Marvel's 'Echo' Series Will Arrive on Disney+, Hulu

Marvel is trying a new strategy as its new series "Echo" will premiere simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu on January 10, 2024.

How 'Echo' Fits in Marvel Studios

"Echo" will be Marvel's first superhero series wherein the main character is deaf and a Native American. Central character Maya Lopez or Echo made her first appearance in the 2021 series "Hawkeye."

"Representation was extremely important to myself and to everyone on the crew," director and executive producer Sydney Freeland shared during a press event last October. Freeland grew up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico making "Echo" close to her identity. She also shared that she used to read Marvel comic books and attend traditional Native celebrations.

Like how Freeland grew up with these two different elements, she explained that they never overlapped, citing that she is looking forward to having the same connection during the development and production of the series.

'Echo' Production Team Focus on Authenticity, Identity

Freeland, along with head writer Marion Dayre, co-executive produce Amy Rardin, and the creative team revealed that they had to re-imagine Maya's Indigeneity. While the main character is originally from the Blackfeet tribe it will be changed to the Choctaw tribe from Oklahoma. The director argued that it would be an inauthentic backstory for the character.

Meanwhile, Freeland also met with the Choctaw Nation by pitching the project and getting their input. This developed into a partnership in order to make it as authentic as possible. "We're here to create a dialogue so that we can get your input and create a more authentic portrayal of the Choctaw people and culture," Freeland explained to the tribal leaders.

"Echo" is reportedly made up of Indigenous actors such as Zahn McClarnon, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, and more. Meanwhile, Aboriginal Australian Catriona McKenzie will serve as a director on the series.

The series will explore on unpacking trauma and how it affects people around Maya. While the consequences of actions in the series are described as "street-level" compared to other Marvel series, "Echo" will be saving more into a tight connection, like family.