Marvel Studios' latest series She-Hulk aired its season finale last week on Disney+, and fans are still buzzing about the super meta and self-aware conclusion to the MCU’s newest hero.
She-Hulk’s head writer, Jessica Gao, spoke with Screen Rant after the show’s finale to address how predictable toxic fandoms can be. It was precisely that real-life parallel that made its way into the story of the show itself, with an online group called the Intelligencia (led by the villainous Todd) trying their best to take Jen Walters down.
With She-Hulk having the most connective tissue thus far for any Marvel Studios Disney+ series, and thus boasting more guest stars than any of She-Hulk’s predecessors, Gao shared her insight on balancing Jennifer Walter’s story with the incredibly dense MCU and all of its characters.
Jessica Gao on She-Hulk
Screen Rant: Was it always the plan to have toxic fandom as the season's villain? Can you talk to me about the irony of seeing that play out in the real world, knowing that it was the big bad of the season?
Jessica Gao: Yeah, if something could be a combination of these two, it was both delicious and sad. We started writing the show three years ago; that’s how long ago this all was. The fact that we were able to very accurately, every single time, predict exactly what the toxic reaction was going to be is sad but also goes to show how tired and unoriginal these guys are. Three years ago, I could tell you what you were going to say because you're just that predictable and boring. But the little troll that lives inside of me was utterly delighted that we were able to troll the trolls.
With so much interconnectivity with She-Hulk, you guys always kept it focused on Jen's story. How'd you find that balance?
Jessica Gao: I feel like TV is always about the character first and who this person is. We have to care about this person. Otherwise, why do we care about anything that happens? Why would we want to hang out with her every week after week? So, everything really starts with her. It makes it so much easier that Tatiana is so charismatic and so charming and so likable and relatable that you instantly see her and feel that she is a person that you want to be your friend. And also, there's such intimacy when she talks to you when she breaks the fourth wall, you're her little friend. You're her bestie that she tells things to that she doesn't even tell the people in her world.
So, you feel this connection with her. You, of course, are invested in her and support her. And so, she is the focal point for you. You are the one who is in her corner with her at all times. And so, that's why even when there's a new exciting person or an exciting thing that's happening, you're like, "That's fine, but I'm watching here with my best friend She-Hulk."
The chemistry between Matt Murdock and Jen is incredible. Can you talk to me about how that relationship impacts Jen moving forward into the MCU?
Jessica Gao: Well, look, they're both very attractive people with red-hot chemistry. So, if those two people want to make things work, they'll find a way to make things work.But who knows if either of them wants a commitment. I think that is the great thing about getting involved with someone who uniquely understands your industry. And for them, it's both the industries that they're in. That there is this understanding so that you don't have to constantly explain to someone why it's going to impact your relationship. They just get it.
About She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follows Jennifer Walters as she navigates the complicated life of a single, 30-something attorney who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk.
Check out our other She-Hulk interviews here:
All episodes of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law are available to stream on Disney+.