A Turkey Sized Edition

Tonight! A special Thanksgiving sized double edition of Multiverse Tonight!

Hello and Welcome to a supersized sci-fi and comic book edition of Multiverse Tonight episode 151.

Star Wars

Patty Jenkins Star Wars movie Rogue Squadron has been put on hold. Jenkins along with writer Matthew Robinson have been hashing out the movie for over a year with hopes of starting production in 2022. HOwever, sources speaking to the Hollywood Reporter say that the producers and filmmaking team have concluded that Jenkins is too busy to work on the movie in 2022. Thus the movie will have to wait. Jenkins is currently working towards a third WOnder Woman movie and a new movie based on Cleopatra.

Aspyr is releasing Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic for Nintendo Switch. And for those who like physical media, there will be several versions. The base game can be snagged for $34.99, but hardcore fans can check out a Premium Edition for $89.99, or a Master Edition for $174.99! The Premium Edition includes a SteelBook, a commemorative coin, an Ebon Hawk metal pin, art cards, a poster, and a certificate of authenticity. The Master Edition includes all of those options, plus a replica Pazaak set, a Vibroblade letter opener, a pair of Darth Revan Hilt replicas, a hardcover strategy guide, concept art lithographs, and a "throwback case." The throwback case is particularly notable, as it's designed to look like a case for the original Xbox! While Microsoft and Nintendo have formed a strong working relationship over the last few years, the idea of an Xbox case to house a Switch game is pretty amusing! It's a neat extra, and it helps pay tribute to the history of the game. 

Dark Horse Comics alongside Lucasfilm and Disney WorldWide Publishing will be creating new comics and graphic novels beginning in the Spring of 2022. According to the press release quote, fans can expect to experience adventures in every era, from the High Republic through the rise of the First Order, through new and exciting stories that Dark Horse is thrilled to introduce. unquote Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics Founder, and CEO said in the press release quote "Dark Horse has a rich history publishing Star Wars comics and graphic novels. Star Wars is near and dear to all of our hearts and I've been a fan since I saw the original film nineteen times during its original release. I am thrilled that Dark Horse will once again bring new stories to life from this incredible galaxy and I’m not exaggerating when I say we can't wait to bring these new adventures to fans of every age." 

The Ahsoka series has added Natasha Liu Bordizzo. Deadline reports that she will play the role of Sabine Wren, the character from the Rebels animated series. This news has not been confirmed by Lucasfilm or Bordizzo yet. Production Weekly has the show starting filming in March 2022.

Star Trek

For the past four years, Star Trek Discovery has been on Netflix everywhere else but America. However, that’s changed as Discovery is now going to Paramount Plus everywhere. 

In a just-closed deal between ViacomCBS and Netflix, the Shari Redstone controlled company has ended the lucrative financial arrangement that launched Discovery back in 2017. In broad strokes, the bargain that then CBS head honcho Les Moonves made with Netflix saw the latter paying the vast majority of Discovery’s hefty budget for the overseas rights. With the top-tier IP fully back in the fold, the plan is for Discovery to take flight on Paramount+ around the globe starting next year. The likes of the UK, Germany, Ireland, Austria, and Switzerland will be among the first markets to stream Discovery on Paramount+ of the more than 20 countries the platform is available in outside of North America. ViacomCBS has said that as part of an accelerated expansion they anticipate being in around 45 markets within the next year or so – and, of course, a high-profile brand like Star Trek will lead that charge.

As for Star Trek: Picard will still be on Amazon outside of North America and Star Trek: Lower Decks will be on the Jeff Bezos owned streamer outside the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

The Paramount theme park in China with a Star Trek-themed area will be moving forward. The theme park which was announced two years ago just got 8 billion in funding for a large development that will include a 643-acre Paramount resort. The proposed Paramount Park Kunming will include six themed areas including a “Final Frontier'' area themed around Star Trek with many different attractions. The other areas of the park would be Paramount Boulevard, Adventure City, Wonderland, a “Peanuts'' area, and a “Dinotopia” area. Construction has yet to start but they are aiming at an opening date in June of 2024.

