March 23, 2021

Happy Spock Day!

Happy Spock Day!

On the sci-fi edition, Kathleen Kennedy has Disney's full support, Star Trek gets a new Documentery and we remember the creator of audio cassette and Compact Discs and Actor Cliff Simon.    All That and More on the SciFi edition of Multiverse Tonight!


https://multiversetonight.wordpress.com

Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/multiverse)

 Multiverse Tonight is a production of Half-Baked Genre Productions. Copyright 2022  All Rights Reserved

Transcript

Tonight! Kathleen Kennedy isn’t going anywhere, Star Trek is History and we remember Cliff Simon, all that and more on the SciFI edition of Multiverse Tonight!


Welcome to episode 118 of Multiverse Tonight...

Krispy Kreme is offering an incentive for individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible: free doughnuts. Krispy Kreme already gave away free doughnuts in early March and again on St. Patrick's Day. Beginning today, any vaccinated person can go to a Krispy Kreme and show the staff their COVID-19 vaccination card and receive one free Original Glazed doughnut. People can make good on this deal on any day at any time and as many times as they like throughout the week. However, the offer is only good through the end of 2021. The earlier you get your vaccine, the more days you'll have to take advantage of the Krispy Kreme deal.



Star Wars

Sorry for those of you who don’t want to have Kathleen Kennedy in charge of Lucasfilm, but she’s not going anywhere. Disney CEO Bob Chapek, during the 2021 Annual shareholders meeting voiced his support for the Ms. Kennedy after an aggressive question from a shareholder on if he plans on firing Kennedy in favor of Jon Favreau. Chapek replied quote "We look forward to having Kathy directing the activities of the entire Lucasfilm operation for many years to come." unquote In other words, unless things get totally messed up, she’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Sorry Charlies.


Besides that, Mr. Chapek reported that Disney plus has passed a huge milestone in it’s growth quote “The enormous success of Disney+ —which has now surpassed 100 million subscribers—has inspired us to be even more ambitious, and to significantly increase our investment in the development of high-quality content,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, on Tuesday. “In fact, we set a target of 100+ new titles per year, and this includes Disney Animation, Disney Live Action, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Our direct-to-consumer business is the Company’s top priority, and our robust pipeline of content will continue to fuel its growth." unquote 



Del Rey Books has announced a new novel tht will tie into Star Wars Visions, the first anime crosover for the franchise

In a statemennt they posted quote "This year, Star Wars: Visions will bring all-new, creative takes on Star Wars from the world’s best anime creators," the publisher shared in a new statement. "Coming Oct 12th, an original novel inspired by one of those animated tales. A Star Wars book quite unlike any before it." The book will be titled Ronin, and it will be penned by Star Wars newcomer Emma Mirko Candon. Quote "This is not a novelization. This is an original novel. And to tell it, we’re so thrilled to have a vibrant new voice in Emma Mieko Candon joining the Star Wars author family. We can’t wait to share more of Emma’s story with you soon," unquote 



No Benedict Cumberbatch will not play Grand Admiral Thrawn, the actor in an interview with Collider was asked if he had heard about the fan interest in him playing the little known Star Wars Grand Admiral from t


he Timothy Zahn novels. First off, he doesn’t know who the character is. Secondly, after being informed by the interviewer about the fact that the character has blue skin, Cumberbatch said quote "That’s a straight 'no' from me, right now. There’s no way I want to be turned blue. I turned the air blue, very recently. No no, seriously, I have precious time with my children and I think sitting in a makeup chair and being painted blue, and the amount of time it would take to do that and then take it off at the end of the day might just … it’s not the right time in my life for that." unquote In other words, He only wants to be mentally blue, not physically.


The Mandalorian Ultimate Visual Guide and a The Mandalorian Original Novel have been cancelled and no, this isn’t a Cara Dune thing, or is it, who knows. The explanations that have been given have been that with the quote “the ever-expanding world of The Mandalorian” the books will not be published as the story continues to unfold on screen.


Disney Plus is adding more classic Star Wars shows and tv movies in April. Added to the service will be the 2003 Star Wars line Wars series developed by Genndy Tartakovsky, The 1985 Star Wars Ewoks cartoon, the 1984 movie Caravan of Courage An Ewok Adventure and the sequel Ewoks, The Battle for Endor and the Boba Fett cartoon segment that has a part of the Star Wars Holiday Special.





