Hulu continues to expand its relationship with Marvel, ordering a pair of live-action TV series featuring the characters Ghost Rider and Hellstrom.
“Marvel’s Ghost Rider,” which will star the Robbie Reyes version of the Spirit of Vengeance, will be executive produced by Ingrid Escajeda, who will serve as showrunner. Paul Zbyszewski and Marvel TV chief Jeph Loeb will executive produce as well.
Gabriel Luna, who played Reyes on ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will star in the same role, though it is not a spin-off, but a completely new story. Per Hulu, Reyes is a quintessential antihero, consumed by hellfire and supernaturally bound to a demon. Reyes lives on the Texas/Mexico border and when he unleashes the Rider, Robbie brings vengeance for the innocents he encounters, but struggles to control the power he wields.
“Marvel’s Helstrom” is based on the comic “Hellstrom,” which centered on Damion Hellstrom, aka the Son of Satan.
In Hulu’s version, Daimon and Ana (who goes by Satana in the comic) Helstrom are the son and daughter of a mysterious and powerful serial killer. The siblings have a complicated dynamic as they track down the terrorizing worst of humanity — each with their attitude and skills. “Marvel’s Helstrom” is also executive produced by Zbyszewski — who will serve as showrunner — and Loeb.
Both series are co-productions with Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios, and will debut in 2020. The two join Hulu’s expanding roster of Marvel TV shows, which also includes “Runaways,” which was recently renewed for a third season.
Earlier this year, Hulu signed a massive animated series agreement with Marvel that includes four adult animated series — “Howard the Duck,” “M.O.D.O.K.,” “Hit-Monkey” and “Tigra & Dazzler” — to culminate in a crossover special, “The Offenders.” The four series are being written and executive produced by the likes of Patton Oswalt, Kevin Smith, Chelsea Handler, and the “Blades of Glory” directing team of Josh Gordon and Will Speck.
Hulu is now majority owned by Disney, following its purchases of 21st Century Fox’s film and TV assets. At the same time, Marvel TV’s corporate sibling Marvel Studios is developing a slate of TV series for Disney+ starring characters from the big screen Marvel Cinematic Universe.