Huluis no stranger to producing series based on Marvel properties, with well-known examples includingThe RunawaysandHelstrom. Marvel Television’sM.O.D.O.K., Hulu’s adult animated series about the misadventures of comic fans' most beloved Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing, received positive reviews upon its first season’s release in 2021. Unfortunately, Hulu has decided to cancel the series after its first season.
M.O.D.O.K. first appeared inTales of Suspensevolumes #93–#94 and subsequently became a commonenemy of Captain Americain Marvel Comics. The popularity of M.O.D.O.K. has continued to rise since his appearance, as the character appeared in television shows likeThe Super Hero Squad Showand video games likeMarvel vs. Capcom 3. The character’s popularity culminated in Hulu’s stop-motion animated series, which was produced by Stupid Buddy Stoodios, a production company known for other stop-motion animated series such asRobot Chicken,SuperMansion, andBuddy Thunderstruck.
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M.O.D.O.K., which has been canceled byHulu, starred Patton Oswalt as the titular villain and featured a cast including Aimee Garcia, Ben Schwartz, Beck Bennett, and Wendi McLendon Covey. Patton Oswalt created the series along with Jordan Blum, episode writer ofSeth MacFarlane’sAmerican Dad!, whileRobot Chickenanimators Eric Towner and Alex Kamer served as directors. Hulu has not given a specific reason for canceling the series at this time.
Hulu’s other animated Marvel series,Hit-Monkey, has not been canceled by Hulu. In fact, series creators Josh Gordon and Will Speck have detailed plans for seasons 2 and 3. Hulu’s decision not to cancelHit-Monkeyis significantin that it points to the streamer moving forward with the creators' plans. Interestingly, Gordon and Speck, the directors of notable films likeBlades of Glory, have two feature films releasing later this year, which are the original science-fiction filmsDistantandLyle,Lyle,Crocodile, an adaptation of Bernard Waber’s kid’s books starring Shawn Mendes as the titular reptile.
The cancellation of any television or streaming series, let aloneone as endearing asM.O.D.O.K., can be frustrating for fans and critics alike. Fortunately, the series' cast and crew are sure to benefit from the positive reception of the series, with its directors and actors continuing to receive notable work after the series premiered last year. Fans of animated Marvel shows will also be able to look forward to the next seasons ofHit-Monkey. In short,M.O.D.O.K’s cancellation is disappointing, but it may lead to exciting developments.
