It’s been a bumpy road for The Powerpuff Girls. In 2016, the franchise received a remake from Cartoon Network that surprised many when they completely replaced the main voice cast outside of Tom Kenny, famous for this time as Spongebob Squarepants, returning. Then, CW has been working on a live-action series that would see the trio as teenagers had many scratching their heads. Well, now it seems they are back again but this time with some more motivating news.
The series’ original creator, Craig McCracken, is returning to work on a new set of reboots for Powerpuff Girls, as well as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. He’s set to work on the project with Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. Cartoon Network Studios President, Sam Register, had the following to say on McCracken‘s return:
The Hanna-Barbera homecoming of Craig was an opportunity we could not pass up. Along with his unparalleled sense of fun and imagination, he’s bringing two of his greatest works in ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ and ‘Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,’ and we are so excited for these characters to be a part of the new legacy taking shape at the studio
Sam Register
While they are moving forward with a second attempt to reboot the popular series, there’s also the highlight that the live-action version of the series is still in some form of development over at CW. Chloe Bennett left the project, as she was originally going to play Blossom, and it’s in a form of limbo as they rework the concept. So, we’ll see which one comes out first.
The first Marvel Television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ended its seven-season run two years ago. Since then, fans of the series have hoped to see many of the characters return in some way, most notably as formal parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Iain De Caestecker, who played Fitz in the series, was asked recently whether he would be interested in returning to Marvel in the future. He told Digital Spy:
I think I would say probably no. And not that I didn’t have a fantastic time doing it…I think, after everything that happened to those two characters [Fitz and Jemma Simmons], they really gave them a happy ending. And I think it would be so sad to mess with that again. It’s not fair … I’m not sure they would survive it this time. So I like the idea that they’re living a life of normality outside of the SHIELD.
Iain De Caestecker
The idea that fan-favorite Fitz might not make a return to the big or small screen is surely set to disappoint some fans. Of course, when it comes to Marvel and the MCU, there is always a possibility that De Caestecker will surprise audiences down the line.
AoS lately, however, is perhaps most known for the debate it sparked with respect to whether some Marvel TV series are official canon to the MCU proper. Marvel Studios has little to no incentive to clarify to fans one way or another, and it is quite possible the question will never be answered in a way that will satisfy everyone. But De Caestecker did weigh in on the topic, and his answer will surely please AoS fans:
I would say you might have to, because I think the original conception of the show was the fact that Coulson had come from TheAvengers, isn’t it? I think you would kind of have to say it is canon.
Iain DeCaestecker
With the Netflix Daredevil series being given some recognition by Marvel Studios now, the canon question is hotter than ever. Still, even the most optimistic AoS fans might not get their hopes up to see De Caestecker’s Fitz appear in a Marvel Studios project.
Ms. Marvel was a strong show that not only explored a powerful moment in Pakistani history but also a strong family show. Among all Marvel studios’ projects, this one is the most grounded with its exploration of what it means to be family. While the Clandestine didn’t get as much development as hoped, we still got a great addition in Kamran, who was played by young actor Rish Sha. In an interview with THR, the actor got a chance to talk about his character’s role and his true intentions.
There definitely is a difference. In the comics, he is a villain. He’s manipulative, and he uses Kamala. Whereas in the show, he’s actually coming from a very pure place and a very genuine place of just wanting to belong and feel at home, and he has this immediate connection with Kamala across multiple fields. And then, obviously, by the end of the show, he’s able to share the connection of the Noor by having these powers and newfound abilities.
Rish Shah
He does add that Kamran’s moral compass isn’t as straightforward as Kamala’s, who has a good head on her shoulders. That distinction, especially with their very different family dynamics, adds to him actually being a guy with good intentions.
He definitely has a skewed moral compass and he’s definitely a bit more unsure of where he stands, but he does make that decision really early on to betray his family and protect Kamala. So that’s quite a big decision, and hopefully, that shows that he’s actually a good guy with good intentions.
Rish Shah
Shah also shared how he interpreted Kamran’s motivation and generally how he was inspired to tackle the character for his first live-action venture.
Yeah, I played it as genuine in my mind, but it’s nice that it’s up for debate. It’s always interesting when you have a character with a bit more complexity to them and their intentions, so it’s nice that it can swing both ways. Hopefully, it’s more engaging and interesting. But in my mind, he was genuinely just connecting with someone. Iman said this before about Kamala, but she hasn’t been able to spend time in her high school life around someone else who is able to just openly and confidently talk about their culture, specifically. So I think Kamran has felt the same way.
