MCU: Big Hero 6 Rumors Debunked By Disney

By Sam Hargrave Updated:
Avengers Endgame Big Hero Six

Marvel has proven their willingness over the years to explore the weird and wonderful side of the Marvel universe in their films.

Both Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Endgame featured cameos from Howard the Duck. And the Guardians even getting a movie in and of itself proved the studio's desire to experiment with the lesser-known elements of their world.

But one of the weirdest things to come out of Disney and Marvel in recent years — outside the MCU — was the Big Hero 6 animated movie. Despite being based on an obscure Marvel comic, the film was released by Walt Disney Pictures Animation and later spun off into a TV series.

It was reported yesterday that several characters from the 2014 Big Hero 6 animated movie were set to make their way to live-action in the MCU . However, a recent release indicates that this rumor was premature in nature.

DISNEY DEBUNKS LIVE-ACTION BIG HERO 6 RUMORS

Variety has confirmed through a source at Disney that Marvel Studios is not planning for Hiro, Baymax, and other Big Hero 6 characters to be introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe at this time.

The outlet notes that it is still possible for these characters to appear in live-action at some time in the future.

A SAD DAY FOR BIG HERO 6 FANS

While it'll be sad for fans of the 2014 animated movie to see this rumor shut down, it's hardly surprising. The current MCU slate is already packed with upcoming heroes both young and old, and there really isn't an obvious project in which to fit Hiro and Baymax.

Granted, it's entirely possible Disney is lying here to cover up the accidental leak of a surprise. It is relatively uncommon for the studio to comment on a small scoop to a major trade publication like Variety, but it's unlikely the trade would run the piece if they weren't confident.

The report did note the characters could still appear at some point down the line, so who knows where these characters could fit in. The 2014 film performed well at the box office, so seeing the Big Hero 6 team return in their own standalone sequel or reboot might not be out of the realm of possibility when there's a little more free time in the slate.

With the release of What If...? later this year, Marvel Studios will release their first animated series on Disney+, meaning the team returning for another animated installment in the MCU could happen in the years to come.

The Big Hero 6 animated series has just concluded its run on Disney XD, but the team's lovable robot will spin-off into his own series on Disney+ in 2022 in Baymax!

- About The Author: Sam Hargrave
Sam Hargrave is the Associate Editor at The Direct. He joined the team as a gaming writer in 2020 before later expanding into writing for all areas of The Direct and taking on further responsibilities such as editorial tasks and image creation.