November 17, 2025 • 35 mins
A whirlwind of geek headlines spans V for Vendetta at HBO, a fresh Star Trek film without the Kelvin cast, and Black Panther 3 moving forward with Denzel Washington. We weigh nostalgia against novelty, call out pricing shifts, and honor the legacy of Dan McGrath.
• HBO developing a V for Vendetta series with a modern political edge
• Oscar Isaac signals openness to return as Poe with caveats
• Paramount retires Kelvin Trek and greenlights a new standalone film
• Lego reveals a $400 Enterprise‑D packed with TNG details
• Court confirms Rod Roddenberry owns the original Enterprise model
• Coogler confirms Black Panther 3 and Denzel Washington’s role
• Gremlins 3 dated with Columbus writing and Spielberg producing
• Highlander remake expands its starry cast
• The Mummy sequel talks aim to reunite Fraser and Weisz
• Bad Fairies adds Ncuti Gatwa to its animated musical
• Paramount+ announces a price increase and UFC value pitch
• Lucas Museum sets opening date and outlines massive collection
• Sony acquires Labubu rights amid a blind‑box toy boom
• Remembering Emmy‑winning Simpsons writer Dan McGrath
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:04):
Tonight, vendetta of the series, Oscar Isaac, might
want back in, Star Trek the newmovie Frontier, and remember
Simpson's writer Dan McGrath.
All then more in this edition ofMultiverse Tonight.
Welcome to Multiverse Tonight,your source for Geek News.
We dissect films, games, comics,and much more, bringing you
(00:25):
insightful commentary on popculture.
This is Multiverse Tonight.
Now here's your host, ThomasTownley.
Hello and welcome to MultiverseTonight.
I believe this is episode 252.
I'm, of course, your host,Thomas Townley, and uh, well,
uh, you didn't actually see mein the past two weeks because I
(00:49):
aired that uh special interview.
But uh if you'll look on camerahere, there's my foot.
I have a nice bright red cast onmy right foot now.
Uh surgery was surgery, it wentgreat.
(01:10):
Apparently the uh bone waswrapping around the t the tendon
was wrapping around the bone.
So, you know, there was no waythat that bone that tendon was
gonna get better if it was justwrapped around the bone.
So it was, you know, I guesssurgery was the only way.
But uh I've been doing okay.
(01:32):
I've been uh you know trying tocatch up on movies and TV I've
missed, you know, trying to sitdown and read a little.
You know, trying to just uh youknow keep keep my mind busy.
I might be um hopefully we'llget back we'll get released to
go back to work, you know, maybein the middle of next month.
(01:52):
But if not, it's probably goingto be you know middle or end of
January.
So I'm gonna be off for I mightbe off for a long time.
I'm so grateful.
Um by the way, if if yourworkplace offers this uh and and
(02:13):
you know sign up for it, it's uhshort-term disability.
There's a premium version thatyou pay a little extra a month
and instead of getting half ofyour pay, you get sixty percent.
So you know you're you're sayingdifference ten percent that's
not much.
Well it's you know, that whenyou're when you're starting to
(02:36):
get up and and money, it it doesadd up.
So that's you know, ten percentI don't have to cover, I just
have to you know work on mysavings for the other 40% or
just you know cut back 40% onwhat I spend, which is you know
when you're stuck at home,that's actually pretty easy to
(02:56):
do.
You know, there's you're notbuying food at you know, you're
not or you're not gonna you knowbuying food for work, you're not
paying gas for work, or just Idon't pay for gas, I have an
electric car.
But yeah, you know, it it'sworth it.
So if you if you uh have anopportunity to sign up for you
(03:17):
know an X and X you know an Xenhanced version of uh
disability, sign up for it,especially if you're you know
over age 40, because you'regetting up there and break
frankly you're gonna startbreaking down sooner or later.
Anyway, uh we got some news togo to, so let's start with the
(03:38):
DC Comics News.
And DC Comics News begins with anew report saying that HBO is
(03:58):
developing a TV series based onthe classic graphic novel V for
Vendetta.
Now, who's writing this?
According to uh listening's PeteJackson, who was nominated for
BAFTA for Somewhere Boy, isattached to write the series
with Xex Producers James Gunnand Pierce Saffron from DC
Studios Xex Producing, alongwith Ben Stevenson and Leanne
(04:21):
Klein, uh, with uh Warren BurrisTelgian producing the show.
Now, so far, both HBO and DCStudios haven't actually
commentated, but uh Jackson'sreps haven't responded yet,
either.
Now, the original V for Vendettastarred as a comic serial in
1982 by writer Alan Moore andartist David Lloyd, published
(04:41):
first in Warrior and later byDC.
Now it's a dark dystopianfeature set in the UK where the
country is run by the oppressiveNorse Fire Party and follows V
in an archist in a guy Fox Maskwho is trying to take down the
government.
He finds an unexpected ally in ayoung woman named Evie Hammond.
(05:01):
Now, if this series movesforward, it would join a list of
other DC live-action shows likeThe Penguin, uh, which is doing
great, got nine Emmy wins,Watchmen, which uh you know did
great, and that was, of course,that was before Gun and Saffron.
Saffron took the reins of DC.
(05:21):
Now, coming up also is uhLanterns, the upcoming drama
series featuring Kyle Chandlerand Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan
and Jon Stewart, which isexpected to debut in early 2026.
Now, Pete Jackson is the guy whowrote the 2022 Channel 4 series
Summer Boy, which got him aBAFTA TV Award.
And he's running the upcomingSky Atlantic series The Death of
(05:43):
Bunny Monroe, based on the NickCave book.
Now, of course, there was the2005 movie uh V for Vendetta
starring Hugh Weaving andNatalie Portman.
That movie was written by theWachowskis and made over 130
million worldwide and set toreturn to theaters in November
2026 for its 20th anniversary.
(06:04):
So uh V for Vendetta, theseries.
Okay.
Uh I uh I can see althoughalthough I don't know how you
can find someone with a g whocan Hugo Weaving's voice was
perfect for the character.
So hopefully they'll findsomeone just as as powerful as
(06:29):
that.
Anyway, let's go to the StarWars news.
Roger, Roger.
Oscar Isaac, who played X pilotX-Wing pilot Poe Damron in the
Star Wars sequel trilogy, is nowsaying a no to a return to the
franchise, although he hasexpressed reservations about
working again with Disney.
(06:51):
In a recent interview, theFrankenstein actor admitted he
is open to reprising his role asPoe Damron, the character he
first played in 2015's StarWars, The Force Awakens.
This marks a shift from hisprevious stance where he
jokingly said he would onlyreturn if he, quote, needed
another house.
Quote, yeah, that was a reallikable quote.
Jesus Christ.
(07:11):
You know, people ask you things,you say stuff you don't really
think about that much.
I said a slightly dickish thing,unquote.
Open, despite his newfoundopenness to the role, Isaac also
stated to GQ, quote, althoughright now it's not so open to
working with Disney, he thenadded a condition for his
return, quote, but if they cankind of figure it out and, you
(07:33):
know, not succumb to fascism,that would be great, unquote.
Now the publication noted thatthe interview took place before
Jimmy Kimmel was reinstated ashost of his late night show,
following the brief suspensionby ABC and Disney.
Now, Isaac's involvement withStar Wars includes The Force
Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Riseof the Skywalker, as well as
voicing the character in StarWars of Resistance, Beyond Star
(07:56):
Wars.
Isaac is already part of theDisney family, having starred
and as well as served asexecutive producer on the MCU
series Moon Knight on DisneyPlus.
Let's go to the Star Trek news.
