Comprehensive Review of Marvel Zombies Series for Fans and Newcomers
Marvel Zombies: A Thrilling New Chapter in the MCU Animated Universe
Marvel has embarked on a daring new journey with “Marvel Zombies,” a gritty and spellbinding spin-off from the popular “What If…?” series. Released on Disney+ on September 24, 2025, this animated series explores a zombified version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and offers a fresh perspective that fans have been eagerly awaiting.
An Ensemble Cast Faces the Undead Apocalypse
Picking up from the 2021 “What If… Zombies?!” episode, the narrative unfolds in a world ravaged by a relentless zombie plague. Five years after the collapse of civilization, a handful of heroes—including Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), Ironheart (Dominique Thorne), Hawkeye (Hailee Steinfeld), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)—strive to reclaim their world. However, they must contend with the formidable Queen of the Dead, Wanda Maximoff, portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen.
A Fresh Twist on Classic Zombie Themes
While “Marvel Zombies” may not revolutionize the zombie genre, it adeptly leverages the existing MCU framework to deliver an engaging survival horror experience. Unlike the original Marvel Zombies comics by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips, which portrayed zombies as intelligent protagonists, this series adheres more closely to traditional zombie movie tropes, adding an exciting twist in the finale.
Dynamic Character Interactions
The series introduces unexpected alliances and reimagines the roles of beloved characters in this grotesque universe. Highlights include:
- A promising team-up between Kamala Khan, Kate Bishop, and Riri Williams.
- The transformation of Shang-Chi, Katie (Awkwafina), and Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) into Mad Max-style survivors.
- An intriguing reimagining of Blade (Todd Williams) as “Blade Knight,” the new avatar of Moon Knight’s Khonshu.
These interactions not only add depth to the series but also deliver the kind of character development that fans crave from the MCU.
A Show-Stopping Finale
The climactic fourth episode takes a leaf out of “Avengers: Endgame” with a truly epic battle sequence. The show’s animation style, reminiscent of anime, shines during action scenes, adding a distinct visual appeal. This finale masterfully escalates tension and stakes, leading to a conclusion that, while potentially divisive, stays true to the universe’s bleak narrative.
A Step Forward for the MCU’s Animated Ventures
“Marvel Zombies” not only pushes the boundaries of the MCU’s narratives but also demonstrates the potential of animated formats to offer new perspectives on beloved franchises. It’s an exploration of themes and characters that fans have been missing from the live-action movies, and it’s executed with precision and creativity by creators Bryan Andrews and Zeb Wells. The series gifts viewers with a storyline where the impossible becomes probable and where heroes are not guaranteed to survive, creating a uniquely exhilarating experience.
This bold series serves as a reminder of the MCU’s versatility, proving that even within its expansive universe, there is always room for innovation and fresh storytelling.
