Comic-Con 2020: 'Marvel 616' panel draws flak from fans despite directors giving valuable insights, here's why
With Marvel Studios being one of the notable absentees in this year's first-ever virtual Comic-Con @ Home, 'Marvel 616' was the cynosure of all eyes as fans hoped something special would come out of it, but they were disappointed. The Disney+ anthological docuseries chronicles the stories of Marvel's illustrious history and for those who hoped for a 'WandaVision' update or new show details were left disappointed. While the panel did provide some valuable insights about some of Marvel's rich past, it wasn't enough to win over fans.
The panel moderated by Angélique Roché featured directors, Gillian Jacobs, Paul Scheer along with executive producers Sarah Amos and Jason Sterman. The viewers were shown a glimpse of two episodes, 'Higher, Further, Faster' and 'Lost and Found' that gave a detailed view of the diversity in the world of Marvel. Amos felt the series would outline how Marvel talks to almost everyone in a rather unique way.
"A lot of people have an idea of what Marvel fans and fandom looks like," she explained. "Marvel has characters and creators that speak to every walk of life, and I do think this series really highlights that in a unique way that we haven’t been able to do in the past. I’m very very excited for everyone to watch it at home and see themselves reflected in the people on screen." However, despite the great detailing, fans weren't pleased.
"@marvel 616 more goddamn PC pandering. @disneyplus the ONLY REASON IM NOT CANCELLING IS BECAUSE I WANNA SEE THE MANDALORIAN season 2 and if What If? And Wandavision arent ready im canceling!" a fan wrote. Wait so Marvel 616 isnt...a tv show about the comic versions of characters. Alright," a comment read. "Never trust a documentary about a company that is produced by the same company. Looking at you Marvel 616!" a tweet read.
"How about you make some good comics instead of these self-congratulating shows?" a fan asked. "Why are you hyped for the show that you made You already know what’s gonna happen," mocked one of the fans. This was seconded by another fan who tweeted: "Oh, they’re ALWAYS glad about shows they made! That’s why they make doc series about how they made them, and doc series about the concept art that inspired them, and then a doc series about all the celebs who were fans of it!"
"Mediocrity plant gives a factory tour," a fan remarked.
According to the official synopsis, "Marvel’s 616” explores how Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators exist within the “world outside your window”. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, explores the intersections of storytelling, pop culture and fandom within the Marvel Universe."
The series "will focus on a range of topics including an intimate look at the cosplay community, Marvel’s influence and relationship with hip-hop, illustrators who live and work internationally, and following a high school theater production of Marvel and Disney’s “Spotlight” program."
Coming back, it was pretty evident from the start that there wouldn't be so much as a glimpse at some of MCU's phase 4 projects. But Marvel has built a loyal and vocal fanbase over the last few decades, so pleasing them all is naturally tough, That said, hopefully, some updates trickle in soon.
There is no official release date for 'Marvel 616' yet.
