hisego and has everything to lose.
Now Billy's father, williamAiken, is being played by
Garrett Delahunt.
William is a self-righteous andconspiracy-minded and
ruthlessly ambitious man whohides his darker side behind a
(06:23):
charming facade.
Kyle Chandler and, of course,aaron Pierre star in Lanterns.
You know that show seemsinteresting.
It's supposed to begin filmingnow, so it'll be interesting to
see.
You know what comes of it.
Ritter, of course, currentlystars alongside Kathy Bates in
(06:46):
CBS's Matlock and has a guestrole in the forthcoming second
season of Peacock's Poker Face.
(07:18):
Now let is swinging back intothe Marvel Universe, more than
25 years after the Clerks andMallrats filmmaker revived and
relaunched Marvel's Daredevilfor the Marvel Knights imprint
in 1998.
Smith is bringing giant-sizedSpider-Man back with a new
giant-sized one-shot this summer.
Giant Amazing Spider-Man numberone will feature a story by
(07:40):
Smith and Amazing Spider-Man andSuperior Spider-Man artist
Giuseppe Giammacoli.
Smith and Amazing Spider-Manand Superior Spider-Man artist
Giuseppe Giamaccoli, joining aroster of superstar creators
that include Al Ewing, chipZdarsky, mark Buckingham and
Cafu.
Quote Everyone always saysgiant-sized X-Men this and
giant-sized X-Men that, and I'msick of it.
(08:00):
So we put together the best andcoolest giant-sized book ever,
said Marvel's Spider-Man editor,nick Lowe in Unquote.
Now Lowe's stop short isspoiling that artist.
(08:28):
Greg Capullo's star-studdedcover teases.
Quote a new character that willchange the future of Marvel
Comics, who will make theirdebut in a tale from Sadarsky
and Caffoo.
Now Smith and Kamenikoli'sSpider-Man's Fantastic Four
story will have your heartbeating in overdrive and your
sides hurting from how muchyou're laughing.
According to the synopsis,which describes Yung and
(08:51):
Cunningham's story as quote.
A decade-spanning adventureunquote Now featuring some of
Spider-Man's best friends.
10-issue stint on Daredevil Vol2 with a wordless story and
Marvel's 9-11 tribute Moment ofSilence.
In 2002, daredevil slashBullseye the target number one,
(09:11):
the first and only issuereleased of what was supposed to
be a four-issue miniseries.
Smith also scripted Spider-Manslash Black Cat, the Evil that
Men Do, a limited series thatreleased six issues between 2002
and 2006.
In 2005, smith explained theinfamous years-long delay in a
post published to his ViewSQUniverse message board, saying,
(09:34):
quote I have zero defense for mylateness, particularly when
folks like Brian Michael Bendisturn out great stories in
multiple books on a monthlybasis.
I will say this it's a muchbetter story now than it would
have been if I had completed itback in 2002.
But judge that for yourselveswhen it comes out or don't
believe me.
And I understand that folkswere like bleep him for making
me wait three years.
(09:55):
I ain't buying it.
Giant Size, amazing Spider-Man1 goes on sale June 11th from
Marvel Comics.
Now let's check in to the StarWars universe.
Roger roger, doctor Aphra fanscan rejoice.
Doctor Chinle Lona Aphra,everyone's favorite space
(10:16):
archaeologist, is returning toMarvel's Star Wars comic this
summer in a brand new ongoingseries.
The series entitled DoctorAphra Chaos Agent will feature
Dr Aphra teaming up with atleast one beloved character from
the original Star Wars trilogy.
In June's solicitationsreleased by Marvel, it was
revealed that Cherish Chen willbe writing the Dr Aphra Chaos
(10:38):
Agent with Gabriel Guzman as theartist.
Set in the New Republic era, onthe heels of Return of the Jedi,
dr Aphra, a chaos agent willfollow Chelle Alana Aphra and
Luke Skywalker on a hunt for arare artifact.
Aphra frequently crossed pathsand fought against Darth Vader
in the comics.
Considering the Empire is nolonger around during the time
(11:00):
frame of the upcoming series,one can only speculate who Aphra
and Luke will be up against.
Though the early days of theNew Republic factor into the
live-action Disney Plus series,the Mandalorian and Ahsoka, the
comics have not fully exploredthis era.
Alex Segura's upcoming StarWars series, debuting on May 7th
, is set in the same period asDr Aphra Chaos Agent, and this
(11:21):
builds up as a potential for thecharacters besides Luke
Skywalker to appear in the Afraseries as well as including,
maybe, leia Organa and Han Solo.
The official synopsis for theseries reads, quote Out from the
shadow of Darth Vader Dr Afrareturns and an all-new outgoing
series featuring the rogueArgaldis.
(11:43):
As she makes her way throughoutthe galaxy in the era of the New
Republic, aphra must team upwith Luke Skywalker to track
down a rare artifact.
And what will she find?
She do when her tattoos nolonger function.
After a back-to-back hit, 40issue run set during the
original trilogy, aphra embarkson her most unpredictable
adventure in the galaxy, far,far away as it transforms in the
(12:04):
wake of the Battle of Jakku.
With her crimes pardoned, aphrais elicited by her friend Luke
Skywalker to put hertreasure-hunting skills to good
use.
On behalf of the New RepublicWriter Cherish Chen spoke to
Collider regarding the news ofthe upcoming series and
expressed excitement over takingthe reins for a fan-favorite
character.
Chen said, quote In my humbleopinion, there isn't a more fun
(12:26):
character to be riding in theStar Wars Galaxy than the one
and only Dr Aphra.
Cooking up new adventures forher in this new era, throwing
her into increasingly trickymoral quandaries and testing her
resolve alongside some familiarfaces has truly been like
playing in the Ultimate Sandbox.
Our favorite Chaos Agent isback and I cannot wait for her
(12:48):
to share what we've been workingon and for you to all see
Gabriel's incredible dynamic art, dr Aphra Chaos, agent number
one will be available on June18th 2025.
The free-to-play hero shootergame Star Wars Hunters, which
was released on Nintendo Switchand mobile devices on May 14,
(13:09):
2024, is shutting down, despitea warm reception and surprise at
the game's quality.
The developers have announcedthat the final content update
will be on April 15, 2025, andthe online servers will shut
down as of October 1st 2025.
Now the developers expressedtheir gratitude for the players'
(13:31):
support and assured them thatthe decision was not made
lightly.
They also provide a timelinefor the shutdown process March
25th 2025, we'll see Season 5,which will be extended by three
weeks, and events and shopbundles from the season will be
rerun.
The ranked season will also beextended.
April 15th 2025, the finalcontent update will be released
(13:52):
for free and in-game purchaseswill be disabled.
The new support Hunter Tuyawill be made available for free
as part of the update, and onOctober 1st 2025, the online
servers will shut down and thegame will no longer be playable.
It's always sad when a gamegoes, but when the game goes
(14:13):
just a little over a year fromlaunch, that's pretty horrible.
Pour one out for Star Warshunters.
I guess let's go on to the StarTrek news.
Star Trek news begins with StarTrek's Red Shirts, which is
(14:36):
finally living up to its destinyas Starfleet's version of the
Suicide Squad.
The Red Shirts are, of course,the nameless individuals who,
sadly, are used as cannon fodderin many of Star Trek's stories,
always the sacrificial lambsserved to the slaughter while
our main characters dodgeimminent death.
In many ways, the Red Shirtsare like DC's Suicide Squad, who
are always one moment away fromdeath, dying in the line of
(14:58):
duty or in an explosivedetonating in their skull.
