Marvel, ABC Set 'The Inhumans' TV Series

Marvel has landed another series on ABC: The Inhumans.

The comic book studio — which previously abandoned plans for an Inhumans feature film — is now set to team with ABC Studios for an eight-episode live-action drama series set to premiere in the fall of 2017.

Few details are known about the project, including producers, cast and premise. The first two episodes of the series will debut in Imax theaters for two weeks in summer 2017 before moving to ABC in September where they will be followed by six subsequent new episodes.

Sources note that this is not the planned Inhumans feature film, which was initially set for July 2019 but pulled from the schedule. It is also not a spinoff of Marvel drama Agents of SHIELD, which has spent a good deal of time exploring a storyline about its Inhumans.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since then, they have become among the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe.

ABC's The Inhumans will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family.

For ABC, this marks the latest Marvel drama to join the network's schedule. The network last season canceled Agent Carter after two seasons and passed on a spinoff of Agents of SHIELD. Marvel, meanwhile, is teaming with Hulu on another comic book-based series that is in development and has a full slate of dramas at Netflix as well as upcoming X-Men spinoff Legion at FX, among other projects.

The big-screen version of The Inhumans was announced two years ago for a 2018 release. It was pushed back to 2019 as part of a shuffle to make room for Spider-Man: Homecoming, before being pulled from the schedule in April. Marvel had been positioning the Inhumans to be the Marvel Cinematic Universe's answer to The X-Men. In recent comics, Marvel has portrayed them as a persecuted minority, similar to the Marvel mutant characters Fox has the film and TV rights to.

For Imax, this marks the first time a TV series has debuted in theaters in this fashion. Imax will also serve as a financing participant on the pilot. It's also the first time a TV series has debuted in Imax.

“This unprecedented alliance represents a bold, innovative approach to launching great TV content for a worldwide audience,” said Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC Television Group. “It highlights Disney|ABC’s unrelenting commitment to finding new and creative ways to showcasing our very best programming and increasing global engagement and reach.”

The Inhumans TV series will also be filmed completely with Imax cameras.

among the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe.

Why ABC's Deal to Bring Marvel's 'The Inhumans' to Imax Is a "Quadruple Win"

With networks seeking to cut through the clutter of a television landscape projected to soon hit 500 original series, ABC has found a unique strategy: Go big. Really big.

On Nov. 14, the Disney-owned network said its straight-to-series order for Marvel drama The Inhumans will include a debut in more than 1,000 Imax theaters in 74 countries. The first two of the eight-episode series — about a race of superhuman heroes (among the more popular characters in the Marvel universe) — will run for two weeks starting Labor Day 2017 before airing as part of ABC's fall lineup.

The deal marks the first time a TV series will have its premiere on the big screen. And it gives ABC a way to "event-ize" Inhumans in the crowded fall TV space, where launching a show is a multimillion-dollar investment. "We think this is a quadruple win — a win for Imax, a win for Marvel, a win for ABC Studios and a win for ABC to launch a show in an innovative way and get attention," Disney-ABC Television Group president Ben Sherwood tells THR. The Imax pact is the first of what Sherwood hopes will be several innovative ways to launch programming.

As part of the agreement, the first two episodes will be shot entirely with Imax cameras, with subsequent action scenes — some of which will be set on the moon — also filmed using the technology. Sources say Imax is paying for the first two episodes (ABC won't reveal the budget; the show hasn't begun casting), offsetting the hefty costs associated with the pilot and helping to make the deal more attractive to producers ABC Studios and Marvel Television. ABC will then take the Imax episodes and expand them with additional content for broadcast. ABC, Imax and Marvel will each mount tailored marketing campaigns for Inhumans, what analysts see as a can't-miss cross-platform push.

Imax, which approached Marvel with the idea, is eyeing additional TV releases after a weeklong Game of Thrones stunt promoting the season-five trailer grossed $2 million in 2015. CEO Richard Gelfond sees Inhumans as an opportunity to diversify during the late-summer period typically devoid of film hits, with the ABC series airing between Spider-Man: Homecoming and Thor: Ragnarok. "We get to break out of our distribution niche and participate in revenue from theatrical and TV releases," he says.