Star Trek

Looks like Star Trek Prodigy Creators Kevin and Dan Hageman are doing a good job at CBS Studios, as the Emmy Award winning Duo has been signed to an exclusive overall deal with the Star Trek studio. Under the pact, the Hagemans will continue on Prodigy and exclusively work with the studio to create and develop other new tv projects.  Right now the brothers are working on the sequel to Guillermo del Toro’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and the live action Dragon’s Lair movie. IN a statement the brothers said quote “We’re overjoyed about our opportunity to work closely with David Stapf and his entire team at CBS Studios,” the duo said. “Since Alex Kurtzman made our introduction, we have felt nothing but trust and support while collaborating on Star Trek: Prodigy. Not only are we anticipating big things in animation, but the possibilities in the live-action space have us very excited as well.”


The History Channel will be taking a closer look at the Star Trek Franchise as they have  ordered a new eight part docu series from The Nacelle Company called The Center Seat 55 Years of Star Trek. Brian Volk-Weiss, the creator of Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us and The Movie That Made Us will direct, he previously directed the 50 Years of Star Trek special that the History Channel aired back in 2016. The series will look at pivotal moments in the franchise's history like the inception at Desilu and the recent film and tv adaptations. Each episode will also feature interviews with cast, crew and experts and will also delve into such things as the Animated Series and Star Trek Phase II, the series that almost was.  In a statement Volk-Weiss said quote “Star Trek, from before I was 10 years old, gave me the closest thing I have to a code to follow in my life,” Volk-Weiss said. “If it wasn’t for the words ‘I don’t believe in the no-win scenario,’ I’d be very alone, broke, and miserable in this world. So to say this is a passion project would be a tremendous understatement.”


Here’s an interesting fact, wesley Snipes was almost cast as Geordi La Forge in The Next Generation. Snipes confirmed that fact in a new interview with Collider for the release of Coming 2 America. The Blade actor said quote "Yes, that is true," Snipes says, confirming his auditioning for the role. "I think that was in the eighties. Yeah. And was disappointed that I didn't get it. Not as disappointed as I was not getting the role in the first Coming To America, but that actually turned out pretty good. Because I think if I had gotten the role that I would have been in television more than film, and maybe would have been never got a chance to do everything else I've done." unquote But he holds no ill will told LeVar saying quote "Yes. That's how I remember it. Yeah. It was close," Snipe says. "But yeah, a greater actor than I went on to make it famous. I applaud him, my friend, great and wonderful." unquote 


Production on Star Trek Strange New Worlds is underway and some new cast members were announced. Joining series stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn and Ethan Peck will be

 Babs Olusanmokun's Christina Chong Celia Rose Gooding Jess Bush Melissa Navia No word on what characters they will be playing but we know that Akiva Goldsman is writing the script.


Mister Spock will be getting his life story told with Titan Books The Autobiography of Mr. Spock. This book is quote edited unquote by Una McCormack, who also did the writing for the Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway. The book will quote be the "Fictional autobiography of the iconic Star Trek character, told in his own words and telling the story of his life, including his difficult childhood, his adventures on the Enterprise, and his death and resurrection on the Genesis Planet. The Autobiography of Mr. Spock tells the story of one of Starfleet’s finest officers, and one the Federation's most celebrated citizens. Half human and half Vulcan, the book, written in Spock’s own words, follows his difficult childhood on the planet Vulcan; his controversial enrollment at Starfleet Academy; his adventures with Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise; his diplomatic triumphs with the Klingons and Romulans; and his death and amazing resurrection on the Genesis Planet. We meet the friends he’s made, the women he loved, and experience the triumphs and tragedies of a life and career that spanned a century. Despite his alien blood, his struggle to find his place in the universe is one we can all relate to." unquote The book goes on sale on September seventh.


Speaking of Spock, Boston has declared March twenty sixth, Leonard Nimoy Day. Nimoy is a native of Boston, having been born there in 1931. March twenty sixth is the birthdate of the late actor. The proclamation reads "Whereas, We are here today to express special recognition to the late Leonard Nimoy, who was born in the West End ninety years ago on March 26, 1931; and whereas, Leonard Nimoy nurtured his acting talent through the neighborhood at the Elizabeth Peabody House and the West End Boys Club. In his teens he received a summer scholarship for acting lessons at Boston College; and whereas, receiving an honorary degree from Boston University, Leonard Nimoy brought honor upon his native city with his accomplishments as an actor, writer, producer, director, poet, photographer, and philanthropist; and whereas, he has worked for the betterment of his community by contributing to cancer research and to the Financial Aid for Arts and Telescopic Space Research; and whereas, Leonard Nimoy, through his fictional character, Mr. Spock - half human, half Vulcan - gave the immigrant, the refugee, and the oppressed, a hero for 'the Outsider"; and whereas, this proclamation is presented to Leonard Nimoy to serve as a reminder that although he has passed, he will always be remembered as a valued constituent dedicated to both arts and his community; now therefore, I, Martin J. Walsh, Mayor of the City of Boston, do hereby proclaim March 26, 2021, Leonard Nimoy Day in the City of Boston.""I encourage all Bostonian to recognize Leonard Nimoy's commitment and dedication to the Arts and the lasting impact that he has left on the community." unquote 



