Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel TV

  • Marvel Animation’s Roadmap to the Stars: How X-Men ’97 Could Lead to Marvel’s Greatest Cosmic Stories Being Told on Screen

    Marvel Animation’s Roadmap to the Stars: How X-Men ’97 Could Lead to Marvel’s Greatest Cosmic Stories Being Told on Screen

    Marvel Studios waded into the shallow end of the nostalgia pool with X-Men ’97. It was a low-risk project for them in that it had a very high floor thanks to the deeply revered X-Men: The Animated Series. Through three episodes, ’97 has performed well above that floor and the only question left to answer is just how high of a ceiling the project has, especially with new viewers. Once the wistful sentiment wears off of those who grew up watching TAS on Saturday mornings, the series still has to keep the attention of a new, younger audience in order to sustain success into a second season.

    Should it do so, however, Marvel Studios May have found a new recipe to success in Grandma’s ’90s cookbook and may just decide to continue to go backward to go forward and revive some of their other ’90s animated series. While there’s currently no indication they are planning to do so nor any guarantee they could replicate the microwaved hype of X-Men ’97, previous animated series such as Silver Surfer, Fantastic Four and, yes, Spider-Man preemptively and unknowingly put the pieces in place for Marvel Animation to adapt some of Marvel Comics greatest hits of the ’00s.

    It’s in the DnA

    Beginning in 2006, Marvel Comics published a related series of cosmic crossover events largely created by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, aka DnA, with a kickstart from Keith Giffen. Over the course the next five years, Marvel’s publishing house redefined the cosmic corner of Marvel Comics for the first time since Jim Starlin‘s decade and change time as the defining voice of their space operas. Through Annihilation, Annihilation: Conquest, War of Kings, Realm of Kings, The Thanos Imperative and The Annihilators, the House of Ideas revitalized old heroes and villains, reimagined others and reminded readers just how broad the the cosmos is. Serendipitously, Marvel Animation could be poised to repeat the success of their publishing partner by simply retelling these incredible stories on a stage that has already been set for them.

    More than five years passed between the end of the run of Marvel and Saban Entertainment’s animated series (X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man Unlimited and Avengers: United They Stand) and the publication of Annihilation; however, those series laid enough foundation to allow Marvel Animation to orchestrate a run through Abnett and Lanning’s cosmic opus. Incredibly, most of the main players of the DnA’s cosmic stories were introduced in the ’90s animated series and those who weren’t could easily be worked into an episode of one of a few series that would most likely be revived.

    The Dope Old School ’90s Animated Series Introduced Some O.G. Peeps Who Will Play a Phat Part in the Cosmic Stories

    Before looking at how Marvel Animation could move ahead, let’s take a quick look at the work that was done in the ’90s that could provide the springboard into the Cosmic crossover events.

    X-Men

    The granddaddy of them all, as it were, X-Men: The Animated Series brought new life to Marvel’s properties in 1992, paving the way for Fox to roll out their X-Men films which, along with 1998’s Blade, put things into place for Marvel Studios to roll the dice on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ironically, the success of X-Men ’97 may now convince Disney to further invest in animation. The circle of life. X-Men: The Animated Series largely took its inspiration from Chris Claremont‘s work on Marvel Comics’ Uncanny X-Men but also drew on plenty of other issues and runs. Outside of the core X-Men themselves, the original animated series introduced several characters and locations during its five-season, 76-episode run that would be key players in an animated Cosmic arc.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in X-Men: The Animated Series
    • The Shi’ar (Season 3)
    • The Starjammers (Season 3)
    • The Blue Area of the Moon (Season 3)
    • The Kree (Season 3)
    • The High Evolutionary (Season 4)
    • Moondragon (Season 4)
    • The Phalanx (Season 5)

    Fantastic Four

    Paired with Iron Man as part of the Marvel Action Hour, Fantastic Four ran for 26 episodes over two seasons from 1994-1996. For the most part, the series adapted the earliest adventures of the team from the comics and introduced dozens of characters that would fit neatly into Marvel Animation’s Cosmic narrative.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in Fantastic Four
    • Skrulls (Season 1)
    • Silver Surfer (Season 1)
    • Galactus (Season 1)
    • Firelord (Season 1)
    • Terrax (Season 1)
    • Kl’rt, the Super-Skrull (Season 1)
    • The Negative Zone (Season 1)
    • Annihilus (Season 1)
    • Blastaar (Season 1)
    • The Inhuman Royal Family (Season 2)
    • Attilan (Season 2)
    • Darkhawk (Season 2)

    The Incredible Hulk

    The Jade Giant was given 2 seasons of his own animated series that totaled 21 episodes which aired in 1996 and 1997. Though neither Banner nor Hulk are key characters in any of the Cosmic stories, his children are and including him also allows for some great stories to be told in the revivals which can’t just be about the Cosmic stories.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in The Incredible Hulk
    • Bruce Banner/The Hulk

    Silver Surfer

    Possibly a bit too far out even for the ’90s, Silver Surfer ran for only one, 13-episode season after a legal dispute between Saban and Marvel killed the partially developed second season. Though it wasn’t connected to Fantastic Four and aired after the cancellation, I’m not entirely sure it contradicts any story arcs from it either. Silver Surfer introduced so many of Marvel Comics’ major Cosmic players in its one and only season, making it an integral part of the foundation needed for Marvel Animation to tell the DnA stories.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in Silver Surfer
    • Thanos
    • Drax
    • Gamora
    • Ronan
    • Nebula
    • Adam Warlock
    • Beta Ray Bill
    • Kree Supreme Intelligence

    The Avengers: United They Stand

    The last of the series to be produced through the collaborative efforts of Marvel Entertainment Group and Saban Entertainment, The Avengers: United They Stand pales in comparison to the superior Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes; however, it put one key character in play (sparing us all another origin story) and a revival for a second season could carve out an episode or two for an adaptation of a mid-2000s crossover event that could be used to help us out.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in The Avengers: United They Stand
    • Ultron

    Incredibly, without any possible way of knowing what they were doing, the folks at Marvel Entertainment Group introduced almost every main player in DnA’s Cosmic run. A few big guns are missing but that can all be easily fixed in subsequent revival seasons of the shows listed above.

    POV: How Letting Marvel Animation Cook and Giving the Cheugy ’90s Series Glow Ups Will Lead to a Bussin Shared Universe

    No cap: making this revival work as a way to adapt the DnA stories through the animated series is my Roman Empire. So, how do we get there based on what’s been done in X-Men: The Animated Series, Season 1 of X-Men ’97, Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer? That’s the easy part and it just requires giving a few key individuals that main character energy. Here’s a road map to make sure we’re all eating good in our revival era.

