Lately Marvel TV seems unstoppable. This year has seen the release of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Spider-Man: Homecoming, with Thor: Ragnorok on its way. Not to mention what's coming in the next two years: Black Panther, the highly anticipated Avengers: Infinity War, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Deadpool 2, and the first female-led film with Captain Marvel. That success extends far beyond the box office. In the next few years Marvel Entertainment will have shows on six different networks and two major streaming sites.
Marvel's popularity lies in their storytelling. They have crafted a rich world full of dynamic characters audiences have come to care about- even those who have never read a comic book in their life. And the comics insure that Marvel has these stories to tell for years to come. Everyone wins.
The ability to tell their stories across so many different platforms also gives Marvel creative freedom. With Netflix the shows have a darker, grittier tone while also staying grounded in reality. With Freeform, Marvel is promising its first shows centered around younger casts. FX lets Marvel go way outside of the box. And Disney gives Marvel an audience for kids to sell lots of toys and create fans for life.
So what's coming up next for the comics juggernaut? Here are All the Marvel Shows Currently in Production and What You Need to Know About Them.
17. The Punisher (Netflix)
Jon Bernthal's depiction of Frank Castle, aka the Punisher, stole the show in Daredevil season 2. The fan-favorite character was quickly given his own show, The Punisher. Frank isn't a hero and he doesn't have superpowers. His solo series will be more grounded than the previous Netflix Marvel shows. Frank is a soldier first and foremost and The Punisher will delve more into his military background.
Deborah Ann Woll is reprising her role Daredevil role as Karen Page, the journalist who develops a soft spot for Frank. The cast also includes some new members, including a number of characters from Frank's past. Ben Barnes is playing Billy Russo and Jason R. Moore is Curtis Hoyle, both old friends of Frank's from his days in the special forces. Ebon Moss-Bachrach has been cast as David Lieberman, an ally to Frank who goes by the name Micro.
It seems Frank will have his hands full not just with the criminal underworld, but with Homeland Security Agents Dinah Madani (Amber Rose Revah) and Sam Stein (Michael Nathanson) who are hot on his trail.
The Punisher will be released on Netflix in 2017.
16. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Season 5 (ABC)
Season 4 of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D was the show's strongest yet, with a later timeslot that allowed for the introduction of Ghost Rider (Gabriel Luna) and darker storylines. The show now looks to return for season 5 with more action and adventure for our favorite agents. Production has just started back up, meaning there isn't too much information about what to expect yet from the upcoming season.
However, the end of the fourth season did tease some exciting things for the future of SHIELD. The finale saw the team captured by a mysterious group with the power to stop time. It also seemed to feature a time jump, with Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) appearing to have started working on some kind of space ship. Gregg also teased the return of Secret Warriors on his Instagram page. The team, assembled by Daisy Johnson, was last seen in season three. After the Framework storyline, anything seems possible.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D returns to ABC Fridays at 9 PM in 2018.
15. Marvel's Avengers: Black Panther's Quest (Disney XD)
Avengers Assemble is an animated series featuring the adventures of Marvel's heroes. The first two seasons focused mostly on characters from the Avengers films, but by season 3 the cast expanded to include the Inhumans, Khamla Khan, and Captain Marvel.
Each season has also been given a subtitle, with season 3 titled "Ultron Revolution", after the supervillain seeking revenge on the team, and season 4 called "Secret Wars" after the comic book storyline. At San Diego Comic Con, it was revealed that the upcoming season 5 of Avengers Assemble will be called "Black Panther's Quest".
The show will focus on Black Panther (voiced by James Mathis III) and his relationship to his homeland of Wakanda. The show will also follow the fallout from the Secret Wars and how it affects the Avengers. This animated series is great way to get younger fans excited about the character before the Black Panther film in February.
Avengers Assemble: Black Panther's Quest will air on Disney XD.
14. Guardians of the Galaxy Season 3 (Disney XD)
Season 2 of Disney's animated Guardians of the Galaxy doesn't end until August, but the show has already been renewed for a third season. The series features more a more family friendly version of the lovable a-holes Marvel fans have come to know in the live action films. The series also features a killer soundtrack- perfect for getting little ones hooked on a feeling.
