Oscar winner John Ridley developing a Marvel Comics superhero series at ABC

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Looks like Marvel and ABC are planning on expanding their small screen offerings outside of S.H.I.E.L.D. with a new superhero series. Aside from the rumored spin-off of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Marvel Studios is working with 12 YEARS A SLAVE screenwriter John Ridley to develop a new show based on an existing Marvel Comics hero.

There is no word on which hero Ridley may be working with, but ABC is likely looking at the success of Daredevil on Netflix and aiming to do something more superhero-centric than they have with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter. Both series have still been pulling in good ratings although nothing close to the buzz Daredevil has received. Ridley currently executive produces the ABC drama American Crime so he has an existing relationship with the network. His acclaim and awards would make him a marquee name to bring a hero to the small screen.

The question becomes which hero could it be? While ABC and Marvel declined to comment on the new series, the sources were clear that it would be about a superhero. I would think The Punisher is too risky for a network and would be a better fit for Netflix, but it could still be possible. Stay tuned for more as this develops.