Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Marvel Zombies

  • Marvel Animation’s Possible 2025 Slate Revealed

    Marvel Animation’s Possible 2025 Slate Revealed

    Following some reflection its television production methodology, Marvel Studios longtime Parliament member Brad Winderbaum, the studio’s Head of TV, Streaming, and Animation, oversaw some significant restructuring and rebranding that helped move developing and future projects away from the good old “it’s all connected” era. As part of the restructuring, Marvel Studios Disney Plus projects would be produced under all-new, all-different banners such as Marvel Spotlight, Marvel Animation and Marvel Television.

    The first projects produced under each of those banners debuted in 2024. As the first Marvel Spotlight project, Echo carried on the spirit of Stan Lee’s “tryout books” in bringing “more grounded, character-driven stories to the screen.” According to Disney, Spotlight projects “can focus on street-level stakes over larger MCU continuity” and, perhaps most importantly, ensure “viewers don’t have to watch any other Marvel series to understand the plot.” Shortly after Echo’s binge release, X-Men ’97, Marvel Animation’s first streaming project, hit Disney Plus and brought a tidal wave of positive vibes with it. And as Agatha All Along, the first project made under the Marvel Television banner, neses the end of its run, it continues to receive praise from fans and critics alike. In short, rebranding Year One was a success. And now it seems the Year Two slate is starting to take shape.

    There was a lot of pressure post-Avengers: Endgame on the public to feel obligated to watch absolutely everything in order to watch anything. Part of the rebranding was a signal to the general audience that we’re creating a lot of options, and you can follow your tastes within this brand. Some will be more comedic, some will be more dramatic, some will be animated, some will be live-action. Marvel is more than just one thing — it is actually many different genres that just happened to coexist in a single narrative.

    -Brad Winderbaum
    As part of an update to its All Access page, Disney has uploaded logos for several projects. Embedded in the files for some of those projects are potential release dates for some animated projects which indicate they are currently set to debut on Disney Plus in 2025.

    Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

    Tentative Premiere: January 25, 2025

    First announced as Spider-Man: Freshman Year on November 12th, 2021 on Disney Plus Day, the animated series was retitled Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man in December 2023.

    Originally described as a story that would follow “Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU,” the project, created by Jeff Trammell, underwent some major changes. In 2022, Winderbaum clarified that the series is set elsewhere in the multiverse and not on the Sacred Timeline.

    It follows the pattern that you see in [Captain America:] Civil War. Down to Peter getting the broken Blu-ray player from the trash and he walks into his department for the famous moment where Tony Stark is waiting for him to offer him the stark internship and take him to Berlin. But because of things that happen in the multiverse because of new, random occurrences, it’s not Tony Stark who’s waiting for him there. It’s Norman Osborn and that sends his life in an unexpected trajectory that collides him with many unexpected characters in the Marvel universe.

    -Brad Winderbaum

    What If…? Season 3

    Tentative Premiere: TBD

    Originally considered for a late-2024 release, the third and final season of What If…? has seemingly been meant for a 2025 release for some time. In May 2024, Winderbaum indicated the project “might be the one that comes out next.”

    We’re actually close to completing that one, and it really feels like you’ve gone through this amazing emotional experience with Uatu, in a way that’s… What’s great about The Watcher is that he presents himself as uncaring, and cold, and just an observer, but he cares more than everybody [and] anybody. That is on full display in that third season.

    -Brad Winderbaum on Season 3 of What If…?

    At that time, both Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and Eyes of Wakanda were still part of the studio’s 2024 streaming slate, as revealed in late 2023.

    Eyes of Wakanda

    Tentative Premiere: August 6, 2025

    First revealed in December 2023, Eyes of Wakanda is an animated series that Winderbaum explained “fits right into our sacred MCU timeline continuity.”

    Throughout Wakandan history, brave warriors have been tasked to travel the world retrieving dangerous vibranium artifacts. This is their story.

