Marvel Studios Animation
Company typeDivision
IndustryEntertainment
Animation
GenreSuperhero fiction
FoundedJuly 21, 2021; 2 years ago (2021-07-21)
Headquarters
Burbank, California
,
United States
Key people
ProductsAnimation
ServicesProduction
Licensing
OwnerThe Walt Disney Company
ParentMarvel Studios

Marvel Studios Animation is a division of American production company Marvel Studios centered on development of its animated projects based on Marvel Comics. The division was created by Marvel Studios and mainly produces projects set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and also oversees the development of non-MCU animated projects.

History

Marvel Studios was revealed in March 2019 to be developing an animated anthology series based on the What If comic book concept to explore how the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would be altered if certain events had occurred differently.[1] Disney and Marvel officially announced What If...? the following month.[2] The series of animated short films I Am Groot was announced in December 2020.[3][4]

In June 2021, Marvel Studios executive vice president of film production Victoria Alonso said the studio's expansion to animation with the series What If...? was an opportunity to make the MCU more diverse.[5] At that time, Marvel Studios was creating an "animation branch and mini studio",[6] to focus on more animated content beyond What If...?, building infrastructure to handle multiple animated series at once and looking to hire around 300 new staff for production roles on a slate of Disney+ animated series.[6][7][8] Marvel Studios' Brad Winderbaum, the executive who was in charge of What If...?, was promoted to Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation at Marvel Studios,[9] and in September, Alonso was promoted to President of Physical, Post Production, VFX and Animation.[10] During the Disney+ Day event in November 2021, Marvel Studios officially announced an animated Spider-Man prequel series titled Spider-Man: Freshman Year, the What If...?-related Marvel Zombies,[11] and X-Men '97, a revival and continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series.[12] What If...? director Bryan Andrews said each additional animated series would exist "on its own term[s] and hopefully explore unexpected facets of the MCU",[13] with Winderbaum saying the studio would only tell stories that they felt needed to be told in animated form.[7]

By April 2022, Marvel Studios Animation was announced to be taking over production for the Disney Junior preschool series Spidey and His Amazing Friends starting with its second season;[14] the series' first season was released under Marvel Entertainment.[15] During Marvel Studios Animation's panel at the July 2022 San Diego Comic-Con, the projects discussed were introduced as being part of the "Marvel Animated Multiverse".[16][17] Shortly after, Winderbaum said the Multiverse Saga of the MCU and its exploration of the multiverse allowed the studio to "look at alternate paths and other takes on the characters... see[ing] them expanding and growing in unforeseen, unexpected ways", which he stated was the "guiding light" for the animated projects.[18] By September, Brian Kesinger was attached to direct an animated series for Marvel Studios,[19] though it was canceled shortly after.[20]

By January 2023, the division was being referred to as "Marvel Studios Animation".[21] In March 2023, Alonso was fired from her role at Marvel Studios by a group including Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman and Disney's human resources and legal departments for serving as a producer on the Amazon Studios film Argentina, 1985 (2022); this was a breach of a 2018 agreement between Alonso and Disney which stated employees would not work for a competing studio.[22][23] Alonso reportedly did not seek permission to work on the film, and was asked by Disney to stop working on the film, as well as not to promote or publicize it, with the situation "deemed serious enough" that Disney requested a new agreement be signed. Despite this, Alonso continued to promote the film following its September 2022 premiere, and was consistently reminded of her agreement and breach of contract, ultimately leading to her firing.[22] Alonso's lawyers refuted this claim, stating Disney was aware of, and agreed to, Alonso's work on Argentina, 1985, and that she was instead "silenced[... and] was terminated when she refused to do something she believed was reprehensible";[24] this incident was reported to be a disagreement with a Disney executive over the censoring of gay pride elements in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) to release the film in Kuwait and comply with its restrictive anti-LGBTQ laws.[25][26] A Disney spokesperson reiterated the notion that she was fired due to "an indisputable breach of contract and a direct violation of company policy" among other "key factors".[24] In December, Marvel Studios Animation announced Eyes of Wakanda, with Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) director Ryan Coogler involved through his production company Proximity Media.[27][28] Freshman Year was also retitled Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.[27]

