Marvel Animation Panel Highlights from D23

The celebration of all things Disney is happening right now mere steps from Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. For four days, fans from all over the world will gather for the latest news and updates from the House of Mouse at D23. Last night saw a MASSIVE panel for the upcoming big films and television series from “Star Wars” to Pixar, Marvel Studios to original and returning favorites.

Brad Winderbaum says they will always change up the animation styles within Marvel Animation projects, adding there will be no in-house style. “We really get to create a style for each show that speaks to that particular story,” Winderbaum said. “That’s gonna allow us to go to unexpected and amazing corners of the Marvel universe.

“What If…?“

It was confirmed that Oscar Issac will voice Moon Knight in the upcoming 3rd season of “What If…?.” As will characters Ironheart (Dominique Thorne) and Shang-Chi (Simu Liu).

Sadly, season 3 will bring the end of “the Watcher’s multiverse-spanning story.” Director Bryan Andrews says they can take “big swings.” There will even be a Western episode.

“X-Men ’97“

Apparently, the X-Men will be wearing Grant Morrison suits in season 2 of “X-Men: ’97,” which is both interesting. There was a sizzle reel shown, featuring iconic characters like Polaris, Bishop, and as teased at the end of season 1- Apocalypse.

“Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man“

Peter and Norman’s relationship is like a “What If” scenario of Peter and Tony from the MCU.

Included in the what’s coming sizzle reel, “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” sports a really lovely ‘60s comic book visual style. “I love this character so much,” showrunner Jeff Trammell said. “We get the opportunity to really dig into who Peter is, and how that affects who Spider-Man becomes.” The series will “pay homage to everything that came before us.”

Colman Domingo (“Rustin“) will voice Norman Osborn, Hudson Thames will voice Peter Parker/Spider-Man. (Thames previously voiced the character in “What If…?.”)

“Eyes of Wakanda“

“Eyes of Wakanda” will be a four-episode show set across various periods of time in Wakanda, rendered in 3G CGI. “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler describes it as “representing the history of those who had to keep Wakanda a secret over centuries.” A version of Iron Fist will appear in the series.

“Marvel Zombies“

After being introduced to modern audiences in “What If…?,” “Marvel Zombies” are coming in a 4-episode TV-MA event series.

“People love their zombies,” Bryan Andrews said. “And so does Brad [Winderbaum], and so does Kevin [Feige].” The four episode series is TV-MA “hardcore” rated, and “dedicated as a sequel to that episode [of What If…?] as its own event.” There was a clip shown, qwith Shang-Chi, Wenwu, and Katy fighting off zombie hordes with the Ten Rings – before flashing forward five years into an apocalyptic future with a Skrull biker gang!