Tag: alaqua-cox

  • TV Review: ‘Echo’

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Launching on both Disney+ and Hulu on January 9th, ‘Echo’ sees Marvel looking to assuage claims that it can only ever produce stories that are intrinsically linked to the wider cinematic universe.

    So even though this is spun off from 2021’s ‘Hawkeye’ (where Alaqua Cox was introduced as deaf criminal enforcer Maya “Echo” Lopez), the new show looks to stand on its own for the most part. Even if the studio known for its sprawling storytelling can’t help but sprinkle in at least one cameo from another Marvel stalwart.

    What ‘Echo’ really has to prove, however, is that it’s worthy of existing at all, especially at such a crucially tough point for Marvel (the company had a dreadful 2023 and faces a new year with a reduced number of shows and movies to rely on), and in the wake of rumors that it was heavily re-worked after early cuts were met with dissatisfaction by studio bosses.

    Like Maya Lopez herself, this proves to be a scrappy, violent piece of work that often finds itself with its back up against the wall, but often with a smart solutions. Or, failing that, some nifty fighting skills.

    Does ‘Echo’ Resonate?

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Marvel only provided critics with the first three episodes (of five) and the fact that it’s all dropping in one go as opposed to the usual weekly release the company has established for its Disney+ output also carries with it the faint whiff of something that the studio is looking to push out (in January, no less) and move on from.

    Yet while this is a far from perfect example of Marvel storytelling, it does at least take some interesting swings and layers in plenty of Native American (specifically Choctaw Nation) detail in an attempt to have this stand out from the typical bout of superpowered fisticuffs.

    Advertised as the first of the new “Marvel Spotlight” label (the destination for stories that don’t have to move the wider MCU story forward), this is a darker and more vicious take on the character, especially in the wake of the more lighthearted ‘Hawkeye’.

    ‘Echo’: Script and Direction

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Darnell Besaw as young Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    (L to R) Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Darnell Besaw as young Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 Marvel.

    With Sydney Freedland as lead director and executive producer, strides have been made to have ‘Echo’ offer real Native American representation, featuring plenty of flashbacks to the Choctaw Nation’s past and Maya herself seeming to channel ancestors (or at least have visions of them) at certain points.

    In reality, though, it still somewhat comes across as window dressing more than, say a series such as ‘Reservation Dogs’, which fully embraces its native nature and has real use for it. Still, there are enough layers here that you appreciate the attempt.

    Story-wise, the majority of the initial episode spends its time catching the audience up on what has happened before with the character and exploring her origin –– including how she lost part of one leg and learned of her family’s criminal links. Some of it is welcome world-building (and when you have actors such as Graham Greene and Zahn McClarnon in the roles, you know it’ll be worthwhile), while other scenes can feel like the show dragging its feet.

    The look of the show is a real mixed bag –– while the focus is on a grittier, grounded and more realistic feel than some of the other MCU TV series, when the show does look to expand its focus, the visuals can sometimes devolve into a plastic-y, inauthentic-feeling mish-mash of styles, such as in an otherwise effective train sequence.

    And though the show does not live and die on its fight scenes as, say the ‘Daredevil’ series did, what is here is also a toss-up. Some, including one that boasts Charlie Cox’s character himself, are extremely effective and well shot, whereas others just don’t work as well.

    Related Article: Marvel’s ‘Echo’ Promises a Darker, Grittier and more Violent Direction for the ‘Hawkeye’ Spin-Off

    ‘Echo’: Performances

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Cox brings the same blend of intensity and vulnerability as in ‘Hawkeye’, making Maya a character you’re happy to follow along with. The writers this time around have given her an entertaining knack for “MacGyvering” up solutions when she’s trapped, such as when she’s being held in the back room of a roller-skating rink.

    And there is, of course, Vincent D’Onofrio, who brinks typically hulking menace to Wilson Fisk, AKA the Kingpin. He’s been bringing this character to life for years and while (in the episodes we were sent) he doesn’t have much to do besides seem dangerous, he always brings a noble ferocity to the role.

    The new characters (though we glimpsed McClarnon as Maya’s father briefly in ‘Hawkeye’) are largely native color or feel like they come from some version of ‘Fargo’ or ‘Justified’ but add solid presence to the show so it’s not just Maya being badass. The likes of Devery Jacobs (a ‘Reservation Dogs’ veteran) as Maya’s cousin Bonnie all make the character’s hometown feel like something she would want to protect, even if she has been away from them for two decades.

    ‘Echo’: Final Thoughts

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    It never quite escapes the feeling that this was a patch-job for a series that doesn’t quite function the way it should, but ‘Echo’ is certainly better than many feared it might be.

    Cox’s scowly anti-hero seems unlikely to show up elsewhere within the MCU, but you’ll have a decent time following her exploits here.

    ‘Echo’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    What’s the story of ‘Echo’?

    Following the events chronicled in 2021’s ‘Hawkeye’, ‘Echo’ catches up with Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) as she is pursued by Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) criminal empire.

    When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy.

    Who is in ‘Echo’?

    The series also stars Chaske Spencer, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Zahn McClarnon and Cody Lightning.

    Marvel Studios' 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo.’

    Other Projects Similar to ‘Echo’:

    Buy Marvel Movies On Amazon

  • Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo’ Press Conference with Cast and Crew

    Marvel Studios' 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo.’

    In ‘Echo,’ the new Marvel Studios streaming series on Disney+, we reunite with the title character, aka Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), who we first met in the 2021 series ‘Hawkeye.’ This deaf member of the Choctaw Nation was working in that show as head of the Tracksuit Mafia, a criminal gang operating under the auspices of Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio).

    Learning that Fisk was responsible for the death of her father, Maya seemingly took her revenge on her boss and mentor at the end of ‘Hawkeye,’ shooting him in the eye. But as Marvel fans know, the Kingpin is almost impossible to keep down. With Fisk and his organization now after her in ‘Echo,’ Maya heads back to her hometown in Oklahoma, where she works to disrupt the Kingpin’s plans while re-embracing her family, her Native American roots, and her mysterious past.

    ‘Echo’ is the 10th Marvel Studios series to debut on Disney+ as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Like many other recent MCU offerings, ‘Echo’ has had its share of turbulence: the show was reportedly shot initially as an eight-episode limited series, but was later overhauled and reshot, with its episode count whittled down to five and its release delayed.

    Related Article: Marvel’s ‘Echo’ Promises a Darker, Grittier and more Violent Direction for the ‘Hawkeye’ Spin-Off

    In its current incarnation, ‘Echo’ may be Marvel’s most violent series yet, with a gritty tone reminiscent of Marvel’s now-defunct Netflix shows like ‘Daredevil’ and ‘The Punisher.’ It’s also steeped in representation of the Choctaw Nation and Indigenous culture, with Marvel – in keeping with its long history in the comics – leading the way on giving marginalized people a seat at the superhero table.

    Here are 10 things we learned at the ‘Echo’ press conference from Cox, D’Onofrio, Canadian Mohawk cast member Devery Jacobs, Navajo director and executive producer Sydney Freeland, and Marvel Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation Brad Winderbaum (edited for clarity and length).

    1) Alaqua and Maya Have a Lot in Common

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    A member of the Menominee and Mohican Nations, Alaqua Cox made her acting debut as Maya Lopez in ‘Hawkeye.’ Born deaf like her character, Cox faced other challenges as well, including growing up as an amputee with a prosthetic leg. Lopez says she shares many experiences with Maya.

    Alaqua Cox: Well, we’re similar. I was raised with some trauma. We both have childhood trauma, of course, that we’re raised with, and it was different, of course. For example, I am an amputee, so I went through many different kinds of surgeries as a child. That made me a warrior, in a sense. And Maya had the death of her mother and all these tragic events that happened in her life. So we both have different traumatic experiences. It kind of makes us very similar in a way because we’re both warriors, we’re tough, and we’re badass, and I believe that’s how we’re the same.

    2) Getting Into Fighting Shape as Maya

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    (Right) Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Alaqua Cox says her athletic background helped her prepare for the rigorous training she undertook to fight and move like Maya.

    Alaqua Cox: Luckily, I grew up playing different kinds of sports. Plus I do have an older brother who helped me become more of an athlete, because he’s very much an athletic person. We’re about a year and a half apart, so we wrestled growing up. That toughened me up. Then, when I did get the role, I had a stunt training team. About five days a week I would go to the training, and it was a lot. I learned so much as well. Growing up in sports, there weren’t a lot of stunt-specific things in sports, so stunt training was a whole new world to me. I was able to learn choreography, jabs, fights, and those specific moves, and that was so fun, and very challenging as well. But that was the greatest part of the project.

    3) Why Vincent D’Onofrio Loves Playing Kingpin

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk on Netflix's 'Daredevil.'
    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk on Netflix’s ‘Daredevil.’

    Vincent D’Onofrio has played Kingpin now in three Marvel series — ‘Daredevil,’ ‘Hawkeye,’ and ‘Echo’ — and explains why he continues to find Wilson Fisk such a compelling character.

    Vincent D’Onofrio: I think that, originally in the comic books, he was also compelling. I’ve just been lucky to get the opportunity, beginning with the Netflix show, with really good writing, to bring him forward in I guess a kind of new way, but just my version of what they did in the original comics. Now in ‘Echo,’ it’s just more good writing. Without the writing, I can’t really do much other than show up. So the writing is there, and it gives me the opportunity to bring the character forward. ‘Echo’ is the first time since the Netflix show when I’ve actually felt like we brought Fisk into Maya’s story, but in a way that Fisk is, I think, best portrayed. It’s very similar to the way it was in the original series. That’s very exciting for me always, because it has a grittier feel to it and it’s a more emotional story with me and Alaqua’s character, Maya. I think that kind of tone is where my character, I believe, lives best.

    4) Native American Representation Was Crucial

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Director and executive producer Sydney Freeland says that representation and collaboration with the Choctaw Nation was essential for ‘Echo.’

    Sydney Freeland: Representation wasn’t something that was “if,” it was always something that was a necessity. So I think one of the things that was important for us was being able to engage with the Choctaw Nation very early on. I remember we came and presented at the Choctaw Cultural Center [in Oklahoma]. Really, for myself, there was two things. One was to ask permission from the Choctaw Nation to be portrayed because I feel like a lot of times what happens with Native and Indigenous stories is that people come in and they say, “We’re going to tell you what the story we’re going to tell.” We wanted to take a different approach. The second part was like, “Can we create a dialogue?” We want to be as authentic in our portrayal of the Choctaw language, the Choctaw culture, the Choctaw experience as we can. That came from the Choctaw Nation. I think a lot of times people tend to jumble all Native American tribes and cultures into this one big kind of monolith, and that’s not the case. Every tribe is different, every language is different, every culture has its own unique specificities. I’m Navajo and we’re telling a Choctaw story, so for me, it was an absolute necessity that we engage the Choctaw Nation to tell that story.

    5) Choctaw Art Inspired One of the Show’s Key Relationships

    Zahn McClarnon as William Lopez, Devery Jacobs as Bonnie, Graham Greene as Skully, and Tantoo Cardinal as Chula Battiest in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    (L to R) Zahn McClarnon as William Lopez, Devery Jacobs as Bonnie, Graham Greene as Skully, and Tantoo Cardinal as Chula Battiest in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Devery Jacobs (also the voice of Kahhori on Season 2 of Marvel’s ‘What If…?’) plays Bonnie, a child of deaf parents and Maya’s cousin, who stayed behind in Oklahoma to live her life there. Jacobs says that a piece of art was an inspiration for her character’s complex, sister-like relationship to Maya.

    Devery Jacobs: We really wanted to make sure that it felt real between myself and Alaqua, that we had that history feel between us, and we did a lot of work beforehand to make sure that that history could be felt. Also, before going to Atlanta to shoot ‘Echo,’ I had a chance to stop in at the Choctaw Cultural Center, which was so beautiful. There was a piece towards the very end — and I’m kicking myself that I can’t remember the artist’s name — that was about these two cousins. There’s an older cousin and a younger cousin, and the relationship between Maya and Bonnie is, even though they’re cousins, it’s almost like they’re sisters. So it was that piece that was really inspiring to me. I remember texting the image to Alaqua and was like, “This feels like this is our characters.”

    6) ‘Echo’ Looks Into Maya’s Past

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Darnell Besaw as young Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    (L to R) Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Darnell Besaw as young Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 Marvel.

    Director Sydney Freeland says that ‘Echo’ reveals more about Maya Lopez’s past as well as that of the Choctaw Nation.

    Sydney Freeland: One of the most interesting aspects about the character is the fact that she’s a villain in ‘Hawkeye.’ But then within that, once you start pulling on that thread, you look at where she comes from, and you look at, “Oh, this is a deaf, Indigenous amputee girl from Oklahoma. How the hell does she end up being one of the top-ranking lieutenants in Kingpin’s army?” Answering those questions was such an exciting place to be. Then answering the question, “Well, what is that like when she goes back home?” Just for myself, being Indigenous, being an American, it was such a fun and exciting place to be. Then once you layer the Choctaw cultural specifics onto that, it gave us a chance to tell a really fun story. I think one example of that is actually in the second episode of our series. We have a scene that I think I can honestly say has never been seen on film before: we get a chance to visit pre-European-contact America, and that whole sequence came as a direct result of working with the Choctaw Nation.

    7) Why ‘Echo’ is Marvel’s first TV-MA show

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Marvel movies and TV shows tend to land almost exclusively in more or less family-friendly territory in terms of ratings (PG-13 for movies, TV-PG or TV-14 for series). ‘Echo’ is the first Marvel show to land a TV-MA rating — the small screen equivalent to an R.

    Brad Winderbaum: Well, I think Marvel is at its best when the storytellers follow the character and let the character kind of lead the dance, lead the journey. We knew, as soon as we cast Alaqua in ‘Hawkeye’ and saw what she did on screen in that show, that she would be an incredible character to follow into her journey. You know, ‘Echo’ is a more adult show. It’s our first TV-MA show, but we didn’t set out to make a TV-MA show. We set out to make a Maya Lopez show. This is a character who has a violent past, who’s dealt with some real trauma, who has really difficult decisions to make and ultimately has to confront people she loves in order to grow and change. In following this character, it created the tone. It created a grittier, more grounded story for the audience. That just so happened to be more adult. More TV-MA. But it really was always born from Maya as a character.

    8) Vincent D’Onofrio Had An ‘Amazing’ Time Working on ‘Echo’

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Despite rumors of extensive reshoots and revisions, Vincent D’Onofrio says that ‘Echo’ was a particularly satisfying experience for him and explains why.

    Vincent D’Onofrio: There’s a couple things about this show that were really special. One of them was the fact that Sydney was one of the directors and executive producers. Then there was the fact that the DP was a woman. The writer was a woman. The directors were women. The lead is a woman. It’s one of the smoothest shows that I was ever on in my life. It was run so well. There was never a kink in the day. Nobody ever bumped against anything, not while I was there anyway. It was one of the smoothest productions. The first thing I said to my kids when I got home was, “That was one of the smoothest productions I’ve ever been on.” It was amazing, and that doesn’t always happen.

    9) ‘Echo’ Is an Evolution in Storytelling for Native People

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Alaqua Cox said that making ‘Echo’ with Native representation, actors, and creators is a major step forward in telling Indigenous stories in Hollywood.

    Alaqua Cox: I’m just so proud to be able to represent a platform that is uplifting voices for Indigenous people, and I’m just obviously so excited. I think it’s so great that we have authentic people being picked for these roles, and we’re able to show them on the screen in authentic representation. We’re doing it the right way. That’s what I think is the most important.

    Devery Jacobs added:

    Devery Jacobs: To borrow a saying from the disabled community that they have coined, they say nothing about us without us. I think that’s so true for any marginalized community, including Indigenous folks. When it comes to telling our stories, making sure that there are as many storytellers from that community as possible is paramount. There’s been 100 years of lack of representation and misrepresentation and an intentional exclusion of Indigenous voices in Hollywood. To have us be a part of these conversations is integral to making sure that we’re able to accurately tell our stories.

    10) Why ‘Echo’ Stands Apart in the MCU

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    (L to R) Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin and Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2023 Marvel.

    Marvel executive producer Brad Winderbaum says that ‘Echo’ marks a new turning point for the way Marvel tells stories.

    Brad Winderbaum: Marvel is such a big, vast universe. The comics have been called the greatest ongoing story that’s ever been written – certainly the longest. There are so many corners to the universe that are still unexplored, even today. Maya allowed us to see a corner of the MCU that hadn’t been seen before. To me, that is the future of Marvel. It is being able to tell stories that are unexpected, that operate on the fringe of what we’ve seen before, and are standalone, character-focused, and have a unique personality all their own. In a way, ‘Echo’ marks a new beginning for the studio. It’s a new tone for us. It is a truly grounded and emotional journey. Not just for the audience, but certainly, for all of us who are lucky to be behind the scenes. I have to say that, through Sydney’s leadership on the production, we had a real sense of community making this show. It was a nurturing, collaborative experience, and frankly, one of the best in my career.

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    (L to R) Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    What’s the story of ‘Echo’?

    Following the events chronicled in 2021’s ‘Hawkeye’, ‘Echo’ catches up with Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) as she is pursued by Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) criminal empire. When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy.

    Who is in ‘Echo’?

    The series also stars Chaske Spencer, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Zahn McClarnon and Cody Lightning.

    Other Projects Similar to ‘Echo’:

    Buy Marvel Movies On Amazon

  • First Trailer for Marvel’s ‘Echo’

    Preview:

    • The new trailer for ‘Echo’ has landed.
    • It continues the story of the vengeful Maya Lopez from ‘Hawkeye’.
    • The show will launch in one batch on both Disney+ and Hulu.

    Looking to put reports of production issues behind it, Disney and Marvel have released the first trailer for ‘Echo’, the series that spins off the Maya Lopez character (played by Alaqua Cox) from 2021’s ‘Hawkeye’.

    And from the looks of this initial footage, the tone for the show will be quite distinct from its parent series or, indeed the rest of Marvel’s Disney+ output to date. There is violence almost from the get-go, including Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) putting the hurt on an ice cream seller who dismisses a young Maya because he doesn’t understand that she’s deaf.

    And the differences don’t end there –– the series will debut on both Disney+ and Hulu, with a TV-MA age restriction (the trailer makes it clear that D+ uses will have to tweak their age settings if they’ve been using it in family mode) and all five episodes will be available at once, as opposed to the company’s previous policy of weekly releases.

    What’s the story of ‘Echo’?

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    Following the events in the ‘Hawkeye’ finale (where Maya shot Wilson Fisk in the face), we catch up to the main character as she is pursued by his criminal empire.

    When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy.

    Who appears in ‘Echo’?

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Alongside Cox and D’Onofrio, the cast includes Chaske Spencer, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Zahn McClarnon, Cody Lightning and, as the trailer hints, at least a cameo from Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, AKA Daredevil.

    Related Article: First Look at ‘Hawkeye’ Spin-Off Series ‘Echo’ as Shooting Starts

    ‘Echo’s tone: the creators speak

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios' 'Echo,' releasing on Hulu and Disney+.
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Marvel Studios’ ‘Echo,’ releasing on Hulu and Disney+. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2023. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Echo’ comes from director/showrunner Sydney Freeland and is partly overseen by Marvel’s head of streaming, television and animation Brad Winderbaum.

    Here’s what Winderbaum told The Hollywood Reporter about the show’s feel:

    “It’s a little on the grittier side for Marvel and shows the breadth of what Marvel is capable of. It is sort of a new direction for the brand, especially for Disney+.”

    And here’s Freedland on the impact of the series:

    “People on our show — they bleed. They die. They get killed and there are real world consequences.”

    The trailer certainly gives that impression, and the show itself looks to be even more of a departure than we all thought. Perhaps this (along with the tone of the Netflix) shows is informing what Marvel wants to do with ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ (which recently brought a new creative team aboard).

    This is also the first show to feature a deaf Native American as its title character, albeit one who has special powers. Just don’t expect the comic book version.

    As Freedland tells Variety:

    “Her power in the comic books is that she can copy anything, any movement, any whatever. It’s kind of lame. I will say, that is not her power. I’ll just kind of leave it at that.”

    When and where can I watch ‘Echo’?

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+’s ‘Echo.’

    As mentioned, all five episodes of ‘Echo’ will debut at once on Disney+ and Hulu on 10 January.

    Marvel Studios and Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios and Disney+’s ‘Echo.’

    Other Projects Similar to ‘Echo’:

    Buy Marvel Movies On Amazon

     

  • Marvel Delaying More TV Series

    (Left) Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+'s 'Echo.' Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness in Marvel Studios' 'Wandavision' exclusively on Disney+. Captain Carter in Marvel Studios' 'What If…?' exclusively on Disney+.
    (Left) Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+’s ‘Echo.’ (Center) Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness in Marvel Studios’ ‘Wandavision’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Suzanne Tenner. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Captain Carter in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If…?’ exclusively on Disney+. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

    The consequences of the studios and other big companies that make up the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) not negotiating in good faith with writers and actors are continuing to be felt.

    We already learned that Disney and Marvel have been juggling their schedules for big screen output to accommodate films that are delayed due to the strikes (or completed projects for which they want talent to be available to promote).

    Yet that is also having a knock-on effect on the various Disney+ series that the superhero-focused studio produces. Which is hardly surprising given the deep intersections between Marvel’s movie and TV output (and the fact that the shows are also seeing delays due to writer and actor availability).

    Related Article: ‘Avatar’, ‘Avengers’ and ‘Star Wars’ Movies all Get New Release Dates in Big Disney Schedule Shift

    What’s happening with Marvel’s TV series?

    The Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright) in Marvel Studios' 'What If…?' exclusively on Disney+.
    The Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright) in Marvel Studios’ ‘What If…?’ exclusively on Disney+. ©Marvel Studios 2020. All Rights Reserved.

    Animated series ‘What If…?’, which explores variations on characters and stories, has a second season ready to go, but will now launch in December this year (an exact date has yet to be announced).

    Hawkeye’ spin-off ‘Echo’, based around Alaqua Cox‘s deaf Native American character, is shifting from November to January, while ‘X-Men ‘97’, a revival of the 1990s animated show, will fly from this fall to early next year.

    Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios' 'Wandavision' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L-R): Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios’ ‘Wandavision’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.

    Perhaps the biggest move underway is for the series currently known as ‘Agatha: Darkhold Diaries’ (formerly ‘Agatha: House of Harkness’ and then ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’), now shifting to next fall, likely (probably a smart move) to arrive around Halloween 2024.