It's now the Red Shirts' timeto shine with the announcement
of a new Star Trek comic seriesfeaturing them.
Star Trek Red Shirts is afive-issue limited series by
Eisner-nominated writerChristopher Cantwell and artist
Megan Levine's.
Idw Publishing calls Star TrekRed Shirts a quote heart-rending
(15:19):
Star Trek story that is unlikeanything fans have seen before
unquote, featuring a brand newteam of characters.
The Red Shirts are commonlyknown as Starfleet's fearless
and doomed crew members.
Now these intrepid andill-fated Red Uniformed
individuals finally get theirown story, and no one is safe
who will survive their deadlymission.
Star Trek Red Shirts number onehas a cover by Chris Jehan.
(15:44):
Star Trek Red Shirts is in honorof the nameless vaporized,
incinerated and otherwise blownapart, where they're the main
characters of a Star Trek-stylesuicide mission unlike any other
.
According to Chris Canwell,we'll get to know these innocent
and lootants infinitely beforethey're likewise crushed,
disrupted, sucked into space.
Who will survive?
(16:05):
Will any?
And what is the true nature oftheir planet-side mission to
hunt down mysterious spies?
This is a major Melody,original series-era story and
the key of death, one I'vewanted to tell for years.
Equal parts fun and harrowing,subversive and celebratory.
Of the boldest tunic color onecan wear in Starfleet security
(16:26):
red, megan Levine's added StarTrek red shirts is a dream
project for me, offering theopportunity to draw an entirely
new cast of Starfleet officersand then kill them off in
delightfully horrific ways.
From crusty veterans tofresh-faced but not for long
ensigns, these new heroes arecharging headfirst into strange
new worlds and find thatsometimes they're just full of
(16:48):
strange new ways to die, unquote.
Now IDW is adding to its StarTrek line with Star Trek red
shirts, star Trek VoyagerHomecoming by co-writers Tilly
and Susan Bridges and Ars AngelHernandez, and Star Trek Strange
New Worlds and Seeds ofDestruction by writer Robbie
Thompson and artist TravisMercer.
All three titles come as weapproach the release of Star
(17:09):
Trek Omega.
An oversized one-shot.
That is the denouncement ofIDW's Star Trek comic series and
the Star Trek Defiantstorylines.
Star Trek fans are finallygoing to get a fitting ending to
the beloved series Star TrekVoyager.
Now it's been over 30 yearssince Star Trek fans are finally
going to get a fitting endingto the beloved series Star Trek
Voyager.
Now it's been over 30 yearssince Star Trek Voyager made its
way onto airways, introducingfans to Captain Janeway, shikote
(17:32):
, seven of Nine and the rest ofthe Voyager crew.
As IDW Publishing continues toexpand its Eisner-nominated Star
Trek line, star Trek Voyagerwill be one of three new limited
series debuting later this year.
Star Trek Voyager Homecomingwill tune readers into what's
happened when the lights wentout in the iconic series finale.
Star Trek Voyager Homecoming isa five-issue limited series
(17:54):
debuting in September fromco-writers Tilly and Susan
Bridges and artist AngelHernandez.
The final shot of Star TrekVoyager series was the iconic
ship approaching Earth beforethe screen goes dark.
But what if, just moments afterthat, there was one last
emergency for the determinedCaptain Janeway and her brave
crew?
Now Star Trek VoyagerHomecoming number one will have
(18:15):
a cover by Angel Hernandez andCharlie Kirchhoff.
Tilly and Susan Bridges said ina statement quote we're so
incredibly excited to be ridingStar Trek Voyager Homecoming.
As lifelong fans, we'redelighted to be part of
Voyager's 30th anniversarycelebration.
We can't wait to give Janewayand crew one last adventure.
Will everything go smoothly?
Well, this is Voyager.
(18:37):
Who's to say we are, but we'regoing to spoil it.
Where's the fun in that?
We all spent seven yearsgetting to know and love this
crew and it's an absolute honorto be part of the team that
brings them home.
I've been working on Star Trekprojects for many years and I've
had the opportunity ofparticipating in incredible
stories and being a part ofexciting adventures, said Angel
(18:58):
Hernandez.
I'm sure this is going to beone of those special moments
that will be a part of thewonderful history of Voyager,
and it is an honor to be made apart of it.
Star Trek Strange New WorldsSeason 4 is now in production,
even though Season 3 still hasno premiere date.
The official Star Trek socialmedia accounts broke the news on
Monday, along with a photo ofthe main cast on set.
(19:19):
The update alarmed manycommentators, who thought that
this must have been some newsabout the third season.
Now they're eager for moredetails, knowing just how long
it's been since they've got anupdate about season 3 and when
it would debut.
In the meantime, productiongetting ahead is ultimately a
good thing for the show and itsfuture release schedule.
(19:39):
According to the Post, whichsaid quote production on season
4 of Star Trek Strange NewWorlds is officially underway.
The accompanying photos showedcast members Ethan Peck, cecilia
Rose Gooding and Anson Mount incostume on set.
Mount even had the clapper withthe show's logo front and
center.
Now, strange New Worlds debutedin the spring of 2022 and
(20:01):
followed up quickly with thesecond season in the summer of
2023.
Season 3 was ordered justbefore Season 2 went to air.
However, the 2023 HollywoodLabor Strikes delayed filming.
Filming began in December thatyear and wrapped up in May of
2024 when Paramount officiallyordered Season 4 in April.
So you know, paramount, we needthe Star Trek.
(20:25):
We've got nothing now airing onParamount+.
Wasn't the idea supposed tohave constant new Star Trek?
You know, to keep us onParamount+.
You're not really keeping upyour end of the bargain now, are
you?
Anyway, let's go on to the GeekNews.
(21:05):
Gig news begins with theupcoming new Big Bang Theory
spinoff on.
Max now has a title StuartFails to Save the Universe.
The show will delve deeper intothe life of Stuart Bloom, who
you know as the awkward comicbook store owner portrayed by
Kevin Sussman.
The title hints at thecontinuation of Stewart's
struggles, suggesting that hismisfortunes from the original
(21:27):
series may persist.
In this new chapter Now thespinoff we'll see the return of
familiar faces from the Big Banguniverse, including Lauren
Lapkus as Stewart's girlfriend,denise Brian Pozain as Burt
Keebler and John Ross Bowie asBarry Kripke.
These talented actors, who havetalenting deals with WBTV, are
expected to play significantroles in the series once it
(21:49):
receives an official green light.
The creative team behind StuartFiel's the Saved Universe boasts
impressive credentials.
Of course, chuck Lorre,co-creator and executive
producer of the Big Bang and itsspin-offs.
At the helm, he is joined byZach Penn and Bill Prady, the
latter being the co-creator ofthe Big Bang and its spinoffs.
At the helm, he is joined byZach Penn and Bill Prady, the
latter being the co-creator ofthe original Big Bang Theory.
Now, speculation about aStewart-centric spinoff has been
(22:10):
around since its announcementin April of 2023, with many fans
anticipating a focus onStewart's comic book shop and
his personal life.
While Stewart often providedcomic relief in Big Bang, his
character often grappled withloneliness and depression as he
navigated his relationships withthe group.
His fortunes took a turn whenhe met Denise and forged a close
(22:32):
relationship with Raj, offeringglimpses of a brighter future.
The title Stewart Fails to Savethe Universe, aligned with the
tradition of other Big BangTheory spinoffs being named
after their main characters,such as Young Sheldon and
Georgie and Mandy's firstmarriage.
