Marvel Considering a TV Series Set in The Avengers Universe

Posted by on July 31st, 2012   Filed under: Action, Books/Comics, TV
Source: Deadline

It was probably only a matter of time, but it sounds like the Marvel “Cinematic” Universe will soon be expanding well beyond just film. Last weekend it was being reported that Marvel’s newly formed TV division is currently in talks with ABC to set up a new project for the small screen. While it’s not entirely clear as of yet what form this project will take, we do know that it won’t be another animated series like The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes or the upcoming Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.. It is said to be a live action show that is “a drama series in the Avengers world.” We’ve seen a lot of failed attempts to bring live action superheroes to the small screen as of late… can Marvel succeed where so many others have failed?

According to Deadline, the connection to The Avengers movie would be fairly loose, and the series is unlikely to feature any of the characters seen in Joss Whedon’s film. Things are still in the very early stages with several ideas being explored including a “high-concept cop show.” That makes me think that it will likely be a series that revolves around S.H.I.E.L.D., which makes sense considering that the short films Marvel has been doing also tend to focus on S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure how interesting that sounds. Back in 2010 there was a lot of discussion surrounding a possible Incredible Hulk TV series and also a Cloak and Dagger show for ABC Family. It’s unclear if this new show idea evolved out of those concepts or if they are still in development as well. Either way, it seems like Marvel wants to eventually give every single minor character their day in the sun and while I’m sure hardcore comic book fans will embrace this with open arms, at some point the general public may grow tired of it. Are you interested in a live action Marvel series that doesn’t star any of the Avengers?



  • Maopheus

    It sounds like the inevitable dilution on any good idea. That’s why marketers need to be reined in by both the beancounters and the creative people. More of anything is not necessarily a good idea.

  • If there are sUperheroes and cool stuff, I’m in. If it’s just cops investigating SPBs, no interest.

  • Kasper

    It would need to be on the scale of something like Rome or Game of Thrones – and not be on network television where it would surely end up being shit. It would probably fit best as 10-episode seasons on cable.

    Also like Scott, I would have no interest in following random SHIELD agents on duty, it should be a show about actual heroes with episodes where Tony Stark etc. show up now and again when it makes sense.

    And while some would probably want each episode to have big fights, I would prefer if each season pretty much was just following a team fighting against one main villain, so it isn’t completely lame with villain of the week that easily gets beaten, on to the next. The whole thing should slowly build up over the season.