Analysts regard the deal as potentially game-changing. "It looks like an interesting new way of breaking through clutter, various media options and platforms that people have," says Henry Schafer, executive vp at brand specialist Q Scores. "This is an innovative way of doing that."

ABC also hopes that Inhumans — which is not a spinoff of the network's Agents of SHIELD and does not replace the planned feature film — will have a halo effect on the veteran Marvel drama as well. The network hopes fanboys flock to see Inhumans in theaters and follow the show to the network, bringing in new viewers who may not already be watching SHIELD (provided the latter returns for a fifth season next fall.)

Hmmm… now I wonder which film company owns rights to the Savage Land? Probably bundled with
Fox and the X-Men, right? Maybe Marvel excluded Ka-Zar, though, and tried to sell him separately?

Whatever, I want to see super heroes fight CGI dinosaurs immediately, thank you.

Marvel's 'Inhumans' Sets 'Dexter' Grad as Showrunner

ABC and Marvel are turning to a familiar face to oversee The Inhumans.

Dexter grad Scott Buck has been tapped to serve as showrunner on ABC's straight-to-series Marvel and Imax drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since then, they have become among the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe. ABC's The Inhumans will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family.

Buck will serve as showrunner on the drama series, with the first two episodes set to exclusively unspool in Imax theaters over a two-week period starting Labor Day Weekend 2017 before the drama debuts on ABC in September in a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind collaboration that helps cut through the crowded fall landscape.

The Inhumans deal extends Marvel's relationship with Buck, who is currently serving as showrunner on the comic book powerhouse's Netflix drama Iron Fist. Iron Fist is Marvel and Netflix's fourth series, with the fifth — mini The Defenders — set to feature stars from the former as well as Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage.

Iron Fist marks Buck's first post-Dexter gig. Buck served as showrunner for the final three seasons of Showtime's Michael C. Hall serial-killer-with-a-code drama after taking over for Clyde Phillips. Buck's credits also include Six Feet Under, Rome and Coach. He's repped by CAA.

Picked up straight to series Nov. 14, The Inhumans is ABC's latest Marvel collaboration. The live-action TV series is not taking the place of the planned feature film and is not a spinoff of ABC's Marvel drama Agents of SHIELD. This becomes ABC's third Marvel series, following SHIELD and the late and great Agent Carter. Inhumans is produced by Marvel, ABC Studios and Imax, with all episodes set to be filmed with Imax cameras.

ABC Boss Hopes Marvel's 'Agents of SHIELD' and 'Inhumans' Can Coexist

In November, ABC announced perhaps the biggest swing for its business with corporate sibling Marvel: that the Disney-owned network is teaming with Imax and the comic book powerhouse for the straight-to-series drama The Inhumans.

The announcement of the series, which will see the first two hours screened exclusively in Imax theaters before the show's debut on ABC, immediately threw the future of the network's veteran drama Agents of SHIELD into question, as the latter series is currently exploring its own Inhumans storyline.

SHIELD has the distinction of being not only ABC's first Marvel drama but the comic book company's first scripted original. While the fourth-season show is helping to improve the network's fortunes in its new Tuesdays at 10 p.m. slot, critics have largely abandoned the series in favor of Netflix's robust slate of Marvel fare, including the well-received Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Daredevil.

While it's unfair to compare Marvel fare from Netflix, which doesn't operate with the same set of creative limitations as a broadcast network — let alone the same budget — is SHIELD still the type of Marvel fare that ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey wants on her network? Is The Inhumans — which will see Imax pay for the first two hours of the expensive drama as well as supply its cameras to the production — more in line with the type of Marvel fare Dungey would like to see going forward, especially with basic cable network FX poised to unspool Marvel's X-Men-themed drama Legion from Fargo boss Noah Hawley? Should SHIELD fans be worried, given the pending September launch of The Inhumans on ABC?

"SHIELD is in its fourth season and every year, that show has gotten creatively stronger and better," Dungey told The Hollywood Reporter during an interview Tuesday at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour. "It was the first out of the gate for us and with Marvel, and we all have been learning a lot over the four years of that show. What we're doing with Imax is very different, and I think it's going to feel and look very different from what they're doing on Netflix. Hopefully there's a world for me where those shows exist side-by-side on our air and are two different pieces of music that exist together in the same landscape."

