Unfortunately for Marvel, the early buzz on their latest show, Inhumans, has been far below their usual high standard. Ever since the first images and trailer for the series debuted online, fans have ripped into it for poor effects, set design, costuming and more. Apparently, it’s not just the viewers who feel this way, either, as a couple of people behind the scenes have also admitted that the show is still working out its kinks.
Firstly, Roel Reine – who directed the first two episodes of the season – spoke to Metro and revealed that he was just as dissatisfied with the initial trailer as the fans were.
“I was mixed about the first trailer as well. I felt like it didn’t give you the scope, it didn’t give you a lot of secrets or visual effects. I felt it was a little bit too early because the visual effects were not ready – Medusa’s hair was not ready. So I was really nervous about it and would think the fans would not really like it. The trailer was made by other people, so I was really nervous about it when I saw it. So I was like, ‘oh guys maybe we should hold off,’ but it was too late because it was already in the open.”
The director was much happier with the second preview, released at Comic-Con, however. He also believes that it went down much better with viewers (something that’s actually open to contention):
“I’m very happy we kind of changed it around. The second trailer really got all the fans back on track and they really like it now and they really want to see it. I was really happy with that second trailer.”
Elsewhere, ABC president Channing Tungey revealed at the TCA press tour (via IGN) that he understood where the harsh reactions have come from and admitted that the show is “still a work in progress,” at least in terms of the special effects:
“A lot of the first stuff was a reaction to Medusa’s wig. Fans, as you know, feel very passionately and very strongly about that. We released some new footage at Comic-Con that I think has reversed some of that conversation. This is still a work in progress. We’re really down to the wire on some of the special effects.”
The comments from Reine and Dungey aren’t exactly encouraging, but they do suggest that those in charge of the show are aware of some of its faults and are working on improving on them as things develop.
We’ll see if that’s truly the case when the first two episodes of Inhumans air as a feature-length presentation in IMAX cinemas from September 1st. The whole eight-part season then arrives on ABC on September 29th.
