For years, Marvel has been teasing a Runaways movie. In fact, it was originally planned for Phase 1, but it kept getting bumped by better known superheroes such as Captain America and Thor. It was indefinitely delayed because Marvel decided to move forward on The Avengers instead. It was never subsequently announced that Runaways would be part of Phase 2 or Phase 3, though Marvel boss Kevin Feige refused to say the project was dead. While some speculated that it would be announced as a Marvel Phase 4 movie, turns out the studio had different plans altogether.
Marvel’s Runaways is now officially going to be a TV show instead of a movie. Specifically, it will become a Hulu series, bypassing Netflix. It’s not yet clear what this means for the MCU and its inter-connective tissue. It’s been teased for a while now that the Marvel TV shows and the movies are not really meant to crossover. Though, having Runaways on a competing streaming service when most of the Marvel TV shows are housed over at Netflix raises some new, very interesting questions. Here is the official press release from Marvel, which confirms Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage will write and showrun:
Marvel Television will be bringing the fan-favorite and ground breaking comic book series, Runaways, to popular streaming service, Hulu. Every teenager thinks their parents are evil. What if you found out they actually were? Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe–their parents. Said Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer and Head of Marvel Television.
“We’ve known the Runaways’ story would make great television. And being lucky enough to have Josh and Stephanie–who have time and again created shows that speak so genuinely to this exact audience–write and produce the series is nothing short of remarkable.”
Said Schwartz.
“I’m a long-time fan of Runaways and couldn’t be more excited to bring Brian and Adrian’s characters to life.”
Adds Savage.
“Josh and I can’t wait to get to work for Marvel and Hulu.”
Marvel’s Runaways is Executive Produced by series Co-Showrunners/writers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (The O.C., Gossip Girl) along with Marvel’s Head of Television, Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Marvel’s Luke Cage) and Jim Chory (Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones.) Fake Empire’s Lis Rowinski will produce as well. Marvel’s Runaways is a co-production with ABC Signature Studios.
Marvel’s Runaway for Hulu is based on the comic created by the award-winning team of Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona. No casting has been announced at this time. The show doesn’t have a streaming premiere date. We’ll keep you updated as more info arrives.