A package of fan made Wonder Images show what some MCU heroes would look like in a Studio Ghibli Movie. Marvel Studios first ventured into animation with Marvel’s What If…? Season 1 in 2021, followed by Marvel’s What If…? Season 2 in 2023, the upcoming Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man In 2024 and Wonder zombiesThe latter of which still does not have a confirmed release date. Animation and the concept of the multiverse allow Marvel Studios to explore new stories outside of the main MCU, with new timelines introducing new versions of well-known Marvel characters.
On Reddit’s r/Midjourney subreddit, User u/EMC676 Shares seven AI images depicting seven MCU characters in Studio Ghibli’s iconic 2D animated style: a scarred Punisher wearing a cape, Daredevil sitting atop a tower, Ant-Man controlling wasps as he meditates, Bruce Banner and Hulk standing next to each other, Steve Rogers wielding his Captain America shield, Evan Peters’ Quicksilver running across a Canyon, and Spider-Man walk into a forest. Check out all the pictures below:
What the MCU Studio Ghibli art means
Marvel Studios is still exploring all animation styles
Although Marvel Studios’ animated projects have provided a breath of fresh air in terms of format, the franchise still has an untapped opportunity to explore other animation styles. Marvel’s What If…? Seasons 1 and 2 follow various different timelines, but all of them have the same visual style. Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man marks the MCU’s first 2D animated project, but it could be the start of something bigger. One of the countless references that Marvel Studios can use as inspiration is the animation of Studio GhibliWhich was a key reason behind the success of movies such as My friend Totoro, Spirited AwayAnd Princess Mononoke.
Our take on the MCU Studio Ghibli Art
Many MCU characters fit Studio Ghibli’s animation style
Studio Ghibli’s distinctive animation style would suit several MCU characters. for example, Wakandan heroes like Okoye and Shuri could star in a Studio Ghibli-inspired animated movie or show that explores Wakanda’s vibrant landscapes and follows a less hectic story than the usual MCU fare. Likewise, an anime project set in the MCU’s Talocan, Kamar Taj, Ta-Lo or a brand new MCU timeline could please viewers who love Studio Ghibli as much as the MCU.
Related
A new animated MCU project could also draw inspiration from Studio Ghiblis successful films, not only in terms of visual style, but also in terms of storytelling. Studio Ghibli movies often focus on intimate character arcs that contrast with fantastical settings. So, instead of larger-than-life characters like Doctor Strange and Captain America, a standalone anime-inspired MCU Movie or show may introduce lesser-known heroes such as Squirrel Girl, Firebird or Pixie.
Source: u/EMC676 / reddit