The much-anticipated Disney+ series, Marvel Zombies, has finally arrived, but some of the biggest names in the MCU are noticeably absent. Here’s a breakdown of who’s in, who’s out, and why Marvel is making these surprising casting changes.
Just when you thought you had the MCU figured out, Marvel Studios throws another curveball. The new animated series, Marvel Zombies, which premiered all four episodes on Disney+ on September 24, 2025, has fans buzzing—and not just because of the zombie apocalypse. A significant portion of the original live-action cast has been replaced, leaving many to wonder why some of their favorite heroes sound a little different.
While several MCU veterans like Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff), Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), and Paul Rudd (Scott Lang) are back, some of the heaviest hitters, including Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, have been recast with new voice talent. This move, while surprising to some, is part of a larger strategy for Marvel Animation and may even offer a glimpse into the future of the MCU itself.
Caption: The official poster for Marvel Zombies showcases the dark, apocalyptic tone of the Disney+ series Credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+ Source: Reddit
The Great Recast: Who’s Missing from Marvel Zombies?
The biggest shock for many fans was the absence of Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder. Hemsworth, who has embodied Thor for over a decade and is currently filming his ninth MCU movie, Avengers: Doomsday, has been replaced by voice actor Greg Furman. This is a notable change, especially since Hemsworth did voice his character in the What If…? animated series, from which Marvel Zombies spins off.
Tom Holland, the MCU’s beloved Spider-Man, is another major player who didn’t return for the animated series. Instead, the role of Peter Parker is voiced by Hudson Thames, who previously voiced the character in What If…? and the upcoming Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series. This move is less surprising, as Holland has yet to lend his voice to any of the Disney+ animated projects.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most significant casting changes:
Character | Live-Action Actor | Marvel Zombies Voice Actor |
|---|---|---|
Thor | Chris Hemsworth | Greg Furman |
Spider-Man | Tom Holland | Hudson Thames |
Blade | Mahershala Ali | Todd Williams |
Okoye | Danai Gurira | Kenna Ramsey |
Baron Zemo | Daniel Brühl | Rama Vallury |
Melina Vostokoff | Rachel Weisz | Kari Wahlgren |
Wenwu | Tony Leung | Feodor Chin |
Why the Change? The Strategy Behind Marvel’s Animated Recasting
While it might seem jarring to hear a new voice coming from a familiar hero, this is standard practice for Marvel Animation. The studio has a history of using talented voice actors to fill the roles of its live-action stars in animated projects. The What If…? series, for example, featured Mick Wingert as Tony Stark, Lake Bell as Natasha Romanoff, and Josh Keaton as Steve Rogers, all of whom delivered stellar performances.
There are several reasons for this approach. First and foremost is availability and scheduling. A-list actors like Chris Hemsworth and Tom Holland have incredibly demanding schedules, making it difficult to commit to the timeline of an animated series. Voice actors, on the other hand, can often record their lines more flexibly, allowing for a smoother production process.
Another factor is cost. Hiring the original live-action cast for an entire animated series would be a significant expense. By using professional voice actors, Marvel can allocate its budget to other areas of production, such as animation quality and storytelling. This is a common practice in the animation industry, as explained by The Hollywood Reporter.
Finally, it allows Marvel to build a consistent stable of voice talent for its animated universe. Actors like Hudson Thames and Kenna Ramsey, who have now voiced their characters in multiple projects, are becoming the animated counterparts to their live-action versions. This creates a sense of continuity within the animated MCU, even as the live-action universe continues to expand.
Caption: Chris Hemsworth’s Thor gets replaced by new voice actor Greg Furman in Marvel Zombies Credit: Marvel Studios/Screen Rant Source: Screen Rant
Not All Heroes Are Replaced: The MCU Veterans Who Returned
Despite the numerous recasting, Marvel Zombies is still packed with familiar voices. Elizabeth Olsen returns as Wanda Maximoff, who takes on a new, terrifying role as “The Red Queen,” the leader of the zombie horde. Her return is a major draw for the series, especially after her dramatic arc in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Also returning are several fan-favorites, including:
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
- Paul Rudd as Scott Lang (in a particularly unique form)
- Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie
- Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova
- David Harbour as Red Guardian
- Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel
This mix of new and returning actors creates a unique blend of the familiar and the fresh, which is fitting for a series that explores an alternate, zombie-infested version of the MCU. The presence of so many original cast members helps to ground the series in the MCU we know and love, while the new voices add to the sense of unease and unpredictability that a zombie apocalypse demands. You can check out our other TV show coverage for more on the latest MCU news.
What This Means for the Future of the MCU
The recasting in Marvel Zombies is a reminder that the MCU is constantly evolving. While the live-action universe is still the main event, Marvel Animation is carving out its own unique space, with its own set of rules and its own roster of talent. This allows for more creative freedom and the ability to tell stories that might not be possible in live-action.