    The reality is that even if this were to happen, it would be years before it unfolds on our small screens. (Cue Invincible reference): Animation takes a long time. However, with two more seasons of X-Men ’97 already ordered up, Marvel Animation seems like it’s here to stay for at least a while. For the purposes of this totally made-up series of events, we’re operating under the assumption that Season 2 of X-Men ’97 streams before the first DnA domino falls.

    The Incredible Hulk Season 3

    There’s no such thing as too much Hulk. A third season of the animated series could continue the exploration of his fractured psyche, introduce the animated iteration of the Illuminati and send him off to Sakaar in a cliffhanger episode where he could meet a familiar face. The continued adventures of The Sentinel of the Spaceways will be an integral part of the infrastructure of the shared universe simply because he can be any and everywhere. Season 1 of Silver Surfer ended on a cliffhanger and it provides the perfect opportunity to open Season 2 with him unaware of how he’s come to be on Sakaar and under the control of the Red King. This could be a classic Marvel Animation two or three-parter to wrap up the third season of The Incredible Hulk with an adaptation of Planet Hulk.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in The Incredible Hulk Season 3
    • Caiera the Oldstrong

    Silver Surfer Season 2

    In the comics, Surfer’s time on Sakaar immediately preceded the awful chain of events that befell the galaxy and having Season 2 of Silver Surfer spin out of Season 3 of The Incredible Hulk provides the perfect opportunity for the first big event to unfold. Assuming a 10-episode season and the pace at which stories are told in animation, Season 2 could open with a two-part adaptation of Kurt Busiek‘s Maximum Security crossover event. Though it preceded Planet Hulk in publication, it could serve as a great way to integrate the X-Men, Fantastic Four and some cosmic heavy hitters into the narrative. A few changes could introduce the Kyln and one of its prisoners, Star-Lord, who will play a big role later in the season. A flashback episode somewhere along the line can introduce Mar-Vell to the mix, paving the way to explore his legacy later. A quick stop on Xandar in Episode 5 could introduce Xandar, Richard Rider and the Nova Corps and then a three-part season finale could adapt the incredible Annihilation event.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in Silver Surfer Season 2
    • The Blood Brothers (Maximum Security arc)
    • Quasar (Maximum Security arc)
    • The Kyln (Maximum Security arc)
    • Star-Lord (Maximum Security arc)
    • Xandar
    • The Nova Corps
    • Richard Rider
    • Mar-Vell
    • Phyla-Vell
    • Genis-Vell

    The Avengers: United They Stand Season 2

    The first season only introduced a handful of Avengers and the focus was on the West Coast team. A second season could add to the roster but its real purpose is to allow for an adaptation of Secret Invasion that involves the X-Men. Sure, that story was done in Avengers: EMH but it fits so well here and allows for an interesting path to Annihilation: Conquest being adapted as well. According to its creator, Brian Michael Bendis, Secret Invasion was the result of the Skrull homeworld being destroyed in Annihilation, so let Season 2 of The Avengers: United They Stand handle that story while working as a huge crossover while revealing that the Richard Rider who found himself back on Earth and involved in the battle was a Skrull.

    Fantastic Four Season 3

    Following the events of Secret Invasion and the revelation that the man Earth’s Mightiest Heroes thought to be Nova was a Skrull, the third season of Fantastic Four will open with an episode dedicated to recovering all heroes that had been simmed by the Skrulls. What a story Richard Rider will have to tell once he comes around. Told during an extended two-episode flashback, Rider, reunited with his brother Robbie, will detail his role as the central hero in the fight against the Phalanx and its leader, Ultron, following the fight against the Annihilation Wave. These episodes are a huge payoff from storylines set in motion both in the ’90s series and in the revival seasons. As the episodes draw to a close, Rider can reveal that as the war against the Phalanx came to an end, his ally Kl’rt alerted him that the Skrulls were planning to invade Earth and that as he attempted to return home to warn his friends, he was captured by the shapeshifting aliens.

    Annihilation: Conquest is arguably the best story in the Cosmic series and plays a pivotal role in the future of the universe. Should Marvel Animation be so inclined, they could use it to launch a Guardians of the Galaxy animated series that would be far different from the MCU’s live-action films and prior animated series featuring the team. The Guardians still have a major role to play in the next act.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in Fantastic Four Season 3
    • Zak-Del/Wraith
    • Robbie Rider

    X-Men ’97 Season 3

    Without knowing what stories Season 2 of X-Men ’97 will explore, we can’t really be sure how this will go but we’re just playing here so it’s fine. To keep things on track, Season 3 will need to bring back the Starjammers and update the story of Chris Summers, aka Corsair, to include his third son, Gabriel. A nice, three-episode arc could tell the Rise and Fall of the Shi’ar Empire and put Emperor Vulcan on the throne just in time for a war.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in X-Men ’97 Season 3
    • Gabriel Summers/Vulcan

    Guardians of the Galaxy Season 1

    A brand new series with a heavy load to carry, Guardians of the Galaxy Season 1 can take a the majority of its episodes to get rolling and give the feel for the team before a two-episode adaptation of War of Kings. The Shi’ar, the Inhumans, the Starjammers and Blastaar, King of the Negative Zone, all get big payoffs in a crazy, all-out war that heavily involves the Guardians and Nova. The mid-season two-parter should leave audiences on a cliffhanger as the consequences of the war are made clear when Quasar’s exploration of “The Fault” leads to his disappearance.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy
    • The Fraternity of Raptors
    • The Universal Church of Truth

    The Incredible Hulk Season 3 and Guardians of the Galaxy Season 1

    Quite a proposal here but if Marvel Animation could pull it off, it would be epic! While audiences have been following events of War of Kings in the middle of Season 1 of Guardians of the Galaxy, Season 3 of The Incredible Hulk will have been setting the stage and telling the tale of World War Hulk. Following the WWH story, an episode or two of The Incredible Hulk will be spent revisiting the planet of Sakaar and its people, including the Hulk’s two sons, Skaar and Hiro-Kala. The stage is now set for part of the story of Realm of Kings to be told in The Incredible Hulk and part to be told at the end of Season 1 of Guardians of the Galaxy.

    Key Characters and Places Introduced in The Incredible Hulk Season 3

    • Hiro-Kala

    Silver Surfer Season 3

    DnA’s Cosmic run ended with two limited runs: The Thanos Imperative and Annihilators. There’s no better place to tell these two stories than in the third season of Silver Surfer. By this point in time, all the main players for both stories are not only on the board but also incredibly well-developed. Characters such as Thanos, Adam Warlock, Ronan and Beta Ray Bill–who first appeared in the ’90s Silver Surfer series–all get major payoffs through the two stories and the audience gets to see one of the great Marvel Comics’ teams in action. While it marks the end of the great Cosmic confluence, a final episode “stinger” could reveal that Thanos is still alive and set the stage for a return to Earth-bound stories based on Jonathan Hickman‘s Infinity story.

