Marvel and Freeform are teaming up on a live-action adaptation of Marvel’s New Warriors set to air in 2018.
The announcement, made during the network’s April 19 upfront presentation, also introduced the young adult heroes who will be characters in the comedic half-hour show. The show has not been cast, but Freeform ordered 10 episodes.
“Marvel’s New Warriors” is Marvel’s first foray into TV comedy. Based on “The New Warriors” comic books, the new show follows six young people living and working together. They have powers, but they’re not quite super. The New Warriors want to make a difference in the world … even if the world isn’t ready. “Marvel’s New Warriors” is about entering adulthood. You feel like you can do everything and nothing at once. In this world, bad guys can be as terrifying as bad dates.
Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz created “The New Warriors” in 1989. They first appeared in “The Mighty Thor” comic book series and proved to be so popular that one year later, they were featured in their own series. Fabian Nicieza and Mark Bagley worked on that series.
Since then, “The New Warriors” and their lineup have undergone many changes. The TV series is based on the comics version of Zeb Wells and Skottie Young.
“Marvel’s New Warriors” isn’t the only YA-targeted Marvel series coming to Freeform. The network also ordered “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger.”
Meet Marvel’s New Warriors
Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl
Superpower: “The powers of a squirrel, the powers of a girl” (is acrobatic, strong, can fight, can talk to squirrels)
Doreen is a totally empowered fangirl. She is a natural leader—confident and tough, but not innocent. Doreen is bouncy and energetic, and her greatest quality is her optimism … She has faith in others and inspires people to believe in themselves. She also takes her pet squirrel, Tippy Toe, everywhere.
Craig Hollis, aka Mister Immortal
Superpower: Cannot die. Ever. Maybe. So he says.
The team troublemaker and lothario … Craig is kind of like “The Most Interesting Man Alive,” except he’s more cocky than confident and, at times, charmingly grumpy. Although Craig’s superpower seems amazing, he hasn’t made use of it at all—he’s lazy and figures if he has all the time in the world to learn how to fight, what’s the rush?
Dwayne Taylor, aka Night Thrasher
Superpower: None
Dwayne is a local celebrity “hero” with his very own YouTube channel. Brilliant, strong, noble and maybe a bit full of himself, Dwayne is a shameless self-promoter and entrepreneur. But he also deeply believes in justice—at least his version of it. Dwayne hides the fact that he comes from a really rich family because he’s afraid he’ll lose his street cred.
Robbie Baldwin, aka Speedball
Superpower: Can launch kinetic balls of energy
Robbie grew up watching Quinjets take off from Avengers Tower and loves the idea of being a hero. He’s an impulsive and immature people-pleaser with a misplaced sense of confidence. Although you would think throwing kinetic balls of energy would be awesome and effective—his are completely out of control.
Zack Smith, aka Microbe
Superpower: Can talk to germs
Zack is a shy hypochondriac whose ability nearly makes him a telepath—the germs tell him where you’ve been, what you ate and who you hung out with. It’s impossible to keep secrets around him. He’s a big sweet guy the team takes under their wing, and they help him find and grow his own confidence.
Deborah Fields, aka Debrii
Superpower: Low level telekinetic; trickster
Deborah is proud, funny and quick-witted. Confidently out as a lesbian, Deborah has experienced deep loss in her personal life as a direct result of super “heroics.” She can take care of herself, or at least says she can. She’s the one who calls people on their BS and has no fear of putting her opinions out there.
Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios are co-producing the series. Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory serve as executive producers. Kevin Biegel serves as showrunner and executive producer.
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