This is a bit of a shocker, as Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios originally stated that the Inhumans would join the rest of the MCU on the big screen, but it appears that Marvel Television is taking on the Inhuman characters after all and will make their debut on ABC. The first two episodes of the series will also debut exclusively on IMAX for two weeks in early September. No word on casting yet. Previously, it was rumored that Vin Diesel would have another part in the MCU, and it was long suggested to be as Black Bolt, but this was back when there was a chance of it being part of Phase 3 or even Phase 4.
Honestly, I don’t think a television series could do the Inhumans justice. This is a group that’s deserving of the big screen treatment and especially since it’s the MCU’s equivalent of the X-Men. I’m curious to see what kind of budget the network is shelling out, considering the amount of visual effects required to depict the powers of the heroes. I can’t help but wonder will Black Bolt’s powers get downplayed? What about Medusa’s hair? What about the chances to see the ILLUMINATI on the big screen?! As a fan of the Inhumans, I am excited to finally see them take some sort of live action for but at the same time, I feel like limiting these characters to television is a major downgrade.
It’s also said that the series is not a spinoff of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D so I’m curious if the two series will even share a connection or better yet, where does it take place in the Cinematic Universe.
What are your thoughts on the announcements?
Full Press Release from Marvel.com,
Marvel Television, a unit of Marvel Entertainment, and Disney|ABC Television Group today announced an innovative agreement to exclusively premiere the new ABC series “Marvel’s The Inhumans” in IMAX commercial theatres, marking the first time a live-action television series has debuted in this manner.
Under the agreement, a version of the first two episodes of Marvel Television’s new series “Marvel’s The Inhumans”–produced in conjunction with ABC Studios and filmed entirely with IMAX digital cameras–will run worldwide exclusively in IMAX for two weeks at the beginning of September 2017. ABC plans to then premiere the weekly series in fall, with additional exclusive content that can only be seen on the network.
The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since that time, they have grown in prominence and become some of the most popular and iconic characters in the Marvel Universe. “Marvel’s The Inhumans” will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family.
ABC, IMAX and Marvel Television also intend to work together to create a joint marketing and promotion plan for the series across their proprietary media platforms–which would be the first such cross-platform marketing launch of a television series. Today’s agreement also marks IMAX’s first time as a financing participant in a TV pilot and series.
“This unprecedented alliance represents a bold, innovative approach to launching great TV content for a worldwide audience,” said Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC Television Group. “It highlights Disney|ABC’s unrelenting commitment to finding new and creative ways to showcasing our very best programming and increasing global engagement and reach.”
“This first-of-its-kind multi-platform production, distribution and marketing agreement brings together Marvel Television’s unique brand of entertainment, ABC’s unparalleled audience and IMAX’s brand and global fanboy demographic,” said IMAX CEO, Rich Gelfond. “It also takes our decades-long relationship with The Walt Disney Company to a whole new level, jointly breaking new ground in the industry. We are confident our exhibition partners will be excited to work with us on this innovative launch of a series across the IMAX network.”
“We’re happy to see this unique deal come together, working with our partners,” said Dan Buckley, President, Marvel Television, Publishing & Brand. “In an ever-changing world of distribution and consumption, it’s very exciting to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that takes us to the forefront of this evolution.”
This deal also provides audiences with high-quality, compelling entertainment options during what have traditionally been lulls in the summer blockbuster season. These IMAX audiences also tend to have high engagement and positive response to comic book fare.