The Marvel Cinematic Universe—the “MCU,” if you’re pressed for time—has so far infiltrated the multiplex, network television, and, with this week’s debut of Daredevil, the Netflix original programming space. Despite such a wide variety of outlets for MCU material, the franchise has so far not gone animated—a not entirely shocking turn of events, considering the success of its live-action outings, but one that might irk fans who are (understandably) attached to drawn versions of their favorite superheroes. (Last year’s smash hit Big Hero 6 might draw—tee hee—from Marvel characters and comic books, but the Disney film is not part of the MCU canon.)
That might be changing. According to a quote from Newsarama (via /Film), VP of Animation Development and Production at Marvel Television Cort Lane has now revealed that there’s something animated in the works that, yes, will fit into the MCU.
Lane was asked about the possibility of animated MCU outings at the Emerald City Comic-Con, where a fan asked him about the future of MCU in specific regards to animated offerings, to which Lane replied, “I can’t announce anything, but things are in the works.”
According to /Film, “he did not offer any further details on what ‘things,’ but pointed to Daredevil and the other upcoming Netflix shows as a ‘proof-of-concept’ for projects that tie into the MCU.” There are plans in the works for series based on Marvel characters Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, as well. Per the Netflix plan, Marvel appears to be using these shows to introduce fan favorites to a wider audience, likely with an eye toward having them appear in other MCU projects (like the blockbuster feature films).
Although there are plenty of Marvel-centric series available on Disney XD right now, those shows exist inside their own canon, not the MCU. Slapping the “MCU” label on a new animated offering—and, considering the source of this quote, most likely one in the television realm—would certainly change the face of those programming blocks, while also adding in yet another piece of comics coverage for fans to consume.
Come on, just give Rocket and Groot their own spinoff and be done with it.