The Evolution of Echo's Backstory in Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios alters Echo’s Native American backstory to honor her heritage accurately Discover the reasoning behind the decision from the series' producer ahead of Echo's highly anticipated debut
Before the premiere of Echo, the series' producer explains the reasoning behind the decision to alter Echo's Native American origin story. With the new year, Marvel Studios is gearing up for the highly anticipated debut of Echo on Disney+ with a five-episode run.
In a spin-off of the 2021 series Hawkeye, the show will focus on Maya Lopez, the former leader of the Tracksuit Mafia who is deaf. She is on the run from Kingpin, her adoptive uncle, following their deadly clash.
A significant draw of Lopez's character is her portrayal as one of the few Native American figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The producer of the show has discussed the decision to alter Lopez's Native American background from the original comic storyline.
Echo’s Native backstory was re-written to stay true to her heritage
During a press event for Echo, executive producer Sydney Freeland discussed the decision by her and Marvel Studios to revise Echo's Native American backstory.
Lopez's original Blackfeet tribe background in the comics was described by Freeland as a "muddied" and nonsensical portrayal. Instead, she and her team chose to reimagine Lopez as a member of the Choctaw tribe from Oklahoma. They made efforts to engage with tribal members and develop a partnership with them.
Freeland explained, "I presented a pitch deck and pitched the project to them. It's not going to be earnest, it's going to be a little more intense, but we believe there's a compelling story behind it."
"I basically told them, 'No, we're not here to dictate. We're here to have a conversation so that we can gather your input and create a more genuine representation of the Choctaw people and culture.'"
Freeland ensured that every member of her team, from the costume department to the production designer, had an authentic experience with Native culture. In fact, she even had her costume designer start from scratch to recreate a palette for the powwow costumes.
"Echo" will premiere on Disney Plus and Hulu on January 9. Learn more about it here.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see Marvel Studios taking steps to accurately represent Native American heritage in the upcoming Echo series. The decision to alter Echo's backstory to reflect her Choctaw heritage is a positive move that demonstrates respect for indigenous cultures. It is important for media to portray diverse characters authentically, and I appreciate Marvel Studios' commitment to working with tribal members to ensure that Echo's story is told in a respectful and meaningful way.
I believe that this change not only honors Native American culture but also enriches the Marvel Cinematic Universe by introducing a more nuanced and authentic representation of indigenous characters. By engaging with tribal members and incorporating their input, Marvel Studios is demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. I am excited to see how Echo's Choctaw heritage will be woven into her character and storyline, and I am confident that this decision will resonate positively with both Native American audiences and fans of the MCU.
