In a possible response to Cartoon Network’s upcoming DC Nation block, Disney XD is getting ready to beat them to the punch with their own Marvel Universe block headlined by the new Ultimate Spider-Man series.
Premiering on April 1, Ultimate Spider-Man will, unlike its namesake’s current run, feature a Peter Parker (played by Drake Bell) who has to balance high school with being a superhero and the newest member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Along for the ride will be characters like White Tiger, Luke Cake, Iron Fist and Nick Fury. J.K. Simmons and Clark Gregg will reprise their roles as J. Jonah Jameson and Agent Coulson, respectively.
The series was developed by Man of Action (Ben 10, Generator Rex) and Paul Dini (the entire DCAU) alongside Marvel’s Joe Quesada and Brian Michael Bendis. The involvement of MofA and Dini means that even though this show essentially killed Spectacular Spider-Man (the best Marvel series ever), it’ll likely be a very worthy successor. If nothing else, it means I’ll be watching as I’m thoroughly addicted to both MofA shows.
Fans can also expect The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to be part of the Marvel Universe block, as well as “exclusive Marvel content, including new animated short-form series, live-action interstitials.” Whether the live-action interstitials are just hosts talking between shows or full-on in-character bits is as-yet unkown.
