Marvel’s upcoming series “Echo” is breaking new ground for the superhero franchise. Director and executive producer Sydney Freeland recently discussed how the show prioritized representation and authenticity during a press event. One of the most significant aspects of “Echo” is that it centers on the first deaf and Native American superhero, Maya Lopez, portrayed by Alaqua Cox.
Freeland emphasized that representation was a crucial aspect of the show for her and the entire crew. She wanted to ensure that both Indigenous and deaf communities were represented both in front of and behind the camera. Additionally, Freeland sought to create an authentic portrayal of the Choctaw tribe, to which she changed Maya’s tribal affiliation from the original comics.
To achieve this, Freeland met with the Choctaw Nation to collaborate and gather their input. She stressed that they were not there to dictate the portrayal but rather to create a dialogue and a more authentic representation. Freeland’s personal background growing up on a reservation contributed to her understanding of Native cultures, but there was still a learning curve for her team.
Freeland insisted on immersing her crew in the Choctaw culture. For example, she brought actual powwow dancers to the shooting location in Georgia to familiarize her team with the customs and costumes. The series features numerous Indigenous actors and even has an Aboriginal Australian director, emphasizing Marvel’s commitment to diverse representation.
“Echo” delves into Maya Lopez’s matrilineal ancestors and her personal journey, exploring themes of trauma and its repercussions. Freeland described the show as “an exploration of trauma and its effects on individuals and families” while emphasizing that the stakes are more street-level rather than cosmic, distinguishing it from other Marvel properties.
The show’s grittier tone and mature content have earned it a TV-MA rating, making it an exception among Disney+ shows. Marvel and Disney also took the unique approach of releasing “Echo” simultaneously on both Disney+ and Hulu. Freeland highlighted that the show explores real consequences for its characters, showcasing that they bleed and suffer.
Another significant aspect of “Echo” is its representation of American Sign Language (ASL). Freeland made sure to include ASL in close-up shots and put an emphasis on the deaf perspective throughout the series. The crew even took ASL classes to better understand and embrace the language.
While Freeland remained tight-lipped about other characters appearing in the show, she did mention that Maya Lopez’s powers would differ from the comics. In the comics, she has the ability to copy anything, an ability Freeland deemed unimpressive. However, she hinted that Maya’s powers would be distinct in the show.
Overall, Freeland expressed her gratitude for Marvel’s support in allowing her to make creative choices and prioritizing representation. “They protect the shit out of their creatives,” she said. With its groundbreaking representation and commitment to authenticity, “Echo” promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the Marvel universe. The series premieres on January 10th, 2023, and will be available to binge-watch on Disney+ and Hulu.