Dungey's comments are reassuring for the future of Marvel on the network after the executive canceled Marvel's critical favorite but ratings underperformer Agent Carter following its second season.

The Inhumans will likely debut Labor Day weekend in about 1,000 theaters nationwide, with ABC then airing the drama two weeks later.

The deal for The Inhumans, which will be run by Dexter grad Scott Buck, marks the first time a TV series will have its premiere on the big screen. And it gives ABC a way to "event-ize" the project in the crowded fall TV space, where launching a show is a multimillion-dollar investment. "We think this is a quadruple win — a win for Imax, a win for Marvel, a win for ABC Studios and a win for ABC to launch a show in an innovative way and get attention," Disney-ABC Television Group president Ben Sherwood told THR in November. The Imax pact is the first of what Sherwood hopes will be several innovative ways to launch programming.

ABC also hopes that The Inhumans — which is not a spinoff of the network's Agents of SHIELD and does not replace the planned feature film — will have a halo effect on the veteran Marvel drama as well. The network hopes fanboys flock to see The Inhumans in theaters and follow the show to the network, bringing in new viewers who may not already be watching SHIELD (provided the latter returns for a fifth season next fall).

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since then, they have become among the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe. Few details are known about the ABC project, including its premise.

Marvel's 'Inhumans' Taps Feature Director for Imax Episodes (Exclusive)

Marvel, ABC and Imax are going big with The Inhumans.

The companies have tapped feature director Roel Reine to helm the first two episodes of its forthcoming collaboration — both of which will air in Imax theaters, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Picked up with an eight-episode straight-to-series order, The Inhumans is ABC's latest Marvel collaboration. The live-action TV series is not taking the place of the planned feature film and is not a spinoff of ABC's Marvel drama Agents of SHIELD.

The first two episodes will bow in more than 1,000 Imax theaters over Labor Day weekend before heading to ABC in September as part of the network's fall season in a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind collaboration that helps cut through the crowded fall landscape.

Netherlands native Reine won the Dutch equivalent to an Oscar for best director for his first theatrical feature The Delivery. His 2015 feature Admiral was the only Dutch movie to land in the top 10 in the Netherlands. Stateside, Reine directed his first U.S. TV series with Starz's pirate drama Black Sails. He's repped by APA, Circle of Confusion and Morris Yorn.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since then, they have become among the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe. ABC's The Inhumans will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family.

Dexter grad Scott Buck will serve as showrunner, marking his second Marvel collaboration after serving in the same capacity on the comic book giant's forthcoming Netflix drama Iron Fist.

The Inhumans becomes ABC's third Marvel series, following SHIELD and the late and great Agent Carter. Inhumans is produced by Marvel, ABC Studios and Imax, with all episodes set to be filmed with Imax cameras.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since then, they have become among the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe

'Game of Thrones' Grad Iwan Rheon to Star in Marvel's ABC Drama 'Inhumans'

Marvel's Inhumans has found its leading man.

Game of Thrones grad Iwan Rheon has been tapped to star in the straight-to-series drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Inhumans will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family. In the eight-episode straight-to-series drama, Maximus is a clever and charming Inhuman that is fiercely devoted to the people of Attilan, especially his brother, the king — though he harbors an intense desire to wear the crown himself. Rheon will star as Maximus.

The drama is being written and exec produced by Dexter alum Scott Buck, who serves as showrunner. Feature director Roel Reine will helm the first two hours of the series, which in a ground-breaking deal, will bow in 1,000 Imax theaters over Labor Day weekend for a two-week run before extended episodes air on ABC as part of the network's official fall season launch. Marvel's Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory also exec produce the drama, which hails from Marvel Television and ABC Studios.

"Iwan's ability to be charming, roguish and still completely unexpectedly dangerous were all the different sides we needed to bring the character to life. We’re thrilled to have him on board," Marvel TV head Loeb said.

Added Buck: "Maximus is a complex character. Likable, charming, tragic and villainous all in the same moment, and I’m very excited to have someone of Iwan’s considerable talent."

