The Legacy Play: How Marvel Is Reopening Closed Chapters (Ep. 8)

Welcome back to Marvel Us Disney for the first episode of 2026, where Jim Hill and Dan Graney kick off the year by looking at how Marvel is embracing chaos, memory, and unfinished business. From carefully timed leaks and legacy character returns to the stories and creators who never quite got their final chapter, this episode connects Marvel’s current strategy to the people and moments that shaped it. Along the way, the conversation takes some thoughtful detours into Hollywood history, creator recognition, and one very famous Spider-Man movie that almost happened. NEWS • Marvel’s early-2026 rollout leans into controlled chaos, with Avengers: Doomsday teasers, overseas trailer ratings, and leaks that feel increasingly intentional • The return of legacy characters like Steve Rogers, Thor, and the X-Men signals a broader strategy, not just nostalgia • Why Marvel’s staggered teaser strategy may be quietly helping Avatar: Fire and Ash dominate IMAX screens • Disney+ quietly drops all episodes of Wonder Man at once, adding it to the growing list of well-liked Marvel TV “orphans” • A meaningful tribute to Jack Kirby in New York City highlights how recognition sometimes comes from community, not corporations FEATURE • The origin of James Cameron’s unmade Spider-Man film, including scripts, tone, and planned villains • How Cameron’s darker, more adult take on Peter Parker clashed with a legal maze of rights and lawsuits • Why this unrealized project still explains Spider-Man’s endless adaptability across reboots and eras • How Marvel’s biggest “what ifs” continue to echo through today’s franchise decisions HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Dan Graney - Website: thehubbubbery.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices