In a bold strategic move, Marvel Studios appears to be drawing a line between its theatrical blockbusters and Disney+ TV offerings. According to insider Jeff Sneider, the upcoming Vision series may be the final Marvel TV show to feature major characters from the MCU films.
This development, though not officially confirmed by Marvel, could mark a pivotal change in how fans experience the MCU across different formats.
The End Of An Era: No More Major Movie Crossovers On Disney+ TV
While this news has sparked a lot of mixed reactions, it also reflects Marvel’s evolving approach to managing its storytelling across platforms. With shows like ‘WandaVision’, ‘Loki’, and ‘Hawkeye’ serving as direct continuations or character expansions from the films, Marvel’s earlier streaming strategy was tightly integrated with its theatrical narratives. However, it seems that the era may be ending.
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Marvel’s interconnected universe has long thrived on crossovers, surprising cameos, shared plotlines, and film-to-TV continuity that rewarded dedicated fans. But if Sneider’s report holds true, that interconnectedness is set to shift. According to him, Marvel TV shows moving forward will no longer spotlight top-tier characters from the movies like ‘Iron Man’, ‘Thor’, or ‘Doctor Strange’. Instead, the focus will pivot to newer or lesser-known characters within the universe.
Sneider specifically stated, “The upcoming Vision series will be the last Marvel series to feature major characters from the movies.” Instead, fans can expect more references or indirect nods to popular characters. Just like how Peter Parker was subtly mentioned in ‘Daredevil: Born Again’. “You’ll get mentions of major characters,” he added. “But look for those shows to continue to be based around characters like Wonder Man.”
This strategic realignment could be Marvel’s way of recalibrating fan expectations. Disney+ shows may continue to build smaller, more character-driven narratives. Moreover, it lets audiences invest in characters for their own merits rather than their association with the Avengers. Still, for long-time fans, this transition may feel bittersweet.
MCU’s Avengers vs. New Avengers Conflict Now Extends Beyond Fiction
Adding fuel to the current buzz is Marvel’s bold marketing stunt following the release of ‘Thunderbolts*’. The film, officially renamed ‘New Avengers’ by its post-credits scene, ends with a major shakeup. The Thunderbolts team are rebranded as the New Avengers. They are also positioned in direct conflict with Sam Wilson’s Avengers team formed in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.
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What’s more fascinating is how Marvel has taken a plot point from the movie (Sam Wilson copyrighting the Avengers name) and turned it into a real-world branding move. Social media pages for the Avengers now display a copyright symbol next to the team name, reinforcing the storyline’s importance. The post-credits sequence, directed by the Russo Brothers, even connects ‘Thunderbolts’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.
It’s a clever bit of meta-storytelling, blending fictional legal disputes with real-world branding tactics. Additionally, this layered narrative also pays homage to the comics, where the New Avengers frequently clashed with the original Avengers, especially during the fallout from the ‘Civil War’ event. Moreover, it hints that ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ may revisit similar ideological divides.
It also signals that while the Disney+ shows may be distancing themselves from the core MCU lineup, the movie universe is doubling down on ensemble conflicts. For many, the MCU’s appeal lies in its sprawling connectivity. Stepping away from that model means those emotional deep-dives may now be restricted to two-hour film appearances every few years. But perhaps that’s the point.