    -Official Synopsis, Eyes of Wakanda

    Marvel Zombies

    Tentative Premiere: October 2025

    Announced as part of 2021’s Disney Plus Day, Marvel Zombies was originally thought to be headed for a 2024 release though the studio never gave any indication of its plans.

    We’ve done the whole thing. It was amazing. It was so much fun. And I love—there are a lot of cool characters in the ‘Marvel Zombies’ show. And Kamala is kind of the center of the show. They described it to me, it’s like, “She’s basically the Frodo of the story.” And I was like, “That’s amazing.”

    -Iman Vellani

    A four-episode, TV-MA series developed by Marvel Comics’ writer Zeb Wells, Marvel Zombies will feature Iman Vellani‘s Kamala Khan as well as zombified versions of Jimmy Woo, Kate Bishop, Shang-Chi, and more.

  • Iman Vellani Teases Ms. Marvel’s Role in ‘Marvel Zombies’

    Iman Vellani Teases Ms. Marvel’s Role in ‘Marvel Zombies’

    Iman Vellani is slowly becoming the face of Marvel Studios’ iconic franchise. Robert Downey Jr. held that mantle for a long time and any inclusion of him in a film was a big selling point and if she keeps it up, she is slowly building up that role. She just recently appeared in The Marvels and while her next major live-action appearance is uncertain, she does have an animated project on the horizon.

    We still don’t know when we can expect it to release but Marvel Zombies is one of the next animated features set to release. First teases hinted at the same animation style as What If and highlighted it’s likely a unique what-if scenario from the mainline Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an interview with The Direct, Vellani reveals that not only did she already finish her work on the project but Kamala Khan will have a major role in it.

    We’ve done the whole thing. It was amazing. It was so much fun. And I love—there are a lot of cool characters in the ‘Marvel Zombies’ show. And Kamala is kind of the center of the show. They described it to me, it’s like, ‘She’s basically the Frodo of the story.’ And I was like, ‘That’s amazing.

    Iman Vellani

    She also highlights the excitement of having the character she started playing get to interact with various new characters through this animated style. Though, sadly, it seems they didn’t get a chance to record in a bigger group.

    And I get to interact and meet all these people along her journey. And, yes, they’re only the voices, and I don’t get to hear their voices in real-time. But just, it’s my fantasies, right? Like, knowing Kamala is going to interact with some really cool people, even if it’s just animation, is so special in a lot of ways.

    Iman Vellani

    So far, we know very little about Marvel Zombies which was at one point touted as the first major R-rated project by Marvel Studios. While Echo has seemingly already taken that mantle with its upcoming January release, it’s still exciting to get another hint at what’s to come and the inclusion of these actors in the animated adaptation of the beloved comic book series. Here’s hoping they might be allowed to include Ash at some point.

    Source: The Direct

  • RUMOR: Marvel Studios’ Animated Series May Be Facing Troubles

    RUMOR: Marvel Studios’ Animated Series May Be Facing Troubles

    Marvel Studios has been on a roll as of late. They kicked off Phase 4 with their usual cinematic fanfare but also added some Diseny+ series to the mix. No matter where one stands on the matter, it’s not an easy undertaking, and has expanded Marvel Studios as a result as well. They absorbed Marvel TV and have started a big move in hiring many people to take over the new load. So, this isn’t something they weren’t preparing for in the first place.

    Still, it seems that a rumor has been making the rounds in regard to Marvel Studios’ other major project, animation. While What If…? released last year, they have been actively working on various projects with a Marvel Zombies spin-off, a revival of the cult 90s X-Men: The Animated series in X-Men ’97, a Spider-Man series, and who knows what else is in the works. Yet, according to Geeks Worldwide’s KC Walsh, they may be facing some layoffs and are actively waiting for their release to greenlgiht future seasons.

