Marvel Animation revealed their upcoming animated projects at D23 on Saturday, including the series ‘Marvel Zombies,’ ‘Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,’ ‘Eyes of Wakanda,’ ‘X-Men ’97‘ Season 2, and the final season of ‘What If…?‘ Season 3. The Animation panel was hosted by Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s Head of Streaming, Television & Animation, along with ‘What If…?’ co-director Bryan Andrews.
Marvel Zombies
‘Marvel Zombies’ will be a four-episode TV-MA series featuring ‘Mad Max’-inspired action sequences. However, the series won’t be coming out for a while.
During D23, the first teaser for ‘Marvel Zombies’ was shown, where The Mandarin gives Shang-Chi the Ten Rings to save his arm from a zombie bite. The teaser also shows Shang-Chi, Katy, and Jimmy Woo battling a Skrull biker gang inspired by ‘Mad Max.’
The ‘Marvel Zombies’ footage began with helicopters flying over a city—firing down on and killing zombies. On the ground, Shang-Chi and Katy—dressed in their valet outfits (voiced by Simu Liu and Awkwafina or their alike)—fight off a horde of zombies. A man with brightly glowing rings on his arms drops down. ‘Who is that?’ Katy asks. ‘It’s my dad,’ Shang-Chi replies. Wenwu then takes over—using the Ten Rings to battle the zombies, including one giant zombie (bigger than Ant-Man).
Shang-Chi stops fighting in amazement during his battle and gets bitten on the arm. It seems like it’s over for him—until Wenwu uses the rings to halt the infection from spreading. This act, however, leaves Wenwu vulnerable—and zombies kill him. As he dies, he tells Shang-Chi, ‘Remember what your mother taught you.’ With the rings in hand, Katy and Shang-Chi escape in the helicopter.
“Five years later”—similar to Endgame—was seen. The world is now post-apocalyptic, and driving through a wasteland are Shang and Katy—listening to themselves cover Journey tunes on “Zombie Apocalypse Radio.” They’re in a pink-highlighted sports car. Shang’s right arm still has the rings on it, protecting him from a deadly infection. Like a scene out of Mad Max, they lead a massive convoy, which includes a truck driven by Jimmy WooAlso includes Shang-Chi, Katy and Jimmy Woo fighting a Skrull biker gang in a ‘Mad Max’-style sequence.
I have already confirmed that Blade will be becoming the new Fist of Khonshu in the ‘Marvel Zombies’ and Mahershala Ali will be voicing Blade.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ (formerly titled Spider-Man: Freshman Year) was discussed by series creator Jeff Trammell—who introduced voice actors Hudson Thames (Peter Parker) and Colman Domingo (Norman Osborn). In this version, Norman Osborn watches over Peter with questionable intent. The D23 panel also confirmed that characters such as Doctor Octopus, Doctor Connors, and Doctor Strange will appear—and the extraterrestrial parasites known as the Symbiote will play a role. Early footage also shows Peter meeting Nico Minoru.
Eyes of Wakanda
‘Eyes of Wakanda’ is an animated series that delves into Wakandan history—developed by Todd Harris, who served as a storyboard artist on many modern action movies. See the official logo below.
Ryan Coogler and Harris presented a preview of Marvel Animation’s Eyes of Wakanda at D23. Each episode will take place in a different era, highlighting those who have protected Wakanda over time. A version of Iron Fist will also appear in the series. Coogler says, ‘Eyes of Wakanda does a beautiful job of representing the history of those who have kept Wakanda a secret over centuries.
X-Men ’97 Season 2
For those waiting for X-Men ’97 Season 2, the D23 panel revealed that the X-Men will wear Grant Morrison-inspired suits in the upcoming season. Lady Deathstrike, Polaris, Sabretooth, Warlock, and Apocalypse will also appear. At the panel, Lenore Zann (Rogue) and Cal Dodd took the stage to reveal the Season 2 news, and footage showed Magneto on trial in the upcoming story arc.
What If…? Season 3
‘What If…?’ Season 3 will be the final season of the series, as confirmed at D23. Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight will return, and White Vision, Ironheart, and Shang-Chi will also make appearances.
Marvel Animation is also developing additional projects for the future. We will provide updates as soon as we receive confirmation.