At San Diego Comic Con, it was announced that the Guardians of the Galaxy show would connect to the Marvel Universe in another way as well. The third season of the series will feature the same storyline as the new Mission: BREAKOUT! ride at Disneyland. In the ride, the Guardians have been captured by the Collector (voiced by Tom Kenny in the show) and it's up to Rocket (voiced by Trevor Devall) to get them out. It's a fun way to extend the theme of #ItsAllConnected outside of the Marvel films and shows.
Guardians of the Galaxy season 2 is currently airing on Disney XD.
13. Big Hero 6: The Series (Disney XD)
Big Hero 6 was a surprise hit for Marvel and Disney. The animated film based on a relatively unknown comic book won the Oscar for best Animated Feature in 2014. Since then, fans have been clamoring for a sequel, but rather than make another movie the studios decided to make an animated series.
The best part of this news is that the majority of the voice cast is reprising their roles from the original film. We not only get more adventures with Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) and Baymax (Scott Adsit), but their friends Wasabi (Khary Payton, replacing Damon Wayans Jr.), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Go Go (Jamie Chung), and Fred (Brooks Wheelan, replacing TJ Miller) as well.
The show has already been picked up for a second season, meaning there are plenty of stories left to tell. The show will focus on Hiro's and the gang's lives as superheroes as well as super smart students.
Big Hero 6: The Series will premiere on Disney XD this Fall.
12. Marvel's Spider-Man (Disney XD)
Everyone's favorite neighborhood Spider-Man isn't just returning to the silver screen- he's getting a new animated series as well. The new show replaces Ultimate Spider-Man which ended in January 2017. Marvel's Spider-Man tells the classic story of Peter Parker (voiced by Robbie Daymond), but this time he will be joined by Miles Morales (voiced by Nadji Jeter) and Gwen Stacey/Spider Gwen (Laura Bailey).
Marvel's Spider-Man will see Peter facing off against familiar villains including Doc Ock (Scott Menville), The Jackal (John DiMaggio), and Vulture (Alastair Duncan). There are also clues that one of Spidey's biggest foes, Venom, will be making an appearance as well.
This new show isn't the only upcoming animated appearance of the wall crawler. Sony is also making an animated feature film starring the Miles Morales version of the character, voiced by Shameik Moore, in 2018.
Marvel's Spider-Man premieres on August 19th at 7 AM on Disney XD.
11. Deadpool (FXX)
While the other Marvel animated series are aimed at a younger audience, the Deadpool TV series - like the live-action film- is definitely not. The new show will take a more adult approach to animation, like Archer or Family Guy. The 10 episode first season will continue the adventures of the Merc with the Mouth (although not connected to films) in all his raunchy, fourth wall breaking glory.
The Deadpool series is being developed by Stephen and Donald Glover. Glover has a history with Marvel, most recently playing Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming and also voicing Miles Morales in Ultimate Spider-Man. His involvement should make fans very excited, as well as the fact that the show is airing on FXX. Unlike other networks, that may try to censor a show like Deadpool, FXX will likely give the Glovers free reign to make the show exactly as dirty and violent as it needs to be.
Deadpool will premiere on FXX in 2018.
10. Daredevil Season 3 (Netflix)
During San Diego Comic Con 2016 it was announced that Daredevil would be getting a third season. The announcement was unsurprising as Daredevil is the show that kicked off the Netflix and Marvel partnership, and is arguably one of their strongest series. The first two seasons have done a wonderful job of developing the tortured soul of Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) as well as his crime-fighting alter ego, the Devil of Hell's Kitchen.
Showrunner Marco Ramirez has been busy working on The Defenders. However, the events of the crossover show will affect Matt going forward, including his relationships with Foggy (Elden Henson) and Karen, who now knows the truth about his secret identity. Plus, with the return of Matt's previously dead lover, Elektra (Elodie Yung), he is going to have more than enough to deal with once his own series comes around.
Daredevil seasons 1 and 2 are currently available to stream on Netflix.
