With AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. a hit, Marvel is doubling down on superhero television projects. It was revealed today that they are not only developing an AGENT CARTER television series, possibly starring Hayley Atwell, but also an ITEM 47 series inspired by the short starring Lizzy Caplan. Add to that the news that in addition to those two shows, Marvel is developing four series for which we have no information as well as a mini-series. There is a lot of mystery surrounding these projects but what is known is that Marvel is selling them as a package deal.
Deadline reports that the deal comprises 60 episodes of television and they are looking to sell them to a digital network such as Netflix or Amazon. WGN America was also mentioned as a possible suitor for the shows. It sounds like the deal is going to cost a ton of money, but with the cred that Marvel carries these days, it sounds like a smart move for whoever takes it.
Despite criticism from fans, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. looks like it is going to stick around for a while. If these new series take off, there is the possibility they may focus on actual superhero characters who may not be strong enough to carry their own films. Could this be the launching pad for existing heroes to test fan desire to see them on screen? Or could this be a way for Marvel to work on original programming? Either way, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to expand even further.
The question is which heroes do you want to see get their own series?