Multiverse Tonight - The Podcast about All Your Geeky Universes
Multiverse Tonight - The Podcast about All Your Geeky Universes
Rise of the Land Shark
We delve into the latest trends in comic book adaptations and character transformations. From Krypto the Superdog to the emergence of Jeff the Landshark, we explore how these characters will reinvent themselves in their upcoming series while also reflecting on the shifts within the James Bond franchise. We highlight the upcoming auction of Luke's Medal from Star Wars and remember the legacy of Lynn Marie Stewart.
• Overview of new series from DC and Marvel
• Insights into Crypto the Last Dog of Krypton's storyline
• Discussion about Jeff the Landshark's first major comic series
• Exploration of new dynamics in the James Bond franchise
• Notable auction of Luke Skywalker's Medal of Yavin
• Tribute to Lynn Marie Stewart and her enduring legacy
Thanks for listening! Come visit the podcast at https://www.multiversetonight.com/
Tonight. Crypto gets a miniseries, jeff the Landshark gets one too, luke's mail for sale and remember Pee-wee's Miss Yvonne. All that and more on this edition of Multiverse Tonight. Welcome to Multiverse Tonight, your source for geek news. We dissect films, games, comics and much more, bringing you insightful commentary on pop culture. This is Multiverse Tonight. Now here's your host, thomas Townes. Hello everyone, and welcome to episode 234 of Multiverse Tonight. I hope you like our new opening there. It's been a long time coming there. It's been a long time coming. There's also a new logo that I'm going to be rolling out on everything else. I decided a long time ago that we need something, something new there, and so I found I had AI make me a new logo. I even had AI kind of make that wording that I say there in the opening. So hey look, I use for AI. Who knew this is episode 234 of Multiverse Tonight?
Speaker 1:Now I just got back from the dentist. I had teeth cleaning. They're all nice and clean now. For under six months, nothing major to tell there. They said my gums were great, all that. But the good news is that spring has arrived. It's spring, it's warm outside. It's in the 70s, you know which? I know it's not going to stay that way for very long. I think the rest of the week it's going to go down back down to the 50s, but I'll take it. You know, compared to the cold it's been for the past week, I will take 50s, just fine. Anyway, let's get on with the DC Comics News. It's going to be a big summer for Crypto the Superdog, and not just on the big screen.
Speaker 1:Dc Comics just announced a new five-issue series called Crypto, the Last Dog of Krypton, described as quote, a heartfelt and moving view of humanity, good and bad, through the empathic eyes of the ultimate outsider, a poor, lost dog who just happens to have superpowers. Now, this story is part of the DC All-In lineup, as well as the Summer of Superman promotion, and is written by Ryan North with interior art by Mike Norton. In DC's press release, the creative duo explained how they hoped to do justice to crypto's history while giving fans something new as well. Quote Crypto's origin has always been at kind of a high level. The little guy starts out on Krypton, ends up on Earth and helps Superman fight crime. The chance to really define crypto, to show what a little lost dog would go through if he landed all alone on a strange alien world named Earth was really enticing. Now North described a series of five relatively self-contained stories, but taken together, they all build to one big origin story for Crypto and his relationship with Superman. The timing is perfect, as this summer's new Superman movie will hit theaters just days after the second issue hits. However, it's available now for pre-order at your local comic book store. Now, superman lands in theaters on Friday, july 11th in the US, and Crypto, the Last Dog of Krypton, will go on sale on Wednesday, june 18th in comic book shops and digital storefronts.
Speaker 1:So you know, I've always thought crypto was something you know unique. How does he know to fight crime? I've always been curious about that. Does his superpowers expand to mental? Maybe he's smarter than the average dog.
Speaker 1:Anyway, dc Studios has finally found a director to mold its Clayface movie After years of searching. Speak no Evil. Helmer James Watkins has been chosen to direct the feature, based on the Batman villain, which has a script from horror maestro Mike Flanagan. Sources say that DC co-chief James Gunn met with Watkins Thursday for a final presentation that led to the nod of nabbing the gig. A deal will now be hammered out. Clayface was first introduced back in 1940 and is known for his ability to shapeshift. Sources say the film is budgeted at $40 million and is a Hollywood horror tale centering on a B-movie actor who injects himself with a substance to keep himself relevant, only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay. The movie is due to start shooting later this year and is meant to show the breadth of DC material, from big budget superhero affairs such as Superman on one side of the spectrum to lesser known characters and projects that are more modestly budgeted. The Batman director, matt Reeves, will produce Clayface, along with Lynn Harris and DC Studios bosses Gunn and Saffron. The film has a September 11, 2026 release date.
