During Friday’s Marvel Studios Animation Panel in Ballroom 20, moderator Paul F. Tompkins introduced panelists Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming television and animation; Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development; Bryan Andrews, director of ‘What If…?’ and executive producer of ‘Marvel Zombies;’ AC Bradley, writer and executive producer of ‘What If…?;’ Beau DeMayo, writer and executive producer of ‘X-Men ’97;’ Kirsten Lepore, writer, director and executive producer of ‘I Am Groot;’ and Jeff Trammell, writer and executive producer of ‘Spider-Man: Freshman Year.’
Here’s everything from the Marvel Studios Animation Panel:
I Am Groot
Join Groot as he gets into some adorable new misadventures. The series of original shorts — following Baby Groot’s glory days growing up, and getting into trouble among the stars — premieres on August 10 exclusively on Disney+. If you can’t wait that long to see what he’s up to, a brand new trailer for the series along with a poster has just been released!
Still, want more? It was announced during the panel that Season 2 of ‘I Am Groot’ is coming soon.
Spider-Man: Freshman Year
Yes, your Spidey sense are tingling and more Spider-Man is swimming this way with Spider-Man: Freshman Year, coming in 2024. The animated series follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, starting with his freshman year of high school of course. Peter’s journey in the series will be unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Trammell teased the show with the cast of characters, and Meinerding showed off the new Spider-Man suit designed for the series — additionally Tompkins is set to voice a role in the show.
But, there’s still more Spidey where that came from. During the panel, it was announced that viewers will also get to see Peter’s sophomore year, with ‘Spider-Man: Sophomore Year,’ too.
Check out the artwork below:
What If…?
Season 2 of Marvel Studios’ first animated series will arrive in 2023, reuniting viewers with The Watcher — and those in Ballroom 20 were treated to a sneak peek at the first new episode! And, considering there are always going to be new realities, and new questions to ponder, ‘What If…?’ will also return for Season 3.
Check out the artwork below:
Marvel Zombies
Spawning (pun intended) from a Season 1 episode of ‘What If…?’ Andrews explained the background of the series, in addition to showing concept art of the upcoming show.
X-Men ‘97
Do you hear that familiar earworm? It can only mean one thing — the X-Men are back and arriving on Disney+ in Fall 2023. The animated series will explore new stories in the iconic 90s timeline of the original series featuring beloved characters like Professor X, Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Jubilee, Rogue, Storm, Gambit, Magneto, and more. Winderbaum reflected on the legacy (and love) of the nostalgic series, while DeMayo shared the artwork for what’s to come.
And, the more X-Men, the merrier. It was announced in Ballroom 20 that ‘X-Men ‘97’ will return for Season 2!
Check out the artwork below:
