Disney/ABC, Marvel Unveil Inhumans Series

BURBANK: ABC’s fall 2017 schedule will include a new series based on Marvel’s Inhumans characters, with the first two episodes set to premiere in IMAX theaters ahead of the TV launch.

Marvel Television’s Marvel’s The Inhumans is being produced in conjunction with ABC Studios and filmed entirely with IMAX digital cameras. The first two episodes will run in IMAX theaters for two weeks at the beginning of September 2017. The show will then air on ABC as part of its fall schedule. It is based on superhero characters, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, that were introduced by Marvel Comics in 1965.

ABC, IMAX and Marvel are aligning for the marketing and promotion campaign. The initiative marks the first time that IMAX has acted as a financing participant in a TV pilot and series.

“This unprecedented alliance represents a bold, innovative approach to launching great TV content for a worldwide audience,” said Ben Sherwood, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group. “It highlights Disney/ABC’s unrelenting commitment to finding new and creative ways to showcase our very best programming and increasing global engagement and reach.”

“This first-of-its-kind multiplatform production, distribution and marketing agreement brings together Marvel Television’s unique brand of entertainment, ABC’s unparalleled audience and IMAX’s brand and global fanboy demographic,” said IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond. “It also takes our decades-long relationship with The Walt Disney Company to a whole new level, jointly breaking new ground in the industry. We are confident our exhibition partners will be excited to work with us on this innovative launch of a series across the IMAX network.”

“We’re happy to see this unique deal come together, working with our partners,” said Dan Buckley, president of Marvel Television, Publishing & Brand. “In an ever-changing world of distribution and consumption, it’s very exciting to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that takes us to the forefront of this evolution.”