In an effort to further expand the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel will be branching away from just having properties on the big screen, ABC, and Netflix. They have a number of ideas in the works, one of which is set to give Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson the spotlight in Cloak & Dagger. The series will mark Marvel’s first attempt at bringing their ever-expanding universe to Freeform, an ABC affiliate network, which will reportedly bring a heavy focus on romance into the MCU. Outside of network platforms, they are also set to bring Runaways to Hulu at some point in the future as well.
Both projects had been among the most heavily anticipated properties for a live-action treatment for some time, and both finally got the green light last year. Since the announcement, however, word on their futures has remained quiet. One report pointed to audiences having to wait until winter 2018 to see Cloak & Dagger, but a report today suggested that both series would begin filming next month. To coincide with that reveal, it now looks as though the working titles for the shows have been discovered as well.
Production Weekly previewed Cloak & Dagger among their upcoming projects and in doing so revealed that the project will film under the codename “Shadows.” This is likely a reference to Cloak’s powers and being able to channel energy from the Darkforce Dimension, or could simply be a way of teasing how the duo work in the shadows. Meanwhile, they also revealed that Runaways will operate under the title “Rugrats,” a seeming reference to the animated series that also highlights the youthfulness of its heroes.
The reveal of these working titles lends weight to the news that Cloak & Dagger and Runaways will start filming in February. Traditionally, these titles are revealed near the beginning of production as locations begin to be scouted and actors test for parts. While neither series has revealed anything about their cast or plots, these titles should indicate that even more that new information is just around the corner.
Regardless of when these series start filming, this will certainly not be the last news for either this year. Both need to cast their leads, giving at least seven young actors the opportunity to nab major roles within the MCU. There’s a good chance that Marvel will likely look for unknown talents, so fans may be able to look forward to some surprises in the coming weeks.
Cloak & Dagger will reportedly debut on Freeform in 2018. Runaways is being developed to stream on Hulu, but is currently without a release date.
Source: Production Weekly
