Inside Scoop: Marvel Shakes Up MCU TV Production Following Backstage Dramas

Summary

Marvel Studios is overhauling its TV model for the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to behind-the-scenes issues that have affected recent Disney+ shows.

The studio is revamping its lineup of writers and directors for upcoming shows such as Daredevil: Born Again. They are bringing in showrunners and head writers to embrace a more conventional television format. This reset is seen as a promising development for the franchise, as it will bring back traditional long-form storytelling and potentially resolve the problems that have troubled past Disney+ shows.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's TV model is undergoing a complete overhaul due to behind-the-scenes issues that have affected recent Disney+ shows. After the release of Avengers: Endgame and the transition to the Multiverse Saga, Marvel Studios began using TV shows to tell their MCU stories. However, despite the initial success of shows like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Loki, problems emerged both behind the scenes and in the overall production process.

As a result, Marvel Studios has decided to completely revamp their TV model, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In light of the strikes by SAG-AFTRA and WGA in 2023, the studio had the opportunity to review the upcoming Disney+ Marvel shows. However, reports suggest that Marvel is dissatisfied with the state of these shows, leading to changes in writers and directors for productions like Daredevil: Born Again, and ultimately, a complete overhaul of the MCU's TV lineup. The studio will now hire showrunners and head writers to oversee pilots and show bibles, returning to a more traditional TV format compared to what was seen in Phases 4 and 5.

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Why Marvel Resetting The MCU's TV Process Is A Good Thing

The upcoming release of Marvel Studios' Daredevil: Born Again has sparked some concern over the changes being made. However, this reset actually indicates a positive direction for the franchise's future. By moving away from TV productions that have been criticized for feeling stretched-out and overblown, Marvel's TV shows will now focus more on traditional long-form storytelling. This shift will address the issues that affected previous installments like She-Hulk, Moon Knight, and Secret Invasion. The problems highlighted in THR's report began as early as 2022's Moon Knight.

The departure and replacement of Jeremy Slater by director Mohamed Diab, similar to the situation with Jessica Gao being sidelined for director Kat Coiro in She-Hulk, created conflicting tones in both shows. The unconventional approach taken by the MCU in developing TV shows resulted in significant changes mid-production, particularly in Secret Invasion, where multiple directors, writers, and creators were entirely replaced. As a result, Secret Invasion became the MCU's worst-reviewed show. However, by implementing a more structured and writer-focused approach in future productions, the MCU aims to avoid similar setbacks.