Neil Gaiman says Marvel rejected his idea for a Marvel 1602 TV series

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

After helping to deliver one of the best page-to-screen adaptations of recent memory with GOOD OMENS for Amazon, you'd think that legendary fantasy author Neil Gaiman could waltz into just about any studio with an idea for a television series and they'd simply throw money at him. However, despite his contributions to such wondrous feature film projects as CORALINE, STARDUST, MIRRORMASK, BEOWULF and HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES, Gaiman recently revealed that he pitched an idea for a live-action "Marvel 1602" television series to the House of Ideas … and they weren't interested. Can you believe it? Those fools!

Published in 2003, "Marvel 1602" was written by Gaiman with art by Andy Kubert and Richard Isanove. The eight-issue miniseries re-imagined classic superheroes such as Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Clea, and Nick Fury embarking on adventures set in 17th Century Europe. After hitting the stands to a variety of both positive and negative reviews, "Marvel 1602" produced three sequel series, with each installment focusing on an old-timey hero or team.

It's to be understood that adapting the "Marvel 1602" material would have proposed a challenge for the studio, especially when you consider that characters like Clea have yet to be welcomed into the MCU or even its television counterparts. That being said, when has Marvel ever been hesitant about introducing audience members to a new character? They do it all the time.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Clea was born of an affair between Prince Orini, leader of the Mhuruuks and legitimate heir to the rule of the Dark Dimension, and Umar a Faltine and sister to the then-current ruler Dormammu. Umar was disgusted by her relationship with Orini, and abandoned Clea to be raised by him. Prince Orini kept any and all knowledge of Clea's true origins secret. In the past, Clea has become the Sorceress Supreme of the Dark Dimension, possessing vast magical powers. She has exhibited abilities such as forming and throwing magical bolts of energy, conjuring objects and energies, teleporting, telekinesis, controlling others’ minds, and casting illusions. Presumably, she is capable of replicating any spell performed by her former mentor, Doctor Strange. (via Marvel Wikia)

Are we seeing Clea's potential as a major player in the Marvel Universe yet? Would it not be amazing to see Doctor Strange challenged by an all-powerful, former student of his? I'd watch that business in a heartbeat, and I'm certain that lots of other people would too.

I've no doubt that Marvel is super busy while arranging their Phase 4 and Disney+ plans of attack, though it's worth noting that Gaiman made his proposal last year. Perhaps if he gave them another call we could be an Elizabethan-era Marvel series off the ground? I think something like that would be perfect for Disney+. You could even pitch it as a limited series, a one-off that doesn't require further investment unless it catches like wildfire. Think about it, Marvel. After all, Gaiman is a man of vision, and if "Marvel 1602" turns out to be anywhere near as popular as GOOD OMENS, just think of all the coin you'll rake in. Do the right thing and craft that email to Gaiman's reps to get the ball rolling.