Before Maya Lopez got her own spin-off series, Echo, on Disney+, she was first seen as a villain in the 2021 Hawkeye. With her rebellious character, fans may see more blood and flying fists in her own show—far different from what fans are used to seeing from the Avengers. Thankfully, Marvel Studios has given the show’s director, Sydney Freeland, the approval to lean into Maya’s villainous aspect and feature mature violence on the streamer.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Freeland revealed that Echo would lean into the “TV-MA” aspect of Maya. When assembling the new series, the filmmaker said she knew Alaqua Cox’s role was that of a vigilante and a bad guy. In fact, the series’ official trailer has already given a glimpse of the action-packed scenes fans are about to see, moving toward a violent direction.
Freeland explained that they understand the assignment, “dealing with a more street-level story.” “It is a little more grounded and a little more visceral,” she said. When she first came to helm the series, she also revealed that she talked to Marvel to make it clear that Maya is a villain in Hawkeye.
Among the many stories this character can tell, she finds her being an antagonist the most interesting part. Gladly, the studio’s response was positive, letting her lean into her villainous aspect and explore it. For Freeland, Maya’s character and world involve being a criminal, a villain, and a woman killing people. Despite these negative traits, she said the response was, "Yeah, let's try it."
What is Echo about?
Echo follows the origin story of Maya. She first showed her ruthless behavior in New York City in Hawkeye. However, when she returns to her hometown of Oklahoma, everything will return to hunt her. So, for her to be able to move forward, she will be left with no choice but to accept her past, reconnect with her roots, and acknowledge her family and community.
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 will be released on January 9, 2024, on Disney+. Are fans ready to see more blood and fighting scenes in a Marvel series this time?