Speaker 1:The DC Summer of Superman, which he talked about earlier, continues with the addition of a new solo series, and this time the Maiden of Might will soar into the spotlight. At Comics Pro this past weekend, dc revealed a new Supergirl series which will be written and illustrated by Sophie Campbell of Wet Moon, teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fame, and not only will she be getting a new costume, courtesy of Stanley Art Germ Lau, but she will also be headed back to her old stomping grounds of Midvale. Now, they said in a quote, touchstones to Cora Zor-El were the stories and the wild costumes from the 70s, the 1984 Supergirl movie and the CW show, of which I was a huge fan. In creating this version of Supergirl, I'll be drawing on some of those influences as the series unfolds. According to Supergirl writer slash artist, sophie Campbell, the new series finds Supergirl discovering that there's somehow already a Supergirl protecting Midvale, which is, you know, sort of impossible. She'll have to figure out who is using her name and if she has hopes to stop them from taking not just her reputation but her very life, and here's the official logline quote but her very life. And here's the official logline quote. Kara Zor-El has always been a key member of the super family in Metropolis, but Campbell is taking Supergirl in a new direction, among familiar surroundings, as she gets back to her roots in the town of Midvale. But returning to her hometown after so many years away already presents some challenges. There's already another Supergirl there protecting the town, saving the day. Readers will have to check out the debut issue Also at Comics Pro.
Speaker 1:Dc pulled back the curtain on the next era of Batman, and it will be a truly talented creative team leading the charge. Dc has revealed the first look at Batman no 1, which will begin in September and will be held by writer Matt Fraction, artist George Schumannas, colorist Tomo Mori and letter Clayton Cowles. This new chapter of Batman will bring a big costume change, as Batman will take on a new blue and gray costume, but will also introduce a new Batmobile, as well as a new vibe and style to Gotham City itself. And the Fraction said in a quote I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Batman. It was the first comic I ever read, george, and I have a very strange, a very superhero-forward kind of take on Batman. We've got a new Batmobile, we've got a new costume, we've got new characters and we've got a lot of old ones too, good and bad All the stuff that makes Batman the coolest character in comics. We want to celebrate it all. As a DC artist, I have to say this is something I've always dreamed of, and getting to do it alongside someone as talented and amazing as Matt is just incredible for me, said Jimenez. As for my work on Batman the artistic side I've poured years of hard work into this series Over time.
Speaker 1:Go on to the Marvel news and we begin Marvel News with the adorable aquatic predator who has captured the hearts of Marvel rivals and is ready to make waves in his own comic book series. Marvel has announced that Jeff the Landshark will star in a five-issue limited series launching this June, marking the character's first major print comic debut. The announcement made at this past weekend's Comics Pro brings together a superstar co-creator, kelly Thompson, who earned an Eisner nomination for the digital series it's Jeff Infinity comic, with acclaimed artist Toktoko Hiro for an adventure that will see the beloved character swimming through the Marvel Universe's most exotic locations. The series promises to expand Jeff's world beyond his successful digital comic appearances and recent gaming popularity, offering fans a deeper dive into the character's potential. The new series follows Jeff as he accidentally creates a shadow Jeff in Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. When his dark Doppler escapes, jeff must pursue it on a journey from the Savage Land to Madripoor, encountering both allies and adversaries along the way. Thompson said seeing Jeff Rocket to stardom has been wild and also exactly what he deserves. I'm obviously as biased as you can get, but what's not to love about an adorable land shark that wants to be friends with and or eat everything he sees? The writer expressed excitement about developing more complex narratives for the character, knowing that, while the digital it's Jeff series worked almost like perfectly executed jokes. The miniseries format allows for more intricate storytelling. Jeff the Landshark was created by Thompson and artist Danielle DiNichilo, what has been one of Marvel's most successful original characters in recent years. Originally reduced as Gwenpool's pet, the character has been cared for by various superheroes, including Deadpool, elsa Bloodstone and Kate Bishop.