Furthermore, it is the firstspinoff to help to establish a
thematic connection to theoriginal Big Bang Theory, which
(22:52):
was named after the prominentscientific theory about the
universe's origin.
So what do you think about anew series set in the Big Bang
universe?
I mean, will we see any othermain stars from the Big Bang
(23:18):
Theory sort of pop in every oncein a while?
I mean, the guy who played Raj,he's not doing anything and he
was friends with Stuart, somaybe you should have him show
up every once in a while.
Just saying For one I don'tknow if I'm going to I might
watch it because it's based inthe comic book shop and I have
(23:40):
experience in the comic bookshop, so I want to see what they
get wrong.
Trust me, there was a lot inthe Big Bang Theory that, eh,
they just didn't quite get right.
They really do need someone whohas actually run a comic book
shop to be a consultant on thatseries.
(24:04):
Anyway, disney stockholdersrecently rejected proposals that
were aligned with the MakeAmerica Great Again movement,
indicating a push againstattempts to influence corporate
governance with conservativeideologies.
This occurred despite thecompany potentially
re-evaluating its diversity andinclusion programs in response
to a growing societal trendtowards anti-inclusion.
(24:25):
During Disney's annualshareholder meeting, investors
and I will in all fairness say Iam an investor in Disney, I
have like one share of stockthey voted against two key
proposals.
The first proposal sought toend Disney's participation In
(24:46):
the Human Rights CampaignCorporate Equality Index, a
benchmarking tool for LGBTQ plusworkplace equality.
Now, conservative groups arguedthat Disney's perfect score on
the CEI since 2007 Was harmfulto business and that the company
was providing A divisive agenda.
The Disney board unanimouslyrecommended rejecting this
(25:06):
proposal, saying that itwouldn't add value for
shareholders.
The second proposal aimed toinvestigate Disney's advertising
practices stemmed from concernsabout discriminating against
platforms with certain politicalor religious viewpoints,
specifically referring to ElonMusk and X, or religious
viewpoints, specificallyreferring to Elon Musk and X,
alleging that Disney pulled theadvertising from the platform
(25:27):
due to an anti-Semitic postendorsed by Musk.
These rejected proposalshighlight the increasing tension
between corporate governanceand political ideologies,
particularly in the currentclimate where companies face
pressure to align with specificpolitical stances to avoid
backlash.
Now, disney executives maintainthat their primary mission is
entertainment, but the company'shandling of these proposals
(25:48):
demonstrates a commitment toresisting external pressures and
maintaining its currentpractices.
The rejection of these proposalsalso signifies a potential
shift in the role ofshareholders.
Rather than simply focusing onfinancial returns, shareholders
are increasingly concerned withthe company's stance on social
and political issues.
This could lead to a moreactive role for shareholders in
(26:09):
shaping corporate governance andholding companies accountable
for their actions.
Moreover, the situation withDisney reflects a broader
societal debate about the roleof corporations in society.
While some argue thatcorporations should focus solely
on maximizing profits, othersbelieve they have a
responsibility to consider thebroader social and environmental
impact of their actions.
(26:29):
The outcome of this debate willlikely have significant
implications for the future ofcorporate governance and the
relationship between businessand society.
Folks, this is the reason why Ihave stock, one of the reasons
you know.
Not vowing not to spend moneyat a place is one thing.
(26:51):
If you really want to get theirattention, buy stock and vote
them out.
You can actually change thegovernance of a company.
The governance of a company Ifyou and a million other people
all vote to get rid of the CEOof the company.
That CEO is gone.
(27:12):
You have the power.
It is more democratic than theactual democracy we're
supposedly living in.
So you know my advice to youbuy a piece of sock.
You can buy fractional sharesand still get the vote.
Anyway, disney CEO Bob Iger justrevealed during the studio's
(27:36):
annual shareholder meeting thatCoco 2 is happening, with a 2029
release having been set.
Quote while the film is just inthe initial stages, we know it
will be full of humor, heart andadventure and we can't wait to
share more soon, he said.
The sequel reteams the teambehind the original film,
including Oscar-winning directorLee Unkirk and co-director
(27:59):
Adrian Molina.
Oscar-winning producer MarkNelson will produce Disney and
Pixar's Coco introduced Miguel,a 12-year-old boy with dreams of
becoming a musician, despitehis family's generation's old
ban on music, who ventures tothe vibrant land of the dead to
unlock the real story behind hisfamily history.
Coco won two Academy Awards forBest Animated Feature and Best
(28:19):
Original Song Remember Me.
The film also won a GoldenGlobe for Best Motion Picture
Animated, a BAFTA for BestAnimated Film and the Craig's
Choice Award for Best AnimatedFeature and Best Song.
Coco made $210.4 million at thedomestic box office and $814.6
million worldwide.
At the domestic box office and$814.6 million worldwide.
(28:40):
The amazing thing about thePixar grosses at the time, in
2017, was that $109.2 millionwas made in China.
Now, who knows if that's evenpossible anymore, considering
the country's camped with kiboshon US films, particularly from
Disney and more motion picturenews.
More than a year after WarnerBros shelved Coyote vs Acme for
(29:04):
tax incentives, the LooneyTunes-inspired film is close to
finding a new home.
Ketchup Entertainment isexpected to land distribution
rights for Coyote vs Acme,although the sale has not yet
closed.
The price tag is reportedly $50million.
According to Deadlinecom, whichbroke the news, ketchup
Entertainment, an independentdistributor, recently
(29:24):
spearheaded the theatricalrelease of the Day the Earth
Blew Up, a Looney Tunes movie.
After Warner Bros, discoverydecided to shop that film around
as well.
The Day the Earth Blew Upopened in theaters on March 14th
and has grossed $3.9 million atthe domestic box office to date
.
Coyote vs Acme, a live-actionanimation hybrid, will star John
(29:48):
Cena and Lana Condor, and wasdirected by Dave Green and
produced by DC Studios co-chiefJames Gunn.
Warner Bros shelved thecompleted film in November 2023
as a $30 million tax write-off,prompting outrage from the
creative community.
The studio allowed thefilmmaking team to shop the film
to other distributors, amongthem Amazon, prime Video, apple
(30:09):
and Netflix Screen and Movie forconsideration, but no deal came
to fruition Now.
At the time, kod vs Acme wasthe third casualty of Warner
Bros' post-pandemic cost-cuttingmeasures.
About a year earlier, warnerBros shocked the entertainment
industry by shelving the $90million DC adventure Batgirl and
the kid-friendly Scoob HolidayHaunt as tax write-offs.
All three films were greenlitunder the studio's former boss,
(30:32):
jason Keller, who departed thecompany in April of 2022.
Who departed the company inApril of 2022.
Ketchup Entertainment wasfounded in 2012 and has released
independent films such asMichael Keaton's comedy Goodrich
, ben Affleck's thrillerHypnotic and Jessica Chastain's
drama Memory.
So you know this sounds like agood film.
(30:52):
Release, release this film.
Of course, you know it's goingto bite that John Cena is
currently a heel in the WWE,which will make promoting it via
the WWE a little hard, allthose kids.
But if they do it after thisstunt stops and he retires,
(31:18):
maybe he'll have a shot.
Amazon and Sony tell she'sVought Rising.
A prequel to the Boys has castElizabeth Posey from Euphoria
and Heels in a leading andundisclosed role.
She joins Jensen Eccles and AyaCash, who star in Exec Produce,
and will reprise their rolesfrom the Boys as Soldier Boy and
Stormfront respectively.
