Yes, Inhumans was initially conceived as a feature film intended to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It was planned as a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics race of the same name.
The Original Cinematic Vision for Inhumans
Long before its eventual television adaptation, Inhumans was slated to join the sprawling narrative of the MCU on the big screen. The project was announced as a key part of Marvel Studios' Phase Three slate, signaling its significance within the broader cinematic universe. The original intent was to introduce the superpowered royal family and their unique society to a global audience through a theatrical release, much like other major MCU properties.
The concept centered on the hidden society of Inhumans, a race of superpowered beings whose abilities are activated through Terrigenesis. Their story, rich with themes of mutation, royalty, and isolation, was deemed ripe for cinematic exploration.
The Evolution from Film to Television Series
Over time, the plans for an Inhumans movie shifted significantly. The project was eventually removed from Marvel Studios' film slate and later redeveloped as a television series produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios, in conjunction with IMAX Corporation. This new iteration debuted in 2017 with its first two episodes premiering in IMAX theaters before transitioning to a weekly broadcast on ABC.
Key differences emerged in this transition:
- Production Scale: While the IMAX premiere aimed for a cinematic feel, the overall series budget and production scale were different from a typical Marvel Studios feature film.
- Narrative Scope: The shift to television allowed for a more serialized storytelling approach, though it also meant a different creative direction than what a film might have offered.
- Creative Teams: The change from Marvel Studios to Marvel Television also meant different creative teams at the helm, influencing the final product's tone and execution.
| Aspect | Original Plan (Film) | Actual Release (TV Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Feature Film | Television Series (with IMAX premiere) |
| Producer | Marvel Studios | Marvel Television / ABC Studios |
| Release Year | Originally planned for 2019 | Premiered 2017 |
| Primary Outlet | Theatrical | ABC Network |
Legacy and Connection to the MCU
Despite its origins as a planned film, the Inhumans TV series largely operated independently from the main MCU films. While characters like Daisy Johnson (Quake) from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which also featured Inhumans, had tangential connections to the cinematic universe, the Inhumans series itself did not have significant crossover with the films. The series ran for one season.