Geek

Lou Ottens has passed away. Although you’ve never heard of him, all of us my age and older have been touched in one way or the other by his inventions. Lou was the Dutch engineer who invented the cassette tape, He began work on the audio cassette when he was named head of new project development for Phillips back in the early 60’s, he used a pocket sized block of wood as a guide for the size and shape of the cassette, the cassette tape would go on to sell at least 100 billion units world wide. He also worked on a precursor to the Compact Disc dubbed ALP or Analog Long Play, Phillis unveiled it back in 1979 and by 1982 they produced the first CD Player, though CDs wouldn’t take off until the late 80’s into the 90’s. Sales of CDs peaked at 2.46 billion in 2000. Lou Ottens was 94 years old.


Hulu has picked up the US rights to the Miramax and 6th and Idaho sci fi thriller Mother/Android starring Chloe Grace Moretz. The movie is set in the near future and follows Moretz’s Georgia and her boyfriend Sam, played by Algee SMith on a hard journey to escape as their country is caught in an unexpected war with artificial intelligence. With Georgia’s child only days away, they must face a No Man’s Land in hopes of reaching safety before she gives birth. Matson Tomlin, the director of the movie and writer said quote “This film is a labor of love and I couldn’t be happier that in these extremely strange times, Mother/Android will be handled by a partner who truly cares. I feel extremely lucky to have Hulu bringing the film to audiences later this year.” unquote The streamer will premiere on Hulu later this year.


HBO is working on three more Game of Thrones spinoffs ONe titled 9 Voyages follows Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka The Sea Snake, the Lord of the Tides and head of House Velaryon. The second called 10,000 ships revolves around the warrior queen Princess Nymeria, a revered ancestor of House Martell who founded of the kingdom of Dorne (she became so legendary in the realm that two characters bore her name in the original series — Sand Snake Nymeria Sand and Arya's direwolf). Her story is set roughly 1,000 years before the events in Game of Thrones, making it much older on the Westeros timeline than any of the other previously announced projects in the works (HBO shot a prequel pilot in 2019 set even further back during the Age of Heroes, but it never made it to series). And finally, the third will be based in the King’’s Landing lum of Flea Bottom where characters like Davos Seaworth and Gendry Baratheon were born.


George RR Martin’s Wild Cards series is moving from Hulu to Peacock. The book follows the release of an alien pathogen over Manhattan in 1946, that mutates its survivors, some are granted superpowers while the majority are just left deformed. The series has been in development at Hulu since 2018.


Tenet is headed to HBO Max on May First. The movie was the first to be sent to theaters during the pandemic and unfortunately it didn’t do as well as hoped.


Cliff Simon, who played villain Ba’al on Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Continuum has passed away at the age of 58. The announcement of his death came from his wife on Facebook, she posted quote "It is with unimaginable heartbreak that I am sharing with you that my beloved husband, Cliff Simon, passed away at 12:30pm on Tuesday March 9, 2021. He was at Topanga Beach, California and sadly passed away after a tragic kiteboarding accident," she wrote.


"He was known to most of you on this page as the villain you loved to hate, Ba'al, from Stargate SG-1," she continued. "But as he said, 'acting is what I do, it's only a part of who I am.' And he was SO much more – a true original, an adventurer, a sailor, swimmer, dancer, actor, author. There is a gaping hole where he once stood on this earth. He was loved by too many to mention and had a great impact on so many lives. He was an amazing and much loved brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend."  Best known for his Stargate role, the actor also made appearances on 24, Nash Bridges, NCIS Los Angeles, NCIS New Orleans and Castle.


And that brings us to the end of the scifi news. *Show Ender*

Now be sure to check us out on social media, we’re at Twitter @multiverseTom also on Facebook and Instagram as well. 

*Ko-Fi button*

And If you’d like to contribute some money, check out the show notes, visit our Teepublic store, and much more over at the brand new MultiverseTonight dot com *Show Ender*

 

If you’re a subscriber, be sure to share with your friends and if you’re brand new to the show, please be sure to subscribe. And leave us some feedback and let us know how we’re doing.

Special thanks to Shane Ivers for our intro music and Lobo Loco for our outro music theme music.

Thanks for watching the SciFi edition of Multiverse Tonight, We will be back in two days with a new comic book edition and two weeks with a new SciFi edition. Now please exit the universe in an orderly fashion. Good Night!  


Multiverse Tonight is a production of Half-Baked Genre Productions. Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved.