Marvel has made undeniable movie history by creating a fully functional cinematic universe over the course of the past decade. However, they have had a much rougher road in replicating that same level of success on the TV side. Many of their Netflix shows have redefined superhero programming, while other programs have been a black eye for the company.
Marvel is attempting to reshape the mold once again with their upcoming TV series Inhumans this Fall. They partnered with ABC and IMAX who have brokered an unprecedented deal. The show will premiere the first two episodes exclusively in IMAX theaters for a short two-week run. (It’s been rumored that there will be extra footage added.) Then it will move to ABC where the entire eight episode arc will air weekly.
San Diego Comic Con Panel
Yesterday, Point of Geeks covered Marvel’s San Diego Comic Con panel for their upcoming series, The Inhumans, led by Jeph Loeb. From the moment that he walked onto stage in a Medusa wig, it was clear that the brain trust was fully aware of the criticisms that had been hounding the production recently.
Showrunner Scott Buck explained that he wanted to explore how fantastic the Inhumans superpowers can be, while also exploring how it can be their greatest liability. It’s hard to overlook the presence of Buck, who was behind one of Marvel’s worst-received programs with Iron Fist earlier in the year. Judging by the clips that were screened, Buck’s restraint and over-reliance on subtle storytelling may be dragging this series down as well.
They then went on to interview the cast while revealing exclusive clips to the Comic Con audience in Ballroom 20. These clips have not been released publicly, so we are here to give you the scoop on what ya missed. Enjoy!
The Dinner “Talk”
There were multiple scenes screened for the audience. In a scene over the dinner table, we see Maximus (Iwan Rheon) challenge the king, Black Bolt, and the seeds are laid for his misguided anger and manipulations. Black Bolt, played by Anson Mount, uses sign language to communicate, while his wife Medusa (Serinda Swan) translates for him. Black Bolt urges his brother to trust his jugdement as their leader, which was clearly not well received by Maximus who ultimately storms out of the room.
The Mask of Triton
The next scene found Crystal (Isabelle Cornish) running from soldiers in forest before being tracked down by Triton, who quickly gives a brief explanation of the Inhumans’ mutation and the danger that she’s in. Triton (Mike Moh) is initially shrouded with a hoodie, before revealing his mutated green form. The makeup job is very uninspired, bringing to mind Jim Carrey’s The Mask and is less than convincing. In any case, he attempts to help her escape before she is shot. He diverts the soldiers attention as they they chase after him. He’s also shot before plunging over a waterfall and into the water where he makes his bloody escape.
Karnak & Gorgon
In another scene, Maximus orders a hit on two prominent Inhumans, Karnak (Ken Leung) and Gorgon (Eme Ikwuakor). Gorgon is out in the wild kneeling over what seems to be blood stains. Seemingly unknown to him a group of soldiers have descended on him and are preparing to strike. Gorgon tells them to never attack “when downwind” and stomps the ground causing a seismic shock that knocks the attackers off of their feet.
While simultaneously soldiers attack Karnak with assault rifles. He efficiently dispatches the attackers until the last one blasts him in the stomach, which kills the hero. We then see him rise from his own body (think the Doctor Strange hospital scene) and recalculate his attack. In the VFX scene, we see visual representations of all the soldiers’ weak points with colorful indicators. This time he subdues them even more efficiently and snatches a gun and kills the final attacker in a change of events.
Medusa’s Hair
In the final scene, Maximus tries to woo his brother’s wife Medusa, who is far from pleased by his unsavory advances. Suddenly the tenor of the scene shifts as Medusa becomes internally enraged, evidenced by her hair which begins to move like tentacles, before slowly wrapping around the throat of Maximus and giving him an undeniable warning and threat.While there is tension in the scene, it’s hard to not feel that Maximus’ attempt at wooing Medusa is shabby and cliched screenwriting.
However, we did get to see Medusa’s hair in action for first time. The visual effect worked in some shots and looked like it needed more touch ups in others. It’s a jarring juxtaposition between when her hair is flaccid and when she attempts to use it. It would seem to be a better approach to always make her hair look “alive,” to truly bring the effect to life.
The 3 Minute Trailer
Afterwards, the full trailer was released for the public to see with many of the moments glimpsed in the panel. There are now runors that the series will connect with Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. which should also give you an indication of the level of production value for Inhumans. Honestly, the panel and exclusive clips were underwhelming, but there’s still a lot to take in and there is a long ways to go until the Fall premiere. Take a look!
Official Synopsis:
Marvel’s Inhumans explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where their surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them may prove to not only save them, but Earth itself.
The series is executive produced by Scott Buck, along with Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory with Buck serving as showrunner. Roel Reiné will direct the first two episodes. This series is a Marvel and IMAX project and is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios.
Marvel’s Inhumans opens in IMAX theaters for two weeks beginning September 1, 2017. ABC will then air the entire series on September 29, 2017.
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Source: Marvel