By Editor
Marvel Studios is breaking new ground with “Echo,” a TV series that’s not afraid to venture into mature and gritty storytelling. The recently released trailer for the show hints at intense violence, with a John Wick-esque headshot, setting the tone for the TV-MA rating it has earned. This marks a significant departure from Marvel Studios’ previous content and is also the first series to debut simultaneously on both Disney+ and sister streaming service Hulu, scheduled for release on January 10, 2024.
In many ways, “Echo” seems to follow in the footsteps of “Daredevil,” the beloved but violent series that streamed on Netflix from 2015 to 2019. Notably, both Charlie Cox, who portrayed Daredevil, and Vincent D’Onofrio, known as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, make appearances in “Echo.” The lead role is reprised by Alaqua Cox, known for her role as Maya Lopez/Echo in “Hawkeye.”
Brad Winderbaum, the head of streaming, television, and animation at Marvel Studios, describes “Echo” as a grittier addition to the Marvel universe, showcasing the studio’s ability to explore a broader range of storytelling. He acknowledges that this marks a new direction, especially for Disney+.
Director Sydney Freeland highlights that the darker tone of the series stems from the fact that it follows a villain. She emphasizes that the characters in the show face real-world consequences, including injuries and death, reflecting a more mature and realistic portrayal.
“Echo” arrives at a time when Marvel is revamping its television offerings, with the upcoming series “Daredevil: Born Again” set to feature Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio once more. This reset includes hiring Dario Scardapane, known for “The Punisher,” as showrunner and enlisting “Loki” directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead for creative direction.
Tonally, the show appears to blend elements of “Daredevil,” “Breaking Bad,” and “John Wick,” resembling more of a cable drama than a typical MCU streaming series.
What sets “Echo” apart further is its focus on an indigenous character who is deaf and communicates using American Sign Language (ASL). Representation was a key priority for Freeland and her team. Freeland, who grew up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico, took her department heads to the annual Choctaw Pow Wow in Oklahoma for inspiration. Additionally, the team received ASL lessons to ensure authentic communication with Alaqua Cox, who is deaf.
Freeland explains, “I needed to have some basic language where I could talk to [Cox] and look her in the eye and say ‘that was nice! Again! More emotional.’ Just some basic words for her.”
