Ghost Rider to Moon Knight - 5 violent MCU characters Echo's TV-MA rating will help flourish

The new era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Marvel Studios begins on Wednesday when "Echo" premieres on Disney+, Hulu, and Disney+ Hotstar (India) on January 10, 2024. While it is the first show to be released under the Marvel Spotlight banner, a wing that will produce niche content focusing on building characters through shows, the biggest highlight of the show is that it is all set to introduce gory violence to the MCU. "Echo" is the first Marvel Studios property ever to be rated TV-MA, marking the opening of another gateway.

For the uninitiated, the TV-MA rating is equivalent to an R-rating in films. The television content rating body, the TV Parental Guidelines System, decides what falls under which rating. TV-MA stands for Television – Mature Adults Only, meaning the show may contain graphic violence, blood, intimate scenes, curse words, and other elements that cannot fit under the PG-13 rating. Marvel, throughout the history of the MCU, has made sure to stay within the confines of the PG-13 rating.

"Echo" now heralds a new era where the show will delve into the underbelly and showcase visual violence. This means Marvel Studios will no longer have to be restrained, reshaping characters to fit the PG-13 bill; instead, they can be as unabashed as their comic book counterparts, or even more so. Below is a list of heroes, mostly anti-heroes with violent storylines, that can now have a more authentic live-action version:

Also Read: Disney+’s Echo all set to bring visual violence to MCU with a TV-MA rating; here’s how it makes difference

The Punisher

The Punisher's entry into the MCU is highly anticipated. With the confirmation that every Netflix show inspired by Marvel comics is MCU canon, fans are excited to see The Punisher without toning down his darkness. In the comics, there is no character as violent as him, and his live-action version will have to justify his gore, staying true to the source material.

Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider, the Spirit of Vengeance, can now be portrayed in all his fiery and violent glory. His ability to burn both body and soul or kill with his chain makes for scenes that might be too intense for a PG-13 rating. Marvel now has the opportunity to explore the darker and more brutal side of Ghost Rider.

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Moon Knight Can Unleash His Brutal Self

Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Moon Knight in the origin story was just the beginning. If the comics are any indication, Moon Knight can unleash his most brutal and violent self, especially when dealing with his multiple personality disorder. Marvel has the chance to explore the character's darker side on screen.

Elektra

Elektra, known for her calm and composed demeanor, is a brutal killer who won't hesitate to take a life. While she may be one of the more stable violent characters, her ways have been gory and intimidating. Bringing her back in Deadpool 3 and exploring her early wild years could offer an interesting take.

The Violent Nick Fury

Nick Fury, traditionally a safeguarder of people, has a side in the comics that craves war and violence to survive. If Marvel decides to showcase this lesser-known aspect of Fury, it would be a day of reckoning for every superhero, as they face a Nick Fury they never imagined.

Stay tuned for more updates on this and everything else in the world of Marvel on Disney+, Hulu, and Disney+ Hotstar.

Also Read: Disney+’s Echo - Punisher to Spider-Man, 5 Marvel characters that might make a cameo alongside Daredevil