    As for shows that were still in production (or post-production)? The likes of ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ and ‘Wonder Man‘ will have to wait to gear up shooting again, while ‘Ironheart’ (featuring Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams, first introduced in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’), is stuck in post-production limbo, and does not currently have a launch slot.

    Is ‘Loki’ Season 2 delayed?

    Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Marvel Studios' 'Loki,' Season 2, exclusively on Disney+.
    Tom Hiddleston as Loki in Marvel Studios’ ‘Loki,’ Season 2, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

    Loki’s second season is still on track to launch on Disney+ on October 6th.

    Marvel is no doubt figuring that the show –– which is still the most successful of the small screen MCU offerings –– will effectively sell itself. And it also doesn’t want to have the fall completely empty.

    ‘Loki’ picks up the story of the title character’s (Tom Hiddleston) journey around the multiverse, figuring out what is wrong with time and encountering variant versions of himself. Owen Wilson and Sophia Di Martino star in the series, with Ke Huy Quan a big guest star in this second season.

    AMC scores waiver

    Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon in AMC's 'The Walking Dead.'
    Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon in AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead.’

    It’s not all bad news for those who produce TV series (and movies). Many independent productions have secured waivers to keep shooting or to promote their projects.

    Perhaps the highest profile of recent examples is AMC, which is behind shows such as the mammoth ‘Walking Dead’ franchise and ‘Mayfair Witches’.

    It might surprise you to learn that AMC Networks, whose AMC Studios produces most of its shows, is not an AMPTP member but is an “authorized” by the alliance, meaning AMC agrees to abide by any contracts between the AMPTP and industry unions such as the WGA or SAG-AFTRA.

    The recent waiver from SAG-AFTRA (the union representing actors, which is currently on strike) means that three shows can continue work.

    Danai Gurira as Michonne, and Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in AMC's 'The Walking Dead.'
    (L t R) Danai Gurira as Michonne, and Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead.’

    ‘Walking Dead’ spin-off ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ (surely self-explanatory for fans) can resume production while ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’ (which sees the return of Andrew Lincoln’s Rick Grimes and Danai Gurira’s Michonne to the franchise) finished shooting before the strike but can have the cast head to the studio for post-production work such as additional dialogue recording.

    Anne Rice adaptation ‘Interview With the Vampire’ will return to shooting in Prague after shutting down when the actors’ strike started. No other AMC shows are currently included under the waiver.

    Marvel Studios and Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios and Disney+’s ‘Echo.’

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  • ‘Daredevil’s Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio Returning for ‘Echo’

    Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D'Onofrio as Kingpin on Netflix/Marvel's 'Daredevil.'
    (L to R) Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin on Netflix/Marvel’s ‘Daredevil.’

    The link between the defunct Netflix Marvel TV series and the current MCU is growing even closer. Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, who have both returned as their ‘Daredevil’ characters in Marvel Studios productions, are now reuniting for ‘Echo’, the spin-off from ‘Hawkeye’ that stars Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez, according to The Weekly Planet podcast.

    Cox played Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer who boasts echo-location abilities and dons a costume to fight crime as the vigilante known as Daredevil in three seasons of the show named for the character, plus crossover miniseries ‘The Defenders’. D’Onofrio, meanwhile, was hulking villain Wilson Fisk, AKA The Kingpin, Daredevil’s arch enemy, in the first and third seasons of the show. ‘Daredevil’, along with other Netflix shows, was added to Disney+ this year.

    D’Onofrio showed up as one of the antagonists in ‘Hawkeye’, and clashed with Lopez, so it makes sense for him to be back in ‘Echo’, especially as their confrontation ended in a cliffhanger.

    As for Cox, he appeared in a cameo as Murdock in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, and a new ‘Daredevil’ series is in development for Disney+.

    ‘Echo’ will explore more of Maya Lopez’s life as her time in New York as a gang leader catches up to her. She returns to her hometown and looks to reconnect with her Native American roots. But of course, it won’t be as easy as that.