Vought Rising was awarded theseries by Prime Video last
(31:40):
summer with Mothership seriesexecutive producer Paul Groling
set as showrunner of theone-hour drama offshoot from
franchise developer Eric Kripke.
Will Hockman will also join theseries.
According to Variety, johnnyRico is coming back to kill some
more bugs.
(32:01):
Columbia Pictures is plotting anew Starship Troopers movie,
setting District 9 filmmakerNeil Blomkamp to write and
direct an adaptation of theclassic sci-fi novel by Robert A
Heinlein.
Now Blomkamp has also producedthe feature alongside Terry
Tatchell, his partner and wife.
Now Blomkamp has also producedthe feature alongside Terry
Tatchell, his partner and wife,who co-wrote the South African
(32:23):
filmmakers District 9 and 2015outing Chappie.
Published in 1959, troopersostentatiously told of an
interstellar war between Earthand a host of bug-like aliens
and focused on the rise of amilitary serviceman named Johnny
Rico.
But the story had other thingsin mind, like exploring the
strengths of life in a militarysociety and such ideas as having
to perform service in order tohave voting rights.
(32:44):
Now, while the book won a HugoAward for Best Novel and has
been quite influential in sci-filiterature.
Some quarters described the bookas fascist.
It was that tone that wassatirized in the 1997 movie from
Paul Verhoeven that thedirector of Robocop told Recall
Basic Instinct and Showgirls.
Verhoeven was over the top inhis depiction of the military,
(33:08):
jingoism and propaganda,fetishized costumes and
highlighted Nazi influences.
Rico was played by square-jawed, rough-necked Casper Van Dien,
and the cast included Dana Meyer, denise Richards, neil Patrick
Harris and Michael Ironside.
While the movie was notinitially a success and some
critics accused Verhoeven ofputting a positive spin on
fascism, the movie has sincedeveloped a repraisal and a cult
(33:31):
following.
Blomkamp's take is not a remakeof the Verhoeven movie and
sources say the goal is to goback to the source material.
Blomkamp most recently directedGran Turismo for Sony Pictures,
a critical and commercialsuccess that grossed over $122
million worldwide.
(33:51):
Anyway, netflix has confirmed aWilly Wonka TV show, but that
isn't what some folks might havebeen expecting.
Titled the Golden Ticket, theproject is a competition show in
which people attempt to findthe golden ticket so they can
visit Willy Wonka's famouschocolate factory.
Per the show's logline quote,contestants will be forced to
adapt, strategize and withstandthe unknown in order to come out
(34:13):
on top.
The competition takes place ina quote retro-futuristic
dreamscape and consists ofnumerous challenges that push
contestants to their limits.
Netflix is hosting an opencasting call for participants,
and those interested can applyon the streamer's website.
Hard pass American Dad will soonbe airing on Fox again.
(34:37):
Variety has confirmed that 20thTelevision Animation and Fox
Entertainment are nearing a dealto bring the long-running
animated sitcom back to thebroadcast network, which it
launched back in 2005.
The deal would most likely be amulti-season pickup.
The show has aired nearly 400episodes to date.
News of the Fox deal comes asAmerican Dad is preparing to air
(34:58):
its last original episodes onTBS, which has been the show's
home since 2014.
Reruns of American Dad willcontinue to air on TBS and
fellow Warner Bros DiscoveryNetworks, adult Swim and TruTV,
until at least 2030.
The show was last picked up fortwo seasons at TBS in 2021,
prior to the completion of theWarner Bros Discovery merger.
(35:18):
With the end of American Dad onTBS in 2021, prior to the
completion of the Warner BrosDiscovery merger.
With the end of American Dad onTBS, the network will now truly
have no more scripted originalprogramming.
Those scripted originals werelargely axed at TBS and RTNets
under the David Zaslav regime.
At Warner Bros Discovery,american Dad was created by Seth
MacFarlane, mike Baker and MattWeitzman and was run by the
(35:39):
co-showrunners Weitzman andBrian Boyle and is produced by
20 Intelligent Animation.
It will now be the secondMacFarlane series to return to
Fox.
Previously, family Guy aired onthe network before being
canceled, but strong DVD salesand reruns on Adult Swim drove
Fox to get the show back.
American Swim will no doubtreturn to Fox's Animation
Domination blog on Sunday night,where it will join fellow
(36:02):
animation stalwarts Family Guy,the Simpsons and Bob's Burgers.
And with that we come to the endof our show.
Now please be sure to check usout on social media.
We're at Twitter and blue skyat multiverse, at multiverse tom
threads, facebook and instagramas well at multiverse tonight.
(36:23):
And if you've gotten some valueout of the show and would like
to pay it back, head on over tomultiverse tonightcom.
We will find the patreon andko-fi links.
Check out our show notes, visitour t public store and leave.
Leave some feedback and so muchmore.
And if this is your first timelistening, thank you and welcome
.
Go ahead and hit that subscribeand share us with others.
(36:45):
Now, thanks to HotDope for theintro music and LoboLoco for the
outro theme music.
Thanks for watching thisedition of Multiverse Tonight.
We'll be back in two weeks withmore sci-fi and comic book news
.
Now, please exit the universein an orderly fashion.
Good night.
Comic Book Tonight is aproduction of Half-Baked Genre
(37:07):
Productions.
Copyright 2025.
All rights reserved.
This podcast is brought to youby the Apocalypse Culture
Podcast Network.
Tonight new Lanterns cast, kevin Smith writes Marvel
again, star Wars Hunters endsand Disney stockholders say yes
to DEI.
All that and more on thisedition of Multiverse Tonight.
Welcome to Multiverse Tonight,your source for geek news.
We dissect films, games, comicsand much more, bringing you
(00:23):
insightful commentary on popculture.
This is Multiverse Tonight.
Now here's your host, thomasTownley.
Hello again and welcome toepisode.
Let's see it's 235 ofMultiverse Tonight.
I'm of course, your host,thomas Townley, and I had a fun
(00:45):
weekend last weekend you cantell by my voice I got a little
of the con crud at the con.
This week I went to the firstedition of the Kansas Comic Con
out in Wichita, kansas, which isjust 40 miles to the west.
(01:12):
So it was pretty much myhometown con since the
Smallville Comic Con up inHutchinson ended, and a good
time.
It was not a large Comic Con,not a small Comic Con.
So it was a good time.
It was not a large Comic-Con,not a small Comic-Con, it was a
good size.
I have very few complaintsabout it.
(01:33):
I mean I wish there was more, Iwish there was any comic book
stores there, the vendor wares,but you know it's the first year
and Planet Comic-Con was justthe other day, just this past
weekend, so that was a big onein Kansas City.
So there might have been aslight, you know, conflict
(01:53):
between you.
Know, can I schlep all mywarriors up there after
schlepping them down here?
So who knows?
I did get a few autographs.
I got Billy West.
I got the Gray few autographs.
I got Billy West.
I got Gray Delisle.
I got the voice of Courage, theCowardly Dog, marty Grabstein.
(02:16):
He was great, him, gray andBilly are.
If you get their autographs,they are great.
They will talk with you,they'll do voices.
I mean, they're great.
I got, of course, the Big RedMachine Kane from WWE and then
(02:37):
Townsend Coleman, who most ofyou will probably remember from
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
I really prefer him thanremember him as the Tick, the
original Tick from the animatedseries Spoon Ta-da.
He was great too.
He was a nice guy to talk to.
(03:00):
There are plenty of our guests.
There's a couple Star Trekguests there.
There's Emily Swallow.
There were plenty of our guests.
There was a couple of Star Trekguests there.
There's Emily Swallow from youmight know her as the Armorer
from the Mandalorian, and a lotof our voice talents.
