The Marvel Cinematic Universe is heading into one of its boldest phases yet, and its next release, ‘Marvel Zombies’, may quietly be shaping its future. The upcoming animated series promises to deliver a brutal, unflinching take on what happens when the Avengers are gone, or worse, turned into monsters.
And in many ways, it’s exactly the sort of risk the MCU’s next Avengers installment needs to take if it wants to stand out. For years, one of the lingering questions in the MCU has been: Where are the Avengers? Since the events of ‘Endgame’, the team has effectively disbanded. With Sam Wilson reluctant to step fully into the role of team leader, the MCU has left a leadership vacuum that ‘Marvel Zombies’ might explore in its own way.
‘Marvel Zombies’ Puts The Spotlight On New Avengers
The newly released trailer for ‘Marvel Zombies’ paints a grim but fascinating picture: the original Avengers are dead, infected, or otherwise gone. Instead of the MCU’s old guard, the spotlight shifts to survivors like Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, Spider-Man, Shang-Chi, Black Panther, and even the severed head of Ant-Man. This ragtag group of mismatched heroes must face horrifying zombified versions of iconic characters.
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This includes Captain America and Scarlet Witch. The most striking thing here is how much fun this setup looks. The series doesn’t shy away from its TV-MA rating, and it’s clear Marvel is leaning into dark humor, shocking violence, and unexpected character moments. Shots like Spider-Man tearing apart zombie hordes make it clear this is a bloody survival story. However, what makes ‘Marvel Zombies’ more than just a gore-fest is how it frames the new generation.
These aren’t the invincible, god-like Avengers we’ve followed for over a decade. They’re scrappier, quirkier, and importantly, less powerful. Together, they prove that audiences don’t need the same old lineup to be invested. That lesson is vital for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. If Marvel truly wants to recapture audiences, it may need to dismantle, or outright destroy, the Avengers brand as we know it, and let new heroes take the lead.
Marvel Zombies’ Will Finally Give Us Blade
The arrival of the ‘Marvel Zombies‘ trailer didn’t just confirm the show’s brutal tone; it also delivered the first look at Blade in the MCU’s animated universe. For years, fans have eagerly awaited Mahershala Ali’s live-action debut as the vampire hunter. However, his animated appearance here feels like a tantalizing tease before the big moment. Blade’s presence is significant for a few reasons.
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First, it broadens the range of heroes tackling the zombie apocalypse. His skillset as a monster slayer is tailor-made for a series that pits surviving humans and supes against undead Avengers. Second, it shows Marvel’s willingness to experiment and introduce a darker, edgier character in a blood-soaked animated show before unleashing him in live action. The trailer showcases Blade fighting alongside the likes of Spider-Man and Shang-Chi.
In another surprising twist, we get to see a Blade with a Moon Knight twist. This reveal also raises the stakes for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. If ‘Marvel Zombies’ can successfully integrate Blade into a high-stakes survival narrative, then Doom’s arrival in the MCU needs to be equally unforgettable. The film, set to release in 2026, already carries massive expectations.