Marvel

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is getting major reshoots, in what sources describe to the Hollywood Reporter as a significant production the new shoot will take place in Los Angeles comprising both additional photography and reshoots. The Insiders say it will be a grueling six weeks of shooting working six days a week. However other sources have downplayed the severity of the shoot saying that other movies have had bigger reshoots. The movie is due out on May sixth of 2022.

Blade The Vampire Hunter has added Delroy Lindo to the cast. The movie starring Mahershala Ali factors into Eternals post-credits scene. The movie will be directed by Bassam Tariq. Shooting is expected in the late summer of 2022.

Marvel dort com has revealed the actor returning to their roles for the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday special. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and Sean Gunn. The news coincides with news that Guardians Vol.3 has started production.

With director James Gunn posting on Twitter quote It’s been a strange & long & at times challenging journey to get here, but the obstacles along the way have only made this moment more blissful. Back on set with my Guardians family for the first day of shooting #gotgvol3

Disney revealed that subscriber growth for Disney Plus has slowed from the previous quarter, increasing by only 2 million subscribers to 118 million. But don’t cry for Disney, the company posted revenues Of 18.53 billion

DC

WB Games has unveiled a new Smash Bros-style game featuring different Warner Bros characters. Multiversus will be free to play game that will be released for Playstation Xbox and PC platforms sometime in 2022 and will include characters like Batman

Superman

Wonder Woman

Harley Quinn

Shaggy 

Bugs Bunny

Arya Stark 

Tom and Jerry 

Jake the Dog

Finn the Human

Steven Universe 

Garnet

Reindog (Original Character)

WB Games President David Haddad said about the game in a press release quote "With MultiVersus we are creating a distinct competitive game that allows us to combine a deep roster of celebrated WarnerMedia franchises for gamers to enjoy," "We are partnering with the talented team at Player First Games to bring together a free-to-play, online platform fighter with a wealth of iconic characters that fans know and love, from Wonder Woman and Bugs Bunny to Shaggy and Arya from Game of Thrones. And this is just the beginning, as we are excited to support upcoming seasons and ongoing game content." unquote Also revealed was that the game will support crossplay and have seasonal content updates.

The Superpets movie starring Dwayne Johnson as Krypto that was revealed at DC Fandome has revealed some more about the cast via Entertainment Weekly. Natasha Lyonne will play The Flash's turtle Merton, Vanessa Bayer as Wonder Woman's pig PB, and Diego Luna as the Green Lantern squirrel Chip. They will join Dwayne Johnson as Superman's dog Krypto and Kevin Hart as Batman's dog Ace, in an adventure to save Metropolis. Director and screenwriter Jared Stern revealed to EW quote"I wanted it to be a real threat that you felt lived up to not just a goofy movie, but a real serious superhero threat – but also one that uniquely can only be solved by a group of pets," director and screenwriter Jared Stern revealed in the report. "I really wanted people to come away from this movie feeling like animation is a technique and not a genre. I wanted them to feel like, 'That was a really great superhero movie and it had everything I love in a superhero movie: It had great action, was really fun.'" unquote Sounds like the secret life of pets with powers.

The men from the water will be teaming up for a new series. Arthur Curry and Jackson Hyde will be teaming up in the new Aquaman series. The new series comes from Chuck Brown and Brandon Thomas and artist Sami Basri will bring the two Aquamen back together to investigate a new conspiracy that threatens Atlantis and the surface world. The series will also feature other Aquaman characters like Mera, Tula, Tempest, and Black Manta. Aquaman number one goes on sale on February 22, 22.

A Batman will be moving to the Big Apple. In I am Batman number six, the new Batman Jace Fox and his family will move to New York City. The comic from Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Ridley (12 Years A Slave, The Other History of the DC Universe, The American Way), artist Ken Lashley, colorist Rex Lokus, and letterer Troy Peteri releases on February 8, 2022. 

Ghostbuster Afterlife topped the box office this past weekend.