Process

Similar to other animation studios, Marvel Studios Animation outsources its animation to other studios;[29] Alonso said the medium of animation allowed Marvel Studios to work with new companies around the world.[5] Winderbaum stated that Marvel Studios was open to working with corporate siblings Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios on animated MCU content "under the right circumstances".[29] Spidey and His Amazing Friends is co-produced with Disney Junior in association with animation studio Atomic Cartoons.[30] According to Marvel Studios' head of visual development Ryan Meinerding, Marvel Studios Animation uses techniques similar to those used in comics, which allows the studio to adapt Marvel comics "in a way that's maybe more powerful than the films".[17] Winderbaum said the type of animation used in a series would depend on what the producers felt fit for each series.[31]

Winderbaum noted Marvel Studios had to alter its production process for its animated projects, noting "it requires do much more forethougth" than live-action production, where Marvel Studios usually makes most changes to its projects during post-production.[9] Unlike VFX artists for the live-action productions, artists at the animation studio are hired directly by Marvel and work in-house at Marvel Studios Animation. The studio works under a strict deadline structure, which was criticized by a senior animator as the studio "asking for things that can't be done".[21]

Production library

Title Aired Seasons Co-production with Animation services Network Notes
What If...? 2021–present 2 — Blue Spirit
Flying Bark Productions
Squeeze[32]
Stellar Creative Lab[33]
SDFX Studios 		Disney+ Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.[2] Renewed for season 3.[34][16]
Spidey and His Amazing Friends 2022–present 3 Atomic Cartoons[30] Disney Junior Season 2 onwards.[14] Renewed for season 4.[35]
I Am Groot 2 — Luma Pictures[18]
Trixter[36] 		Disney+ Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Upcoming
X-Men '97[37] 2024 1 — TBA Disney+ Revival of X-Men: The Animated Series.[12] Renewed for season 2.[38]
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man[27] — Polygon Pictures[39] Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Renewed for season 2.[16]
Marvel Zombies[11] — TBA Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Spin-off of What If...?[11]
Eyes of Wakanda[27] Proximity Media[28] TBA Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

