Marvel Studios’ Marvel Zombies is one of the most exciting and daring projects from the MCU’s expanding multiverse. This upcoming animated series dives into a terrifying alternate reality where Earth’s mightiest heroes and villains are transformed into flesh-eating zombies. Unlike the traditional heroic arcs fans are used to, this series showcases survival, horror, and a darker reimagining of characters we’ve long admired. It pushes the boundaries of storytelling by blending Marvel’s superhero universe with the intensity of horror. The concept of Marvel Zombies was first teased in What If…? Season 1, Episode 5, titled “What If… Zombies?!”. In this episode, fans witnessed a shocking twist where a quantum virus turned the Avengers and countless others into zombies, leading to an apocalyptic showdown. The chilling reception of that episode sparked immense excitement, laying the foundation for an entire series dedicated to this alternate universe. Now, with Marvel Zombies, fans are set to explore a full-scale expansion of that nightmarish world.
Overview
Marvel Studios’ Marvel Zombies is set to be one of the boldest entries in the MCU’s animated lineup, offering fans a unique fusion of superhero action and survival horror. Unlike the traditional storylines of the Avengers, this series takes viewers into a post-apocalyptic world where familiar heroes and villains are no longer saviors but terrifying predators. The project is a testament to Marvel’s willingness to experiment, bringing fresh tones of suspense, fear, and intensity to a franchise known for its bright and heroic spirit.
The foundation for Marvel Zombies was laid in What If…? Season 1, Episode 5, titled “What If… Zombies?!”. This pivotal episode introduced the concept of a quantum virus infecting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, leading to one of the darkest alternate realities in Marvel’s animated history. The episode not only shocked fans with its gruesome visuals and tragic turns but also opened the door to an expanded storyline that begged to be explored further. It was a glimpse into a Marvel Universe unlike any other.
The upcoming series builds upon that chilling episode, diving deeper into the chaos, battles, and emotional struggles of surviving in a world where allies become threats. Fan-favorite characters are expected to return in new and horrifying forms, offering both nostalgia and shock value. At the same time, the introduction of unexpected survivors and new heroes ensures that the series will expand its narrative beyond what was briefly shown in What If…?. This continuation provides a fresh stage for Marvel to explore themes of loss, survival, and identity in ways rarely touched upon in the MCU.
For fans, Marvel Zombies isn’t just another animated spinoff — it’s a daring exploration of what happens when the very foundation of hope and heroism collapses. By pushing into horror territory, the series offers a bold new experience that redefines how audiences see their favorite heroes. With the promise of thrilling action, shocking twists, and a deeper dive into the multiverse, Marvel Zombies is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who loves the darker side of Marvel storytelling.
Cast and Crew
Director: Bryan Andrews
Bryan Andrews serves as the director and showrunner of Marvel Zombies. He previously directed episodes of What If…?, including the “What If… Zombies?!” episode which first introduced the zombie concept. His vision shapes how Marvel’s superheroes are reimagined in a darker, horror-inflected universe.
Lead Actors
At the forefront of Marvel Zombies is Iman Vellani, reprising her role as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel. Her character is positioned as the emotional core of the story, providing a grounded perspective amidst the chaos of a zombie-infested world. Florence Pugh also returns as Yelena Belova, bringing her signature mix of sharp wit and resilience to the survivors’ group. Their performances ensure that the audience stays connected, balancing the terror of the undead with moments of human vulnerability. Together, these leads anchor the narrative and carry much of the emotional weight of the series.
Supporting Cast
The supporting lineup is equally impressive, filled with familiar MCU voices. Simu Liu as Shang-Chi adds both action prowess and emotional depth, while Hailee Steinfeld’s Kate Bishop contributes youthful energy and tragedy to the unfolding chaos. David Harbour as Red Guardian and Awkwafina as Katy bring humor and heart, providing brief levity before the story takes darker turns. Additional performances from Randall Park (Jimmy Woo), Dominique Thorne (Riri Williams), and even mystical figures like F. Murray Abraham (Khonshu) broaden the scope of the cast, ensuring a balance of power, humor, and gravitas across the episodes.
Production Company: Marvel Studios
Marvel Zombies is produced by Marvel Studios Animation, a division dedicated to bringing alternate realities and multiverse stories to life in animated form. The studio has already proven its strength with What If…?, and this project builds on that success by embracing a much darker tone. Backed by the vision of Kevin Feige and showrunner Bryan Andrews, the production pushes animation quality to cinematic levels, blending horror elements with Marvel’s signature style. It reflects Marvel’s growing commitment to expanding its storytelling beyond the big screen and experimenting with new genres for global audiences.
