The San Diego Comic-Con is in full swing. And with that, Marvel Studios is giving attendees a sneak peek of what’s to come from their animation department. That includes a few new first looks at “What If…?” “Spider-Man: Freshman Year,” “Marvel Zombies,” and, one of the most anticipated titles “X-Men 97.”
Jeff Trammell teased the show with the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding showed off the new Spider-Man suit designed for the series. A fun reveal was that moderator Paul F. Tompkins will be playing a character in the series. A second season was also announced, aptly titled “Spider-Man: Sophomore Year.”
“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” is an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.
Since the multiverse has already been introduced to the MCU, “Spider-Man: Freshman Year” takes place outside of it in a universe of its own. As such, it won’t have to worry about abiding by certain rules or follow certain events in order to stay canon. That way, we get a story that’s fresh and see some killer animation that’s unlike what we’ve seen in “What If…?”
According to some of the images, villains include Unicorn, Chameleon, Scorpion, Tarantula, Rhino and Doc Ock. While allies and friends include Nico Minoru, Amadeus Cho, Daredevil and Doctor Strange.
“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” comes exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.
As for “What If…?” not only will season 2 come out next year, but Marvel has also green lit a season 3, which is exciting for those who love exploring the multiverse.
“What If…?” Season 2 continues the journey with The Watcher as our guide through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The animated series questions, revisits, and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley as head writer.
Season two of “What If…?” launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023.
And after making their debut in an episode of “What If…?” “Marvel Zombies” reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Considering how that particular episode ended, it’s only makes sense that the series take place in the same universe as the one episode in “What If…?”
Of course, whenever you’re dealing with zombies, this will get pretty nasty. But who doesn’t like a good zombie plague, especially if that plague infects our favorite Marvel heroes and villains.
Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews and written by executive producer Zeb Wells.
“Marvel Zombies” will stream exclusively on Disney+.
No word yet on a release date.
Finally, cheers erupted when Brad Winderbaum spoke fondly of the legacy of “X-Men: The Animated Series” and presented a sizzle reel featuring cast and creatives from the popular ‘90s animated show. “X-Men ‘97” writer and executive producer Beau DeMayo then spoke about the new series, shared artwork, and presented an animatic AV piece. DeMayo also mentioned that the show will use the original “X-Men” theme music. A second season was also announced.
“X-MEN ’97” is an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ’90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.
“X-Men ’97”” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ Fall 2023.
