David Farnor | On 07, Nov 2013

Marvel and Netflix have teamed up to bring a string of original superhero TV series led by Daredevil to the online streaming site.

The unprecedented deal between Disney and Netflix well see Marvel TV produce four serialised live-action programmes focussing on Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage, leading to one giant miniseries.

The epic will begin in 2015 and unfold over several years, taking Netflix subscribers “deep into the gritty world of heroes and villains of Hell’s Kitchen, New York”.

Netflix has committed to a minimum of four, 13-episode series and a culminating Marvel’s “The Defenders” mini-series that re-imagines a dream team of self-sacrificing, heroic characters.

Produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Television Studios, the groundbreaking deal is Marvel’s most ambitious foray yet into live-action TV storytelling. Given the success they have enjoyed on the big screen, the announcement of further small screen adventures exclusive to Netflix only seems to strengthen the internet TV company’s super-powered position in the video on-demand market.

“This deal is unparalleled in its scope and size, and reinforces our commitment to deliver Marvel’s brand, content and characters across all platforms of storytelling. Netflix offers an incredible platform for the kind of rich storytelling that is Marvel’s specialty,” said Alan Fine, President of Marvel Entertainment.

The impressive thing is that’s he not really exaggerating.

“This serialised epic expands the narrative possibilities of on-demand television and gives fans the flexibility to immerse themselves how and when they want in what’s sure to be a thrilling and engaging adventure,” Fine added.

“Marvel’s movies, such as Iron Man and Marvel’s The Avengers (not available on Netflix UK yet), are huge favourites on our service around the world. Like Disney, Marvel is a known and loved brand that travels,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos.  “With House of Cards and our other original series, we have pioneered new approaches to storytelling and to global distribution and we’re thrilled to be working with Disney and Marvel to take our brand of television to new levels with a creative project of this magnitude.”

Indeed, the deal follows a landmark agreement last year with Mickey and co, which made Netflix the exclusive US subscription television service for first-run, live-action and animated movies from the Walt Disney Studios, including titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Disneynature and Lucasfilm.

After Pixar and Disney favourites moseyed onto LOVEFILM Instant in the UK as well shortly afterwards, that “exclusive” moniker seemed a little misplaced.

Now, though, Netflix has revealed that what they have in mind is something far, far bigger.

Let’s just all agree not to mention Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

 

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