In an unexpected turn of events, Marvel in collaboration with Netflix and ABC are producing five new series set for release after The Defenders series is released in 2017, according to a press release issued today.
The new members of the Netflix Initiative are Moon Knight, The Punisher, Spider-man 2099, Brother Voodoo and Ms. Marvel. Some names are quite unexpected, huh? See the press release below:
BURBANK, Calif., April. 1, 2015 . The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) and Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) today announced new upcoming live-action series exclusively to the world's leading Internet TV Network following the release of "The Defenders" series in 2017. Continuing the pioneering agreement, Marvel is to develop five new serialized programs starting the second phase of the successful world of street-level heroes.
The upcoming new content will be led by a series focused on "Moon Knight," followed by "Brother Voodoo," "Ms. Marvel," "Spider-man 2099," and "The Punisher," the epic will unfold over multiple years of original programming, taking Netflix members deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of New York and beyond. Netflix has committed to a minimum of five, thirteen episodes series expanding the world of the Marvel Universe in new, unnexpected ways.
Produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, this groundbreaking deal is Marvel's most ambitious foray yet into live-action TV storytelling.
"When we first met with Netflix, their response was insane. They really wanted to support our idea of expanding the Marvel Universe and bringing a new angle never seen before in our medium," said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment. "Now we have the opportunity to create a whole new experience while expanding the already vast Marvel Universe in new ways reminiscent of the weekly format of the comic books which inspires us all."
"Marvel's movies, such as 'Iron Man' and Marvel's 'The Avengers', are huge favorites on our service around the world. Like Disney, Marvel is a known and loved brand that travels," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. "With 'House of Cards' and our other original series, we have pioneered new approaches to storytelling and to global distribution and we're thrilled to be working with Disney and Marvel to take our brand of television to new levels with a creative project of this magnitude."
This new original TV deal follows last year's venture deal through which, beginning with "Daredevil" this year and culminating with "The Defenders," Netflix and Marvel would be bringing new content based on the original comic books to the exclusive U.S. subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the vast universe. Netflix members can currently enjoy a wide range of Disney, ABC TV and Disney Channel films and shows across the 41 countries where Netflix operates.
"Marvel’s Daredevil” is a live action series that follows the journey of attorney Matt Murdock, who in a tragic accident was blinded as a boy but imbued with extraordinary senses. Murdock sets up practice in his old neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, New York where he now fights against injustice as a respected lawyer by day and masked vigilante at night.