See also

References

  1. ^ Sciretta, Peter (March 12, 2019). "Exclusive: Marvel Studios Producing 'What If' TV Series For Disney+". /Film. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Dinh, Christine (April 12, 2019). "Marvel Studios Brings First Animated Series 'Marvel's What If...?' to Disney+". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  3. ^ Peters, Jay; Gartenberg, Chaim; Alexander, Julia (December 10, 2020). "Here are all the new Marvel, Star Wars, and other projects Disney announced at its investor day". The Verge. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  4. ^ Anderton, Ethan (December 10, 2020). "'Guardians of the Galaxy' is Getting a Live-Action Holiday Special in 2022 Before Vol. 3 Arrives in 2023". /Film. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Corvin, Ann-Marie (June 14, 2021). "Marvel's Victoria Alonso on Exploring Diversity and Inclusion through 'What If' and the Hunt for Global Animation Partnerships". Variety. Archived from the original on June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Shanfeld, Ethan (July 20, 2021). "Marvel's Victoria Alonso Teases 'Mini Studio' for Animation and Discusses Representation in Superhero Stories at NALIP Summit". Variety. Archived from the original on July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  7. ^ a b Anderton, Ethan (August 11, 2021). "Marvel's 'What If…?' Executive Producer Talks the Multiverse and a New Assembly of Avengers [Interview]". /Film. Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  8. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 4, 2021). "Walt Disney Animation Amps Up Production With New Vancouver Studio; First Project Is 'Moana' Musical Series". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Couch, Aaron (August 11, 2021). "Marvel Revs Up New Chapter in Animation With 'What If…?'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  10. ^ Kroll, Justin (September 20, 2021). "Marvel Studios Promotes Victoria Alonso To President Of Physical, Post Production, VFX And Animation". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  11. ^ a b c Hipes, Patrick (November 12, 2021). "Disney+ Day: All The Streamer's Film & TV News From Premiere Dates To Series Orders". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  12. ^ a b Couch, Aaron (November 12, 2021). "Disney+ Orders '90s 'X-Men' Revival, 'Marvel Zombies' and 'Spider-Man: Freshman Year'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
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  15. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (August 18, 2021). "'Marvel's Spidey And His Amazing Friends' Renewed For Season 2 By Disney Junior". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 5, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  16. ^ a b c Moreau, Jordan (July 22, 2022). "'Marvel Zombies,' 'Spider-Man: Freshman Year,' 'What If?' Season 2 Get First Looks". Variety. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  17. ^ a b Nolan, Liam (July 22, 2022). "SDCC: Marvel Studios Animation Panel Reveals Future of X-Men '97, What If and Marvel Zombies". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  18. ^ a b Chapman, Wilson (August 10, 2022). "'I Am Groot' Creators on the Short Series' Connection to the MCU and Baby Groot vs. Baby Yoda Debate". Variety. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  19. ^ Nolan, Liam (September 15, 2022). "Disney Artist Teases Unannounced Animated MCU Series". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  20. ^ Kesinger, Brian (October 2022). "Hi everyone – The show I was supposed to direct on at marvel just got canceled so I'm available for work again...". Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023 – via LinkedIn.
  21. ^ a b Lee, Chris (January 13, 2023). "Inside the VFX Union Brewing in Hollywood". Vulture. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023. Alonso heads up Marvel's dedicated "mini-studio," Marvel Studios Animation, which is behind such shows as What If ...? [...] and the summer 2022 series of Vin Diesel–voiced original shorts, I Am Groot.
  22. ^ a b Kit, Borys (March 24, 2023). "Inside the Firing of Victoria Alonso: Her Oscar-Nominated Movie 'Argentina, 1985' at Center of Exit (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
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  24. ^ a b Vary, Adam B.; Donnelly, Matt (March 24, 2023). "Victoria Alonso Attorney Blasts 'Ridiculous' Claim She Was Fired Over 'Argentina, 1985,' Says Executive Was 'Silenced' by Disney (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  25. ^ Patten, Dominic; D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 24, 2023). "Victoria Alonso Weighing Legal Action Against Disney, Marvel Over Sudden Firing; "Serious Consequences" Promises Lawyer Patty Glaser As Mouse House Points At "Indisputable Breach of Contract"". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  26. ^ McClintock, Pamela; Couch, Aaron (March 28, 2023). "Victoria Alonso Clashed With Marvel Over Blurring Gay Pride References in 'Ant-Man 3' for Kuwait (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
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  28. ^ a b Bell, BreAnna (December 12, 2023). "'Eyes of Wakanda' Animated Series Announced at Marvel Studios". Variety. Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
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  30. ^ a b Pedersen, Lise (June 15, 2022). "Disney Reveals Animated Series Slate at Annecy Festival (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  31. ^ Phase Zero (July 28, 2022). Spider-Man Freshman Year BOMBSHELL + I Am Groot Timeline! – Kirsten Lepore and Brad Winderbaum. ComicBook.com. Retrieved July 29, 2022 – via YouTube.
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  33. ^ Chauncey, Matthew (September 29, 2021). "What If... Ultron Won?". What If...?. Season 1. Episode 8. Event occurs at 27:49. Disney+.
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  35. ^ Bałaga, Marta (June 13, 2023). "Disney Unveils Animated Series at Annecy, Teases 'Magicampers' and 'The Sunnyridge 3' (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
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