It appears the adventures ofCaptain Kirk, played by Chris
(08:17):
Pine and his Enterprise crewfrom the reboot booted Kelvin
Timeline, are definitivelyfinished.
After almost a decade of failedattempts to launch another film,
this report from Varietyindicates that Paramount's new
leadership is playing more StarTrek films, but they will not be
involving the J.J.
Abrams reboot.
This means Star Trek IV is offthe table.
(08:39):
Despite various scripts anddirectors being attached to it
over the years, includingQuentin Tarantino and Matt
Shackman, Paramount was neverable to find a cohesive
direction.
The original report confirmsthis shift, saying, quote, the
hope is to have a fresh StarTrek movie, though the studio
has moved on from the idea ofbringing back Chris Pine,
Zachary Quinto, and the rest ofthe ensemble from the JJ Abrams
(09:00):
reboot.
Unquote.
Yeah, I think that's for thebest.
I think, you know, they didthree, three movies, you know,
at least two of which were good.
One was just decent.
You know, I think you know,they've gotten you know all the
mileage they can out of that offthe offshoot of the prime
(09:25):
universe.
So yeah, let's let's dosomething else.
Let's do a Star Trek moviewithout the main without you
know name brand, name brandcast, so no Kirk's box, the
card, whatever.
And just say in the universe ofStar Trek.
And, you know, see where thatsee where that hits us.
(09:48):
Or heck, you know what?
Do Star Trek New Frontier as amovie.
That would be excellent.
The Lego icon Star Trek USSEnterprise NCC 171D set number
103 10356 is a massive3,600-piece detailed replica of
(10:13):
the starship from the nextgeneration.
Now, key features of the modelinclude a detachable command
saucer, secondary hull, andwarped nacelles, and open shut
bay an opening shuttle bay withtwo mini shuttle pods inside,
and comes with a display stand,an information plaque, and a
Star Trek Next Generationminifigure display tile.
The main set includes ninefigures.
(10:34):
There's Captain Picard with histeacup, Commander Riker with his
trombone and stand, a LieutenantWharf with a phaser, Lieutenant
Commander Data with a tricorder,Lieutenant Commander Dory
LeForge with an engineeringcase, Councillor Deanna Troy
with a bottle.
Why a bottle?
Who knows?
Bartender Gainen with a portabletractor beam generator, and
(10:54):
Wesley Crusher with Spot the Catfigure.
Okay, that makes no sense.
I think they got those uh mixedup there.
A total of 10 minifigures areavailable if you acquire the
type 15 shut you if you acquirethe type 15 shuttle pod gift
with purchase, which adds EnsignRolarin.
(11:15):
The Lego icon Star Trek USSEnterprise NCC 171D is priced at
$399.99.
And officially launches onNovember 28th at 9 p.m.
Pacific time or midnight EasternTime on the night of November
27th and 28th.
It'll be available to orderdirectly from the Lego shop
(11:37):
without any Lego Insidersexclusivity window.
Now customers who purchase theset between November 28th and
December 1st will receive thattype 15 shuttle pod.
Now be aware that the gift withpurchase may sell out before the
December 1st cutoff date.
So I gotta ask, is is anyone outthere going to buy this?
I would if it wasn't$400.
(12:00):
You know, and and if you've seenpictures, it looks okay.
It doesn't look like great,because unfortunately, though
the way, you know, it's a saucersection, so it's around, so it's
an oval saucer saucer.
So they had to kind of workaround that so it doesn't look
you know look as as refined assay a Star Wars ship.
(12:24):
Because Star Wars ships are tendto be angular.
So, you know, it it looks okay.
I would rather have just alittle minifigs.
You know, if anyone wants to getme something, there you go.
Find me those minifigs.
I'd love to have those.
Anyway, we do have some new StarTrek movie news.
Uh, Jonathan Goldstein and JohnFrancis Daly, known for
(12:48):
revitalizing major franchiseslike Spider-Man and Dungeons and
Dragons, are now attached to theright to produce and direct the
brand new Star Trek film forParamount.
They will produce the movieunder their Gold Day banner.
The new project is described asa completely original take on
the Star Trek universe and willnot be connected to the previous
movies, current TV series, orprior film development projects.
(13:11):
This aligns with recent commentsfrom Skydance founder David
Ellson, who stated that the nextStar Trek movie would be a
standalone project with newactors moving away from the
Chris Pine lid series.
Sources suggest it is likelythat this version will feature
entirely new characters.
Now, Goldstein and Daly have aproven track record of
delivering fresh, witty, and funscripts that successfully update
(13:33):
existing IP.
Their works on films likeSpider-Man Homecoming, which
they wrote, and the quicklyacclaimed Dungeons ⁇ Dragons
Honor Among Thieves, which theywrote and directed, earned them
high praise from both fans andcritics.
The duo also has strong existingrelationships with both
Paramount and Skydance.
Dungeons ⁇ Dragons was one ofParamount's highest-rated films
of 2023, and they recentlycollaborated with Skydance and
(13:55):
Apple on the original Cold Warsaction comedy Mayday, starring
Ryan Reynolds, which is slatedfor release next year following
stellar early test screenings.
So there you have it.
A new Star Trek movie.
An original Star Trek movie.
So they better it, you know.
(14:18):
It would probably be best forthem to, you know, really fully
advertise this thing when itcomes around.
And you know, you know Kirk, youknow Picard, you know Sisko.
Now know Fred.
Really introduce us to thesecharacters, make us want to see
(14:39):
this movie.
And at the very least, probablyhave have like a you know uh
name brand Star Trek character.
Yeah.
Michael Dorne's alwaysavailable, I guess.
Whorf, show up and and you know,uh shepherd these new
characters.
(15:01):
So uh yeah, maybe that.
Anyway, a Los Angeles SuperiorCourt judge Daniel Murphy has
ruled that Gene Rod RoddenberryJr.
is the rightful owner of theoriginal Starship Enterprise
model, not the two men who suedan auctioneer over its sale.
The judge's Monday rulingfollowed arguments heard on
Friday.
Judge Murphy concluded thatParamount Pictures gave the
(15:23):
model to the late Star Trekcreator Gene Roddenberry, and
his son Rod Roddenberrysubsequently inherited it.
Quote, in sum, Rod hasestablished as a matter of fact,
matter of law that Gene ownedthe model.
It is otherwise undisputed thatGene bequeathed all of his
property to his wife Majel, andthat Majel bequeathed all of her
property to Rod.
Therefore, Rod has establishedhis ownership of the model as a
(15:46):
matter of law, unquote.
Now, Dustin Reich and JasonRevaz, the plaintiffs, filed
their suit back in May of 2024,claiming that they discovered
the model and hired heritageauctioneers and galleries to
sell it.
They alleged, however, that theauction house breached its
duties by selling the model toRod Roddenberry at discount to
encourage future business.
(16:07):
While ruling in favor of RodRoddenberry as the model's sole
owner, the judge also denied theplaintiff's motion to dismiss
Rod Roddenberry's one claim ofquiet title.
Reich and Revis had contendedthat Rod Roddenberry's quiet
title cause of action violatedthe Statute of Limitations and
that they were immune to such aclaim because they bought the
model without notice of anyconvening claim.
(16:29):
George Roddenberry, uh GeneRoddenberry, excuse me, died in
October of 1991 at the age of 70years old.
So there you go, Rod.
You know, Rod Rottenberry ismaster of the original Starship
Air Prize.
Let it be known throughout thegalaxy.
Now let's go on to the MarvelNews.
(17:08):
Ryan Kugler, fresh from his workon Sinners, a film that saw him
tackle vampires in the KKK inthe Mississippi Delta, is
preparing for his return to theMarvel Cinemac Universe to
complete his Black Panthertrilogy.
