KurtArthur
We’ve all heard the news. Luke Cage and Iron Fist were canceled by Netflix in the past few weeks. Most people can understand why Iron Fist was canceled, but Luke Cage provided fans two amazing seasons of television. And just last week, Daredevil, premiered arguably the best season of any superhero show ever. So, why is it looking like we’re about to say goodbye to Marvel on Netflix?
Quite simply: Why would Disney put any of their properties on platforms other than their own? With the recent buyout of Fox, Disney now owns the majority of Hulu. Let’s think for a moment, if they were to launch mature properties under the Marvel Entertainment brand on Hulu, they would then be competing with themselves and The DC Universe. Why? One could say it’s because of impressions, a social media metric, but in all honesty, nowadays it doesn’t make sense to share properties when you have the resources and brand recognition to do it yourself. We still could see Heroes For Hire and Daughters of the Dragon on Hulu instead of Netflix, which would be a win-win for everyone!
Counter-argument: Why is DC Comics airing Krypton on SYFY? They’re also airing animated movies from DC Comics and Marvel Studios films like Iron Man. That’s a bit above my pay-grade. But after The Defenders, Netflix and Marvel fulfilled their contract. So, with each subsequent season…it sounds like a huge headache. And don’t expect to hear any of this news anytime soon because it’s in both Netflix and Marvel’s best interests to keep things quiet due to Jessica Jones and The Punisher both having seasons left.
It’s sad to see such fan-favorites disappear into the TV ether, but at the same time, look at the possibilities this brings with Disney now owning almost all of Marvel Comics’ characters. If Marvel Entertainment wanted to (and why wouldn’t they) they could create their very own universe separate from the one Marvel Studios has spent a decade building. Which means they’re free to do whatever they like, and the sky’s the limit with regards to creativity. Let the Disney Streaming Service do all the family-friendly entertainment while Hulu builds their own Marvel Universe, maybe something akin to the Ultimate Universe, but with better taste.
One thing’s for sure: If Marvel Entertainment/Disney decides to break off their relationship with Netflix, then they no longer have to worry about answering questions about crossovers with the movies. They’re free to do whatever they want, and that’s exciting for fans, creators and business people alike!
What Do You Think?
I feel you. Daredevil S3 was amazing. But I see Marvel Studios properties going on Disney Streaming Service, and the TV ones going on Hulu.