Marvel Zombies Review: A Bloody Good Time for MCU Fans

Marvel Zombies, the highly anticipated Disney+ mini-series released on September 24, 2025, takes one of the most intriguing episodes of What If…? and transforms it into a full-fledged survival horror story. With just four episodes, this animated series delivers gore, thrills, and character-driven storytelling in ways the mainline MCU has often failed to capture. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Story – A Post-Apocalyptic MCU Like Never Before

The series picks up years after the events of What If… Zombies?!, throwing audiences into a post-apocalyptic Marvel universe overrun by the undead. Humanity’s survival hinges on a scattered group of young heroes, Kamala Khan, Ironheart, Kate Bishop, Shang-Chi, and Yelena Belova, who join forces to battle not only mindless zombies but also Wanda Maximoff, now the terrifying “Queen of the Dead”.

While the first three episodes lean on a formulaic “fight zombies, flee, repeat” structure, the finale explodes into an Endgame-sized showdown that raises the stakes to cosmic levels. The story isn’t groundbreaking, but it delivers the gritty survival atmosphere fans expected, making it a satisfying standalone adventure for MCU diehards and zombie enthusiasts alike.

Characters & Performances – Heroes Reimagined for Survival

One of Marvel Zombies’ greatest strengths lies in its character dynamics. Kamala Khan emerges as the emotional core, her optimism balancing the bleakness of the apocalypse. The bond between her and Red Guardian adds unexpected heart, while Shang-Chi and Katy reinvent themselves as wasteland survivors in Mad Max-style fashion.

Blade gets a clever reinvention as “Blade Knight”, fusing his vampire-hunting skills with Moon Knight’s mystical power. While not all original MCU actors reprise their roles, the voice cast (including Iman Vellani and Florence Pugh) injects sincerity into their performances. Some secondary voices fall flat due to limited facial animation, but the chemistry largely shines through.

Cinematography & Sound – Bloody Action with Mixed Animation

Visually, the series builds on What If…?’s animation style but with more confidence. The landscapes and action set pieces (especially the climactic battles are stunning, often adopting a bombastic anime-like quality). However, character models can look waxy and stiff, limiting emotional expression in quieter moments.

Sound design and score elevate the horror atmosphere. The squelches, growls, and bone-crunching effects match the TV-MA promise, while the music adds tension during apocalyptic set pieces. It’s the first MCU animated project that truly feels brutal, and the soundscape helps sell that grit.

Editing & Pacing – Fast, Brutal, and Binge-Worthy

At just four episodes, Marvel Zombies moves quickly. Some fans may wish for more time to explore the ruined MCU, but the tight pacing ensures the story never overstays its welcome. The repetitive structure of the early episodes slightly drags, yet the finale pays off with spectacular scale and emotional closure. It’s a binge-worthy ride that knows when to bow out.