    This is an ambitious road map, no doubt, and not something anyone should ever expect to see; however, it shines a light on the animation’s ability to adapt great Marvel Comics’ stories a little more faithfully and tell some of them that are likely not going to unfold in the MCU anytime soon…if ever.

  • ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ Rewatch-Deadly Reunions

    ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ Rewatch-Deadly Reunions

    X-Men: The Animated Series premiered in 1992 and quickly became a beloved adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics series. Known for its faithful portrayal of the iconic mutant superhero team, the show captivated audiences with its engaging storytelling, dynamic characters, and thrilling action sequences. Beginning March 20th, Marvel Animation will roll out an all-new revival of the series, X-Men ’97.

    After introducing the team in the two-part series premiere (“Night of the Sentinels Part 1” and “Night of the Sentinels Part 2”), the series’ third episode introduced Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants in “Enter Magneto.” Episode 4, “Deadly Reunions”, delves into the shared past of Magneto and the X-Men’s Charles Xavier.

    A World in Turmoil

    Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between mutants and humans, “Deadly Reunions” opens with the introduction of Magneto’s former ally and protege, Professor Xavier. Xavier, the telepathic leader of the X-Men, has devoted his life to promoting peace and understanding between mutants and humans. However, his efforts are continually challenged by the actions of individuals like Magneto, whose radical beliefs and actions threaten to destabilize the delicate balance of power in the world.

    Revisiting the Past

    The episode delves into the complicated history between Xavier and Magneto, revealing their shared past as friends and allies in the fight for mutant rights. However, their friendship was torn apart by ideological differences, leading Magneto down a path of extremism and violence. Now, years later, Magneto resurfaces, seeking revenge against his former friend and the X-Men for perceived betrayals and injustices. As Magneto’s presence looms over the X-Men, they must confront their own pasts and grapple with the consequences of their actions, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that will test their bonds of friendship and loyalty to the breaking point.

     As Magneto launches a series of devastating attacks on key military installations, the X-Men are thrust into a race against time to stop him before he unleashes chaos and destruction on a global scale. Led by Cyclops, the X-Men mobilize to thwart Magneto’s plans and protect innocent lives from harm, but they quickly realize that defeating Magneto will require more than just brute force—it will require them to confront the painful truths of their shared history and find a way to reconcile their differences.

    Reunion with a Dark Past

    “Deadly Reunions” also delves into the troubled past of Wolverine, one of the X-Men’s most enigmatic members, as he comes face to face with his former mentor turned nemesis, Sabretooth. The episode explores the deep-seated animosity between Wolverine and Sabretooth, delving into their shared history and the unresolved conflicts that have defined their tumultuous relationship. As old wounds are reopened and bitter rivalries reignited, Wolverine finds himself confronting the ghosts of his past and grappling with the demons that continue to haunt him to this day.

    Sabretooth plays a pivotal role as a central antagonist, confronting Wolverine and reigniting their long-standing feud. Sabretooth’s appearance dredges up painful memories and unresolved conflicts from Wolverine’s past, as the two mutants engage in a fierce battle fueled by years of animosity and bitterness. Sabretooth’s savage nature and relentless pursuit of Wolverine serve as a stark reminder of the darkness that lurks within the mutant community, highlighting the constant struggle between the X-Men’s ideals of peace and tolerance and the harsh realities of a world torn apart by prejudice and fear. As Wolverine grapples with his inner demons and confronts the ghosts of his past, Sabretooth emerges as a formidable adversary, pushing him to his limits and testing the strength of his convictions. Ultimately, Sabretooth’s role in “Deadly Reunions” serves to deepen the complexity of the X-Men universe, shedding light on the darker aspects of mutant society and the ongoing battle between good and evil.

    The Xavier-Magneto Confrontation

    The heart of “Deadly Reunions” lies in the tense confrontation between Professor Xavier and Magneto, two powerful mutants whose paths have diverged dramatically since their days as friends and allies. As Xavier confronts Magneto, he is forced to grapple with the painful memories of their shared past and the choices that led them down different paths. Meanwhile, Magneto, driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge and vindication, refuses to back down, determined to prove the superiority of mutantkind and assert his dominance over humanity. Their clash of wills and ideologies serves as a microcosm of the larger struggle between mutants and humans, as they each represent competing visions for the future of mutantkind—one rooted in cooperation and understanding, the other in dominance and conquest.

    As the battle between Xavier and Magneto reaches its climax, the true cost of their conflict becomes painfully clear. Innocent lives hang in the balance as the X-Men and Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants clash in a destructive showdown that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of society. Caught in the crossfire, ordinary citizens are forced to confront their own prejudices and fears, as they witness firsthand the destructive power of hatred and intolerance. In the aftermath of the battle, the X-Men are left to pick up the pieces and reckon with the consequences of their actions, knowing that the fight for peace and coexistence is far from over.

    The Rise of Mutant Internment Camps

    “Deadly Reunions” introduces a chilling development in mutant-human relations with the establishment of mutant internment camps. These facilities, reminiscent of the darkest chapters of human history, serve as symbols of the escalating persecution faced by mutants in a world gripped by fear and prejudice. The creation of these camps represents a dangerous shift in government policy, as mutants are rounded up and imprisoned simply for being who they are. The existence of the internment camps underscores the gravity of the situation facing mutants and the lengths to which some will go to maintain their power and control. As the X-Men confront the horrors of these camps, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of a world divided by fear and intolerance, as well as the urgent need to fight for the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of their genetic makeup.

    Lessons Learned

    “Deadly Reunions” concludes with a sense of reflection and introspection, as the X-Men come to terms with the events that have transpired and the lessons they have learned along the way. Despite the challenges they have faced and the sacrifices they have made, the X-Men remain committed to their mission of protecting both mutants and humans and striving for a better world. As they look to the future, they know that the road ahead will be difficult and fraught with danger, but they also know that as long as they stand together, they can overcome any obstacle and triumph over adversity.

  • ‘X-Men ’97’ Debut Date Revealed

    ‘X-Men ’97’ Debut Date Revealed

    Marvel Studios has already introduced a pair of mutants into the MCU, had a couple of others appear in multiversal cameos and have Wolverine waiting on deck this summer but as fans await their full inclusion into the MCU, Disney is dipping into nostalgia to tide them over. Since it was first revealed on Disney + Day 2021, fans have been looking forward to X-Men ’97, a revival of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, and now Disney has revealed when they can catch the new series.

    Via Empire Magazine, it’s been announced that X-Men ’97 will debut on Disney Plus on March 20th!