Run Time
The miniseries spans 4 episodes, with each episode running approximately 32–38 minutes. This brings the total runtime close to 2 hours 12 minutes, essentially making it the length of a feature film when viewed together. The concise format allows the story to stay fast-paced and tightly structured, avoiding unnecessary filler while still delivering depth. This runtime also makes it perfect for binge-watching in a single sitting, giving fans an intense and continuous horror-driven Marvel experience.
Budget
The official budget for Marvel Zombies has not been publicly disclosed. However, some reporting suggests Marvel may spend around $20 million on this type of high-quality animated project. Disney+ has also been noted to budget up to $25 million per episode for its marquee Marvel and Star Wars series, which gives context to the scale of investment in shows like Marvel Zombies.
Story
Episode 1
Five years after the zombie virus devastated Earth (as first seen in What If…?), survivors Kamala Khan, Kate Bishop, and Riri Williams roam a desolate New York. They stumble over a miniaturized device embedded in a zombified SHIELD agent, which points them toward a SHIELD base in Ohio. Their plan: activate the device to send a signal into space in hopes the Nova Corps will respond. Along the way, the trio enters into a fierce battle between Ikaris and a zombie Carol Danvers, during which Kate is tragically killed. Riri and her AI, F.R.I.D.A.Y., sacrifice themselves to save Kamala, who is rescued by Blade Knight. At the Ohio base, they join forces with Melina Vostokoff, Alexei Shostakov, and Yelena Belova, only to be overrun by a horde led by a zombified Okoye serving the Red Queen (Wanda). As the base falls, Melina gives her life to let the survivors escape, and Blade Knight reveals a ship capable of reaching outer space.
Episode 2
This installment weaves present action with flashbacks. We learn that Shang-Chi, Katy, and Jimmy Woo were rescued from a zombie horde by the Ten Rings, led by Shang-Chi’s father, Xu Wenwu. When Shang-Chi is bitten, Wenwu gives him mystical Ten Rings to suppress the infection, then sacrifices himself to let the others flee. In a brutal confrontation, they face Thanos alongside Rocket Raccoon and Groot—who perish in the chaos. T’Challa ultimately sacrifices himself to push Thanos into the Wakandan vibranium core, destroying the Infinity Stones in the process. Back in the present, Kamala’s group reaches New Asgard, seeking Valkyrie’s aid. However, the group realizes they’ve been deceived: the “food” Asgardians have been dining on is zombie flesh, turning them into zombies under Wanda’s control. A massacre ensues; Zemo, Jimmy Woo, and others fall, and the survivors barely escape into space — only to be shot down by the Nova Corps, revealing Earth is under quarantine.
Episode 3
Under the weight of betrayal, the group crash-lands back on Earth. Wanda’s deception deepens: she reveals she never truly cared about the transmitter — her aim has always been Kamala. Meanwhile, Kamala confronts Wanda, demanding to know her motives. In a violent onslaught, the heroes face zombified Asgardians. Zemo is torn apart, Death Dealer is slaughtered, Jimmy Woo is devoured, and Red Guardian succumbs after consuming tainted food. Thor reawakens to defend them. Valkyrie helps the survivors escape through a portal, yet during the chaos, Thor stays behind to battle Wanda. Before leaving, Thor bestows the title of “Avenger” upon Kamala, forging her new path.
Episode 4
The final chapter plunges into the showdown at Kamar-Taj. The Nova Corps attempt to intervene but are halted, and the survivors, joined by sorcerers, rally to defend the Hulk — now acting as the vessel containing the energies of the Infinity Stones (i.e. “Infinity Hulk”). Wanda unleashes waves of zombies — Abomination, zombie Atlanteans, Asgardians, Hank Pym, Janet van Dyne — in an effort to seize control of Hulk’s power. She taunts Kamala to join her. The heroes fall one by one. In a desperate turn, Kamala gives in, becoming the conduit through which Wanda drains power. An explosion resets reality (or so it seems), placing Kamala back in her home in New Jersey with friends alive. But the façade cracks—Kamala begins to see zombie faces, and real Riri warns her what she’s seeing isn’t real. In truth, Kamala is entrapped in an illusion; the zombie apocalypse remains, and Wanda now rules over a world of undead under her Hex.
