The Marvel Cinematic Universe will continue to grow this fall with the release of Doctor Strange – which will welcome both The Sorcerer Supreme and mysticism into the shared superhero world. On the small screen, Netflix is gearing up to release its third Defenders-focused series, Luke Cage, while ABC is readying Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 4 to introduce Robbie Reyes’ Ghost Rider. However, there are a number of other projects in the works at ABC, Netflix, as well as other streaming services and networks.
While Netflix has forthcoming series Iron Fist, The Defenders, and The Punisher spinoff, it was also recently announced that Hulu is working on a series based on Marvel’s The Runaways. Meanwhile, Freeform had reportedly given the green light to teen-focused show Cloak and Dagger. Now, the latest property added to the roster of in-development Marvel series is based on the New Warriors – and features fan-favorite superhero Squirrel Girl.
TV Line is reporting Marvel and ABC Studios are developing a half-hour comedy series based on the teenaged superhero team, the New Warriors, that would “put the focus on” Doreen Green a.k.a. Squirrel Girl. According to the report, Marvel and ABC are looking for a home for the project at either a cable network or streaming service.
Of course, rumors and speculation of Squirrel Girl joining the live-action MCU have been circulating for weeks now, thanks in part to Pitch Perfect’s Anna Kendrick saying she would be up for the role. In the time since, Kendrick’s previous collaborator on Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Edgar Wright, also chimed in with his support for her as Squirrel Girl. Additionally, Avengers: Infinity War directors the Russo brothers said Kendrick would be “perfect casting” as Doreen Green. However, other actresses have voiced their desire for the part, including Stranger Things‘ Shannon Purser, so it remains to be seen who will eventually be cast in the role.
As for where New Warriors may eventually land, it’s unlikely to be picked up by Netflix since chief content officer Ted Sarandos has hinted they aren’t looking for more Marvel series; Hulu and Amazon are perhaps more likely streaming services that may be interested in the property. Or, given its teen-geared viewership, Freeform may be likely contender in adding New Warriors to its lineup. But, with Marvel and ABC not yet revealing where they’re shopping the New Warriors series, it remains to be see where it lands — and if it’s actually picked up.
With the MCU continuing to expand, it puts pressure on the “It’s all connected” Marvel tagline since it remains to be seen how New Warriors will fit into a world of already established superheroes. Still, fans of Marvel Comics may be excited to see another superhero team make the jump from page to screen — with the addition of Squirrel Girl and structure as a comedy series giving the New Warriors a different spin.
We’ll keep you updated on New Warriors as more information becomes available.