    Beginning in 1992, 76 episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series ran over 5 seasons on Fox. Over the last 30+ years, the show has become one of the most beloved presentations of the X-Men and has etched itself into pop culture. The new series will pick up where the original left off with showrunner Beau DeMayo carrying the torch. A second season of the series is already in the works.

  • Redemption, Resurgence, and the Shadow of the Devil: Recapping ‘Daredevil’ Season 3

    Redemption, Resurgence, and the Shadow of the Devil: Recapping ‘Daredevil’ Season 3

    Marvel Studios’ Daredevil: Born Again will take viewers back to the hallowed streets of Hell’s Kitchen when it hits Disney Plus in 2025 but the recent decision to retcon Marvel Television’s Daredevil into the MCU means new viewers would have over 34 hours worth of catching up to do. While that’s certainly one option, it’s likely not necessary to know every detail of the Netflix series in order to enjoy the new series. With that in mind, we’ve decided to put together some short recaps of each season that should catch you up on the best bits. You can check out the Season 1 recap here, dive into the wild action of Season 2 here and catch up on Season 3 below.

    Season 3

    In the riveting third season of Daredevil, Matt Murdock finds himself at his lowest point after the events of The Defenders. Believed dead and grappling with internal demons, Murdock once gain finds himself up against Wilson Fisk, who orchestrates a complex plan from prison to reclaim control over Hell’s Kitchen. As Daredevil attempts to thwart Fisk’s machinations, he encounters the enigmatic and powerful FBI agent Benjamin Poindexter, whose transformation into the deadly assassin Bullseye adds a new layer of threat. Murdock’s journey to reclaim his identity becomes a harrowing exploration of morality, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between heroism and vigilantism. As alliances shift and old wounds reopen, Season 3 weaves a narrative tapestry that delves into the core of its characters, presenting a compelling and nuanced story that redefines the landscape of Hell’s Kitchen. Dive into the shadows with Daredevil as he confronts the demons of his past and the relentless pursuit of justice that defines his complex existence.

    The Resurgence of Daredevil

    In the wake of The Defenders, Hell’s Kitchen mourns the loss of its crimson-clad guardian, Daredevil. However, Season 3 shatters this mourning with a spectacular resurgence. The city, now engulfed in criminal turmoil, bears witness to the reemergence of Matt Murdock from the ashes of presumed demise. Murdock, struggling with the physical and emotional toll of his previous battles, grapples with the burden of a city in chaos. This section explores the narrative intricacies of Murdock’s resurrection, shedding light on the toll it takes on the man beneath the mask.

    As Daredevil returns to the forefront, his journey is not one of mere physical revival but a profound exploration of identity and purpose. The psychological aftermath of facing The Hand and surviving the building collapse in Midland Circle shapes Murdock’s newfound resolve. Witness the evolution of Daredevil’s tactics, as he navigates a city where lines between friend and foe blur in the shadows.

    The resurgence of Daredevil introduces a hero in flux, balancing the internal conflicts of Matt Murdock with the external chaos of Hell’s Kitchen. As the city becomes a battleground for justice, delve into the nuances of Daredevil’s return, a beacon of hope in a city that teeters on the edge of despair.

    Fisk’s Chessboard

    Within the labyrinthine corridors of Hell’s Kitchen, Wilson Fisk orchestrates a masterful return, transforming the city into his strategic chessboard. Imprisoned but far from powerless, Fisk manipulates key players, setting in motion a series of events that unravel the fragile threads of order in the city. His chessboard extends beyond prison walls, influencing law enforcement, politics, and the criminal underworld. Fisk’s unparalleled strategic acumen emerges as the linchpin of Season 3, showcasing his ability to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate the trajectory of Hell’s Kitchen.

    As alliances crumble and loyalties. In Fisk’s chess game, every move has a purpose, and the pieces on the board dance to the orchestrated symphony of Kingpin’s grand design. Fisk doesn’t merely seek freedom but aims to dismantle Daredevil’s legacy and reshape Hell’s Kitchen according to his vision. His calculated moves, both on a political and personal level, showcase a level of cunning and determination that make him a force to be reckoned with.

    As the season unfolds, Fisk’s vulnerabilities and motivations come to the forefront. His relationship with Vanessa Marianna is explored in greater depth, exposing a more human side to the Kingpin. The intricacies of his connections, both loyal and transactional, add shades of gray to his character, challenging viewers to empathize with a man whose actions are undeniably ruthless.

    The Rise of Bullseye

    Amidst the tumultuous echoes of Hell’s Kitchen, a lethal force emerges from the shadows – Benjamin Poindexter, played by Wilson Bethel. Season 3 witnesses the calculated transformation of an initially troubled FBI agent into a relentless and unpredictable adversary. Poindexter’s journey delves into the roots of his instability, exploring the psychological nuances that will eventually shape him into Bullseye, a living weapon fueled by a personal vendetta.

    As Dex ascends, the city becomes a canvas for his unparalleled marksmanship. His deadly accuracy poses a profound challenge to Daredevil’s mission, creating an adversary with an unmatched ability to turn everyday objects into instruments of destruction.

    As the city grapples with the rise of this formidable foe, Daredevil faces a threat that goes beyond physical prowess – a foe who mirrors the blurred morality of Hell’s Kitchen itself. Season 3 bears witness the evolution of Bullseye, a force of nature that elevates the stakes in a city already on the brink of collapse.

    Ray Nadeem’s Crucible

    Ray Nadeem, portrayed by Jay Ali in Season 3, plays a pivotal and complex role that significantly influences the overarching narrative. Introduced as an FBI agent, Nadeem embodies the struggles of an honest lawman trying to navigate the treacherous terrain of corruption and morality. Nadeem’s journey begins with a genuine commitment to justice, aiming to bring down the criminal elements plaguing Hell’s Kitchen. However, as the season progresses, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit orchestrated by Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. Fisk exploits Nadeem’s financial troubles, turning him into an unwitting pawn in a larger scheme.

    Fighting against systemic corruption within the FBI, Nadeem’s character undergoes a profound transformation. Despite his involvement in Fisk’s machinations, he remains a sympathetic figure, driven by a desire to protect his family and serve the greater good. The complexity of Nadeem’s moral struggles adds layers to Daredevil’s exploration of justice and the compromises individuals make in pursuit of it. As Nadeem unravels Fisk’s influence within the FBI, his journey converges with Daredevil’s quest to expose the true extent of Fisk’s corruption. This alliance between lawman and vigilante showcases the blurred lines between heroism and the system meant to uphold justice. Nadeem’s role becomes a bridge between the legal world and the vigilante realm, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by those striving to uphold the law in a city consumed by corruption. In a tragic turn of events, Nadeem’s commitment to justice costs him dearly. His ultimate sacrifice becomes a poignant moment, underscoring the theme of heroism and the toll it takes on those who stand against powerful adversaries.

