Despite Marvel’s domination at the box office, a complaint that we’ve often heard is that they’ve slipped a bit when it comes to the animation side of things. Sure, there have been several series to be viewed over on Disney XD, but those have proven to be divisive at best. Really, ever since Disney acquired Marvel nearly a decade ago, we haven’t seen much in the way of animated films – aside from a few produced by Japanese anime studios – thanks to the Mouse House putting the kibosh on Lionsgate’s direct-to-video offerings.
Well, it looks like 2018 may start a time for change as the new Marvel Rising initiative is set to kickoff. In short, it’ll launch with six, four-minute digital shorts that spotlight Spider-Gwen with her new secret moniker, Ghost-Spider, and introduce audiences to this world. Then, a full-length animated feature, Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors, will roll out sometime later in the year.
Here’s an idea of what to expect:
When a threat no one could have expected bears down on the Marvel Universe, this ragtag, untrained band of teens have no choice but to rise together and prove to the world that sometimes the difference between a “hero” and “misfit” is just in the name.
When it comes to Spider-Gwen, I mean, Ghost-Spider, the wildly popular take on Gwen Stacy will be voiced by none other than Dove Cameron (Descendants), who’d actually be the perfect fit for this character in live action as well. Additionally, Marvel describes her as “a free spirited teen who found her calling to be a super hero after being bitten by a radioactive spider and gaining spider-like powers. As Ghost-Spider, she aids those in need, but has to keep her alter-ego a secret from her father, Captain George Stacy, who sees Ghost-Spider as more of a menace than a hero.”
Rounding out the voice cast is Chloe Bennet, who’ll reprise her role as Daisy Johnson AKA Quake from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., as well as Tyler Posey (Dante Pertuz AKA Inferno), BooBoo Stewart (Victor Kohl AKA Exile), Kathreen Khavari (Kamala Khan AKA Ms. Marvel), Milana Vayntrub (Doreen Green AKA Squirrel Girl), Cierra Ramirez (America Chavez), Kamil McFadden (Rayshaun Lucas AKA Patriot), Skai JacksFron (Gloria “Glory” Grant), Kim Raver (Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel), Ming-Na Wen (Hala), Steven Weber (Captain George Stacy) and Dee Bradley Baker (Lockjaw and Tippy Toe).
Right now, it’s yet to be revealed how Marvel Rising will be distributed, but we’ll keep you posted as more develops.
