Former ABC President Talks Marvel’s “Agent Carter”

Marvel’s Agent Carter is a show that was a little ahead of its time. Debuting back in January or 2015, critics gushed over the nuanced story and convincing period portrayals. Hayley Atwell was particularly lauded in her continuing role as the titular agent, while the likes of James D’Arcy, Shea Whigham, and  Dominic Cooper were all noted as standouts. Even so, audiences didn’t cling to the show they way they did to its sister show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and the show was cancelled after two seasons.

In the years since, Agent Carter’s cult following has been particular vocal about a revival, given the focus on smaller, prestige shows where the focus in on character more so than spectacle. In fact, Paul Lee, the former ABC President who was in charge when the series was on-air, noted that the project was just too early and that lack of a true link to the broader MCU is what really killed the project, specifically saying to The Wrap:

Look, structurally, don’t forget, it was at a time when Marvel movies and Marvel TV were separated. So, I think one of the reasons it would do better today is that the platform is used to it. And it would have sat brilliantly amongst those. But it was a great early suggestion of where the Marvel brand could go and very useful to everybody. I think also were it done today, there would be more synergies between the television and the movies, both creatively, and also in terms of storyline and otherwise. But we were thrilled to do ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and ‘Agent Carter,’ because they blazed a path that was very profitable for the Walt Disney Company over time.

Agent Carter currently streams in its entirety on Disney+, so audiences still have the opportunity to see the show. Moreover, there has been consistent talk about a possible revival, though there is nothing concrete at this moment. Hayley Atwell, for her part, seems willing to remain in the role for as long as possible, recently appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as Captain Carter, a version of her character who took the Super Soldier Serum instead of Steve Rogers. Given that Marvel keeps coming back around to her character, it seems very likely that audience will more content featuring Agent Carter in the coming years.