    Matt Murdock’s Redemption Arc

    As Daredevil grapples with the seismic shifts in Hell’s Kitchen, Matt Murdock embarks on a poignant redemption arc, navigating the labyrinth of guilt, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The aftermath of The Defenders leaves Murdock physically shattered and spiritually adrift, facing a crisis of identity that forces him to confront the essence of his existence.

    Season 3 unravels the layers of Murdock’s internal struggles, as the boundaries between lawyer, vigilante, and man blur. The physical toll of past battles and the emotional scars of lost friendships propel Daredevil into uncharted territory.

    Haunted by the consequences of his actions, Murdock grapples with the ethical complexities of vigilantism. The introduction of Sister Maggie, a mysterious figure from his past, adds a familial dimension to his quest for redemption, unveiling secrets that reshape his understanding of self. Witness the evolution of Matt Murdock as he confronts his own demons, both literal and metaphorical, in a city teetering on the edge of moral ambiguity. As Daredevil fights for Hell’s Kitchen’s redemption, he embarks on a deeply personal odyssey, pushing the boundaries of heroism and the sacrifices it demands.

    Sister Maggie’s Secret


    In Daredevil Season 3, Sister Maggie, portrayed by Joanne Whalley, plays a crucial role, bringing emotional depth and a mysterious past to the narrative. Initially introduced as a compassionate nun working at the church where Matt Murdock seeks refuge, Sister Maggie’s character unravels to reveal a significant and unexpected connection to Matt.

    As the season progresses, it is disclosed that Sister Maggie is, in fact, Matt Murdock’s long-lost mother. This revelation adds a complex layer to the story, explaining the emotional resonance Matt felt with her even before discovering their familial ties. Sister Maggie’s background becomes a central element in understanding Matt’s own journey, particularly his internal struggles with morality and identity. Throughout the season, Sister Maggie grapples with her own guilt and the consequences of decisions made in the past. Her conflicted relationship with Matt, veiled in secrecy, mirrors the overarching themes of redemption and forgiveness explored in Season 3.

    Sister Maggie becomes a key figure in Matt’s quest for self-discovery and understanding. Her presence not only provides insight into Matt’s upbringing but also serves as a catalyst for his internal conflicts. The complex mother-son dynamic adds an emotional resonance to the season, as both characters navigate the blurred lines between duty, morality, and familial bonds.

    The Final Showdown

    In the culminating episode of Season 3, a pivotal showdown transpires within the grand confines of the Presidential Hotel. Here, the fates of Daredevil, Poindexter, and the cunning puppeteer, Wilson Fisk, converge in a dramatic clash. Dex, now fully harnessed as Fisk’s weapon, engages Daredevil in a visceral and high-stakes battle within the opulent surroundings of the Presidential Hotel. The luxurious setting serves as a symbolic battleground, heightening the tension and emphasizing the strategic intricacies at play.

    Poindexter ultimately betrays Wilson Fisk. This pivotal moment occurs during Fisk’s attempt to escape custody and flee the law. As Fisk is being transported, he believes he has successfully manipulated Poindexter into serving him without question. However, in a surprising turn of events, Poindexter’s loyalty wavers. Fueled by his own sense of justice and moral conflict, Dex decides to take matters into his own hands. He interrupts Fisk’s escape, preventing him from leaving and signaling a critical shift in their dynamic.

    Throughout the intense confrontation, Dex’s lethal precision with various projectiles is showcased in the lavish yet perilous environment. Fisk uses Dex’s trust to position him against Daredevil. Seizing the opportunity, Fisk ruthlessly exploits Dex’s vulnerability, leading to a visceral physical altercation. The fight takes a brutal turn when Fisk, displaying the full extent of his strength, brutally breaks Dex’s back, incapacitating him. Dex is last seen having an experimental surgery done on his back. As the camera zooms in, the Bullseye logo can be seen. With Bethel returning for Daredevil: Born Again, it’s safe to say the events of the final will have pushed him over the edge and he’ll fully embrace the craziness of Bullseye.

    However, the wily Kingpin, observing from the shadows, exploits the situation, leveraging Vanessa Marianna’s safety to tip the scales in his favor. As the battle unfolds, Murdock confronts Fisk both physically and emotionally. Utilizing his exceptional combat skills, Daredevil engages in a brutal and intense fight against the formidable Kingpin. Murdock’s determination to bring Fisk to justice is fueled by a desire to protect Hell’s Kitchen from Fisk’s manipulative influence.

    Daredevil reveals his true identity to Fisk, exposing himself as Matt Murdock, the lawyer whom Fisk has long considered a threat. This revelation adds a deeply personal and psychological dimension to their conflict. Murdock’s decision to expose himself reflects his commitment to transparency and the belief that the truth holds a unique power against Fisk’s machinations. In the end, Matt Murdock’s victory over Fisk is not solely achieved through physical combat but also through the revelation of his true self. This strategy underscores the series’ exploration of identity, morality, and the enduring battle between good and evil in the gritty landscape of Hell’s Kitchen. Fisk, now stripped of his veneer of influence and control, is arrested and returned to prison. This outcome represents a triumph of justice and the legal system over Fisk’s machinations. The season concludes with Fisk once again incarcerated, albeit under different circumstances from his initial imprisonment.

  • ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ to Restart Production with Original Stunt Coordinator Returning

    ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ to Restart Production with Original Stunt Coordinator Returning

    Here’s a big move for the reboot of the Netflix Daredevil series. It seems that Marvel Studios is trying to push forward after the strong push that was their Echo binge release just a few weeks ago. We’ve known for some time that they are reworking their TV slate moving forward after learning quite a bit in their experimental phase, but as they restart production they are making one significant move.

    They have seemingly hired a familiar face for the production, as Philip Silvera is returning as stunt and fight coordinator. The stunt coordinator made quite a vocal statement when he wasn’t asked back not too long ago after defining many of the iconic fight sequences from the original Netflix series.

    He’ll also act as the project’s second unit director, further highlighting that they have embraced the Netflix originals now that they are official canon according to Disney+. Production is seemingly going to resume next Monday and they might be adjusting the episode count. They are moving away from the 18-episode model initially announced closer to what the Netflix shows did. If that means 10 or 13 episodes remains an open question.

