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On the Friday of Comic Con 2022 in San Diego, moderator Paul F. Tompkins welcomed panelists Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming television and animation; Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development; Bryan Andrews, director of What If…? and executive producer of Marvel Zombies; AC Bradley, writer and executive producer of What If…?; Beau DeMayo, writer and executive producer of X-Men ’97; Kirsten Lepore, writer, director and executive producer of I Am Groot; and Jeff Trammell, writer and executive producer of Spider-Man: Freshman Year to Disney’s Marvel Studios Animation panel.
The lights dropped and Ballroom 20 of the convention center was pitch black as the notorious voice of the Watcher (Jeffrey Wright) began narrating the What If…? episode introduction. Suddenly, audiences were transported into the world of everything Marvel animation.
Big Announcements
Black Girl Nerds got an exclusive look at the latest projects that the studio has in store — and that includes some multiverse-shattering Marvel animation updates.
One of the gems that Marvel shared was an episode of the upcoming Disney+ series I Am Groot, featuring everyone’s favorite powerful dancing tree taking a bath that goes somewhat awry. They also dropped the official trailer for the series and dished that in addition to the episodes releasing on August 10, the creators are developing five more episodes.
Creators Bryn Andrew and AC Bradley revealed the Season 2 trailer for Emmy-nominated series What If…? and shared that there will be a Season 3.
Bryan Andrews invited panel attendees to delve into the upcoming Marvel Zombies series and some of the zombie characters that they can expect to see, including: Hawkeye, Captain America, Abomination, Ghost, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, Okoye, and more.
Some of the non-zombie team members include: Kate Bishop, Red Guardian, Death Dealer, Shang Chi, Jimmy Wu, a skrull biker gang, a team of Black Widows and Ms. Marvel (panelists teased that Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, will be a major player in the series). There will be even more comic book characters on the roster as well.
There was also some exciting concept art from Spiderman: Freshman Year, created by Jeff Trammell. He presented the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding provided the audience with a first-look at the new Spiderman suit for the series. Trammell explained that the suit reflects an early Spider-Man Peter Parker that was his own DIY costume. The suit itself is a blend of casual and techy. The image showed the teen in tennis shoes and a backpack paired with high tech accessories, most likely crafted by Peter himself.
They also shared some of the characters that fans can expect to see, including: Peter’s friend Nico Minoru, Lonnie Lincoln, Dr. Strange, Daredevil (who will be voiced by Charlie Cox), Unicorn, Chameleon, and more.
It was also announced that there will be a Season 2 entitled: Spiderman: Sophomore Year. This will be Marvel’s first animated Spiderman series under Disney.
Finally, fans were treated to a first peak at X-Men ‘97, which included a sizzle reel with the cast and creators from the original 1990’s animated show. Executive producer and head writer Beau DeMayo revealed an animatic AC piece that showed off an early concept rendition of an action sequence with the original X-Men theme music playing in the background. Winderbaum also shared that the series is already confirmed for a Season 2.
He recommends that followers of the show rewatch the classic episodes to prepare for the new season, as they will have some connections.
Get to Know Marvel Studios Animation Creators
Without a doubt, each creative was glowing with pride as they spilled the tea on their upcoming Marvel projects.
Winderbaum reflected on how watching cartoons when he was growing up made animation hold a special place in his heart. For him, animation always seemed like the “logical” approach to creating a series with such a large number of Marvel characters and their multiversal dimensions.
However, Winderbaum noted that this mission would be impossible without the help of the entire visual development department that designs characters, looks, and the feel of film, animation, and live action projects.
Another key player that Tompkins introduced is Ryan Meinerding, who received a video homage noting everything he does to ensure Marvel projects look exceptional. Meinerding draws from comic book styles, develops concepts, magic, fire, and other unique visuals. A Marvel project veteran, Meinerding told fans that the process for live-action and animation visuals aren’t much different.
Speaking to the connection between animation and live-action, Lepore explained that I Am Groot will take viewers along for Groot’s coming of age days. His childhood will be similar to many other kids: he’ll get in trouble, experience things for the first time, and even experience some bathtime woes. However, it will also embrace the unusual and special experience that it is to be Groot. Still voiced by Vin Diesel in the Disney+ series, Groot will reflect the same charming character from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies fans know and love.
When asked if there will be any specific easter eggs from the Guardians of the Galaxy, Lepore dodged providing answers. It would seem that audiences are going to have to stay tuned.
I Am Groot launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing. Season 2 of What If…? launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023. X-Men ’97 begins streaming on Disney+ in Fall 2023. Spider-Man: Freshman Year arrives exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.
