Why Disney Ignored The Potential of The Inhumans Series

The hyped debut of The Inhumans series by Marvel Studios marked a turning point in their strategy to expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) not just through their movie franchises but also via television. However, the sequel plans were abruptly cancelled, mirroring the initial failure that sparked discussions on the project's downfall.

Initial Hopes and Dreams

Initially, there were great expectations for a television series featuring The Inhumans. This was seen as the beginning of a new era for the MCU, where compelling stories would be told not only through blockbuster films but also through an interconnected web of on-screen narratives. The concept was revolutionary, envisioning a world where the MCU and television would seamlessly align and complement each other.

The IMAX Premier and Its Subsequent Disappointment

However, even before the series premiered, the first two episodes were released in IMAX theaters, only to receive a tepid response. The first IMAX release grossed a mere 3.5 million at the box office, and the initial broadcast saw a dismal 5.58 million viewers, a stark contrast to the enthusiastic anticipation that preceded it. The early reviews were not optimistic, indicating issues with both the story and the characters.

The Decision to Cancel: A Costly and Failed Experiment

Despite the lofty ambitions, ABC Studios, in conjunction with Disney, made the difficult decision to cancel the second season of The Inhumans. This decision was not made lightly, as the series was intended to be a flagship project, potentially setting a precedent for the company's future television forays into the MCU.

Two main factors contributed to this decision: the series proved to be an expensive undertaking, and its execution was far from satisfactory. The limited series was designed to showcase the same level of sophistication and investment as a feature film, leveraging the partnership with IMAX Corporation to create a thrilling visual experience. However, the reality was vastly different. The high-budget scenes that promised a cinematic experience shifted to ordinary locations like Hawaii almost entirely, rendering many of the CGI elements pointless. This choice, combined with the characters' loss of supernatural abilities, made the series appear flat and uninspiring.

The Critical Reception and The Final Blow

The critical reception of the series was overwhelmingly negative. Critics described the show as a "lifeless slog," highlighting its lack of engaging storylines and weak character development. For instance, the character transformation from Medusa's hair-cut storyline to a powerless persona was met with unanimous disapproval. The storylines were convoluted, and the compelling potential of the diverse and interesting Inhumans characters was not fully realized.

Lessons Learned: A Missed Opportunity

The failure of The Inhumans series serves as a cautionary tale for both Disney and aspiring creators within the MCU. It underscores the importance of careful planning, character development, and a strong focus on audience engagement. Perhaps in this experiment, we see a missed opportunity to set a new standard for television storytelling within the vast MCU universe.

Despite the cancellation, The Inhumans' story continues to intrigue fans. Speculations and theories abound regarding potential reappearance in future MCU projects. However, for now, the second season remains an untold story, a narrative that was cut short by its own failure to live up to expectations.