Speaker 1:The all-new, sensational Spider-Girl is swinging into her first solo series, Created by writer Dan Slott and designer Michael Cho. Makuala Makauakana made her debut in Spider-Boy no 12 as the secret protege of the daredevil villain Bullseye, a Hawaiian mutant with the ability to absorb and replicate powers. The pint-sized, pig-tailed spider girl started out as Bullseye's sidekick Funhouse before adopting her spider persona when Bullseye sent her, his kid's sidekick to copy the powers of a spider person, they targeted the daredevil-trained Spider-Boy aka Bailey Briggs. While her powers copy abilities and thoughts, meika makes distorted reflections of people like a funhouse mirror, and so Bullseye, the world's deadliest assassin, taught her to master her abilities. But when Bullseye betrayed his apprentice during a fighting contest in Madripoor, he abandoned his spider kid, who found an ally in fellow spider-tween Bailey. And now Maka is copying Spider-Boy once again with her own ongoing series, spider-girl no 1 from writer Torrin Grunbeck from Venom and new girl Marvel artist. Newcomer Marvel artist Andre Riso spins off the pages of Slott and Paso Medina's Spider-Boy when it hits stands.
Speaker 1:On June 11th, sony Pictures announced some changes to their release calendar and one of the most disappointing reveals was that the upcoming Spider-Man 4 has its release date delayed. Was that the upcoming Spider-Man number four has its release date delayed. Luckily for fans, the delay is relatively minor, as it's just been pushed back from its July 24th 2026 date back a week to July 31st 2026. Now, if anything, this could come as a bit of a relief to fans and that seems they'll stabilize Sony's plans, as studio has been known to push highly anticipated franchise films back by months at a time when there's no significant developments. Interestingly, this new release date would make way for the film's release two weeks before Christopher Nolan's the Odyssey, which is currently slated for 17th 2026.
Speaker 1:Now let's get on with a little bit of Star Wars news. Roger roger, the medal given to Luke Skywalker after he destroyed the Death Star in Star Wars could sell up for upwards of 476,000 pounds. Prop Store based in Rixmansworth, hertfordshire, is selling the Medal of Yavin worn by future Jedi Master Luke Skywalker during the first film in the franchise. The medal is also believed to have been worn by Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo during rehearsals for the 1977 film later retitled Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope. Brandon Allinger from Prop Store said the item held a quote special place in cinematic history, unquote. Now it goes on sale in Los Angeles in March with a price estimate of $300,000 to $600,000. The medal comes from the collection of props master Gerard Bork, who worked on the original Star Wars films shot at Elstree Studios in England. Prop Store claimed it was the first and only medal to be offered for public sale after its team researched the prop. Also being sold is a Wookiee bowcaster featured in all three films of the original series, which Prop Store called one of the rarest Star Wars hero props in existence. A real Horton crossbow was modified to give it a futuristic yet battle-worn look so it could serve as a laser weapon. It is going on sale with an estimated value of $250,000 to $500,000. The Entertainment Memorabilia live auction in Los Angeles takes place from March 26th to March 28th.
Speaker 1:Now let's go on to the Geek News. Geek News begins with the Lord of the Rings, the War of the Rorahim, which will arrive on Max on Friday, february 28th at 8 pm Eastern. It makes sense for the anime film to land on Max, considering that it is the premiere spot for Warner Brothers properties. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the movie was the first foray of Middle Earth in the anime realm and, unfortunately, the chances of seeing the JRR Tolkien world return to this medium might be slim at the moment. Thanks to the war's reception at the box office Quote set 183 years before, the events chronicle in the original trilogy of films, the Lord of the Rings, the War of the Rorohim tells the fate of the house of Helm Helmerhand, the legendary king of Rohan. A sudden attack by Wolf, a clever and ruthless Dunlading lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg, a mighty fortress that will later become known as Helm's Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, hera, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction. Unquote.
Speaker 1:The Broccoli family's reign over the James Bond franchise, spanning over six decades, has recently undergone a seismic shift. A groundbreaking deal with Amazon MGM has restructured the power dynamics, establishing a joint venture where the Broccolis have relinquished creative control, a move that sent shockwaves through Hollywood. This family has become so intertwined with the 007 agent that their seating of control is seen as a monumental event. The repercussions of this shift are already evident in the stalled development of a new James Bond film. The absence of a director, a concrete story and a finalized script has caused consternation for Amazon, which invested a substantial sum of $8.5 billion to acquire MGM Studios, partially motivated by its association with the Bond franchise. Whispers within the industry hint at a clash of visions between the Broccoli's and Amazon regarding the trajectory of the series. The family is allegedly resistant to Amazon's ambitions to broaden the scope of the Bond universe.