On the Friday of Comic Con 2022 in San Diego, moderator Paul F. Tompkins welcomed panelists Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming television and animation; Ryan Meinerding, head of visual development; Bryan Andrews, director of What If…? and executive producer of Marvel Zombies; AC Bradley, writer and executive producer of What If…?; Beau DeMayo, writer and executive producer of X-Men ’97; Kirsten Lepore, writer, director and executive producer of I Am Groot; and Jeff Trammell, writer and executive producer of Spider-Man: Freshman Year to Disney’s Marvel Studios Animation panel.
The lights dropped and Ballroom 20 of the convention center was pitch black as the notorious voice of the Watcher (Jeffrey Wright) began narrating the What If…? episode introduction. Suddenly, audiences were transported into the world of everything Marvel animation.
Big Announcements
Black Girl Nerds got an exclusive look at the latest projects that the studio has in store — and that includes some multiverse-shattering Marvel animation updates.
One of the gems that Marvel shared was an episode of the upcoming Disney+ series I Am Groot, featuring everyone’s favorite powerful dancing tree taking a bath that goes somewhat awry. They also dropped the official trailer for the series and dished that in addition to the episodes releasing on August 10, the creators are developing five more episodes.
Creators Bryn Andrew and AC Bradley revealed the Season 2 trailer for Emmy-nominated series What If…? and shared that there will be a Season 3.
Bryan Andrews invited panel attendees to delve into the upcoming Marvel Zombies series and some of the zombie characters that they can expect to see, including: Hawkeye, Captain America, Abomination, Ghost, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, Okoye, and more.
Some of the non-zombie team members include: Kate Bishop, Red Guardian, Death Dealer, Shang Chi, Jimmy Wu, a skrull biker gang, a team of Black Widows and Ms. Marvel (panelists teased that Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, will be a major player in the series). There will be even more comic book characters on the roster as well.
There was also some exciting concept art from Spiderman: Freshman Year, created by Jeff Trammell. He presented the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding provided the audience with a first-look at the new Spiderman suit for the series. Trammell explained that the suit reflects an early Spider-Man Peter Parker that was his own DIY costume. The suit itself is a blend of casual and techy. The image showed the teen in tennis shoes and a backpack paired with high tech accessories, most likely crafted by Peter himself.
They also shared some of the characters that fans can expect to see, including: Peter’s friend Nico Minoru, Lonnie Lincoln, Dr. Strange, Daredevil (who will be voiced by Charlie Cox), Unicorn, Chameleon, and more.
It was also announced that there will be a Season 2 entitled: Spiderman: Sophomore Year. This will be Marvel’s first animated Spiderman series under Disney.
Finally, fans were treated to a first peak at X-Men ‘97, which included a sizzle reel with the cast and creators from the original 1990’s animated show. Executive producer and head writer Beau DeMayo revealed an animatic AC piece that showed off an early concept rendition of an action sequence with the original X-Men theme music playing in the background. Winderbaum also shared that the series is already confirmed for a Season 2.
He recommends that followers of the show rewatch the classic episodes to prepare for the new season, as they will have some connections.
Get to Know Marvel Studios Animation Creators
Without a doubt, each creative was glowing with pride as they spilled the tea on their upcoming Marvel projects.
Winderbaum reflected on how watching cartoons when he was growing up made animation hold a special place in his heart. For him, animation always seemed like the “logical” approach to creating a series with such a large number of Marvel characters and their multiversal dimensions.
However, Winderbaum noted that this mission would be impossible without the help of the entire visual development department that designs characters, looks, and the feel of film, animation, and live action projects.
Another key player that Tompkins introduced is Ryan Meinerding, who received a video homage noting everything he does to ensure Marvel projects look exceptional. Meinerding draws from comic book styles, develops concepts, magic, fire, and other unique visuals. A Marvel project veteran, Meinerding told fans that the process for live-action and animation visuals aren’t much different.
Speaking to the connection between animation and live-action, Lepore explained that I Am Groot will take viewers along for Groot’s coming of age days. His childhood will be similar to many other kids: he’ll get in trouble, experience things for the first time, and even experience some bathtime woes. However, it will also embrace the unusual and special experience that it is to be Groot. Still voiced by Vin Diesel in the Disney+ series, Groot will reflect the same charming character from the Guardians of the Galaxy movies fans know and love.
When asked if there will be any specific easter eggs from the Guardians of the Galaxy, Lepore dodged providing answers. It would seem that audiences are going to have to stay tuned.
