With the Phase Two of Marvel’s cinematic universe in full swing and rumours of Phase Three properties being bounded around, Disney and Netflix have announced a partnership to bring some of the Marvel’s other properties to the smaller screen.
Starting in 2016 Netflix will be kicking off a 13-part mini-series of The Man Without Fear, Daredevil followed by Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, before bringing them together as a version of Marvel’s The Defenders. This means there will be a good few years of TV entertainment of Marvel fans that will lead to a huge crossover event – like a TV version of The Avengers. According to the announcement, each series will take us, “deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell’s Kitchen, New York”.
President of Marvel Entertainment Alan Fine says, “this deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel’s brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty. This serialised epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure.”
One of the common complaints about Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been a lack of superhero presence, so this news might wash the bad taste out of some Marvel fan’s mouths. Netflix has had a lot of praise on the other hand for their original properties including Orange is the New Black and House of Cards while their fourth season of Arrested Development was met with mixed reactions
Should these mini-series do well, one would assume that other Marvel properties not in line for big screen makeovers could be added to the mix. The Punisher, anyone?
Originally published November 7, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