Speaker 1:This joint venture represents a unique arrangement distinct from an outright sale. The Broccoli's retain a degree of ownership, yet they have loosened their grips on the creative reins. This allows the Amazon MGM greater latitude and agility in navigating the complexities of maintaining bonds' relevance in the contemporary landscape. The deal has elicited a spectrum of responses. Some analysts foresee a potential revitalization of the franchise under Amazon's stewardship, while others express concerns over the potential dilution of the Bond character. Without the Broccoli's creative oversight, the future of the Bond franchise is shrouded in uncertainty. But one thing is clear. Amazon MGM holds those reins. The challenge for the company lies in striking a delicate balance between commercial imperatives and preserving the essence of the iconic Bond character. The path forward is fraught with challenges and the industry watches with bated breath to see how this new era for James Bond unfolds. Well, frankly, it's got to be something better than how Bond has been doing these past few times.
Speaker 1:I've had no interest in the last oh what three, four Bonds films. You know I enjoy the character, I love the character all throughout the 20th century. But perhaps it's just time to put James Bond on the shelf. Just retire the franchise, let it sit, let it mellow 20, 30 years down the line. Bring it back. Maybe you'll find that little nugget that needs to be done, or heck. Why not just remake the original franchise? Just start with the books. They already pretty much set it up with Casino Royale, but make a new Casino Royale and just start through the Bond books one by one and just remake them, update them for the present time, because, yeah, some of those books just don't hold up in the present day. So I don't hold up in the present day. So I don't know. I'm of mixed minds on this Bond franchise of the 21st century, sonic the Hedgehog 3, the third iteration in the film franchise, based on Sega's enduring speedster, will be available to stream on Paramount Plus on February 18th.
Speaker 1:The third Sonic feature picks up with the blue blur, along with Tails the Fox and Knuckles the Enchinada having to deal with their nemesis Dr Robotnik, to take on the super, superlatively edgy threat of Shadow the Hedgehog. The film opened up on top in North America's box office based back in December, earning $60 million in its first outing and continuing to score as a high earner throughout the holiday season. A fourth film is already in the works for Paramount and is set to be released in 2027. Per the description for the Umbrella Academy Plan B, after the mass release of the city's greatest foes and the chaos that followed in Hotel Oblivion, the Umbrella Academy faces their most fearsome challenge to date their other brothers and sisters, known only as the Sparrows. They share a different connection to Sir Hartled Hargreaves and Mom. No one knows how to hurt each other more than family, and this powerful, ruthless brood will spare no brutality in favor of their sole objective control of the obedient clare that comes with it". Now the new comic is co-written by Wei and Ba, who also illustrates, colored by Dave Stewart and littered by Nate Picos. It will be released on June 11th and is currently for pre-order from Dark Horse Comics by artists including Fabio Moon, claire Rowe, mike Del Mundo, duncan Fregredo, david Aja and Jill Thompson.
Speaker 1:Netflix's TV series adaptation of Wei and Ba's the Umbrella Academy comics ended its four-season run last August. During that time, the comics weren't regularly coming out with new issues. A beloved actor is poised to play a beloved Harry Potter character. A beloved actor is poised to play a beloved Harry Potter character. Six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow is in final negotiations to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO's high-profile series adaptation of the hugely popular fantasy series. According to Deadlinecom, hbo declined to comment about this. Declined to comment about this, now saying quote as we make our way through pre-production. We will confirm details as we finalize the deals. Unquote.
Speaker 1:The Harry Potter series is designed to run over a decade and comes from writer-showrunner Francesca Gardner and director and exec producer Mark Myloid. Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO, and Max Content, at the time of the original announcement, called the show a faithful adaptation of JK Rowling's novels, which will delve deep into each of the iconic books. The Harry Potter TV series, which will be filmed at Warner Bros Studios' Leavesden, where the movies were shot, is slated to debut on HBO in late 2026, early 2027. This is slated to debut on HBO in late 2026, early 2027. Bafta winner Jack O'Connell has closed the deal to join the next theatrical feature in Legendary's MonsterVerse franchise. According to Deadlinecom, the character's details are being kept under wraps, but O'Connell joins a cast that includes Caitlin Dever, as well as Dan Stevens, who reprises his role as veterinarian trapper Beasley from last year's Godzilla x Kong, the New Empire, the franchise's highest-grossing installment to date. Grant Sputore is set to direct from a script by Dave Callahan. Plot details have been kept vague so far, though we're told the next entry will feature several new human characters alongside Titans, godzilla and Kong as they face off against a cataclysmic, world-ending threat. Sputori took over the directorial reins from Adam Wingard.
