After 2019 saw Kevin Feige take control of all Marvel creative decisions, subsequently ending Marvel TV, it was assumed that the future of Marvel Studios television shows was destined for Disney+. However, speaking at a TCA panel, the head of ABC has said that the network is actively in talks with Feige about a new Marvel series for the future.
ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke said (via Deadline), “We love our partners at Marvel and we’re sad to see [‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D’] go, it’s been a big part of our history. We’re looking forward to working with Kevin Feige and we’re at the very beginning of conversations with him now about what a Marvel and ABC show might look like. Right now, Marvel’s focus has been on Disney+, as it should be.”
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While it isn’t shocking that ABC wants more Marvel content, especially given that the network’s “Agents of SHIELD” is ending this year after a seven-season run, it is surprising that Kevin Feige is actually discussing a potential series for the broadcast network. From what we’ve seen so far, the Marvel Chief Creative Officer is working hard to make sure that each TV series that is produced by his studio fits perfectly with the current MCU and features characters that can jump back and forth between TV and the big screen.
This initiative means that actors such as Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Renner, and Elizabeth Olsen are much more likely to sign up for a six-or-eight-episode limited series on a streaming service than a traditional hour-long drama on ABC. Basically, we don’t see Chris Hemsworth, Brie Larson, or Tessa Thompson jumping to the front of the line to star in a series that might run for multiple seasons and perhaps air before “The Conners.”
So, given that distinction, what character would fit the ABC model? Honestly, unless its a spin-off with a C-list character from one of the established Marvel franchises, it’s likely that ABC is going to get a D-lister that Feige is willing to banish to basic network TV. However, even saying that feels wrong. Doing something half-baked like that doesn’t follow the Kevin Feige model. He produces things for Marvel Studios that count. Nothing is thrown away. Perhaps it’ll be an anthology that allows characters and actors to come and go each season?
Long story short, we have no idea what an ABC/Marvel Studios series might look like. But hey, ABC wants some Marvel and we’re sure that Disney would like the network to get it. So, more than likely, we’ll find out soon enough.
