The Dark Shadow of Abandoned Marvel Projects

Much like the rise and fall of empires, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen its share of ups and downs. One of the most notable sagas to see cancellation is the Inhumans universe, which was perhaps among the most ambitious and complex projects within the larger Marvel tapestry.

Abandoned Inhumans Projects

Most prominently, the Inhumans movie and the TV series were ultimately abandoned, marking a departure from the grand narrative that initially promised an epic journey into the unknown. The process of developing these projects was fraught with challenges, from the adaptation of an expansive storyline to the integration with the overarching MCU.

The Inhumans’ presence in The Agent’s of SHIELD TV show offers a glimmer of hope for those who were invested in the characters such as Black Bolt and Mediangah. It represents a strategic pivot towards a more nuanced exploration of Inhumanity, bypassing some of the complexities that initially hampered the standalone Inhumans TV series and movie.

The Challenge of Inhumans in MCU

The Inhumans present unique challenges that set them apart from other Marvel characters. For one, their very essence – the mutability of an Inhuman – can be easily conflated with the more familiar concept of mutants. However, the addition of Terregensis and the Kree origin introduces an intricate layer of storytelling baggage, further complicating their portrayal.

The Kree-Skrull War and the concept of Terregensis provide a rich tapestry of cosmic elements to the plot, but they also add layers of complexity that were initially seen as detrimental to the project. Moreover, the thousands of years of history of the Inhumans in isolation pose another significant challenge, especially when attempting to maintain consistency with the rest of the MCU.

Enter the Eternals and the Expansion of Cosmic Adventures

However, the MCU is not without new opportunities. The Eternals, a long-lost offspring of immortal beings, bring with them a new era of cosmic intrigue. Released as a direct sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy, the movie successfully spearheads the expansion of the cosmic adventures within the MCU.

Furthermore, the acquisition of former Fox properties, such as the Fantastic Four franchise, ensures that the world of cosmic wonders and otherworldly adventures remains central to the MCU. The Fantastic Four’s involvement in the cosmos paves the way for a neo-galactic era, promising exciting new storylines and potential crossovers with other characters and teams.

For now, the advent of the Eternals and the Fantastic Four series signals a fresh approach to cosmic storytelling, ensuring that the loss of the Inhumans is only a temporary setback in the grand narrative of the MCU.

This article explores the challenges and compromises involved in bringing the Inhumans into the MCU, highlighting the strategic decisions made to prioritize storytelling over narrative complexity. It also delves into the emergence of other cosmic characters and stories to illustrate how the MCU is adapting and evolving in response to these challenges.

Conclusion

The fate of the Inhumans is a stark reminder of the complex process of adapting characters from pages to the silver screen. While the Inhumans were an ambitious addition to the MCU, their abandonment serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of narrative coherence and character depth. However, the rise of the Eternals and the ongoing integration of cosmic narratives offer a beacon of hope for fans seeking further cosmic wonder in the MCU.

Does the rise of the Eternals and other cosmic characters signal a shift in focus for the MCU? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!