Rish Shah
The series ended in a way that opens up on a way to allow his character to further develop in whichever direction he wants. He could potentially become a member of the Red Dagger to find his own place in the world, or perhaps even further explore what exactly the Noor universe is all about. So, they definitely left the door open for many different angles to take the character.
Ms. Marvel recently ended its run on Disney+ as one of the most critically well-received Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series made viewers fall in love with Kamala Khan and get invested in the mysterious unraveling of what exactly her powers are. By the end of the show, audiences are already excited at seeing what comes next for Kamala in The Marvels.Iman Vellani will star alongside Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, who appeared in the final post-credits scene of Ms. Marvel.
Kamala’s powers in the MCU raised a lot of eyebrows and questions. First, there were significantly different from the abilities and origin she had in the comics. But Ms. Marvel also dropped the huge fact that Kamala may be a mutant in the MCU, and it never fully explained her powers and her Clandestine background. Some of this was due to time constraints for the series, but the series’ director Adil El Arbi recently told The Direct that fans have quite a bit to look forward to regarding Kamala’s powers going forward. El Arbi stated:
And I think, power-wise, we saw just the tip of the iceberg of Kamala Khan. I think there is so much more she can do, and on that front, I think there’s a big road for that, some more spectacular power.”
Adil El Arbi
Considering Kamala’s powers were introduced and developed in a fairly unique way in the MCU, it makes sense that we are not done learning about them. The series’ creators previously mentioned that Ms. Marvel’s new MCU powers were, in part, meant to help the character fit in better with The Marvels. Director Billal Fallah added that her power growth will result in “a great can of action sequences.” The promise of Kamala’s abilities evolution certainly begs the question of whether she will ultimately have powers on par with Captain Marvel, who is arguably one of the strongest characters in the MCU.
Ms. Marvel is now streaming in its entirety on Disney+. The Marvels is scheduled to hit theaters on July 28, 2023.
We’re quite far into 2022 and still have a few projects heading our way. The shorts for I Am Groot finally got a release date with She-Hulk on the horizon in August. There’s also the last cinematic release in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set to release in November with a Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special later this year. Let’s not forget the many rumors surrounding a small but potentially fun Halloween special focused on Werewolf by Night.
For some time, there were also theories that we may get Secret Invasion at one point this year, but those plans may have been postponed. According to TVLine, the Samuel L. Jackson-led Disney+ series may not release until 2023. Of course, they don’t have any details or a specific release window but that would make sense given rumors of potential reshoots happening recently. There were a lot of rumors that hinted at it releasing some time this year.
With that, 2023 seems to be even more stacked than this year, as it would join Echo and Ironheart, which recently started production. Loki‘s second season is also already underway and rumors hint that Agatha: House of Harkness potentially starting at some point. While they believe all these projects will release in 2023, there’s no official word especially with Disney+ Day heading our way later this year. So, we’ll see just how many shows Marvel Studios truly has planned to roll out.
Of all the streaming giants, Amazon’s Prime Video has seemingly been the one needing an update for the longest time. Luckily, it seems that the streamer has been working on something for secrets besides just a few tweaks over the years as they have shared their first major overhaul. This will be its biggest step since Amazon started distributing content back in 2013 and is the perfect time as they start hyping up The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s upcoming release.
It looks like they wanted to make the navigation menu more user-friendly, especially in how one can access Prime Video’s library of originals. So far, it hasn’t been the easiest menu to maneuver, especially when it came to creating your own Prime experience with your favorite shows. There is now a side section for six primary pages: Home, Store, Find, Live TV, Free With Ads, and My Stuff.
It seems they’ve tried to optimize the platform for users, especially given how diverse their offerings are with sports events, live TV, and more depending on your subscription model. It’ll also include a “My Subscriptions” addition for those wanting to switch between others like Paramount+ or AMC+.
Overall, the design looks great and still adheres to some elements from the original, it gives their projects a bit more pop. Plus, it may help ease people to find what is actually part of their Prime subscription as it was mostly dependent on a small tag in the upper corner of the project. Will be interesting to see how people welcome the new design once it rolls out.