Lex Luger was there, so it wasa great time.
(03:20):
I mean, from what I'm hearing,it sounds like they're going to
have one next year, which I lookforward to with great
anticipation.
It was fun, despite having towalk all the way from walk a
mile to get to the conventioncenter, because parking in
(03:41):
downtown Wichita is a mess.
It's always been a mess becauseparking in downtown Wichita is
a mess.
It's always been a mess, butyou know that's par for the
course when you do Comic-Consometimes.
Anyway, let's go on to the DCComics News, and DC Comics News
(04:15):
begins with Sherman Augustusfrom Stranger Things, who is set
for a key recurring role inLanterns, the HBO drama series
based on the Greenland comicbook.
He joins Kyle Chandler andAaron Pierre and series regular
Kelly MacDonald.
The series from Chris Mundy,damon Lindelof and Tom King
follows new recruit Jon Stewartand lantern legend Hal Jordan,
(04:36):
two intergalactic cops drawninto a dark Earth-based mystery
as they investigate a murder inthe American heartland.
Augustus will play Jon Sr, whois John Stewart's father and the
human embodiment of stubborn.
In his own reality, he tends tofixate on the past and what
could have been.
The eight-episode Lanterns isproduced by HBO in association
(04:59):
with Warner Bros Television andDC Studios Mundy, who serves as
showrunner, lindelof and Kingare co-writing and executive
producing, and James Haas isdirecting the first two episodes
and also executive producing.
Now Augustus recurs onNetflix's Stranger Things, which
has aired its fifth and finalseason later this year, and
(05:19):
recently starred in the featurefilm the Banality.
It was also a series regular onHBO's or, excuse me, amc's Into
the Badlands and reoccurred andguest starred on HBO's
Westworld, usa's Colony, nbc'sAmerican Odyssey and AMC's Low
Winter Sun Past series.
Regular credits include ABC'sMarlowe and Fox's Prophet.
(05:40):
So there's a little Lanternsnews for you.
We also have joining the castJason Ritter for a reoccurring
role in Lanterns.
Ritter will play a characternamed Billy Macon.
In the series based on the DCGreen Lantern, billy is
described as quote, agood-looking charmer who does
his father's bidding.
(06:00):
Capitalizing on his family'sreputation, he clings to his
small-town reputation and hisego and has everything to lose.
Now Billy's father, williamAiken, is being played by
Garrett Delahunt.
William is a self-righteous andconspiracy-minded and
ruthlessly ambitious man whohides his darker side behind a
(06:23):
charming facade.
Kyle Chandler and, of course,aaron Pierre star in Lanterns.
You know that show seemsinteresting.
It's supposed to begin filmingnow, so it'll be interesting to
see.
You know what comes of it.
Ritter, of course, currentlystars alongside Kathy Bates in
(06:46):
CBS's Matlock and has a guestrole in the forthcoming second
season of Peacock's Poker Face.
(07:18):
Now let is swinging back intothe Marvel Universe, more than
25 years after the Clerks andMallrats filmmaker revived and
relaunched Marvel's Daredevilfor the Marvel Knights imprint
in 1998.
Smith is bringing giant-sizedSpider-Man back with a new
giant-sized one-shot this summer.
Giant Amazing Spider-Man numberone will feature a story by
(07:40):
Smith and Amazing Spider-Man andSuperior Spider-Man artist
Giuseppe Giammacoli.
Smith and Amazing Spider-Manand Superior Spider-Man artist
Giuseppe Giamaccoli, joining aroster of superstar creators
that include Al Ewing, chipZdarsky, mark Buckingham and
Cafu.
Quote Everyone always saysgiant-sized X-Men this and
giant-sized X-Men that, and I'msick of it.
(08:00):
So we put together the best andcoolest giant-sized book ever,
said Marvel's Spider-Man editor,nick Lowe in Unquote.
Now Lowe's stop short isspoiling that artist.
(08:28):
Greg Capullo's star-studdedcover teases.
Quote a new character that willchange the future of Marvel
Comics, who will make theirdebut in a tale from Sadarsky
and Caffoo.
Now Smith and Kamenikoli'sSpider-Man's Fantastic Four
story will have your heartbeating in overdrive and your
sides hurting from how muchyou're laughing.
According to the synopsis,which describes Yung and
(08:51):
Cunningham's story as quote.
A decade-spanning adventureunquote Now featuring some of
Spider-Man's best friends.
10-issue stint on Daredevil Vol2 with a wordless story and
Marvel's 9-11 tribute Moment ofSilence.
In 2002, daredevil slashBullseye the target number one,
(09:11):
the first and only issuereleased of what was supposed to
be a four-issue miniseries.
Smith also scripted Spider-Manslash Black Cat, the Evil that
Men Do, a limited series thatreleased six issues between 2002
and 2006.
In 2005, smith explained theinfamous years-long delay in a
post published to his ViewSQUniverse message board, saying,
(09:34):
quote I have zero defense for mylateness, particularly when
folks like Brian Michael Bendisturn out great stories in
multiple books on a monthlybasis.
I will say this it's a muchbetter story now than it would
have been if I had completed itback in 2002.
But judge that for yourselveswhen it comes out or don't
believe me.
And I understand that folkswere like bleep him for making
me wait three years.
(09:55):
I ain't buying it.
Giant Size, amazing Spider-Man1 goes on sale June 11th from
Marvel Comics.
Now let's check in to the StarWars universe.
Roger roger, doctor Aphra fanscan rejoice.
Doctor Chinle Lona Aphra,everyone's favorite space
(10:16):
archaeologist, is returning toMarvel's Star Wars comic this
summer in a brand new ongoingseries.
The series entitled DoctorAphra Chaos Agent will feature
Dr Aphra teaming up with atleast one beloved character from
the original Star Wars trilogy.
In June's solicitationsreleased by Marvel, it was
revealed that Cherish Chen willbe writing the Dr Aphra Chaos
(10:38):
Agent with Gabriel Guzman as theartist.
Set in the New Republic era, onthe heels of Return of the Jedi,
dr Aphra, a chaos agent willfollow Chelle Alana Aphra and
Luke Skywalker on a hunt for arare artifact.
Aphra frequently crossed pathsand fought against Darth Vader
in the comics.
Considering the Empire is nolonger around during the time
(11:00):
frame of the upcoming series,one can only speculate who Aphra
and Luke will be up against.
Though the early days of theNew Republic factor into the
live-action Disney Plus series,the Mandalorian and Ahsoka, the
comics have not fully exploredthis era.
Alex Segura's upcoming StarWars series, debuting on May 7th
, is set in the same period asDr Aphra Chaos Agent, and this
(11:21):
builds up as a potential for thecharacters besides Luke
Skywalker to appear in the Afraseries as well as including,
maybe, leia Organa and Han Solo.
The official synopsis for theseries reads, quote Out from the
shadow of Darth Vader Dr Afrareturns and an all-new outgoing
series featuring the rogueArgaldis.
(11:43):
As she makes her way throughoutthe galaxy in the era of the New
Republic, aphra must team upwith Luke Skywalker to track
down a rare artifact.
And what will she find?
She do when her tattoos nolonger function.
After a back-to-back hit, 40issue run set during the
original trilogy, aphra embarkson her most unpredictable
adventure in the galaxy, far,far away as it transforms in the
(12:04):
wake of the Battle of Jakku.
With her crimes pardoned, aphrais elicited by her friend Luke
Skywalker to put hertreasure-hunting skills to good
use.