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2021W47/?ref_=bo_wey_table_1

Amazon’s The Wheel of Time series has an animated bonus series to help fill in the deep lore and complex politics that is hard to put into a tv series. Called Origin Stories, the animated shorts will accompany each episode and will touch on the lore found in the episode. For instance, the first episode discusses the Breaking of the World, the cataclysmic event caused when all male channelers went mad as a result of the source of their magic being corrupted by The Dark One. The second episode explains the Fall of Manetherin, a city-state that once stood in the Two Rivers region. The third episode is titled "The Greatest Warder" and explains more of the relationship between an Aes Sedai and the warder who accompanies her at all times. To access this content you’ll have to pause the episode and click on Bonus content.

The Venture Bros series ending movie special has moved into the voice recording phase. Co-creator Doc Hammer took to Instagram with a photo of himself and the caption quote "SPOILER ALERT: I'm recording Shoreleave! So, simple deduction leads the sagacious-minded to the conclusion: "I guess Shoreleave is in the Venture special. Joy!"unquote No release date given yet.

Groo THe Wanderer is headed to a screen near you. Groo is a bit of a deep cut for comic book fans. Groo is a comic book that has run for 40 years and is the longest currently running independent and creator-owned comic book property and follows the humorous exploits of a barbarian who is a mighty swordsman but also a walking disaster. He wanders an ancient land with his trusty sidekick, a dog named Rufferto. Groo was created by legendary comic writer and artist Sergio Aragones with dialog by Mark Evanier, lettering by Stan Sakai, and colors by Tom Luth, it has been published by Pacific Comics, Eclipse Comics (one special issue), Marvel Comics (under its Epic imprint), Image Comics and Dark Horse Comics. Groo is described by Sergio as a quote “

...nincompoop who ruins everything,” Aragonés tells THR. “He sinks ships, he destroys buildings.” Now Entrepreneur Josh Jones, who counts businesses in venture capitalism, cryptocurrency, and airlines among his portfolio, has acquired the animated film and television rights to Groo, with the intent of producing the character’s first-ever animated adaptation via his film company, Did I Err Productions.

Jones and his Did I Err partner Scott Nocas will serve as executive producers on the possible projects along with Aragonés and Groo writer Mark Evanier. Did I Err will seek out creative talent who understand Aragonés’ unique vision and characters. Projects are being packaged for streaming services and global distribution, with Did I Err able to co-finance as needed.

Actor Dean Stockwell has passed away. Dean began his acting career in the golden age of Hollywood, he had a career that spanned seven decades working with notable directors including David Lynch, Jonathan Demme, Robert Altman, Wim Wenders, Sidney Lumet, and Francis Ford Coppola. He worked in such shows as NCIS New Orleans, Battlestar Galactica, The Dunwich Horror, JAG, Stargate SG1, Star Trek Enterprise, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, The Drew Carey Show, The Tony Danza Show, Lois and Clark The New Adventures of Superman, Captain Planet and the Planeteers But he’s best known for the role of Admiral Al Calavicci on Quantum Leap. He also was in movies like the original 1984 adaptation of Dune, Married to the Mob, Tucker The man and His dreams, Air Force One, Beverly Hills COp II. And dozens of other shows and movies. He was a great advocate for child actor welfare.

Peter Aykroyd, brother of Dan Aykroyd has passed away. While not as famous as his older brother, Dan was a part of Saturday Night Live in 1979 and 80. He also co-created the 1996 sci-fi series PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal that his brother hosted. He also appeared in several movies and tv shows like Doctor Detroit, Spies Like Us, Dragnet, Coneheads, and Justice.  Peter’s death was announced on SNL this past weekend, he was 66 years old.

Also passed away is character actor Art LaFleur, Art is best known for playing Babe Ruth in The Sandlot and Chick Gandil in Field of Dreams, other than that he also appeared in movies and shows like Rescue from Gilligan’s Island, MASH, WarGames, The Man with One Red Shoe, Cobra, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, The Blob, Air America, MAverick, The Santa Clause 2 and 3as the tooth fairy, Ace Ventura Jr: Pet Detective, Key and Peele and many more. He retired from acting in 2017. He passed away from complications of Parkinson’s, which he had suffered from for the past ten years. He was 78 years old.