Deadline has announced the videogame Grounded is being adapted into a television series. The videogame, which is an Xbox exclusive, is being adapted for television by Star Wars: Clone Wars writer Brent Friedman. He’ll craft the story for Halo director Brien Goodrich, currently attached as a director on the project.
The game was released for early access in July 2020. Since then, it has amassed over 10 million plays. The full version of Grounded will be released this September. The game follows four friends who have big plans before they start high school to help elevate their social standing. Unfortunately, though, their plans are soon upended after they stumble upon shrinking technology that leaves them two inches tall. Now, the four friends face a new obstacle: the backyard full of predators as they uncover a corporate conspiracy threatening their town.
“We couldn’t be more excited about diving into the whimsical universe of Grounded. This partnership will be one of great collaboration, expanding on an already wonderful journey of exploration and adventure,” Tina Chow, the CEO of Bardel Entertainment said in a statement to Deadline.
“The team at Obsidian have created an incredible world that has already grabbed the attention of the gaming community. We are excited to work with our incredible partners to bring the story to life in an animated series,” added Carl Whiteside, MD, WP/SC Productions.
The animated adaptation of Grounded is being produced through Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox in association with Waterproof Studios/SC Productions, Kinetic Media, and Bardel Entertainment. As it stands, the series does not look to have a network attached.
Over the last two weeks, comic book fans were treated to two major season finales — The Boyson Amazon and Ms. Marvel on Disney Plus. And both, in their own respective ways, delivered, despite being geared to two totally different viewer demographics and adapting two totally different flavors of source material. However, despite its high praise — the show currently sits at a 98% critics consensus — only Ms. Marvel has had to grapple with the overarching questions that plague the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 4 enterprise as a whole, namely whether it did enough to not only advance the story of its title character across a satisfying season of television, but also progress the phase’s meta-narrative. And while it may not be fair to put that pressure on any one show, the truth is, that’s always been part of the promise in an MCU offering. Film or series, the story is expected to succeed on its own while also succeeding within a massive serialized storytelling apparatus.
Seven shows and eighteen months in, then, it’s worth assessing whether the Disney Plus structure has done enough to position its MCU series to succeed. And in particular, whether the SIX-EPISODE structure has done those series any favors. Because, unlike Ms. Marvel, The Boys, like Peacemaker before it, presented audiences with stories told over eight episodes, and it was able to dive deeper into the internal motivations of its leads, all while also doing the requisite amount of worldbuilding, new character introduction, and progression of supporting character arcs that we expect from great television.
In the cases of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which functioned as an extended prologue for Captain America 4, and Loki, which served as a bridge between Avengers: Endgameand the Multiverse Saga to come (not to mention its own second season), Marvel’s stumbles with respect to telling a six-part episodic story weren’t as damning as they could’ve been. But in the case of Hawkeye, Moon Knight, and now Ms. Marvel, which were all intended to be launching pads for new characters, the fact that certain aspects of the plot had to be sloppily executed and certain antagonists had to be left underdeveloped in order to get our main arcs to their respective endpoints hampered the final product.
In contrast, WandaVision, due to its unique sitcom structure, was afforded an additional three episodes to stretch its legs before diving into the six-part sprint we’ve now grown accustomed to. And while it admittedly didn’t fully stick the landing with respect to its climactic action, it ended on a tremendously satisfying emotional note for our lead characters, and it gave audiences enough insight into what Agatha Harkness and Monica Rambeau’s respective arcs might be to provide emotional stakes for wherever their next steps take them. And of course, the series was able to address the state of the world post-Blip and how the status quo had changed.
Had Ms. Marvel been afforded an additional two or three episodes to tell its story, the writers would have gotten the opportunity to flesh out what exactly the Clandestines’ motivations were, so that Najma wouldn’t have seemed so one-dimensional, and her villainous turn less abrupt and nonsensical. One more episode in Karachi would have given us more insight into the Red Daggers’ organization and the opportunity for Waleed and Kareem to be made even more compelling as mentors and allies to Kamala. Affording an entire episode to the Partition would have allowed the emotional climax of that story to breathe, instead of abruptly transitioning into poorly articulated Noor mumbo-jumbo which completely undercut the tragic star-crossed love story between Aisha and Hasan, and the part Kamala got to play in it. Not to mention, more time would have given the show more space to explore Kamala’s friendship dynamics, particularly concerning Nakia and Zoe, who not only proved to be bright spots in the finale but also play significant roles in the comics. In short, the things the show did well, we would have been able to luxuriate in, and with respect to the things it didn’t do well, there would have been more time allotted to fixing them.
