Marvel Animation had the spotlight to themselves at D23 yesterday, providing updates on X-Men ’97, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, What If…?, and Eyes of Wakanda. No earth-shattering news here, but some cool stuff nonetheless.
What If? season 3 will be the series’ last, according to director Bryan Andrews who added that it’ll be “the final arch of The Watcher’s Multiverse-spanning story.” The Watcher is voiced by Jeffrey Wright.
Oscar Isaac will voice Moon Knight, reprising his role from the hero’s solo series. Others set to appear include Ironheart, Shang-Chi, White Vision, Captain America, Hulk, Wanda Maximoff, and Sorcerer Supreme Wong, with one episode involving mechs and gamma-powered monsters.
Ryan Coogler and producer Todd Harris were on hand to talk about Eyes of Wakanda, the four-episode spinoff tied to the Black Panther movies. They revealed that episodes will take place in different time periods and “expand the mythos” of Wakanda’s history. An Iron Fist will appear, but it’s unclear which one it’ll be. Chances are it won’t be Danny Rand but one of his predecessors.
LIVE from the @DisneyD23 Marvel Animation Sneak Peek:
Director & Executive Producer Todd Harris and Producer Ryan Coogler tease a new character in Marvel Animation's Eyes of Wakanda. 👀 @proximitymedia #D23 pic.twitter.com/7Q2vwqJwyO
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 10, 2024
There was at least one big casting announcement for Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Oscar-nominated Rustin star Colman Domingo has joined the cast as Norman Osborne, the villain who becomes Green Goblin. Series creator and writer Jeff Trammell said Osborn will act as Peter Parker’s mentor, but presumably that will take a villainous turn.
Domingo had been consistently rumored to take over the role of Kang the Conqueror following Jonathan Majors’ firing. Looks like he’s found a different Marvel baddie to play, and hopefully it leads to him joining the MCU proper.
Doctor Strange is set to appear in the series, and his arrival introduces a cool twist. He’ll be seen chasing a Blackheart-esque demon through a portal, only to arrive with a spider piggybacking a ride. That same spider will eventually bite Parker, granting him powers based on the supernatural rather than technology and science. Iron Man and Daredevil will also make appearances in the show.
We just got chills.@colmandomingo is FINALLY a part of the Marvel Universe. #D23 pic.twitter.com/tZYG6hSAsR
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 10, 2024
A new look at ‘YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN’ #D23 pic.twitter.com/3FSuLerqfr
— Nexus Point News (@NexusPointNews) August 10, 2024
Characters from Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #D23 pic.twitter.com/fGWfhQcETE
— IGN (@IGN) August 10, 2024
Marvel exec Brad Winderbaum was on hand to talk about the second season of X-Men ’97. It was confirmed the team will rock the black and gold costumes like in Grand Morrison’s epic run on New X-Men. Those are the same outfits that inspired the team’s look in Fox’s X-Men movies.
Characters teased to appear include Apocalypse, Bishop, Warlock, Mariko, Polaris, and Danger who is the physical form of the X-Men’s Danger Room once it gains self-awareness.
“Sugah, I can’t feel you.” 😭@ZannLenore talks her favorite Rogue moments. #D23 pic.twitter.com/28jIxppO0L
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 10, 2024