9. Jessica Jones Season 2 (Netflix)
Jessica Jones season 2 is currently filming in New York City, but star Krysten Ritter already promises that fans are going to want to cancel their plans once the show comes to Netflix. The second season will see the return of Ritter as the badass P.I. along with her wannabe superhero BFF Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor), former junkie neighbor Malcolm (Eka Darville), and lawyer/reluctant employer Jeri Hogarth (Carrie Ann Moss). They are joined by new additions to the cast Janet McTeer in an undisclosed role, Leah Gibson as a character named Ingrid, and J.R. Ramirez as Jessica's new neighbor Oscar.
Jessica Jones season 2 looks to continue exploring the fallout of the abuse Jessica suffered at the hands of Kilgrave (David Tennant) in season 1. It also promises to take a deeper look at the relationship between Jessica and Trish and how it has evolved. Between Trish and Jessica's new friends from The Defenders, it may be hard for our sarcastic heroine to continue her loner lifestyle.
Jessica Jones season 2 is expected to be released on Netflix in 2018. Season 1 is currently available to stream.
8. Luke Cage Season 2 (Netflix)
Filming for Luke Cage season 2 is underway, but details for the series are being kept under wraps. Besides star Mike Colter as the man with the bullet proof skin, the show will also see the return of Theo Rossi's scheming Shades, Alfre Woodard's villainous Mariah Dillard, Simone Missick's tough police officer Misty Knight, and Rosario Dawson's capable nurse Claire Temple. Also added to the cast are Mustafa Shakir as John McIver, a charismatic Harlem leader and Gabrielle Dennis as Tilda Johnson, a talented holistic doctor with a complicated history. Lucy Liu is also directing the first episode of the new season.
Of all the Defenders, Luke is the one who has embraced his public identity as the hero of Harlem. This will factor into the events of The Defenders as well as the second season of his own show. Fans are eagerly awaiting The Defenders to finally see the the classic Power Man and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) comic book partnership play out on screen.
Luke Cage season 1 is currently available to stream on Netflix.
7. Iron Fist Season 2 (Netflix)
The second season of Iron Fist was announced at San Diego Comic Con, to the surprise of some. The show struggled in its first season, but the character's introduction to the other heroes in The Defenders looks to help bring some fans around to Finn Jones' depiction of Danny Rand (especially his relationship with Luke Cage). The second season is undergoing changes, including a new showrunner. Sleepy Hollow and Heroes producer Raven Metzner has come in to replace Scott Buck, who is focusing his attention on the upcoming Inhumans show.
Iron Fist will also see Simone Missick's Misty Knight join the cast in season 2. Fans are eager to see Knight and Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) share a screen together. Before the second season of Iron Fist was even announced there was a desire for a Daughters of the Dragon show inspired by the two women's relationship in the comics. Season 2 of Iron Fist will also see a changed Danny after the events of The Defenders.
Iron Fist season 1 is currently available to stream on Netflix.
6. Legion Season 2 (FX)
The first season of Legion was unlike anything Marvel has ever produced. It was a trippy, wild ride into the mind of David Haller (Dan Stevens), a man who believed he was schizophrenic, but in actuality was an incredibly powerful mutant. Throughout the first season David battled the Amahl Farouk/Shadow King, a psychic villain who could take any shape, including that of his friend Lenny (Aubrey Plaza).
Wonder Woman actor Saïd Taghmaoui will be joining the cast of Legion in season 2 to play yet another version of Farouk. Plaza is also set to return as well as Jemaine Clement who plays Oliver Bird, Rachel Keller as Syd Barrett, and Jean Smart who plays Dr. Melanie Bird. Season 2 promises more craziness and even more personalities, with Stevens saying they, "haven't scratched the surface" of David's personalities yet.
Legion season 2 will premiere in 2018.
5. New Warriors (Freeform)
New Warriors is Marvel's second show to be aired on Freeform and the first comedy show produced by the studio. It tells the story of a group of young, powered individuals, led by fan-favorite Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl. The focus of the show promises to be as much about these young people finding their powers as finding their way in life.
After numerous actresses including Anna Kendrick expressed interest in the role, Milana Vayntrub was cast as Doreen Green/Squirrel Girl. Derek Theler landed the male lead as Craig Hollis/Mister Immortal. The cast also includes Jeremy Tardy as Dwayne Taylor/Night Thrasher, Calum Worthy as Robbie Baldwin/Speedball, Matthew Moy as Zack Smith/Microbe, and Kate Comer as Deborah Fields/Debrii. Keith David will also play a recurring role on the show as Ernest Vigman. It looks to be a fun show so far that will introduce non-comic book reading fans to more obscure Marvel characters.