    The release of Echo seems to have sparked quite a bit of interest in the classic series, as it had a halo effect that saw a massive increase for the classic Daredevil and Punisher series. Not just that, even Hawkeye got a major bump in viewership, which may be a telltale sign for Marvel Studios moving forward with their strategy. We might be seeing some old trends return as we did during Phase 2 and 3 of the franchise.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘What If…?’ Director Bryan Andrews Updates Season 3 Release Plans

    ‘What If…?’ Director Bryan Andrews Updates Season 3 Release Plans

    Following the Season 2 finale of What If…? on Disney Plus on December 30th, Marvel released a “Look Into the Future” feature for the third season of the animated series. Though no release date for the new season was given, the feature ended with the promise that the new season was “coming soon.” Soon is, of course, relative and with all the changes behind the scenes at Marvel Studios following Bob Iger’s return as CEO of Disney, release dates have never been more uncertain than they are now. In an interview with Comic Book’s Phase Zero podcast, What If…? director and executive producer Bryan Andrews echoed that sentiment while discussing the potential timeline for the release of Season 3.

    While working hard to make no promises he couldn’t keep, Andrews revealed that the best fans could hope for is a late-2024 debut of What If…? Season 3. “They move stuff around,” said Andrews of Marvel Studios. “Every time I thought it was like, ‘Oh, it’s going to be this!’ It’s like, ‘It’s going to move a little bit!’ So, even I would hate to say something and have people’s hopes come up and then have them be dashed because of the beast of production and when things move around,” he explained. “I thought that it could come out at the end of the year in 2024 possibly, but that would be tight. There’s some other group of people that are masterminding when things [release] and they’re moving things on the board, and I don’t know where we exist on that at this moment.”

    So while it’s entirely possible that Marvel Studios rolls What If…? out in 2024, it was not listed on the slate sent out to press in late 2023. However, as Andrews explained, the slate is only the slate until it isn’t and fans should start getting used to the idea that dance.

    Source: Phase Zero

  • ‘The Defenders’ in the MCU: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

    ‘The Defenders’ in the MCU: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

    The (less than) great debate is over: Marvel Television’s Netflix Dedenders-verse series have been revealed to have taken place on the MCU’s Sacred Timeline. That means that though nobody at Marvel Studios was involved with the creative choices made over the course of 13 total seasons, they’ve decided to retcon them into the Infinity Saga. And so major moments like the War for New York, the War for Harlem and Wilson Fisk’s arrest following his fight with Daredevil at the Presidential Hotel all took place between the events of Captain America: The Winter Solider and Avengers: Infinity War. With that now the case, we look at the best and worst parts of the Netflix series that are now MCU canon.

    The Good

    Krysten Ritter IS Jessica Jones

    As great as Jon Bernthal, Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio were in their respective roles, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Krysten Ritter portraying Jessica Jones. There have been plenty of rumors of Jones returning for projects such as Echo and Daredevil: Born Again but so far, nothing has come of those. The latest in the long line of scoops has her joining the cast of Spider-Man 4 and siding with Spidey, DD and more in a “street-level Civil War” against Kingpin. Get Ritter back in the torn jeans and leather jacket and get her in the Multiverse Saga!

    Misty Knight

    Simone Missick’s Misty Knight was by far one of the best supporting characters to appear in the Netflix series. While that rumored Daughters of the Dragon series may never get off the ground, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing left for Misty to do. In fact, it might be the perfect time for the character to jump into the Multiverse Saga and team up with another one of her frequent comic book collaborators: Sam Wilson. In the comics, the two have been in a romantic relationship for quite some time as they’ve worked through some of the many issues Sam has faced as Captain America. In this case, the timing couldn’t be any better with Sam about to make his big screen debut as Cap in Captain America: Brave New World.

    K’un-Lun Can Be Redeemed

    While any effort to include Danny Rand in an MCU project would have to start with recasting Finn Jones, the Netflix series didn’t do any damage to K’un-Lun that can’t be undone. The end of Season 2 of Iron Fist set the stage for the third season to adapt Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction‘s absolutely epic run on The Immortal Iron Fist and if there’s any other Iron Fist story that NEEDS to be told, it’s that one. Almost certainly better told episodically, any adaptation of that series could explore the long history of the hidden city and its protectors, introduce the other Capital Cities of Heaven and the fascinating characters associated with them such as Fat Cobra, The Prince of Orphans and Tiger’s Beautiful Daughter. As wehave already noted, Marvel Studios has already established the idea of hidden cities in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings which should only provide an even easier retconning of K’un-Lun into the Multiverse Saga.

    The Bad

    Typhoid Mary

    Though plenty of the Man Without Fear’s antagonists are still out there waiting to be brought to justice, it’s tough to swallow that Alice Eve‘s version of Typhoid Mary is canon. It’s not to say that she can’t find her way back as an upgraded version of herself but making her just a highly trained soldier rather than loading her up with her comic book psionic power set was a disappointing move.

    Danny Rand

    This isn’t necessarily yet another in a long line of knocks against Finn Jones… though it may sure sound like it. Jones‘ talent as an actor aside, Danny Rand was easily the most poorly written of the Defenders. Impulsive, reckless and–in the words of Sowande–“the dumbest Iron Fist yet.” While it was certainly intentionally built in as a character flaw, Rand’s blatant stupidity was fully displayed when he allowed himself to be manipulated by Elektra in Midland Circle. Danny Rand is an idiot and the character deserves better. And the issue of the character’s idiotic nature doesn’t even address the fact that as the Immortal Iron Fist, Rand should have been one of the world’s best hand-to-hand combatants–capable of defeating multiple enemies at once without breaking a sweat. Instead, he often found himself having to rely on the glowy fist to beat up baddies.

    The Ugly

    The Hand

    The Hand was a prominent threat in the Defenders-verse until finally being defeated by the Defenders beneath Midland Circle. However, nothing showed the Netflix series’ lack of deference to the comics more than the way they handled the ancient organization. A clan of zombie ninjas that worship an ancient demon known as The Beast is a can’t-miss concept…and Netflix missed terribly. There’s some hope that the ancient cult could be done right in the MCU but it seems more likely that they’ll never be heard from again, joining AIM as victims of the worst live-action interpretations of a Marvel Comics organization.

    Repeat Casting

    In Season 1 of Luke Cage, Mahershala Ali’s Cornell “Cottonmouth” Stokes ran the Stokes Crime Family from Harlem’s Paradise. Over two seasons of Luke Cage, Alfre Woodard‘s Mariah Dillard, Cottomouth’s cousin, served as the primary antagonist of Harlem’s Hero for Hire. Both Ali and Woodard gave powerful, inspired and unforgettable performances in their respective roles–arguably among the best of any talent that worked on the Netflix series. That already made it hard to see Woodard in a different role in Captain America: Civil War and it will make it even harder to see Ali as another main character when Blade finally hits theaters. While it’s likely true that many fans who turn out to see Blade may not have watched a second of Luke Cage, adding it to the MCU timeline on Disney Plus increases the possibility that more folks will and ultimately have questions about Ali’s dual roles.

