Head of TV Streaming and Animation for Marvel Studios, Brad Winderbaum, gives his thoughts on the release of What If…? or X-Men ’97

Marvel Studios it could make an interesting leap into the world of animation, and we’re not talking about similar series What if…? or X-Men ’97but something more ambitious: an animated film for the cinema. According to Brad Winderbaum, head of streaming, television and animation at Marvel Studiosit has already been talked about in the corridors of the studio.

Winderbaum opens the door to an animated film in theaters

In a recent interview with GeekcentricWinderbaum hinted that the idea is not out of the question:
“We talked about it. “I think it’s about finding a property that is truly a movie,” he explained. According to him, the film format requires more than just a story. It is a unique experience: “You’re buying a ticket, sitting in a movie theater, surrounded by people, with a giant screen towering over you. It’s a statement to the world.”

What distinguishes a film from a series, according to Marvel

Winderbaum also made an interesting comparison between cinema and television.
“A film is a statement, while a series is more of a conversation with the audience,” he underlined. In the case of series, like X-Men ’97 Yes What if…the format allows for continuous dialogue with fans, adapting to feedback for future seasons. However, a film requires such a story solid and autonomous which can shine in just two hours.

While Marvel Animation has not officially announced any such project.Winderbaum’s statement makes clear that the decision will depend on the finding the perfect story and the right moment. A Marvel animated film could open a new chapter for the MCU by exploring it innovative formats and styles that might not fit live-action films, but it might resonate with audiences in a new way.

The next big step for the MCU?

With recent animated hits like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse From Sony, it’s easy to imagine Marvel Studios wanting to compete in this arena. An animated film could allow for a certain level of creativity and visual experimentation difficult to achieve in live-action. To explore alternative worlds until you delve deeper lesser-known charactersthe possibilities are endless.

For now, Marvel continues to focus on its series, with projects like the second season of X-Men ’97 in progress. But, as Winderbaum pointed out, the future is always open new opportunities.

While nothing is confirmed, the simple fact that Marvel already considers it a source of excitement for fans. What character or story would you like to see come to life on the big screen? An animated adventure by X-Men or an epic story of What if…? They could just be the beginning of a new era for Marvel Studios.

Marvel could redefine the animated genre on the big screen

Marvel Studios has experimented with animation in formats such as the series What if…? Yes X-Men ’97which were well received by fans due to their ability to do so explore unique and alternative stories within the MCU. However, moving into film would be a completely new challenge. An animated film would not only allow a more contained and epic story to be told, but would also open the doors to a wider audience who appreciate this type of production on the big screen.

This move could position itself Marvel along with other major animated superhero productions such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versewhich marked a before and after in the genre. With the innovative visual style and high-impact narratives that characterize it by the Marvel animator, a film of this type could be the perfect combination of creativity and spectacularityattracting both long-time fans and new viewers.