Kugler, the two-time Oscarnominee, confirmed to Deadline
that uh the at the Sinners panelthat Black Panther 3 is
(17:28):
officially his next project,telling Deadline's Mike Fleming
Jr., quote, if it was anybodybut you, I would say I can
neither confirm or deny, adding,but we're working on it hard.
Yeah, it's the next movie,unquote.
Now the third installment is setto feature Academy Award winner
Denzel Washington.
Washington first hinted at hisinvolvement in November of 2024
(17:49):
while promoting Gladiator 2 inAustralia, revealing that
Coogler was, quote, writingapart for me, unquote.
The director has since confirmedthe news.
The Black Panther series beganin 2018 with Chadwick Bozeman's
debut as T'Challa in 2016'sCaptain America Civil War.
Bozeman then reprised the rolein 2018's Infinity War and
2019's Endgame.
(18:09):
Following Bozeman's death fromcolon cancer in August of 2020,
the sequel Black Panther WillCond of Forever was released in
2022 and was dedicated to hismemory, and Salah Tisha writes,
Suri assumed the mantle of theBlack Panther after the end
story death of Tatala.
So, are you ready for the nextBlack Panther movie?
(18:29):
Yeah.
To tell you the truth, I have Inever really watched the second
one.
I just, you know, was not thatinterested in it.
You know, it's that second onekind of fell into that black
hole of of you know MCU stuffthat no one really, you know, we
all kind of lost our appetiteafter the pandemic, didn't we?
(18:53):
Well.
Anyway, let's go on to the geeknews.
(19:21):
Warner Brothers is moving fullsteam ahead with a new feature
installment, now officiallydated, for November 19th, 2027.
The studio has tapped thedirecting duo Zach Lipovsky and
Adam B.
Stein, fresh off their successfrom this summer's hit Blood
Death Final DestinationBloodlines, to join forces with
original writer Chris Columbusto pen the new script.
(19:43):
Lipovsky and Stein's edition hasprovided a quote, electric
charge to the project, which hasbeen development since at least
2017.
Now, Chris Columbus, who wrotethe 1984 originals, slated to
direct this new chapter, withSteven Spielberg returning to
produce it.
Columbus expressed his passionfor the return to Gremlins,
telling the Hollywood reporter,quote, I am filled with a
(20:05):
tremendous surge of inspirationand passion as I embark on this
cinematic journey.
It's an honor to reunite withSteven Spielberg and Warner
Brothers as we bring this latestchapter of Gremlins to a brand
new generation of moviegoers whowill experience all the thrills
of this grand adventure on thebig screen, unquote.
Now, Jesse Iser uh Jesse Ehrman,Warner's president of
development and production,echoed this settlement set
(20:27):
sentiment, saying, quote, Fewtitles are as beloved and iconic
as Gremlins, and we're bothexcited to bring it back for
both lifelong fans and the wholenew generation, unquote.
Now, the original 1984 filmintroduced audiences to Gizmo,
the cute furry creature thatcame with three essential rules
Avoid light, don't get wet,never feed after midnight.
(20:48):
And of course, the rules all arebroken, causing uh the Mogwai
transformation into theGremlins.
The franchise has been largelydormant for decades, though the
talk of a third movie has wellpersisted.
More recently, HBO Max releasedthe animated series Gremlins The
Wild Batch in 2023, with uh JoeDante directing coming last
(21:10):
year, quote, on the prospects ofa third quote film, quote, the
fact is that it's too big aproperty for somebody not to
make something.
But it's been difficult forpeople to wrap their heads
around.
Exactly how are we going to dothis?
So now that we have our answer,are you prepared for Gremlins 3?
I'm I think the the two Gremlinsfilms are more than enough.
(21:37):
You know what what do you get?
What what can you do with theGremlins that you didn't do in
the first two films?
You know, that's what theyshould be asking themselves.
What didn't we do?
Yeah.
The only thing I can think of isis there's a creature out there
that eats gremlins.
That's the only thing you cando.
(21:58):
But uh maybe you have somesuggestions.
Right in.
Give me some suggestions.
Uh the cast for Amazon MGM'sremake of the cult classic
Highlander continues to expandwith Shaban Cullen, Joe
Junjoangseo, Nassim Lies, andKevin McKidd being the latest
editions.
Now the remake boasts astar-studded lineup led by Henry
(22:22):
Cavill, who will be the titularcharacter, Connor McLeod, the
medieval Scottish Highlander whodiscovers he is an immortal
warrior.
The ensemble already includesRussell Crowe playing Ramirez,
uh, Marissa Abella, DaveBatista, Karen Gillian, uh
Jeremy Irons, Damon Hansu, MakZong, and Drew McIntyre.
The action fantasy is beingdirected by Chad Solitsky.
(22:45):
Under Amazon MGM's United ArtistBanner, Slade for theatrical
release, uh production, whichwas initially planned for the
fall, was postponed after Cavillsustained an injury during
pre-production, and it's nowscheduled to begin work in early
2026.
So Yeah.
Again, I'm just I'm waiting tosee, you know, see proof of of
(23:11):
life, if you will.
Proof of concept.
You know, what what will thismovie do, you know, other than
updating the special effects?
Yeah.
And speaking of what will it dofor the for what will it do for
the franchise, Universal'sbeloved The Mummy franchise,
which first thrilled audiencesat the turn of the century, is
(23:33):
being resurrected.
I like how the phrase turn ofthe century is now being thrown
out, thrown out there.
Turn of the century.
Yep, 25 years ago.
Congratulations.
Original stars Brendan Frazier,who headlined the three films
from 1999 to 2008 with RachelWise, who appeared in the first
two installments, are currentlyin talks to return for a new
sequel.
Now, the filmmaking collectiveRadio Silence, consisting of uh
(23:55):
Matt Banal Opton and TylerGillett, is slated to direct the
new movie, Radio Silence, firstgained react recognition, who
uses the successful 2019 horrorcomedy Ready or Not, and has
since been credited withrevitalizing the Scream
franchise through their 2022 and2023 entries.
Sean Daniel, who produced theoriginal movies alongside his
(24:16):
late partner James Jacks, isback as producer.
He will be joined by Project X'sentertainment team William
Sherrick, James Vanderbilt, andPaul Neinstein, all frequent
collaborators with Radio Silenceon films like Abigail, Scream 5,
and Scream 6.
The 1999 original, directed andco-written by Steven Summers,
successfully infused the classicUniversal Monsters line with an
(24:37):
Indiana Jones spirit.
The film blended actionadventure, romance, and horror
in a period setting, followingFraser's Treasure Hunter and
Weiss's spirited librarian asthey traveled to 1920s Egypt and
accidentally awakened a powerfulhigh priest.
The movie was a major successfor Universal, grossing over
422.5 million, and launching areliable franchise for the
(24:59):
studio in the early 2000s.
It submitted Brandon Fraser'sstatus as a leading man and a
listener, and also expanded wasexpanded to a prequels series
starring the Scorpion King,which was an early role for
Dwayne The Rock Johnson, ananime series and a popular ride
at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Maria Bellow replaced Wise forthe third movie, which also
introduced Luke Ford as the sonof the two main characters.
(25:23):
So you know, I'm I'm I guess I'mwilling to see what's there.
You know, again, you are thenupdating the the the mummy
effects, which let's let's faceit, turn of the century,
computer-generated effects doleave something to be desired.
(25:46):
Of course, that always leavesthe question, why not just you
know re-engineer the effects andre-release the original movie?
But hey, I'm not in Hollywood.