On behalf of the New RepublicWriter Cherish Chen spoke to
Collider regarding the news ofthe upcoming series and
expressed excitement over takingthe reins for a fan-favorite
character.
Chen said, quote In my humbleopinion, there isn't a more fun
(12:26):
character to be riding in theStar Wars Galaxy than the one
and only Dr Aphra.
Cooking up new adventures forher in this new era, throwing
her into increasingly trickymoral quandaries and testing her
resolve alongside some familiarfaces has truly been like
playing in the Ultimate Sandbox.
Our favorite Chaos Agent isback and I cannot wait for her
(12:48):
to share what we've been workingon and for you to all see
Gabriel's incredible dynamic art, dr Aphra Chaos, agent number
one will be available on June18th 2025.
The free-to-play hero shootergame Star Wars Hunters, which
was released on Nintendo Switchand mobile devices on May 14,
(13:09):
2024, is shutting down, despitea warm reception and surprise at
the game's quality.
The developers have announcedthat the final content update
will be on April 15, 2025, andthe online servers will shut
down as of October 1st 2025.
Now the developers expressedtheir gratitude for the players'
(13:31):
support and assured them thatthe decision was not made
lightly.
They also provide a timelinefor the shutdown process March
25th 2025, we'll see Season 5,which will be extended by three
weeks, and events and shopbundles from the season will be
rerun.
The ranked season will also beextended.
April 15th 2025, the finalcontent update will be released
(13:52):
for free and in-game purchaseswill be disabled.
The new support Hunter Tuyawill be made available for free
as part of the update, and onOctober 1st 2025, the online
servers will shut down and thegame will no longer be playable.
It's always sad when a gamegoes, but when the game goes
(14:13):
just a little over a year fromlaunch, that's pretty horrible.
Pour one out for Star Warshunters.
I guess let's go on to the StarTrek news.
Star Trek news begins with StarTrek's Red Shirts, which is
(14:36):
finally living up to its destinyas Starfleet's version of the
Suicide Squad.
The Red Shirts are, of course,the nameless individuals who,
sadly, are used as cannon fodderin many of Star Trek's stories,
always the sacrificial lambsserved to the slaughter while
our main characters dodgeimminent death.
In many ways, the Red Shirtsare like DC's Suicide Squad, who
are always one moment away fromdeath, dying in the line of
(14:58):
duty or in an explosivedetonating in their skull.
It's now the Red Shirts' timeto shine with the announcement
of a new Star Trek comic seriesfeaturing them.
Star Trek Red Shirts is afive-issue limited series by
Eisner-nominated writerChristopher Cantwell and artist
Megan Levine's.
Idw Publishing calls Star TrekRed Shirts a quote heart-rending
(15:19):
Star Trek story that is unlikeanything fans have seen before
unquote, featuring a brand newteam of characters.
The Red Shirts are commonlyknown as Starfleet's fearless
and doomed crew members.
Now these intrepid andill-fated Red Uniformed
individuals finally get theirown story, and no one is safe
who will survive their deadlymission.
Star Trek Red Shirts number onehas a cover by Chris Jehan.
(15:44):
Star Trek Red Shirts is in honorof the nameless vaporized,
incinerated and otherwise blownapart, where they're the main
characters of a Star Trek-stylesuicide mission unlike any other
.
According to Chris Canwell,we'll get to know these innocent
and lootants infinitely beforethey're likewise crushed,
disrupted, sucked into space.
Who will survive?
(16:05):
Will any?
And what is the true nature oftheir planet-side mission to
hunt down mysterious spies?
This is a major Melody,original series-era story and
the key of death, one I'vewanted to tell for years.
Equal parts fun and harrowing,subversive and celebratory.
Of the boldest tunic color onecan wear in Starfleet security
(16:26):
red, megan Levine's added StarTrek red shirts is a dream
project for me, offering theopportunity to draw an entirely
new cast of Starfleet officersand then kill them off in
delightfully horrific ways.
From crusty veterans tofresh-faced but not for long
ensigns, these new heroes arecharging headfirst into strange
new worlds and find thatsometimes they're just full of
(16:48):
strange new ways to die, unquote.
Now IDW is adding to its StarTrek line with Star Trek red
shirts, star Trek VoyagerHomecoming by co-writers Tilly
and Susan Bridges and Ars AngelHernandez, and Star Trek Strange
New Worlds and Seeds ofDestruction by writer Robbie
Thompson and artist TravisMercer.
All three titles come as weapproach the release of Star
(17:09):
Trek Omega.
An oversized one-shot.
That is the denouncement ofIDW's Star Trek comic series and
the Star Trek Defiantstorylines.
Star Trek fans are finallygoing to get a fitting ending to
the beloved series Star TrekVoyager.
Now it's been over 30 yearssince Star Trek fans are finally
going to get a fitting endingto the beloved series Star Trek
Voyager.
Now it's been over 30 yearssince Star Trek Voyager made its
way onto airways, introducingfans to Captain Janeway, shikote
(17:32):
, seven of Nine and the rest ofthe Voyager crew.
As IDW Publishing continues toexpand its Eisner-nominated Star
Trek line, star Trek Voyagerwill be one of three new limited
series debuting later this year.
Star Trek Voyager Homecomingwill tune readers into what's
happened when the lights wentout in the iconic series finale.
Star Trek Voyager Homecoming isa five-issue limited series
(17:54):
debuting in September fromco-writers Tilly and Susan
Bridges and artist AngelHernandez.
The final shot of Star TrekVoyager series was the iconic
ship approaching Earth beforethe screen goes dark.
But what if, just moments afterthat, there was one last
emergency for the determinedCaptain Janeway and her brave
crew?
Now Star Trek VoyagerHomecoming number one will have
(18:15):
a cover by Angel Hernandez andCharlie Kirchhoff.
Tilly and Susan Bridges said ina statement quote we're so
incredibly excited to be ridingStar Trek Voyager Homecoming.
As lifelong fans, we'redelighted to be part of
Voyager's 30th anniversarycelebration.
We can't wait to give Janewayand crew one last adventure.
Will everything go smoothly?
Well, this is Voyager.
(18:37):
Who's to say we are, but we'regoing to spoil it.
Where's the fun in that?
We all spent seven yearsgetting to know and love this
crew and it's an absolute honorto be part of the team that
brings them home.
I've been working on Star Trekprojects for many years and I've
had the opportunity ofparticipating in incredible
stories and being a part ofexciting adventures, said Angel
(18:58):
Hernandez.
I'm sure this is going to beone of those special moments
that will be a part of thewonderful history of Voyager,
and it is an honor to be made apart of it.
Star Trek Strange New WorldsSeason 4 is now in production,
even though Season 3 still hasno premiere date.
The official Star Trek socialmedia accounts broke the news on
Monday, along with a photo ofthe main cast on set.
(19:19):
The update alarmed manycommentators, who thought that
this must have been some newsabout the third season.
Now they're eager for moredetails, knowing just how long
it's been since they've got anupdate about season 3 and when
it would debut.
In the meantime, productiongetting ahead is ultimately a
good thing for the show and itsfuture release schedule.
(19:39):
According to the Post, whichsaid quote production on season
4 of Star Trek Strange NewWorlds is officially underway.
The accompanying photos showedcast members Ethan Peck, cecilia
Rose Gooding and Anson Mount incostume on set.
Mount even had the clapper withthe show's logo front and
center.
Now, strange New Worlds debutedin the spring of 2022 and
(20:01):
followed up quickly with thesecond season in the summer of
2023.
Season 3 was ordered justbefore Season 2 went to air.