It also raises interesting questions about the future of the MCU as a whole. As some of the original actors begin to move on from their roles, will we see more recasting in the live-action universe? It’s a question that has been on the minds of fans for years, and while Marvel has been hesitant to recast its biggest stars, the animated series show that it’s not out of the question. As Variety has reported, the multiverse saga opens up endless possibilities for different versions of our favorite heroes.
The Voice Acting Talent Behind the Replacements
While fans may initially miss hearing their favorite actors, the replacement voice cast brings impressive credentials to Marvel Zombies. Greg Furman, who takes over as Thor, may be making his animated debut, but his work on The Goldbergs and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 demonstrates his range. This casting choice reflects Marvel’s commitment to finding fresh talent while maintaining the gravitas these iconic characters demand.
Todd Williams, stepping into Mahershala Ali’s shoes as Blade, brings significant experience from his work on Invincible and the Spider-Man: Miles Morales video game. Interestingly, Williams has actually replaced Ali before—he took over the role of Titan in Invincible Season 3 after Ali voiced the character in Season 1. This previous working relationship likely made him a natural choice for the Blade role.
The continuity factor is particularly strong with actors like Kenna Ramsey (Okoye) and Kari Wahlgren (Melina Vostokoff), both of whom previously voiced these characters in What If…? This approach creates a sense of consistency within Marvel’s animated universe, even when the live-action actors aren’t available.
How Marvel Zombies Fits Into the Broader MCU Strategy
Marvel Zombies represents more than just a standalone animated series—it’s part of Marvel’s broader strategy to expand the MCU across multiple mediums and formats. The series spins off from What If…? Season 1, Episode 5, titled “What If… Zombies!?” which introduced audiences to this dark alternate reality where a zombie virus overtakes Earth’s mightiest heroes.
This interconnected approach allows Marvel to explore storylines and concepts that might be too intense or experimental for the main live-action films. The zombie apocalypse setting, based on Robert Kirkman’s comic series (the creator behind The Walking Dead and Invincible), provides a perfect testing ground for horror elements within the MCU framework.
The four-episode format also demonstrates Marvel’s willingness to experiment with different storytelling structures. Rather than committing to a full season, this limited series approach allows for focused, high-impact storytelling that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a strategy that has worked well for other Marvel projects and could become more common as the studio continues to diversify its content offerings.
The Business Case for Voice Actor Recasting
From a business perspective, Marvel’s decision to recast major roles in animated projects makes considerable sense. The cost difference between hiring A-list movie stars versus professional voice actors can be substantial, especially for a four-episode series. This budget allocation allows Marvel to invest more heavily in animation quality, special effects, and overall production value.
Additionally, voice actors often have more flexible schedules than their live-action counterparts. While Chris Hemsworth is busy filming Avengers: Doomsday and other major projects, voice actors can typically accommodate recording sessions more easily. This flexibility is crucial for meeting production deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
The strategy also future-proofs Marvel’s animated content. As the MCU continues to evolve and some actors eventually move on from their roles, having established voice actors for the animated universe ensures continuity. Characters like Spider-Man and Thor can continue to appear in animated projects regardless of what happens with their live-action portrayals.
What Fans Can Expect from Marvel Zombies
For those wondering whether Marvel Zombies is worth watching despite the casting changes, early reactions suggest the series delivers on its promise of horror-tinged superhero action. The show explores what happens when Earth’s mightiest heroes become its greatest threat, with Wanda Maximoff’s “Red Queen” leading a zombie army that includes some of our most beloved characters.
The series doesn’t shy away from the darker implications of its premise. Unlike the more lighthearted tone of What If…?, Marvel Zombies embraces its horror roots while maintaining the character dynamics that make the MCU special. The voice acting, despite the changes, has been praised for maintaining the essence of these beloved characters while bringing new energy to their zombie-infected versions.
For now, Marvel Zombies offers a thrilling and terrifying new chapter in the MCU saga. It’s a must-watch for any Marvel fan, and a fascinating case study in the ever-expanding world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For more on what to watch, check out our list of must-see anime picks.
References
- CBR.com: Marvel Studios Reveals New Cast Replacing Chris Hemsworth and 6 Other MCU Icons in Upcoming Disney+ Series (https://www.cbr.com/marvel-zombies-replaces-six-key-mcu-roles/)
- The Direct: Marvel Studios Announces Replacement Actors for Chris Hemsworth & 6 MCU Stars for Next Disney+ Show (https://thedirect.com/article/marvel-studios-chris-hemsworth-mcu-disney-plus-actors)
- Comic Book Club Live: ‘Marvel Zombies’ Voice Cast: Who’s Who In The Animated MCU Disney+ Series? (https://comicbookclublive.com/2025/09/24/marvel-zombies-voice-cast-whos-who-in-the-animated-mcu-disney-series/)