Anyway, and Nakudi Gatwa, knownfor uh Doctor Who, has uh joined
the cast of Bad Fairies, anupcoming anime musical for
(26:06):
Wonder Birds Animation andLocksmith Animation.
Now Gatwa will uh lead his voiceto the original musical comedy,
which centers on a group ofdelightfully subversive fairies
shaking up their magical world.
He joins Cynthia Revo, who haspreviously cast as the
trailblazing rebellious fairyJane Stapledon.
(26:26):
Details about Gatwa's specificcharacter have not been
announced.
The film is currently inproduction in London and
scheduled to premiere intheaters on May 27th, or May
21st, 2027.
Bad Fairies is the first featurefilm released under the first
look deal between WarnerBrothers and Locksmith.
Well, bad news, folks.
Paramount Plus is set toincrease its subscription price
(26:49):
by$1 per month starting January15th.
The ad support tier will rise to$8.99 and the ad-free tier will
rise to$13.99, according to asource familiar with the pricing
details, who told uhdeadline.com.
Paramount CEO David Elson hasdefended the price hikes, which
are scheduled for early 2026, byhighlighting the addition of UFC
(27:09):
bouts to Paramount Plus at noextra cost to subscribers.
During a Monday earnings callwith Wall Street Analysts, he
argued this offers, quote, realsignificant value, knowing that
for approximately one pay perview, you basically can access
all of UFC across ParamountPlus.
And said it was a great value toconsumers, unquote.
You know what's a great valuefor consumers?
(27:30):
Uh Walmart Plus, where you canget Paramount Plus as part of
your Walmart Plus subscription.
unknown (27:37):
It's a much better deal.
SPEAKER_00 (27:42):
Anyway, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be
set to open on September 22nd,2026 in Los Angeles' Exposition
Park.
Co-founded by George Lucas andhis wife Melody Hobson, the
museum is an 11-acre campusfeaturing a 300,000 square foot
building.
This structure, designed by MaYun Yan Song of MAD, involves 35
(28:05):
galleries totaling 100,000square feet, two theaters, a
library, a restaurant, a cafe, aretail store, and community
spaces.
These grounds were designed byMia Larer of Studio MLA.
The museum's permanentcollection will hold over
400,000 works, with uh featuringart by renowned figures such as
Norman Rockwell, Judy Baca,Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield
(28:25):
Parrish, alongside comic artlegends like Windsor McKay, Jack
Kirby, and Alston Bechtel.
Photographers like Gordon Parksand Dorothea Lange are also
representative.
Additionally, the Lucas Archiveswill contain models, props,
concept art, and costumes fromGeorge Lucas' filmmaking career.
George Lucas emphasized thepower of illustrated
storytelling, stating, quote,stories are mythology, and when
(28:48):
illustrated, they help humansunderstand the mysteries of
life.
The museum was built on thebelief in illustrated
storytelling as a universallanguage.
Unquote.
Now Hobson echoed this segment,calling it a museum of the
people's art, and expressed thehope that visitors would see
themselves and their humanityreflected back in the galleries.
Now, this location was selectedin 2016 following the
(29:09):
abandonment of previous plansfor sites in San Francisco and
Chicago due to communityopposition.
The museum's grandbreakingceremony took place on March
14th, 2018.
In the really file, SonyPictures has acquired the screen
rights to Laboo Boo, the Chineseline of scruffy, cute, ugly
(29:32):
monster plush dolls, with theintention of developing a movie
and potential franchise.
The studio, known for theJumanji films and the animated
feature K pop Demon Hunters, hasnot attached a producer or
filmmaker to as yet.
The deal was only finalized thispast week, and remains undecided
where the adaptation will belive action or animated.
(29:52):
Laboo Boo was created by a HongKong born European based artist
Gai Sing Lung, initiallyproduced as monster figurines by
How to Work.
The brand's popularityskyrocketed after Chinese
retailer Pop Market took overproduction and sales in 2019.
The recent explosion in Labubu'spopularity is attributed to two
main factors.
First, the blind boxes.
(30:12):
Pop Market's use of blind boxesmeans buyers don't know what
doll they're purchasing untilthey open the package, fueling
high demand.
This has led to a superheatedsecondary market where
collectors pay exorbitant feesonline at pop at pop-up events
and public and public stores fordesired dolls, with limited
edition items and auction pricesreaching the six figures.
(30:35):
Second, celebrity adoption.
In 2024, the toys were adoptedby as accessories by
celebrities, mostly the K-popgroup Blackpink member Lisa,
boasting their profile.
The toys initially became asensation in Southeast Asia
before gaining global traction,reportedly causing pop markets
profits to soar by 350% earlythis year.
(30:55):
Labubu is the name of the mainmonster doll, with the other
characters including leaderZimbomo, Champion Companion
Mokoko, and boyfriend Taikoko.
It is uncertain where Labubuwill prove to be a short-lived
frit craze like Beanie Babies orlasting phenomena like Hello
Kitty.
The trend of toys inspiringmovies is an inversion of the
(31:16):
past of past Hollywood practice.
Over the last decade,particularly toy brands have
become a major source of majorstudio productions.
The Lego movie, of course, andmore recently, Barbie, which
replicated the feat earning over$1 billion worldwide in the
Oscar nominations.
Now, following this trend, Sonyand Mattel films recently
announced the development of afeature film based on The
Viewmaster.
(31:37):
Click.
And finally tonight, DanMcGrath, the Emmy-winning comedy
writer, celebrated for his workon animated classics such as The
Simpsons and Mission Hill,passed away on November 14th at
the age of 61.
Born on July 20th, 1964, inBrooklyn, New York, McGrath was
(31:58):
a graduate of Regis High Schooland Harvard University, while
Harvard was president of theinfluential humor publication,
The Harvard Lampoon, and uh andan active theater director,
according to his onlineautobiography.
Or obituary, excuse me.
The obituary noted, quote, hisprodigious talents and singular
personality will be missed byhis must many devoted friends,
(32:20):
unquote.
Now his sister, Gil McGrathGarbadin, announced the loss on
Facebook, writing, quote, Welost my brother my incredible
brother Danny yesterday.
He was a special man, one of akind, an incredible son,
brother, uncle, and friend.
Our hearts are broken.
His cause of death was a stroke.
McGrath's career also includedwriting for Saturday Night Live,
(32:43):
where he earned an Emmynomination in 1992 while working
with cast members like AmphSandler and Chris Farley.
He later secured an Emmy win forthe Simpsons 1997 episode,
Homer's Phobia.
Now, this episode featured guestvoice actor John Waters, was
critically acclaimed, praisinguh receiving praise and
accolades from uh organizationslike GLAD for its
(33:03):
anti-homophobic message.
He penned numerous nobleepisodes in the long-running
sitcom, including Time inPunishment, Bart of Darkness,
Tree House of Horror 4, and BoyScouts in the Hood, and
accumulated 50 credits as awriter and over 20 as producer
on the show, though he famouslystated he was fired twice from
the series.
(33:36):
McGrath is survived by hismother Eleanor, his brother
Michael and his wife Carolyn,and Peter, his sister Gail, his
nephew Dylan, and his niecesKylie and Emma.
Again.
Mr.
McGrath was 61 Dan McGrath was61 years old.
(33:58):
And that brings us to the end ofthe show for today.
Now uh please be sure to uh hitthat uh like and subscribe
button.
And uh you can find us on oursocial medias.
We're on Blue Sky and Twitter atuh blue sky or on blue sky and
twitter at blue sky wow atmultiverse multiverse tom
(34:21):
threads, Facebook and Instagramas well at multiverse tonight.
Uh if you'd like to pay it back,head on over to Multiverse
Tonight where you'll find ourPatreon and Kofi links.
