Superman Soars: NY Celebrates Kirby

Superman returns to theaters with a blockbuster $122 million opening weekend, marking DC Studios' successful restart under James Gunn's direction. The film resonates with audiences by focusing on the human aspects of the iconic character while delivering thrilling superhero action.

• Superman achieves $122 million domestic opening, $217 million globally
• New York City honors Jack Kirby by renaming Delancey/Essex intersection as "Yancy Street/Jack Kirby Way"
• Sean Astin announces bid for SAG-AFTRA presidency, following in mother Patty Duke's footsteps
• Denis Villeneuve's third Dune film officially titled "Dune Part 3" with IMAX sequences planned
• Night at the Museum franchise revival in development at 20th Century Studios
• Industry mourns losses of Kenneth Cawley (Star Wars), Jim Shooter (Marvel editor), Julian McMahon (Dr. Doom), and Mark Snow (X-Files composer)

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Chapters

• 0:00 Superman Dominates Weekend Box Office
• 4:46 Marvel's Tribute to Jack Kirby
• 7:31 Upcoming Film Adaptations & Highlander News
• 11:06 Sean Astin's SAG-AFTRA Presidential Bid
• 14:26 Night at the Museum Revival
• 19:04 Remembering Fallen Icons of Pop Culture

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Tonight, the man of tomorrow is back. Marvel celebrates Kirby and remember Kenneth Cawley, jim Shooter, julian McMahon and composer Mark Snow All then more in 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 Townley. Hello and welcome to episode 244 of Multiverse Tonight. I'm, of course, your host, thomas Townley, and Superman has done really well this weekend. Dc Films with Warner Brothers is over the moon. They've brought in more in the range they want to get to. So let's go on and talk about DC Comics News.

Speaker 1: 0:57

Episode 244 begins with Warners is reporting Superman this morning at $122 million. Now this is a man of this. Man of steel is higher per rivals in the $124 to $125 million range. Displaying the difference is $123 million. Saturday per Warner Brothers, it made about $37.7 million for the James Gunn-directed movie. Now Warner's believes Sunday got about negative 25% from Saturday with $28.2 million, while rivals believe there's an even bigger, bluer sky for Kel-El around $30 million. Now Warner Brothers execs have every reason to be doing a crypto doggy dance this morning as the studio's second $100 million plus opening this year after a Minecraft movie. Now, technically, warner Brothers still owns the number one and number three biggest openings of the year currently Warner's own six number one openings year to date. It's also DC Studios co-head Peter Safran's biggest opening ever at the box office, ahead of Aquaman's $67.8 million. The second best opening for a Superman movie overall behind Batman v Superman with $166 million. And the best opening for a Superman movie overall behind Batman v Superman for it, with 166 million. And the best opening for a Superman first franchise installment, ahead of man of Steel, which got 116.6 million of the three-day weekend. And the second best opening for James Gunn behind Guardians of the Galaxy, volume 2. Now James Gunn's DC Studios Phase 1, gods and Monsters, is officially in motion with this release and the writer, director and producer has scored big at the box office.

Speaker 1: 2:54

He took to social media to celebrate Superman's opening at $122 million domestically and $217 million globally, saying quote I am incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kind words over the past few days. We've had a lot of super in Superman over the years and I'm happy to have made a movie that focuses on the man part of the equation. A kind person always looks out for those in need that resonates so powerfully with so many people across the world is in itself a hopeful testament to the kindness and quality of human beings. Thank you. Now, looking at the box office market, in total, superman came at $122 million, jurassic World Rebirth came at $40 million, f1 the movie at $13 million, how to Train your Dragon at $7.8 million and Elio at $3.9 million. And the year to date. Superman comes in so far at number 12 on the list for 2025. For 2025. Still at number one is a Minecraft movie which has grossed over $423 million total. Superman Reigns at number 12. So it's got a little ways to catch up, but considering the movie-going appetite for this show, we might be in good shots.

Speaker 1: 4:46

Anyway, let's go on to the Marvel. News begins with celebrating Jack Kirby, and New York Street will be renamed in honor of a Marvel legend. Now, jack the King Kirby, a visionary co-creator behind the Fantastic Four and numerous other iconic Marvel characters, has received a fitting tribute in his native New York City. On July 9th, delancey Street at the intersection of Delancey and Essex, was officially renamed Yancey Street slash Jack Kirby Way. This commemoration honors Kirby's profound influence on the Marvel Universe, much of which is inspired by his own real life in the Lower East Side Now. Kirby was born, jacob Kurtzberg, on August 28, 1917, just a block away on Essex Street, and infused his comics with elements of his upbringing. This is particularly evident in the character of Ben Grimm, also known as the Thing, who famously hails from Yancy Street. The new street sign proudly displays the Fantastic Four logo in the team signature white and blue colors, a testament to Kirby's enduring legacy.