For Rheon, the Inhumans marks his follow-up to HBO's Game of Thrones, where he starred as the demented Ramsay Bolton. His credits also include Vicious and Misfits. He's repped by UTA, Curtis Brown, Principal Entertainment LA and Peikoff Mahan.

Inhumans, which follows a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since that time, they have grown in prominence and become some of the most popular and iconic characters in the Marvel Universe.

Shurely shome mishtake? Was this ever true? Is it now? Every thing tried with them when I was reading comics just fell on its arse. They were bit players rather than superstars in their own right.

ABC's Marvel Drama 'Inhumans' Finds its Black Bolt in Anson Mount

ABC's Marvel drama Inhumans has cast its Black Bolt.

Following an extensive casting search, Hell on Wheels alum Anson Mount has been tapped to star in the eight-episode straight-to-series drama, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. The ABC show will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family. In the drama, Maximus is a clever and charming Inhuman who is fiercely devoted to the people of Attilan, especially his brother, Black Bolt, the king — though he harbors an intense desire to wear the crown himself.

Mount will play Black Bolt, the enigmatic and commanding King of the Inhumans who has a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. Game of Thrones grad Iwan Rheon co-stars as Black Bolt's brother, Maximus.

The drama is being written and executive produced by Dexter alum Scott Buck, who serves as showrunner. Feature director Roel Reine will helm the first two hours of the series, which in a ground-breaking deal will bow in 1,000 Imax theaters over Labor Day weekend for a two-week run before extended episodes air on ABC as part of the network's official fall season launch. Marvel's Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory also exec produce the project, which hails from Marvel Television and ABC Studios.

Mount's credits include five seasons of AMC Western Hell on Wheels. He is repped by UTA and Brookside Artist Management.

Marvel's 'Inhumans' Taps Serinda Swan as Female Lead

Marvel's Inhumans has found its leading lady.

Graceland and Ballers actress Serinda Swan has been tapped to star opposite Anson Mount and Iwan Rheon in the straight-to-series drama, Marvel announced Wednesday.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. The ABC show will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family. In the drama, Maximus is a clever and charming Inhuman who is fiercely devoted to the people of Attilan, especially his brother, Black Bolt, the king — though he harbors an intense desire to wear the crown himself.

Swan will play Medusa, the queen of the Inhumans and wife of Black Bolt (Hell on Wheels' Mount) — his most trusted adviser, a fiercely resilient warrior who has the ability to move and control her hair the way most people use their hands and fingers. Game of Thrones grad Rheon is set as Black Bolt's brother, Maximus.

The drama is being written and executive produced by Dexter alum Scott Buck, who serves as showrunner. Feature director Roel Reine will helm the first two hours of the series, which in a ground-breaking deal will bow in 1,000 Imax theaters over Labor Day weekend for a two-week run before extended episodes air on ABC as part of the network's official fall season launch. Marvel's Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory also exec produce the project, which hails from Marvel Television and ABC Studios.

Swan's credits include Tron: Legacy and Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. She's with APA.

Marvel's 'Inhumans' Enlists Ken Leung

Marvel's ABC drama Inhumans has added another key role.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor Ken Leung has joined the cast of the straight-to-series drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The Inhumans, a race of superhumans with diverse and unique powers, were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. The ABC show explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family, including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city.

Leung will play Karnak, Black Bolt's (Hell on Wheels' Anson Mount) cousin and closest adviser. His gift is an ability to see the fault in all things — people, plans, structures, everything. He's Black Bolt's most ardent supporter and strategist and is often seen as the royal family's planner and philosopher. He joins a cast that also includes Serinda Swan (Graceland) and Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones).

The drama is being written and executive produced by Dexter alum Scott Buck, who serves as showrunner. Feature director Roel Reine will helm the first two hours of the series, which in a ground-breaking deal will bow in 1,000 Imax theaters over Labor Day weekend for a two-week run before extended episodes air on ABC as part of the network's official fall season launch. Marvel's Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory also exec produce the project, which hails from Marvel Television and ABC Studios.

Leung's credits include NBC's The Night Shift, which he left last year after three seasons; playing Admiral Statura in Star Wars: The Force Awakens; X-Men: The Last Stand; and Lost, with Inhumans bringing him back to the network and studio behind the critical favorite. He's repped by PH Entertainment Group.