  • How to Watch the Netflix Marvel Shows Now That They’ve Been Retconned as MCU Canon

    How to Watch the Netflix Marvel Shows Now That They’ve Been Retconned as MCU Canon

    In October 2023, Marvel Studios published The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline. Featuring a foreword by the studio’s One Above All, Kevin Feige, the book was said to be “the go-to resource for fans who are hoping to connect the dots and truly understand the complex web of interconnections between the different Marvel movies and television series.” While fans seemed to clearly understand that films that were not made by Marvel Studios were not part of the MCU’s so-called Sacred Timeline, there was much less clarity on where television series that were also no made by Marvel Studios stood. And so, projects such as the ABC melodrama Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulu’s Runaways and the 13 seasons of the Defenders-verse series that streamed on Netflix from 2015-2019 have always been the subject of online debate. When none of those series were included in The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline, fans believed they had some clarity…and then Brad Winderbaum, Head of Streaming, Television and Animation at Marvel Studios shared his belief that the events of the Netflix series took place on the MCU’s Sacred Timeline. And then, as Echo made its streaming debut, Disney Plus added all the Defenders-verse series to the Official Timeline order of the MCU. Winderbaum’s belief became the official word: the Netflix series are now MCU canon.

    But now that some time has passed, now that we actually see how well-integrated the stories are, I personally, Brad Winderbaum, will confidently say that they are part of the Sacred Timeline.

    Brad Winderbaum on Marvel Television’s Netflix series

    With the revelation that all 13 seasons and ALL 161 nearly hour-long episodes are now part of the Infinity Saga. While that makes the uber-cool MCU rewatch damn near impossible, there are still those among you who are sure to try it. While it is in no way as cut and dried as it appears on Disney Plus–flashbacks are a storytelling staple of the Marvel Netflix series and each of them (other than The Defenders) has more than one season–it’s still possible to place each of the Netflix series right where they belong in the MCU. And if you’re looking for such a thing, you’re in luck. Though none of the events of the Netflix series impact the known MCU in any way, we can still place them among the Marvel Studios projects…so we did.

    The biggest thing to realize if you’re about to dive in is that without going minute by minute of each episode and of most of the films, there is no TRUE chronological order. For instance, parts of Doctor Strange take place in 2016 but the bulk of it takes place in 2017 and parts of each of these series take place all over the timeline. For the purposes of this list, each project is placed where MOST of the events take place. It’s also worth noting that while most of the films that were released in the Infinity Saga were set when they were released, that’s not the case with the series. For example, Season 1 of Daredevil was released in 2015 but takes place in 2014.

    Daredevil Season 1

    Daredevil 1.10, “Nelson v. Murdock”, features several flashbacks that take place in August 2014, well over two years after the Battle of New York in The Avengers. In that episode, which also takes place a few months after the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Foggy and Matt are interns at the law firm Landman and Zack and together turn down full-time jobs there to pursue more fulfilling work by opening their own firm which they eventually do in January 2015. The episode also includes Matt’s first time putting on the homemade, black suit.

    Outside of the flashbacks, the events of Daredevil Season 1 all take place between January and mid-February 2015 which means–as is indicated on Disney Plus–that it fits after Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and I Am Groot, all of which take place in mid-to-late 2014.

    Jessica Jones Season 1

    Jessica Jones 1.01, “AKA Ladies Night”, is set in March 2015, just a few weeks after the events of Daredevil Season 1. The events of the season finale are set in mid-April 2015, head of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

    Daredevil Season 2

    Though some flashbacks in episode 2.09, “Seven Minutes in Heaven”, take place earlier in the year, episode 2.01, “Bang”, takes place in October 2015 and the season wraps up by November 2015. Chronologically, the events of Ant-Man take place BEFORE Daredevil Season 2.

    Luke Cage Season 1

    Much of the first season of Luke Cage takes place simultaneously with the second season of Daredevil. Though there are plenty of flashbacks, episode 1.01, “Moment of Truth”, is set in early November 2015 and the final brawl with Willis Stryker on Malcolm X Boulevard takes place in early December 2015.

    Iron Fist Season 1

    After succeeding in the trial of Shou-Lao the Undying, Danny Rand became the Iron Fist in 2015. His return to New York, as seen in episode 1.01, “Snow Gives Way”, takes place in February 2016. The season wraps up in March 2016 when Danny and Colleen Wing arrive in K’un-Lun.

    The Defenders

    Netflix’s crossover event series, The Defenders, brought Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Danny Rand together against the Hand. The series kicks off in early May 2016 and is all wrapped up by mid-May 2016, meaning part of takes place concurrently with Captain America: Civil War.

    The Punisher Season 1

    After debuting in Daredevil Season 2, Jon Bernthal‘s Frank Castle took center stage in his own series. Episode 1.01, “3 AM”, is set in November 2016 and the season concludes before Christmas 2016. That window fits in nicely between Spider-Man: Homecoming and Doctor Strange.

    Jessica Jones Season 2

    Sort of free of Kilgrave, ace PI Jessica Jones returned to Netflix in 2018 for a second season. Episode 2.01, “AKA Start at the Beginning”, is set in April 2017 and the finale, “AKA Playland”, takes place in June 2017.

    Luke Cage Season 2

    Like Jessica Jones Season 2, the sophomore season of Luke Cage rolled out on Netflix in 2018. Mike Colter’s bulletproof hero of Harlem found himself up against the wonderful villain Bushmaster. A lot happened in a short amount of time as 2.01, “Soul Brother #1”, was set in August 2017 and the events of Season 2 came to an end in September 2017.

    Iron Fist Season 2

    Season 2 of Iron Fist, which hit Netflix in September 2018, seemed to find its creative groove, especially compared to the low-rated Season 1. The ten-episode second season was set ALMOST entirely in October 2017. Much of the latter part of the season, including 2.10, “A Duel of Iron”, which sees Danny defeat Davos, takes place concurrently with Season 3 of Daredevil. Danny’s search for Orson Randall is set in early 2018.

    Daredevil Season 3

    The third and final season of Daredevil was released on Netflix was the fourth Marvel TV series to hit the streaming service in 2018. Set in October and November 2017, Season 3 of Daredevil wraps up just a few weeks before Thor’s escape from Muspehlheim as seen in the opening of Thor: Ragnarok.

    The Punisher Season 2

    The final season of The Punisher was the second to last of Netflix’s Defenders-verse. Essentially, the events are happening right alongside those of Season 3 of Jessica Jones, though those darn flashbacks make for a fun time sorting out the details. Episode 2.02 of The Punisher takes place right about the same time as Episode 3.01 of Jessica Jones and the season wraps up in mid-May, less than weeks earlier than JJS3. However, the epilogue of the final episode, “The Whirlwind”, takes place in August 2018…which kind of matters.

