Marvel Zombies is a new animated miniseries from Marvel Studios Animation that brings a darker, thrilling side to the world of superheroes. The story takes place in an alternate universe where a mysterious virus turns familiar heroes into undead monsters. As fans, we expect action and heroism—but here we also get suspense, horror, and moral dilemmas.
The series was created by Bryan Andrews together with Zeb Wells, and it is executive-produced by Brad Winderbaum and other top names from Marvel. It is tied to a special episode from the What If…? series titled “What If… Zombies?!”, in which the zombie outbreak was first introduced.
Because Marvel Zombies is meant for mature audiences, it has a TV-MA rating. That means it doesn’t have to hold back on darker scenes, violence, or intense moments. The creators said they wanted to blend horror, action, character emotion, and even moments of humor—all in a bold new direction.
The series will have four episodes, all of which drop on September 24, 2025, on Disney+.
What Makes Marvel Zombies Different
While many superhero stories center on fighting villains or saving the world, Marvel Zombies explores what happens when heroes themselves become the threat. In this universe, allies can become enemies, and survival depends not just on strength but on choices and alliances.
Bryan Andrews and Brad Winderbaum took creative liberties so they wouldn’t be limited by current live-action plans. For example, they merged Blade with Moon Knight to create a new character called Blade Knight. This allowed them to sidestep continuity conflicts and do something fresh. Andrews explained that if they had strictly followed live-action plans, their storytelling options would shrink.
Another interesting decision: the inclusion of Spider-Man. Because of rights between Marvel and Sony, Spider-Man appears in a limited format (a half-hour animated version). This legal nuance forced the creators to reshape their story into four episodes.
A great example of how bold the show gets: in the trailer, Spider-Man is seen decapitating zombie enemies with his webbing. That’s a striking visual you’d rarely see in a standard MCU production.
What You’ll See (and Feel) in Marvel Zombies
When you watch Marvel Zombies, expect more than just zombies and fights. You’ll see:
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Conflict of identity — a hero trying to remember who they were before the infection.
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Sacrifice and heartbreak — when survival forces hard decisions.
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Twists in alliances — someone you trusted might turn out to be your enemy.
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Unexpected heroism — unlikely characters stepping up in crisis.
For instance, in What If… Zombies?! The virus spreads quickly after Hank Pym returns from the Quantum Realm, and even powerful Avengers like Tony Stark and Doctor Strange become infected. That groundwork shows how deeply the story can twist what we expect.
Another example: the original Marvel Zombies comics explored survival tactics like hiding in space or using cosmic weapons to stop the undead. Marvel Zombies, the show can draw from that tradition, but with new surprises suited for animation and TV.
Why Marvel Zombies Matter for Fans and Storytelling
For longtime Marvel fans, this is a bold experiment. It pushes boundaries—showing that superhero stories don’t always have to be clean and idealistic. It shows that even beloved heroes can be corrupted, and that good vs. evil isn’t always black and white.
For storytelling, it offers something fresh: a crossover of horror and superhero genres. It gives writers and animators room to explore themes like mortality, identity, and the consequences of unchecked power.
From a fan’s perspective, it’s exciting to see a familiar universe but through a darker lens. It stirs curiosity: will any of the heroes be saved? Can humanity win back control? How far will characters go to cling to hope?