Speaker 1: 5:52

Members of the Kirby family were present for the momentous occasion. Granddaughter Jillian Kirby highlighted the deep personal connection with the Fantastic Four. Noting quote Fantastic Four. Noting quote Grandpa Jack saw himself in the thing Ben Grimm being named after our great grandfather. But Fantastic Four is so surrounded and so grounded in the Kirby family. Sue Storm was also named after our Aunt, sue. Jillian also spoke about the positive impact of the Boys Brotherhood Republic now the Boys and Girls Republic on Jack Kirby, an organization that not only provided a safe haven but also fostered his early editorial and artistic talents. Another granddaughter, tracy Kirby, expressed the honor would have meant a great deal to Jack. Saying, quote this would be a great honor for Jack. He was a New Yorker at To the End, unquote Now. A New York Marvel spokesperson emphasized the significance of the event to comicbookcom saying, quote the Fantastic Four are at the heart and soul of Marvel, so this commemoration is a truly special moment for us to honor what Jack accomplished here in the city, a meaningful reminder of Jack's background here in New York, his unparalleled creative vision and the groundbreaking role the street and city plays in Marvel and our history. And of course, fantastic Four opens just in a couple of weeks. So with that let's go on to the Geek News.

Speaker 1: 7:31

Solopist Sol. Solopistist Films has acquired yeah, you try to say that one right off the bat. Solopistist Films has acquired the film rights to Top Secret Service, an upcoming action comedy comic book written by Zach Keller and illustrated by Giovanni LaPietra. The comic is described as a high-concept blend of action comedy a la Midnight Run and 48 Hours with political suspense of Air Force One. The film aims to cast two young actors alongside an older actor portraying the President of the United States. Logline reveals quote when an elite kill team assaults a remote Montana ranch, two young Secret Service agents must protect the retired president. They were assigned only to discover that he's the last living link to a decades-old alien contact cover-up and the key to unlocking dangerous extraterrestrial tech. The world was never meant to find. Zach Keller is set to adapt the script with Sol Pusks Stephen Leroux producing. Leroux's previous work includes Sin City, a dame to kill for, and he is also developing a Kung Fu movie for Universal starring Donnie Yen. Keller's diverse credits span the Cuphead comic book series, the Walking Dead video games and Disney's DuckTales. La Pietra is recognized for her contributions to such titles as Red Sonja.

Speaker 1: 9:01

Now, further details regarding the publication plan for Top Secret Service are anticipated, to be announced this fall at the New York Comic Con. Denis Villeneuve's upcoming return to Arrakis will officially be titled Dune Part 3. Reports had called the film Dune Messiah nod to the 1969 book from Frank Herbert that the film will adapt as its storyline, following Paul Muadib Atreides as he takes over as the Emperor On Rintrek. The film is listed as Dune Part 3. The film also will include sequences shot with IMAX cameras. However, dune Part 3 will not entirely be shot with IMAX cameras.

Speaker 1: 9:41

Following in the footsteps of Christopher Nolan's the Odyssey, which is the first and so far only film to be produced that way Industries' Marissa Abela is the newest addition to the cast of the new Highlander film from Amazon, mgm Studios, united Artists. According to Deadlinecom Details as to her role are under wraps. She joins a cast that includes Henry Cavill, who plays the immortal warrior Connor McCloud, as well as Russell Crowe, who plays his mentor Ramirez. Russell Crowe, who plays his mentor Ramirez. The John Wick franchise's Chad Stilinski is directing the theatrical feature from a script by Michael Finch. Ua's Scott Stubber and Nick Nesbitt will produce, alongside Neil H Mortiz, stilowski's 8711 Entertainment, john Davis of Davis Panzer Productions and Louise Rosner. Ua had secured film rights to the 1969 original and potential to also develop a new series. Lionsgate is developing the film Lord of the Rings.

