Summary

Marvel Zombies is a spinoff of Marvel’s What If…? series, venturing into previously unexplored territory with a mature TV-MA rating to explore dark themes. Marvel Zombies series draws on comic book elements but crafts a distinctive storyline, aligning with franchise expectations while creating something new. The role of Kamala Khan, portrayed by Iman Vellani, is pivotal and central to the show, promising personal challenges and superhero adventures amid a zombie crisis.

Marvel’s animated series What If…? director Bryan Andrews recently revealed intriguing details about the much-anticipated spinoff, Marvel Zombies. The MCU takes a bold leap with this series, venturing into previously unexplored realms with a mature TV-MA rating, signaling a shift towards more serious and dark themes.

Andrews, in his interview about Marvel Zombies in Phase Zero, emphasized the show’s unique approach. While it draws on comic book elements, the series is shaping a distinctive storyline, aligning with franchise expectations yet creating something new. Andrews shared:

“That’s going to be crazy! Yeah, [it’s] full TV-MA. It’s spawning off of what was done on Episode [105]. The notion was, there’s some inspiration from the comic, the fact that they’re zombies, but we’re not doing the comic, like, in any stretch. We have our own take on it,” he stated. While it draws on comic book elements, the series is shaping a distinctive storyline, aligning with franchise expectations yet creating something new, and a lot of that stuff has been set up by our talented [What If…?] writers early on, so, just taking that and… exploring that mythology in that episode a bit more. So, yeah, it’s crazy.”

The original series, What If…?, introduced audiences to alternative scenarios within the MCU, reshaping familiar events and characters in unexpected ways. Its success paved the way for Marvel Zombies, a spinoff that promises to delve into a more macabre and intense narrative. The concept of zombified superheroes and villains was first teased in the fifth episode of What If…? Season 1, titled “What If… Zombies?!”. That episode, drawing inspiration from the Marvel Zombies comic books, showcased a world besieged by a zombie virus, affecting both heroes and villains alike. This premise set the stage for a deeper exploration of the Marvel Zombies concept in the upcoming series.

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Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan: A Pivotal Journey in the Marvel Zombies Series

An exciting aspect of Marvel Zombies is the role of Kamala Khan, portrayed by Iman Vellani. Notable for her appearances in The Marvels and Ms. Marvel, Vellani revealed her character’s storyline in the next series installment. She likened Kamala to Frodo from the Lord of the Rings series, suggesting a character arc that’s both pivotal and fraught with challenges. “It was amazing. It was so much fun,” Vellani shared about her experience. “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.”

As for the release, details remain under wraps. Marvel Zombies, consisting of four episodes, along with the third season of What If…? do not have confirmed premiere dates. However, the anticipation is palpable among fans, who can revisit the first two seasons of What If…? on Disney+ to satiate their curiosity.

The decision to venture into a TV-MA rating is an approach that could potentially attract a new audience while offering existing fans a different flavor of the Marvel universe. By building the narrative around Kamala Khan’s character, the series promises to intertwine personal challenges and resilience with superhero adventures amid a zombie crisis.

Marvel Zombies exemplifies Marvel’s knack for reinvention and expansion of its universe with fresh, innovative storytelling techniques. Combining horror, action, and character growth, this series promises an exhilarating new viewing experience, reflecting Marvel’s dedication to delving into all aspects of its immense universe.