Marvel Studios is diving into more mature content with their upcoming series, Echo. The trailer for the show was released on Friday, showcasing a moody and violent tone reminiscent of John Wick. This series will mark Marvel Studios’ first venture into TV-MA territory and will be the first to premiere on both Disney+ and Hulu.
Echo appears to be a spiritual successor to the beloved Netflix series, Daredevil, which ran from 2015 to 2019 under Marvel TV. The presence of Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Echo further strengthens this connection. Alaqua Cox will reprise her role as Maya Lopez/Echo from Hawkeye in the new series.
Last week, The Hollywood Reporter had the opportunity to preview several scenes from Echo on the Disney lot. Brad Winderbaum, the head of streaming, television, and animation at Marvel Studios, described the show as “a little on the grittier side for Marvel” and a reflection of the brand’s capabilities.
Director Sydney Freeland spoke about the different tone of Echo, attributing it to the fact that the show follows a villain. She emphasized the real-world consequences and the mortality of the characters, stating that “people on our show – they bleed. They die. They get killed.”
Echo comes at a time when Marvel is revamping its TV business. This includes the upcoming series Daredevil: Born Again, which will once again feature Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio. The studio has brought on Dario Scardapane, known for his work on The Punisher, as the showrunner for Daredevil: Born Again. Additionally, Loki directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead have been enlisted as part of a creative reset for the series.
The footage screened for the press hinted at the tonal influences of Daredevil, Breaking Bad, and John Wick. Echo presents itself like a Marvel version of a cable drama rather than a typical MCU streaming series.
Aside from its tone and storytelling approach, Echo stands out in other ways as well. The series focuses on an indigenous character who is deaf and primarily communicates through American Sign Language (ASL). Director Sydney Freeland and her team placed great emphasis on representation and authenticity. Freeland, who grew up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, took her department heads to the annual Choctaw Pow Wow in Oklahoma for inspiration. The team also underwent ASL lessons to ensure accurate representation of the character and the community.
Freeland expressed the importance of having a basic understanding of ASL to effectively communicate with lead actress Alaqua Cox. This effort reflects the dedication of the production team to provide a genuine and inclusive portrayal of the character.
In conclusion, Marvel Studios is pushing boundaries with Echo, a mature and gritty series that explores new territory for the brand. The show draws inspiration from Daredevil but takes on its unique tone and perspective. It also prioritizes representation and authenticity with its portrayal of an indigenous, deaf character. With its simultaneous release on Disney+ and Hulu, Echo promises to be a captivating addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
