At D23 2024, Marvel Animation took center stage with a slew of exciting announcements that have fans buzzing about the future of the Marvel universe. Following a barrage of trailers and teasers on its first day, the panel was a showcase of Marvel’s upcoming animated projects, highlighting both beloved continuations and fresh new series.
The spotlight of the evening was on X-Men ‘97, a revival of the iconic animated series that captured the hearts of fans in the 1990s. Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation, and ComicBook’s Brandon Davis discussed the highly anticipated return of the show.
Reflecting on the series’ impact, Winderbaum shared his personal connection to the original X-Men series, stating, “For me, the X-Men were the first piece of superhero anything that I watched as a kid.” Voice actors Lenore Zann (Rogue) and Cal Dodd (Wolverine) also appeared on the panel, reminiscing about their roles and teasing the new adventures awaiting the X-Men in this revival.
Another major announcement was the third and final season of What If…?. Director Bryan Andrews joined Davis to present a preview of what’s next for the series. The footage included a retro trailer for the Avengers, leading into the familiar What If…? animation style. This season will explore alternate realities featuring Captain America, Sam Wilson, and a revamped Avengers team. The presentation also highlighted Oscar Isaac’s Moon Knight, who will receive further attention in the final season.
New to the Marvel lineup is Eyes of Wakanda, a four-part series produced by Todd Harris and Ryan Coogler. Harris shared how the project evolved from discussions during the production of Infinity War, and Coogler praised Harris for his exceptional storyboarding skills. The series will delve deeper into the War Dogs, Wakanda’s covert agents tasked with protecting the nation’s secrets. A first look introduced Noni, a new character depicted in a unique and beautiful art style. The teaser showcased Noni’s daring escape, establishing her as a formidable figure within the series.
Additionally, the panel introduced Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, an animated show coming to Disney+. Jeff Trammell, the show’s creator, and voice actor Hudson Thames (Peter Parker) were on hand, along with Colman Domingo, who voices Norman Osborn. The footage revealed Peter Parker’s transformation into Spider-Man, his encounter with Nico Minoru, and featured a catchy new theme song. The show promises an engaging look at Spider-Man’s early days and his evolving relationship with Norman Osborn.
Lastly, the event previewed Marvel Zombies, a four-part series continuing the storyline from What If..
..?. This series will feature Shang-Chi and his friend Katie in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The teaser included a thrilling sequence with the characters navigating a Mad Max-style landscape while singing “Lights” by Journey, setting the stage for an action-packed series.
The Marvel Animation panel at D23 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse lineup that promises exciting developments for both longtime fans and newcomers. X-Men ‘97, with its nod to the cherished 90s series, appeals to viewers’ nostalgia while promising fresh, new adventures for the beloved mutants. The return of vocal talents such as Lenore Zann and Cal Dodd only adds to the authenticity and excitement surrounding the revival.
Meanwhile, What If…? continues to push creative boundaries, exploring untapped alternate realities within the Marvel Universe. By spotlighting characters like Captain America, Sam Wilson, and Moon Knight, the final season promises to deliver gripping new narratives and unexpected twists.
Eyes of Wakanda taps into the rich lore of Wakanda, diving deeper into the world of the War Dogs. With Todd Harris and Ryan Coogler bringing their creative prowess to the project, audiences can look forward to a visually stunning and narratively complex series. The introduction of Noni, a new character, further expands the Wakandan mythos and adds new dimensions to its storytelling.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man focuses on the early days of Peter Parker’s journey as the iconic web-slinger. By examining his relationships – particularly with Nico Minoru and Norman Osborn – the series aims to provide a multifaceted look at Peter’s growth as both a hero and a young man. The new theme song adds a contemporary touch, setting the tone for the playful yet dramatic moments to come.
Finally, Marvel Zombies continues the thrilling narrative introduced in What If…? with a post-apocalyptic twist. Featuring familiar faces like Shang-Chi and Katie in a desolate, zombie-ridden world, the series promises high-octane action and emotional depth. The teaser’s use of “Lights” by Journey adds a unique, almost nostalgic poignancy to the impending chaos and adventure.
With these announcements, Marvel Animation has once again proven its ability to captivate audiences with dynamic storytelling and beloved characters. The diverse range of series showcased at D23 2024 ensures that there’s something for every Marvel fan to look forward to in the coming year. As excitement builds, fans around the world eagerly anticipate the premiere of these groundbreaking shows and the new chapters they will add to the ever-expanding Marvel Universe.