Speaker 1: 10:43

Actor Sean Astin is seeking to replace SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher in the upcoming union election. Astin has submitted a bid to lead the 160,000 member organization. According to Deadlinecom. Also on his ticket are Michael Hurd for Secretary Treasurer, jolie Fisher for President of the Los Angeles Local Board, lisa Ann Walter for First Vice President of the Local Board and David Jolliffe to return for a second vice presidency. If elected, austin would follow in these footsteps of his mother, patty Duke, the Valley of the Dolls and Miracle Worker actress, who became the second woman ever to run the Screen Actors Guild in 1985. She held a position for three years. Austin had previously served on five separate SAG-AFTRA negotiating committees, including the most recent contract one after a historically long, 118-day strike in 2023. He is also a member of SAG-AFTRA National and the LA local boards and national convention delegate. Now, so far, the full picture of the race is unclear. Current SAG-AFTRA President Drescher could not be reached for comment as to where she plans to seek in her term. Whether Drescher or someone else, the president leading the guild next year will have a Herculean task ahead of them as SAG-AFTRA returns to the negotiating table with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which collectively bargains on behalf of the major Hollywood studios. Now. This will be the first contract negotiation cycle after the 2023 strike, regarding an industry that has been changed and hit hard by a global production contraction that has resulted in far less work. There are still some concerns that the union is seeking to address, primarily regarding technological advances in artificial intelligence over the past three years years. Sag-aftra political hopefuls have until 5 pm Friday to submit their nominating petitions. A full list of candidates is expected next week. Election ballots would go out and be collected from August 13th to September 12th.

Speaker 1: 12:46

20th Century and Sean Levy's 21 Laps are revisiting Night at the Museum. The original franchise starred Ben Stiller as the overnight security guard at the Natural History Museum where, thanks to an ancient Egyptian curse, the exhibits come alive at night. Rami Malek, robin Williams and Owen Wilson were among the actors who played reanimated exhibits. Trevor Clancy from Die Hard and Stuber has been tasked to write the new take. The plot details for the original editing are currently under wraps. The original film came out all the way back in 2006. Yeah, I know, people think 2006 is a long time ago and was followed by Night at the Museum Ballad of the Smithsonian in 2009 and Night at the Museum Secrets of the Tomb in 2014. Now all three films have grossed over $540 million at the domestic box office and were directed by Levy. Levy and Dan Levine will produce the new take for 21 Laps, with Emily Morris overseeing the project. 21 Laps, which will soon release the final season of Stranger Things, is repped by WME.

Speaker 1: 13:52

Do we really need another Night at the Museum movie, really? Yeah, doesn't? I mean, isn't anything evergreen anymore? Do we really need to remake it? I don't know. We just had Superman, but that's different. You can always make a new Superman. Anyway, let's go on with some passings, shall we?

Speaker 1: 14:26

First off Kenneth Coley, known for his role as Admiral Piet in the original Star Wars series and Jesus in my Python's Life of Brian, passed away on June 30th at his Kent England home at the age of 87. His death was caused by pneumonia which developed after he contracted COVID following an initial hospitalization for an injured arm from a fall. His agent, julian Owen, announced Cawley's death in a statement first reported by the BBC. Owen described Cawley as quote Now. Cawley's extensive career encompassed stage, film, television, where he portrayed a wide range of characters, and these include evil and eccentric actors in Ken Russell films, the Duke of Vienna in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure for the BBC and Estragon in the 2014 stage production of Beckett's Waiting for Godot at the Cockpit Theatre in London, a role his agent noted as his favorite. Huerpreis' role as Admiral Piet in the 2012 animated film Lego Star Wars the Empire Strikes Out. His other noble credits include Clint Eastwood's Firefox aka Kursumas I Hired a Contract Killer and Ken Russell's the Rainbow Again. Kenneth Coley was 87 years old.

Speaker 1: 15:44

Jim Shooter, the controversial former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics who conceived and wrote 1984's Marvel Super Heroes, secret Wars, the first company-wide crossover in the history of comics, has died. He was 73. Writer and former DC Comics editor, mark Waid, who once described the shooter-scripted Legion of Super Heroes story in 1968's Adventure Comics number 369, as quote the single most influential to my craft story I ever read unquote took to social media to announce the news on Monday, writing in a Facebook post that Shooter died from esophageal cancer. Quote I've just received word that Jim Shooter passed away of esophageal cancer, which he's been battling for some time. I realize that for many he's been a controversial figure in the past, mostly with regards to his managerial style, but my experiences with him lay outside that realm and began with my lifelong love for his writing, beginning with the first time I ever picked up a copy of Adventure Comics in 1967. Born September 27, 1951, in Pittsburgh, pennsylvania, unquote. After being commissioned to write Supergirl and Superman stories During his years at DC, shooter created Superman Villain Parasite in 1966, action Comics no 340, and wanted to create such legionnaires as Princess Projecta, pharaoh Lad, karate Kid and the 30th Century Supervillains, the Fatal Five.

