What If...? introduced the concept of Marvel Zombies as one of the alternate universes set within the confines of the MCU.
Set weeks before Avengers: Infinity War, the episode featured a narrative where Hope Van Dyne's planned to bring her mother, Janet Van Dyne, home from the Quantum Realm, but the plan went awry. It was revealed that Janet was infected by a quantum virus that turned her into a flesh-eating zombie, and this tragedy ultimately led to the Earth's downfall.
The recent What If...? installment showcased the likes of Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, and the Scarlet Witch as members of the undead while Spider-Man, Hulk, and Bucky lead the group of survivors trying to take them down. The episode showed tons of undead action and tear-jerker moments that were all compiled within Infinity War's storyline.
Now, a new rumor might shed some light on a potential live-action debut for the concept down the line.
Live-Action Marvel Zombies Project Coming Soon?
Marvel comic book writer Mark Millar, who is known for Ultimate Fantastic Four and the Ultimates, shared that a live-action Marvel Zombies project may be in the works.
In Millar's official newsletter, via CBR, the writer opened up about Marvel Zombies on the heels of What If...?'s fifth episode that featured zombified versions of the MCU heroes, saying that "(if my sources are correct) a little live-action Marvel Zombies further down the line, but you never heard that from me."
For those unaware, Millar was the one who introduced the concept during his Ultimate Fantastic Four run, ultimately spinning out to a five-issue limited series written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by Sean Phillips that ran from December 2005-April 2006.
Marvel Zombies 2.0 In Live-Action
While fans can take this rumor with a grain of salt, there's a chance that there might be some truth in it, especially after the fact that it is coming from an established Marvel writer like Mark Millar. The rumored information is particularly notable considering Millar's connections to the world of Hollywood as well, being known for having several of his comics adapted to the big screen.
Millar's Ultimate Fantastic Four run showcased the emphatic debut of the zombified versions of Marvel's First Family from an alternate universe (Earth 2149). Millar's comic run turned out to be the launchpad for the Marvel Zombies' eventual limited series, and it seems that the same could be true for the What If...? animated series.
Given that the concept was introduced in Marvel Studios' first animated venture, it's reasonable to assume that the franchise is likely setting the stage for its live-action debut down the line, and this is further amplified by Millar's claim.
In addition, one running theory suggests that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will serve as the live-action debut of the MCU's undead. In a way, this makes narrative sense since the sequel could open the door for these zombified versions to be introduced on a grand scale, before eventually being pushed to the forefront in its own project.
The potential inclusion of a Marvel Zombies live-action project suggests that the MCU will fully embrace the multiverse in the near future, and this will also allow the franchise to bring back dead characters like Iron Man and Black Widow in a unique way.
For now, fans can recall what happened to the undead installment of What If...?, which is now streaming on Disney+.
