Disney’s television division, led by Marvel Studios, is going through a major re-evaluation phase in its approach to TV series production. This is evident with the MCU reboot of the Daredevil series titled Born Again and several other internal changes to how Marvel produces television content.
Marvel Daredevil Born Again MCU Series Facing Production Problems
Disney+
Production on Daredevil: Born Again stalled during the writers’ strike in June, having filmed less than half of the series’ 18 episodes. Marvel executives, including Kevin Feige, decided the series wasn’t working and opted for a creative reboot in September. This involved the firing of screenwriters Chris Ord and Matt Corman, as well as the original directors. The series is now looking for new writers and directors and is expected to make significant changes to the tone and direction of the plot.
This Daredevil: Born Again MCU reboot is just one of several growing pains Marvel has faced since venturing into TV series production. Despite its success in the film industry in the 2010s, the company has released more than 50 hours of television programming since establishing its television division during the pandemic. However, its approach differs from the traditional TV production model by not making pilots and shooting full seasons without showrunners. It also resorts to post-production and reshoots to correct problems in its series.
Disney+ Rethinks its Marvel Series Model
Although Marvel series continues to be popular on Disney+, they have faced creative problems and mixed reviews, prompting the studio to rethink its approach. It is looking for a convergence between Marvel and traditional TV culture to improve its series’s storytelling and character development.
The Daredevil: Born Again MCU reboot attempts to realign the series with audience expectations. The initial version did not match the vision presented in the hit Netflix series. Marvel plans to keep some parts of the original series, but they will inject new elements to bring it in line with their vision.
Problems in Marvel’s series productions are not limited to the Daredevil reboot. Several other series have experienced drastic changes. We saw adjustments from the resignation of creators and screenwriters to director replacements and internal conflicts during production. The lack of a central vision has contributed to these creative tensions.
In response to these problems, Marvel plans to change its approach to television production significantly. This includes hiring showrunners greater involvement of screenwriters. They also want to increase investment in full-time television executives. The company also plans to abandon shooting full seasons before evaluating its success in favor of a more traditional approach that includes writing pilots and series bibles.
In addition, Marvel is looking to move away from the limited series format. They want to do this in favor of a series that can stretch over multiple seasons. This model will allow for greater character development and audience relationships. More personal stories less focused on crossover event set-ups are also being explored.
In short, Marvel Studios is reviewing its approach. The studio wants to rethink its television productions after facing several problems with its series. This includes the Daredevil: Born Again MCU reboot. The company is seeking greater integration of traditional television practices. To do so, they will make changes to improve the quality and cohesion of its television content.
Featured Image Via Marvel Studios