    For those that might be wondering if that isn’t the norm, animation takes a long time to develop and any wasted minute means that production will take even longer to keep the momentum up. Commonly they develop a season and are already working on the next when it starts airing. Yet, Marvel Studios may be taking cues from its previous experiences and trying to get a feeling that this project is even worth the investment.

    On the one hand, it sucks that animation tends to get shafted first when there’s a need for saving money but there’s also the fact that they could use the time to focus more on their live-action ventures. Animation being treated as its own division may help keep that focus and take away the pressure from the bigger expectation set upon it as part of the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse.

    Still, this is only a rumor for now and there’s also the fact that during San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios renewed most of their upcoming animated series. We haven’t seen any footage from Spider-Man: Freshman Year but they’ve already renewed it for a second s called Sophomore Year. The same goes for X-Men ’97 and What If…? is even getting a third season. So, we’ll have to see if more information comes to light on why they may be facing these troubles.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Marvel Zombies’ Episode Count Confirmed

    ‘Marvel Zombies’ Episode Count Confirmed

    In 2021, Marvel Studios announced that Marvel Zombies would be coming exclusively to Disney+. Since then, however, details regarding the animated series have been sparse. Now, thanks to an interview with Comicbook, it looks like we at least know the episode count for the series and it’s on the shorter side.

    While at New York Comic Con, the folks at Comicbook were able to speak with writer Zeb Wells who revealed some brief information regarding Marvel Zombies. Wells noted that, while he didn’t work on the zombie episode of What If…?, he did work on its spinoff series, Marvel Zombies, which he says will consist of four episodes. Unfortunately, like the rest of us, he’s unsure when the series will actually hit Disney+. Well did, however, state that it’s “looking really cool.”

    In July, it was revealed that the forthcoming series would be rated TV-MA for mature audiences. As of now, a release date has not yet been announced, but it’s expected to be released sometime next year.

    Source: Comicbook.

  • SDCC: ‘Marvel Zombies’ Will be TV-MA, Eyeing 2024 Release

    SDCC: ‘Marvel Zombies’ Will be TV-MA, Eyeing 2024 Release

    We’ve all been wondering just how Marvel Studios would tackle Marvel Zombies on thee family-friendly Disney+. Luckily, they have recently added a parental control function and it has now been confirmed that Marvel Zombies is going to be TV-MA. So, we might finally get some blood and guts out of those zombies. The project will feature zombie versions of popular heroes and villains, such as Jimmy Woo, Kate Bishop, Shang-Chi, and more. Eyeing 2024 release

    Here’s also a first look at the world, which includes a zombified Ikaris from Eternals.

    Source: SDCC via Twitteer

  • The Hypothetical 2023 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V4

    The Hypothetical 2023 Marvel Studios Release Calendar, V4

    Once upon a time, this looked like it might be headed for a 2022 release. But with reshoots having to be spread out over several months due to actor availability, it’s clearly not going to be ready. It should, however, be ready to roll out in early 2023 and with principal photography done and finishing touches left to go, expect Secret Invasion to be the first Marvel Studios project of 2023.

    This one has bounced around a bit in terms of release date, but it is absolutely the furthest along of the 2023 films. This time around, expect BIG action and stakes as the Ant-family takes on Jonathan Majors‘ Kang and Corey Stoll’s MODOK (who we hear looks absolutely fabulous). Marvel Studios may let the hype train out of the station earlier than normal on this one.

    One of at least two animated series headed to Disney Plus in 2023, the X-Men revival already has a ton of buzz around it. Work was being done on the episodes long before anyone knew it existed, so its ten episodes could be ready to roll out on D+ sometime late in the first quarter of 2023.

    Currently cruising through production, the Hawkeye spinoff will definitely be ready for a late-Spring/early-Summer release unless the wheels fall off. Not only will this bring Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock and Vincent D’Onofrio‘s Kingpin back, but it’s also set to really explore Native American culture

    James Gunn‘s last go-around with the team he made famous in 2014, Vol. 3 has quite the cast and could end up being one of the MCU’s biggest tearjerkers. It’s also going to be full of surprises (will Cosmo have a voice?) and while it’s the end for Gunn and some of the cast, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end for everyone.

