All eyes are now on the new Marvel Cinematic Universe series, Echo, after Marvel Studios dropped its first official trailer, giving a full glimpse of Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez. But knowing this character was first introduced in the MCU as one of the antagonists in Hawkeye, the new series’ director and executive producer Sydney Freeland confirmed she would maintain her villainous role but with a twist.
In the trailer event for Echo, Freeland reminded everyone (via Comicbook) that Maya Lopez is a villain. "She's a villain. And so tonally, we wanted to lean into that," she said. Hence, when the executives decided on the approach and the visual style they wanted to take, they opted to stick to her villainous character.
However, compared to her comic book power, which lets her imitate anything, from movement to fighting style, there will be a big twist. Everything is about to change in the series. Freeland explained that her ability in the show would differ from her real abilities. However, she didn’t say any further details about it and "just kind of leave it at that."
What are Maya Lopez’s powers?
Maya Lopez possesses photographic reflexes. She learned of this power as a child after flawlessly mimicking another person’s movements. She’s also an athlete, a master martial artist, a staff master, a sword master, an expert marksman, a master acrobat, and a masterful tactician.
In addition, despite being deaf, Maya is multilingual. She understands English, reads lips, and is fluent in American Sign Language. Her unique traits prove that Maya can be a great cosmic force as a new Avenger.
What is Echo about?
Echo will tell the origin story of Maya Lopez. After showing her ruthless behavior in New York City in the 2021 Hawkeye, everything will come back to hunt her as she returns to her hometown of Oklahoma. Here, she must accept her past, reconnect with her roots, and acknowledge her family and community to move forward.
You can read the synopsis below:
Streaming exclusively on Disney, the origin story of Echo revisits Maya Lopez, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots, and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.
Echo is scheduled for release in January 2024 on Disney+ and Hulu. After a major delay, considering the show was supposed to be released in November this year, welcoming the New Year with a new MCU series will be a big treat for fans.