Again, this is not to say that any of the MCU series have been bad. However, they’ve all been limited in certain respects, and six episodes hampers the storytellers’ ability to serve their characters in a satisfying way. (What If…? both as an animated series and a hybrid of an anthology show and a serialized show had its own unique challenges, even with nine episodes to work with.) And in the case of Ms. Marvel, while we do expect there to be a second season (which will clearly take place sometime after The Marvels, based on the stinger), some elements of this season can’t be revisited and retroactively improved. Especially when the “mutation” revelation has rendered some questions moot. So its flaws are its flaws, no matter what comes next. But hopefully, a nine-episode season of She-Hulk, paced differently from the six-episode breakneck pace that the other shows have struggled under, will convince Kevin Feige and the producing brain trust that the MCU’s characters — especially ones as thematically rich as Kamala Khan — need at least eight episodes each season to fully flesh their stories out. And then we can look forward to an embiggened Season 2.
The finale had numerous references to Ms. Marvel comics, particularly its first 2014 run, though with plenty of references to the 2015 run as well. Like last week, this week will feature two From Page to Screen entries. In this article, we focus on two of the most obvious and major connections—Kamala’s powers and her Ms. Marvel mantle.
“Embiggen”
Those maybe less familiar with Ms. Marvel comics may have been caught slightly off guard when Kamala, seemingly out of nowhere, says, “embiggen” before using her light powers to essentially construct a massive version of herself. Now, “embiggen” is not its own word capable of ascertaining much meaning outside of Kamala in the comics. As we’ve discussed before, the power changes made from comics Ms.Marvel to live-action Ms. Marvel were significant. In the comics, her powers were called embiggening. In the DIsney+ series, we know that she summons power from the Noor Dimension to create hard light constructs.
Ms. Marvel #2 (2014)Ms. Marvel #1 (2015)
As different as those two power sets are, the series clearly has tried to link the two in some ways. When Kamala stretches her light constructs in a way that looks like an extended arm and fist, it invokes her embiggening powers in the comics. The live-action version of “embiggen” was Kamala’s use of her powers to essentially grow herself into a much more formidable and in-control being. While the seemingly abrupt “embiggen” did not make a ton of sense in the context of the show, it was one of the biggest pieces of fan service that anyone familiar with comics Ms. Marvel would have cheered at.
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel Episode 6
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel Episode 6
“Ms. Marvel”
One of the mysteries of Ms. Marvel was how Kamala would end up with the name of “Ms. Marvel”. In the comics, Carol Danvers had previously used the moniker, and that was essentially the whole story. In live-action, Carol Danvers was always only Captain Marvel. Many fan theories suggested that the name would come from something family-based, as the show’s themes focused heavily on that topic. Moreover, names like “Ms. Marvel” are becoming a bit outdated now, so it would need to be something personal and loving.
Ms. Marvel #5 (2014)
And indeed the answer came in the finale that Kamala’s parents apparently nicknamed her “Ms. Marvel” as a young girl, based on the rough/expansive meaning of “Kamala.” An Arabic name, “Kamala” translates to “perfection”, which Kamala’s father tells her in Ms. Marvel #5 (2014). In Ms. Marvel, that same conversation takes place, though her dad expands upon it. He suggests that the “perfection” translation does not quite do it justice and that it also meant “marvel.” “Ms. Marvel” became a pet name from her parents, and Kamala seized on the opportunity to share the same name with Carol Danvers.
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel Episode 6
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel Episode 6
Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel Episode 6
Ms. Marvel is now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
I can imagine a world where Ms. Marvel has a longer Season 2 in episodes and a more expansive story. There feels like more to explore in Karachi. As Kamala continues to learn more about her family legacy she could run into another hero while she’s there. Enter the Scarlet Scarab.
One of the more curious decisions in the Moon Knight finale was not seeing where Layla El-Faouly is going next. We get the line when the young girl is asking Layla if she’s an Egyptian superhero and she says yes. How about Kamala and Layla run a quick mission spanning two episodes?
Layla could be in town searching for something or someone and happen to run into Kamala. Culturally it would be an excellent moment to continue telling these stories of representation. You can also simultaneously continue Ms. Marvel’s story and have a streamline into what could be next for Layla and Moon Knight. I also imagine the two would have fun conversations about growing up and what type of hero they want to be.
