The new Disney+ series Marvel Zombies builds on a single episode from season one of What If…?, What If…Zombies?, which first imagined a world where Earth’s Mightiest Heroes had become its greatest threat. Directed by Bryan Andrews and written by Zeb Wells, the four-episode miniseries introduces a new group of survivors navigating a zombie apocalypse that turns familiar heroes into terrifying monsters.
The show clearly wants to deliver a darker, more violent corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Its TV-MA rating, along with the blood-splattered Marvel Animation logo, signals this from the very start. On paper, the premise is thrilling. In practice, though, the series feels rushed and uneven, more like a brief experiment than a fully realized story. The narrative rarely captures the charm, horror, or energy that made its source material so intriguing.
Flashes of a Better Show
There are moments when Marvel Zombies comes close to delivering on its promise. The series is strongest when it leans into the creativity of its concept. A rematch between a zombified Captain America and David Harbour’s Red Guardian stands out as a rare highlight, giving viewers some grounded, character-driven action. Harbour, in particular, brings small but memorable bursts of heart and humor to a story that otherwise feels emotionally flat.
A fight sequence between Blade and Ghost hints at a Midnight Suns–style story that feels far more compelling than the show’s main plot. These moments suggest a show that could have explored more of the violence, tension, and relationships inherent in a world overrun by super-powered zombies.
Writing That Misses the Mark
Much of the dialogue leans on heavy exposition rather than letting the characters reveal themselves naturally. The series often seems more focused on shocking viewers by killing off powerful heroes than on developing meaningful relationships among the survivors. There are plenty of opportunities to explore tension, conflict, and teamwork in an apocalyptic setting, but the show rarely seizes them.
The central quest for “Project Lifeshot” serves as a plot device that never earns any real urgency or weight. By relying on this thin thread to drive the story, the series undercuts both suspense and character development. The survivors feel like placeholders moving from one crisis to the next, rather than a group with genuine stakes or personalities.
An Apocalypse That Lacks Polish
The animation doesn’t help the story either. For a Marvel Studios project, it feels surprisingly inconsistent and flat. Characters often move stiffly, and the horror elements lack impact. Without stronger visuals to anchor the chaos, much of the gore comes off cartoonish rather than frightening. The show’s production design, while competent in referencing the original Marvel Universe, doesn’t bring the same flair or weight that the What If…? episode managed so well.
A Rushed and Unfulfilling End
The miniseries is too short to fully tell its story. Four half-hour episodes leave little room for emotional moments or character development. By the finale, the story introduces fantastical elements that feel over-the-top and strain credulity. Moments that might have been grounded and tense feel unearned, and the swelling of familiar Marvel themes rings hollow. Ending on an abrupt, unresolved tease doesn’t work as a cliffhanger—it just makes the series feel incomplete.
The Final Verdict
In the end, Marvel Zombies is a missed opportunity. It takes a brilliant concept, strips away much of the edge and novelty of the original What If…? episode, and delivers little more than a disjointed highlight reel. While die-hard Marvel fans may enjoy the occasional exciting fight or dark twist, the series struggles to justify its existence as a coherent story. The potential is there, but the execution leaves viewers wondering what might have been.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Marvel Zombies is now streaming on Disney+.
Learn more about the show, including how to watch, at the Disney+ website for the title.
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