Disney+ is set to launch the spooky season with a chilling new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Marvel Zombies premieres on September 24. The latest trailer for this four-episode animated series, produced by Marvel Animation, showcases a gruesome alternate reality where Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face a zombie apocalypse. With a TV-MA rating, Marvel Zombies promises a darker, more mature take on the MCU, blending visceral horror with high-stakes superhero action. The trailer highlights intense battles, a stacked voice cast, and a unique twist on a fan-favorite character, setting the stage for a thrilling miniseries that may not see all its heroes survive.
The Marvel Zombies concept first emerged in the MCU through the animated series What If…? in its fifth episode of the first season. In that installment, a viral outbreak originating from the Quantum Realm transformed iconic heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Scarlet Witch into ravenous undead. Survivors such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, and a bodiless Ant-Man narrowly escaped the chaos, with the episode concluding on a grim note as a zombified Thanos wielded most of the Infinity Stones. The upcoming Marvel Zombies series builds on this foundation, expanding the narrative into a four-part saga that delves deeper into this apocalyptic alternate universe.
The new trailer emphasizes the series’ brutal tone, showcasing grotesque zombie transformations and intense combat sequences. A standout element is the introduction of Blade, the legendary vampire hunter, voiced by Todd Williams. In a surprising twist, this version of Blade wields the powers of Khonshu, taking on the mantle of Moon Knight in place of Marc Spector, previously portrayed by Oscar Isaac. This marks the first appearance of Blade in the MCU’s animated multiverse, distinct from Wesley Snipes’ recent portrayal in Deadpool & Wolverine and the upcoming live-action Blade in the main MCU continuity. The trailer suggests Blade’s role as a central figure in the fight against the undead Avengers, bringing a fresh dynamic to the series.
Executive Producer Brad Winderbaum highlighted the series’ bold approach, emphasizing its unrestrained creativity. “We can be a little bit more hardcore,” Winderbaum stated. “We go for the throat—no pun intended. It’s pretty wild, pretty out there. In many ways, animation is the most direct access you’ll ever have to a filmmaker’s imagination. If you can conjure it in your mind, you can put it onscreen. Marvel Zombies is proof of that. It’s not just a zombie story, it’s a sweeping adventure—one with themes of hope and despair, and that’s what you want from a rich zombie story.” This commitment to a mature, imaginative narrative sets Marvel Zombies apart from other MCU animated projects, promising a blend of horror and emotional depth.
The series boasts an impressive voice cast, with several MCU actors reprising their roles to bring authenticity to this grim alternate reality. The confirmed actors and their respective characters include:
Elizabeth Olsen – Scarlet Witch
Paul Rudd – Ant-Man
Florence Pugh – White Widow
David Harbour – Red Guardian
Tessa Thompson – Valkyrie
Simu Liu – Shang-Chi
Awkwafina – Katy Chen
Hailee Steinfeld – Kate Bishop (Hawkeye)
Wyatt Russell – US Agent
Randall Park – Jimmy Woo
Iman Vellani – Ms. Marvel
Dominique Thorne – Ironheart
This star-studded lineup underscores the series’ ambition to deliver a cinematic experience within its animated format. The inclusion of characters like White Widow, Red Guardian, and Ms. Marvel suggests a diverse roster of heroes banding together to confront the zombie threat, with each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the fight.
As Disney+ prepares to release Marvel Zombies on September 24th, the trailer has set high expectations for a series that pushes the boundaries of the MCU’s animated storytelling. With its TV-MA rating, innovative character arcs, and a narrative that balances hope and despair, Marvel Zombies is poised to captivate audiences looking for a darker, more intense superhero experience. The series promises to explore uncharted territory, both in its visceral horror and its emotional stakes, making it a must-watch for fans of the MCU and zombie genre alike.