Speaker 1: 17:23

Quote. For those who don't know, jim broke into comics at the age of 14. Let me say that again, 14. I don't know about you, but when I was 14, I could barely put sentences together on paper. Wade wrote, quote during a hospital stay. He'd been given some Marvel and DC comics and could clearly see how much more exciting the Marvel comics were and wouldn't understand why DC's books couldn't have the same vitality. Having no idea how comic scripts were done, he literally wrote and drew a Legion of Superheroes story on notebook paper and sent it to editor Mort Weisinger, who put him to work immediately, having no idea how young he was until later Now, the protege of then national periodicals. Later, dc editor Mort Weisinger, who's run on the Superman titles, introduced such characters as Supergirl and Crypto.

Speaker 1: 18:17

Shooter, then 17, left DC for rival publisher Marvel for a three-week stint in 1969. Shooter characterized his time working with Weisinger as abusive. Shooter would then return to Marvel when then-editor-in-chief Marv Wolfman offered him a position in the Marvel bullpen in 1975. By 1978, shooter has succeeded Archie Goodwin as editor-in-chief overseeing the Chris Claremont-penned and Kenny X-Men, john Byrne's Fantastic Four, frank Miller's Daredevil, walt Simonson's Thor, roger Stern's Amazing Spider-Men, john Byrne's Fantastic Four, frank Miller's Daredevil, walt Simonson's Thor, roger Stern's Amazing Spider-Man and X-Men's spinoff Dazzler, which Shooter conceived with Alex Donfeld and John Romia Jr, with some help from Stan Lee, al Milgram, richard Stern and Tom DeFalco.

Speaker 1: 19:04

He implemented a quote continuity bonus unquote, described by Shooter as the first incentive system in mainstream comics to keep creators on successive issues, as well as life insurance for freelancers, standardized career contracts and a royalty system Quote. I fixed a lot of things, but my greatest frustrations were the royalties and artwork return, which were delayed by lawsuits. I also increased rates, doubling them and then doubling them again, because we started to make more money unquote. Now Schroeder recalled in 2010,. Quote. I tried to standardize and boost the rates up. Superstars like Frank Miller he got paid like the old guys because he's Frank Miller. I did respect the creative contributions, like the age and seniority of the guys. I made sure guys who'd been there for 20 years weren't getting the minimum. I also respected genius unquote. Now Byrne writer of Alpha Flight from 1983 to 1995, claimed that Shooter enforced a quote no gaze in the Marvel Universe policy under the strict code of the Comics Code Authority. Shooter's interference with the Dark Phoenix saga and the iconic Chris Claremont Byrne and Kenny Axman run was just one of the several creator conflicts that led to an exodus. As Wolfman put it in 2003,. Quote. Professionals left Marvel in droves unquote.

Speaker 1: 20:16

After Shooter took the reins of Marvel In 1984, in the midst of popular toy lines like GI Joe and Masters of the Universe. Toymakers wanted an editorial concept to tie to a new Marvel-based line of action figures. That concept became Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars. At the time, the biggest crossover in the history of the Marvel Universe. The 12-issue series written by Shooter, edited by DeFalco and penciled by Mike Zeck and Bob Layton was as successful as the toy line. The original Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars assembled Marvel's greatest heroes and villains the Avengers, fantastic Four, x-men, hulk and Spider-Man among them and pitted them against supervillains like Doctor Doom, galactus, ultron, doc Ock and the working crew by the cosmic, being known as the Beyonder. The series famously featured the debut appearance of Spider-Man's black alien costume in issue number eight. Now, shooter also wrote the sequel, the 1959 issue limited series Secret Wars 2, drawn by Milgram. The 1984 series inspired writer John Hickman's multiversal crossover Secret Wars in 2015, which is being adapted into Marvel Studios' Secret Wars in 2015, which is being adapted into Marvel Studios' Avengers Doomsday and Avengers Secret Wars Again.

Speaker 1: 21:34

Jim Shooter was 73 years old. Next up actor Julian McMahon, known for his starring roles in Nip Tuck, charmed, fbi, most Wanted and the 2000's Fantastic Four movies, died July 2nd in Clearwater, florida, after a private battle with cancer. He was 56 years old. In a statement, mcmahon's wife, kelly McMahon, wrote quote With an open heart I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after valiant effort to overcome cancer. Julian loved life, he loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his work and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible. We asked for support during this time to allow our family to grieve in privacy, and we wish for all those to whom Julian brought joy to continue to find joy in life, and we are grateful for the memories Now.