However, the 2023 HollywoodLabor Strikes delayed filming.
Filming began in December thatyear and wrapped up in May of
2024 when Paramount officiallyordered Season 4 in April.
So you know, paramount, we needthe Star Trek.
(20:25):
We've got nothing now airing onParamount+.
Wasn't the idea supposed tohave constant new Star Trek?
You know, to keep us onParamount+.
You're not really keeping upyour end of the bargain now, are
you?
Anyway, let's go on to the GeekNews.
(21:05):
Gig news begins with theupcoming new Big Bang Theory
spinoff on.
Max now has a title StuartFails to Save the Universe.
The show will delve deeper intothe life of Stuart Bloom, who
you know as the awkward comicbook store owner portrayed by
Kevin Sussman.
The title hints at thecontinuation of Stewart's
struggles, suggesting that hismisfortunes from the original
(21:27):
series may persist.
In this new chapter Now thespinoff we'll see the return of
familiar faces from the Big Banguniverse, including Lauren
Lapkus as Stewart's girlfriend,denise Brian Pozain as Burt
Keebler and John Ross Bowie asBarry Kripke.
These talented actors, who havetalenting deals with WBTV, are
expected to play significantroles in the series once it
(21:49):
receives an official green light.
The creative team behind StuartFiel's the Saved Universe boasts
impressive credentials.
Of course, chuck Lorre,co-creator and executive
producer of the Big Bang and itsspin-offs.
At the helm, he is joined byZach Penn and Bill Prady, the
latter being the co-creator ofthe Big Bang and its spinoffs.
At the helm, he is joined byZach Penn and Bill Prady, the
latter being the co-creator ofthe original Big Bang Theory.
Now, speculation about aStewart-centric spinoff has been
(22:10):
around since its announcementin April of 2023, with many fans
anticipating a focus onStewart's comic book shop and
his personal life.
While Stewart often providedcomic relief in Big Bang, his
character often grappled withloneliness and depression as he
navigated his relationships withthe group.
His fortunes took a turn whenhe met Denise and forged a close
(22:32):
relationship with Raj, offeringglimpses of a brighter future.
The title Stewart Fails to Savethe Universe, aligned with the
tradition of other Big BangTheory spinoffs being named
after their main characters,such as Young Sheldon and
Georgie and Mandy's firstmarriage.
Furthermore, it is the firstspinoff to help to establish a
thematic connection to theoriginal Big Bang Theory, which
(22:52):
was named after the prominentscientific theory about the
universe's origin.
So what do you think about anew series set in the Big Bang
universe?
I mean, will we see any othermain stars from the Big Bang
(23:18):
Theory sort of pop in every oncein a while?
I mean, the guy who played Raj,he's not doing anything and he
was friends with Stuart, somaybe you should have him show
up every once in a while.
Just saying For one I don'tknow if I'm going to I might
watch it because it's based inthe comic book shop and I have
(23:40):
experience in the comic bookshop, so I want to see what they
get wrong.
Trust me, there was a lot inthe Big Bang Theory that, eh,
they just didn't quite get right.
They really do need someone whohas actually run a comic book
shop to be a consultant on thatseries.
(24:04):
Anyway, disney stockholdersrecently rejected proposals that
were aligned with the MakeAmerica Great Again movement,
indicating a push againstattempts to influence corporate
governance with conservativeideologies.
This occurred despite thecompany potentially
re-evaluating its diversity andinclusion programs in response
to a growing societal trendtowards anti-inclusion.
(24:25):
During Disney's annualshareholder meeting, investors
and I will in all fairness say Iam an investor in Disney, I
have like one share of stockthey voted against two key
proposals.
The first proposal sought toend Disney's participation In
(24:46):
the Human Rights CampaignCorporate Equality Index, a
benchmarking tool for LGBTQ plusworkplace equality.
Now, conservative groups arguedthat Disney's perfect score on
the CEI since 2007 Was harmfulto business and that the company
was providing A divisive agenda.
The Disney board unanimouslyrecommended rejecting this
(25:06):
proposal, saying that itwouldn't add value for
shareholders.
The second proposal aimed toinvestigate Disney's advertising
practices stemmed from concernsabout discriminating against
platforms with certain politicalor religious viewpoints,
specifically referring to ElonMusk and X, or religious
viewpoints, specificallyreferring to Elon Musk and X,
alleging that Disney pulled theadvertising from the platform
(25:27):
due to an anti-Semitic postendorsed by Musk.
These rejected proposalshighlight the increasing tension
between corporate governanceand political ideologies,
particularly in the currentclimate where companies face
pressure to align with specificpolitical stances to avoid
backlash.
Now, disney executives maintainthat their primary mission is
entertainment, but the company'shandling of these proposals
(25:48):
demonstrates a commitment toresisting external pressures and
maintaining its currentpractices.
The rejection of these proposalsalso signifies a potential
shift in the role ofshareholders.
Rather than simply focusing onfinancial returns, shareholders
are increasingly concerned withthe company's stance on social
and political issues.
This could lead to a moreactive role for shareholders in
(26:09):
shaping corporate governance andholding companies accountable
for their actions.
Moreover, the situation withDisney reflects a broader
societal debate about the roleof corporations in society.
While some argue thatcorporations should focus solely
on maximizing profits, othersbelieve they have a
responsibility to consider thebroader social and environmental
impact of their actions.
(26:29):
The outcome of this debate willlikely have significant
implications for the future ofcorporate governance and the
relationship between businessand society.
Folks, this is the reason why Ihave stock, one of the reasons
you know.
Not vowing not to spend moneyat a place is one thing.
(26:51):
If you really want to get theirattention, buy stock and vote
them out.
You can actually change thegovernance of a company.
The governance of a company Ifyou and a million other people
all vote to get rid of the CEOof the company.
That CEO is gone.
(27:12):
You have the power.
It is more democratic than theactual democracy we're
supposedly living in.
So you know my advice to youbuy a piece of sock.
You can buy fractional sharesand still get the vote.
Anyway, disney CEO Bob Iger justrevealed during the studio's
(27:36):
annual shareholder meeting thatCoco 2 is happening, with a 2029
release having been set.
Quote while the film is just inthe initial stages, we know it
will be full of humor, heart andadventure and we can't wait to
share more soon, he said.
The sequel reteams the teambehind the original film,
including Oscar-winning directorLee Unkirk and co-director
(27:59):
Adrian Molina.
Oscar-winning producer MarkNelson will produce Disney and
Pixar's Coco introduced Miguel,a 12-year-old boy with dreams of
becoming a musician, despitehis family's generation's old
ban on music, who ventures tothe vibrant land of the dead to
unlock the real story behind hisfamily history.
Coco won two Academy Awards forBest Animated Feature and Best
(28:19):
Original Song Remember Me.
The film also won a GoldenGlobe for Best Motion Picture
Animated, a BAFTA for BestAnimated Film and the Craig's
Choice Award for Best AnimatedFeature and Best Song.
Coco made $210.4 million at thedomestic box office and $814.6
million worldwide.
At the domestic box office and$814.6 million worldwide.
(28:40):
The amazing thing about thePixar grosses at the time, in
2017, was that $109.2 millionwas made in China.
Now, who knows if that's evenpossible anymore, considering
the country's camped with kiboshon US films, particularly from
Disney and more motion picturenews.
More than a year after WarnerBros shelved Coyote vs Acme for
(29:04):
tax incentives, the LooneyTunes-inspired film is close to
finding a new home.
Ketchup Entertainment isexpected to land distribution
rights for Coyote vs Acme,although the sale has not yet
closed.