Check our show notes, visit ourT Public store, and so much
more.
Now, if you'd like to leave somefeedback as well, Groovy, now
this if it's your first timelistening, thank you very much,
and welcome.
Go ahead and hit that subscribebutton and share us with others.
(34:43):
Now, thanks to Hot Dope for theintro music and Lolo Loco for
the Actur theme music.
Thanks for watching this editionof Ultiours Tonight.
We'll be back in two weeks withmore sci-fi and comic book news
goodness.
Now please exit the universe inan orderly fashion.
Good night.
(35:06):
Copyright 2025.
Tonight, vendetta of the series, Oscar Isaac, might
want back in, Star Trek the newmovie Frontier, and remember
Simpson's writer Dan McGrath.
All then more in this edition ofMultiverse Tonight.
Welcome to Multiverse Tonight,your source for Geek News.
We dissect films, games, comics,and much more, bringing you
(00:25):
insightful commentary on popculture.
This is Multiverse Tonight.
Now here's your host, ThomasTownley.
Hello and welcome to MultiverseTonight.
I believe this is episode 252.
I'm, of course, your host,Thomas Townley, and uh, well,
uh, you didn't actually see mein the past two weeks because I
(00:49):
aired that uh special interview.
But uh if you'll look on camerahere, there's my foot.
I have a nice bright red cast onmy right foot now.
Uh surgery was surgery, it wentgreat.
(01:10):
Apparently the uh bone waswrapping around the t the tendon
was wrapping around the bone.
So, you know, there was no waythat that bone that tendon was
gonna get better if it was justwrapped around the bone.
So it was, you know, I guesssurgery was the only way.
But uh I've been doing okay.
(01:32):
I've been uh you know trying tocatch up on movies and TV I've
missed, you know, trying to sitdown and read a little.
You know, trying to just uh youknow keep keep my mind busy.
I might be um hopefully we'llget back we'll get released to
go back to work, you know, maybein the middle of next month.
(01:52):
But if not, it's probably goingto be you know middle or end of
January.
So I'm gonna be off for I mightbe off for a long time.
I'm so grateful.
Um by the way, if if yourworkplace offers this uh and and
(02:13):
you know sign up for it, it's uhshort-term disability.
There's a premium version thatyou pay a little extra a month
and instead of getting half ofyour pay, you get sixty percent.
So you know you're you're sayingdifference ten percent that's
not much.
Well it's you know, that whenyou're when you're starting to
(02:36):
get up and and money, it it doesadd up.
So that's you know, ten percentI don't have to cover, I just
have to you know work on mysavings for the other 40% or
just you know cut back 40% onwhat I spend, which is you know
when you're stuck at home,that's actually pretty easy to
(02:56):
do.
You know, there's you're notbuying food at you know, you're
not or you're not gonna you knowbuying food for work, you're not
paying gas for work, or just Idon't pay for gas, I have an
electric car.
But yeah, you know, it it'sworth it.
So if you if you uh have anopportunity to sign up for you
(03:17):
know an X and X you know an Xenhanced version of uh
disability, sign up for it,especially if you're you know
over age 40, because you'regetting up there and break
frankly you're gonna startbreaking down sooner or later.
Anyway, uh we got some news togo to, so let's start with the
(03:38):
DC Comics News.
And DC Comics News begins with anew report saying that HBO is
(03:58):
developing a TV series based onthe classic graphic novel V for
Vendetta.
Now, who's writing this?
According to uh listening's PeteJackson, who was nominated for
BAFTA for Somewhere Boy, isattached to write the series
with Xex Producers James Gunnand Pierce Saffron from DC
Studios Xex Producing, alongwith Ben Stevenson and Leanne
(04:21):
Klein, uh, with uh Warren BurrisTelgian producing the show.
Now, so far, both HBO and DCStudios haven't actually
commentated, but uh Jackson'sreps haven't responded yet,
either.
Now, the original V for Vendettastarred as a comic serial in
1982 by writer Alan Moore andartist David Lloyd, published
(04:41):
first in Warrior and later byDC.
Now it's a dark dystopianfeature set in the UK where the
country is run by the oppressiveNorse Fire Party and follows V
in an archist in a guy Fox Maskwho is trying to take down the
government.
He finds an unexpected ally in ayoung woman named Evie Hammond.
(05:01):
Now, if this series movesforward, it would join a list of
other DC live-action shows likeThe Penguin, uh, which is doing
great, got nine Emmy wins,Watchmen, which uh you know did
great, and that was, of course,that was before Gun and Saffron.
Saffron took the reins of DC.
(05:21):
Now, coming up also is uhLanterns, the upcoming drama
series featuring Kyle Chandlerand Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan
and Jon Stewart, which isexpected to debut in early 2026.
Now, Pete Jackson is the guy whowrote the 2022 Channel 4 series
Summer Boy, which got him aBAFTA TV Award.
And he's running the upcomingSky Atlantic series The Death of
(05:43):
Bunny Monroe, based on the NickCave book.
Now, of course, there was the2005 movie uh V for Vendetta
starring Hugh Weaving andNatalie Portman.
That movie was written by theWachowskis and made over 130
million worldwide and set toreturn to theaters in November
2026 for its 20th anniversary.
(06:04):
So uh V for Vendetta, theseries.
Okay.
Uh I uh I can see althoughalthough I don't know how you
can find someone with a g whocan Hugo Weaving's voice was
perfect for the character.
So hopefully they'll findsomeone just as as powerful as
(06:29):
that.
Anyway, let's go to the StarWars news.
Roger, Roger.
Oscar Isaac, who played X pilotX-Wing pilot Poe Damron in the
Star Wars sequel trilogy, is nowsaying a no to a return to the
franchise, although he hasexpressed reservations about
working again with Disney.
(06:51):
In a recent interview, theFrankenstein actor admitted he
is open to reprising his role asPoe Damron, the character he
first played in 2015's StarWars, The Force Awakens.
This marks a shift from hisprevious stance where he
jokingly said he would onlyreturn if he, quote, needed
another house.
Quote, yeah, that was a reallikable quote.
Jesus Christ.
(07:11):
You know, people ask you things,you say stuff you don't really
think about that much.
I said a slightly dickish thing,unquote.
Open, despite his newfoundopenness to the role, Isaac also
stated to GQ, quote, althoughright now it's not so open to
working with Disney, he thenadded a condition for his
return, quote, but if they cankind of figure it out and, you
(07:33):
know, not succumb to fascism,that would be great, unquote.
Now the publication noted thatthe interview took place before
Jimmy Kimmel was reinstated ashost of his late night show,
following the brief suspensionby ABC and Disney.
Now, Isaac's involvement withStar Wars includes The Force
Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Riseof the Skywalker, as well as
voicing the character in StarWars of Resistance, Beyond Star
(07:56):
Wars.
Isaac is already part of theDisney family, having starred
and as well as served asexecutive producer on the MCU
series Moon Knight on DisneyPlus.
Let's go to the Star Trek news.
It appears the adventures ofCaptain Kirk, played by Chris
(08:17):
Pine and his Enterprise crewfrom the reboot booted Kelvin
Timeline, are definitivelyfinished.
After almost a decade of failedattempts to launch another film,
this report from Varietyindicates that Paramount's new
leadership is playing more StarTrek films, but they will not be
involving the J.J.
Abrams reboot.
This means Star Trek IV is offthe table.
(08:39):
Despite various scripts anddirectors being attached to it
over the years, includingQuentin Tarantino and Matt
Shackman, Paramount was neverable to find a cohesive
direction.