Dalbin Osorio on Ironheart
Dominique Thorne and Iman Vellani are both magic, and I cannot wait to see Ironheart and Ms. Marvel interact. Seeing these two legacy heroes, with potential connections to Kang. trying to navigate the world they’ve grown up in with these heroes they’ve looked up to (assuming Ironheart respects Tony and doesn’t despise him) will be something special. Being the heroes that follow the past and future of the MCU is weighty enough, but when we factor in that they will arguably be the most powerful heroes in their generation, the possibilities are endless. What’s even cooler is that these are two girls of color that will give more girls of color more heroes to look up to, and the MCU deserves more representation.
Mary Maerz on Captain America
I would love to see Kamala Khan and Sam Wilson meet and work together. Kamala would without a doubt have some sweet and humorous fangirl reactions to meeting Captain America. In the comics, Kamala often had a very wholesome relationship with Tony Stark/Iron Man while she was an Avenger. We no longer have Tony or Iron Man, but Sam Wilson as Cap seems like he could take on that mentor role phenomenally. A lot of Kamala’s struggles with who she looked up to involved comic events like Civil War II, which so far do not look like they will play much if any role in the near future. So, with no current sides being drawn between the above-the-line Avengers, there is no reason Sam could not, to some extent, take Kamala under his literal wing. Sam is a phenomenal character whose future I am also very excited for, and I think their relationship could easily bring out some of the best and most inspiring aspects of each of them.
MTF III on America Chavez
No matter what you think of MCU Phase 4 as a whole, there’s no denying that Iman Vellani and Xochitl Gomez have been delightful, both in and out of character. But while Ms. Marvel was able to firmly ensconce Kamala in a Jersey City that feels vibrant and culturally rich, where we last left America Chavez at the end of Multiverse of Madness wasn’t nearly as character-enriching. And while it’s certainly possible that our star-punching firecracker can establish found family among grown adult sorcerers in Kamer Taj, placing America alongside characters her age in a diverse city filled with people she can potentially converse with in Spanish will be far more beneficial for her in the long run. And the commonalities and contrasts between South Asian and Latinx cultures can lend more depth and meaning to their interactions, both for the characters themselves, and for the viewers.
On the superpower side, we were able to see Kamala level up considerably across a handful of episodes of her show. Those of us who are fans of America in the comics know what she is capable of, so seeing her level up alongside a fellow potential Young Avenger while they trade quips would only serve to endear us to America more as she actualizes, and to Kamala more as she gets to nerd out with tandem attacks and training in the way that only a hardcore comics/superhero fan can. Just imagine the wacky fun she could cook up, which America would be more than inclined to try. And imagine the universes they could jump into and trouble they could find, all between 3:00 and curfew. Sign me up for #AmeriKhan — there’s a portmanteau, so you know it works.
Torbjorn Frazier on Loki
Kamala Khan and Loki Laufeyson are the odd couple partnership the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) deserves. Maybe besides Steve Rogers, there isn’t a character in the MCU that personifies pure good morality as a superhero more than Ms. Marvel. And pairing her with the literal God of Mischief would provide each other the perfect foil for one another and could become an instant fan-favorite partnership. The themes of family are critical to both characters in extremely different ways, and gaining understanding about each other’s experience would provide interesting perspective and growth for both Kamala and Loki. In addition, Bisha K. Ali has experience writing for both of these characters on their respective Disney+ shows which could help ensure a strong tonal fit for a hypothetical team-up. While it would take a relatively major shuffling of the deck in the MCU to allow Ms. Marvel and Loki to team-up, it’d certainly be a worthwhile viewing experience (and potentially set the stage for a Kid Loki to fit into a Young Avengers line-up down the road).
Charles Murphy on Shang-Chi
Kamala Khan and Shang-Chi don’t have an awful lot in common. One was trained to be an assassin and grew up in a household shattered by the murder of his mother. The other grew up in a household full of love while fangirling over Carol Danvers and other superheroes. But both of them now possess ancient alien artifacts of enormous power that have pushed them into a world they weren’t quite ready for. Ms. Marvel seemed to set the table a little for this team-up when the Ten Rings logo was seen on the cave floor where the bangle was found, but right now it’s not entirely clear where that will go. Whatever the case, seeing these get these two heroes together on screen seems to be nothing more than a matter of time.
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