Veteran voice actor and former president of the international animation organization ASIFA has passed away. Will Ryan started his voice career in the  1980’sstarting with Mickey’s Christmas Carol as Willie The Giant, Pete, and other voices. He would go on to have more than 100 credits including Film

Mickey's Christmas Carol – Mole, Willie the Giant, Pete, Big Bad Wolf, Weasel #2 (1983)

Frog and Toad Are Friends (1985)

An American Tail – Digit (1986)

Frog and Toad Together - Frog (1987)

The Land Before Time – Petrie (1988)

Stanley and the Dinosaurs – (1989)

Morris Goes to School - Morris, The Fisherman, and The Candyman (1989)

The Little Mermaid – Harold the Seahorse (1989)

Rock-a-Doodle – Stuey (1991)

Thumbelina – Hero, Reverend Rat, Goat (1994)

A Troll in Central Park – Boss, Guard (1994)

The Pebble and the Penguin – Royal, Tika (1995)

Looney Tunes: Back in Action – Papa Bear (2003)

Get a Horse! – Peg-Leg Pete (2013)

It's a Frame-Up! – Sam Shooster (2013)

The Biffle Murder Case – Sam Shooster (2015)

Bride of Finklestein – Sam Shooster (2015)

Schmo Boat – Sam Shooster (2015)

Imitation of Wife – Sam Shooster (2015)

Radio

Adventures in Odyssey – Eugene Meltsner (1987 – 2000, 2005–2022)

Television

Welcome to Pooh Corner – Rabbit, Tigger, Eeyore (singing) (1983)

Dumbo's Circus – Barnaby (1985)

Wuzzles – Additional Voices (1985)

Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears – Additional Voices (1985–1991)

The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin – Grubby, Louie (1986–1987)

Sport Goofy in Soccermania – Scrooge McDuck, Beagle Boys and Gyro Gearloose (1987)

Mother Goose's Treasury – Bertram the Goose (1987)

DuckTales – Pete/Sharkey, Dangerous Dan (1987)

Garfield and Friends (episode 88 "Ghost of a Chance", as McKraven (or McCraven) The Ghost) (1992)

Sing Me a Story with Belle (episode 9 "Problem Solving: Ingenuity" as Willie the Giant)

Courage the Cowardly Dog – The Duck Brothers

Disney's House of Mouse – Willie the Giant (2001–2003)

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi Farmer Zeke, Alien Banana #1, Wall, Rumaki, Old Camper 3, Wasabi, Sumo Wrestler, Muscle Bound Guy, Defensive End, and Riptide's Coach (2004-2006)

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse – Willie the Giant (2006–2016)

Family Guy (episode Road to the North Pole) – Winnie the Pooh (2010)

Mickey Mouse Funhouse (episode "Mickey and the Cornstalk/King Mickey" as Willie the Giant) (2021) (Final performance)

Ryan was also a songwriter, his group Will Ryan and the Cactus County Cowboys released five CDs and he wrote over 100 songs for Disney and the Jim Henson Company as well as the Pointer Sisters and Patti Labelle. Ryan is survived by his wife, Niparko Ryan; his sisters, Patty Ryan and Marsha Ryan Russo; and his brother, George Ryan. Will Ryan passed away following a short battle with cancer, he was 72 years old.

By the end of the decade, NASA hopes to have a nuclear reactor on the moon. Friday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced plans to begin accepting bids for the project over the next year. NASA, along with the United States Department of Energy, will work with American companies on crafting a fission surface power system that NASA officials and crafts can use as the outfit continues to explore space—including the eventuality of taking humans to Mars.

According to a release distributed by NASA and the DOE, the system should be capable of "autonomous operation" from the deck of a lunar lander or a similar craft. The system would be built to provide power to other rovers, astronauts conducting experiments on the surface of the moon, or other means that support life.

"NASA and the DOE are collaborating on this important and challenging development that, once completed, will be an incredible step towards long-term human exploration of the Moon and Mars," said Fission Surface Power Project Manager Todd Tofil at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. "We'll take advantage of the unique capabilities of the government and private industry to provide reliable, continuous power that is independent of the lunar location." 

The bidding process will take the next 12 months as companies submit potential designs that could be used.

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Thanks for watching this edition of Multiverse Tonight. We will be back in two weeks with more scifi and comic book news. Now please exit the universe in an orderly fashion. Good Night!  

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