The Marvel Cinematic Universe is returning to street-level storytelling this year when Echo debuts on Disney+.
On-screen, Echo – aka Maya Lopez – was a character MCU fans first saw in the Hawkeye series that aired in 2021. In the comics, she’s been around since 1999 when she was created by writer David Mack and artist Joe Quesada, making her debut in Daredevil No. 9. In the comics, she’s been associated with the Avengers, the Hand, and has also taken up the mantle of Ronin. In the Hawkeye show, we see her as the leader of The Tracksuit Mafia.
In both the comics and the MCU, Echo is Native American and deaf. She is also an Olympic-level athlete, an expert in martial arts, an acrobat, and has photographic reflexes (think of this ability being akin to how Taskmaster can copy the fighting styles of the Avengers). Additionally, she is the adopted kin of the notorious Kingpin, aka Wilson Fisk.
Here’s what we know so far about the show, which is hitting the streaming service this fall:
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When will ‘Echo’ be released?
The show will land on Disney+ on Nov. 29, the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
And, in a first for Marvel streaming shows, all episodes will be available to watch on launch day. So, you can binge all six episodes on Nov. 29, if you want.
In contrast, season two of Loki will be released one episode per week, beginning Oct. 6.
Every episode of Marvel Studios' #Echo will drop November 29, 2023 on Disney+. pic.twitter.com/GSoe9v0Ldw
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) May 16, 2023
Does it connect to any other movies or shows?
Echo is expected to connect to Hawkeye, where we first saw Maya Lopez on-screen. It is also expected to be a set-up, or an appetizer of sorts, for Daredevil: Born Again, which is coming to Disney+ in 2024.
According to Variety, the trailer for Echo that was shown at D23 last September showed the Kingpin wearing an eyepatch, indicating this will pick up where Hawkeye left off.
Since Echo is a character mostly based in the Daredevil comics, it’s possible – but entirely unclear – that the show could link to some of the other street-level-based Netflix Marvel shows, like Luke Cage, The Punisher, or Jessica Jones. We do know that Jon Bernthal is returning as Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, in Daredevil: Born Again, but he isn’t listed in the cast for Echo.
In the comics, she also has run-ins, teams up with, or appears alongside a variety of characters, including but not limited to: Moon Knight, Elektra, Wolverine, Bullseye, Iron Fist, Captain America, Jean Gray, Namor, and Spider-Man.
Echo also appeared in comics that tell the Secret Invasion storyline, but it’s unknown if this show will connect with the Samuel L. Jackson-powered series set to debut in June.
OK, but what is the show ‘Echo’ about?
Marvel.com gives this synopsis:
“The origin story of Echo revisits Maya Lopez, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She must face her past, reconnect with her Native American roots and embrace the meaning of family and community if she ever hopes to move forward.”
And Kevin Feige described the show this way at Disney’s Upfronts in May:
“In Hawkeye, fans were first introduced to Maya Lopez, a character played by Alaqua Cox. She will return to get her revenge in Echo, a limited drama from an incredible team of indigenous writers, directors and cast members.”
Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios are now showing the trailer for 'ECHO'. #DisneyUpfront pic.twitter.com/ONUeRTu4Dw
— MCU – CoveredGeekly (@MCU_Covered) May 16, 2023
Who stars in the show?
Aside from Alaqua Cox leading the cast as our titular character, the cast also includes Zahn McClarnon (Westworld, Fargo), Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs), Tantoo Cardinal (Wind River, Killers of the Flower Moon), Graham Greene (The Green Mile, Longmire) and Chaske Spencer (The English, The Twilight Saga).
IMDB also lists – as expected – Vincent D’Onofrio reprising his role as Kingpin/Wilson Fisk and Charlie Cox appearing as Daredevil/Matthew Murdock.
D’Onofrio made his MCU debut in Hawkeye, while Cox appeared in Spider-Man: No Way Home and She-Hulk.
Vincent D'Onofrio on the set of “Echo” pic.twitter.com/dJnzFpC320
— Mcu Content (@MarvelsContent) August 10, 2022
Who is involved behind the scenes?
IMDB credits Sydney Freeland with directing the first episode. She has previously directed Reservation Dogs, Fear the Walking Dead, and Grey’s Anatomy, among other television projects. She is also an executive producer on the show.
Marion Dayre (Better Call Saul) and Amy Rardin (Charmed) have writing credits for the debut episode. Catriona McKenzie (The Walking Dead, Riverdale) is also involved as a director and producer.
Etan Cohen (Men In Black III, Tropic Thunder) was supposed to write the series, but is no longer involved, according to Variety. Still, he’s listed on IMDB as an executive producer.
Also of note: Stephanie Maslansky is a costume designer for Echo. She hasn’t worked on an official MCU project before, but was the costume designer on Marvel Netflix shows (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders). This might be a signal that the MCU is attempting to retain some of that style and consistency.
Production began in May 2022 in Atlanta.
Is there anything we should watch or read before tuning in?
While it hasn’t been declared as canon, I highly recommend checking out the Daredevil show that originally premiered on Netflix. All three seasons are on Disney+ now, and they contain some incredible storytelling, action and acting. And perhaps Hawkeye is worth rewatching.
Reading wise, if you can get your hands on some of the comics from the Daredevil run by Mack and Quesada in 1999 and 2000 (specifically issues 9-12), they should provide some insight into Echo’s origins. Additionally, Taboo Nawasha, B. Earl and Phil Noto created a Daredevil & Echo mini-series this year.
With all episodes of ECHO coming out November 29, a reprint collection of ECHO: THE SAGA OF MAYA LOPEZ is coming November 7 pic.twitter.com/KpleCnrEC5
— Daredevil ManWithoutFear.com (@manwithoutfear) May 16, 2023