    With production well underway in the UK, Loki’s second season will have no problem making it to D+ for the Summer of 2023. Interestingly, it could come out just about 2 years to the day after the first season, which is cool but way too long to wait after that Season 1 cliffhanger!

    The Nia DaCosta led sequel to Captain Marvel moved back to mid-Summer and after Carol Danvers’ mid-credit appearance in the Ms. Marvel finale, fans finally have an inkling of what this one is all about. In every way possible, this film is a huge shift from the original and should be an action-packed reinvention of the franchise in the way The Winter Solider was for the MCU’s other Captain.

    Production is underway on Ironheart and by the time this one hits Disney Plus, fans will have already gotten to know the lead from her time in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. It looks like this one will also feature The Hood, one of Marvel Comics coolest baddies yet to make the jump to the MCU.

    Set to debut in 2023, it would make sense to start the animated series in time for it to play during peak Spooky Season. With a full-length Marvel Studios Animation panel at SDCC, it seems like a first look at this is pretty likely, giving fans an idea of its connectivity to the Zombie reality seen in Season 1 of What If…?.

    Blade is finally set to get production underway in September of 2022, giving the studio plenty of time to turn it around for November of 2023. Marvel Studios has been known to slide release dates up a week or so in the past; it would be smart of them to do so here to capitalize on the urge for fans to watch horror films in October.

    The project on this list about which the least is known. It is supposed to film in the Fall of 2022 so a late 2023 release date makes sense. However, Marvel Studios production dates are more fluid now than ever, so don’t etch this one into your stone calendar just yet.

  • First Look at ‘X-Men ’97’, ‘Marvel Zombies’ and ‘What If…?’ Season 2 Confirmed for SDCC

    First Look at ‘X-Men ’97’, ‘Marvel Zombies’ and ‘What If…?’ Season 2 Confirmed for SDCC

    We were all quite surprised when Marvel Studios announced its return to San Diego Comic-Con this year. Not only were D23 and Disney+ Day on the horizon, but the last time they visited the event is when they showcased their Phase 4 plans. Now, it seems that they won’t just have their iconic Hall H showcase, but also confirmed that there will be an additional showcase for their future animation projects.

    On the official SDCC website, the schedule has arrived for Friday, July 22nd. From 11.45 to 1.15 PM, they will seemingly have a panel hosted by Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation alongside Visual Development Head Ryan Meinerding. They also tease that there will be special guests. Yet, the big thing is the confirmed exclusive first looks at What If…? Season 2, X-Men ’97, and Marvel Zombies. They also tease that more is coming as well.

    It’s surprising they aren’t highlighting the only other confirmed MCU tie-in show, Spider-Man: Freshman Year. They’ve been working on it for quite a bit but it seems like the series might not release for some time. Of course, they might be keeping that project close to their chest as it’ll act as a prequel to Tom Holland#s run as the character, but it’s uncertain if he’ll return to voice himself given he’s technically signed under Sony and not Marvel Studios. With special guests teased, it would be quite a great surprise if they managed to make it work.

    Source: Comic-Con

  • ‘Marvel Zombies’ Won’t Continue The ‘What If…?’ Episode

    ‘Marvel Zombies’ Won’t Continue The ‘What If…?’ Episode

    Disney+ Day offered some great surprises including the official announcement of an animated series adapting the iconic Marvel Zombies comic storyline. The timing was perfect as they were riding off of the popularity of the What If…? episode that introduced the concept into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The theories were that they’d continue where that episode left off, as a zombified Thanos took over Wakanda but it turns out they’re inspired by the comics and might take a different look at the flesh-eating heroes.