    Jessica Jones Season 3 (April 26-May 28)

    The third and final season of Jessica Jones kicks off in April 2018 and largely takes place at the same time as the second season of The Punisher. 3.13, “AKA EVERYTHING”, the last episode of the Netflix-produced series, ends with Jones deciding to stay in New York City and embrace her role as a hero. The first episode of the series, “AKA The Perfect Burger”, takes place just ahead of Cassie Lang’s weekend at Scott Lang’s house as shown the in beginning of Ant-Man and The Wasp. Indeed, much of the series takes place concurrently with the main events of Ant-Man and The Wasp, which, of course, includes the post-credit scene that includes the impact of Thanos’s snap.

    TL;DR

    The Netflix series all take place between the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Infinity War. Canonically, the snap takes place on May 31st, 2018, so all the events of the Defenders-verse take place within the Infinity Saga.

    The Ultimate Order

    Daredevil Season 1
    Jessica Jones Season 1
    Avengers: Age of Ultron

    Ant-Man


    Daredevil Season 2
    Luke Cage Season 1
    Iron Fist Season 1


    The Defenders

    Captain America: Civil War
    Black Widow
    Black Panther

    Spider-Man: Homecoming
    The Punisher Season 1
    Doctor Strange

    Jessica Jones Season 2
    Luke Cage Season 2
    Iron Fist Season 2

    Daredevil Season 3
    Thor: Ragnarok
    The Punisher Season 2

    Jessica Jones Season 3
    Ant-Man and The Wasp

    Marvel’s Jessica Jones

    Avengers: Infinity War

    Sources: Marvel.com, MCU Fandom

  • New Set Photos Emerge as Production on ‘Wonder Man’ Resumes

    New Set Photos Emerge as Production on ‘Wonder Man’ Resumes

    Like Captain America: Brave New World and Daredevil: Born Again, Wonder Man was deemed to require a little creative overhaul after Marvel Studios had some time to reflect on the project during the WGA and SAG strikes. Originally set to resume production in late 2023, the steps taken to rework the series–which likely included a larger time commitment from creator and director Destin Daniel Cretton–took a bit longer than expected leading to bogus rumors that the series had been canceled. Bogus as they were, like much of the bullshit on the internet in modern times those rumors took hold and became a prominent belief among fans. Now those rumors have been completely dispelled as set photos of the Marvel Spotlight series have emerged from Los Angeles.

    X user @douglaszaldaaa posted several photos of a set being created for Wonder Man in Westwood, California. The photos indicate that some of the rumored plot points of the series seem to remain intact after the retooling.

    The photos reveal that the logline for the show revealed in early 2023 remains accurate and that lead character Simon Williams will be an in-universe Hollywood actor.

    Based on the character of Wonder Man, one of Marvel’s oldest characters, first introduced in 1964 in the pages of Avengers No 9. Known as Simon Williams, a celebrity actor and stuntman. In a nutshell, it is a story of two actors struggling to make it in the Hollywood of the MCU, [asking] the big question what does Hollywood look like in a world where super heroes are real?

    The new behind-the-scenes pictures show a set being constructed that will likely serve as the location of a big Hollywood premier for a “Wonder Man” movie. One of the set photos includes a silhouette of a classic Wonder Man costume which will obviously be part of the in-universe film.

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is set to bring Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man, to life and will share the screen with Ben Kingsley who will reprise the role of Trevor Slattery in the project. Demetrius Grosse was reportedly cast as Simon’s brother, Eric, also known as the comic book villain the Grim Reaper. Hollywood legend Ed Harris also reportedly joined the film as Neal Saroyan, Simon’s agent. It remains to be seen what changes to the cast, if any, follow the creative overhaul of the project.

    Source: X

  • How the ‘Echo’ Season Finale Post-Credit Scene Sets the Stage for 2 Major MCU Projects

    How the ‘Echo’ Season Finale Post-Credit Scene Sets the Stage for 2 Major MCU Projects

    For the first time ever, a Marvel Studios streaming project had all episodes debut at once when Echo premiered on Disney Plus and Hulu. That meant plenty of fans stayed up late binging all five episodes of the TV-MA project with many taking to social media indicating it caused them to reminisce about the days of binging Netflix’s Marvel series just less than a decade or so ago. While Echo included a couple of connections to Netflix’s Daredevil, it also hinted at a major plot point for Marvel Studios’ Daredevil: Born Again and one of the studio’s most anticipated films.

    After the credits rolled on the fifth and final episode of the series, titled “Maya”, a post-credit stinger showed Vincent D’Onofrio‘s Wilson Fisk–greatly changed by his encounter with Maya–headed back to New York on his private plane. After instructing his assistant to assemble “all the remaining heads” (presumably of New York City’s crime organizations) to “stabilize the situation before it spirals out of control.” The Kingpin’s attention then shifts a television where some Spectrum News talking heads are discussing the lack of a clear frontrunner in the race for a new Mayor of NYC. As the news anchors explain New Yorkers are looking for a “fighter” who can understand the pain and frustration they’re experiencing rather than a traditional politician, one says that a “bare-knuckle brawler” willing to “take on the establishment” would “do well” in the race for Mayor. As Fisk–clearly captivated by the idea of running for Mayor–leans forward, the camera cuts to black. What does this mean for the next time we see D’Onofrio’s character in Daredevil: Born Again?

    Though Born Again has undergone significant creative restructuring, the post-credit scene would seem to ensure that one major plot point will stay intact when filming resumes. Several months before filming originally began, a rumor circulated that the series would feature Fisk running for Mayor of New York City (and eventually winning the race), as seen in author Charles Soule‘s acclaimed run on Marvel Comics Daredevil. In that run, as Mayor of NYC, Fisk launched a massive anti-vigilante campaign aimed at taking out long-time nemeses such as Daredevil and Spider-Man without lifting a finger. Further rumors about Daredevil: Born Again have consistently indicated that Fisk will launch a similar campaign in the series which will have some major implications for the MCU.

    Shortly after Spider-Man: No Way Home debuted in theaters, Marvel Studios head honcho, Kevin Feige, confirmed that development on a fourth film had begun. By early 2023, the story for the film had been cracked as star Tom Holland was rumored to have agreed to a new deal to return as Peter Parker. Though development of the film was slowed as a result of the WGA strike, rumors of the film’s plot began to circulate in late 2023. Prominent among them was that Spider-Man 4 would be a street-level Civil War that would feature Spidey, Daredevil and Ant-Man leading other heroes against Mayor Fisk. Given that D’Onofrio and Holland have consistently expressed their desires to see Spidey and Kingpin face off in the MCU, the post-credit stinger in Echo feels like the first step in that direction though it’s unlikely fans will see it play out before 2026.