From Movie to TV: The Fate of Marvel's Inhumans

When Marvel Studios first tantalized fans with a 75-minute IMAX sneak peek of its planned Inhumans movie in September 2017, many were left wondering if a full theatrical release was on the horizon. This short teaser screened in select IMAX theaters hinted at the grand scale of the film that Marvel had planned to debut in July 2019, as a part of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The Hopes and Hearts of Fans

Expectations were high, with entertainment experts marking it as one of the highly anticipated titles in the MCU lineup. The Inhumans movie was touted to make a statement, showcasing the first live-action representation of this enigmatic race, blending advanced technology and ancient mysticism. However, the original release date was repeatedly postponed, amidst ambiguous public disclosures, ultimately leading to a decision to abandon the project.

The Shift from Movie to TV

What seemed like a dismissal from the cinematic stage was, in fact, a rerouting to a different project. The focus shifted to developing a televisual opus, turning the previously announced movie into a telefilm and miniseries on ABC. This transition was influenced by the conflict between Marvel Studios and the TV division, with Michael Benson’s oversight of the shift being a key factor.

The Feud Between Feige and Perlmutter

The tension between Kevin Feige and Ike Perlmutter, the TV side of Marvel Entertainment, was a critical issue. Feige, who had begun to assert his creative control during the production of Captain America: Civil War, leveraged his experience and success to break the MCU away from Marvel Entertainment and directly link it to the Disney Film Studio. This move effectively severed the potential connection between the film MCU and the TV series on ABC, isolating the Inhumans under the domain of television.

The Pilot and Its Aftermath

The pilot episode of the Inhumans miniseries was shot in Imax and presented in select IMAX theaters, seemingly fulfilling the prophecy of the original Inhumans movie. However, the quality of the series was so poor that it became a source of embarrassment, prompting a complete wash of hands from everyone involved.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which had been deeply immersed in the Inhumans storyline, made efforts to distance itself from the aftermath of the miniseries. Producers decided to revisit season 2's storyline in a time-travel episode, thereby minimizing any further association with the troubled Inhumans production.

Ultimately, the fate of the Inhumans moved from the grand theatrical experience to a more modest TV miniseries. The lesson here is a reminder of how creative projects, even those with extensive development and anticipation, can face unexpected challenges and shifts in strategy. The transition from movie to TV isn't a rare occurrence in Hollywood, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for fans and professionals alike.