The panel first took some time to address one of the biggest concerns diehard fans of these characters have had recently: the logistics of Medusa’s hair and how her powers will transfer over to television. For those unfamiliar, Medusa has the ability to control her hair, using it to super strength levels. Medusa has such a reputation in the comics for being a massive force, and her abilities have always been a trademark of her character.
To address these concerns, executive producer and Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb began the panel by wearing a Medusa-like wig. As people began to laugh and react, all he had to say was, “What’s it with you guys and the wig? It’s not that big a deal!”
Right off the bat, this seems like an alarming way to address something that’s seemingly important to the audience of this series. As a fan of Medusa myself, I hope this is not a bad omen to how the series portrays some of the most important aspects of these characters. However, it’s still only the first few minutes of their panel, so this show is only a testament to not judging a book by its cover.
One of the most important bits of information Loeb wanted to absolutely make sure the audience understood was the exclusive IMAX screening INHUMANS has planned starting September 1. When this detail was first announced, that INHUMANS was going to screen in theaters before premiering on television, fans seemed a little confused.
There were plenty of reasons to be confused, too. Why would fans want to pay to see the series when it’s going to be on ABC just a few weeks later? Vice-versa as well, why would fans want to watch the series premiere of this show when they’ve already seen the episodes in IMAX? This is where Loeb was able to provide some clarification (by literally making the audience repeat it back to him).
On September 1, fans will be able to see the first two episodes of the series, exclusively in IMAX, the format in which they were shot. On September 29, however, fans will be able to see the same first two episodes, but with footage not included in the IMAX premiere. This difference, as Loeb jokingly explained, is similar to a variant cover of a comic book.
After spending time clarifying the IMAX screening and the actual series premiere, the cast was introduced and details of the show were discussed. It became apparent early on this show is not about superheroes, but is rather about the human aspects of the INHUMANS. These are people, not Tony Stark or Steve Rogers types. Even Maximus, the primary antagonist of the series portrayed by actor Iwan Rheon, is described as someone who is still just trying to do the right thing for the people he considers himself a part of.
As each cast member had the opportunity to address their characters, the entire cast showed they root their portrayals of these heroes within a world of human emotion. Despite the fact they are super-powered and living in a community on the moon, they are still basing their characters and the situations they get into through the lens of real life.
After taking time to address each character, all while avoiding any actual plot details, the panel screened a few clips of the series. Each clip featured one of the characters, even digging into some of the smaller characters that have yet to get much attention in the advertisement of the series.
The clips featured characters such as Triton, an Inhuman with underwater abilities, as well as Gorgon, who can create seismic waves when he hits the ground, and Karnak, a character whose ability is described as being able to solve any situation placed in front of him. All of these characters received a deserved moment in the spotlight, but also opened up some interpretation and reaction to how these characters are being transferred over to the screen.
All and all, INHUMANS seems like a fairly drastic, but intricately formed redesign of the Inhumans and their comic book counterparts. The cast and crew were diligent in showing off their proper intentions with the show, promising fans of the INHUMANS and people who have never heard of them that this show is meant for all viewers. The show is focused on creating meaningful stories to connect with audiences. They promise to show just how important their story is. We’ve already seen these characters dressed to the nine in leather outfits, so we’ll just have to wait until September to see everything else they can do.
P.S. Anyone who isn’t enormously excited for the Inhumans' teleporting dog Lockjaw is just wrong.
Written by William Staton, INHUMANS Beat Writer -- Click here to read William's posts
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