Speaker 1: 22:31

Mcmahon was born in Sydney, australia, on July 27, 1968. His father, billy McMahon, was served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972. Starting his career as a model, mcmahon transferred to acting with a lead role in the short-lived 1989 Australian daytime soap the Power, the Passion. He segued to another off-sea soap, the Long-Running Home and Away, where he appeared from 1990 to 1991, before making his feature acting debut as the lead opposite Elliot Gould in the 1992 Australian-American movie Wet and Wild Summer. Wet and Wild Summer. Mcmahon then moved to Hollywood and started off his American career the way he did with his Australian one with a role in A Daytime Soap.

Speaker 1: 23:14

After a stint on NBC's Another World in 1993, mcmahon transitioned to primetime as a series regular on the network's crime drama Profiler for its four-season run. He went on to join the WB's popular supernatural drama Charmed for a three-season starring turn as the demonic Cole Turner. Next up, mcmahon lands his first series role when he and Dylan Walsh headlined Ryan Murphy's hit plastic surgery drama Nip Tuck, which ran on FX for six seasons and earned him a Golden Globe nomination for playing the handsome, charming and promiscuous Dr Christian Troy. The role established McMahon as a TV leading man and his status was reaffirmed when he was tapped as a star for CBS's FBI Most Wanted playing team leader Jess LaCroix from the FBI's Most Wanted unit for three seasons before a surprise March 2022 exit. Mcmahon's TV resume also includes a series regular stint on Hulu's Marvel's Runaway In features.

Speaker 1: 24:12

He is best known for a starring role as Dr Doom in Tim Story's two Fantastic Four movies the 2005 Fantastic Four and 2007 sequel Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer. Now McMahon's other film credits include Premonition, red Paranoia, you're Not you, swinging Safari and, most recently, the 2024 the Surfer and the Supremes at Earl's All you Can Eat. His final role was on Netflix's murder mystery series the Residents In a full circle. Moment McMahon was tapped into his roots for the part playing the Australian Prime Minister. Again, actor Julian McMahon, dead at the age of 56.

Speaker 1: 24:55

And finally tonight, veteran television composer Mark Snow, best known for his work on the iconic X-Files theme, the hit at the top of the charts in the UK, as well as penning the music for series such as Smallville, ghost Whisperer, Blue Bloods and dozens of others, died Friday at his home in Connecticut at the age of 78. Emmy-winning musician, composer and friend, sean Kellery posted the news and the tribute on Facebook. Mark Snow, and one of the most wonderful and talented people I've ever known, has passed away. 33 years ago, he was mentoring me as an artist who knew that I was also at the beginning of a deep friendship that would only grow and evolve over three decades, along with our graying hair and tighter deadlines. His humor, his spirit, his talent Good God, his immense talent. The world has lost a genuine and beautiful soul. Whenever I was working on a theme, I would send it to him for feedback and he would diagnose it instantly with a knowing swipe of his hand, indicating that I discarded all the superfluous drivel I was putting out there because he knew how to get to the heart and truth of things. That wisdom continues to inform me both inside and outside the music studio. I am so grateful to him for his sage counsel and his laugh-out-loud biting wit. My career got started by an act of generosity on his part 33 years ago. Period Full stop. I love you, my friend. There will never be another like you. I send love to Glynis and all his children and grandchildren during this time.

Speaker 1: 26:26

In addition to the X-Files theme, sho wrote the music for Millennium, another Chris Carter-created project, and worked on both shows for over 12 seasons. You can listen, we all know the X-Files theme Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun, dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-d. That's a great theme. Over the course of his long career, snow also composed music and other scores for dozens of hit shows, including Heart to Heart, the Love Boat, vegas Starsky, hutch Cagney, lacey, tj Hooker, matt Houston and Pee Wee's Playhouse. His first credit came in 1976 for the buzzy TV movie the Boy in the Plastic Bubble starring John Travolta, now on the big screen. He worked on the X-Files movie 1998, ernest Saves, christmas Crazy in Alabama and the New Mutants. So again, veteran television composer Mark Snow, who penned the X-Files theme, dead at the age of 78.

Speaker 1: 27:30

That brings us to the end of our show for today. That brings us to the end of the show for today. Now, please be sure to check us out on social media. We're on Blue Sky and Twitter, at Multiverse Tom Threads, facebook and Instagram, as well at Multiverse Tonight. If you've gotten some value out of the show and would like to pay it back, head on over to Multiverse Tonight, where you'll find our Patreon and Ko-fi links, check our show notes, visit our TeePublic store and so much more. Now, if this is your first time listening, thank you very much. Thank you, and please go hit that subscribe button and share us with others. Now. 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. Goodness, now please exit the universe in an orderly fashion. Good night. Multiverse Tonight is a production of Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. This podcast is brought to you by the Sculpture Podcast.