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+’s ‘Echo.’

    Zahn McClarnon will once again play her uncle, William Lopez (though in flashback, since Kingpin murdered him before the events of ‘Hawkeye’) while Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs and Cody Lightning and Graham Greene are all part of the cast.

    Marion Dayre is head writer on the show, while Sydney Freeland and Catriona McKenzie are directing the series, which is filming now and expected to arrive on Disney+ next year.

    Marvel has naturally yet to officially comment on the return of Cox and D’Onofrio, but according to The Weekly Planet, part of Murdock’s story on ‘Echo’ will have him seeking out “a former ally” which is speculated to be fellow Marvel/Netflix veteran Jessica Jones, played by Krysten Ritter.

    The super-powered private detective appeared in three seasons of her own show, along with ‘The Defenders’, and was one of the most popular characters from the Netflix run. If she does indeed return, the only characters left to bring over (or turn into MCU versions) would be Luke Cage and The Punisher.

    Oh, and Iron Fist. But does anyone really want to see him back? We’d happily see Coleen Wing (Jessica Henwick) from that show return, though.

    Regardless, it’s exciting to speculate on whether the entire Netflix superhero team could one day reunite on Disney+.

    Marvel Studios and Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios and Disney+’s ‘Echo.’
  • First Look at New Marvel/Disney+ Series ‘Echo’

    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez in Disney+’s ‘Echo.’

    There were many things to enjoy about the Marvel/Disney+ series ‘Hawkeye’, which let us catch up with Jeremy Renner’s agent and archer Clint Barton as he wrangled with his Ronin activities in the time between ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’.

    You had the sparky interplay between Renner and co-star Hailee Steinfeld, playing Kate Bishop, a talented arrow-slinger in her own right. The many entertaining arrows that were slung, including one that shrank enemies down to minute size. The snarkiness of Florence Pugh’s Yelena. The hulking return of Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk, AKA Kingpin. And of course, Pizza Dog!

    Amongst it all was the arrival of a new talent, as deaf actress Alaqua Cox played Maya Lopez, the deaf, Native American head of a gangland group that caused no end of trouble for Clint and Kate.

    A spin-off starring Cox as Lopez had already been announced, but it’s now shooting in Atlanta, and the first image has arrived online. This being Marvel and Disney, it doesn’t give anything away, simply showing Maya in a moment of repose in an industrial setting.

    What do we officially know so far? This new series will serve as an origin story for Maya, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots, and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.

    Maya’s story was certainly a fascinating one on ‘Hawkeye’, riddled with tragedy in the death of her family and watching a young, ambitious woman wrangle with her Native roots and her family’s criminal ties. The show perhaps didn’t have enough running time to give her all the space she needed, so it’s good to see that she’ll have an entire series to explore her complicated past.

    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk on Netflix's 'Daredevil.'
    Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson “Kingpin” Fisk on Netflix’s ‘Daredevil.’

    When we last saw Maya, she was confronting Fisk on a New York side street – the scene ends with a gunshot and plenty of ambiguity, leaving us to wonder exactly what happened there. The new series’ origin story nature leads us to think that we might not get many answers, but hopefully it’ll address it somehow.

    Cox is joined in the show by Zahn McClarnon, who returns to play her father William. Also in the cast for this one is ‘Wild Indian’s Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, who will be seen in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ Devery Jacobs from ‘Reservation Dogs’, Cody Lightning of ‘Run Woman Run’, and Graham Greene, who really needs little introduction given his long history in movies.

    Marion Dayre will be head writer on this series, while Sydney Freeland and Catriona McKenzie will split directing duties between them.

    ‘Echo’ has yet to confirm a launch date on Disney+ – hardly a big surprise, since the cameras have literally just started rolling – but it should be on screens next year.

    Marvel Studios and Disney+'s 'Echo.'
    Marvel Studios and Disney+’s ‘Echo.’