The original report confirmsthis shift, saying, quote, the
hope is to have a fresh StarTrek movie, though the studio
has moved on from the idea ofbringing back Chris Pine,
Zachary Quinto, and the rest ofthe ensemble from the JJ Abrams
(09:00):
reboot.
Unquote.
Yeah, I think that's for thebest.
I think, you know, they didthree, three movies, you know,
at least two of which were good.
One was just decent.
You know, I think you know,they've gotten you know all the
mileage they can out of that offthe offshoot of the prime
(09:25):
universe.
So yeah, let's let's dosomething else.
Let's do a Star Trek moviewithout the main without you
know name brand, name brandcast, so no Kirk's box, the
card, whatever.
And just say in the universe ofStar Trek.
And, you know, see where thatsee where that hits us.
(09:48):
Or heck, you know what?
Do Star Trek New Frontier as amovie.
That would be excellent.
The Lego icon Star Trek USSEnterprise NCC 171D set number
103 10356 is a massive3,600-piece detailed replica of
(10:13):
the starship from the nextgeneration.
Now, key features of the modelinclude a detachable command
saucer, secondary hull, andwarped nacelles, and open shut
bay an opening shuttle bay withtwo mini shuttle pods inside,
and comes with a display stand,an information plaque, and a
Star Trek Next Generationminifigure display tile.
The main set includes ninefigures.
(10:34):
There's Captain Picard with histeacup, Commander Riker with his
trombone and stand, a LieutenantWharf with a phaser, Lieutenant
Commander Data with a tricorder,Lieutenant Commander Dory
LeForge with an engineeringcase, Councillor Deanna Troy
with a bottle.
Why a bottle?
Who knows?
Bartender Gainen with a portabletractor beam generator, and
(10:54):
Wesley Crusher with Spot the Catfigure.
Okay, that makes no sense.
I think they got those uh mixedup there.
A total of 10 minifigures areavailable if you acquire the
type 15 shut you if you acquirethe type 15 shuttle pod gift
with purchase, which adds EnsignRolarin.
(11:15):
The Lego icon Star Trek USSEnterprise NCC 171D is priced at
$399.99.
And officially launches onNovember 28th at 9 p.m.
Pacific time or midnight EasternTime on the night of November
27th and 28th.
It'll be available to orderdirectly from the Lego shop
(11:37):
without any Lego Insidersexclusivity window.
Now customers who purchase theset between November 28th and
December 1st will receive thattype 15 shuttle pod.
Now be aware that the gift withpurchase may sell out before the
December 1st cutoff date.
So I gotta ask, is is anyone outthere going to buy this?
I would if it wasn't$400.
(12:00):
You know, and and if you've seenpictures, it looks okay.
It doesn't look like great,because unfortunately, though
the way, you know, it's a saucersection, so it's around, so it's
an oval saucer saucer.
So they had to kind of workaround that so it doesn't look
you know look as as refined assay a Star Wars ship.
(12:24):
Because Star Wars ships are tendto be angular.
So, you know, it it looks okay.
I would rather have just alittle minifigs.
You know, if anyone wants to getme something, there you go.
Find me those minifigs.
I'd love to have those.
Anyway, we do have some new StarTrek movie news.
Uh, Jonathan Goldstein and JohnFrancis Daly, known for
(12:48):
revitalizing major franchiseslike Spider-Man and Dungeons and
Dragons, are now attached to theright to produce and direct the
brand new Star Trek film forParamount.
They will produce the movieunder their Gold Day banner.
The new project is described asa completely original take on
the Star Trek universe and willnot be connected to the previous
movies, current TV series, orprior film development projects.
(13:11):
This aligns with recent commentsfrom Skydance founder David
Ellson, who stated that the nextStar Trek movie would be a
standalone project with newactors moving away from the
Chris Pine lid series.
Sources suggest it is likelythat this version will feature
entirely new characters.
Now, Goldstein and Daly have aproven track record of
delivering fresh, witty, and funscripts that successfully update
(13:33):
existing IP.
Their works on films likeSpider-Man Homecoming, which
they wrote, and the quicklyacclaimed Dungeons ⁇ Dragons
Honor Among Thieves, which theywrote and directed, earned them
high praise from both fans andcritics.
The duo also has strong existingrelationships with both
Paramount and Skydance.
Dungeons ⁇ Dragons was one ofParamount's highest-rated films
of 2023, and they recentlycollaborated with Skydance and
(13:55):
Apple on the original Cold Warsaction comedy Mayday, starring
Ryan Reynolds, which is slatedfor release next year following
stellar early test screenings.
So there you have it.
A new Star Trek movie.
An original Star Trek movie.
So they better it, you know.
(14:18):
It would probably be best forthem to, you know, really fully
advertise this thing when itcomes around.
And you know, you know Kirk, youknow Picard, you know Sisko.
Now know Fred.
Really introduce us to thesecharacters, make us want to see
(14:39):
this movie.
And at the very least, probablyhave have like a you know uh
name brand Star Trek character.
Yeah.
Michael Dorne's alwaysavailable, I guess.
Whorf, show up and and you know,uh shepherd these new
characters.
(15:01):
So uh yeah, maybe that.
Anyway, a Los Angeles SuperiorCourt judge Daniel Murphy has
ruled that Gene Rod RoddenberryJr.
is the rightful owner of theoriginal Starship Enterprise
model, not the two men who suedan auctioneer over its sale.
The judge's Monday rulingfollowed arguments heard on
Friday.
Judge Murphy concluded thatParamount Pictures gave the
(15:23):
model to the late Star Trekcreator Gene Roddenberry, and
his son Rod Roddenberrysubsequently inherited it.
Quote, in sum, Rod hasestablished as a matter of fact,
matter of law that Gene ownedthe model.
It is otherwise undisputed thatGene bequeathed all of his
property to his wife Majel, andthat Majel bequeathed all of her
property to Rod.
Therefore, Rod has establishedhis ownership of the model as a
(15:46):
matter of law, unquote.
Now, Dustin Reich and JasonRevaz, the plaintiffs, filed
their suit back in May of 2024,claiming that they discovered
the model and hired heritageauctioneers and galleries to
sell it.
They alleged, however, that theauction house breached its
duties by selling the model toRod Roddenberry at discount to
encourage future business.
(16:07):
While ruling in favor of RodRoddenberry as the model's sole
owner, the judge also denied theplaintiff's motion to dismiss
Rod Roddenberry's one claim ofquiet title.
Reich and Revis had contendedthat Rod Roddenberry's quiet
title cause of action violatedthe Statute of Limitations and
that they were immune to such aclaim because they bought the
model without notice of anyconvening claim.
(16:29):
George Roddenberry, uh GeneRoddenberry, excuse me, died in
October of 1991 at the age of 70years old.
So there you go, Rod.
You know, Rod Rottenberry ismaster of the original Starship
Air Prize.
Let it be known throughout thegalaxy.
Now let's go on to the MarvelNews.
(17:08):
Ryan Kugler, fresh from his workon Sinners, a film that saw him
tackle vampires in the KKK inthe Mississippi Delta, is
preparing for his return to theMarvel Cinemac Universe to
complete his Black Panthertrilogy.
Kugler, the two-time Oscarnominee, confirmed to Deadline
that uh the at the Sinners panelthat Black Panther 3 is
(17:28):
officially his next project,telling Deadline's Mike Fleming
Jr., quote, if it was anybodybut you, I would say I can
neither confirm or deny, adding,but we're working on it hard.
Yeah, it's the next movie,unquote.
Now the third installment is setto feature Academy Award winner
Denzel Washington.
Washington first hinted at hisinvolvement in November of 2024
(17:49):
while promoting Gladiator 2 inAustralia, revealing that
Coogler was, quote, writingapart for me, unquote.
