The Inhumans movie met a fate worse than development hell: it was quietly, unceremoniously shelved, its ambitions dashed against the rocks of Marvel Studios’ evolving plans and the unfortunate reception of the Inhumans television series. While initial excitement surrounded the project, internal shifts, creative clashes, and the shifting landscape of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ultimately led to its cancellation, leaving a void filled with unanswered questions and lingering disappointment for fans of the royal family of Attilan.
From Page to Potential Blockbuster: The Inhumans’ Cinematic Aspirations
The Inhumans, a race of genetically altered humans residing in the hidden city of Attilan, have long held a unique place in Marvel Comics lore. Their powerful abilities, complex societal structure, and connection to the Kree alien race made them a rich source of potential cinematic storytelling. The prospect of seeing characters like Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal, Karnak, and Gorgon translated to the big screen ignited considerable enthusiasm within the fanbase.
Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, initially announced the Inhumans movie as part of Phase Three of the MCU at a 2014 presentation. The slated release date was November 2, 2018. This announcement was met with celebration, as the Inhumans promised to expand the cosmic scope of the MCU and introduce a fresh dynamic of royal intrigue and superhuman action. Early speculation focused on adapting key comic book storylines, such as the “Silent War” or “War of Kings,” potentially weaving the Inhumans into the wider tapestry of the MCU’s cosmic events.
The Seeds of Doubt: Delays and Shifting Priorities
However, the initial momentum surrounding the Inhumans movie began to falter. As other Phase Three films gained traction and Marvel’s priorities shifted, the Inhumans project encountered a series of delays. Initially, the delay was attributed to scheduling conflicts and the need to properly integrate the Inhumans into the overarching MCU narrative. However, whispers of creative disagreements and behind-the-scenes tensions began to surface.
The most significant blow came in April 2016, when Marvel Studios announced that the Inhumans movie had been removed from its release schedule entirely. While the official statement suggested that the project was “still in development,” the writing was on the wall. The cancellation was a stark indication of the challenges facing the film and the studio’s evolving vision for the MCU. It signaled a move away from a large-scale cinematic introduction for the Inhumans, at least in the immediate future.
The ABC Experiment: A Television Gamble
Instead of a blockbuster movie, Marvel Television, under the direction of Jeph Loeb, opted for a different approach: an eight-episode television series that premiered on ABC in September 2017. The first two episodes were even shown in IMAX theaters, an ambitious attempt to elevate the series’ profile. However, the Inhumans television series was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews. Critics cited poor writing, lackluster special effects, and a generally uninspired adaptation of the source material.
The series’ failure was a significant setback for the Inhumans franchise. The negative reception tarnished the brand’s reputation and likely contributed to Marvel Studios’ decision to abandon any immediate plans for a cinematic revival. The show’s struggles highlighted the challenges of adapting complex comic book properties for television, particularly when faced with budgetary constraints and creative limitations.
Resurrection or Oblivion? The Inhumans’ Future in the MCU
Despite the failures of the past, hope remains for the Inhumans’ eventual return to the MCU. The introduction of the Multiverse offers new avenues for their integration, potentially through alternate realities or reimagined versions of the characters. Moreover, with Marvel Studios regaining control over the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, there’s a possibility that the Inhumans could be reintroduced as allies or adversaries within those established franchises.
The future of the Inhumans remains uncertain. While the original movie plans are defunct and the television series is largely forgotten, the potential for their return to the MCU is not entirely extinguished. The characters’ rich history and unique place within the Marvel universe ensure that they will continue to be a subject of speculation and anticipation among fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Inhumans Movie
H3 What was the original release date for the Inhumans movie?
The Inhumans movie was originally scheduled to be released on November 2, 2018, as part of Phase Three of the MCU.
H3 Why was the Inhumans movie cancelled?
Several factors contributed to the cancellation, including scheduling conflicts, creative differences, and the underperformance of the Inhumans television series. Marvel Studios’ priorities also shifted as the MCU evolved.
H3 Who was supposed to direct the Inhumans movie?
No director was officially announced for the Inhumans movie before it was cancelled. Numerous directors were rumored to be in consideration, but no concrete commitments were ever made public.
H3 Who was supposed to star in the Inhumans movie?
As with the director, no cast members were officially confirmed for the Inhumans movie. Casting rumors circulated, but nothing was ever finalized due to the project’s cancellation.
H3 Did the Inhumans television series affect the movie’s cancellation?
Yes, the negative reception of the Inhumans television series significantly impacted the perception of the Inhumans brand and likely influenced Marvel Studios’ decision to abandon the movie plans.
H3 Will the Inhumans ever appear in the MCU?
It’s possible. The introduction of the Multiverse provides opportunities for reimagining the characters. They could also be integrated into existing franchises like the X-Men or the Fantastic Four.
H3 What were some of the storylines considered for the Inhumans movie?
Rumors suggested that the movie could have adapted storylines like “Silent War” or “War of Kings,” focusing on the Inhumans’ conflicts with Earth or other cosmic powers.
H3 Was Vin Diesel ever going to play Black Bolt?
Vin Diesel publicly expressed interest in playing Black Bolt at one point, fueling speculation. However, he ultimately joined the MCU as Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, ending those rumors.
H3 Did the Inhumans movie ever have a script?
It’s likely that various drafts of a script were written, but no information about the content or writers has been officially released. Given the project’s protracted development, several scripts probably existed.
H3 Are the characters from the Inhumans television series considered canon in the MCU?
This is a grey area. While the MCU is expanding, the Inhumans series is generally not considered canon due to its poor reception and inconsistencies with established MCU lore. Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed or denied its canonicity.
H3 Could the Inhumans be rebooted entirely in the MCU?
Yes, a complete reboot is a strong possibility. Marvel Studios could choose to reimagine the characters and their story from scratch, ignoring the previous television series and any unproduced movie drafts.
H3 What is the biggest lesson Marvel Studios learned from the Inhumans debacle?
The Inhumans experience likely reinforced the importance of strong creative leadership, high production values, and a coherent vision for adapting complex comic book properties. It also highlighted the risks of relying on television as a stepping stone to a major cinematic franchise, especially when dealing with beloved characters.