The price tag is reportedly $50million.
According to Deadlinecom, whichbroke the news, ketchup
Entertainment, an independentdistributor, recently
(29:24):
spearheaded the theatricalrelease of the Day the Earth
Blew Up, a Looney Tunes movie.
After Warner Bros, discoverydecided to shop that film around
as well.
The Day the Earth Blew Upopened in theaters on March 14th
and has grossed $3.9 million atthe domestic box office to date
.
Coyote vs Acme, a live-actionanimation hybrid, will star John
(29:48):
Cena and Lana Condor, and wasdirected by Dave Green and
produced by DC Studios co-chiefJames Gunn.
Warner Bros shelved thecompleted film in November 2023
as a $30 million tax write-off,prompting outrage from the
creative community.
The studio allowed thefilmmaking team to shop the film
to other distributors, amongthem Amazon, prime Video, apple
(30:09):
and Netflix Screen and Movie forconsideration, but no deal came
to fruition Now.
At the time, kod vs Acme wasthe third casualty of Warner
Bros' post-pandemic cost-cuttingmeasures.
About a year earlier, warnerBros shocked the entertainment
industry by shelving the $90million DC adventure Batgirl and
the kid-friendly Scoob HolidayHaunt as tax write-offs.
All three films were greenlitunder the studio's former boss,
(30:32):
jason Keller, who departed thecompany in April of 2022.
Who departed the company inApril of 2022.
Ketchup Entertainment wasfounded in 2012 and has released
independent films such asMichael Keaton's comedy Goodrich
, ben Affleck's thrillerHypnotic and Jessica Chastain's
drama Memory.
So you know this sounds like agood film.
(30:52):
Release, release this film.
Of course, you know it's goingto bite that John Cena is
currently a heel in the WWE,which will make promoting it via
the WWE a little hard, allthose kids.
But if they do it after thisstunt stops and he retires,
(31:18):
maybe he'll have a shot.
Amazon and Sony tell she'sVought Rising.
A prequel to the Boys has castElizabeth Posey from Euphoria
and Heels in a leading andundisclosed role.
She joins Jensen Eccles and AyaCash, who star in Exec Produce,
and will reprise their rolesfrom the Boys as Soldier Boy and
Stormfront respectively.
Vought Rising was awarded theseries by Prime Video last
(31:40):
summer with Mothership seriesexecutive producer Paul Groling
set as showrunner of theone-hour drama offshoot from
franchise developer Eric Kripke.
Will Hockman will also join theseries.
According to Variety, johnnyRico is coming back to kill some
more bugs.
(32:01):
Columbia Pictures is plotting anew Starship Troopers movie,
setting District 9 filmmakerNeil Blomkamp to write and
direct an adaptation of theclassic sci-fi novel by Robert A
Heinlein.
Now Blomkamp has also producedthe feature alongside Terry
Tatchell, his partner and wife.
Now Blomkamp has also producedthe feature alongside Terry
Tatchell, his partner and wife,who co-wrote the South African
(32:23):
filmmakers District 9 and 2015outing Chappie.
Published in 1959, troopersostentatiously told of an
interstellar war between Earthand a host of bug-like aliens
and focused on the rise of amilitary serviceman named Johnny
Rico.
But the story had other thingsin mind, like exploring the
strengths of life in a militarysociety and such ideas as having
to perform service in order tohave voting rights.
(32:44):
Now, while the book won a HugoAward for Best Novel and has
been quite influential in sci-filiterature.
Some quarters described the bookas fascist.
It was that tone that wassatirized in the 1997 movie from
Paul Verhoeven that thedirector of Robocop told Recall
Basic Instinct and Showgirls.
Verhoeven was over the top inhis depiction of the military,
(33:08):
jingoism and propaganda,fetishized costumes and
highlighted Nazi influences.
Rico was played by square-jawed, rough-necked Casper Van Dien,
and the cast included Dana Meyer, denise Richards, neil Patrick
Harris and Michael Ironside.
While the movie was notinitially a success and some
critics accused Verhoeven ofputting a positive spin on
fascism, the movie has sincedeveloped a repraisal and a cult
(33:31):
following.
Blomkamp's take is not a remakeof the Verhoeven movie and
sources say the goal is to goback to the source material.
Blomkamp most recently directedGran Turismo for Sony Pictures,
a critical and commercialsuccess that grossed over $122
million worldwide.
(33:51):
Anyway, netflix has confirmed aWilly Wonka TV show, but that
isn't what some folks might havebeen expecting.
Titled the Golden Ticket, theproject is a competition show in
which people attempt to findthe golden ticket so they can
visit Willy Wonka's famouschocolate factory.
Per the show's logline quote,contestants will be forced to
adapt, strategize and withstandthe unknown in order to come out
(34:13):
on top.
The competition takes place ina quote retro-futuristic
dreamscape and consists ofnumerous challenges that push
contestants to their limits.
Netflix is hosting an opencasting call for participants,
and those interested can applyon the streamer's website.
Hard pass American Dad will soonbe airing on Fox again.
(34:37):
Variety has confirmed that 20thTelevision Animation and Fox
Entertainment are nearing a dealto bring the long-running
animated sitcom back to thebroadcast network, which it
launched back in 2005.
The deal would most likely be amulti-season pickup.
The show has aired nearly 400episodes to date.
News of the Fox deal comes asAmerican Dad is preparing to air
(34:58):
its last original episodes onTBS, which has been the show's
home since 2014.
Reruns of American Dad willcontinue to air on TBS and
fellow Warner Bros DiscoveryNetworks, adult Swim and TruTV,
until at least 2030.
The show was last picked up fortwo seasons at TBS in 2021,
prior to the completion of theWarner Bros Discovery merger.
(35:18):
With the end of American Dad onTBS in 2021, prior to the
completion of the Warner BrosDiscovery merger.
With the end of American Dad onTBS, the network will now truly
have no more scripted originalprogramming.
Those scripted originals werelargely axed at TBS and RTNets
under the David Zaslav regime.
At Warner Bros Discovery,american Dad was created by Seth
MacFarlane, mike Baker and MattWeitzman and was run by the
(35:39):
co-showrunners Weitzman andBrian Boyle and is produced by
20 Intelligent Animation.
It will now be the secondMacFarlane series to return to
Fox.
Previously, family Guy aired onthe network before being
canceled, but strong DVD salesand reruns on Adult Swim drove
Fox to get the show back.
American Swim will no doubtreturn to Fox's Animation
Domination blog on Sunday night,where it will join fellow
(36:02):
animation stalwarts Family Guy,the Simpsons and Bob's Burgers.
And with that we come to the endof our show.
Now please be sure to check usout on social media.
We're at Twitter and blue skyat multiverse, at multiverse tom
threads, facebook and instagramas well at multiverse tonight.
(36:23):
And if you've gotten some valueout of the show and would like
to pay it back, head on over tomultiverse tonightcom.
We will find the patreon andko-fi links.
Check out our show notes, visitour t public store and leave.
Leave some feedback and so muchmore.
And if this is your first timelistening, thank you and welcome
.
Go ahead and hit that subscribeand share us with others.
(36:45):
Now, thanks to HotDope for theintro music and LoboLoco for the
outro theme music.
Thanks for watching thisedition of Multiverse Tonight.
We'll be back in two weeks withmore sci-fi and comic book news
.
Now, please exit the universein an orderly fashion.
Good night.
Comic Book Tonight is aproduction of Half-Baked Genre
(37:07):
Productions.
Copyright 2025.
All rights reserved.
This podcast is brought to youby the Apocalypse Culture
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