Overview
Eric Voss analyzes the new Marvel Zombies animated series trailer, highlighting key cameos, plot connections, stylistic choices, and potential storyline implications. The trailer reveals a TV-MA rated, visually intense show with fan-favorite and new characters, and teases how Marvel's animated universe may expand.
Trailer Presentation and Style
- The trailer opens creatively, using the TV-MA rating text as part of the environment, sliced by an arrow with blood effects.
- Blood in the show is now depicted as true red due to the mature rating, differing from the muted tones in "What If".
- The trailer features the song "From Me to You" by Baby Metal and Poppy, thematically linked to the plot.
Plot Origins and Connections
- The series is a spin-off of the "What If...? Zombies" episode, itself inspired by Robert Kirkman’s Marvel Zombies comics.
- The origin of the zombie outbreak traces to Janet Van Dyne contracting a quantum virus in the quantum realm.
- Key survivors in the original episode included Spider-Man, Hope Van Dyne, Bruce Banner, T’Challa, and Scott Lang’s head, ending with zombie Thanos holding Infinity Stones.
- The show adapts and expands comic storylines, but is not a direct adaptation.
Character Appearances and Voice Cast
- Kate Bishop is presumed to be featured, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld; Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) appears only as a zombie.
- Notable zombies include Ayo, Abomination (Emil Blonsky), Clint Barton, Ava Starr (Ghost), Steve Rogers, and Carol Danvers.
- Florence Pugh voices Yelena Belova, connecting to her timeline post-Black Widow.
- Other characters include Shang-Chi, Katie, Red Guardian, Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), Blade Knight (Blade/Moon Knight hybrid), Jimmy Woo, and Death Dealer.
- Chadwick Boseman voiced T’Challa in "What If", but the character will be recast here.
Speculation and Theories
- Red-eyed zombies may indicate control by zombie Wanda Maximoff.
- San Francisco and the Raft prison serve as key locations; the Raft may house mutants or other powerful characters.
- Theories suggest a connection between zombie Wanda and Namor’s infection, challenging typical zombie narrative isolation.
- X-Men and mutants may play a pivotal role, with hints at their MCU integration.
Blade Knight and Supernatural Themes
- Blade Knight, a variant blending Blade and Moon Knight, is introduced, with ties to MCU's god-avatar hierarchy.
- His design is based on Mahershala Ali but voiced by Todd Williams.
- The show hints at crossovers among different divine champions (e.g., Black Panther, Namor, Moon Knight).
Additional Details and Cameos
- Spider-Man is shown decapitating zombies with web-slinging action, possibly confronting zombie Thanos.
- A zombified Ikaris from Eternals is confirmed, raising questions about Eternal vulnerability to the virus.
- Additional cast includes Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie), Dominique Thorne (Ironheart), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), and possible Skrull appearances.
Promotion and Sponsorship
- Face App is promoted during the video as an easy-to-use selfie-editing tool.
Show Hype and Community Engagement
- The trailer editing is praised for quality.
- Eric encourages viewers to share thoughts, subscribe, and follow for more coverage.