New Warriors is expected to premiere in 2018 on Freeform.
4. The Gifted (Fox)
The Gifted is Marvel's second X-Men-inspired show (after Legion). But in the world of this show, people wonder if the X-Men even existed. In this universe, mutants are hunted by men like Reed Strucker (Stephen Moyer). However, when he finds out his children Lauren (Natalie Alyn Lind) and Andy (Percy Hynes White) are mutants, the whole family - including his wife Kate (Amy Acker) - goes on the run to protect them. Along the way, they meet other mutants, including Thunderbird (Blair Redford), Blink (Jamie Chung), Eclipse (Sean Teale), and Polaris (Emma Dumont).
The family aspect is at the heart of this drama, making it more than just another superhero show. It will also focus on the Mutant Resistance vs. the government's Sentinel Services, who are looking to record all known mutants. The marketing campaign for The Gifted has highlighted this fight, featuring a website where mutants can learn information of their "condition" which has been hacked by Blink and the others.
The Gifted premieres on Fox on October 2nd at 9 PM.
3. Cloak & Dagger (Freeform)
Cloak and Dagger is Marvel's first show to air on Freeform. The ten episode first season will focus on Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph). Both teens have tragic pasts and are brought together after being experimented on and given powers.
Ty finds himself engulfed in darkness and goes by the name Cloak while Tandy can shoot daggers of light and goes by the name Dagger. Ty's powers threaten to consume him, but he is comforted when Tandy is near. Together they take down crime, while navigating their relationship, which is complicated by their growing feelings for each other.
Because the show is on Freeform, some Marvel fans might sleep on Cloak and Dagger. However, that would be a mistake. From the trailer the show seems to perfectly mix the edgy young adult world of the network with traditional superhero storytelling. There is already a great chemistry between Holt and Joseph and a good opportunity to tackle more real life issues than some of the other shows.
Cloak and Dagger is expected to air in 2018 on Freeform.
2. Inhumans (ABC)
Inhumans may be Marvel's most ambitious show yet. Two weeks before the show premieres on ABC, it will be released in IMAX theaters. This IMAX version will be slightly different from what fans will see on TV, which is sure to make fans eager to see and compare both versions.
The show focuses on the Inhuman Royal family including Black Bolt (Anson Mount), Medusa (Serinda Swan), Maximus (Iwan Rheon), Gorgon (Eme Ikwuakor), Crystal (Isabelle Cornish), Karnak (Ken Leung), and Auran (Sonya Balmores). Like many of the Marvel shows, the family's long, complex history will play a large role in the show. The trailers hint at the fight between Black Bolt and Maximus for power as well as Inhumans' fear of being found by humans and what it could mean for both races.
Inhumans debuts in IMAX on September 1st and on ABC on September 29th.
1. Runaways (Hulu)
All teenagers think their parents are evil at one point in their lives, but what if you found out your parents actually were super villains? This is the premise for Runaways. The first Marvel show to be aired on Hulu features a group of kids who learn their parents are part of a secret bad guy organization called The Pride. They also learn that they all have superpowers. Marvel is calling Runaways, "the O.C. of the Marvel Universe" and promising a show full of teenage angst and family drama.
The show stars Ariela Barer (Gert Yorkes), Lyrica Okano (Nico Minoru), Rhenzy Feliz (Alex Wilder), Gregg Sulkin (Chase Stein), Virginia Gardner (Karolina Dean), and Allegra Acosta (Molly Hernandez) as the young Runaways of the title.
According to journalist Danielle Turchiano, reporting from The Runaways Television Critics Association panel, the first two episodes of the show will tell the same story. The pilot will be from the kids' point of view and the second episode will focus on their parents. It's an interesting way to start the series, especially with the promise from showrunner Josh Schwartz that there are no "true villains."
The Runaways premieres on Hulu on November 21st with one episode to be released each week.
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Which new Marvel show are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!