While Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to dominate box office records, Marvel Studios is quietly building an impressive slate of Disney+ content that has fans buzzing. Among the most anticipated projects is the return of Marvel Zombies, which is set to expand with a series of specials over the next few years. During a recent panel at New York Comic-Con, Marvel executive Brad Winderbaum offered an exclusive update on what audiences can expect from the first of these specials, Marvel Zombies: Winter Soldier.
Instead of a traditional second season, Marvel is planning three standalone specials: The Winter Soldier (2027), The Fist of Khonshu (2028), and The Last Guardian (2029). Winderbaum, speaking with Collider, expressed his excitement about the upcoming projects, noting that Winter Soldier is the furthest along in production. He teased that fans of the original series will be pleased with how the story continues across these specials.
A Darker, More Emotional Take
Winderbaum didn't hold back when describing the tone of Marvel Zombies: Winter Soldier. He called it "scary" and "brutal," promising everything fans would want from a zombie show. But he also highlighted the emotional depth, comparing it favorably to the acclaimed Doctor Strange episode from What If...? Season 1. "It’s so emotionally driven and so beautiful that you forget you’re watching a zombie show at times," he said.
The Doctor Strange episode, which explored a dark alternate timeline where Strange loses Christine Palmer, is widely considered one of the best in the series. Winderbaum's praise suggests that Winter Soldier will blend horror with heartfelt storytelling, a combination that could set it apart from typical zombie fare.
Marvel Zombies originally premiered as a TV-MA rated series, a rarity for the studio, and the new specials are expected to continue that mature trend. With Daredevil: Born Again and The Punisher: One Last Kill also pushing boundaries, Marvel is clearly embracing more adult-oriented storytelling on Disney+.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand, projects like Marvel Zombies: Winter Soldier offer a fresh and daring direction. Fans can catch up on the first season of Marvel Zombies now on Disney+, and stay tuned for more updates as the specials approach their release dates.