The director has since confirmedthe news.
The Black Panther series beganin 2018 with Chadwick Bozeman's
debut as T'Challa in 2016'sCaptain America Civil War.
Bozeman then reprised the rolein 2018's Infinity War and
2019's Endgame.
(18:09):
Following Bozeman's death fromcolon cancer in August of 2020,
the sequel Black Panther WillCond of Forever was released in
2022 and was dedicated to hismemory, and Salah Tisha writes,
Suri assumed the mantle of theBlack Panther after the end
story death of Tatala.
So, are you ready for the nextBlack Panther movie?
(18:29):
Yeah.
To tell you the truth, I have Inever really watched the second
one.
I just, you know, was not thatinterested in it.
You know, it's that second onekind of fell into that black
hole of of you know MCU stuffthat no one really, you know, we
all kind of lost our appetiteafter the pandemic, didn't we?
(18:53):
Well.
Anyway, let's go on to the geeknews.
(19:21):
Warner Brothers is moving fullsteam ahead with a new feature
installment, now officiallydated, for November 19th, 2027.
The studio has tapped thedirecting duo Zach Lipovsky and
Adam B.
Stein, fresh off their successfrom this summer's hit Blood
Death Final DestinationBloodlines, to join forces with
original writer Chris Columbusto pen the new script.
(19:43):
Lipovsky and Stein's edition hasprovided a quote, electric
charge to the project, which hasbeen development since at least
2017.
Now, Chris Columbus, who wrotethe 1984 originals, slated to
direct this new chapter, withSteven Spielberg returning to
produce it.
Columbus expressed his passionfor the return to Gremlins,
telling the Hollywood reporter,quote, I am filled with a
(20:05):
tremendous surge of inspirationand passion as I embark on this
cinematic journey.
It's an honor to reunite withSteven Spielberg and Warner
Brothers as we bring this latestchapter of Gremlins to a brand
new generation of moviegoers whowill experience all the thrills
of this grand adventure on thebig screen, unquote.
Now, Jesse Iser uh Jesse Ehrman,Warner's president of
development and production,echoed this settlement set
(20:27):
sentiment, saying, quote, Fewtitles are as beloved and iconic
as Gremlins, and we're bothexcited to bring it back for
both lifelong fans and the wholenew generation, unquote.
Now, the original 1984 filmintroduced audiences to Gizmo,
the cute furry creature thatcame with three essential rules
Avoid light, don't get wet,never feed after midnight.
(20:48):
And of course, the rules all arebroken, causing uh the Mogwai
transformation into theGremlins.
The franchise has been largelydormant for decades, though the
talk of a third movie has wellpersisted.
More recently, HBO Max releasedthe animated series Gremlins The
Wild Batch in 2023, with uh JoeDante directing coming last
(21:10):
year, quote, on the prospects ofa third quote film, quote, the
fact is that it's too big aproperty for somebody not to
make something.
But it's been difficult forpeople to wrap their heads
around.
Exactly how are we going to dothis?
So now that we have our answer,are you prepared for Gremlins 3?
I'm I think the the two Gremlinsfilms are more than enough.
(21:37):
You know what what do you get?
What what can you do with theGremlins that you didn't do in
the first two films?
You know, that's what theyshould be asking themselves.
What didn't we do?
Yeah.
The only thing I can think of isis there's a creature out there
that eats gremlins.
That's the only thing you cando.
(21:58):
But uh maybe you have somesuggestions.
Right in.
Give me some suggestions.
Uh the cast for Amazon MGM'sremake of the cult classic
Highlander continues to expandwith Shaban Cullen, Joe
Junjoangseo, Nassim Lies, andKevin McKidd being the latest
editions.
Now the remake boasts astar-studded lineup led by Henry
(22:22):
Cavill, who will be the titularcharacter, Connor McLeod, the
medieval Scottish Highlander whodiscovers he is an immortal
warrior.
The ensemble already includesRussell Crowe playing Ramirez,
uh, Marissa Abella, DaveBatista, Karen Gillian, uh
Jeremy Irons, Damon Hansu, MakZong, and Drew McIntyre.
The action fantasy is beingdirected by Chad Solitsky.
(22:45):
Under Amazon MGM's United ArtistBanner, Slade for theatrical
release, uh production, whichwas initially planned for the
fall, was postponed after Cavillsustained an injury during
pre-production, and it's nowscheduled to begin work in early
2026.
So Yeah.
Again, I'm just I'm waiting tosee, you know, see proof of of
(23:11):
life, if you will.
Proof of concept.
You know, what what will thismovie do, you know, other than
updating the special effects?
Yeah.
And speaking of what will it dofor the for what will it do for
the franchise, Universal'sbeloved The Mummy franchise,
which first thrilled audiencesat the turn of the century, is
(23:33):
being resurrected.
I like how the phrase turn ofthe century is now being thrown
out, thrown out there.
Turn of the century.
Yep, 25 years ago.
Congratulations.
Original stars Brendan Frazier,who headlined the three films
from 1999 to 2008 with RachelWise, who appeared in the first
two installments, are currentlyin talks to return for a new
sequel.
Now, the filmmaking collectiveRadio Silence, consisting of uh
(23:55):
Matt Banal Opton and TylerGillett, is slated to direct the
new movie, Radio Silence, firstgained react recognition, who
uses the successful 2019 horrorcomedy Ready or Not, and has
since been credited withrevitalizing the Scream
franchise through their 2022 and2023 entries.
Sean Daniel, who produced theoriginal movies alongside his
(24:16):
late partner James Jacks, isback as producer.
He will be joined by Project X'sentertainment team William
Sherrick, James Vanderbilt, andPaul Neinstein, all frequent
collaborators with Radio Silenceon films like Abigail, Scream 5,
and Scream 6.
The 1999 original, directed andco-written by Steven Summers,
successfully infused the classicUniversal Monsters line with an
(24:37):
Indiana Jones spirit.
The film blended actionadventure, romance, and horror
in a period setting, followingFraser's Treasure Hunter and
Weiss's spirited librarian asthey traveled to 1920s Egypt and
accidentally awakened a powerfulhigh priest.
The movie was a major successfor Universal, grossing over
422.5 million, and launching areliable franchise for the
(24:59):
studio in the early 2000s.
It submitted Brandon Fraser'sstatus as a leading man and a
listener, and also expanded wasexpanded to a prequels series
starring the Scorpion King,which was an early role for
Dwayne The Rock Johnson, ananime series and a popular ride
at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Maria Bellow replaced Wise forthe third movie, which also
introduced Luke Ford as the sonof the two main characters.
(25:23):
So you know, I'm I'm I guess I'mwilling to see what's there.
You know, again, you are thenupdating the the the mummy
effects, which let's let's faceit, turn of the century,
computer-generated effects doleave something to be desired.
(25:46):
Of course, that always leavesthe question, why not just you
know re-engineer the effects andre-release the original movie?
But hey, I'm not in Hollywood.
Anyway, and Nakudi Gatwa, knownfor uh Doctor Who, has uh joined
the cast of Bad Fairies, anupcoming anime musical for
(26:06):
Wonder Birds Animation andLocksmith Animation.
Now Gatwa will uh lead his voiceto the original musical comedy,
which centers on a group ofdelightfully subversive fairies
shaking up their magical world.
He joins Cynthia Revo, who haspreviously cast as the
trailblazing rebellious fairyJane Stapledon.
(26:26):
Details about Gatwa's specificcharacter have not been
announced.
The film is currently inproduction in London and
scheduled to premiere intheaters on May 27th, or May
21st, 2027.
Bad Fairies is the first featurefilm released under the first
look deal between WarnerBrothers and Locksmith.
Well, bad news, folks.
Paramount Plus is set toincrease its subscription price
(26:49):
by$1 per month starting January15th.
The ad support tier will rise to$8.99 and the ad-free tier will
rise to$13.99, according to asource familiar with the pricing
details, who told uhdeadline.com.
Paramount CEO David Elson hasdefended the price hikes, which
are scheduled for early 2026, byhighlighting the addition of UFC
(27:09):
bouts to Paramount Plus at noextra cost to subscribers.
During a Monday earnings callwith Wall Street Analysts, he
argued this offers, quote, realsignificant value, knowing that
for approximately one pay perview, you basically can access
all of UFC across ParamountPlus.
And said it was a great value toconsumers, unquote.
You know what's a great valuefor consumers?
(27:30):
Uh Walmart Plus, where you canget Paramount Plus as part of
your Walmart Plus subscription.
unknown (27:37):
It's a much better deal.
SPEAKER_00 (27:42):
Anyway, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be
set to open on September 22nd,2026 in Los Angeles' Exposition
Park.
Co-founded by George Lucas andhis wife Melody Hobson, the
museum is an 11-acre campusfeaturing a 300,000 square foot
building.
This structure, designed by MaYun Yan Song of MAD, involves 35
(28:05):
galleries totaling 100,000square feet, two theaters, a
library, a restaurant, a cafe, aretail store, and community
spaces.
These grounds were designed byMia Larer of Studio MLA.
The museum's permanentcollection will hold over
400,000 works, with uh featuringart by renowned figures such as
Norman Rockwell, Judy Baca,Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield
(28:25):
Parrish, alongside comic artlegends like Windsor McKay, Jack
Kirby, and Alston Bechtel.
Photographers like Gordon Parksand Dorothea Lange are also
representative.
Additionally, the Lucas Archiveswill contain models, props,
concept art, and costumes fromGeorge Lucas' filmmaking career.
George Lucas emphasized thepower of illustrated
storytelling, stating, quote,stories are mythology, and when
(28:48):
illustrated, they help humansunderstand the mysteries of
life.
The museum was built on thebelief in illustrated
storytelling as a universallanguage.
Unquote.
Now Hobson echoed this segment,calling it a museum of the
people's art, and expressed thehope that visitors would see
themselves and their humanityreflected back in the galleries.
Now, this location was selectedin 2016 following the
(29:09):
abandonment of previous plansfor sites in San Francisco and
Chicago due to communityopposition.
The museum's grandbreakingceremony took place on March
14th, 2018.
In the really file, SonyPictures has acquired the screen
rights to Laboo Boo, the Chineseline of scruffy, cute, ugly
(29:32):
monster plush dolls, with theintention of developing a movie
and potential franchise.
The studio, known for theJumanji films and the animated
feature K pop Demon Hunters, hasnot attached a producer or
filmmaker to as yet.
The deal was only finalized thispast week, and remains undecided
where the adaptation will belive action or animated.
(29:52):
Laboo Boo was created by a HongKong born European based artist
Gai Sing Lung, initiallyproduced as monster figurines by
How to Work.
The brand's popularityskyrocketed after Chinese
retailer Pop Market took overproduction and sales in 2019.
The recent explosion in Labubu'spopularity is attributed to two
main factors.
First, the blind boxes.
(30:12):
Pop Market's use of blind boxesmeans buyers don't know what
doll they're purchasing untilthey open the package, fueling
high demand.
This has led to a superheatedsecondary market where
collectors pay exorbitant feesonline at pop at pop-up events
and public and public stores fordesired dolls, with limited
edition items and auction pricesreaching the six figures.
(30:35):
Second, celebrity adoption.
In 2024, the toys were adoptedby as accessories by
celebrities, mostly the K-popgroup Blackpink member Lisa,
boasting their profile.
The toys initially became asensation in Southeast Asia
before gaining global traction,reportedly causing pop markets
profits to soar by 350% earlythis year.
(30:55):
Labubu is the name of the mainmonster doll, with the other
characters including leaderZimbomo, Champion Companion
Mokoko, and boyfriend Taikoko.
It is uncertain where Labubuwill prove to be a short-lived
frit craze like Beanie Babies orlasting phenomena like Hello
Kitty.
The trend of toys inspiringmovies is an inversion of the
(31:16):
past of past Hollywood practice.
Over the last decade,particularly toy brands have
become a major source of majorstudio productions.
The Lego movie, of course, andmore recently, Barbie, which
replicated the feat earning over$1 billion worldwide in the
Oscar nominations.
Now, following this trend, Sonyand Mattel films recently
announced the development of afeature film based on The
Viewmaster.
(31:37):
Click.
And finally tonight, DanMcGrath, the Emmy-winning comedy
writer, celebrated for his workon animated classics such as The
Simpsons and Mission Hill,passed away on November 14th at
the age of 61.
Born on July 20th, 1964, inBrooklyn, New York, McGrath was
(31:58):
a graduate of Regis High Schooland Harvard University, while
Harvard was president of theinfluential humor publication,
The Harvard Lampoon, and uh andan active theater director,
according to his onlineautobiography.
Or obituary, excuse me.
The obituary noted, quote, hisprodigious talents and singular
personality will be missed byhis must many devoted friends,
(32:20):
unquote.
Now his sister, Gil McGrathGarbadin, announced the loss on
Facebook, writing, quote, Welost my brother my incredible
brother Danny yesterday.
He was a special man, one of akind, an incredible son,
brother, uncle, and friend.
Our hearts are broken.
His cause of death was a stroke.
McGrath's career also includedwriting for Saturday Night Live,
(32:43):
where he earned an Emmynomination in 1992 while working
with cast members like AmphSandler and Chris Farley.
He later secured an Emmy win forthe Simpsons 1997 episode,
Homer's Phobia.
Now, this episode featured guestvoice actor John Waters, was
critically acclaimed, praisinguh receiving praise and
accolades from uh organizationslike GLAD for its
(33:03):
anti-homophobic message.
He penned numerous nobleepisodes in the long-running
sitcom, including Time inPunishment, Bart of Darkness,
Tree House of Horror 4, and BoyScouts in the Hood, and
accumulated 50 credits as awriter and over 20 as producer
on the show, though he famouslystated he was fired twice from
the series.
(33:36):
McGrath is survived by hismother Eleanor, his brother
Michael and his wife Carolyn,and Peter, his sister Gail, his
nephew Dylan, and his niecesKylie and Emma.
Again.
Mr.
McGrath was 61 Dan McGrath was61 years old.
(33:58):
And that brings us to the end ofthe show for today.
Now uh please be sure to uh hitthat uh like and subscribe
button.
And uh you can find us on oursocial medias.
We're on Blue Sky and Twitter atuh blue sky or on blue sky and
twitter at blue sky wow atmultiverse multiverse tom
(34:21):
threads, Facebook and Instagramas well at multiverse tonight.
Uh if you'd like to pay it back,head on over to Multiverse
Tonight where you'll find ourPatreon and Kofi links.
Check our show notes, visit ourT Public store, and so much
more.
Now, if you'd like to leave somefeedback as well, Groovy, now
this if it's your first timelistening, thank you very much,
and welcome.
Go ahead and hit that subscribebutton and share us with others.
(34:43):
Now, thanks to Hot Dope for theintro music and Lolo Loco for
the Actur theme music.
Thanks for watching this editionof Ultiours Tonight.
We'll be back in two weeks withmore sci-fi and comic book news
goodness.
Now please exit the universe inan orderly fashion.
Good night.
(35:06):
Copyright 2025.
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