Marvel Television Series and Their Canon Status in the MCU
When it comes to Marvel television series, many fans wonder if they are truly part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While some references to the MCU are made for fun, others have led to confusion about the canon status of these series. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some Marvel TV series are not considered part of the canonical MCU and explain how these series operate in their own timelines alongside the main universe.
What Are The References And Their Meaning?
Kevin Feige's statements on which Marvel shows are canon in the MCU provide some clarity. According to Feige, not all references to the MCU in Marvel television series are intended to be canonical. These references are often included for storytelling purposes, humor, or to serve as a setup for future crossovers. This explains why some fans may get confused about the timeline and the contradictory elements present in these series.
The Interconnectedness of Marvel's Storyworlds
Despite not being canon, these television series are still integral parts of the Marvel Storyworld. Vision and Wanda from the TV series directly influenced the events of Multiverse of Madness. Similarly, Carol Danvers teamed up with characters from the Vision and Wanda series and Ms Marvel in The Marvels. The latest Ant-Man movie also features him meeting an alternate self from a character in the Loki TV series. These connections suggest a degree of interconnectedness between the different Marvel productions.
However, it's important to note that some TV series, like the Guardians of the Galaxy series, take place in alternate universes from the MCU's main timeline. These alternate universes explain the "contradictions" and divergent events in these series. For example, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series shows Coulson’s revival, which isn't reflected in the main MCU. Similarly, the Avengers in The Netflix Shows are viewed as celebrities or even deities by the general population. This highlights how these series can explore different timelines and perspectives away from the main storyline.
The Netflix shows, such as Agent Carter, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Punisher, and The Defenders, were initially under Marvel Entertainment. However, in 2014, Disney took over Kevin Feige from the tight-fisted Marvel Entertainment head, Ike Perlmutter, and placed Marvel Studios and Marvel Television under Alan Horn’s portfolio. Despite this change, Marvel Television remained a separate division, headed by Jeph Loeb. This structure created a clear separation between the movie division and the TV series division, leading to the current state where many TV series are not considered canonical.
The Real Reason: Coordination Difficulties
The primary reason why some Marvel TV series are not considered part of the canonical MCU is due to the difficulty in coordinating between the two different divisions within Marvel. The movie division and the TV series division operate with their own distinct creative teams and timelines, which makes it challenging to align the narratives and ensure continuity. This explains why many TV series have Easter egg references to the MCU instead of being fully integrated into the main storyline.
One example of this is the crossover events involving the Defenders, which have become more prominent in recent years. These crossovers often occur within Disney’s narrative strategy to promote interconnectivity between different Marvel properties. However, the lack of coordination between the two divisions means that the TV series are largely offshoots from the canonical MCU, operating in their own timelines.
Conclusion
Despite the desire for a fully integrated narrative, the multifaceted structure of Marvel's storytelling has led to a separation between its television series and the main MCU. References to the MCU in these series are often for entertainment value or setup for future crossovers, rather than true canonical connections. Understanding this divide helps fans appreciate the interconnectedness of the Marvel Storyworld while maintaining a clear distinction between the canonical and non-canonical elements of the universe.
Key Points:
References in TV series are often for fun or setup for future crossovers. TV series may operate in alternate timelines to explain contradictions. Structural separation between movie and TV series divisions leads to non-canon status.