Speaker 1:Following the latter's work on the New Empire and 2021's Godzilla vs Kong, nickelodeon is continuing to build out the world of the Avatar, the Last Airbender, with the green light of the animated series Avatar Seven Havens. The new 2D animated series will consist of 26 half-hour episodes spread across two seasons, or books one and two in Avatar style. News of the pickup comes as Last Airbender prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, with the original show having debuted on February 26, 2005. Seven Havens hails from Avatar creators Michael DiMartino and Brian Konietzko under the Avatar Studios banner from Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank and is currently in production Per the official logline. The series is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm. A young Earthbender discovers she's the new Avatar after Korra, but in this dangerous era that marks her as humanity's destroyer, not its savior. Haunted by both human and spirit enemies, she and her long-lost twin must uncover their mysterious origins and save the Seven Havens before civilization's last strongholds collapse. Now this will be the third animated Avatar series In addition to the Last Airbender. Nickelodeon previously aired Avatar, the Legend of Korra, for four seasons between 2012 and 2014. There's also an animated film focused on Aang and the characters from the Last Airbender, due out in theaters in January of 2026. The voice cast for the film includes Dave Bautista, dionne Kwan, jessica Mateen, roman Zargoza and Eric Dahm, and finally, tonight, lynn Murray.
Speaker 1:Stewart, who is known for her roles in Pee Wee's Playhouse and it's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has passed away at the age of 78. Stewart's manager, betty Smith, confirmed the news to TMZ, revealing that Stewart passed away at her sister's home in California and that she had been dealing with a tumor between the liver and gallbladder. Stewart had wrapped up work in Ben Still's upcoming film the Dink before the diagnosis and she continued to work on it's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as well. In a statement to TMZ, smith wrote quote she was the most talented and funny and most honorable person I have ever known. Unquote. Stewart's friend Cassandra Pearson, who is known for playing Elvira, posted a tribute to her friend on Instagram, writing quote my heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend Lynn Stewart's passing. One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived, the iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee's Playhouse, shall always be the most beautiful woman in Puppet Land. Heartbroken emoji. Unquote.
Speaker 1:Stewart's role as Miss Yvonne is a favorite of many Pee-Wee's Playhouse fans as the most beautiful woman in Puppet Land, appeared between 1986 and 1990 in projects like Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and Big Top Pee-Wee. In it's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, stewart played the role of Bonnie, who is the mother of series favorite Charlie Kelly. Stewart also appeared in George Lucas's American Graffiti and Arnold Schwarzenegger's the Running man, as well as a host of appearances in shows like MASH Chips, laverne and Shirley and as Elvira Mistress of the Dark in 1988. She also appeared in plenty of comic book related projects, including the 1988 Superman series, batman, the Animated Series, the Tick, here Comes the Monsters, batman Return of the Caped Crusaders and Batman vs Two-Face. Again. Lynn Marie Stewart was 78 years old.
Speaker 1:Good night, miss Yvonne. And that brings us to the end of the show for this week. Now be sure to check us on social media. We're on Blue Sky and Twitter, at Multiverse Tom Threads, facebook and Instagram at Multiverse Tonight. And if you've gotten some value out of the show and would like to pay it back, please head on over to MultiverseTonightcom where you can find our Patreon and Ko-fi links, check our show notes, visit the TeePublic store, leave some feedback and so much more. And if this is your first time listening, thank you and welcome, go ahead and hit that subscribe button and share us with others. Special thanks to Hot Dope for the intro music and Lobo Loco for the outro theme music. Thanks for watching this edition of Multiverse Tonight. We'll be back in two weeks with more sci-fi and comic book news. Now please exit the universe in an orderly fashion. Good night.
Speaker 1:Multiverse Tonight is a production of Massive Big Drugs Productions. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. All the rest of the night is a production of Big Drunk Productions. I'll be right back with a five, all right. This podcast is brought to you by the Top Goat Developer Podcast Network. Find out more about them at topgoatdevelopercom.
