Despite cancelling Agent Carter and ditching Most Wanted, ABC is moving forward with other Marvel Television properties.
ABC’s new Entertainment President Channing Dungey has spoken to the press about the network’s future projects — and alluded to upcoming Marvel TV series currently in development.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dungey confirmed “a handful” of new Marvel Television shows.
This comes only days after her decision (THR’s words) to cancel Agent Carter and choose not to go ahead with the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. spinoff Marvel’s Most Wanted.
Related: NBC gives series order to DC Comics workplace comedy Powerless
As explained by ScreenRant, former ABC Entertainment Group President Paul Lee was let go due to several factors including the network’s low ratings, and behind-the-scenes management tensions.
Lee was an advocate for serialized dramas, including Agent Carter, whereas Disney-ABC Television Group Chairman Ben Sherwood is looking to add more close-ended episodic procedurals.
Credit: Agents Daily
“Not surprisingly, a number of the ABC series that have gotten the axe this week were all championed by the former president – especially Carter,” writes ScreenRant.
With Lee gone, ScreenRant speculates that the cancellation of Agent Carter was part of an effort to “clear house,” and it evidently doesn’t reflect on ABC’s relationship with Marvel Television.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dungey is “engaged in extensive conversations” with Marvel, and together they are developing several new TV projects. Further, THR notes that “the corporate cousins would look at series that would be beneficial to both brands.”
Of course Marvel also has an extensive deal with Netflix to explore the darker concept series like Daredevil, Jessica Jones and the upcoming projects Luke Cage, The Punisher, The Defenders, and Iron Fist.
The question now is whether Marvel will look to tackle brand new characters and storylines, or try to develop shows based on fringe characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (*cough* Maria Hill).
What Marvel properties would you like to see finding a TV home on ABC?