I Am Groot launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing. Season 2 of What If…? launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023. X-Men ’97 begins streaming on Disney+ in Fall 2023. Spider-Man: Freshman Year arrives exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.
It’s been five years since Pretty Little Liars ended, but the series lives on with a strong fanbase. This month, we’ll get the new HBO Max Original Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, but what do PLL fans watch until then?
Since 2019, all seven seasons have been available to binge on HBO Max. As much as we love returning to Rosewood, sometimes it’s worth venturing out. Teen dramas like Riverdale, Gossip Girl, and Revenge are all full of shocking betrayals and dark secrets.
But if you’re looking for something a little darker, funnier, or just different, check out the list below.
Cruel Summer (2021-)
This Freeform series follows the chaotic lives of two girls across three timelines: 1993, 1994, and 1995. It begins with the disappearance of popular teen Kate Wallis — the classic missing girl storyline.
But when her classmate, formerly awkward Jennette Turner, glows up and takes Kate’s place — including inheriting her posse and dating her boyfriend — some people get suspicious. Cruel Summer is a show that completely took me by surprise with its addictive story and stellar acting. Plus, there are plenty of 90s jams blasting throughout the ten episodes. Even though it’s not as eclectic as PLL’s wardrobe, the fashion is on point.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Yellowjackets (2021–)
Speaking of the 90s, Yellowjackets alternates between 1996, when the plane transporting a girl’s high school soccer team to a tournament crash lands in the Canadian wilderness, and 2021, when the survivors have to deal with the lasting trauma. Having gone their separate ways, four receive cryptic messages that put them on edge. Murder, blackmail, teenage love, adult love, unresolved trauma, and implied cannibalism are all the ingredients for your next binge watch.
Where to Watch: Showtime and Prime Video
Only Murders in the Building (2021-)
Only Murders in the Building is the only comedy on this list, but it has plenty of mystery. True crime buffs will relate to Charles, Oliver, and Mabel. The amateur sleuthing trio all reside in the Arconia, a luxury apartment building in New York.
When one of the residents is found dead one night, they take it upon themselves to solve his murder, which was already ruled a suicide. They start their own true crime podcast to document the investigation and eventually gain a following. Those looking for a cozy viewing experience that still offers twists and turns will love Only Murders.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Ragdoll (2021-)
Lucy Hale has landed some big roles since her time as PLL’s own Aria Montgomery. In this psychological thriller, she plays Lake Edmunds, a former LAPD officer who transfers to the UK to be a detective constable (DC). Edmunds works on a disturbing case that involves a serial killer who dismembered multiple victims and reassembled them as one body — aka The Ragdoll.
The further they get into the investigation, the more the unknown killer starts to taunt them, particularly the unstable Detective Sergeant (DS) Nathan Rose. Hale shows off her range in this role that she apparently had to fight for. Speaking about her character, she told EW: “She’s definitely a lot rougher around the edges and edgier than a lot of the characters I’ve played. But I knew that I could do it.” And she did.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Sharp Objects (2018)
Based on Gillian Flynn’s novel of the same name, St. Louis crime reporter Camille Preaker is sent to her hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri to cover a murder case involving young girls. Haunted by her past and painful childhood, Camille is an alcoholic, still struggling after her stay at a psychiatric hospital.
Despite the contrast in setting, suburban Pennsylvania versus Southern Missouri, Rosewood and Wind Gap have similar small-town gossip and dark secrets. Overbearing perfectionist mothers, entitled queen bees, false accusations based on appearances, secret hookups, and a murder mystery, Sharp Objects has it all. There’s even a whole dollhouse motif; something that PLL fans are very familiar with.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
If you’re looking for some romance, tragedy, and gorgeous scenery, this Mike Flanagan miniseries is for you. Following the equally chilling and heart-wrenching The Haunting of Hill House, Bly Manor tells the story of a young au pair, Dani, and her new gig at the titular ghostly grounds. PLL loved a good ghost story. Though it has some moments of levity with Dani’s adorable awkwardness and Owen’s endless food puns, it’s an emotionally heavy series that will have you shrieking, laughing, and sobbing.
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Order (2019-20)
Here we have another casualty of Netflix’s trademark abrupt cancellations. Though it was cut short after two seasons, the horror drama followed the forever-long rivalry between Belgrave University’s resident werewolves, the Knights of Saint Christopher, and witches, the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose. It’s got forbidden romance, cult-like ceremonies, and various supernatural mysteries. There’s also the legendary scream queen Katharine Isabelle as the university’s chancellor with a high-ranking position in the secret society.
Where to Watch: Netflix