Review
Marvel Studios’ Marvel Zombies delivers a chilling twist on the Marvel Cinematic Universe by leaning fully into the horror genre. From the very first episode, it sets itself apart from the lighter tones of other animated projects, showing fans a world where hope is fragile and survival is the only priority. The series manages to balance gore and suspense with emotional storytelling, ensuring that it doesn’t just rely on shock value but also explores the consequences of a world where beloved heroes have turned into predators.
One of the strongest aspects of the series is its character focus, especially on Kamala Khan. By placing her at the center, the story gains a relatable anchor point as she transforms from an optimistic teenager to a survivor facing impossible choices. The addition of characters like Yelena, Shang-Chi, and Kate Bishop adds diversity and depth, while also highlighting the tragic reality that no one is safe in this zombie-ridden universe. The emotional stakes feel higher than usual, as deaths and sacrifices are permanent and impactful.
The animation style remains consistent with What If…?, but it takes on a darker palette to match the grim tone. Battle sequences, particularly Wanda’s gruesome transformations and large-scale zombie fights, are both visually striking and unsettling. The blending of horror tropes with superhero action allows for creative set pieces that stand out from traditional MCU offerings, proving Marvel can push boundaries in animation just as much as in live action.
Voice performances are another highlight, with Iman Vellani, Florence Pugh, and Simu Liu all delivering grounded portrayals of their animated counterparts. The cast captures the desperation and fear of their characters, making the horror feel personal rather than just spectacle. Even smaller roles, like David Harbour’s Red Guardian and Awkwafina’s Katy, add levity and heart before the darkness takes over. This mix of humor and dread is quintessential Marvel, but here it leans more toward the unsettling side.
The storytelling structure also deserves praise. By tying the miniseries directly to the What If…? zombie episode, it builds on an already established premise while expanding it into a broader and more ambitious narrative. Each episode raises the stakes, shifting from survival drama to cosmic horror, until the finale delivers a shocking blend of illusion and reality. This layered storytelling keeps the pacing tight and unpredictable, ensuring viewers remain invested throughout.
Why Marvel Zombies Stand Out in the MCU?
Marvel Zombies isn’t just another animated project — it’s Marvel’s boldest step into uncharted territory. By reimagining heroes as terrifying undead and pushing the MCU into true horror, the series proves that Marvel is willing to experiment beyond its usual formula. It challenges fans to see their favorite characters in a completely different light, stripping away the comfort of predictable victories and forcing them into a world where survival is uncertain. You should watch this series if you’ve ever wondered how Marvel’s storytelling could evolve beyond the traditional hero’s journey. The show takes risks with emotional weight, shocking deaths, and morally complex choices, making it an experience unlike anything else in the franchise. It’s a bold move from Marvel to deliver not just a “what if” scenario but an unapologetic deep dive into despair, loss, and resilience.
At its best, Marvel Zombies thrives on gripping animation, powerful voice performances, and an unpredictable plot that constantly raises the stakes. Kamala Khan’s journey in particular provides a heartfelt lens through which audiences can connect with the chaos, while Wanda’s terrifying transformation adds depth to the horror. The visuals, action sequences, and emotional payoffs give fans reasons to stay glued to the screen. However, the same boldness can also feel like a double-edged sword. The heavy reliance on gore and bleakness may alienate viewers who prefer Marvel’s lighter tone. Some supporting characters are introduced only to be quickly disposed of, which can feel rushed. And while the horror elements shine, there are moments where the pacing dips or the darkness overshadows emotional nuance. Still, the daring nature of the series makes it a standout in Marvel’s lineup. By leaning into fear and survival rather than triumph and spectacle, Marvel Zombies proves that Marvel can deliver stories that are both haunting and thought-provoking — even if they leave you unsettled long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
Marvel Zombies stands as a daring experiment within the Marvel universe, one that strips away the safety net of traditional superhero storytelling. By diving headfirst into horror, it challenges audiences to confront a world where even the mightiest heroes can fall, and survival is never guaranteed. This shift not only broadens the creative scope of the MCU but also redefines what fans can expect from Marvel’s animated ventures.
Ultimately, the series isn’t just about zombies — it’s about resilience, sacrifice, and the haunting cost of a universe consumed by fear. With its mix of shocking twists, emotional depth, and bold creative choices, Marvel Zombies sets a precedent for Marvel’s willingness to explore darker and riskier narratives. It leaves audiences eager to see how far the studio is willing to push the boundaries of its storytelling in the future.