Rumor: Marvel Studios is working on projects featuring the Netflix heroes

By Erik Swann | Jan 5, 2020

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 31: (L-R) Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Finn Jones, and Mike Colter attend the "Marvel's The Defenders" New York Premiere at Tribeca Performing Arts Center on July 31, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images) /

Netflix’s Defenders may be returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe sooner than expected.

One corner of Marvel Studios’ content that fans have wondered about is the status of the Netflix characters. After all of the shows were canceled by the streaming service, it was reported that Marvel would have to wait before using the characters. Now, Marvel’s street-level heroes may be back in the mix earlier than we assumed.

According to a report from MCU Cosmic, Marvel Studios is currently developing projects that feature characters from the Netflix series. The site mentions that the news comes from a proven source but will still only categorize it as a rumor for now.

Interestingly, the trade also mentions that it’s unknown if the original actors will be utilized for the potential projects. It’s also not clear which specific characters Marvel is eyeing for the future.

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Netflix effectively ended their Marvel TV franchise in the wake of Disney’s entrance into the streaming industry with Disney Plus. These cancelations seemed to mean Marvel would have free rein over the characters, but the company reportedly signed a deal with Netflix that placed a two-year moratorium on their use of the properties.

Jessica Jones, the series that closed out the Marvel-Netflix era, finished its run last summer, which means the characters likely still can’t be used right away. However, if Marvel is working on projects starring them, this could mean something has changed.

Marvel’s Netflix shows received critical acclaim early on for their acting, choreography and grounded setting. Unfortunately, as time went on, the novelty began to fade away, leading to their ultimate demise.

dark. Next. Marvel Entertainment’s unique TV shows were important

Only time will tell what Marvel Studios is cooking up for the future of the Defenders. With Kevin Feige now in control of both the TV and film divisions, the Defenders could look quite different when they do return.