The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest TV series, Marvel Zombies, has brought a new level of graphic and gory fun to audiences. Initially, I overlooked its release due to my reservations about the What If…? series, which required viewers to suspend disbelief and ignore established superhero lore. However, Marvel Zombies, while still requiring some suspension of disbelief, offers a glimpse into what could have been in the earlier phases of the Multiverse Saga if there had been a more coherent plan in place.
Following one of the alternate world stories presented in What If…?, Marvel Zombies poses the question: what if a zombie apocalypse occurred before Thanos’ invasion? The series explores which heroes would survive and who would succumb to the dark forces of the undead. It shines a spotlight on characters who have previously been sidelined, showcasing their potential if given the opportunity.
One character that stands out in Marvel Zombies is Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel. While her Disney+ series received critical acclaim, her character has seemingly been deprioritized in favor of established figures like Robert Downey Jr. The show highlights the dynamic team potential between Kamala Khan, Riri Williams, and Kate Bishop, characters who bring fresh energy to the franchise but have been kept mostly in separate projects due to the overwhelming number of shows and films in Phases 4 and 5.
Blade, a character with significant potential in the MCU, has faced numerous setbacks in getting his standalone film off the ground. In Marvel Zombies, the character is reimagined as ‘Blade Knight,’ a crossover with Moon Knight, in the absence of Mahershala Ali’s portrayal. The uncertainty surrounding Blade’s future leaves fans wondering if Ali’s film will ever come to fruition.
Another character left in limbo is Shang-Chi, whose successful debut film has not yet received a sequel announcement. Speculation suggests that Shang-Chi’s story may have been tied to Kang, a character whose storyline has been altered due to real-life controversies involving actor Jonathan Majors. Marvel’s shift towards a new villain, Doctor Doom, may further delay Shang-Chi’s return to the big screen.
Marvel Zombies offers a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been for these characters and storylines if circumstances had been different. As the MCU continues to expand and evolve, fans can only hope that these characters will eventually get their chance to shine in the spotlight once again.
In Marvel Zombies, the character of Shang-Chi showcases a unique fighting style and dynamic interactions that leave fans craving more screen time for this martial arts expert. Despite the success of his solo film and the potential for a sequel, the director’s commitments to other projects may delay the continuation of Shang-Chi’s story. As viewers eagerly await developments, the uncertainty surrounding the character’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe adds to the intrigue. For those interested in exploring Shang-Chi’s character further, the series Marvel Zombies offers a glimpse into his world and abilities, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
