Why Marvel's Zodiac might not be a part of the MCU continuity? Explained

One of the most unexpected announcements at the NYCC Marvel panel was Zodiac. It is the name of a supervillain group (with multiple versions) that has appeared in Marvel Universe. Brad Winderbaum, who is the Head of Marvel Television, Animation, Comics & Franchise, described the Disney+ series as a spy thriller.

Apart from that, we don't know anything about the newly announced series, as the Disney+ series is scheduled to release only in 2028. The 2028 release timeline has many fans wondering if the upcoming Zodiac will be a part of the mainline MCU continuity.

Why do fans think that Zodiac will be set in a different continuity?

Brad Winderbaum alluded to Zodiac's comic book history after revealing that it is a spy thriller, saying:

“It’s a spy thriller. And for anyone who knows the comics, if you look closely at this title design, you’ll see a few clues about where we’re going.”

In the comics, there are multiple versions of the same group. But the most popular version of the group is the one that has been a rival of S.H.I.E.L.D. The connection with S.H.I.E.L.D. is further hinted at by the logo; the "A" in the title is designed like the bird logo of the agency in the MCU.

Considering Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. started to deviate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe continuity as the Infinity Saga was underway, fans began to wonder if the upcoming spy thriller will follow suit. Phil Coulson actor Clark Gregg further added to the speculations by posting the series announcement on his Instagram stories.

Clark Gregg's Instagram story has some wondering if the spy thriller will be set in the same continuity as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. While it looked like the ABC series was set in the MCU in the earlier seasons, its connection with the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe felt milder in the later seasons. There is another reason why some think that the spy thriller could be set in a different universe.

The Multiverse Saga is coming to an end next year

The next two Avengers movies, Doomsday and Secret Wars, are set to close the book on the Marvel multiverse. Avengers: Doomsday is releasing this December, while Secret Wars is scheduled to release next year. Fan theories and rumors continue to suggest that Secret Wars would end with the streamline of the entire MCU continuity to a single universe/timeline.

Rewriting reality also gives Marvel a chance to reincorporate some elements that were considered out of continuity. This rewriting of reality could also mean S.H.I.E.L.D.'s return in the MCU. Considering its 2028 release date, the entire MCU continuity could look different. Brad Winderbaum confirmed that casting will begin soon but did not share any other details, saying:

“And no, I can’t tell you anything else about it yet because it’s a secret! We’re going to start casting it in a couple weeks."

Therefore, it is completely possible that Zodiac could be set in a different continuity.

Set for a 2028 release date, cameras will start rolling on Zodiac in spring 2027.

Trending

Read More:

Every Marvel movie in order – What to watch first and why

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback