Marvel Zombies, the highly anticipated spinoff from the animated anthology Marvel’s What If…?, has finally graced Disney+ with its presence. Released on September 24, 2025, this series picks up from the “What If… Zombies?!” episode that captivated fans back in 2021. The premise is straightforward yet thrilling: a zombie apocalypse has ravaged the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), leaving a few remaining heroes to combat both the undead and a formidable villain.
The narrative establishes itself in a bleak future, five years after civilization has collapsed under the relentless offensive of the undead. The surviving heroes include a mix of popular characters from the MCU’s recent years, such as Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), Ironheart (Dominique Thorne), Hawkeye (Hailee Steinfeld), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). These characters must navigate a world turned into a gruesome battleground against the Queen of the Dead, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who poses a significant threat.
At first glance, Marvel Zombies might seem to adhere closely to a traditional survival horror narrative. The first three episodes follow a familiar blueprint, where heroes navigate well-known MCU locations while avoiding zombie hordes. While this structure doesn’t break new ground, it does offer an engaging and action-packed experience, culminating in a final episode that escalates the stakes to an epic scale reminiscent of the climactic battles seen in films like Avengers: Endgame.
One of the core strengths of Marvel Zombies lies in its willingness to embrace chaos. Unlike the often predictable nature of the core MCU, where the stakes frequently lean towards the expected, this series showcases a version of the MCU where characters can meet their demise in unexpected, often grisly ways. The creators, Bryan Andrews and Zeb Wells, clearly revel in the opportunity to explore the consequences of a zombie apocalypse on beloved characters. The result is a series that, while it may not challenge the genre excessively, captivates viewers by maintaining a sense of uncertainty regarding the fates of its characters.
Although the series is built with a conventional zombie narrative in mind, it manages to tread new ground through its character development. Unlike the original Marvel Zombies comics by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips, which centered around the thoughts and emotions of the zombified Avengers, this version opts for a more straightforward horror approach, focusing on the human survivors while keeping the undead as antagonists. Yet, this results in a compelling examination of newer characters from Phases 4 and 5 of the MCU.
As the story unfolds, the dynamics among the surviving heroes evolve, leading to poignant relationships that deepen the emotional stakes of the story. The camaraderie between Kamala Khan and Red Guardian stands out, as their character growth allows for heartwarming moments even amidst the chaos. The intermingling of humor, friendship, and camaraderie spices up an otherwise grim setting, bringing some levity while maintaining the tension.
The series also succeeds in addressing a common criticism aimed at the broader MCU: the disjointed nature of storytelling across films. While the previous films often leaned heavily on introducing new characters, Marvel Zombies takes a different approach, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the personalities of established characters. The interactions among characters such as Kamala, Kate (Hailee Steinfeld), and Riri (Dominique Thorne) allow for intriguing dynamics that echo the teased possibilities of a Young Avengers team-up.
Moreover, in this universe, characters like Shang-Chi, Katie (Awkwafina), and Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) adopt a Mad Max-like approach, adapting to a wasteland world that serves as a fresh backdrop for their struggles. The series finds new layers of depth by reimagining characters like Blade (Todd Williams) as “Blade Knight,” merging fan-favorite qualities with inventive reconfigurations. This notion of reimagining previously established characters in new contexts adds a layer of excitement and novelty.
As season one progresses, the series escalates its action sequences, with the final episode in particular serving as a standout moment. The show’s animation style, inspired by the What If…? aesthetic, shines during the more dynamic scenes, delivering intense, visually captivating sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Although there are moments where the animation appears less polished, particularly during quieter character interactions, the climactic battle sequences almost evoke an anime feel. The build-up to the finale creates palpable tension, as viewers are left wondering about the fates of characters they’ve come to know and root for.
The ending, while potentially divisive among fans, is effective in its bleak reflection of this zombie-infested universe. It confronts themes of loss and survival in a world irrevocably altered by horror. While audiences may anticipate typical heroic resolutions, the series refrains from delivering such easy outcomes, reinforcing the notion that in this universe, hope is a rare and precious commodity.
In summary, Marvel Zombies delivers an engaging viewing experience that successfully pays tribute to its comic book roots while carving out its narrative space within the MCU. It offers a raw and visceral take on familiar characters, combining humor, horror, and humanity. As viewers delve into the series, they are treated to a unique exploration of relationships and struggles that complement its gruesome backdrop.
For fans of the MCU seeking a fresh perspective with engaging character development, Marvel Zombies proves to be a worthwhile addition to Disney+’s lineup. Emphasizing the importance of character dynamics over formulaic plots, the series manages to elevate itself beyond mere entertainment, making it a significant release in an era where the MCU seeks to reestablish its narrative consistency.
In conclusion, Marvel Zombies serves not just as a horror story, but as a poignant reflection on the bonds forged in adversity. As viewers binge their way through the series, they will find themselves invested in the survival of these characters and the choices they must make in their fight against insurmountable odds. As far as spinoffs go, Marvel Zombies showcases the rich storytelling possibilities within the MCU, leaving audiences hopeful for more innovations akin to this unique offering.
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