When Bob Chapek was calling the shots at Disney, a priority appeared to be producing as much content for the studio's streaming service as possible. That may have boosted subscriber numbers, but it also cost a lot of money and returning CEO Bog Iger is now looking to dial back that sort of spending.
As a result, the hope among comic book fans now is that Marvel Studios will get back to quality over quantity, though one series many have questioned the need for - Echo - is obviously still on the way.
Alaqua Cox was excellent in Hawkeye and we had fun spending time with the character; however, there was nothing in that series which suggested Maya Lopez needed to take centre stage in a solo adventure. Yes, it will reportedly set the stage for Daredevil: Born Again, but an entire series about Maya seems like a somewhat extravagant way to flesh out her past with The Kingpin!
Such scepticism among fans could explain Marvel Studios' plan to release every episode simultaneously, though it also suggests there are concerns about maintaining interest in Echo on a weekly basis. Recently, we also learned that what was once going to be a six-episode series will likely now consist of just five instalments due to pacing issues.
While Echo recently shifted from November to January, a filing from Marvel Studios with the United States Copyright Office has revealed a new synopsis and full cast/character list.
"Marvel Studios presents Echo in which Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) struggles to reconnect with her Native American roots while balancing aspirations tied to a life of crime as successor to the brutal legacy of Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) aka Kingpin," it reads. "In the first episode, we are introduced to Maya Lopez and her struggles."
With that comes a fill cast list which, unsurprisingly, confirms Charlie Cox will reprise his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. Joining him, Alaqua, and D'Onofrio are Chaske Spencer as Henry, Tantoo Cardinal as Chula, Graham Greene as Skully, Cody Lightning as Cousin Biscuits, Devery Jacobs as Bonnie, and Zahn McClarnon as William Lopez.
The origin story of Echo revisits Maya Lopez (Cox), whose ruthless behaviour in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.
Only time will tell when Echo adds to the wider MCU but the presence of the Man Without Fear will be enough for many fans to tune in early next year.