    Marvel Studios’ producer Brad Winderbaum discussed some of the new announcements, especially with their new animated ventures. He briefly touched upon the potential the return of the 90s animated X-Men project will offer with X-Men ’97 but also offered some insight into what Marvel Zombies will offer. In it, he may have confirmed that it’s not a direct continuation of Marvel Studios’ first introduction of the zombies.

    And then, of course, we revealed that we’re doing a series all about Marvel Zombies, continuing the universe that was set up in What If…? and just like the way Marvel Zombies was introduced in the Ultimates in the comics and then introduced a parallel universe of zombies that was explored and its own series, we’re doing a similar thing where we introduced in What If…? and now we’re going to take a look at that universe with a different lens.

    Brad Winderbau

    So, it seems that we’ll explore a different part of the multiverse where another zombie virus has spread, or they might stick to the What If…? timeline. His statement is vague because he confirms continuity, backtracks on it before connecting it again. He says it’s a continuation of that universe, but also says they’ll do something that the comics did. So, they might leave the origin of the virus the same, as the Quantum Realm does technically exist outside of the multiverse. So, maybe this is the current plan that changes as production continues.

    They also might want to explore this story in a way that isn’t shackled by pre-existing MCU canon and build their own storyline around the existence of superpowered zombies. They might also not want to rely on the 3D animation and give it a unique design. Sadly, the creator of the original comics, Robert Kirkman, isn’t involved with the project but they might consult him once production starts on it.

    Source: Marvel

  • Robert Kirkman Not Involved With Disney+’s ‘Marvel Zombies

    Robert Kirkman Not Involved With Disney+’s ‘Marvel Zombies

    Marvel Studios unveiled a number of new projects during the recent, massive Disney+ Day event. One of these projects was Marvel Zombies, a brand new animated series based on the comics by Robert Kirkman. The reveal came as a surprise to many fans, and it would seem that Kirkman himself was among the crowd of people with no prior knowledge of the show. The Walking Dead and Invincible creator dropped the news in a response to fans on Twitter:

    As mentioned by Kirkman, it’s likely the new series will spin out of the fan-favorite episode of What If…?’s first season as opposed to adapting his comics directly. Although, it still seems interesting that the writer is not involved in any consulting capacity. Especially considering elements from his run was used for the What If…? episode, like the zombified heroes being able to use their abilities and Black Panther losing a leg. It’s possible Kirkman’s busy schedule played a role in his lack of involvement with the series. The creative remains hard at work on another animated adaptation of his work, Amazon Prime’s Invincible, as well as his current comics and multiple live-action versions of his previous work.

    The Marvel Zombies concept was first introduced in Mark Millar’s run on Ultimate Fantastic Four, as an alternate Earth plagued by a nasty zombie infestation. The idea then became its own series, penned by Kirkman and illustrated by Sean Phillips. The popularity of the comic led to multiple sequel mini-series, and eventually an adaptation for the MCU. Hopefully, the new series proves to be just as popular with fans.

    Source: Twitter

  • DISNEY+ DAY: ‘She-Hulk’s Zeb Wells To Write Animated ‘Marvel Zombies’

    DISNEY+ DAY: ‘She-Hulk’s Zeb Wells To Write Animated ‘Marvel Zombies’

    It’s time to find out a little more about the Marvel Zombies animated series just announced at Disney Plus Day 2021. The announcement was followed with a bit more detail on Marvel.com about the creative team working on the streaming series. It seems, fresh off his roles in the writers’ room for She-Hulk, that Hellions comic writer Zeb Wells will not only write the show initially but also be an executive producer alongside What If…? director Bryan Andrews. The Marvel Zombies are somewhat of a breakout from appearing in Ultimate Fantastic Four to a short run of their own in the Ultimate line before appearing in various comic sequels and most recently the What If…? episode. Marvel Studios’ approach to having creative talent be amongst the team on one project before leading another seems to have born fruit again! With the Marvel Zombies featuring flesh-eating versions of our famous heroes, it’s sure to blend well with Wells’ morbid humor!  

    Sources: Marvel